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

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Eric Jensen Director’s Note:

Our debut production of Frightmare Before Christmas has finally arrived. This has been the brainchild of many actors over several years talking about a production for a Christmas/Halloween show called Dracula versus Santa Claus. Every time we tried to mount a production in that vein (no pun intended) it always seemed like the vehicle just wasn’t quite right. So we would always scrap it. Eventually, when we moved to Draper Historic Theatre we took the November time slot, but this was a bit of a conundrum, because November doesn’t lend easily to our style of productions. In other words there really aren’t many Thanksgiving plays, and I can’t imagine a pilgrim parody working very well…so we were kind of stuck.

What to do when it’s not quite Halloween and not quite Christmas? Somebody somewhere suggested that we do a parody of Nightmare Before Christmas. But it seemed like there were too many characters or scenes, and nothing really tied us to the OBT. However, one of our board members suggested putting Dracula in the show: “He could want to go to Christmasville to drink everyone’s blood. And a skeleton man would have to stop him.” Suddenly, in true, twisted, OBT fashion, it all seemed to make sense, Dracula versus Santa Claus and Zach Skellingtor in our Frightmare Before Christmas.

A year or so later we had a working script, some really funny bits and some pretty nifty music. And finally here we are. This show is dedicated to all of those people who have in some small way created or given ideas for creation to this long rumored play that everybody wanted to see done, and now finally it is. I feel so blessed to have a wonderfully talented group of people putting this all together. Enjoy your early Christmas present!

CAST BIOS

Eric Jensen as Dracula

He’s no caped crusader, but he sure wears his cape well! Eric has played Dracula for over three decades now, and he just keeps getting better. He loves all things theater, and when he’s not doing OBT stuff, he teaches music to students in K – 6 grade at Woods Cross Elementary. Thanks to his son, Austinn, and his wife, Sandy, for their many years of supporting him while he plays dress-up!

Jake Andersen as Santa Claus

Jake loves Christmas, and Eric loves Halloween, so this was a bit of typecasting. Jake is happy to be in this show with his friends and talented niece, Bentley. Thanks for including me, Eric.

Robert Roake as Zack

Rob is still relatively new to this whole acting thing, but he loves the chance to tell a good story, and maybe share a few chuckles along the way. He wishes he were a little more skeletal in real life, but alas, donuts! 

Roman Southwick as Zack

Roman loves dance and all things theater! Anything Disney is his passion. You may have seen him in several OBT shows and most recently in Jurassic Park City. This young man is a talented builder and is delighted to be back at the OBT.

Sabrina Jewell as Dolly

This is Sabrina’s second show at the OBT. She loves it here, but it infects her with ‘dumb-joke’ syndrome. One of her friends said “I can’t be around you. For starters, I’m sick of your dumb jokes.” Sabrina replied “I understand. And for the main course?” Sorry. Enjoy the show.

Sasha Southwick as Dolly

Sasha is excited to return to the OBT for another Halloween production. You may have seen her last year in Dracula vs. The Adamns Family. She enjoys opera, singing, dancing, and teaching people to ride horseback. She hopes you enjoy the show! 

Matthew Davids as Googley Moogley 

Matthew is thrilled to be performing at the OBT once again. Some of his favorite roles include Laertes in Hamleton and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. He’s very excited to whirl through characters with blinding speed, confusing the audience into laughter with some just plain weird voices.

Ed Gilmore as Mayor Renfield

Ed is back!! It has been way too long since his last OBT performance, but he is thrilled to be with Eric, the cast & crew, and his youngest daughter, Charlotte. Shout out to Cathy, Jane, Emma, and Beth. Hoping that one day, Eric will appreciate his English accent.

Boston Smith as Mayor Renfield

Boston has always been a performer. You may have recently seen him in other classic roles at the OBT such as George in The Drowsy Chaperone, Jack and Brassett in Charlie’s Aunt, and Newman/Tree/Security/Building in Jurassic Park City. He dedicates this performance to his family and friends for their incredible love and support. And viewers like you.

Brandon Halley as Frankenstein/Santa Understudy

Brandon has worked with and supported OBT for a year. He hopes to work with them for many years. He was assistant stage manager for Peta Pun and performed in Jurassic Park City. He loves the family atmosphere. He thanks his wife, family, and friends for their support.

Samuel Porter as Frankenstein    

Sam is very excited to perform at the OBT! Despite having been a lifelong fan, this is Sam’s first performance in decades. Huge thanks to Eric and to the best cast and crew he’s ever worked with.

Viveann Godwin as Frankenstein’s Bride

Viveann is happy to be back with the OBT family in another fun production, and thrilled to have her son on stage with her once again! She has enjoyed playing “Crocky,” “Dr. Hamblin,” and other fun characters, and is looking forward to playing “Bride of Frankie!”

Chelsea Grant as Frankenstein’s Bride

Chelsea’s so happy to be back on the OBT stage! Her first show here was Jurassic Park City. The cast and crew she worked with ensured that a big piece of her heart will always be here. She thanks Eric and Sandy Jensen for creating a positive, uplifting, and educational environment that connects so many people in the best of ways!

Kasey Capanna as Wolfman

This is Kasey’s third show with the OBT. He previously performed in How the Grouch Stole Christmas and The Drowsy Chaperone. He also performed in The Robber Bridegroom with Titus Productions. Kasey found he enjoys entertaining others when performing his first show last year. He also plays guitar and co-sings in a band.

Krystal Roake as Werewife

Krystal has always wanted to act. Strangely, her job in QA wasn’t leading to the realization of that dream, so she thought she’d try her hand at actually . . . acting. She lives with her husband, Rob, their son, Noah, and a geriatric Jack Russell who thinks she runs the house. (She does.)

Frida Cardenas as Werewife

Frida learned to love theatre from her mom at a young age and continued through her high school years to be part of many productions. Frida recently returned to stage with the OBT in Peta Pun and the Pirates. When adulting, she is a mom, wife, HR coordinator, dog momma, and Latin music lover!

Jessica Duncan as Shirley

Jessica is excited to perform and be part of the debut of this show. Her first show with OBT was in 2020 when she performed as Renee Field in Dracula vs. The Adamns Family. Since then she has performed in The Littlest Mermaid, The Wizard of Ahhs, and Dracula vs. Henry Botter. You may have also seen her in numerous productions with the Draper Historic Theater, Scera Center for the Arts, Outdoor Scera Shell, and Lehi Arts Center. 

Jen Spongberg as Shirley

Jen is excited to be back at the OBT! It is a dream come true to share the stage with Eric Jensen again. Jen is grateful for her wonderful family, her art girls, her theatre girls, her beautiful daughter, and her loving (and handsome) husband.

Emily Mouritsen as Sherona

This is Emily’s third OBT show! Emily loved being in this summer’s production of Jurassic Park City and was honored to be eaten on stage by a T-Rex! A special thank you to Tristan, Abbi, and Oliver for supporting my creative passions.

Suzette Dutson as Sherona

Suzette has done quite a few OBT shows, but it has been seven years since her last performance here! She is so happy to be with her OBT family. This year Suzette has directed, acted in, and cast shows from Layton to Draper. Keep an eye out for more!

Braun Bullock as Sphinx

Braun is excited to return to the OBT for his third show! He was previously seen in Cutie and the Beast and Pirates of the Carabiner. He has always loved Halloween and all things spooky. He loves spending time with his wonderful family, watching movies, and making people laugh.

Jessica Andrews as Nefertiti

Jessica is so excited to be doing another show with the OBT. She was most recently seen here in The Drowsy Chaperone, Littlest Mermaid, Muffet’s Christmas Carol and Cutie and the Beast. She was involved in several music programs at the University of Utah while pursuing her degree in civil engineering. She has performed at Prohibition, Millcreek Theater, and Sandy Amphitheater.

Nikki North as Nefertiti

This is Nikki’s fifth show with OBT in various capacities, some favorites being performing as Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone and Minerva/Helga in Henry Botter. She wouldn’t be able to do any of it without the support of her incredible husband and four kids! Thanks, Norths!

Dominick Chisholm as Hull

Dominick is thrilled to be joining the cast of Frightmare Before Christmas. He loves performing and appeared most recently as Maurice in Descendants. Dominick holds a black belt in karate. He enjoys writing stories and gaming with friends.

Kendra Jones as Hull

Kendra has been performing with the OBT for over seven years! She has loved being in such a wonderful production and getting to know these incredible actors. She thanks her friends and family for their support.

Kate Haymond as Kitten

Kate is excited to be in the OBT production of Frightmare Before Christmas! She was seen last year in the OBT’s production of Henry Botter, and previously in The Littlest Mermaid. Kate has also previously performed in the DHT productions of Annie, Peter Pan Jr., Once On This Island Jr., and many more.

Madison Easton as Kitten

This is Madison’s fourth OBT show! She’s stoked to do Frightmare Before Christmas with her friends. She hopes you have a spectacular time at the show!

Audrey Lord as KaBoodle

Audrey just recently was the sound and light tech for Forever Dead. They love anything to do with musical theater and have been taking classes at Alta High School. You may have seen them in the OBT’s The Littlest Mermaid and many DHT productions!

Pierce Jones as KaBoodle

Pierce is excited to be back on the OBT stage! He has done several shows at the OBT. In his spare time he draws and listens to music. He thanks everyone for their support!

Robert Dalley as Zippo

Robert is excited to be back with the OBT and back on stage with his mom! This is his second show with the OBT, and possibly a favorite role as “Zippo” the ghostly dachshund!

Bentley Andersen as Zippo

Bentley is excited to be in her second show at OBT. This is the ninth show she’s performed in, and she is so excited you came to see it! Come see Bentley in another show, Shrek Jr., coming soon!

Charlotte Gilmore as Zombie

Charlotte is pumped to make her OBT debut and is excited to join her dad on stage. She has definitely caught the OBT fever!!

Holly Chisholm as Zombie

Holly loves performing and is excited to be back on stage. Holly is always smiling and enjoys singing, dancing, bike riding, baking, and painting.

Alina Hartvigsen as Zombie/Leprechaun

Alina’s favorite role was Small Alice in Alice in Wonderland. She thanks OBT and her cousin Rebekah, who inspired her love of acting.

Morgan Southworth as Zombie

Morgan is so excited to be doing her first show with the OBT. She learned so much from the OBT Summer Theatre Camp. She has always loved singing and making people laugh.

Heather Whiteley as Zombie

Heather is excited to be in her first OBT show. You may have seen her in Riverton Arts Council’s Beauty and the Beast and Draper Historic Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Spencer Whiteley as Zombie

Spencer is excited to be in his first OBT show. You may have seen him in DHT’s Lion King Jr. as Ed, and A Christmas Carol. He hopes you enjoy the show. 

Amelia Foster as Zombie

Frightmare Before Christmas is Amelia’s debut with OBT. She has also performed in Shrek, Seussical, Joseph, and most recently in Once on this Island Jr.

Frida Lezcano as a Zombie twin

Frida, who plays the role of a Zombie, is a smart, outgoing, and witty young soul. She is happy to be back at the OBT, having previously participated in Peta Pun and the Pirates.

Alyson Lezcano as a Zombie twin

Alyson is sweet, kind, and shy, but with a strong personality. She previously debuted with the Sanctuary Theatre in Galactic Battles as a sister and an Ewok, and in the ensemble. Alyson enjoys taking classes at Synergy Dance Academy.

CREW BIOS

Austinn Le Jensen – Assistant Director

Austinn is excited to assistant direct his first production alongside his father, Eric Jensen. You may have seen him this past summer in Eric Jensen’s Adaptation of Charlie’s Aunt, where he played Lord Babberly. Some of the productions you may have seen him perform are The Importance of Being Earnest, Peta Pun, and A Murder is Announced. He hopes you laugh tonight and enjoy the show!

Lee Wailes, Stage Manager

Happy Halloween! Halloween and Christmas shows are my favorite to do at OBT, and I’m excited to be a part of this new production that combines the two. I’m doubly happy to welcome back my friends, Matt and Suzette, after far too long an absence.

Kaz Halley, Assistant Stage Manager

This is Kaz’s third time stage managing for OBT. Her previous credits include Forever Dead and Littlest Mermaid. She thanks her daughter and her wonderful husband for all of their love and support in making her dreams reality.

Audrey Porter, Light and Sound Tech

Audrey is very excited to be here and working with such an amazing cast and crew! With over 12 years of technical theater experience, she is fully prepared to take the blame for any unexpected disasters.

February 3 – February 25

March 31 – April 29

June 2 – June 24

August 4 – August 26

October 6 – October 30

November 3 – November 25

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.