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

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Austinn Le’s Director’s Notes

Star Ward holds a special place in my heart. I first performed in this show as YOGA, and later went on to play Luke, so I have a lot of history with it. I’m also a lifelong Star Wars fan, so the opportunity to create parody work adjacent to that source material is one I’ve been excited about for a long time.

Working with my father, Eric Jensen, is always a joy, and together we developed the set design—an especially welcome challenge that I hope you enjoy. We chose to use Greek periaktoi, three-sided rotating columns traditionally used to change backdrops quickly. While they are typically built in sets of three, we constructed two to achieve a similar effect.

evolution of this show has been nothing short of exciting and rewarding. The talent and dedication of this cast is what makes this show truly great. Really, the dedication of actors is what makes great theatre anywhere, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with such a funny, committed group of actors. I’m proud of this show and couldn’t be prouder of the performers who have brought our vision to life.

Thank you Kayla, Lee, Robbie, and Dad for helping make this the best show we possibly could. And for anyone who’s read this far—please enjoy the show.

CAST BIOS

Chloe Arnold as ​Mormtrooper

Chloe has been involved in theater for four years and has appeared in four previous OBT shows, most recently being in Frightmare Before Christmas as Sherona. Chloe is beyond excited to be part of this out-of-this-galaxy production. She is grateful to share the stage with this talented and fun cast, and she can’t wait for audiences to experience the adventure, heart, and energy of the show. May the Force be with you!

Rachel Burress as ​Mormtrooper

New to Utah and brand new to the OBT, Rachel is thrilled to be a part of the Star Ward cast, although she’s still trying to understand some of the jokes. She credits her love for theatre (and undeniable flair for theatrics) to growing up as the chaotic youngest sibling… thanks fam! When not on stage, Rachel enjoys reading, going to concerts, and cycling—preferably with the wind dramatically blowing through her hair.

Kasey Capanna as ​Briggum Kenobi/Java the Cup

Kasey has been acting for the last five years. He caught the acting bug with his first show, playing Hermit the Frog in How the Grouch Stole Christmas with the OBT. Other roles he has enjoyed performing were Mr. Feldzieg in the Drowsy Chaperone and Indianapolis Jones in the OBT’s Indianapolis Jones. What he enjoys about performing is it gives him a chance to act goofy and entertain people.

Mallory DeForest as ​Princess Laman

This is Mallory DeForest’s first show with the OBT, but she isn’t new to the Valley. Some of her favorite roles have been Caroline Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, Annie in Annie Get Your Gun, and as a member of the educational tour at the Parker. As a HUGE Star Wars nerd, she hopes everyone enjoys watching this as much as she enjoys being in it.

Charles Easton as ​Luke Singleswarder

This is Charles’s tenth OBT show! You may have recently seen him as Kitt in Frightmare Before Christmas, but he has been performing with OBT since 2021. The first show he did with OBT was The Grouch Who Stole Christmas. One of Charles’ favorite roles was Frollo in Lore of the Rings. Charles is very excited to be performing in Star Ward as Luke Singleswarder. He hopes you have a fantastic time watching the show!

Ed Gilmore as Uncle Orem/Yoga

Ed was last seen as Mayor Renfield in Frightmare Before Christmas and he is excited to be back on stage with old and new friends. He considers himself lucky to be involved with such a great theatre company and has enjoyed his involvement with several shows, including Hamleton, Robyn Hood, and Dracula vs Henry Botter. He takes his inspiration from comic greats such as Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, and of course Eric Jensen! Thank you, Cathy & family, for the support you give me. Love you all!! Now let’s get fish & chips!!

Bailey Graybill as Mormtrooper

Bailey is 17 years old and so excited to be part of Star Ward! This is her third show, and she has previously performed in Dracula vs. Henry Botter and Frightmare Before Christmas. She is super excited to be playing a mormtrooper—it’s such a fun role, and she thinks the show is awesome! She hopes everyone loves it as much as she does. Outside of theater, Bailey loves playing basketball and hanging out with her friends. Her special needs friends are her favorite, and she is proud to play on her school’s unified sports team. She’s so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show!

Hannah Graybill as ​Mormtrooper

Hannah is excited to return to the OBT stage! With a passion for acting and singing, she brings a wealth of experience to the stage. Hannah has previously appeared in productions such as Willy Wonka Jr. and Musicville with Yellow Stage Door. She also performed with OBT as an Electric Skate in SpongeBob and a freakish ghoul in Dracula vs. Henry Botter. Get ready for an unforgettable performance as she morms into a super trooper! Beyond the stage, Hannah enjoys cozy moments snuggling with her bunny, Dewey Finn.

Omai Graybill as Wilford Wookiee​

I’m thrilled to be appearing in my first production with The Off Broadway Theatre. After several years of supporting my kids in their performances and enjoying many wonderful shows here, it’s a privilege to finally step on stage myself. Thank you for supporting local theater—I hope you enjoy the performance!

Doug Hendriksen as Uncle Orem/Yoga

Doug is pleased to join OBT for the first time! His previous roles include Major Holmes in The Secret Garden, Chiron in The Lightning Thief, Jacob in Joseph, and Charlie Cowell in The Music Man. In addition to performing on stage, he has worked as a sound technician, stage manager, and trumpet player. Doug is grateful for the opportunity to participate in so many aspects of theater and for those who make it possible.

William Hunt as Uncle Orem/Yoga:

William is excited to be back on stage with the OBT. He enjoys puns and wordplay. He was last seen as Will Gannon in The Nay Kid Gun. In addition to acting, some of William’s favorite pastimes include singing, writing poetry, and binge-watching TV shows in English and Spanish with his beautiful wife Mirian. She makes excellent Peruvian food!

Eric R. Jensen as The Adversary/Bar Keep

Eric Jensen is a seasoned theatre professional and versatile artist, celebrated for his extensive work as a playwright, actor, director, scenic designer, and improviser. His creative footprint includes the authorship of more than 50 plays, many of which have been produced by the Off Broadway Theatre and various other theatrical companies. Complementing his scripted work, his skills as an improviser showcase his spontaneity and comedic talent, making him a dynamic force in the entertainment world. Eric continues to be a prolific and influential figure in the theatre community, contributing his unique vision and wealth of experience to every project.

Sabrina Jewell as MTC-PO

Sabrina is so happy to be doing another show here with the OBT! You might have seen her recently as Dolly from The Frightmare Before Christmas. She’d like to thank her family and friends for all the time, money, and support they give her as she does her wacky hobbies, like this one. And to the random audience member who took the time to read this random person’s bio, thanks! You’re a real one.

​​Scott Macdonald as Porter Solo

Scott believes theater embiggens the soul of even the smallest man and is thrilled to bring, for the third time, Porter Solo to life alongside this talented cast. He’s played everything from maniacal villains to endearing hobos and even dashing heroes. Offstage, he enjoys hiking, 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.

Dominique Morrison as ​Luke Singleswarder

Dom is always happy to be on the OBT stage! Dom has a BFA in acting from Utah Valley University. Her favorite past theatre credits include Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank. She thanks her fiance and her family, especially her dad for igniting her love of Star Wars a long long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away.)

Felix Nguyen as CTR-2

Felix has loved jumping into theater and is excited for his second OBT show, because one of his favorite things is making people laugh. He also loves megalodons, Minecraft, and cuddling. He enjoys spending time with his mom, dad, his dog Harley, and his cat Arty.

Jessica Nguyen as Boba Fetch/Aunt

Jess joined the OBT in 2013 with her first show, Sort-of the Rings, and has been collecting memories and friends like Pokémon ever since. Some of her favorite moments have been on stage, and she is excited for more. She is excited to be in her second show with her favorite person, her son, Felix.

Hunter Smith as Darth Sinner

Hunter is excited to be back at the OBT! You might have seen him as Jack Worthing in The Importance of Being Earnest, Dino in Greece is the Word, or Heinrich in Dracula vs. Henry Botter. He still doesn’t know if this is a hobby, a lifestyle, or some weird coping mechanism—either way, he’s happy to be back on stage pretending to be someone else for laughs.

Charli Arnold as Jawa’s Witness & Andwok

Charli is so excited to be in another OBT production! Some of her favorite roles she has done before include Gary in SpongeBob, Gingy in Shrek Jr., and Gus Gus in Cinderella. This is such a great cast to work with, and she hopes you all enjoy the show!

Jack Barlow as Jawa’s Witness & Andwok

This is Jack’s first production with the OBT, and he is excited to be acting with his sister Katie and working with his older sister Kayla. He’s having a ton of fun and hopes you enjoy the show!

Katie Barlow as Jawa’s Witness & Andwok

Katie is debuting her acting on the OBT stage and loves working with her brother Jack! She has had so much fun working with her older sister Kayla and hopes you will laugh all night long.

Omai Junior Graybill as Jawa’s Witness & Andwok

This is Junior’s second show with OBT. In addition to performing, he loves Lego, playing with friends, and sports. He hopes you enjoy the show.

May 29 – July 11

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

Austinn Le – Director/Choreographer/Set Designer

Austinn Le is making his directorial debut with Star Ward. He was last seen on the OBT stage in The Importance of Being Earnest. A lifelong lover of the arts, Austinn relishes any opportunity to perform and has recently expanded his work to other theaters, though OBT will always feel like home. He is grateful for the chance to help bring this production to life. “This is where the fun begins…” – Anakin Skywalker

Kayla Barlow – Assistant Director/Music Director/Choreographer

Makayla Barlow is thrilled to be working as an assistant director and music director with The Off Broadway Theatre. She is usually found on stage and is excited to be part of the production team for this show. Past favorite roles include the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Queen Elizabeth in Pirate Queen, and three OBT productions as Ruth in Pirates of Penzance, Lenora in Utahoma!, and Sandea in Greece is the Word. Makayla is grateful to continue creating theater both on stage and behind the scenes.

Lee Wailes – Stage Manager

Lee has been stage managing at the OBT for the last eleven years. Some of the shows include Dracula vs. the Adamns Family, Star Ward in 2016 & 2020, and now the current Star Ward. He joins a handful of his previous cast mates bringing back this show now, with new friends at a new space. Lee feels that the OBT welcomed a socially awkward, nervous, and kind of useless 17-year-old and gave him a home. OBT gave him a place to feel safe, feel like people cared, and a place to grow as a person. OBT shouldered his mistakes, clapped at his achievements, and gave him the chance to meet close friends that he felt he would have never otherwise met. Lee can’t bring himself to be scared as the OBT makes this transition. He believes in the community and family Eric and Sandy Jensen built these last 30+ years, and he’s confident that the theater will continue to bring laughter and joy wherever it goes.

Ever Lord – Sound and Light Tech Consultant

Ever has been involved in theater since middle school and has loved it ever since! They have been doing tech at the OBT since 2021 and hope you enjoy the show!

Robbie Easton – Sound and Light Tech

Robbie is thrilled to be working tech for Star Ward after working on The Nay Kid Gun. His first behind-the-scenes experience was The Importance of Being Earnest, and he is honored to once again help run a show from the tech booth at our new space. Prior to that, Robbie performed as an actor in several OBT productions, including Peter Pun and Seussical the Musical. Last year, he served as stage manager for The Odd Couple, and he is ecstatic to be back in tech.

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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