Theatre Etiquette

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

* Please be sure to pick up your trash and dispense in the trash bins to help us keep the theater clean so others can enjoy it.

* If your child is crying, please take them out to the foyer so others can enjoy the show.

* No Smoking or vaping inside the theater. Please follow Utah guidelines when smoking outside: can’t  be within 25 feet of the entry way. 

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Eric R. Jensen Director’s Notes:

About ten years ago, my son, Austinn, came to me and said, “Dad, we should write a Hamilton parody.” I smiled and replied, “Sure, son… maybe someday.” At the time, I hadn’t actually heard the music from Hamilton. Once I finally did, my first thought was, “There is absolutely no way I’m touching that!” The music was brilliant, fast, complex—and downright intimidating. But the idea refused to go away.

Together, Austinn, Logan Rogan, and I came up with the title Hamleton, and we all agreed it was simply too good not to write. So we rolled up our sleeves, embraced the challenge, and somehow turned one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies into one of the most fun productions we’ve ever created. Now I have changed the name to Hamlet’s Son, a more appropriate name for the play since we are parodying Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

While earning my theatre degree at the University of Utah, I spent countless hours studying Hamlet. Every script analysis, theatre history, and literature course seemed to circle back to the melancholy Prince of Denmark, so I became very well acquainted with the play. Along the way, I also discovered that William Shakespeare and I have quite a bit in common:

• He was born in 1564. I was born in 1965.
• By age 52, we had each written 38 plays. (His may be considered classics… mine are considerably sillier.)
• We both started losing a little hair over the years.
• Shakespeare wasn’t fully appreciated during his lifetime… and I still struggle to earn respect in my own home.

One of the greatest joys of this production has been collaborating with our incredibly gifted cast. Their energy, dedication, comic timing, and musical talent have taken this show far beyond anything I imagined when we first tossed around the idea a decade ago. Every rehearsal has reminded me just how fortunate I am to work with such an extraordinary group of performers who have poured their hearts into bringing this crazy vision to life.

I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Hunter Smith, whose original musical arrangements and compositions elevate this production in remarkable ways. His creativity and talent captured the spirit of the show while giving it its own unforgettable sound to many of the numbers.

Also, to the backbone and heart of the OBT and my family, I want to thank my wife, Sandy, for her perilous support to me and the OBT, cast, and crew. She ensures everything is neatly put together on the administrative side and makes this show and our season possible for the past 33 years!

On behalf of our entire cast and crew, thank you for joining us tonight. We hope you enjoy this fast-paced, family-friendly retelling of Hamlet filled with rap, laughter, ghosts, murderous plots, revenge, and just enough Shakespeare to make your English teacher proud. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Hamlet’s Son!

CAST BIOS (BY ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

Eric Jensen as Shakespeare/Guildenstern:

Eric has spent 33 years bringing laughter to audiences at the Off Broadway Theatre, but this is one role he’s particularly thrilled to reprise. It is one of the most challenging roles yet—keeping every rhyme, rhythm, and rap perfectly on beat! His uncanny resemblance to Shakespeare is undeniable, and, like the Bard himself, Eric suspects true genius isn’t always recognized in its own time. He extends heartfelt thanks to his family, especially Sandy, whose unwavering support makes the magic happen.

Austinn Le as Hamlet:

Austinn has been performing on the OBT stage for more than 27 years and still loves every laugh. A longtime member of Laughing Stock Improv, he’s excited to reprise his role as Hamlet. Inspired by Hamilton, Austinn and his dad dreamed of creating their own musical parody—and now that dream has become reality! Recent credits include Pride and Prejudice (CenterPoint Theatre) and The Lightning Thief (Cottonwood Heights Theatre), along with such OBT favorites as The Importance of Being Earnest, Star Ward, Wicked Wizard of Aahs, and Cutie and the Beast. Sit back and enjoy the show!

Matthew Davids as Laertes:

Matthew can’t believe he’s performing in his 13th show at the OBT. He was last seen here as Googley Moogley and six others in Frightmare Before Christmas. He had the privilege of playing this role back in 2019 with so many of these talented performers who are back once again. This is one of his favorite shows ever, and he’s so proud to be able to do this once again, this time with his new fiancée Jess.

Chase Maughan as Laertes:

Chase is excited and grateful for the opportunity to come back to OBT!First and most of all he needs to give thanks to his beautiful wife for the support and encouragement to join this great show and keeping up with the two young kids during the many rehearsals and performances.Thanks as well to this great cast for being so welcoming and supportive. 

Sabrina Jewell as Ophelia: 

Sabrina is so delighted to be doing another play with the OBT! You may have seen her recently as MTC-PO in Star Ward, or Dolly in Frightmare Before Christmas. As a huge fan of Shakespeare, comedy, and musicals, this production feels like a dream come true. She thanks all her family and friends for supporting her, as well as everyone else who is reading this! Your support means the world. Thank you. 

Kassandra Torres as Ophelia: 

This is Kassandra’s debut with the OBT and she recently appeared as Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice at Centerpoint. She’s looking around at how lucky she is to be alive right now, which already puts her one up on both Hamlet and Ophelia. 

Jessica Benson as Gertrude: 

Jessica is back at the OBT playing Gertrude in her favorite OBT show!!! She is grateful and in awe of this composition by Hunter Smith. She is also grateful to perform again with her fiancé, Mathew Davids (Laertes). They met in their first of 10 shows together at the OBT specifically! Jessica’s most recent OBT role was Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. Next, she will make her directorial debut for OBT’s Frightmare Before Christmas. 

Jennifer Jackson as Gertrude: 

Jen Jackson is delighted to be returning to OBT and the role of Gertrude. Jen was a regular performer with Laughing Stock Improv until she decided to be boring and have a family (jk, love you all!) A designer and seamstress by trade, she is typically backstage fixing hems and being sarcastic. Thank you, Kevin, Nora, and Eli, for encouraging me to dust off my crown and join some of my favorite people making my favorite show. 

Ed Gilmore as Polonius:

Ed is excited to reprise his role as Polonius in this fantastic OBT show with a great director and talented cast. He feels privileged to have been a part of the company for the last nine years and hopes to perform for many more. Shout out to his family for their support while he’s been rehearsing and performing. He is always open to watching real football and eating good fish & chips. Up The Mariners!!!

DRU as Claudius:

To bio, or not to bio, that is the question: Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer  

The songs and dances of outrageous comedy, Or to play shows against a sea of troubles,

And by attending, befriend them. To kill, to slay—To slay, perchance to dream—ay, there’s the rub,

For in that sea of laughs what dreams may come?

Ane Gennesy as Guard 1:

Ane absolutely loves being part of the OBT family, and she’s thrilled to be back for her sixth show! Favorite roles include Belle (Christmas Carol Part 2), Professor McGonnadull & Henry’s Aunt (Dracula vs Henry Botter), the Mayor (SpongeBob the Musical) and Eliza R. Snow (Utahoma!) When she’s not on stage, you’ll find her paddleboarding, reading fantasy books, or happily singing around the house! 

Angie Day as Guard 1:

Angie Day is happy to be back on the stage as Guard #1 and even more to be doing the costuming for Hamlet’s Son. But if there are mistakes, those are Eric’s fault (wink). Between singing and sewing Angie is still writing novels and doing international admissions for the U of U. Sometimes there are naps.

Charisse Berry as Guard 3/Pirate 1:

Charisse is ready to share her fourth show with the OBT. You might remember Charisse from such OBT shows as A Christmas Carol 2, and Robyn Hood 2. She has a degree in theatre and social work. She works at Beehive Elementary school in Kearns, and is a certified IPT Facilitator, helping others heal and improve their lives. She hopes you have a super happy fun time! Thanks for coming and for all your support!

William Day as Guard 3/Pirate 1:

Will is excited to be in his third OBT show and to share this experience with his wife, Angie. While Will’s books, games and paints miss him, they are all inanimate and can’t really object out loud to his time with the theatre. This space available for advertising: Venmo: @William-Day-4

Kelly Bellis as Eliza:

Kelly Bellis is excited to join this incredible cast as Eliza. You may have seen her most recently as Nefertiti in Frightmare Before Christmas. Some other roles she has portrayed include Maid Marion in Robyn Hood 2, Karla Kroft in Indianapolis Jones, and Lady Clydesdale in Robyn Hood. Thanks to her family for their support throughout rehearsals and performances. 

Angelica Hope Williams as Eliza:

Hope is excited to be back at the OBT after seven years, reprising her role as Eliza. She first came to the OBT 17 years ago when she originated the role of Princess Laman in Star Ward. Hamlet’s Son will be her eighth show with OBT. She thanks her husband, Jason, for being her constant source of strength and support. Hope you enjoy the show! 

Lily Cameron as Peggy:

This is Lily’s second show with the Off Broadway Theatre. Her first production was with her sister as Gwenie in The Importance of Being Earnest. Since then she has really fallen in love with this band of thespians. She wants to thank her incredible mother and father for instilling and supporting a passion for performing! Enjoy the show!

Mallory DeForest as Peggy:

Mallory DeForest is delighted to return to the Off Broadway Theatre for her second production. A familiar face in the local theatre community, some of her favorite roles include Caroline Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, Annie in Annie Get Your Gun, and performing with the educational touring company at the Parker Theatre. She was last seen as Princess Lyman in OBT’s Star Ward, and she’s thrilled to be part of Hamlet’s Son. She hopes you enjoy the adventure as much as she does! 

Monte Garcia as King Hamlet:

Monte loves performing with the OBT and has been seen here in many productions over the last two decades! Some of his favorite roles performed elsewhere include Bernardo in West Side Story, El Gallo in Fantasticks, Radames in Aida, Chauvelin in Scarlet Pimpernel, Sancho in Man of La Mancha, Adolpho in Drowsy Chaperone, and Lawrence in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Monte is a realtor and lives in Sandy with his Uber-supportive wife, Jen. “Love you, Hon!”

Nathan Davis as King Hamlet:

Nathan is excited to return to the OBT stage once again. He loves reprising his role as King Hamlet and bragging to everyone about being a professional rapper. Nathan is a nerd. Scientist, Engineer, Actor, Writer, Inventor, and Teacher. He has 7 kids and a wonderful wife. 

Will Hunt as Rosencrantz/Pirate 3:

As thou might have thus guessed, thrilled is he who hast returned promptly to the realm of theatrics at the OBT. Thanks to his wife Mirian who hast permitted his leave to rehearse and unite to make-believe. William, though a poet, is no Shakespeare, and he doth know it. He hopes thou mightest enjoy the show, so folks here’s to you and away we go! 

Boston Smith as Gravedigger 1:

Since birth it seems, Boston has always been a performer. You might have recently seen them in Nay Kid Gun as Tommy Wice, as SpongeBob Squarepants in SpongeBob, the Musical, or as Fruit Tree in Frightmare Before Christmas. Boston is excited to be back at the OBT for their fifth consecutive year. They thank their family, friends, and viewers like you. Thank you. 

Alejandro Hancock as Gravedigger 1:

Alejandro is excited to return to the stage in another OBT show! He saw Hamleton in 2019 and it was the hardest he ever laughed, so when auditions came this year of the remaking with original scores, he knew he had to be in it. So, enjoy as he digs graves and brings laughs in spades. 

July 31 – August 29

October 2 – October 31

November 27 – December 28

November 6 – November 21

Special Engagement at the Columbus Adult Education Center
(1860 S 300 E, Salt Lake City)

CREW BIOS

Holly Anderson – Musical Director

Holly has long had a love for music. First as an instrumentalist through playing the flute, trombone, electric bass, piano, and ukulele, then as a vocalist through many musicals and a handful of operas. She has music directed shows from Shrek to Sondheim and lives for the moment everyone nails the harmonies. She loves the OBT and has both performed on and directed for their stages, and was seen most recently as Bubbles & Babs in The Nay Kid Gun. 

Dominique Morrison – Assistant Director

Dom is excited to return to the OBT, this time in the assistant director chair! Dom has recently been seen as Luke Singleswarder in Star Ward and Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest. But Dom is not unfamiliar with being on the other side of the casting table. She last directed Falsettos with UVU’s Theatre Arts Guild. “Thank you, Eric, for letting me be a part of this process!” “I have loved every minute!”

Hunter Smith – Original Music Arrangements

Hunter Smith is happy to be returning to the OBT after previously appearing on stage in productions such as Star Ward as Darth Sinner. This time, he joined the creative team behind the scenes, arranging the music for the show’s parody score. When not working in theater, Hunter is a software engineer who enjoys writing, recording, and producing original music in his free time. He hopes you enjoy the show and have as much fun watching it as the cast had creating it!

Spencer Ashforth – Original Music Arrangements

Having been a long-time patron of OBT, Spencer Ashworth is excited to be a first-time participant in an OBT production. Contributing several songs for the music score, it’s his first foray in scoring for theatre. During the day (or rather, evenings), Spencer is part of the Sound Department at Hale Centre Theatre. His spare time is spent collecting vinyl, recording and creating music, and learning all things audio related. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Chance Le Prey – Choreographer

Chance has performed in many OBT shows and loves the humor and fun of being a part of a parody house. Chance also performs improv with Laughing Stock and other troupes in the valley. He is the CEO of Geek Factor and loves all things sci-fi. He enjoys dance and is thrilled to choreograph Hamlet’s Son. He loves the music from Hamilton, and when he was asked to help with choreography, he jumped at the chance to be a part of this production. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Chase Arnold – Sound & Light Tech

Chase has been performing and working behind the scenes at the Off Broadway Theatre for the past five years. Favorite productions include SpongeBob the Musical, The Nay Kid Gun, and many other OBT favorites. Whether onstage or in the tech booth, Chase loves being part of the magic that brings each production to life. He hopes you enjoy the show and shares his thanks with everyone who supports live theatre! 

Patch Olsen – Stage Manager

Patch is excited to join you in this journey through our not-so-modern, not-so-retold Shakespearean musical. You might recognize their previous work as a stage manager for the SLC Fringe Festival, The Grown-Ups at TAG (Utah Valley University) and Machinal at UVU. You can find them again soon working for the SLC Fringe Festival.

David Bellis – Laughing Stock Improv Tech

David has been teching at the OBT for many years. He has been the sound and light tech for many of ourproductions 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, for all your support and hard work!

Robbie Easton – Laughing Stock Improv Tech

Robbie has acted and stage managed forthe Off Broadway Theatre for the past five years. He now serves as one of the techs for Laughing Stock and Outta Stock Improv. Whether he’s running lights and sound or adding laughs to the action, Robbie’s dedication and enthusiasm shine through. He’s grateful to be part of the OBT family and hopes you enjoy the show! 

Ever Lord – Laughing Stock Improv Tech

Ever is multi-talented! She is one of OBT’s techs for Laughing Stock and Outta Stock. She helps the OBT with sound and lighting. When Ever isn’t acting in a production she enjoys reading and listening to music. She hopes you enjoy the show!

PRODUCERS

Sandy ThuyAnn Jensen – Executive Producer

Sandy is the co-founder and Executive Producer of the Off Broadway Theatre, where she has spent decades helping create laughter both on and off the stage. With an extensive acting background and a passion for developing new talent, she loves bringing family-friendly theatre to the community. By day, Sandy teaches first grade at Woods Cross Elementary and is currently working toward her master’s degree in Educational Administration. She is grateful to share the joy of theatre with these casts, audiences, students, and performers alike. 

Eric R. Jensen – Executive Producer

If there’s a parody playing on the OBT stage, there’s a good chance Eric R. Jensen had something to do with it. As the creative force behind dozens of original productions, Eric has spent more than 40 years writing, directing, producing, and performing family-friendly comedies that celebrate the joy of live theatre. He loves collaborating with his wife, Sandy, mentoring performers, and proving that even the silliest ideas can become audience favorites. Nothing makes him happier than hearing a theatre full of laughter. 

Jeff Driggs – Producer

Jeff has been volunteering with OBT for more than 15 years—they’re trying to get rid of him, but he just won’t go. You’ll often see him selling concessions here on Fridays. As trustee and producer, Jeff gets to see the show throughout the rehearsal process, and he guarantees you’ll enjoy this one—the cast is talented, enthusiastic, and funny! Jeff is the proud father of two and grandaddio of four bright young children of the rising generation.

Jim Morgan – Producer

James “Jim” Morgan of Morgan Creative Design has been one of the OBT’s biggest champions for years. Having produced dozens of Off Broadway Theatre productions, he’s always the first to cheer on the cast and crew and celebrate every laugh from the audience. A proud grandfather and devoted husband to Judy—who rarely misses an OBT show—Jim brings creativity, encouragement, and contagious enthusiasm to everything he does. The OBT is grateful to have him on its team! 

OBT ANGELS

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 Jensen have been married for over 30 years. Together, they have dedicated much of their lives to building and growing the Off Broadway Theatre (OBT), which is now celebrating its 32nd year!

Eric is a co-founder and serves as the artistic and technical director. He wears many hats—playwright, director, set designer, costumer, choreographer, actor, improviser, and mentor to countless performers. Sandy, also a co-founder, is the executive director and manages the box office, production, and social media.

They have marveled at the dedication and support of the actors, directors, choreographers, volunteers, and board of trustees who have helped make the OBT a success. Eric and Sandy extend heartfelt thanks to these generous individuals for their time, effort, and friendship. The Off Broadway Theatre has often been described as having a “family” feel—and that’s because it truly is.

Their mission has always been to create a space where laughter rings true, skills are honed, and friendships flourish. Through live performances and improv comedy, the theatre has reached countless new friends and served the community through its charitable outreach programs.

Eric and Sandy both hold degrees in education and love putting them to use. Sandy has been teaching for 14 years—the past 7 years at Woods Cross Elementary teaching 1st grade, and prior to that at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in the Granite District. Eric teaches music at Woods Cross Elementary and leads improv classes and workshops at the OBT, as well as acting camps.

They share their love of theatre with their son Austinn, who is passionate about the outdoors, physical fitness, and acting. Their family also includes two beloved dogs, who round out their pack.

Eric and Sandy love watching people flourish and hope the OBT will continue to touch lives for many years to come. Thanks to the theatre’s supportive fans, the OBT is still here—ready to bring laughter for another 25 years! They hope you’ll enjoy their unique brand of humor and support the theatre with your patronage.

OBT Fever—Catch It!

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