The Devil, The Witch, and The Blacksmith. The Kingf isher Theater Presents...

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Gogol s The Night Before Christmas Gallery

1 Bronze Sponsor The Kingf isher Theater Presents... The Devil, The Witch, and The Blacksmith by Amy Canf ield and Kevin Dedes, based on Nikolai Gogol s The Night Before Christmas Gallery Seventy-Four 215 Tremont Street 3rd Building, 3rd Floor Corn Hill Arts Neighborhood (free parking)

2 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR S WELCOME The Kingfisher Theater is Rochester s only professional acting company with the mission to provide a sanctuary for growth through the collaboration of both established and emerging theatre artists. Our aim is to stage classic texts that have stood the test of time, to provide a fertile training ground for new artists, and to bring the theatre arts in Rochester to new heights. We hope you enjoyed the start of our Season with August Strindberg s thrilling masterwork, Creditors. This spring, we celebrate the upcoming Centennial of the passing of the 19th Amendment with Elizabeth Robin s Votes for Women! Directed by guest director Connor Graham of Buffalo. We thank you for being a part of our second theatrical season, and hope you ll stick around for years to come as we continue to dive into Classic Plays in New Ways. - Kevin Dedes Artistic Director Join us this Spring for our upcoming production of 'Votes for Women!' Celebrate the Centennial of Women's right to vote in New York State! May 11 - May 27 (in collaboration with the Susan B. Anthony House) 2

3 The Kingfisher Theater is proud to present The Devil, The Witch, and The Blacksmith DIRECTED BY KEVIN DEDES CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE) VINCE DALBA - THE DEVIL HIMSELF JOEY CHACON - VAKULA, A BLACKSMITH ADRIANA RIANO - TCHUB, A WEALTHY COSSACK JESSICA THURSTON CROSBY - OKSANA, HIS DAUGHTER AND ALSO ANFISA AMY CANFIELD - SOLOKHA, VAKULA S MOTHER, AND A WITCH KRISTY BARR - OLGA, PAVLO, POLINA CRAIG BOOKER - THE SEXTON, GRIGORY POTEMKIN, PAUNCHY PATSYUK, BISHOP LEAH CAMILLERI - IRINA, PEPPERCHICKA AMELIA PFISTER - THE WEAVER, MASHA ANDREW MORGAN LANGTON - PANAS, THE MAYOR CREW LIGHTING DESIGN AND STAGE MANAGER - BEN MEYER LEAD COSTUME DESIGN - LEAH CAMILLERI SOUND DESIGN - JESSICA THURSTON PROGRAM & GRAPHIC DESIGN - AMBER GARTUNG PROPMAKER - AMELIA PFISTER FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER - KEVIN DEDES SET DESIGN CONSULTANT - TATYANA WILDS SEAMSTRESS - ROSE VERCOLEN MOVEMENT / ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE - KATIE FITTIPALDI, M.AMSAT 3

4 DIRECTOR S NOTE Christmas! The most wonderful time of year! Twelve years before Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, Nikolai Gogol published Christmas Eve, a magical short story about the most pious man in Dikanka searching for true love in his little Ukrainian village. The story was part of a collection that would launch Gogol to fame as one of Ukraine s most beloved writers. Upon founding The Kingfisher Theater, we knew that we wanted a holiday show--something we could do every year as a tradition--but also something we could call our own. I had been a huge fan of Gogol since reading The Nose back in college. And, as a Ukrainian myself (1 quarter from my mother s side) I was drawn to this Christmas story that reminded me so much of celebrating Little Christmas in January as a child. So, let s continue the holiday cheer for a few more weeks, forget the stresses of the new year for a while, and enjoy The Devil, the Witch, and the Blacksmith, our adaptation of Gogol s story. I hope you enjoy our silly comedy, and will feel free to partake in a bit of complimentary horilka (that s Ukrainian moonshine). Merry Christmas and Na zdorov'ya! - Kevin Dedes 4

5 ABOUT THE COMPANY VINCE DALBA (The Devil Himself) is excited to be back with The Kingfisher Theater, having portrayed Wittmore in Aphra Behn s Sir Patient Fancy last season. Favorite roles include The Old Man in Fool for Love (SUNY Brockport), Hal in Proof (Broadway Theatricals, Los Angeles), Dromio of Ephesus in The Comedy of Errors (Mysterium Theater, Orange County, California), and Pfc. Louden Downey in A Few Good Men (Blackfriars Theatre). Vince is also a proud member of Impact Interactive, which uses interactive theatre to promote dialogue about social issues and promote understanding. He is also a standardized patient at the University of Rochester, where he aids medical students by portraying medical patients in a clinical setting. He has his BFA in Theater from SUNY Brockport. JOEY CHACON (Vakula) is thrilled to participate in his third performance with The Kingfisher Theater after playing the titular blacksmith in The Devil, the Witch, and the Blacksmith last season. His first theatrical role was as Lucky in Waiting for Godot, after which he pursued studies in acting in MCC's Fine Arts department. Also at MCC, he has appeared in Much Ado About Nothing, Pirates of Penzance, Once on This Island, and Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Last year, he was delighted to be hired as a zombie at Nightmare Manor. ADRIANA RIANO (Tchub) is excited to perform once again in The Devil, The Witch and The Blacksmith. Last year her performance was comprised of several different characters (Masha, Paunchy, Ivan, & Priest). Previous Kingfisher productions include (Lucretia) Sir Patient Fancy, and (Shepard) Oedipus Rex. She is new to the theatre community and started working with The Kingfisher Theater since Fall She is currently an Art Instructor for Wine & Design, and has just launched her own art business, Drawn From Love, selling original artwork. Adriana received her B.A in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from Keuka College. She also received her M.A in Psychology from SUNY Brockport. JESSICA THURSTON CROSBY(Oksana / Sound Designer) has written, directed, and performed in theatre of all genres since first appearing onstage as the mayor of Munchkinland at age 8. Notable past productions include Messiah College Theatre s The Bald Soprano, Pizzazz, and the experimental new play Fertile Ground. In 2011, she worked as the supervisor of background talent on the set of the motion picture King's Faith where she appeared on screen as a nurse. At Roberts Wesleyan College she founded Muse Creative Arts Ministry and directed the student-written play, The Chains. 5

6 She's thrilled to be with The Kingfisher Theater again after appearing as Sophia in their inaugural production of Oedipus Rex and as Oksana in The Devil, the Witch, and the Blacksmith. Jessica has a B.A. in Communication Theory from Roberts Wesleyan College. AMY CANFIELD (Solokha, Catherine the Great) is happy to be a company member of The Kingfisher Theater. At Kingfisher, she has performed as Tekla in Creditors, Lady Knowell in Sir Patient Fancy, and Jocasta in Oedipus Rex. She also co-wrote The Devil, the Witch, and the Blacksmith and directed its premiere production. She has also performed in Rochester in such productions as Henry IV, Parts I and II, The Libation Bearers, King Lear,The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, and Hamlet. Prior to moving to Rochester, she acted, stage managed, and directed at a number of venues in Chicago and elsewhere. Amy holds a Ph.D. in Theatre History from The Ohio State University and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. KRISTY BARR (Olga, Pavlo, Polina) is proud to be a part of The Kingfisher Theater s second season after a successful and exciting first year. Her favorite roles in Rochester include Oedipus (Oedipus Rex), Lula (Dutchman), Clytemnestra (The Libation Bearers), Fiona (Shrek: The Musical), and Rona (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). She works as Payroll Manager at Lake Beverage Corp., sings with the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, and is studying to obtain her Master's in Liberal Studies from SUNY Empire State. CRAIG BOOKER (Sexton, Andrei, Sexton, Bishop) is an actor and martial artist from Rochester, NY and is happily making his debut at The Kingfisher Theater. He is thrilled to tackle four roles in The Devil, The Witch and The Blacksmith! Craig earned his black sash in 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu from The Rochester Shaolin Training Academy in 2016 and currently is a practitioner of Muay Thai boxing and kickboxing. Craig plans to use these disciplines and roles to further his education and experience, to continue to perform, and to entertain the public and eventually the world. He has studied acting at The Kodak Performing Arts Center (RAPA), and Monroe Community College. LEAH CAMILLERI (Irina/Pepperchika/Natasha & Yurii) is delighted to be a part of Kingfisher Theater's DWB '17! It's one helluva ride! Some favorite roles include Sybil in The Cover of Life, Dorine in Tartuffe, and Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest (all at Nazareth College). More recent roles include The Actress in La Ronde, and Persephone in Polaroid Stories (both at Bread and Water Theatre). When not acting, Leah can be found helping with costumes at Eastman Opera Theater, or running wardrobe at Geva Theatre Center. A seasoned dancer, Leah performs with Bombshell Belly Dance Company and Pretty Kitties Burlesque. She and the troupe s director, Bethany Swank, offer weekly classes in both art forms at Callan Harris Physical Therapy Center. Leah has her BA in Theatre Arts from Nazareth College. 6

7 AMELIA J PFISTER (Masha, The Weaver, Sverbyguz, Petro) studied theatre at Ohio Northern University with a focus in directing. Rochester credits include Richard III (Rochester Shakespeare Company), Remote Rochester (Rochester Fringe Festival) and A Holiday Trilogy (Black Sheep Theatre) where she was recently awarded a meritorious achievement in acting. After The Devil, The Witch and The Blacksmith, Amelia will be stage managing Sketching The Soul at MuCCC in March. ANDREW MORGAN LANGTON (Panas, Mayor) is proud to make his debut with The Kingfisher Theater. In 2004, he won the Rochester Broadway Theater League's Stars Of Tomorrow Award for best featured actor in a musical for his portrayal of Benny Southstreet in Guys & Dolls. Some of Andrew's favorite roles include Karl in La Ronde (Bread & Water Theatre), Jerry in The Zoo Story (MCC), Grandpa Joe in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (MCC), William Cartwright in The Mystery Of Edwin Drood (Clarkson Theatre Co.), Saint Matthew in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and Edward in A Slight Ache (SUNY Potsdam). He holds his Bachelor of Arts (with Honors) from SUNY Potsdam s Department of Theatre & Dance. KEVIN DEDES (Director) began his acting career in Rochester with The Shipping Dock Theatre s productions of Last Train to Nibroc and Beautiful Thing. Regional credits include Kate Crackernuts at The Flea (NYC), Splitting Infinity at San Jose Rep (San Jose), A Christmas Carol at The American Conservatory Theater and Richard III at Cal Shakes (both San Francisco). He can frequently be seen in Geva s Writers Showcases, and original writing includes The Dangerous Difference, The Kookaburra, Two-Step, Turtleback High and Kingfisher s own The Devil, the Witch, and the Blacksmith (co-written with company member Amy Canfield). Mr. Dedes is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and is Screen Actors Guild eligible. He holds his Master of Fine Arts from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. More of his work can be seen at kevindedes.wordpress.com. BEN MEYER (Stage Manager / Tech Director) is originally from Portland, Oregon, where he began stage managing for his middle school production of Annie. Since then he has SM d Grease and Oklahoma. In high school he was the stage manager and technical director for Twelve Angry Men, Comedy of Errors, and Much Ado About Nothing. Blue Monkey Theatre Company of Portland, OR hired him as the Technical Director and Stage Manager for their show of Speech and Debate. The last show he worked on before coming to Rochester was Dying City for The Portland Playhouse where he was the Assistant Stage Manager. Most recently, he exhibited his lighting, sound design, and stage managing skills on Bread and Water Theatre s production of The Libation Bearers. This is his fifth show with The Kingfisher Theater. 7

8 THE KINGFISHER THEATER STAFF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - KEVIN DEDES PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER - BEN MEYER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR / IT CONSULTANT - BEN MEYER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - KRISTY BARR LITERARY MANAGER/DRAMATURG - AMY CANFIELD MARKETING DIRECTOR - JESSICA THURSTON FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE DEVIL, THE WITCH, AND THE BLACKSMITH TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - BEN MEYER SOUND DESIGNER - JESSICA THURSTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS KEVIN DEDES - PRESIDENT We are currently seeking a new board member. If you are interested in becoming an integral part of Rochester s newest arts institution, please us at kdedes@thekingfishertheater.org for more information. PROGRAM & POSTER DESIGN - AMBER GARTUNG (AG-CREATIVE) SPECIAL THANKS RALPH THOMPSON LILY PAVLOVYCH JUSTIN RIELLY SHELLEY HODGE STEVE DEDES BEKAH CAREY EASTMAN OPERA THEATRE 8

9 This production is dedicated to the memory of Carl Girard

Your protection is personal. Get a quote today from: Kevin Dedes Steve Dedes Agency (585)671-8310 dedesk1@nationwide.com https://www.facebook.com/dedesagency/ Auto. Home. Life. Business.

10 Your protection is personal. Get a quote today from: Kevin Dedes Steve Dedes Agency (585) dedesk1@nationwide.com Auto. Home. Life. Business. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Company and Affiliated Companies, Columbus, Ohio. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Nationwide NPO-0194M1.2 (01/16) Would you like to advertise with us and support the Rochester arts? Have your company seen by sophisticated audiences and support great theater at the same time. Contact us at: development@thekingfishertheater.org 10

11 THIS PRODUCTION WAS SPONSORED, IN PART, BY THE UKRAINIAN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION THANK YOU! ДЯКУЮ! 11

KEVIN DEDES, LICENCED NYS REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON FACEBOOK.

12 Would you like to be a corporate sponsor? Please contact us at: sponsors@thekingfishertheater.org to find out how you can help bring great theater to the Rochester area! KEVIN DEDES, LICENCED NYS REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON FACEBOOK.COM/KDEDESREALTY GET SOME GREAT SWAG AND SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS! Visit us on Amazon Smile: Or check us out on Cafepress: T-shirts Coffee Mugs Hoodies Bumper Stickers Water Bottles...and more! 12

The Kingfisher Theater Presents

The Kingfisher Theater Presents by August Strindberg, directed by Jessica Thurston Gallery Seventy-Four October 20 - November 5 215 Tremont Street All performances at 8pm (free parking) 3rd Building, 3rd