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

The Off Broadway Theatre Company proudly presents:

The Grouch Who Stole Christmas

CREDITS

Executive Producers: Sandy Hubble Jensen & Eric R. Jensen

Producer: Jim Morgan

Playwright: Eric R. Jensen

Director: Jake Andersen

Musical Director: Nikki North

Choreographer: Jake Andersen

Sound Effects: Rob Reins

Set Designers: Eric R. Jensen, Rob Reins, and Lorrinda Christensen

Costumers: Eric R. Jensen and Janice Jensen

Sound & Light Tech: Rob Reins

Prop Designers: Eric R. Jensen and Rob Reins

Stage Manager: Lee Wailes

Website: Nic Brown, Dan Gillette, and Sandy Jensen

Playbill: Nic Brown, Sandy Jensen, and Jeff Driggs

Poster & Photos: Nic Brown

2021 Laughing Stock Officers: Aaron Bellis, Austinn Jensen, and Eric R. Jensen

Laughing Stock Improvisers:  Eric Jensen, Russ Peacock, Clarence Strohn, Logan Rogan, Jesse Parent, Zach Reynolds, Aaron Bellis, Jason Unruh, Bryan Dayley, Parker Abegg, Chris Harvey, Dory Peacock, Austinn Jensen, Chance Le Prey, and Scott Kramer

Laughing Stock Techs: David Bellis and Amy Bensch

Box Office Staff and Volunteers : Sandy Hubble Jensen, Nola Camaliche, Thelma Rother, and Jeff Driggs

Front of House Leads: Ed Rother, Thelma Rother, Wendy Gilbertson, and Jeff Driggs

Concession Volunteers: Lindsay Simons, Rachel Hunsaker, Tanya Walton, and Jonathon King

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Jake Andersen: Director

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…in November! Although we just passed Halloween, this cast brings the holiday spirit to the stage and the audience every night. We’re here to make you laugh and entertain you. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. In the words of the great Rob Roake when Jake was choreographing, “I accept your apology now.” This cast was patient and willing to do whatever zany things we asked of them. The jokes come fast and furious and still make me laugh out loud. But the heart and soul of this show—the message of love and acceptance—will resonate with you in a quiet, warm way this season.

Thank you to Lee, Nikki, Rob, Sandy, Eric, and Jim for your hard work and sharing your talents with us. Thank you especially to this talented, unique, and funny cast. I’m so proud of you. Merry Christmas to one and all, and we’ll see you in the Happy New Year!

CAST

The Grouch by Jeffrey North

Mister Rod Cheers by Rob Roake

Miss Kitty by Kimberly Andersen

Speedy McFeely by Brett Andersen

Hermit the Frog by Kasey Capanna

Miss Piglet by Nikki North

Bigger Bird by Jessica Andrews

Kooky Monster by Lorrinda Christensen

Clover by Erin Orr

The Count by Quinn Nielsen

Elbow by Bentley Andersen

Stratford by Aimee McPhie

Woolworth by Lindsay Simons

Snuff/Santa/Kirk by Cameron Christensen

Anita Yayhoo by Amelie North

Gabby Yahoo by Brynnlie Gurr

Sammy Yayhoo by Carson North

Susie Q Yayhoo by Madison Easton

Tommy Yayhoo by Tyson Russell

Shorty Yayhoo by Pirate Anderson

Maisy Yayhoo by Acelyn North

Wahoo Yayhoo/Grimey by Alisa North

SCENES

ACT I
Sc. 1: Suessame Street
Sc. 2: Rod Cheers Lounge
Sc. 3: Suessame Street
Sc. 4: Rod Cheers Lounge
Sc. 5: Suessame Street

15-min Intermission

ACT II
Sc. 1: Mountain Top
Sc. 2: Rod Cheers Lounge
Sc. 3: Suessame Street

SONGS

ACT I
Yayhoo Carol
Jingle Bells
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Good Feeling
I Want a Snuffasoftagus
Story of Mr. Rod Cheers

ACT II
We Love You, Christmas
Go Tell It on the Mountains
You’re a Keen One
The Twelve Days of Christmas
We Wish Yayhoo Merry Christmas

BIOS

Brett Andersen as Speedy McFeely:

Brett met his now wife, Kim, in this very theater while on stage. They’ve been doing shows around the valley ever since and have even dragged their kids into it. They will celebrate their 10th anniversary while performing this show. We hope you enjoy some laughs at our expense!

Kimberly Andersen as Miss Kitty: 

Kim loves making people laugh, being a mama to the two coolest girls she’s ever met, and is absolutely obsessed with her hubby, Brett! Kim secretly wishes she lived in a world where people broke out into spontaneous song and dance and all sat in a circle holding hands and singing kumbaya while talking about feelings.

Jessica Andrews as Bigger Bird:

Jessica is so excited to be doing another show with the OBT. She was most recently in Littlest Mermaid, Muffet’s Christmas Carol, and Cutie and the Beast. She has learned so much from the theater and is improving with every show. She has always loved singing and making people laugh. She was involved in several music programs at the University of Utah while pursuing her degree in Civil Engineering. Her hobbies include karaoke and fire dancing. She has performed at Prohibition, Millcreek Theater and Sandy Amphitheatre.

Kasey Capanna as Hermit the Frog:

Kasey Capanna is delighted to be making his debut with the Off Broadway Theater. He studied film and television production at Allan Hancock College and has helped with a few short films, doing work in front of and behind the camera. Currently, he plays guitar for The Avenues band.

Cameron Christensen as Snuff/Santa/Kirk:

Cameron is excited to participate in his first show with the Off Broadway Theatre this Christmas season. He has previously played Judd Fry in Oklahoma and Sheriff Earl in All Shook Up at West Jordan High School.

Lorrinda Christensen as Kooky Monster: 

Lorrinda has been a part of many performances on the DHT stage and others, and is excited to reprise the role of Kooky Monster in her third show with the Off Broadway Theatre. She is excited for this opportunity to share the stage with this extremely talented and hilarious cast, and to do another show with her best friend. 

Aimee McPhie as Stratford/Psychiatrist:

Aimee is thrilled to be part of another OBT show, this time putting her improv skills to the test to make people laugh. She first appeared with the OBT in 2019, as Violet in It’s a Wondrous Life, and has continued working with the theater on various levels, including playing Professor Hellachik in this year’s Dracula vs. Henry Botter. In her spare time, Aimee works on her singing and songwriting, goes to karaoke, does voice-overs with No Budget Arts and Cartoons, and is writing her first book and working on her podcast, “It’s In The Cards.”

Quinn Nielsen as The Count:

Quinn is a multi-talented genius who has performed for many years across the Wasatch Front. Some past shows include Joseph, Jekyll and Hyde, Xanadu, Rumors, and The Three Musketeers. His favorite role is that of father to seven great kids and husband to his fine honey, Becca.

Jeffrey North as The Grouch:

Jeffrey is super excited to be returning to the OBT and reprising his role as The Grouch. This is Jeff’s third show with OBT. He enjoyed being Raul in Phantom of the OBT last spring and the Grouch in Muffet’s Christmas Carol last year!

Nikki North as Miss Piglet and Music Director:

Nikki is a lover of all things performing and music, and loves being onstage and helping offstage. She studied music and musical pedagogy at UCF and has sung with the Orlando Opera at Carnegie Hall and has acted in countless plays.  This is her third show with OBT in various capacities, and she wouldn’t be able to do any of it without the support of her amazing husband and four kids (also in this show)!  Thanks, Norths!

Erin Orr as Clover:

Erin has been with the OBT for more than 10 years and is always excited to be a part of the shows in any way possible. Normally you would find her in the booth running lights and sound, but she is excited to be on the stage as CLOVER! “BIG THANKS to Jake, Eric, and Sandy for giving me the opportunity to be a part of an amazing theatrical family!” Much LOVE!!!

Rob Roake as Mister Rod Cheers:

This is Rob’s second production with the OBT. He is relatively new to professional acting but has been accused of acting his entire life. When he is not helping his girlfriend raise their 12-year-old son and various pets, he is a musician, artist, and video producer. When he grows up, he wants to be Gaston from Beauty and the Beast.

Lindsay Simons as Woolworth:

This is Lindsay Simons’s first time being in an Off Broadway Theatre play, and she’s loved being in a show directed by Jake! She is currently going to school at BYU and SLCC, and is the student body president at SLCC this year. She has loved this opportunity to be on stage with her son, Pirate, and all the other amazing actors. Thanks for supporting us!!

KIDS’ BIOS

Bentley Andersen as Elbow:

Bentley loves to play video games and has grown up doing plays. This is her fifth show and she is so glad you came to see it!

Pirate Anderson as Shorty Yayhoo:

Pirate has loved being part of the Off Broadway Theatre. He has been in shows since he was four years old and loves being on stage. He is currently in first grade and barely tolerates being in school. He would much rather be outside catching bugs. He wants to be a bug hunter when he grows up. Thank you for coming to see the show!

Madison Easton as Susie Q Yayhoo:

Madison is excited to perform in her first Off Broadway Theatre production! She loves Christmas musicals!  Her first show that she performed in was A Christmas Carol when she was 8 years old!

Brynnlie Gurr as Gabby Yahoo:

Brynnlie loves to dance and be witty. If she is not dancing or acting, she is usually doing handstands or back handsprings.

Acelyn North as Maisy Yayhoo:

Acelynn likes to dance with her older sister. She likes playing with dolls and playing outside with her friends. Acelyn loves being on stage and showing off her moves!

Alisa North as Wahoo Yayhoo/Grimey:

This is Alisa’s second show with OBT. She played a Little Bummer Girl in Muffet’s Christmas Carol. Alisa loves acting, and being on stage. Alisa is excited to be back this year and hopes you enjoy our show!

Amelie North as Anita Yayhoo:

This is Amelie’s debut on the OBT stage, but she has done multiple plays with Titus Productions. She loves dancing, singing, and spending time with her friends and family.

Carson North as Sammy Yayhoo:

Carson loves karate and playing video games with his dad. Carson is glad that his family is doing this show because he LOVES the color green!

Tyson Russell as Tommy Yayhoo:

Tyson is nine years old and in third grade. Theater and music are his passions. He loves being involved with the OBT. His first show was The Wicked Wizard of Ahhhs, and The Grouch Who Stole Christmas is his second. Tyson loves the support of so many amazing friends and family.

BIOS (Stage Crew)

Rob Reins – Sound & Light Tech for The Grouch Who Stole Christmas:

Rob has been with the OBT for more than nine years now. He started out working with our artistic director, Eric Jensen, on set design, building, and scenic painting. He is multi-talented and shares those talents as sound designer, sound tech, and in our props and set designs. Rob has his BFA in painting from the University of Wisconsin and loves to volunteer his time here at the OBT as well as other local art venues.

Lee Wailes – Stage Manager for The Grouch Who Stole Christmas:

Doing a Christmas show in November might sound strange, but honestly, Lee thinks it captures what we’ve all been going through the last year. It’s unorthodox and unexpected, but we’re making the best of it with smiles on our faces. For him personally, he’s gotten joy from being the stage manager of this show two times running. “Thank you, Jake, for bringing me into the show. You’ve exceeded all my expectations.” Places for the top of the show!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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