Zilker Theatre Productionspresents

featuring Mike Bradecich Virdell Williams, Jr.

with Christina Dahlberg Katie Onken Scott Schroeder Huck Huckaby Nicholas Rodriguez Larissa Wolcott Mark Rosholt

andfeaturedmusicians Wallace DePue Kelly McDaniel Bill Passalacqua Clay Towery

DirectedbyROD CaSPeRS

Choreographedby MusicalDirectionby aCia GRay and DieRDRe STRaND LyN KOeNNiNG

ScenicDesignby CostumeDesignby LightingDesignby J. RiCHaRD SMiTH SHeiLa HaRGeTT ROBeRT T. WHyBuRN

SoundDesignby PropertiesDesignby Hair/Make-UpDesignby BiLL MeSTeR VaLeRie SaDORRa TeReSa MaNCuSO

ExecutiveProducerWiLLiaM SHeffieLD

ThisproductionisfundedinpartbytheCityofAustin,undertheauspicesoftheAustinArtsCommission.

BigRiver,TheAdventuresofHuckleberryFinnispresentedthroughspecialarrangementwithTheRodgersandHammersteinTheatreLibrary,229West28thStreet,11thFloor,NewYork,NY10001.

MusicandLyricsbyROGeR MiLLeR

BookbyWiLLiaM HauPTMaNAdaptedfromthenovelbyMarkTwain

MessagefromZilkerTheatreProductions

Welcometothe41stAnnualZilkerSummerMusical, Big River, The adventures of Huckleberry finn.TonightyouarewitnesstooneofAustin’sgreatsummertraditions.Atotalaudienceofover50,000people,ranginginagefrominfanttograndparent,cometothiseventeachyeartoenjoyhigh-quality,pay-what-you-mayoutdoortheatre.Wearehonoredbyyourattendanceandcontinuedsupport.

ThemusicalnolongerreceivesCityGeneralRevenuefundsandisnowproducedsolely with funding raised by Zilker Theatre Productions (ZTP), a non-profit501(c)(3) community organization. Thus it is only through the generosity ofindividuals like you and corporations that over $150,000 is raised and thistradition continues. We are especially grateful to the Junior League of Austinand Austin’s Art Commission whose generous financial and volunteer supportmakethemusicalpossible.

Weespeciallyneedyourfinancialsupportasweretirea$50,000debtincurredin1998andappreciateyour1999giftwhichisapproximately25%ofthemoneyrequiredtoproducethemusical.Whileindividualgiftsrangefromadollartohundreds,thetotalamountallowsZTPtocontinueprovidingtheatreatno-admissioncharge.Historically,theaveragedonationperpersonhasbeenlessthanfiftycents.Please,as you consider yourdonation tonight, recallwhat youpay for other formsofentertainmentsuchasmoviesorvideorental.Manyagree,livetheatreenjoyedbythewholefamily,isworthatleastasmuchasthese-perhapsmore.ChecksmaybemadepayabletoZilkerTheatreProductions.

ZilkerTheatreProductionshave tremendousdreamsfor the futureandhopetoincludeyou.YoursupportensurestheZilkerSummerMusicalwillbeenjoyedbythepeopleofAustin,thestateofTexasandindividualsfromaroundtheworldforyearstocome.Wehopeyouwillreturnyearafteryeartosharetheexcitementandmagicoflivetheatreunderthestars.Now,sitback,relax,andenjoytheAmericanasightsandsoundsofBig River, The adventures of Huckleberry finn.

ExEcutivEDirEctor

RandallJ.Storm

BoarDMEMBErs

JohnC.Perkins,President KrinBrooksPerry,VicePresident SherylKinlaw,Secretary StephenA.Laban,Treasurer

JosephBowen LisaR.Fisher JaniceGodwin CatherineHoey DianaLatham LilaOshatz BettyBoydPyle RickRichter HaroldE.Snyder RichTaylor

DebbieAlfaroE.WayneBachusEricBehrensMelissaBrackinAmyBreesDr.RobBugbeeClementineClarkeJohnnyClarkeCissyCooperJimCrossPhyllisDempseyRexDowningRobertEmersonVeraFischerGayeFisherJeffFriedmanPatiFullerArnoldGarciaRickGarciaRitaGarzaBobGierKarenHaywoodJanetKahnBlancaLeahyLaurieMacciniMalineMcCallaPaulaNadalineRonOliveiraNickPatrasRayPayne

RomeoPerezGaryPowellAliceRobertsCaryRobertsOscarRodriguezTreySalinasBruceSalzerEugeneSepulvedaBeverlySheffieldGwenSpainCharlieStaufferKerryTateDoriThornhillDavisTuckerKarenWetterauBarbaraWilliamsAnnYeakelBlakeYelavich

aDvisoryBoarD

ForMErcastaNDFriENDsMEMorial

TheartsworldhasbeendevastatedbymanydiseasesfromAIDStoHeartfailure.TheZilkerSummerMusicalisnotimmunetothesediseases.Tohonorindividualsformerlyaffiliatedwiththesummermusical,amemorial

hasbeenestablished.Formeraffiliatesinclude:

PhilAlleneJimBarneseJohnBustineArturoCastillo

Dr.W.H.“Deacon”CraineBettieDahlbergeDanielMoncivias

TuckerParmleeeJoeRyaneSeanSomoskeyePhilipStansbury

Asatributetotheirmemory,atreewasplantedinthegroveneartheBeverlyS.SheffieldZilkerHillsideTheaterthatposteritymayknowandappreciatethose

whohavetrulygiventheiralltoseethisartformcontinue.

Thankyouforhonoringtheirmemory.

Austin Roofers Supplyand

all of its employeessupport the

Zilker Summer Musical

834-4347

theZilkersummerMusicals1959 Seventeen1960 GirlCrazy1961 AnythingGoes1962 Wildcat1963 Finian’sRainbow1964 Brigadoon1965 Oklahoma!1966 TheKingandI1967 OnceUpon AMattress1968 AFunnyThing Happenedonthe WaytotheForum1969 TheMusicMan1970 Oliver1971 PeterPan1972 HelloDolly1973 You’reaGoodMan CharlieBrown1974 PaintYourWagon1975 17761976 LilAbner1977 Fiddleron theRoof1978 Pippin1979 ManofLaMancha1980 JesusChrist Superstar

1981 Fiorello!1982 TheMost HappyFella1983 HowtoSucceedin BusinessWithout ReallyTrying1984 GoodNews!1985 Guys&Dolls1986 MissLiberty1987 TheUnsinkable MollyBrown1988 Camelot1989 Carnival1990 Annie1991 IntotheWoods1992 WestSideStory1993 Oklahoma!1994 LittleMe1995 Josephandthe Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat1996 OnceUpon AMattress1997 Guys&Dolls1998 SouthPacific1999 BigRiver

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Male Roles

HuckleberryFinn Mike Bradecich TomSawyer Nicholas Rodriguez SlaveJim Virdell Williams, Jr. PapFinn Mark Rosholt TheKing Scott Schroeder TheDuke Huck Huckaby JudgeThatcher Kelly McDaniel Doctor Robert Muraida SheriffBell Ronald Macklin HarveyWilkes Clay Towery CounselorRobinson Brett McHargue SilasPhelps Bill Passalacqua BenRogers Grant McCollor JoHarper Jason Yau Simon Doug Thompson Dick Kyle Walker Hank Mark Passarella Andy Jeremy Ellis Lafe Jeff Ferry YoungFool John Hashop MaleEnsemble: Chad Deveaux, AJ Lewis, Fritz Johnson, John Steven Rodriguez Nathan Joiner, John Minnich, David Chapa

Female Roles

MissWatson Christina C. Dahlberg WidowDouglas Katie Onken StrangeWoman Ann Richards-McKelvey SallyPhelps Sue Blankenburg Alice Gaye H. Fisher Alice’sDaughter Marissa Joy Fisher MaryJaneWilkes Larissa Wolcott JoannaWilkes Jeanette Steiniger SusanWilkes Lindsay Kaye Wells FemaleEnsemble: Jean Grace, Esperanza Biehle, Della Coleman, Melissa Joiner, Angie Ray, Haley Smith

OnstageMusicians Wallace DePue, Kelly McDaniel, Bill Passalacqua, Clay Towery

Understudies

HuckleberryFinn-GrantMcCollor,TomSawyer-JohnHashop,PapFinn-ClayTowery,SallyPhelps-JeanGrace

Mark Twain paid E.W. Kemble, an inexperienced young illustrator, $1200 to visualize Huckle-berry Finn for the first publication. (Several of E.W. Kemble’s illustrations are scattered throughout this

Cast List

actiScene1-St.Petersburg,Missouri

Muddy Water ........................................................................The CompanyDo Ya Wanna Go to Heaven.....................................The Company

Scene2-InjunJoe’sCaveThe Boys ........................................................................Tom and the Boys Waitin’ for the Light to Shine ...........................................................Huck

Scene3-Huck’sBedroomandJudgeThatcher’sCourtScene4-PapFinn’sCabin

Guv’Ment ..............................................................................................................Pap Hand for the Hog............................................................ Tom and The Company

Scene5-Jackson’sIsland I, Huckleberry, Me ...........................................................................................Huck

Scene6-IllinoisShoreMuddy Water .............................................Jim, Huck and The Company

Scene7-OntheRiver,southofSt.LouisThe Crossing ....................................................Featured Soloists, Slaves River in the Rain ...................................................................Huck and Jim

Scene8-OntheRiver,somewhereinKentuckyWhen the Sun Goes Down in the South ..Duke, King, Huck and Jim

OrchestraPiano/Conductor

Lyn Koenning

ViolinWallace DePue

BassGeorge Fahlund

ReedsJeremy Justeson

GuitarPablo Champion, Bill Passalacqua

TrumpetDavid Cross, Mike Thomas

TromboneJon Blondell

HarmonicaClay Towery, Kelly McDaniel

PercussionAndy Bedoin

Scene SynopsisAudience Sing-a-long:

I am waitin’ for the light to shineI am waitin’ for the light to shine

I have lived in the darkness for so longI’m waitin’ for the light to shine

actiScene1-TennesseeShoreScene2-InBricktown,Arkansas

The Royal Nonesuch..................................................... Duke and The CompanyScene3-TennesseeShore

Worlds Apart .......................................................................... Jim and HuckScene4-Hillsboro,Arkansas

Arkansas .....................................................................................Young Fool How Blest We Are ..............................................Alice and The Company

Scene5-WilkesHomeinHillsboro You Oughta Be Here With Me ............. Mary Jane, Susan and Joanna Reprise: How Blest We Are ...............................................The Company

Scene5-WilkesHomeinHillsboroLeavin’s Not the Only Way to Go ................ Huck, Mary Jane and Jim

Scene6-WilkesHomeinHillsboroScene7-ArkansasShore

Reprise: Waitin’ for the Light to Shine ...........................................HuckScene8-OnaFarmnearHillsboro

Free at Last..........................................................................Jim and SlavesScene9-PhelpsFarmnearHillsboroScene10-PhelpsFarmnearHillsboro

Reprise: River in the Rain ............................................................... Huck and Jim Reprise: Muddy Water .....................................................................The Company

SettingTheentireproductiontakesplaceonandaroundcommunitiesalong

theMississippiRiverduringthetimeofslaveryinAmerica.

“against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.” – Mark Twain

On the Raft

“Where prejudice exists it always discolors our thoughts.”

– Mark Twain

EsperanzaBeihle(Ensemble)ThisisEsperanza’sthirdsummermusicalfollowing Guys & DollsandSouth Pacific.Also,youmayhaveseenherinAustinMusicalTheatre’sGyspyormostrecentlyFiddler on the Roof.SomeofherotherfavoriteproductionsareGreaseandThe Steadfast Tin Soldier.EsperanzawasafinalistintheNationalSearchfortheWalt Disney World Dancers.

sueBlankenburg(SallyPhelps,Ensemble)This is Sue’s tenthappearance in theZilkerSummerMusical. ShewasaFeaturedDancer,Cinderella’sWickedStepSister,LadySagramoreandaHotBoxGirl.SuehasbeenhonoredtwiceasOutstandingFemaleEnsembleMemberbothduringCarnivalandJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.Ms.Blankenburg’sfavoriterolewasBonnieinAnything GoesatLiveOakTheater.Shehasbeenpartoftouringvarietyshows,industrialshows,showchoirsandperformsdailyasaprofessionaltrainerandfacilitatorfortheCityofAustin.

MikeBradecich(HuckleberryFinn)MikemovedtoAustininNovember1998andisexcitedtobedebutinginBig River.SincegraduatingfromSouthernIllinoisUniversityatCarbondaletwoyearsago,hehasworkedatvarioustheatresinIllinoisandTennesseeandtouredtheMidwestwithBridgeworkChildren’sTheatre.HespentlastsummerteachingtheatreatasummercampinMaine.HismostrecentrolewasasPetruchioinTaming of the ShrewattheSamBassTheaterinRoundRock.IfyouareinkindergartenthroughfourthgradeinthegreaterAustinarea,thatwashimwithDowser Dan’s Side Show Circus.Mikethankshisfatherforallhisloveandsupport.

Davidchapa(Ensemble)Davidispleasedtobere-joiningZilkerTheatreProductionsagainthissummerafterperforminginlastyearproductionofSouth Pacific.ThisawardwinningsolovocalistisagraduateoftheUniversityofTexasatAustin.DavidhasperformedinnumerousmusicalsintheRioGrandeValleyandwaslastseeninTheStateTheaterproductionofMy Fair Lady.Mr.Chapaiscur-rentlyemployedwiththeUTAustin.

Dellacoleman(Ensemble)DellaisaLittleRock,Arkansasnativewhereshespentmostofherlife.Ms.ColemanteacheskindergartenduringtheweekforthePflugervilleSchoolDistrictandisPrincipaloftheChildren’sSundaySchoolDepartmentforDavidChapelMissionaryBaptistChurch.Big River,isDella’sZilkerSummerMusicaldebutalthoughshehasperformedandproducedshowsforschoolandchurch.ShealsoproducesanddirectsstudentperformancesforBlackHistorymonth.Inhersparetime,DellaisaGirlScouttroopleader.Sheisadevotedwifeandmother.

christinaDahlberg(MissWatson)Christina is no stranger to Zilker Park audiences having performed in 14 previous ZilkerproductionsincludingHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,Camelot, Carnival, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Annie, Miss Liberty Good News! and Oklahoma!.Shetrulybelievesthesummermusicalaudiencesarethegreatestaudiencesintheworld.HerfavoriterolesinothervenuesincludeCityHerinBroadwayAustin’sproductionofGifts of the MagiandtheChinaDollinSecondYouth’sSteadfast Tin Soldier.

chadDeveaux(FeaturedSoloist,Ensemble)Originally fromWashingtonD.C.,Chadmajors inMassCommunicationswithaminor inMusicatHuston-TillotsonCollegeandisdebutinginBig River.Hehaswonnumerousmusicawards,includingfirstplaceattheOmegaPsiPhiClassicalVoiceCompetitionatMississippiState.Mr.DeveauxhelpedstarttheAustinband‘SomethinginMind’andperformswiththe‘TrentDurhamGroup.’ChadthanksGodforallowinghimtosharehisgiftofsong,hisvocalcoachandhisparentsfortheircontinuingsupport.

Esperanza Beihle Sue Blankenburg

Mike Bradecich David Chapa

Della Coleman Christina Dahlberg

CaSt BiOgraphieS

Chad Deveaux

JeremyEllis(Andy,Ensemble)ZilkerTheatrewelcomesJeremytoBig RiverinhisAustindebut.Mr.Ellisisnotnewtotheatre,however.HispastrolesincludePaulinMoon Over Buffalo,SalieriinAmadeus,HenryHigginsinMy Fair Lady,ManinLaughing WildandLloydDallasinNoises Off.HeisanativeofLubbock,Texas,andproudtocurrentlycallAustinhome.

JeffFerry(Lafe,Ensemble)JeffismakinghissecondZilkerSummerMusicalappearance.Mr.FerrywaslastseenasStew-potinSouth Pacific.JeffisamemberoftheinauguralgraduatingclassfromJohnB.ConnallyHighSchoolinPflugerville.Histhree(3)yearsoftheatreexperienceincluderolesasPantaloneinTurandot,QuasimodoinHunchback of Notre Dame,CyranoinCyrano Debergerac;allatConnallyHighSchool.Duringhishighschoolyears,Jeffwasinvolvedwithbothdramaandvarsitychoir.

GayeH.Fisher(Alice,Ensemble)GayeisamusicteacherinthePflugervilleSchoolDistrict.SheholdsaBachelorandaMaster’sdegreeinMusicEducationandPerformance.Shehadtheopportunitytoperformasaback-upsingerwithmusicianslikeCharlieDaniels,LarryGatlin,AlGreenandShirleyCaesar.Asamusicteacher,shehasproducedanddirectedproductionsofBye, Bye Birdie,My Fair Lady, ApplauseandAnnie Get Your Gun.ThisisGaye’sfirstsummermusical.Sheisveryactiveinherchurchanddevoteshertimetoherhusbandandchildren.

MarissaFisher(Alice’sDaughter,Ensemble)MarissaFisherisamemberoftheAustinChildren’sChoir.Shehasbeeninnumerouschurchandschoolchoirssinceshewas5yearsold.SheplayedtheCleaningWoman’sDaughterinlastyear’sXperienceYouthatZilkerYouthProductionofWorking.ShealsoplayedChelseainherschoolplaythisyearcalledReach for the Stars.Marissahasstudiedballetandtapandisbeginningpianolessonsthissummer.MissFisherwillbea5thgraderatGullettElementarySchoolthisyear.

JeanM.Grace(Ensemble)ThismusicaltheaterandoperaticstageveteranisdelightedtoaddBig River,herfirstZilkerproduction,toherlistofperformancecredits.Ms.Gracehasperformedinmanyshowsinclud-ingPippin, Into the Woods, A Christmas Carol, Anything Goes, You’re A Good Man Charlie BrownandL’il Abner.AnativeofBoston,JeanhassungwiththerenownedTanglewoodFestivalChorus,theBostonBelCantooperacompany,theArcadiaPlayersandtheRichardCrittendenOperaWorkshop.JeanmovedtoAustinin1995toattendtheUniversityofTexas,wheresheearnedaMaster’sDegreeinVoice.Sheenjoyssolowork,aregularperformanceposition(atFirstUnitedMethodistChurch)andteachingprivatevoice.

JohnHashop(YoungFool,Ensemble)JohnHashoprecentlygraduatedfromSouthwesternUniversitywithaB.F.A.inTheatre.FavoriterolesatSouthwesternincludeZanglerinCrazy for You,ThePadreinMan of La ManchaandFatherJackinDancing at Lughnasa.HehasalsoperformedtwoseasonswithSouthwesternSummerStage.Mr.HashopisdebutingontheZilkerstagewithBig Riverandisextremelyhappytofinallynotbeplayingapriestoranoldergentleman.

HuckHuckaby(TheDuke)Honestly,that’shisname!ThisisthethirdZilkerMusicalforHuck,havingpreviouslyap-pearedinOklahoma!andLittle Me.Locally,hehasworkedwithTheStateTheaterCompany(FormerlyLiveOakTheater),CapitalCityPlayhouseandSecondYouthRepertoryFamilyTheatre. Other appearances include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Little Night Music, She Loves Me, EvitaandSteadfast Tin Soldier.Whennotonstage,HuckistheresidentstagemanagerforTapestryDanceCompany.

Jeremy Ellis Jeff Ferry

Gaye H. Fisher Marissa Fisher

Jean M. Grace John Hashop

Huck Huckaby

“Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.”

– Mark Twain

FritzW.Johnsoniii(Ensemble)FritzismakinghisZilkerSummerMusicaldebutwithBig River.Mr.Johnsonhasperformedinnumerousdanceandtalentshows.Sinceagenine,hehasperformedwithchurchandcommu-nitychoirs.HetouredwithaRock-n-Roll-PopBandinCaliforniaandKansas.FritzisgratefulforhisinvolvementinBig River, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finnandtheopportunitytoperformwithsuchatalentedcast.

MelissaK.Joiner(Ensemble)Big RivermarksMelissa’sherfirstappearancewithZilkerTheatreProductions.Shehasprevi-ouslyperformedinGypsyandAnnie withAustinMusicalTheatreandA Christmas Carol atbothLiveOakandZacharyScottTheatres.HerTVappearancesincludeTexasGraces,ThePeopleNextDoor,AMother’sGiftandRealStoriesoftheHighwayPatrol.MelissaenjoyssinginganddancingatlocaleventssuchasAquafestandPecanStreetFestival.SheisattendingsixthgradeatLakeTravisMiddleSchoolandlovespiano,voice,danceandactinglessons.

NathanJoiner(Ensemble)NathanismakinghissecondappearancewithZilkerTheatreProductions,havinglastperformedinJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.OtherperformancecreditsincludeFiddler on the Roof, A Christmas Carol, The Sound of MusicandPeter Pan.HisfilmandTVcreditsincludeCaféBoh,BlankCheck,ThePeopleNextDoorandRealStoriesoftheHighwayPatrol.Heisa16-yearoldhonorstudentatLakeTravisHighSchool,wherehewasalettermanonthevarsitysoccerteamandenjoysplayingviolinintheschoolorchestra.

a.J.lewis(Ensemble)Mr.LewisismakinghisZilkerSummerMusicaldebutwithBig River.A.J.isarecentgraduatefromSouthwestTexasStateUniversityinSanMarcos.WhilenewtotheZilkerstage,heisnostrangertoperforming.A.J.hasperformedacrossCentralTexasinproductionsofSweeney Todd, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Working, Jeffrey, Of Mice and Men, The Boys Next Door,andBlues for Mr. Charlie.

ronnieMacklin(SheriffBell,Ensemble)RonnieisatheatremajorfromSouthwestTexasStateUniversity,makinghisthirdappearanceontheZilkerStage,followingGuys & DollsandSouth Pacific.Mr.Macklinhasbeenactiveintheatrefortenyearswithcreditsincluding:QuincyinDracula, A Musical Nightmare,ArgoninThe Imaginary Invalid,JimmyPerryinThe Gingerbread LadyandLazarWolfeinFiddler on the Roof.

Grantc.Mccollor(Ben Rogers, ensemble)GrantisnewtoAustinandmakinghisdebutappearancewithZilkerTheatreProductions.GrantattendedWebsterUniversity’sMusicalTheatreConservatorywhererolesincludedNar-ratorinJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,CharlesinDracula,Mr.SowerberryinOliver, Murder on the NileandOklahoma!Hehastouredthecountryinnumerouschoirs,withbothmadrigalandvarietyshows.Mr.McCollorwillattendtheUniversityofTexasatAustinthisfalltocompletehisBAdegreeinTheatreandDance.

KellyMcDaniel(JudgeThatcher,Ensemble)KellyisaveteranAustinperformerinhisfirstappearancewithZilkerTheatreProductions.HeperformedhereinAustinShakespeareFestival’sThe Winter’s Tale,andMuch Ado About Nothing.RecentrolesincludeJudgeOmarGaffneyinHarvey,andOttoVanDaanintheAus-tinTheatreforYouthproductionofThe Diary of Anne Frank.Kelly’screditsincludeseveralmovies,commercialproductionsforDellComputers,andprintadsintheNewYorkTimes,andTimeMagazine.HecreatedthecharactervoicesfortheCDgame“AgentsofJustice”,andrecentlyrecordedacompanionCDforhighschoolbiologycoursetextbooks.WatchforKellynextinStateTheaterproductionofThe Taming of the Shrew.

Fritz W. Johnson III Melissa K. Joiner

Nathan Joiner A. J. Lewis

Ronnie Macklin Grant C. McCollor

Kelly McDaniel

“in our country, we have those three un-speakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.” – Mark Twain

BrettMcHargue(CounselorRobinson,Ensemble)Brettiscurrentlyaseniorprogrammer/analystwithComputerScienceCorporationandwasrecentlyseenonstageinTheStateTheaterCompany’sMy Fair Lady.Heismakinghissec-ondsummermusicalappearancewithhispreviousexperienceasabrotherinJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.Mr.McHarguesingswiththeCapitalCityMen’sChorusandservesonitsBoardofDirectorsasPresidentandTreasurer.

annrichards-McKelvey(StrangeWoman,Ensemble)AnnismakingherfourthsummermusicalappearanceincludingOnce Upon a Mattress, Guys & DollsandSouth Pacific.ShewasrecentlyseeninMy Fair Lady.OthercreditsincludeMan of La Mancha, Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Carol, Dracula, A Musical Nightmare, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,the1998 Gilbert & Sullivan GalaandSome Enchanted Evening.AnnhasbeenafinalistforseveralvocalcontestsincludingtheRiataTalentSearchandhasperformedfortheAustinIceBats.Shecurrentlyworksasaspecialeducationteacher.

JohnDavidMinnich(Ensemble)Big River, The Adventures of Huckleberry FinnisJohn’sfirstZilkerSummerMusical.At11yearsold,hejustfinishedfifthgradeatBrentwoodElementarySchool.JohnenjoysperformingwiththeAll-CityHonorChoir.TheatreisnotJohn’sonlyinterest;hisotherhobbiesincludesoccerandbaseball,whichhehasbeenplayingsincetheageoffive.

robertMuraida(Doctor,Ensemble)Robert ispleased tobeparticipating inhis fourthZilkerSummerMusical,havingbeen inOnce Upon a Mattress, Guys & DollsandSouth Pacific.HehasappearedinseveralmusicalsinandaroundAustin,includingproductionsofEvita, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Rocky Hor-ror Show, AssassinsandCamelot.RobertwasamemberofRiverCityPopsandiscurrentlyrehearsingthepartofPilateintheMeltinMoonTheatreproductionofJesus Christ Superstar,whichopensinSpring2000.

Katieonken(WidowDouglas)Big RiverisKatie’smusicaltheatredebutinAustin.ShehasworkedwithFrontera,projectinteract with Zachary Scott Theatre, the Fabulous and Riduculous Theatre, The ColonialShakespeareCompany,andisafoundingmemberof4thWallTheatre.KatiemovedtoTexasfromChicagowhereshereceivedaBSSfromNorthwesternUniversityandworkedinChicagotheatreforfiveyears.Sheenjoysridingfastonherroadbike,wrestlingwithherblueheeler“Loot”,andplayingvariousmusicalinstrumentswhilesingingloudly.

BillPassalacqua(OnStageMusician,Silas,Ensemble)BillisanIllinoisnativewhohaslivedinAustinforfiveyears.Heismakinghisdebutperfor-mancewithZilkerTheatreProductionswithBig River, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.Billisaprofessionalsinger,songwriterandtravelingtroubadour.Mr.PassalacquaisexcitedtohavehashisfirstCDcomingoutthissummer.

MarkPassarella(Hank,Ensemble)MarkisanativeAustiniteandaZilkerSummerMusicalveteranhavingperformedinCamelot, Carnival, Annie, Once Upon a Mattress, Guys & Dollsandlastsummer’sSouth Pacific.HisothercreditsincludeZacharyScottTheatre’sThe King and I, Carousel,twoproductionsofA Christmas Carol andSecondYouth’sSnow Queen.MarkhasalsoperformedinUT’sSummerPizzazzproductionsofWhat I Did Last Summer, Green Grow the Lilacs, All the Way HomeandNice People Dancing to Good Country Music.HewasalsoseeninUniversityPresbyterianChurch’sproductionofCelebration.Mr.PassarellaisaformermemberofRiverCityPops.

angieray(Ensemble)AngieisagraduateofKDStudioActorsConservatoryinDallas.Shehasperformedinvarioustheatre’sintheDallas/FortWortharea.MostrecentlyplayingJoanneintheGranburyOperaHouse’sproductionofGodspell.HercreditsalsoincludesingingcountrymusicandperforminginBranson,Missouri.Big River isherfirstmusicalproductionsincemovingtoAustinwheresheisabackupsingerforlocalfavorite‘TrentDurham’atSpeakEasy.

Brett McHargue Ann Richards-McK-elvey

John David Minnich Robert Muraida

Katie Onken Bill Passalacqua

Angie Ray

“always do right. That will gratify some of the people, and astonish the rest.”

– Mark Twain

Mark Passarella

John Steven Rodri-guez

Nicholas Rodri-guez

Mark Rosholt Scott Schroeder

Haley Smith Jeanette Steiniger

Doug Thompson

Johnstevenrodriguez(Schoolmaster,Ensemble)ThisisJohn’sthirdappearancewithZilkerTheatreProductions.PreviousZilkerHillsideap-pearanceshavebeenGuys & Dolls andSouth Pacific.ThisVortexRepertoryCompanymemberhasappearedmostrecentlyinthesecondinstallmentofethosXandYTrilogyofcyberneticoperas,PanoptikonandhasbeenassistantdirectortoproductionssuchasAaronBrown’sNorm L.andKirkSmith’sadaptationofCharlesDickensTale of Two Cities.JohncurrentlystudiesvoicewithNormaLFaisonMayer.

Nicholasrodriguez(TomSawyer)AlthoughthisisNick’sfirstproductionontheZilkerHillside,heisnostrangertothestage.NicholasperformedinPutting It Together, Susannah, The Steadfast Tin Soldier,andaconcertversionofSondheim’sPassion.HehasalsobeenseeninShe Loves Me, GreaseandLittle Shop of Horrors.ThisMastersstudentinVoiceattheUniversityofTexas,hasappearedinUTOperaTheatre’sproductionsofThe Fantasticks, The Mikado, The Coronnation of PoppeaandThe Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd.HisrecordingsincludetheWorldPremiereofLindaTwine’sgospelcantataChangedMyName,andvariousrecordingsforDisney.

Markrosholt(PapFinn)Mark isappearing inhis thirdZilkerSummerMusical,havingperformed inSouth PacificandGuys & Dollsduringthelasttwosummers.HisotherperformancecreditsincludeAustinMusicalTheatre’sproductionsofFiddler on the RoofandWest Side Story,RareCreationsproductionofAssassins,aswellasJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, GypsyandPirates of Penzancewhichareamonghisfavorites.MarklivesinAustinwithhisrehearsaltolerantwifeKathyBolstorff.

scottschroeder(TheKing)Big RivermarksScott’ssixteenthyearworkingwithZilkerTheatreProductions.HislastHillsideperformancewasasKingSextimusinOnce Upon a Mattress.OtherZilkershowsincludeLittle Me, Into the Woods, Camelot, The Unsinkable Molly BrownandGood News!ScottrecentlyreceivedtheAustinCriticsAwardforFeaturedActorinaMusicalforlastyear’sThe Who’s Tommy (UncleErnie)andSchoolhouse Rock – Live!(ConjunctionJunction/I’mJustaBill)atZacharyScottTheater.SomeofhisfavoriterolesincludeCabaret (Emcee)forwhichhewonboththeAustinCriticsandB.IdenPayneAwardsaswellasMan of La Mancha(Sancho/Padre),Passion(ColonelRicci), The Miser (MasterJacque)andPeter Pan(Smee).AsArtisticDirectorofBroadwayAustin,ScotthasproducedsuccessfulrunsofNunsense, Little Shop of HorrorsandGifts of the Magi whichhealsodirected.

Haleysmith(Ensemble)HaleyisreturningforhersecondyearwiththeZilkerSummerMusicalafterappearinginSouth Pacificlastyear.SheisasenioratBowieHighSchoolwheresheisinvolvedinmanyactivitiessuchaschoir,NationalHonorSociety,theBowiedrillteam-SilverStarsandStarlightTheaterwheresheappearedinthemusicalGuys & Dollsthispastyear.

Jeanettesteiniger(JoannaWilkes)Big RivermarksJeanette’sdebutperformanceontheZilkerstage.Previousmusicalperfor-mancesincludeHere’s Love, The Wiz, Broadway Celebration,CinderellainCinderellaandHopeHarcourtinAnything Goes.JeanettecurrentlyteachesdancewithDanceAssociatesandmusicatChildren’sNetwork.ShegraduatedfromPflugervilleHighSchoolin1997wheresheplayedfluteintheband,sangwiththechoirandwascaptainofthedanceteam.MissSteinigerspentoneyearatTheAmericanMusicalandDramaticAcademyinNewYorkCity.

Dougthompson(Simon,Ensemble)Mr.ThompsonperformedinsuchproductionsasThe Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Dan-gerous LiaisonsandRomeo and Juliet ontheSouthwestTexasStateUniversitystage.Dougisa1999graduate,receivinghisBFAinTheatreArtswithaconcentrationinacting.ThisisDoug’sfirst productionwithZilkerTheatreProductions.Doug is excited about appearingwith“agreatgroupofpeople”in Big River, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,oneofhisfavoriteshows.

“all you need is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure.”

– Mark Twain

Jason Yau

Clay Towery Kyle Walker

Lindsay Kaye Wells Virdell Williams, Jr.

Larissa Wolcott

claytowery(HarveyWilkes,OnStageMusician)Big RivermarksClay’s thirdsummermusical.Heplayed IkeSkidmore inOklahoma!andvariousrolesinLittle Me.ClaylastappearedonthehillsidewithAustinShakespeareFestivalasPolixanesinThe Winters Tale.HeearnedadegreeintheaterfromSt.EdwardsUniversityandisworkingonaMasterofFineArts,attheUniversityofIdaho.Favoriterolesinclude:IagoinOthello,J.J.PeachuminA Three Penny Opera,SirTobyBelchinTwelfth Night andOwenMusserin The Foreigner.ClayworksasSpecialEventsCoordinatorforAustinParksandRecreationDepartment.

KyleWalker(Dick,Ensemble)AsasenioratHaysHighSchool,Kyleparticipatesinbothspeechandband.Heplaysseveralinstruments:thetrumpetduringmarchingseasonandtheeuphoniumduringconcertseason.Big River, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn marks Kyle’s debut with Zilker TheatreProductions.Mr.Walker’sfavorite(previous)roleisWillParkerinOklahoma!

lindsayKayeWells(SusanWilkes,Ensemble)LindsayismakingherZilkerSummerMusicaldebutwithBig Riverbutisnostrangertoper-forming.Frequently,shesingstheNationalAnthemattheopeningofAustinIceBatsandTexasTerminatorsgames.ShehasmadeguestappearancesasFeaturedAustinTalentonK-Eye42andentertainedforMissAustinUSAandMissAustinTeenUSApageants.Ms.WellsperformedinA Christmas Carol atZacharyScottTheatre,Waiting for GodotatAustinTheatreforYouthandThe Steadfast Tin Soldier atSecondYouthRepertoryFamilyTheatre.

virdellWilliams,Jr.(Jim)Mr.WilliamsisanativeofLubbock,Texasandhasperformedwithanumberofmusicalthe-atre,concertandoperagroupsinCaliforniaandabroad.Someofhisrolesinclude:YamadoinPuccini’sMadama Butterfly,WagnerinGounod’s faust,SilvioinLeoncavallo’sPagliacci,UmbertoinPergolesi’sLa serva padrano,AeneasinPurcells’ Dido and Aeneas,thetitleroleinVerdi’sRigoletto andScarpia inToscawithBayerischeOpera inMunich,Germany.HehasperformedJiminBig RiverwithPeninsulaCenterStageandwouldenjoyestablishinganinternationalperformingcareer.

larissaWolcott(MaryJaneWilkes)ThisisLarissa’ssecondyearontheZilkerStageafterlastyear’sproductionofSouth Pacific.Shecurrentlyteacheschildren’sactingattheActingStudioandplanstoreturntoschooltocompleteherdegreeinMusicalTheatre.Pastcreditsinclude:CherylinThe Taffetas atZacharyScottTheatre,LucyinDracula: A Musical NightmarewithVioletCrownPlayers,AgnesinGypsyforAustinMusicalTheatre,Winky/JackinTrouble in Santa’s Workshop,ThreeinThe Dragon KingandMy Fair Lady.

Jasonyau(JoHarper,Ensemble)JasonismakinghisZilkerSummerMusicaldebutwithBig River, The Adventures of Huckle-berry Finn.HeisasophomorevoicemajorwithaminorinbusinessattheUniversityofTexasatAustin.Mr.Yauhasawiderangeoffavoriteroles includingNathanDetroit inGuys & DollsandChipinBeauty and the Beast.HismostrecentshowwasBandanna,aproductionbyUT’sGraduateOperaTheater.

“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”

– Mark Twain

rodcaspers(Director)Rod graduated from Illinois StateUniversity and earned an MFA fromThe University of Texas at Austin. Hehas taught and directed at the Univer-sityofNorthern Iowa, theUniversityofWisconsinandtheUniversityofTexas.HeisProgramCoordinatorforUT’sOfficeofUniversityRelations,creatingandproduc-ingofficialuniversityevents.Rodconductsdirectingworkshopsthroughoutthenationandservesasaguestartist/instructorfortheFacingHistoryandOurselvesPrograminZurichSwitzerlandandBoston.Whilein New York, Rod served as AssociateDirector for GreenPlays, creating anddirectingseveralnewmusicalsandcaba-rets.Hehasdirectedover70productionsincludingDas Barbecue,Working,Merrily We Roll along,Lies and Legends,Pippin,Close Ties,Shirley Valentine, Once on This island,in the Heart of america,Tintypesand ‘night Mother.RecentlyhedirectedThe Good Times are Killing Me,The Di-ary of anne frankandOrdinary PeopleforAustinTheatreforYouth.RodisArtisticDirector of Grinnell Productions. ThiswinterhewillagainmanagetheRockettes’RadioCityChristmasSpectacularwithhiscolleagueChanChandler.

DouglasW.Bolin(AssistantDirector)Doughasperformedinmusicaltheaterandoperaticproductionsforthepast15years.His leading roles include Sam in Street Scene, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni,andRinuccioinGianni Schicchi.Hewasassociate producer for the Ohio StateUniversity’sproductionsofSouth Pacific,The Turn of the Screw,Street Scene,Don Giovanni,Side by Sideandothers.HehasbeenapartoftheproductionteamfortheAustinLyricOperaandtheGlimmerglassOpera and done consultant work forOperaColumbus.HehasbeenamemberofthevoicefacultyatBaylorUniversityforthepasttwoyearsandcurrentlyisamem-beroftheproductionstafffortheOfficeofUniversityRelationsatTheUniversityofTexasatAustin.

lynKoenning(MusicDirector)Lyn returnsasMusicDirector from last

ExecutiveProducer..........................................................WilliamSheffieldDirector..................................................................................RodCaspersCo-Choreographers.....................................AciaGrayandDierdreStrandMusicDirector/Conductor...................................................LynKoenningScenicDesigner................................................................J.RichardSmithCostumeDesigner............................................................... SheilaHargettCostumeDesignAssistant....................................................... CarolHornLightingDesigner........................................................RobertT.WhyburnSoundDesigner........................................................................ BillMesterPropertyDesigner...............................................................ValerieSadorraWigs/HairDesign...........................................................TheresaMancusoProductionStageManager.............................................. SusanThreadgillStageManager............................................................. MichaelMcKelveyAsst.StageManager.......................AubreyLindquist*,T.MichaelWord*ZilkerParkStageManager...........................................................BillWisePARDSpecialEventsManager...............................................ClayToweryTechnicalDirector.............................................................DwightMarkusMasterCarpenter......................................................... MichaelGessamanMasterElectrician............................. David“Seb”Boone,RichardBrownCostumeShopManager(s)......................... SheilaHargett,ElspethMasonWigs/HairAssistant.......................................................MargaretDowns*SoundMixer............................................................................ BillMesterSoundTechnician.................................................................JasonSurretteDeckSoundTechnician...........................................................AlexHerrinScenicArtist(s)................J.RichardSmith,KristenHurst,BrendonWalshPuppetCreator......................................................................BrianGastonSceneryConstructionForeman..................................... MichaelGessamanScenicCarpenters.......... MichaelGessaman,RichardNance,BradWilsonMetalWork............................................................................VinceHerodCutters/Stitchers/Tailors........................StephenButtler*,IshaqClayton*,

LisaR.Fisher*,CarolGoodspeed*,MatthewHolloway,EttaHolt*,Jef-freyJacoby*,PamJohnson*,KathyLang,DeannaLindstrom*,TheresaMancuso,ElspethMason,ThomasMayfield*,EmilyMcElroy,Rebecca

Meischen*,CameronPearce*,MelaniePuckett*,SarahRochford*,SterlingTitus*,JamieTrosper*,ShawnTuthill*,AmandaWalker,HoustonWalts*,PaigeWright*,NathanWylie*

HeadCutterDraper..................................................... HomaKhoshKhuiWardrobeSupervisor...................................................MatthewHollowayElectrician(s)........................BrandonHowe,JasonAmato,ZachMurphyDeckElectrician..........................................................David“Seb”BooneLightBoardOperator.............................. BobFishbeck*,KevinKennedy*FollowSpotOperator........................... SarahBremen*,EleanorFowler*,

CarolHorn*,ChipHowe*RunningCrewChief.............................................................KevinFaure*DressersandRunningCrew......................PeterBeilharz*,RhettBraniff*,

MargaretDowns*,DarrylGurecky*,CatherineHoey*,PamJohnson*,CarolKeate*,SuzanneKing*,AubreyLindquist*,KarenNabers*,

AliciaSilva*,AimeeSpence*,DanaStover*,KayWilloughby*,TrinkaWithers,T.MichaelWord*,SandyZelmanski*

ProductionPrinting....................................................... HorizonGraphicsProductionArtDesignandProgramLayout..................... ScottSchroederProgramPhotography............................................................SteveWilsonZilkerTheatreProductionsISP...................... MikeDempsey,OuterScape

ScenerywasexecutedintheAustinLyricOperaSceneShop.(*DesignatesVolunteer)

Staff Staff List Biographies

years production of South Pacific. Shehas over 20 years teaching, conductingandperformingexperienceandhasbeennominated by the Austin Critics’ Tableas Best Musical Director for five Guys Named Moe(1994),The Beggar’s Opera(1995)anda Day in Hollywood/a Night in the ukraine(1999).Shehasservedasmusical director or piano/conductor forfiveshowsnamedBestMusicalinAustinincluding Beehive, Rockin’ Christmas Party, and Dreamgirls. She will next bemusical director for the upcoming pro-ductionofCamelotthisfallattheMaryMoody Northen Theatre. Lyn holds aMasterofMusicdegreefromUTAustinand teachesprivatepiano to childrenofall ages. Visit her on the web at music-worksstudios.com!

aciaGray(Co-Choreographer)Ms.GrayhassharedthestagewithsuchtapgreatsasGregoryHines,SavionGlover,BrendaBufalino,SarahPetronioandmanyothersinproductionssuchasThe Great Tap Reunion,Tap Do/Wop,Just friendsand Chicago on Tap. Acia is producingartisticdirectorofTapestryDanceCom-panyafternineyearsdancingasafound-ing member of Austin On Tap. She hasserved on the steering committee of theInternationalTapAssociation.Addition-ally,Aciaworkswithnumerousdanceor-ganizationsincludingDanceMastersandtheTexasAssociationTeachersofDance.ShehasworkedwithLiveOakTheatreonproductionsofNunsense,She Loves Me,CabaretandMan of La ManchaaswellascollaborationswithBalletAustin.Ms.GrayteachesanaccreditedtapprogramatAustinCommunityCollegeandTapestryDanceCompanyAcademy.SheisalsoAr-tisticDirector/TapforDanceArtsInstituteof America and has choreographed andtaughtfornumerousorganizationsacrossAmericaandabroadaswellaspublishedthecriticallyacclaimedbook,“TheSoulsofYourFeet”.

Deirdrestrand(Co-Choreographer)Ms.StrandstartedheprofessionalcareerwiththeFortWorthBalletandcontinuedwithJamesClouser’sSpace/Dance/TheatreandAustinonTaptouringcompany.ShereceivedherB.F.A.inDancefromtheUni-versityofHoustoninadditiontostudyingwithManoloAgullo,FernandoSchaffen-berg,EdwardVillella,ArthurMitchellandMelissaHayden.HighlightsofherballetrolesincludeJamesClouser’sRasputinand

Don Quixote stagedbyMiguelTerekov.Her unique and holistic teaching tech-niques are in demand locally, nationallyand abroad, ranging from Ballet Austinto The international Summer School, Cyprus andtheDanceDepartmentofTa-SiS/London.DeirdreisAcademyDirectorandco-ArtisticDirectorofTapestryDanceCompany,headstheDanceDepartmentofSt.Stephen’sEpiscopalSchool,AustinandArtistic Director of Jazz for Dance ArtsInstituteofAmerica.

J.richardsmith(ScenicDesign)J. Richard Smith returns to the ZilkerSummerMusicalhavingdesignedGuys & Dollstwoyearsago.Adesignerbyprofes-sion,hisworkshavebeenseenregionallyandlocallyatalmostallthemajortheatrecompanies inAustin.Someofhis repre-sentative designs include: Carousel, The Boys Next Door,a Shayna Maidel,Damn yankees, Once On This island, Man of La Mancha,The Prima Donna’s Mother is a Drag,TheParamount75thGala,a Winter’s Tale,The Steadfast Tin Soldierandmanyothers.Richard is alsoproudtohelmoneofTexas’finestfamilytheatrecompanies, servingasProducingArtisticDirector for Second Youth RepertoryFamilyTheatre.

sheilaHargett(CostumeDesign)SheilaiscurrentlyProfessorandHeadofCostume Design and Technology in theTheatreDepartment at SouthwestTexasStateUniversitywhereshehastaughtanddesignedforovertwenty-eightyears.Ms.Hargett began her career as an actressandstillperformsfromtimetotime.SheholdsaM.A.fromLSUandaM.F.A.fromSMU where she studied with Broadwaydesigners Bill and Jean Eckart. She hasdesignedforTheShakespeareFestivalofDallas, SMU Theatre, Eastfield College,TexasPlaywright’sCompanyTheatre,LiveOakTheatre,AustinShakespeareFestival,TexasEducationFoundation,TexasWaxMuseum and Aquarena Springs ThemePark. Ms. Hargett has designed and/orsupervised student designs for over 200productions. Those among her own de-signs includeThe Tempest,a Christmas Carol,a Long Day’s Journey into Night,West Side Story, Hair, Romeo & Juliet,The Glass Menagerie, Twelfth Night,The Government inspector,The Miracle Worker, The Runner Stumbles, a Man for all Seasons and a Doll’s House tomentionafew.

robertt.Whyburn(LightingDesign)Mr. Whyburn has been working as alightingdesignerover10years.Big Rivermarks Robert’s 10th summer musicalsinceanniein1990.HeregularlydesignsforAustinShakespeareFestivalandZachScott.RecenttheatrecreditsincludeCre-ative Opportunity orchestra at LagunaGloriaandBeehiveatZacharyScott.HisfutureprojectsincludeAustinShakespeareFestival’s Othello, as you Like it andhisannual contribution of Christmas lightson 37th street. Robert is a graduate ofthe University of Texas with a Bachelorof Arts degree in Theatre. Throughouthiscareer,Roberthasreceivednumeroustheatrical awards including the B. IdenPayne Award and Critics Table Award.Mr.WhyburnisTechnicalDirectoratSt.Stephen’sschool.

BillMester(SoundDesign)This is Bill’s third season with ZilkerTheatre Productions after workingon Guys & Dolls and South Pacific.Hestudiedaudioandrecordingtechnol-ogy in 1989 at Houston CommunityCollege with a scholarship for acad-emic achievement. Mr. Mester workedseveralyearsinthecorporateaudio-visualfield for such clients as PBS and IBM.He currently works with touringproductions at the University of TexasPerforming Arts Center and is sounddesignerforAustinLyricOperaandsoundengineerforBalletAustin.

theresaMancuso(Wig/Make-UpDesign)Theresa Mancuso is pursuing her Mas-terofArtsdegree inCostumeDesignatSouthwestTexasStateUniversity.Shehaslived in the Austin area for many yearsdesigning costumes and makeup forVortex Theatre, Different Stages andKids Acting. Ms. Mancuso has beennominatedfortwoB.IdenPayneAwardsfor her work. She has been guest artistat McNeese State University where shedesigned costumes and makeup for into the Woods.TheresawonanawardfromtheAmericanCollegeTheatreFestivalforOutstandingLifeSizePuppetDesign,andacashawardfromtheTexasEducationalTheatre Association’s DESIGNFEST forThe Wizard of Oz. She has designedand built costumes for Mardi Gras inLouisiana since 1984. This is her debutwithZilkerSummerMusicalsasdesignerforhairandmakeup.

susanthreadgill(ProductionStageManager)Susan has worked in Austin arts andtheatreforthepast17years.Formerpro-ductionstagemanagerforTheUniversityofTexasPerformingArtsCenterandcur-rentproductionmanagerforAustinLyricOpera,shehasbeenonstafffortheZilkerSummerMusicalsinceWest Side Story in1992.Ms.ThreadgillservesontheBoardof Trustees for the Austin ShakespeareFestivalandwillproduceOthello and as you Like itattheBeverlyS.SheffieldZilkerHillsideTheaterfollowingBig River.

MichaelMcKelvey(StageManager)MichaelisadoctoralstudentattheUni-versityofTexasinvocalperformance.HerecentlyproducedPatienceforAustin’sGil-bert&SullivanSociety,directedDracula: a Musical Nightmare forVioletCrown,appearedinMy fair Lady(StateTheater)andPassion(ACoT),musicdirectedyou’re a Goodman, Charlie Brown (JCC), andassistant stage managed Tosca, Salome,and Otello for Austin Lyric Opera. HeteachesvoiceanddramaforSt.Stephen’sSchool, Zachary Scott Theatre, AustinMusical Theatre and Tapestry Dance.ThismarksthethirdtimehehasworkedwithRodCaspers(Branson or BustandDas Barbecu) and his fourth time stagemanagingforZilkerTheatreProductions(Once upon a Mattress,Guys & Dolls,South Pacific).

Williamsheffield(ExecutiveProducer)Mr. Sheffield is repeating his work withZilkerTheatreProductions asExecutiveProducer. He was co-producer of theAustinShakespeareFestival,alsoknownas“ShakespeareinthePark”forthepastthree years. This year Bill is directingOthello for Austin Shakespeare FestivalwhichopensinSeptember.BillhasservedasproductionmanagerfortheParamountTheatre and worked with many groupsas stage/production manager or lightingdesigner; groups including Austin Musi-cal Theatre, Zach, Austin Lyric Opera,BalletAustin,AustinSymphonyOrches-tra,AustinContemporaryBallet,AustinDanceEnsemble,TexasYouthBalletandSlavin-NadalDance.Mr.SheffieldreceivedhisBFAinactingatUTafterappearinginover12productions.Billcurrentlyownsa multi-media company catering to LasVegas casinos and other entertainment-relatedcompanies.

Without the support of these individuals and groups and all of our many volunteers, we would not be able to bring you the “magic” of tonight’s summer musical.

AccessAustinArts-BettySiegelAkin,Gump,Strauss,Hauer&Feld-Me-

lissaEason-Brackin,KarenHausman-Haywood,DavidNelson

Albertson’s#4022,#4029,#4031,#4244ArtisticTeam-Rod,Sheila,Lyn,Acia,

Dierdre,Robert,Rick,ValerieandBillforsuchanexcitingteam

Auditionvolunteers–KathleenDeaver,JeffFerry,MaryPatHelton,DanSmith,ArleneStorm,KayWilloughby,SandyZelmanski

Austaco–BethanyBrevardAustinAmericanStatesman-

MichaelBarnes,ArnoldGarcia,JaneGreig,CharlotteMoore

AustinArtsCommission–PeerPanelists–SandraBonsell,G’AnnBoyd,KarenCollier,LynnFisher,StevenLora,Ju-dithA.Rhedin;Commissioners–Max-ineBarkan,AndreaBryant,DeannaHendrix,ChelbyKing,PatOrman,BernadettePhifer,LesliePool,DeannaD.Rodriguez,BruceWillenzik

AustinChamberofCommerce-MaryBuck

AustinCircleofTheaters-AnnCiccolellaAustinCityCouncilandCityManager

-MayorKirkWatson,StaffMemberJillGeorge,CouncilMemberGusGarcia,StaffMemberPaulM.Saldana,CouncilMemberDarylSlusher,Coun-cilMemberWillieLewis,StaffMemberDwightBurns,CouncilMemberBeverlyGriffith,StaffMemberSuzieHarriman,CouncilMemberBillSpelman,MayorProTemJackieGoodman,CityManagerJesusGarza,AllisonTaylor

AustinCommunityFoundation–GeorgiaB.LucasFoundation,MariBenRamsey,RichardSlaughter

AustinConventionandVisitor’sBureau–BettyBaker,RicLuber,WendyL.Morgan,DebbieOenning,GwenSpain

AustinEnergy–CandiceScottAustinI.S.D.(JohnstonHighSchool)-

RickGarcia,MarkRosholtAustinLyricOpera-SteveParks,

SusanThreadgill,SceneshopstaffAustinMetropolitanFederalCreditUnion

-JackJordanAustinParks&RecreationDepartment

-MariaCicciarelli,MarioGarza,SarahMacias,TomNelson,PARDDirectorJesusOlivares,

PoliceChiefWarrenStruss,ClayTowery,JimmyValadez,BillWise,TransportationDivision,ParkPolice

AustinScreenPrinting–DavidHabegger,EdHargett

BagelManufactoryBannockburnBaptistChurchPeterBielharzBlueBellCreameriesRhettBraniffBrioVista-ChuckSmithBrownDistributing-AgnesFuccello,Sha-

ronPetersonRichardBrownByYoli-YoliRakish,RichTaylorSignsofTexas–YvonneDavin,

KerriRenoufJamesCameronCapitalComedyClub-Margie,

RichTaylorDavidCrossElizabethChristianChuy’sHulaHutChuy’sComidaDeluxeCitySearch-RobinLovingCoca-ColaBottlingCompany-

CharlieStaufferCompleteDataSolutions,Inc.-

DeweyGaedcke,AndrewWeaverDavidConrad,CPACorporateCharitiesGroup-GeorgeCoferDigatex–RandyHallDonDayDomino’sPizzaDonMartinPublicAffairs-TreySalinasElArroyoEmory,Young&Associates–JeffCrosby,

W.R.“Peck”YoungFiestaGroceryMartFillingStationAllisonFoxLettieFreemanFriscoShopFromBroadwayWithLove;entertainers

–WayneBachus,AnneChamlee,BetsiChamlee,JimHunter,JohnMitschian,JaniceWilson;crew–ByYolicatering,CapitolCityComedyClub,FabulousCheesecakes,StephenA.Laban,BillMester,KragNordyke,ArleneStorm,StraitMusic,RichTaylor,UltimateCheesecakes

Furrow’sMichaelGessamanGrantWritingVolunteers–

StephanieMears,BarbaraTerryG.T.E.–TomClarke,MelodyA.HilburnHaynesMarketing-MichaelHaynesHearingInterpreters–SharonBarnett,

SueSyphersH.E.B.Stores–KateBrown,

LauraRodriguez

SpeCiaL thaNKS

rehearse-a-thonDoNors

HillCountrySprings–JimSayers,HillCountrySpringsistheofficialandexclusivesupplierofwaterforthe41stAnnualZilkerSummerMusical

HispanicMagazine-RomeoPerezHoggFoundationforMentalHealth-Al-

lisonSupancicHomeSteamLaundry&Cleaners-

BobDavisHorizonGraphics-BlairDalgleish,

MikeSpannHulaHutJason’sDeli–RonnieMacklinJuniorLeagueofAustin-JulieAllen,Em-

ilyBaker,MargaretDowns,NancyEdsel,KatieFarrimond,EleanorFowler,DorothyGarza,Kath-erineGlass,PamGriffin,CatherineHoey,CarolHorn,PamJohnson,CarolKeate,LeeAnnKincheloe,SuzanneKing,KarenNabers,StaceyNicchio,HalliePowell,MariBenRamsey,GailRomney,SuzySmith,DanaStover,MindyWat-son,KathiWhitley,MargyYoung

Katz’sDeliandBarKerbeyLaneCafeKolacheShopLakelineMall–JennyFaltesekLCRA-KarenFarabee,MarianneNeely,

MarkRose,BeverlySeffel,EmployeesCharitableContributionsCommittee

LibertyBank–EddieSafady,PaigeSeidenberger

LoneStarProduceLuby’sCafeteriaMagnoliaCafé–MikeLoughanDianaMarkusKimandArturoMendezMotorola-LindaGarrett,JohnGregson,

RhondaTappanMuirPublishing-SteveDietzNorwest–TerryCollinsOakFarmsDairyOasisRestaurantOfficeOrganizationVolunteer-

MichelleHanusOuterScape-MikeDempsey,

PhyllisPryor-DempseyPapaJohn’sPizzaMarciParkerPencomSystem-EdAttaya,CindyCastilloPepsi–BrianJeffreyPhilipMorris-JackDillardPizzaHutPrivateIdaho(BagelManufactory)ReddyIceRehearse-a-thonvolunteers–ShariGarcia,

KathleenDeaver,NickDeaver,MaryPatHelton,JanSeward,ArleneStorm,LoriStorm

CaroleKeetonRylanderSam’sClubSanFranciscoBakerySchlotsky’s-PaigeMitchellScottSchroeder

SEMATECH-MatthewOlguinn,JeanLouis

Serrano’sBillSheffieldShopSkandinavia–LaurieMacinniSouthStarDodge–RosieSorensonSouthernUnionGas-BobbieBarker,

PattyGonzales,RickGrundmanSouthwestTexasStateUniversityTheatre

DepartmentSpecialAudienceMarketing-JaniceGod-

win,AnnLittle,JamesMaschStandard&Poor’s,Dallas-BruceSalzerSteck-VaughnRaintree–

GabrieleMadisonAnnaStengelLloyd,Arlene,andLoriStormStriplingBlakeSweetishHillBakeryTate/Austin-KerryTateTempleCivicTheatreTempleInland-SueBranch,

StevenWilliamsTexasNon-ProfitTheatres,Inc.-

LindaM.LeeMikeThomasTivoli–CybeleDiamandopoulos,

KristinKaram,LauraMooreTracor–SamCrawford,

HortenseSpanglerUnicare-PatiFullerUpperCrustBakeryUTPerformingArtsCenterPropShopVinson&Elkins-JerryTurnerVintageVillas-HaroldSnyder,

Jack&NeldaStrongVolunteerRecruiter–KathleenDeaverAnneMaryWhyburn&EmilyWhyburnSteveWilsonXenoSound-JohnCauseyXperienceYouthatZilkerparticipants

–MarieEly,JanikaImafcion,JennyLjungquist,LynnMetcalf,MimiPeters,LeahStoddard,AmeliaZeringue,SeanBoatman,KellyHollabaugh,MatthewHum-prey,EricHungerford,StephenWhite,AtticusWiman,JacyCobalis,AshleyLedesma,JenniferQuerean,HelenaStergiou,AngelitaThomas,MattGee

XperienceYouthatZilkertechnicalcrew–StephBrowning,RussellHerman,LisaMoreno,BenDecherd,LeahWalter,LeahMilery

XperienceYouthatZilkerstaff-Director-RickGarcia,MusicDirector–JimmyEdwards,AssistantDirector–KrisAndrews

BlakeYelavichZilkerTheatreProductionsBoardZilkerTheatreProductionsAdvisory

Board

thank You!

The annual rehearse-a-thon is heldduringthemonthofJuneasafund-raiserforZilkerTheatreProductions.Thecast,crewandvolunteersrehearsefor12hoursduringthesecondorthirdSaturdayofthemonth,andbringinapproximately$5,000annually.Wehopeyouwillbecomeinvolvedasavolunteerorcontributorofnextyear’srehearse-a-thon. We appreciate thecontri-butionsfromthedonorsbelowandhopeyouwillhonorthemwithyour business and mention thesummermusical.

7-Up – RC – Big RedAlberton’s 4022, 4029, 4031,

4244Bennigan’s

Black-Eyed PeaBluebell Creameries

Brick OvenBrio Vista

Buttercrust BakeryCanyon Café

Chili’s Bar and GrillChuy’s

City ProduceCounty Line

Domino’s Pizza #9Eastside Café

Einstein Brothers BagelsEl Arroyo

Fabulous CheesecakesFilling Station, The

Fresh AmericaFrisco Shop

Frito Lay SnacksGreat American Cookies

Hill Country DairiesKatz’s Deli

The Kolache ShopLance Snacks

Luby’s Cafeteria, North LoopLuby’s Cafeteria, Barton Creek

Oak Farms DairyPapa John’s Pizzas

Romano’s Macaroni GrillSan Francisco Bakery

Sweetie PiesSweetish Hill Bakery

Trudy’sU.R. Cooks

Upper Crust Bakery

ExecutiveProducerCityofAustinundertheaus-

picesoftheArtsCommissionJuniorLeagueofAustin

associateProducerPhilipMorris,Inc.

MegastarGeorgiaB.LucasFoundationFundClaytonFundH.E.B.StoresStillWaterFoundationMr.RandallJ.Storm

risingstarHorizonGraphicsSouthernUnionGasSpecialAudienceMarketingArlene&LloydStorm

starAkin,Gump,Strauss,HauerandFeldMs.SueBranchCoca-ColaCorporationLowerColoradoRiverAuthority(LCRA)TexasCommissionontheArts

D O N O r S

is proud to be a

Rising Star Supporter of Big River

ZilkertheatreProductionsMembership

Mr.GeorgeAbikhaled

LisaAlmgrenAnnArnoldSusanBageSandraBakerDi&PhilBaum

June&GeraldBeckDr.RobertBernsteinMr.StanBidermanMs.ArleneBiehleBenny&MerryBirk-

endollPaulaBlahaMs.SueBlankenburgMr.JimBleckleyJohn&FlorenceBra-

decichDr.&Mrs.JohnBrandMs.JanetBrayMr.DenisBreiningMs.AlisonLouise

BrownRuthBussMaryLenChambersAlbert&Lorraine

ChammahGrenger&Loretta

ChangMrs.ClarkCharbonnetMr.CharlesChaumontMarianneChavarriaMr.DonaldCheathamMr.L.H.CherneyDavid&CelineChienSaraColomboMr.BarryColvinJoe&VirginiaConklinMike&Melissa

CooperDianeCopenhaverMs.SueCormanMr.JeffCownov

erMr.WarnerDahlbergMr.MichaelDamalNancyDeCampDaniel&Michelle

DoreMr.&Mrs.J.C.DunnJanet&RobDyeMs.BeatriceEdmondsDr.Bill&JudyEstesBruce&TracyFellGregoryFigaro

Dr.CarlFisherMs.LindaFryerSteve&LoraAnn

GersonMr.JeffGlosserMs.JoyceGonzalezPatrick&Elizabeth

GoveMs.AnnGreen

Ms.CynthiaHaleFrancineHanselerMr.SteveHarriganMs.MarjorieHeatonMaryMargaretHoltDorisE.HossallaMs.LucyHoughJoSueHowardDr.CharlesHudsonCherylJohnstonLeslieJohnstonMs.ShirleyJonesJohn&CharleneKen-

nedyElizabethC.KirkCarolyn&Ronald

KosteleckyTheLastDetailLarry&KathyLazickiJerome&Dona

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Regional Mexican Cooking

the Story of Mark twain (SamuelClemens,1835-1910)

AonetimeprinterandMississippiRiverboatpilot,MarkTwainbecameoneofAmerica’sgreatestauthors.TomSawyer,HuckleberryFinnandLifeontheMississippirankhighonanylistofgreatAmericanbooks.

MarkTwainwasbornSamuelLanghorneClemensonNovember30,1835,inthesmalltownofFlorida,Missouri.Hewasthefourthoffivechildren.Hisfatherwasahardworkerbutapoorprovider.ThefamilymovedtoHannibal,Mo.,ontheMississippi,whenyoungClemenswas4yearsold.Itwasinthisrivertownthathegrewup,andfromithegatheredthematerialforhismostfamousstories.Hannibalwasafrontiertownoflessthan500inhabitants.Smallasitwas,thetownofferedmuchvaluablematerialforabuddingwriter.Theinhabitants,alargeshareofwhomSamuelcametoknowwell,rangedonthesocialscalefrompoorwhitesandslavestothegroupHuckFinncalled“qualityfolks.”Itwasamarkettown,visitedperiodicallybyfarmersfromthesurroundingcountryside.Itwasalsoarivertown,invadedbyallsortsoftravelersmovingupstreamanddownstream—steamboatmen,revivalists,circusperform-ers,minstrelcompanies,showboatactors.Itwasnotstrange,therefore,thatHannibalandthepeopleencounteredthereweredestinedtofigureinmanyofClemens’books.ThecharacterofJudgeThatcherissomewhatlikehisfather;AuntPolly,hismother;SidSawyer,hisbrotherHenry;HuckFinn,atownboynamedTomBlankenship;andTomSawyer,acombinationofseveralboys–includinghimself.

Hisfatherdiedwhenhewas12,andtheboywasapprenticedtoaprinter.Anapprenticeworksforsomeoneinordertolearnatrade.Thiswasthefirststeptowardhiscareerasawriter.In1857heapprenticedhimselftoariverboatpilot.Hebecamealicensedpilotandspenttwoandahalfyearsathisnewtrade.TheCivilWarendedhiscareerasapilot.ClemenswentwesttoNevadaandsoonbecameareporterontheVirginiaCitynewspaper.HerehebeganusingthepennameMarkTwain.Itisanoldrivertermmeaningtwofathoms,or12feet(4meters)ofwaterdepth.

Twainwasmorethanahumorist.Behindhismaskofhumorlayaseriousviewoflife.ThecontroversialHuckleberryFinn,whichisperi-odicallybannedinschoolsorlibrariesbecauseofallegedracialovertones.Ithaselementsofheartbreakandwisdomthatcanbeappreciatedbestbyadults.

Twain’schiefworksare:TheCelebratedJumpingFrogofCalaverasCounty(1867),TheInnocentsAbroad(1869),RoughingIt(1872),TheGildedAge(1873),TheAdventuresofTomSawyer(1876),ATrampAbroad(1880),ThePrinceandthePauper(1882),LifeontheMississippi(1883),TheAd-venturesofHuckleberryFinn(1884),AConnecticutYankeeinKingArthur’sCourt(1889),TheTragedyofPudd’nheadWilson(1894),PersonalRecol-lectionofJoanofArc(1896).

Big River, The adventures of Huckleberry finn iswinnerof7TonyAwardsin1985includingBestMusical,BestBookofaMusicalandBestMusicalScoreand7DramaDeskAwards–includingBestMusic,BestLyricsandBestOrchestrations.

ZilkertheatreProductionsisproudtocontinuethischerishedlegacyofpay-what-you-mayfamilyentertainmentforover50,000musicallovers.sendyourtax-deductibledonationto:ZilkertheatreProductions,

P.o.Box180222,austin,tx78718-0222orcall512-479-9491(visa/Mastercardaccepted).

First Page of Original Publication

Huck and Jim on the raft