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

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Eric Jensen’s Director’s Notes:

They say once you step into the shadows, it’s hard to leave. After 35 years of writing, directing, and acting, I can confirm that’s true—especially when those shadows are filled with laughter, creativity, and the occasional questionable decision made under a flickering streetlight. I’m incredibly grateful to have spent decades bringing stories to life that aim to entertain, surprise, and make people laugh.

Nay Kid Gun is a loving parody of the film noir world and the classic cop shows of the past—the kind with hardboiled detectives, dramatic pauses, and clues that only make sense after the second cup of coffee. I’ve always had a soft spot for those stories, and this play gleefully tips its fedora to them while having a little fun along the way. My hope is that you enjoy the mystery, the humor, and the playful twists that don’t always follow the rules.

What truly makes this show sing—or brood, as noir prefers—are the wonderfully talented actors who’ve taken these characters off the page and dropped them squarely onto the OBT stage. Watching them transform words into living, breathing, and occasionally scheming characters has been an absolute pleasure.

I’d thank the board of trustees for their continued support of the Off Broadway Theatre. To my lovely wife, Sandy—thank you for your unwavering love and support, even when the plot thickened. And to my son, Austinn, thank you for always being there to laugh at my ideas and help crack the case.

Finally, to the cast and crew: thank you for sharing your talents, your creativity, and your dedication. You’re the reason this story made it out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. The city’s dark, the jokes are loaded, and anything can happen.

CAST BIOS

George Anderson as Frank Smith

George has performed in a bunch of shows in a bunch theaters and has even gotten to perform a bunch of times with his wife, Holly, whom he is excited to perform with again in this production. After the show tonight, he is excited to announce that he will be going home and going straight to bed.

Holly Anderson as Bubbles    

Holly is excited to be performing with her husband, George, once again, whom she met while performing as husband and wife in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. For Off Broadway Theatre you’ve seen her in The Odd Couple, and she directed SpongeBob the Musical. She’s performed for other theaters, like the Hales, and some of her favorite roles include Peter Pan, Belle, Lizzie in The Rain Maker, and Ruth in Pirates of Penzance.

Chase Arnold as Dween    

Just returning from Frightmare Before Christmas, Chase is happy to be back on the OBT stage at the new location. Don’t ask how old he is because he won’t tell you, and if you give him treats, he will eat them. Anyways, enjoy the show? Or don’t enjoy it–he doesn’t mind either way.

Suzie Cressel as Babs

This is Suzie’s second show with OBT, and she is grateful for the fun opportunity it has been. Unlike her character, Babs, Suzie can actually read. These days, she mostly enjoys reading with her three children, at least on evenings she doesn’t have rehearsal or performances. Also contrary to Babs, Suzie has never seduced a police officer. In fact, she only would if her wonderful and supportive husband were dressed as one.

George DeLorean as Godfather  

George is a Utah-grown performer with a wide-ranging creative background. He is a multi-disciplined musician and composer, lyricist and librettist, screen and stage actor, voice-over artist, podcaster, stand-up comedian, story writer, and mangaka. With a passion for storytelling in all its forms, George enjoys blending music, comedy, and performance to create engaging, imaginative work both onstage and behind the scenes. 

Brad A. Goodman as Tommy Twyze         

A Utah native with more than 15 years of experience as an actor and theatre-maker, Brad is thrilled to be back in the Salt Lake area. Recently he’s worked with the Empress Theatre and Wasatch Theatre Company, where he is a proud Ensemble member. Brad has been warmly welcomed by OBT and has truly enjoyed the generosity, collaboration, and nonstop laughter in the room. He’s delighted to be part of a show this funny and accepts no responsibility for what happens next.

Stacee Hunsaker as Bubbles     

Stacee is thrilled to be back at the Off Broadway Theatre. She firmly believes comedy only works when everyone commits way too hard and dignity is optional. Past roles include Mimi in Guys & Dolls, Amy Spettigue in Charlie’s Aunt, and Alabama Lamb in Big Fish. She has also produced The Addams Family, Jekyll and Hyde, and Sweeney Todd. It’s not that she doesn’t like humans—you’re just not a cat, and that’s disappointing.

William Hunt as Will Gannon

William is excited to be back on stage with the OBT. He enjoys puns and wordplay, which makes “The Nay Kid Gun” a perfect fit! In addition to acting, some of William’s favorite pastimes include singing, writing poetry, and binge-watching TV shows in English and Spanish with his beautiful wife, Mirian. She makes excellent Peruvian food.

Eric Jensen as Joe Thursday   

Eric is the artistic director and a co-founder of The Off Broadway Theatre, where he has spent more than 30 years creating parodies, musicals, and comedies for all ages. A director, performer, writer, scenic designer, prop-master, costumer, and improviser, Eric is known for blending smart satire with heartfelt storytelling. He is passionate about mentoring performers, building creative communities, and making live theatre accessible, joyful, and just the right amount of ridiculous.

Chuck MacDermott as Godfather

Fresh off his seasonal stint as the Big Guy in the Red Suit in Elf, Chuck is delighted to return to OBT—now fully detoxed from cookies and peppermint. You may have seen him popping up in The Scarlet Pimpernel, A Christmas Carol 2, Robin Hood 2, and The Importance of Being Earnest, among others. He’s thrilled to be back onstage, where the lights are bright, the applause is loud, and—most importantly—the laughs keep coming. 

Alexis Owen as Denny Fell 

Alexis appears as Denny Fell in The Nay Kid Gun, a woman firmly committed to rules, restraint, and the belief that things are better when everyone behaves. Recent credits include Baba Yaga in Salty Dinner Theater’s Halloween spoof and Jenny Field in OBT’s Dracula vs. the Hunchback. Alexis is delighted to play a character who would politely, but firmly, object to some of her previous roles.

Jett Simmons as Dween

Jett is excited to return to the OBT after a little hiatus from acting. This will be his third show with the OBT. Jett feels that people need a little entertainment, so why not give that all to the next generation? To inspire them the same way that he was. Perhaps, in a way, he could make an impact and make the world fill with laughter, joy, and entertainment to all. He is quite honored and proud to perform for groups of all ages and show them what he can do.

Boston Smith as Tommy Twyze            

Since birth it seems, Boston has always been a performer. You might have recently seen them in Christmas Carol Part 2 as Tiny Tim, as SpongeBob Squarepants in SpongeBob the Musical, or as Fruit Tree in Frightmare Before Christmas. Boston is excited to be back at the OBT for their fifth consecutive year. They’d thank their family, friends, and viewers like you. Thank you.

Clarence Strohn as Frank Smith

Clarence serves as OBT’s current chair and has been delighting theatre fans for over 35 years as a villain, hero, or insane side-kick. He is excited to entertain you alongside a great cast and crew! Clarence has a whole tribe of people, some close, some far away, who love, support, and depend on him. He couldn’t be here without their love and support.

March 27 – April 25

May 29 – July 11

July 31 – August 29

October 2 – October 31

November 27 – December 28

November 6 – November 21

Special Engagement at the Columbus Adult Education Center
(1860 S 300 E, Salt Lake City)

CREW BIOS

Lee Wailes – Stage Manager:

Nine years later, much has changed for him and the company. Now a stage manager to another fabulous cast, Lee hopes you’ll enjoy this beginning of the theater’s new chapter. Much has changed, but the joy has remained!

Ever Lord – Sound and Light Tech

Ever has been involved in theater since middle school and has loved it ever since! They have been doing tech at the OBT since 2021 and hope you enjoy the show!

Robbie Easton – Sound and Light Tech

Robbie is thrilled to be working tech for The Nay Kid Gun after working on Frightmare Before Christmas. His first behind-the-scenes experience was The Importance of Being Earnest, and he is honored to once again help run a show from the tech booth at our new space. Prior to that, Robbie performed as an actor in several OBT productions, including Peter Pun and Seussical the Musical. Last year, he served as stage manager for The Odd Couple, he is and is ecstatic to be back in tech.

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 in-house 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.

David Bellis – Laughing Stock Improv Tech

David has been the sound and light tech at the OBT for over 10 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 Jensen have been married for over 30 years. Together, they have dedicated much of their lives to building and growing the Off Broadway Theatre (OBT), which is now celebrating its 32nd year!

Eric is a co-founder and serves as the artistic and technical director. He wears many hats—playwright, director, set designer, costumer, choreographer, actor, improviser, and mentor to countless performers. Sandy, also a co-founder, is the executive director and manages the box office, production, and social media.

They have marveled at the dedication and support of the actors, directors, choreographers, volunteers, and board of trustees who have helped make the OBT a success. Eric and Sandy extend heartfelt thanks to these generous individuals for their time, effort, and friendship. The Off Broadway Theatre has often been described as having a “family” feel—and that’s because it truly is.

Their mission has always been to create a space where laughter rings true, skills are honed, and friendships flourish. Through live performances and improv comedy, the theatre has reached countless new friends and served the community through its charitable outreach programs.

Eric and Sandy both hold degrees in education and love putting them to use. Sandy has been teaching for 14 years—the past 7 years at Woods Cross Elementary teaching 1st grade, and prior to that at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in the Granite District. Eric teaches music at Woods Cross Elementary and leads improv classes and workshops at the OBT, as well as acting camps.

They share their love of theatre with their son Austinn, who is passionate about the outdoors, physical fitness, and acting. Their family also includes two beloved dogs, who round out their pack.

Eric and Sandy love watching people flourish and hope the OBT will continue to touch lives for many years to come. Thanks to the theatre’s supportive fans, the OBT is still here—ready to bring laughter for another 25 years! They hope you’ll enjoy their unique brand of humor and support the theatre with your patronage.

OBT Fever—Catch It!

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