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

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Tonya Huso’s Director’s Note:

Monsters and vampires and mummies, oh my! Many of us grew up with a fear of the dark and what may be lurking there. While the creatures of Forever Dead may still bring a shiver to your spine, I hope they also get you to think. What if that monster in my closet was just lonely? What if they were just missing their mummy? 

This show encourages us to look beyond the grisly or furry faces to the hearts underneath. During this time of social media and people sharing what seems to be every happy moment of their lives, I hope this show helps you stop and think. We are all more complex than our Facebook stories or Instagram reels are showing. If there is more to these monsters there must be more to all of us. If anything I hope this show brings a smile to your face and helps you laugh for the two hours these creatures are entertaining you. We all need more laughter these days, and these monsters are the best. 

I have loved working with these casts of phenomenally talented people. It doesn’t feel like work when the people you get to work with make you laugh every day. Each of these actors has a voice that can bring you goosebumps, in a good way. I am honored to have worked with them these past couple of months. 

I also thank my family for supporting me in my directing adventures. For being willing to try out new dance moves, talking through jokes, or just keeping me hydrated, I could not do it without you. So I thank my parents and sister who have been on this theatre journey with me since I was five. I also thank my husband, Nels, for understanding that I may not be home as often, but the end result will be worth it. Thank you all for supporting this show tonight! Keep an eye out for something lurking in the shadows, and enjoy Forever Dead!

CAST BIOS

Jake Andersen as Sphinx: 

Sphynx hails from Cairo where he played a small stint as a Pharaoh. He then traveled the world terrorizing folks before settling down in Nunya Biz, MN (not the part Nels is from). Some past shows include Curly in Oklahoma!, Cornelius in Hello, Dolly!, The Stepmother and Grace in Cinderella, Josh Baskins in Big: The Musical, Benny in Rent, Captain Hook in Peter Pan and twice in A Tuna Christmas performing as 11 characters.  Here at the OBT, a few shows you may have seen Sphynx in were Sheik Hugh Boote in Robyn Hood: Boyz in the Hood, Genie in A’Lad’n His Lamp, and Lane/Lowell in The Importance of Being Earnest. He recently directed The Drowsy Chaperone and Charlie’s Aunt here at the OBT. Sphynx wishes to thank Tonya, KarLee and the OBT for this torturously fun show.

Kimberly Andersen as Barky: 

Kim is absolutely ecstatic to be playing the first EVER female Barky in this hilarious and heart-warming show! Kim secretly wishes people would break out into song and perfectly choreographed dance numbers in real life. Kim wants to thank her hubby for being the Charlie to her Angels, and her two daughters for being the Barbies to her dream house! “I once had to judge a tighty-whitey contest for Lambda Kappa Pi. Trust me, I can handle anything.” – Elle Woods, Legally Blonde

Cynthia Chucay as Sphinx: 

Cynthia is delighted to be doing her first show with OBT. She has always loved theater and is very happy to be back from her hiatus. She has been singing for as long as she can remember and is excited to be doing it on stage. She’s had so much fun working on this show with her brother, even if they aren’t in the same cast. Cynthia is also a portrait photographer and a dog mama to her boopie baby butt, Roxi. She thanks her parents for always being supportive.

Stephen Chucay as Frankie: 

Stephen is very excited to join the cast of Forever Dead with the OBT. This is such a fun show, and I can’t wait to share the fun with family and friends. While a video conferencing engineer by day, he spends his nights as a filmmaker, singer, film aficionado, theatre geek, and father. He was recently seen with the OBT as Aldolfo in The Drowsy Chaperone and is happy to be doing shows with the friends he has made in the community.

Kirstin Hoyt as Doris Understudy: 

The OBT is delighted to have Kristen debut on our stage in her first production with us!  Kirstin has been playing piano since age 4. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Piano Performance from Utah Tech University and a Master of Music degree in Oboe Performance from the University of Utah. She regularly performs with various community orchestras in the Salt Lake Valley and is currently playing oboe for Tuacahn Center for the Arts’ productions of Mary Poppins and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

William Hunt as Bloods: 

William is a lover of the arts. Writing poetry, singing, modeling, acting, performing with a band…he loves it all! Having been a crab, a candlestick, a wizard and a school of magic’s headmaster, William is excited to take on the role of a singing vampire! William stays busy as a licensed massage therapist, an uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a friend to all. He thanks family and friends, both current and future, for their love and support. Enjoy the show!!!

Dominque Morrison as Bloods Understudy: 

Dominique is so excited to be a part of her FAVORITE OBT show! You may have seen her in OBT’s Peta Pun and the Pirates as Atlantica or Charlie’s Aunt as Kitty. She has certainly caught OBT fever! Dom is currently a junior in UVU’s acting BFA program. Some of her favorite past roles include Laura in The Glass Menagerie, Clarice in King Stag, and resident fashion icon in UVU’s theatre department. Oh, wait…that last one is still a current role. Thanks to every actor who has ever played a vampire for inspiring tonight’s performance.

Jeffrey North as Barky: 

Jeff is so excited to be returning to the OBT stage. Jeff saw Forever Dead back in the day and knew he had to be a part of it this time. Jeff has previously enjoyed his time with OBT as the Grouch in the last two Christmastime shows and as Raul in Phantom of the OBT! Jeff hopes you enjoy the show and, remember: you can’t spell success without sucks!!!

Tanya Rasmussen as Frankie: 

Tanya is happy to be performing with the Off Broadway Theatre for the second time! She was most recently seen in The Drowsy Chaperone and has loved every minute of bringing Forever Dead to life. When not performing, Tanya loves playing with fire and hanging out with her six favorite monsters. She is incredibly grateful for the support of her family and friends, especially her parents. She hopes the show will have you in stitches!

Katie Whiteley as Bloods: 

Katie is excited to be in another amazing production by OBT. You may have seen her in The Drowsy Chaperone and Littlest Mermaid. She is honored to be in Forever Dead. It’s a dream role. She thanks her amazing husband for supporting her in her dreams. AND A HUGE THANKS TO YOU, THE AUDIENCE. Enjoy the show!

KarLee Smedshammer-Warbuton as Doris and Musical Director: 

Karlee has been doing theater her entire life, but this is her first time music directing! The Off Broadway Theatre is happy to have Karlee debut on their stage as Doris.  She and her family have been supporters of the OBT for many years.  She has had an absolute blast working with both casts and helping them harmonize, and hopes you enjoy the show!

CREW BIOS

Audrey Lord – Sound and Light Tech:

Audrey has been doing theatre since middle school. They have been involved in lots of productions at OBT and DHT, including Jurassic Park City, Peta Pun, Much Ado About Nothing, and Littlest Mermaid. They are super excited to do the lighting and sound tech for this show. Be sure to catch her in the upcoming production of Frightmare Before Christmas!

Kaz Sandberg – Stage Manager:

This is Kaz’s fifth show with the OBT. Her previous credits include Jurassic Park City, Peta Pun doing tech, Littlest Mermaid stage managing,  and Muffet’s Christmas Carol where she was able to bring two of her favorite Muffets to life. She thanks her wonderful husband, Brandon, for his love and support and their seven wonderful girls. It’s with your support I’m able to live my dreams!

Steven Brochinsky – Pre-Recorded Accompanist

Steven is the choral director at Granger High School and was previously the staff accompanist for the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts. He has recorded music and performed in musical and opera pits around Utah for the last 20 years.

November 4 – November 26

February 3 – February 25

March 31 – April 29

June 2 – June 24

August 4 – August 26

October 6 – October 30

November 5 – November 26

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Bing Fang, trustee and chair
Janet Gonzalez, trustee, secretary, and vice chair
Jim Morgan, trustee and past chair
Christopher Cheeney, trustee
Jeff Driggs, trustee
Ben Eddington, trustee
Sandy Hubble Jensen, trustee
Clarence Strohn, trustee
Kelly Wideman, trustee

OFFICERS

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

CONSULTANTS

Aaron Bellis, consultant
Nic Brown, consultant
Austinn Jensen, consultant
Scott Hansen, consultant
Jeff Hunsaker, 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 over the past 26 years, dedicating much of their time to building and growing the Off Broadway Theatre. They have been married for 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, Centre Point 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 2000, 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 at the Salt Lake downtown location, and for following us here to Draper. Please continue to donate to help us forge another 25+ years of spreading laughter in Utah! Go to www.theOBT.org to donate today.