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

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Eric Jensen’s Director’s Notes:

Frightmare Before Christmas has always held a special place in my big, theatrical heart. Maybe it’s the spooky-meets-sparkly vibe, maybe it’s the bizarre mash-up of holidays, or maybe it’s simply because I relate to characters who thrive on chaos. Whatever the reason, this show has been one of my all-time favorites to direct.

The characters in this production are wonderfully eccentric—some creepy, some kooky, some questionably stable—and watching this cast bring them to life (or… after-life?) has been an absolute joy. 

I also have to offer a heartfelt thank you to my incredible production team. With a double cast, keeping everyone’s entrances, exits, props, scenes, costumes, and occasional emotional support cookies organized is basically an Olympic sport. And yet, somehow, they’ve managed it with grace, good humor, and only minimal bribery on my part. I couldn’t have done this without them.

This cast is overflowing with talent—truly. They’ve embraced the weirdness, the whimsy, the spooky charm, and the comedic madness of this show with everything they’ve got. I hope you laugh as loudly and as often as I have while watching them work their magic. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this twisted holiday celebration. If you leave the theater humming a tune, quoting a line, or wondering what on earth you just witnessed… then we’ve done our job. Happy Frightmare!

CAST BIOS

Chase Arnold as Wolfie

Chase has always secretly liked acting like a dog offstage, so now he gets to do it on stage. Don’t ask how old he is because he won’t tell you, and if you give him dog treats, he will eat them. Anyways, enjoy the show? Or don’t enjoy it—he doesn’t mind either way.

Chloe Arnold as Sherona/Canadian Guard

Chloe is a 16-year-old sophomore who’s been hooked on theater for almost three years. She’s already performed in 16 shows. At OBT she has gone from playing Karen the Computer in SpongeBob the Musical to Chow in Henry Botter. This is her third show with OBT, and she couldn’t be more excited! When she’s not on stage, she’s probably memorizing lines or dreaming up her next role. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Kelly Bellis as Nefertiti                  

Kelly is back as the iconic Nefertiti. You may have seen her most recently as Maid Marion in Robyn Hood 2. Some other roles she has played include Karla Kroft in Indianapolis Jones, Rebecca in Ivanhoe, and Lady Clydesdale in Robyn Hood. She’s grateful to share the stage with her daughter. Thanks to her family for their support throughout rehearsals and performances. She hopes this show brings some laughter to your holiday season!

Charisse Berry as Bride

You might remember Charisse from such OBT shows as A Christmas Carol, Part 2, and Robyn Hood 2. To show she can do more than just sequels and male roles, here she is and, oh, what fun it is to be a part of this hilarious hodgepodge of holiday joy and joyness! Charisse 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 frightfully holly jolly time!

Kasey Capanna as Sphinx  

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

Cece Christy as Shirley/Canadian Guard                   

Frightmare Before Christmas is Cece’s first show at OBT (catch it!). Cece is 15 years old and a sophomore at Highland High School, where she has done Urinetown, The Layover, and Hadestown. She also does jazz band, wind ensemble, and roller derby. She enjoys music, sketching, and Mexican food. She wants her friends to know that this show is full of her weird little jokes. She is so excited to share this show with everyone!

Nadia Christy as Sherona/Dolly Understudy/Canadian Guard

Nadia is so excited to be part of this production! This is her first show at OBT, and she couldn’t be happier. She has been in many shows earlier this year, such as Mean Girls, Remember the Rules, and Urinetown, and is currently making her directing debut with Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Susanna Cressall as Werewife

Suzie’s delighted for her OBT debut! Previously, she was in Oliver!, but most of her experience consists of dancing and singing along to musicals with her friends and sisters. Thanks to her husband and three children who support her love of performing, Suzie’s had a blast becoming Werewife. She appreciates the masterful directing of Eric Jensen to teach a newbie to be funny. This whole cast is talented and hilarious, so enjoy the show!

Matt Davids as Googley Moogley/Elf on the Shelf/Daniel Pumpkins/Ensemble  

Matthew is back on stage with the OBT for his 12th show! He was last seen here as Algernon and Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest. Some of his favorite roles include Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and Laertes in Hamleton. This will be his second time playing these Frightmare roles, and he’s just as excited to whirl through characters with blinding speed, confusing the audience into laughter.

DRU as Santa Claus

A bio, and a bio, and a bio,Write in this petty pace from show to show,

At the last moment due to wasted time;And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to lofty laughs. Out, out, brief comedy! Life’s but a dancing shadow, a pooped player,That struts and gives his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. 

This is a tale told by an idiot, Full of songs and funnies, Signifying nothing.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Ed Gilmore as Mayor Renfield

Ed is so excited to reprise the role of Mayor Renfield and 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 here, 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 and family, for the support you give me. Love you all!! Now let’s get fish & chips!

Bailey Graybill as Shirley/Canadian Guard

Bailey is a junior at Bingham High School, and she’s super excited to be playing Shirley in Frightmare Before Christmas. Last year, Bailey was in Henry Botter with OBT as a Smithereen. She loves driving, hanging out with her friends, and playing basketball. Her favorite people are definitely her peer tutor buddies—Unified Sports is the best! Bailey is so glad to be part of this show and can’t wait to do more in the future.

Alejandro Hancock as Frankie

Alejandro is happy to be appearing in his first OBT show to give you a shocking performance. Past experience includes Joe from 9 to 5 (Hopebox) and an ensemble member from Jekyll & Hyde (Centerpoint).

Eric R. Jensen as Dracula               

Eric has been performing plays at the Off Broadway Theatre since its inception. As one of the founding members, he has put his life’s work into making shows fun for the family and for the actors as well. He has enjoyed playing Dracula for more than 30 years, and he has been acting, directing, and writing shows not only for the OBT, but for many theaters in Utah. He hopes that you will enjoy this frightfully whimsical show! Eric wishes to thank his lovely wife, Sandy, and his son, Austinn, for their wonderful and unwavering support.

Sabrina Jewells as Dolly    

Sabrina is excited to be returning to the OBT after a few years’ absence! This is her 4th show here, and she is delighted to be reprising her role as Dolly in Frightmare Before Christmas. She wants to thank everyone who supports her in these adventures, including her wonderful family, friends, and you, the audience. Hope you’re ready to laugh! And if you’re not, well, tough luck. You have no choice!

Ever Lord as Dolly                                    

Ever is ecstatic to be back on stage at the OBT! Some of Ever’s favorite past roles include Maureen Johnson in Rent, Herdirony in Dracula vs Henry Botter, and most recently, Kira in Xanadu. When Ever isn’t on stage you can often find her in the tech booth running the lights and sound for theaters all over the valley. She hopes you enjoy the show and wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Tristan Mourtitsen as Wolfie                   

Tristan has played goofball characters over the past 2 years in various OBT shows, such as Pirates of Penzance, Dracula vs. The Hunchback, and Utahoma! He’s supported by his incredible wife, Emily, and his two kids, Oliver and Abbi, who have all been greatly tolerant of his absence throughout the rehearsal process. He’s a dirty dog, and he hopes you have a howl of a good time!!

Jessica Nguyen as Werewife                            

Jess joined the OBT in 2013 with her first show, Sort-of the Rings, and has been collecting memories and friends here like Pokémon ever since. Some of her favorite moments have been on stage, and she is excited for more. This show is extra special because it is her first time sharing the stage with her favorite person, her son Felix. With Robert’s support and Felix’s debut, she has leveled up.

Boston Smith as Tree

Since birth, it seems, Boston has always been a performer. You might have recently seen him in Lore of the Rings as Grimly, or SpongeBob in SpongeBob the Musical with the Off Broadway Theatre. He’s very excited to be back at the OBT, rounding out his fourth consecutive year with the company. He dedicates this show to his family and friends for their incredible love and support. And viewers like you. Thank you. Snap, Snap, Snap, Glitter!

Christopher Steck as Zack Skellingtor                          

Christopher is excited to make his OBT debut. He has been so grateful for all the guidance and skills he has learned throughout the show process, and can’t wait to share this show during the festive holidays! Some of his past shows have been: JCS at the Grand Theatre, Lightning Thief and Beauty and the Beast at Cottonwood Heights Arts Council, and Jekyll & Hyde at West Valley Performing Arts.

CHILDREN’S BIOS

Bentley Andersen as Hull/Ensemble

Bentley is super excited to be doing her sixth OBT show! She loves theater and if she’s not on stage she’s always watching. She hopes you enjoy Frightmare Before Christmas!

Charli Arnold as Zombie

Charli is thrilled to return for her third show with OBT! She previously performed in the choir of Dracula vs. Henry Botter, and played Gary in SpongeBob The Musical. Her favorite role was Gingy in Shrek Jr. She’s excited to reunite with former castmates and hopes you enjoy the show!

Harmony Bellis as Zombie

Harmony Bellis is excited to be back at the OBT as a zombie. Harmony last performed here as Knight 2 in Robyn Hood 2. She’s excited to make you all laugh, as her Christmas gift to you!

Evelyn Benson as Zippo/Zombie

Evelyn is excited to be in her second OBT show, and as one of the principal roles as Zippo. She has had experience in five theater camps. She has seen her mom (the assistant director) and stepdad (Googley Moogley) in many shows, and they were in Evelyn’s last OBT show, Greece is the Word, as well.

Rea Brown as Kit/Ensemble

Rea loves theatre, whether she’s watching performances, writing plays for her friends, or acting. She’s been going to Off Broadway Theatre performances her whole life, and had an amazing time acting as a pioneer child/seagull in Utahoma! last year, so she is super excited to be Kit in Frightmare Before Christmas! She hopes you love the show!

Sara Brown as Kaboodle/Ensemble

Sara loves acting and she loves the Off Broadway Theatre! This is her third show with OBT; previously she was Frollo in Lore of the Rings and a pioneer child in Utahoma! When she’s not on stage, she bakes, practices aerial silks, creates art, and hangs out with her friends, cat, and dog. Sara hopes you all have a wonderful time and come back to the OBT! 

Chandler Chucay as Zombie

Chandler has been lucky enough to be in some fun shows, like Shrek Jr. and The Three Musketeers, and now has jumped into this big one, Frightmare Before Christmas. Honestly, his absolute favorite part of the Frightmare rehearsals has to be how great Eric Jensen is—he just makes the whole thing a blast and so much fun for everyone.

Charles Easton as Kit/Ensemble

This is Charles’ ninth OBT show! He is stoked to reprise his role of Kit in Frightmare Before Christmas. He first played this role back in 2022. You may have seen him in Dracula vs. Henry Botter as Nevin Shortbottom or in his debut show, The Grouch who Stole Christmas. However, his favorite role was Frollo in Lore of The Rings. He hopes you have a spooktacular time watching this show!

Penny Maxfield as Zippo/Zombie

This is Penny’s debut on the OBT stage! She is a pro at being silly. She loves tumbling and dancing, and is excited to play Zippo as her first role. She’s dog obsessed! 

Sadie Maxfield as Zombie

This is Sadie’s debut with the OBT! She is a ray of sunshine. She loves her time tumbling and dancing. She enjoys spending time with friends, baking, crafting, and creating art. She is excited to be performing with her little sister, Penny!

Felix Nguyen as Zombie

Felix has loved jumping into theater and is excited for his first 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.

Acelynn North as Kaboodle/Ensemble

Acelynn is delighted to be performing in her fourth OBT production. Her favorite past roles include Red Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, Genie in Aladdin, and Flounder in The Little Mermaid. She thanks you for coming to the show, and she hopes you enjoy Frightmare Before Christmas!

Andrew Smuin as Hull/Ensemble

Andrew is 11 years old, and he is so excited to be in Frightmare Before Christmas! He hopes that you all enjoy the show as much as he has. He loves being in plays, especially the OBT. His favorite drink is root beer. He has been in Peter Pan and Henry Botter. Merry Christmas and Enjoy the show!!

Jordyn Smuin as Zombie/Ensemble

Jordyn has been in two OBT shows, and she’s excited to be back! Making people laugh is her all-time favorite hobby, so she hopes you laugh at least once. She’s lucky to be working with all of these wonderful people. She loves being on stage, and she hopes that you love this play as much as she does!

CREW BIOS

Jessica Benson – Assistant Director and Vocal Coach

Jessica is excited to take a seat back on the production team as assistant director. She is so impressed with the rest of the production team and hard work from the actors. She has loved seeing growth in everyone’s craft and how much they are ready to have fun at the same time! This is Jessica’s ninth production with the OBT since 2019. Most recently you would have seen her as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. Some other favorite roles she has performed at the OBT were Alphabah in The Wicked Wizard of Ahhs, Grammy in Dracula vs the Adamns Family, and Princess Laman in Star Ward. Jess feels lucky again to be involved in a show with her partner, Matthew Davids (Googley), and daughter playing her first role in community theater as Zippo! She thanks them and the lifelong friends and family made through the OBT.

Lee Wailes – Stage Manager

Lee has been stage managing at the OBT for the last eight years. Some of the shows include Dracula vs. the Adamns Family and Star Ward in 2016 and 2020. OBT has given him a place to feel safe, a place where people care, 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 feels he would have never otherwise met. He believes in the community and family Eric and Sandy Jensen have built these last 31 years.

Robbie Easton – Sound and Light Tech:

Robbie is excited to be at the sound and light board for Frightmare Before Christmas! He’s performed as an actor at OBT for four years, particularly enjoying his roles in Peta Pun and Seussical the Musical. This has been a year of firsts for him, behind the scenes: this past spring he stage managed for the first time, for OBT’s straight production of The Odd Couple, and then this summer he added sound & light to his skillset, running tech for The Importance of Being Earnest. Enjoy the show!

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

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.