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Director’s Notes

It’s been a gift to work in collaboration with Chris Rayis in creating a new version of this production unique to our Elon students. What a thrilling process, creating new work and bringing to life what’s on the page for the first time with this incredible cast of curious, brave, and talented students! I dedicate my work on this project to the “Walt” in my life, the late Kenneth Houston. Thank you for guiding me all these years.

Cast

Grace MilbachEllie Schwartz
Daniel DawsonNathan Meyer
Milan DawsonJakov Schwartzberg
Darla DawsonElla Huestis
Ruth CarterSujaya Sunkara
Walt MilbachBen Laxton
Molly MilbachSummer Severin
The RevelatorGabriel Logan
Brady MirmanMicah Day
Graham BaileyGabe Tobierre
Naomi BaileyKyra Britt
U/S Grace MilbachCaroline Borio
U/S Daniel DawsonCampy Rodriguez
U/S Milan DawsonJacob Atkins
U/S Darla DawsonSara Librandi
U/S Ruth CarterHashini Amarasinghe
U/S Walt MilbachMicah Day
U/S Molly MilbachMK McDonald
U/S Brady MirmanNate Krohmer
U/S Graham BaileyJacob Atkins
U/S Naomi BaileyCamille Fundingsland
Hill Children (Ensemble)Hashini Amarasinghe
Nate Krohmer
MK McDonald
Campy Rodriquez
Emily Stober
SwingCamille Fundingsland

Creative Team

DirectorAlexandra Joye Warren
Assistant to the DirectorBrooks Andrew
Sara Librandi
ChoreographerAlexandra Joye Warren
Music SupervisorChris Rayis
Associate Music DirectorMallorie Sievert
CopyistCharlie Castro
Sound DesignerMike Smith
Lighting DesignerSarah Adams
ProducersTranscriber of Dreams
R2E2 Productions

Production Team

Production ManagerBill Webb
Technical DirectorJosh Bothwell
Stage ManagerPeyton Otis
Costume Shop ManagerHeidi Jo Scheimer
Props CoordinatorNatalie Hart
Light Board OpBen Schacter
Run CrewRiley Gibson
Hannah Brown
Front-of-House SupervisorDavid McGraw
House ManagersKeri Anderson
Jack Morrill
Laura McGuire
Poster DesignSydney Dye

Bios

Michael Smith

Michael Smith

Alexandra Joye Warren

Alexandra Joye Warren

Chris Rayis

Chris Rayis

Joshua Bothwell

Joshua Bothwell

Sarah Kay Adams

Sarah Kay Adams

Natalie Taylor Hart

Natalie Taylor Hart

Brooks Andrew

Brooks Andrew

Jacob Atkins

Jacob Atkins

Caroline Borio

Caroline Borio

Charlie Castro

Charlie Castro

Kyra Britt

Kyra Britt

Micah Day

Micah Day

Camille Fundingsland

Camille Fundingsland

Ella Huestis

Ella Huestis

Sara LiBrandi

Sara LiBrandi

MK McDonald

MK McDonald

Peyton Otis

Peyton Otis

Ellie Schwartz

Ellie Schwartz

Summer Severin

Summer Severin

Mallorie Sievert

Mallorie Sievert

Sujaya Sunkara

Sujaya Sunkara

Emily Stober

Emily Stober

Hashini Amarasinghe

Hashini Amarasinghe

Campy Rodriguez

Campy Rodriguez

Nate Krohmer

Nate Krohmer

Gabriel Logan

Gabriel Logan

Douglas Waterbury-Tieman

Douglas Waterbury-Tieman

Transcriber of Dreams

Transcriber of Dreams

R2E2 Productions

R2E2 Productions

Ben Laxton

Ben Laxton

Gabe Tobierre

Gabe Tobierre

Jakov Schwartzberg

Jakov Schwartzberg

Michael Smith

Alexandra Joye Warren

Alexandra Joye Warren is the Founding Artistic Director of JOYEMOVEMENT. Her most recent projects include Head Over Heels (Choreographer), Womanifesto (Performer, choreographed by Amelia Renee Byrd) 42nd Street (Director), A Wicked Silence (Playwright, Director, Choreographer), and Movin On’ (Choreographer) a new work in development by Julio Matos and John Franceschina. She was selected for the 2022-2023 Artist-In-Residence for the North Carolina Dance Festival. Alexandra Joye Warren is currently an Assistant Professor of Performing Arts at Elon University, Director/Choreographer for the Music Theatre program.

Chris Rayis

Chris Rayis (Composer, Lyricist, Pianist) thanks you for attending this workshop of Deep Water Ballad the long-stewing grand vision of his collaboration with Douglas Waterbury-Tieman. Broadway: Frozen. National Tours: Hamilton, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Elf, Man of La Mancha. Off-Broadway: Far From Heaven, Cruel Intentions. Film: The Last 5 Years. The music and lyrics of this production exist only because of three extraordinary teachers: Ricky Ian Gordon, Dr. Ann Elisa Haertling-Lint, and Dr. W. Daniel Landes. Thank you to Elon University, Elon Music Theatre, Transcriber of Dreams, and R2E2 Productions for making this performance possible. Proud alumnus of Belmont, that "one little clearing on a mountainside," and Penn State, that valley where "the storm is lifting." Thank you to Alexandra Joye Warren for your infinite flexibility, Peyton Otis for your herculean work ethic, and Mallorie Sievert for your extraordinary insight. Thank you to Bill and Eileen DeWood, truly the greatest patrons an artist could ever "dream" of. This performance is dedicated to Big Walt Adeler and Todd Garlock... the real Mountain Men.

Joshua Bothwell

Interim Technical Director and alum of the TDT department. Happy to be back at Elon, and to be putting on this show.

Sarah Kay Adams

Sarah is a junior now, here at Elon, a double major in Arts Administration and Theatre Design/Technology with a concentration in sound and light. In her most recent shows, she was a Lighting Designer for Fall Dance Concert here at Elon and Audio Technician 1 at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse for Guys and Dolls, Mamma Mia, Freaky Friday, and The Full Monty. She had so much fun creating with the director and music director in this show's final vision! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Natalie Taylor Hart

Natalie Taylor Hart is a Scenic Designer and the Associate Chair of Performing Arts at Elon University. Selected Scenic Designs: New York: Tech Support (59E59TH, Off-Broadway); Tartuffe (Queens Theatre, Off-Off-Broadway); Slave Shack (Algonquin Theatre); Associate Designer for The Wiz (The Netherlands). Regional: Life in the Fat Lane (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Having Our Say, Our Town {Scenic Consultant}, Fences {Finalist in World Stage Design 2017 Taipei}, White Lightning (Triad Stage). Exhibitions: USITT Design Expo, Prague Quadrennial, World Stage Design Finalist 2017, Lincoln Center Portfolio Review. MFA, Ohio University. Proud member of IATSE USA Local 829. natalietaylorhart.com

Brooks Andrew

Brooks is currently a Senior Music Theatre major at Elon and is looking forward to graduation and moving to NYC. His past favorite roles include Prince Topher (Cinderella, Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts), Robert Kincaid (The Bridges of Madison County, Elon University). Brooks looks forward to returning to Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts this summer to play the role of Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Brooks would like to extend a special thanks to his family, his Music Theatre Class of '23, and his Vizsla puppy "Rugby". Find him on Instagram @brooks_andrew

Jacob Atkins

Jacob Atkins is thrilled to be making his main stage debut here at Elon University. He will be portraying the role of a “Muse” and couldn’t be more excited! You could find Jacob this past summer working at Highlands Playhouse where he played “Joe Pesci” and Understudied “Franki Valli” in Jersey Boys! Some interesting facts about Jacob are he only eats fries in 2’s, and he is a Marvel Enthusiast! Special shout out to his Mom, Dad, Aunt Lisa, and Belle Noel. @Thejacobatkins

Caroline Borio

Caroline is so excited to have been a part of the workshop of Deep Water Ballad! She would like to thank Chris and the creative team for this opportunity. Some of her recent roles include Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Portia in Something Rotten, and Lisa in Mamma Mia. Finally, she would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their endless support.

Charlie Castro

Charlie is a sophomore music theatre major at Elon University. He is a Miami, Florida native. Some of his past favorite theatre roles include Hot Blades Harry in Urinetown, Harry Houdini in Side Show, & Javert in Les Miserables. He wants to thank his family & friends for all of their constant support in all of his artistic endeavors. He is incredibly grateful to be doing what he loves most!

Kyra Britt

Kyra Britt is a junior Music Theatre major and is excited to perform as Naomi Bailey in Deep Water Ballad! Kyra would like to thank her family, professors, and peers for supporting her dream. She is especially grateful for her mom, and all she has done for her artistry to thrive.

Micah Day

Micah Day is a Junior Musical Theatre major at Elon University and could not be more excited to get this show up and running! He was last seen this summer in Label•Less: A New Musical (Cast Member) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was born and raised! Elon: Into The Woods (Sleeping Beauty/Rapunzels Prince U/S) Micah would like to thank his family and friends for pushing him to be the performer he is today! Sit back, relax, laugh a little, and enjoy the show! @micah.andrew

Camille Fundingsland

Camille Fundingsland is a third year BFA Musical Theatre Major all the way from San Diego, California. After studying in London this fall, she is incredibly excited to come back to Elon to step into her first role as an understudy and swing! Recent Elon credits include Into The Woods and 42nd Street. Special thanks to her voice professor Dr. Polly, Mom, Dad, and her little sis Audrey for all the support! Instagram: @camille_nf

Ella Huestis

Ella Huestis (they/she) is a sophomore Music Theatre major from Dallas, TX. Elon credits include Collage, Elon Cares, Grand Night, Movin' On (Ensemble Swing), Head Over Heels (Ensemble, Dance Captain, Associate Choreographer). This summer, Ella will be performing in the ensemble of Mary Poppins at North Carolina Theatre and they will be studying at the Theatre Academy of London in the Fall. Special thank you to Chris Rayis for trusting us with your work and breathing life into this place! @ellagracehuestis

Sara LiBrandi

Sara LiBrandi (she/her) is a Junior Musical Theatre Major minoring in Women Gender and Sexuality Studies. Sara was thrilled to get the opportunity to spend her fall semester studying acting in London this year! Additionally, she's so thankful to have played Jack's Mom in last year's production of Into The Woods, as well as serve as a student coordinator for Elon Cares, and direct multiple numbers in Grand Night and Collage over the past 2 years. She is so grateful for her Elon Community, friends, and family for their endless support.

MK McDonald

(MK) is a rising senior at Elon’s MT program. Some MT credits include “Dorothy” in The Wizard Of Oz, “Peggy” in 42nd Street, “Patrice” in 13, and “Christine” in Yeston’s Phantom. Dedicated cat mom. Special thanks to the creative team of Deep Water for this adventure in the hills, Dr. Polly Cornelius, Kathleen and JR McDonald, and Brynn Lackey.

Peyton Otis

Peyton Otis is so grateful to be Stage Managing her third mainstage production at Elon University! A Senior Theatrical Design and Technology Major with a concentration in Stage Management, she wishes to thank the incredible cast, crew, and design team, as well as everyone in Elon Performing Arts for making this show possible. Past Elon credits include We Will Rock You (Assistant Stage Manager), Pheromone (Assistant Stage Manager), Medea (Stage Manager), and Heart of Shrapnel (Stage Manager).

Ellie Schwartz

Ellie is a sophomore music theatre major and is thrilled to make her Elon main stage debut in Deep Water Ballad. Some of her favorite credits include Smokey Joe's Cafe and Paint Your Wagon at The Muny and Alice Murphy in Bright Star. Big thanks to Chris and Professor Warren as well as the entire cast! Woo!

Summer Severin

Summer (she/her) is a sophomore Music Theatre major from South Florida. She is so honored to be a part of the journey of Deep Water Ballad! She is so grateful for this experience, this beautiful cast, and for Professor Chris Rayis for not only entrusting us with his brain child, but also for being such an inspiration to us all. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Mallorie Sievert

Mallorie is a junior Music Theatre major and Math minor in the Honors Fellows program, and she is so excited to be a part of this production! She was a 2020 National YoungArts finalist and US Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and some of her favorite roles have been Jo March in Little Women and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Sujaya Sunkara

Sujaya Sunkara is a graduating senior BFA Music Theatre major from Cincinnati, OH and she is so blessed to have Deep Water Ballad be the show to close out her Elon career. She was most recently seen as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods here at Elon and Gabrielle in Cinderella  at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. Sujaya would like to thank her friends, family, her dog Turk, for everything they have given her. Last one!

Emily Stober

Emily Stober is excited to be making her main stage debut in Deep Water Ballad. She is a sophomore Music Theatre major and Early Childhood Education minor from Hickory, North Carolina. Last semester, Emily was in Head Over Heels as the dance ensemble swing. She thanks her family, friends and mentors for supporting her in all of her creative endeavors.

Hashini Amarasinghe

Hashini is beyond excited for you to see Deep Water Ballad! Her past credits include Amneris (Aida), Fraulein Schneider (Cabaret), and Joanne (RENT). She is so grateful to be making her debut at Elon through this incredible original production, and she would like to thank the amazing creative team, company, and crew for their hard work. She also wants to thank her family for their consistent support and love. Enjoy the show!

Campy Rodriguez

Campy Rodriguez is from Brownsville, Texas and is ecstatic to be performing in his debut musical at Elon! Regional/Community theatre credits include: Jon Tick, Tick... Boom!, Bob Price Things I Know To Be True, Jean Valjean Les Miserables, Hamlet Hamlet, and Sonny In The Heights. Educational theatre credits include: Spongebob The Spongebob Musical, Adam Boy, and Buddy Elf: The Musical. Campy would like his mom and dad for constantly encouraging him to follow his passion!

Nate Krohmer

Nate is a first year Musical Theatre major who is enjoying every moment of getting to work on a workshop musical like Deep Water Ballad, something he has never done before! Recently he participated in senior Parker MacIntyre's modern dance piece Masque and had a lot of fun showcasing creativity in Elon's Grand Night 2023. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Gabriel Logan

Gabriel Logan is a sophomore Music Theatre major and is so happy and honored to be in this production! He recently appeared in Head Over Heels as part the dance ensemble, and made his professional debut last summer in the Barrington Stage production of A Little Night Music as Henrik/Frid understudy. You may have caught him last year in the Renegade Production of 25th...Spelling Bee where he played Leaf Coneybear. Gabriel would like to thank Gulshirin Dubash, Brian Carter, Elizabeth Gray, and his amazing family.

Douglas Waterbury-Tieman

Douglas Waterbury-Tieman is an actor, musician and writer living in Franklin, TN. He received his BM in Musical Theatre at Belmont University. Performance Credits include: Off-Broadway; The Robber Bridegroom, Soot and Spit. Regional; Once, Cotton Patch Gospel, Fiddler On The Roof. TV; Succession. Fiddle for Clint Black’s Looking For Christmas and aboard the cruise ship The Disney Magic. Member of The Lobbyists, whose Off-Broadway production Seawife was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Best Music and appeared in the 2019 National Alliance of Musical Theatre Festival. Featured at Goodspeed's Festival of New Musicals in 2019 as a recipient of the Frank Young Fund grant for his musical Johnny & The Devil's Box which received an award winning run at the Cumberland Co. Playhouse in 2022. He has collaborated with Chris Rayis on two projects; Deep Water Ballad featured in Penn State's Nu Musical Theatre Festival and Jenny and the Paper Pirates commissioned by The American School in Switzerland. Website: www.douglaswaterburytieman.com Instagram: @jdwtieman

Transcriber of Dreams

Transcriber of Dreams (Producer) produces the theatrical work of Chris Rayis over a variety of media, including the 2021 album Transcriber of Dreams, the 2022 showcase of Deep Water Ballad and Natalie/Natasha, and this workshop production of Deep Water Ballad.

R2E2 Productions

R2E2 Productions (Producer) are business owners and lifetime theatre fans and supporters, enjoying live shows from small local productions to Broadway.

Ben Laxton

Ben is thrilled to be at Elon University for this production of Deep Water Ballad. He is currently an understudy for Elder Price and Joseph Smith in Book of Mormon on Broadway where he shares the stage with a couple recent Elon alums. Favorite credits include Chess (Actors Entertainment Fund), Catch Me… (1st. National Tour), Crazy For You (Riverside Theatre), and Next to Normal (Playhouse on the Square). Thanks to Mom, Dad, Tori, Chris and Douglas, and my world Andrea and Everett.

Gabe Tobierre

Gabe Tobierre is a current freshman music theatre major at Elon University and is excited to be making his show debut in Deep Water Ballad as Graham Bailey! Some of Gabe's favorite roles include Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Sky in Mamma Mia!, and Edward Bloom in Big Fish. He would like to thank the creative team for having as a part of the production, his fellow cast mates for being with him and each other during the new work process, and also his friends and family back home! He hopes you enjoy the show!

Jakov Schwartzberg

Jakov Schwartzberg (He/Him) is both excited and sad to be performing in his final main stage production at Elon University. Recent credits include: Into The Woods (The Baker), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), Freaky Friday (Mike), The Elephant Man (Dr. Treves). He has also spent his time at Elon gaining experience behind the table serving as the music director for last spring’s student produced production of The 25th Annual ... Spelling Bee as well as associate director for Elon’s main stage production of The Bridges of Madison County this past February. Enjoy the show!