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

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Jake Andersen Director’s Notes:

Welcome to Eric and Austinn Jensen’s brilliant Lore of the Rings. This is a fantasy adventure comedy for the ages, and we’re so glad to have you with us. Each rehearsal brought many laughs and triumphs as the cast created this story for you. This cast has worked tirelessly to bring you a world in which halfwits, dwarves, elfen daughters, wizards and Re-leaf Society sisters can come together and make you laugh. It’s been a privilege to direct this show with Austinn Jensen and to work with Lee Wailes again as our stage manager. Thank you to Eric and Austinn for the wonderful script, Eric and Emily for the sets and costumes, Cameron for the tech, Sandy for keeping things running behind the scene, Jeff Driggs for getting us rehearsal spaces, Jim Morgan for being our producer, and the fantastic cast! The story speaks for itself, and it’s ready to be heard. Enjoy a laugh or 100 with us!

ustinn Le Jensen Playwright/Assistant Director:

When my father approached me for help with the writing of this show, it was an honor to team up again to craft a compelling story brimming with adventure. Immersed in the source material, my passion fueled my determination to pour my all into this project. I’m a LoTR nerd through and through, so I wanted… no, needed… to do it justice. Joining the production as an assistant director allowed me to contribute to every aspect of its development, from the initial writing stages to the auditions and my favorite part: rehearsals. Witnessing the evolution of the show first hand has been nothing short of remarkable. Like solving a puzzle, it was challenging, but fun, and when the larger picture started to come together, I couldn’t wait to pick up more pieces and put them into place. I’m proud of this show, and I couldn’t be more proud of the dedicated actors whose hard work has brought our vision to life. Thank you Jake, thank you Lee, and thank you Dad for helping me make this the best show we possibly could. For anyone who’s read this far, please enjoy the show.

CAST BIOS

Bowen Anderson as Nazghoul/D’Orc

This is Bowie’s first OBT play. She’s so excited to be with her siblings and dad on stage! Thank you, Jake and Austinn, for this opportunity. Enjoy the show!

Pirate Anderson as D’Orc

Pirate is so thrilled to get to work with Jake again. Best director ever! Pirate wants to be a bug/snake hunter when he grows up. He loves acting with his family!

Rocky Anderson as Little Kool-Aid Man

This is Rocky’s third time being cast as Little Koolaid, and he couldn’t be more thrilled! When he grows up he wants to be an animatronic and work at Chuck E. Cheese.

Ryan Anderson as Oakley/Witch King/Tentacle/D’Orc 1

Ryan is thrilled to be in his first OBT play with his four kids! After several years of Eric hassling him to audition, he saw a Lord Of The Rings spoof and knew he had found it. Ryan thanks his wife for watching their newborn twins while he and the four oldest have their fun! And Zuma, Pirate, Rocky, and Bowie for being his little Naz-Ghouls!

Zuma Anderson as Naz-Ghoul 3/D’Orc

Zuma loves doing plays with OBT. It’s such a fun experience for kids to learn how to be confident on stage. She is a spelling wizard and loves to read. Thanks for coming to the show!

Abigail Borsos as Girlwinn/Quarterback/D’Orc 3/Tentacle

Abby loves acting and making a mean Mac and Cheese. Returning to OBT for the second time, she’s excited to take on this play as Girlwinn, The Little Mermaid, a Relief Society lady, and a D’orc. She has loved acting with everyone in OBT and is ready to do more shows!

Sara Brown as Frollo

This is Sara’s second play at the OBT. She really loves acting and is really excited to be playing Frollo. Sara has enjoyed all of the rehearsals with this cast and hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has. “Thanks Mom and Dad for your support!”

Madison Easton as Frollo

This is Madison’s sixth OBT show! They’re proud to be playing Frollo in Lore of the Rings! They debuted with The Grouch Who Stole Christmas as Susie Q. Yahoo, and their most recent show was Utahoma! as Albine. They’re stoked to be in the show with such great cast mates!

Lexie Gavriliuc as D’Orc/Naz-Ghoul 1/Student

Lexie is so happy for her first role at the Off Broadway Theatre in Lore of the Rings. Lexie is 8 years old and will be performing as one of the Naz-Ghouls. Lexie’s goal is to perform in many more plays and is excited for the opportunity. 

Oliver Gavriliuc as D’Orc/Naz-Ghoul 2/Flatulent Man/Tentacle

Oliver is very excited to be acting at the Off Broadway Theater. Oliver is 10 years old and is very excited to be in Lore of the Rings as a Naz-Ghoul. Oliver wants to be an actor when he grows up, so he is very grateful for this opportunity.

Viveann Godwin – Halfwit/D’Orc 1/Tentacle/AI voice/Relief Society Member

Viveann is happy to be back with the OBT family in another fun production. You may have seen her playing Crocky, Dr. Hamblin, Bride of Frankie, and other fun characters. She hopes you enjoy this production and have a good laugh!

Alina Hartvigsen as Billy-Beau/D’Orc 2/Lil Sowrong

Alina loves acting and she loves the Off Broadway Theatre!! This is her fifth show with OBT, and it’s already become one of her favorites. When she’s not on stage she can be found baking, writing stories and poetry, and making elaborate superhero home movies on her front lawn with her awesome neighbor friends.

Kenneth Hartvigsen as Sham

Kenneth Hartvigsen is excited to be back on the OBT stage acting alongside his daughter Alina! He has recently appeared in Sweeney Todd and Matilda for Sanctuary Theater, and Titus Productions’ Les Miseraloompa. When not humiliating himself on stage for your pleasure, Kenneth is an art history professor at BYU. All love and gratitude to Emily, Alina, and Esme who keep me grounded, but also encourage me to fly.

Steve Hedman as Melron & Sowrong

Steve is excited to be in Lore of the Rings, his first show at the OBT with this talented group of actors. He has performed with the Sugar Factory Playhouse in West Jordan, The Empress Theatre in Magna, and the Parker Theatre in Murray. Some of his favorite roles were Brassit the Butler in Charley’s Aunt, Captain Brackett in South Pacific, Mordicai the Innkeeper in Fiddler on the Roof, Matthew Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables, and Grandpa Joe in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He thanks his beautiful wife, Bonnie, who lets him play. Love ya!

Janae Hoggins as Gal-Literal/Naz-Ghoul/Quarterback/Kool-Aid Man/D’Orc/Tentacle

Janae was bitten by the acting bug at age five and hasn’t ever recovered. She’s been having ‘ALL THE FUN’ doing as much film and theater as she possibly can. Her most recent role was here in Seussical. She is so lucky to have the most amazing and supportive people all around her in her life—she couldn’t have done it without them. She is especially thankful for her family!!! You’re all the bestest!!!

Pierce Jones as Column & Naz-Ghoul

Pierce is so excited to be playing Column in this new OBT play. He loves acting and has made some amazing friends here. When not on stage he likes to play basketball, skateboard, snow skate, draw, play with his dog, and hang out with his friends. Enjoy the show! 

Nathan Lingren as Poppins

Nathan loves acting, and this is his first show with OBT! He has acted in school plays for the past eight years and played the part of Will Bloom in Big Fish. When not acting on stage, Nathan spends his time playing the cello, and he loves listening to music of all kinds while going on walks in the rain. He is planning on getting a degree in clinical psychology.

Jessica Nguyen as Murray

Jessica Nguyen has been in several OBT productions over the past 11 years. She is excited to be back on stage after taking some time away from performing to be a mom. She loves spending time with her husband and three-year-old son the most, but when she’s not doing that you can usually find her playing video games or jamming out to K-pop.

Erin Orr as Oakley/Witch King/Tentacle/D’Orc 1

Erin has been in many shows over her 13 years at the Off Broadway Theatre. She has enjoyed making many friends along the way. She loves the theater, Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar, and her best friend—her beloved dog Saru.

Gemma Palmieri as Naz-Ghoul 1, Student, and D’Orc 

Gemma is so happy to be performing in Lore of the Rings! She has done three shows with the OBT and is excited to do more. Stay weird!

Karlie Parrish as Legglass

Karlie is excited to be back at OBT! Other credits here include Dorrie in Wicked Wizard of Ahhhs, Cecily in Eric Jensen’s Adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest, and Marina in Peta Pun and the Pirates. She’s been performing for a decade in various theaters across the county. She just finished playing Alice in Alice in Wonderland for the third time. Karlie also does film work with Cooper home entertainment. She thanks her friends and family for constantly supporting her!

Andrew Reid as Ericorn

Andrew Reid grew up doing theater, which helped his love of acting and visual storytelling grow. This is his first show with the OBT and he has LOVED it so far. And the fact it is a Lord of the Rings parody REALLY adds to it. (He might also be a slight nerd.) His favorite DnD class is a Warlock.

Logan Rogan as Understudy 

Logan is one of OBT’s veteran improv guys. He might pop by to understudy. If you see him, say hi! Or stick around on a Saturday night to watch him perform in Laughing Stock.

Boston Smith as Grimly

Since birth it seems, Boston has always been a performer. You might have recently seen him in It’s a Wondrous Life as Will Knott Jr with the Off Broadway Theatre. He’s also played other classic OBT roles such as Fruit Tree in Wicked Wizard of Ahhs and Jurassic Park City, Jack and Brassett in Eric Jensen’s Charlie’s Aunt, and Mayor Renfield in Frightmare Before Christmas. He dedicates this show to his family and friends for their incredible love and support. And viewers like you. Thank you.

Joseph Tuttle as Grandalf

Making his OBT debut, Joseph has spent the last 12 years honing his stagecraft in another form: that as a singer. He’s participated in and won karaoke contests throughout the Salt Lake area. Most nights you’ll find him at The Midway (as seen on Bar Rescue) doing what he loves most. His showmanship as a singer caught the eye of fellow cast member Viveann Godwin, who encouraged him to audition. The rest is history!

Marla Walker as Little Kool-Aid Man/Naz-Ghoul 3/D’Orc

Marla is six years old. She lives and goes to school in Draper. Singing, dancing, and playing with her sugar gliders are her favorite things to do.

CREW BIOS

Lee Wailes – Stage Manager:

Lore of the Rings marks my first OBT show of the season, and this one is fascinating to me. Almost 10 years ago, OBT ran a different parody of Tolkien’s work. It has been interesting to compare the two versions and see how separate people adapt the same material with their unique styles: while both clearly respect the great Lord of the Rings in their own way, I’m proud to be a member of this version, and I hope you enjoy your visit to this “Middle Earth-adjacent” land. 

Cameron Christensen – Sound/Light Tech:

Cameron is excited to be returning to the Off Broadway Theatre’s tech booth for Lore of the Rings. He has been working with Off Broadway Theatre for nearly three years. When not working behind the scenes, he can either be found on the stage as a performer or working within the information technology industry.

Robbie Dalley – Sound and Light Consultant:

A Primetime Emmy Award winner (yes, it is true!), Robbie has spent the past 20 years working all things tech for various groups, including the Sugar Factory Playhouse. He helped to start the OBT’s inhouse tech program and has continued to help push the boundaries of what is possible for our theater. Always behind the scenes, he is a dad to a great, soon-to-be-10-year-old son (Robbie), two cats (Penelope & Charlie), and a Corgi (Flora). He divides his non-theater time between work and family.

April 5 – April 27

May 31 – June 29

August 2 – August 31

October 4 – October 26

November 1 – November 30

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Bing Fang, trustee and chair
Clarence Strohn, trustee and vice chair
Sandy Hubble Jensen, trustee and secretary
Christopher Cheeney, trustee 
Jeff Driggs, trustee
Ben Eddington, trustee
Jim Morgan, 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 for some 30 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.