*** The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.***

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Brett and Kim Andersen Directors’ Note:

Brett and Kim are so excited to be making their directing debut with the Off Broadway Theatre. They fell in love with this production three years ago when Kim played the part of Barky and could not pass up a chance to do it all again and to direct this amazing show! They could not be more honored to have this opportunity to work with this wonderfully talented cast & crew. A special thanks to the Columbus Adult Education Center for partnering with the Off Broadway Theatre to bring this production to life. 

Directing Forever Dead has been a monstrously fun adventure (with a few thunderclaps along the way). This show takes the familiar harmonies of Forever Plaid and other familiar tunes and reanimates them with a spooky new twist—Frankenstein, vampires, mummies, and werewolves. It’s a parody that doesn’t just make us laugh at the monsters, but invites us to see the humor in ourselves as well.

Like every live theater experience, this production has come with its share of challenges. But from the moment we began work on this production, so much came along perfectly in place, that when the speed bumps came, we knew we’d be able to overcome them. The members of our cast and crew have endured loss, injury, and even hospital stays. Yet, through it all, their resilience, talent, and determination have stitched this show together piece by piece. We are so proud of the way they have supported one another, bringing heart and humor to every rehearsal and performance.

We hope tonight you laugh loudly, sing along, and enjoy the playful spirit of this monster mash. Most of all, we thank you for being here. Theater is never complete without an audience, and your presence makes all our hard work come alive.

Finally, a very special thank-you to our daughters, Brynnlie and Bentley. Thank you for your patience with our late nights, your encouragement during long rehearsals, and for reminding us why we love doing this together. You are our favorite ghouls—and the brightest lights in our spooky world.

CAST BIOS

Brett Andersen as Frankie/Director: 

Brett is thrilled (and slightly shocked) to be stitched back together as Frankie the Frankenstein monster in Forever Dead! Sharing the director’s chair with his sweet angel wife has been a dream. He is beyond grateful for this spook-tacular cast and crew, and hopes you sit back, relax, and enjoy some frightful laughs—whether you’re laughing at him, with him, or at his big monster shoes.

Kimberly Andersen as Barky/Director/Choreographer/Spotlight Tech: 

Kim is a huge fan of The Off Broadway Theatre and is so excited to be part of this awesome company that brings joy & laughter to people’s lives. Kim played Barky three years ago and fell absolutely in love with this show—it’s one of her FAVORITES! She is so excited to be able to direct alongside her best friend and teammate! Kim thanks all of those who came out to support the show! In the wise words of Elle Woods From Legally Blonde, “I once had to judge a tighty-whitey contest for Lambda Kappa Pi. Trust me, I can handle anything.”

Jessica Andrews as Sphinx/Assistant Vocal Director: 

Jessica is so excited to be spending a spooky season rocking out in Forever Dead with her fellow castmates. She was most recently seen in Robin Hood 2 and Greece is the Word. She has always loved music and singing and making people laugh. She was involved in several music programs at the University of Utah while pursuing her degree in civil engineering. Her hobbies include karaoke, fire dancing, and spending time with her fur-babies. Happy Halloween!

Anna Kennedy as Doris/Vocal Director/Sound Tech:

Anna is thrilled to return to the OBT stage! You may have seen her in Greece is the Word, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and It’s a Wondrous Life. She has *loved* every second of playing the piano in front of a crowd. (It’s her worst fear.) When not on stage, Anna’s an attorney who enjoys reading and fishing for compliments she definitely won’t accept. But, hey, try her anyway—you never know!

Scott Macdonald as Sphinx: 

Scott believes theater embiggens the soul of even the smallest man and is thrilled to be singing the Sphinx to life alongside this talented cast. He’s played everything from maniacal villains to endearing hobos and even dashing heroes. Offstage, he enjoys biking, skiing, big-wheeling, and speaking in the third person. He’s endlessly grateful to his son Jonas, his amazing friends and family, and especially to Jill—his co-conspirator in laughter, love, adventure, and all the best plot twists in life.

Jeffrey North as Barky: 

Jeff is over the moon to be reprising his role as Barky!! Forever Dead is one of his favorite OBT shows!! Jeff’s recent roles include the lead role in “the Scottish play” with Titus Productions, Little John in Robin Hood 2 at the OBT, and The Balladeer in Assassins with Sanctuary Theater. Jeff hopes you enjoy this amazing show! Remember, Success starts with sucks!

Nikki North as Bloods: 

Nikki’s been performing for many years and loves (almost) every moment of it! You may have seen her with OBT as Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, Edith in Eric Jensen’s Pirates of Penzance, or Helga/McGonandull/Minerva in Dracula vs. Henry Botter. Other faves include Florence in The Curious Savage and Queen Anne in The Three Musketeers. She is excited to play with her hubby again on the OBT stage!

Daniel Peckham as Bloods and Choreographer/Spotlight Tech: 

Daniel hates plays. He hates musical theater. He hates acting, singing, and dancing. But he LOVES vampires. He’s very excited to play the most important character in this production of Forever Dead! JK! Daniel has been a part of OBT for three years and is happy to be back in Forever Dead.

Jill Stark as Frankie: 

You may remember Jill in various productions at the OBT for the past 18 years. She usually plays older people. Now, Jill plays a tall older monster. Hasn’t changed much since the last show she was in… Thanks for supporting her and laughing either at her or with her. Both are appreciated. Thanks to her family and friends who still find time to come watch her in all these crazy fun shows, and to her partner in crime, Scott, and sidekicks Jonas, Ozzie, and Tonia who let Jill lean on them through all the good and bad times. Jill dedicates her performance to her father who always saw her as a SUPERSTAR.

CREW BIOS

Nicole Peckham – Stage Manager/Light Tech:

Nicole is a crafty gal who loves cross stitch, crochet and everything in between. She has been a fan of OBT since 2020 and has watched her husband, Daniel, perform with them. Nicole is jumping into theater as a stage manager. She has loved being a part of such a funny play!

Bentley Andersen – Assistant to the Stage Manager: 

Bentley LOVES to be on stage! For this show they wouldn’t let her be on stage since it is an all adult cast, so she figured she would try something new and help out backstage. But she still gets to have her moments, which she’s happy about! She loves the OBT and making people laugh. This is Bentley’s 21st show and 8th OBT production. She hopes you enjoy it!

David Bellis – Laughing Stock Improv Tech

David has been the sound and light tech at the OBT for many years. He has been the sound and light tech for many of our  productions and has been a steadfast tech for our improv shows. David works full-time and spends many of his weekends helping out at the OBT, keeping the laughter going. Thanks David!

OBT ANGELS

November 28 – December 20

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Clarence Strohn, trustee and chair
Jeff Driggs, trustee and vice chair
Brett Andersen, trustee and secretary
Bing Fang, trustee and past chair
Christopher Cheeney, trustee
Monte Garcia, trustee
Sandy Jensen, trustee
Anna Kennedy, trustee
Scott Macdonald, trustee
Jim Morgan, trustee

OFFICERS

Eric R. Jensen, Co-Founder / Artistic & Technical Director
Sandy ThuyAnn Jensen, Co-Founder / Executive Director
Bing Fang, Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Hicks, Treasurer
Scott Macdonald, Marketing Director

CONSULTANTS

Aaron Bellis, consultant
Nic Brown, consultant
Austinn Jensen, consultant
Daniel Gillette, consultat

ERIC R. AND SANDY HUBBLE JENSEN’S BIOS

Eric and Sandy are co-founders of the Off Broadway Theatre and Laughing Stock improv comedy troupe. They have worked closely for some 30 years, dedicating much of their time to building and growing the Off Broadway Theatre. They have been married for over 30 years and have one son, Austinn, who has grown up acting in numerous OBT and other productions.

Eric, the artistic and technical director for the OBT, grew up in Murray, Utah. He received his bachelor’s degree in theater arts at the University of Utah and his master’s degree in secondary education at the University of Phoenix. As executive producer and lead playwright, director, set designer, costumer, actor, and improviser, he guides many aspiring talents at the OBT. He teaches improv classes while mentoring up-and-coming playwrights, directors, stage managers, and set designers. His acting, writing, and directing experience has also been featured at Desert Star, CenterPoint Legacy, Hale (both Orem and West Valley), and Egyptian theaters. He has taught and performed high school workshops and elementary school assemblies, as well as for some after school programs. Eric also teaches K – 6 as a fine arts specialist in the Davis School District, inspiring children to love theatre, music, dance, and all things art. Under Eric’s leadership, OBT won the Best Community Theatre award from the Utah Theatre Association in 2020, recognizing the quality of the theatre and Eric’s work with high schools and the community.

Sandy serves as the executive director of the theatre, as well as executive producer, box office manager, and social media specialist, with more than 30 years of experience in small business management. She has an extensive acting background, including the OBT, Hale Centre Theatre WVC, The Grand Theatre, Sundance Theatre, Salt Lake Acting Company, Pages Lane, and Stage Right Theater. Sandy continues to work tirelessly to grow volunteer opportunities at the OBT. She was born in Vietnam and has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with endorsements in ESL, STEM, and Gifted. She teaches 1st grade in the Davis School District. She has earned two Presidential Awards for Volunteering and has been recognized in Who’s Who of America. 

The Off Broadway Theatre has been said to have a feel of “family,” and that’s because it is. Eric and Sandy’s mission has always been to provide a place where people can come together and make laughter ring true and provide a safe place to hone skills and develop friendships. Through the art of live performances, the theatre has reached many new friends, and its charitable outreach program has provided wonderful opportunities to serve our community. 

Eric and Sandy also co-founded Laughing Stock Improv and have performed together on the OBT stage as well as at corporate and school events. They are proud to have such a long-running improv show with some amazingly talented improvisers who have been with the company for a long time.

Thank you for your many years of support and patronage in Salt Lake City and Draper, and for following us here to the Alliance Theatre. Please continue to donate to help us forge another 30+ years of spreading laughter in Utah! Go to www.theOBT.org to donate today.