NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE

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Song List

Naked Rules! ................................................................... Company

Time To Get Dressed ............................... Wilbur, Back Up Singers

Scandal! ............................................................ Grande, Tall, Venti

Hats & More ................................................... Wilbur, H&M Singers

Grand-Power-Jam ........................................... Grande, Venti, Tall,
                                                                                       Wilbur, Secret Service

Proclamation .................................................................. Company

Should I Get Dressed? ......................................................... Wilbur

Why Not? ........................................................................ Company

Mole Rat Fashion Show .................................................. Company

Cast

Creative Team

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience  was first commissioned and Produced by Seattle Children's Theatre.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

The video taping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Cell phones are to be put away during the performance.

+ Denotes Coterie resident artist

* Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

SPECIAL THANKS

Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience design by Trinity Burgo.

Financial assistance for this project has been generously provided by Missouri Arts Council, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, and Theater League.

The Coterie is a 501(c)3 nonprofit professional theatre, and a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and Theatre for Young Audiences/USA: The US chapter of ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience is a professional production employing members of Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, representing more than 45,000 professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.

ABOUT THE COTERIE

The Coterie Theatre, named "One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences" in the U.S. by TIME magazine, provides unique theatre experiences for families and young audiences. The company is nationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind programming that features a year-round season of live plays and musicals on the company's mainstage. Since its founding in 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri, The Coterie has been at the forefront of commissioning new works or adaptations that contribute to the field of theatre for young audiences. More than 50 world or American premieres for all ages have been produced by The Coterie over the last 44 years, including hosting multiple major Broadway composers and lyricists to shape quality musicals for youth and families. The Coterie is interested in intergenerational conversation, and consistently includes teen programming in its season and outreach efforts.

The Coterie offers acting and theatre classes year-round for PreK-12th grades at multiple locations around Kansas City, including an extensive summer program of classes and performance camps. The Coterie’s community programming redefines traditional notions of work for young audiences with its unique dramatic writing programs (Young Playwrights Roundtable), teen LGBTQ work (Project Pride), and preteen and teen mental health workshops (Project Daylight), which are offered to students and schools free of charge.

All these components serve an average over 75,000 per year through over 350 performances. As a not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Coterie seeks to educate, entertain, and challenge audiences by opening lines of communication between races, genders, and generations. Donate at www.thecoterie.org.
 

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Theresa Stoker • President
Amy Graham • Secretary
Sara Anthony • Board Engagement Chair
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey • Community Engagement Chair
Kristina Thompson • Community Engagement Chair

Joe Bellinger
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Gabriela Lucas
Carla Noack
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Ali Saucier
Ashley Strohm
Andrew Van Der Laan

COTERIE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR • Jonathan Thomas
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR • Khalia Davis
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR • David Golston
DIRECTOR OF THEATRE SCHOOL • Allison Nissley
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR • Derek Trautwein
BOX OFFICE MANAGER • Jason Coats
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER • Carol Kobza
BOOKING COORDINATOR/BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATE • Stephanie Laaker
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT/MARKETING SPECIALIST • Tressa Lee
MARKETING ASSISTANT • Kennedy Claypoole
HOUSE MANAGERS & BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS • Dorian Allen, Teisha Bankston, Robert Coppage, Adisynn Foster, Charlie Gannon, Ezra Martinez-Haskins, Kelsey McGee, Pam West

What got you into theatre? ... and other biographical notes from the cast, designers & production team

Sergio Guerra

Wilbur J. Mole Rat, Jr.

Sergio Guerra has always loved music and any type of storytelling (books, movies, etc.), but being introduced to live theatre in elementary school and getting the chance to perform it later in middle and high school, thrust him into a world that he loves now! Sergio is an actor/singer/musician based in Kansas City who is super excited to be back at The Coterie for this hilarious, rockin’ show!!! He most recently appeared in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL as a cover. Other previous credits include, Alex in FRIDA LIBRE with Blue Curtain Project educational tour, Robert in PLAYING ON THE PERIPHERY with Whim Productions, and Billy Cane in BRIGHT STAR with Summit Theatre Group.

Daphany Edwards *

Grande Mole Rat, H&M Singer

Daphany Edwards got into theatre because the first time she watched a show – an opera sung in Italian – she couldn’t take her eyes off of it! From then on, all she wanted to do was learn how to make people feel an overwhelming amount of emotion by inviting them into her world on stage. Daphany returns to The Coterie after making her debut last season as Ella in ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, then returning as Duckling and the Bus Engine in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! and as Sally Jackson in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL. Other recent credits include ANNIE at White Theatre at The J, HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL at Faust Theatre, and DREAMGIRLS in Concert at The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City. Originally a native of Lawrence, KS, Daphany now lives in Kansas City. She attended Shawnee Mission East High School and received her Associates degree from Johnson County Community College. When not on stage, Daphany loves sewing, making costumes, cosplaying, organizing photography shoots, and event planning with her new business, DEM Creations.

Hew McKoy

Venti Mole Rat, H&M Singer

Hew McKoy found his way into theatre when a middle school friend asked him to audition with her for the school musical for moral support. He had no idea that he would be cast or that it would turn out to be the best experience of his life! After that Hew was hooked. Hew returns to The Coterie after last appearing as Boss Elf in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023) and The Pigeon in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! Other recent credits include TICK, TICK... BOOM with The Barn Players, SEUSSICAL and FOOTLOOSE at The Theatre In The Park, [TITLE OF SHOW] at Summit Theatre Group, and RENT with Olathe Civic Theatre Association. Hew is a graduate of Olathe South High School and Emporia State University class of 2019.

Catera Combs-Daniels

Tall Mole Rat, H&M Singer

Catera Combs-Daniels saw a high school production of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND as a sophomore and remembers feeling everything the actors felt from her seat. That’s when she knew she wanted to try theatre for herself and has been hooked ever since! Catera is happy to be back on The Coterie stage after previously appearing in BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!," RISE UP, and A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2019). Other recent credits include SISTER ACT and DREAMGIRLS at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, GYPSY and SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS SHOW at Music Theater Heritage, and BOEING BOEING and THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND at Okoboji Summer Theatre. Catera is represented by Moxie Talent Agency and she's a proud alum of Stephens College. To find out more about Catera, visit www.cateracombsdaniels.com.

Steven Eubank *

Grand-Pah Mole Rat, H&M Singer, et al.

Steven Eubank credits his love of performing to his first dance and musical theatre teacher, Phyllis Balagna, who gave him the courage to sing and dance in front of complete strangers at the age of six. Thanks to her encouragement, Steven made his stage debut as The Young Fool in Starlight Theatre’s 1993 production of BIG RIVER. Steven returns to The Coterie for his fifteenth production, after last appearing as Walter in BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, Garfield in GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE, Skipper in MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, Charlie Brown in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2015), Toad in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, as well as various characters in SHREK THE MUSICAL, SPRING AWAKENING, and SEUSSICAL, among others. Steven has also performed in many other productions around Kansas City including OLIVER! and HELLO DOLLY! at Music Theater Heritage, ASSASSINS and HELLO AGAIN at Spinning Tree Theatre, GREASE at Starlight Theatre, SISTER ACT at New Theatre & Restaurant, and POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL at Theatre for Young America. Steven is a native of Blue Springs and graduated from Missouri State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance.

Morgan Lynn Sterrett

Secret Service, H&M Singer, et al./Dance Captain

Morgan Lynn Sterrett was encouraged by her mother to get into theatre after a childhood of solo concerts in her basement. She returns to The Coterie after last appearing as Sophie Scholl in THE WHITE ROSE: WE DEFIED HITLER and as Buzz in BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE Morgan’s other recent credits include A CHRISTMAS CAROL with Kansas City Repertory Theatre; CONJURE THE NIGHT, SPECTRAL SISTERS, and GREAT AMERICAN TRAIN ADVENTURE at Worlds of Fun; FREAKY FRIDAY at New Theatre & Restaurant; THE BREAKFAST CLUB: UNAUTHORIZED 80's MUSICAL and GODSPELL with Theatre Atchison PRO. Morgan is a proud K-State Theatre alum and received her Masters in Education from Avila University. You can catch her this summer performing at Worlds of Fun. LET'S ROCK THIS TUNNEL! To find out more, visit www.morganlynnsterrett.com.

Kimberly Horner

Cover

Kimberly Horner had her first live theatre experience at age 11, when she was cast to play Nellie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN at Gladstone Theatre in the Park. She was immediately hooked and from there began working at various theaters around Kansas City, including here at The Coterie! Kimberly is thrilled to return to The Coterie, where she previously appeared as Leanne in PUFFS OR SEVEN INCREASINGLY EVENTFUL YEARS AT A CERTAIN SCHOOL OF MAGIC AND MAGIC, Sara Crewe in A LITTLE PRINCESS, as well as in both productions of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!" (2017, 2019), the tour of THE PRESIDENTS, and THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS. Other recent credits include playing Audrey in HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY, Suzanne in DON'T DRESS FOR DINNER starring Morgan Fairchild, as well as FREAKY FRIDAY, JOHNNY AND JUNE, and THE KING IN CONCERT at New Theatre & Restaurant; as Annelle in STEEL MAGNOLIAS for Padgett Productions; COMPANY, DOLLY, and FUNNY GIRL at Music Theater Heritage; PARADE at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Kimberly also regularly acts in television, film, and voice over work. A native of Prairie Village, KS, Kimberly graduated with a BFA in Theatre from Webster Conservatory in St. Louis, MO.

Terrace Wyatt, Jr.

Cover

Terrace Wyatt, Jr. discovered his love of the arts from watching TV in the comfort of his living room as a child; acting out his favorite movies, cartoons, and Michael Jackson. He began applying his ADHD to the world of theatre at Starlight Theatre, and the marathon started there. Terrace returns to The Coterie stage after recently appearing as Luke in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, Snoopy in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2022), and as an understudy in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023) and ALICE'S WONDERLAND. Terrace received his B.A. in Theatre at William Jewell College in 2020 and has been working non-stop since. Other recent credits include THE GRAPES OF WRATH with The Arts Asylum, BOXED with Whim Productions, IS GOD IS with KC MeltingPot Theatre, DREAMGIRLS with New Theater & Restaurant, PETER PAN AND WENDY with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, A RAISIN IN THE SUN with The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, SMART PEOPLE with Kansas City Actors Theatre, TONI STONE with Unicorn Theatre, and many more. Terrace recently made his professional debut as a playwright, producer, and director with Theatre Community Fund of Kansas City’s 2nd Annual Crescendo Awards Festival of his play BLACK MAN, MO [MISSOURI] at The Arts Asylum. Currently, he is developing a new play written by Phillip Dixon - a local Kansas City filmmaker for BrothaAbe Films. This is in addition to preparing his KC FRINGE Festival debut this summer that’ll kickstart his production company, Terr. Studios. Terrace sends love to his mother, his family, friends, and God for putting him on the path to be the best everyday.

Heidi Van

Director

Heidi Van is a creator, director, and producer of contemporary experimental live theatre. “A stalwart of the alternative theatre scene” (THE PITCH), Heidi challenges the way theatre meets its audience; installing performances anywhere but where expected. She has worked at The Coterie as an actor, director, educator, and served as Interim Artistic Director from 2023-2024. She is the founder and Artistic Director of Fishtank Theatre, a generator of new theatrical work, activism, and entrepreneurship. She is also the founder of The Black Box, an ever-evolving stage that acts as a spotlight in the world of theatre, shining a light on bold and provocative performances. Directing credits include RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023), MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT, and PETE THE CAT at The Coterie, DANCE NATION, THE WOLVES, and PROJECT DAWN at Unicorn Theatre; SHOWS FOR DAYS, BELFAST GIRLS, DRY LAND, DEATH BY SHAKESPEARE, MOTHERFREAKINGHOOD! THE MUSICAL! at Fishtank Theatre; and MY FAIR LADY at Music Theater Heritage. Heidi is a graduate of Dell ‘Arte International School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, CA. She is the recipient of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Fellowship, The Pitch Mastermind Award, and a proud recipient of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation SEED Grant. She is a graduate of Artist, Inc. and the Escholars program from The Bloch School of Entrepreneruship and Innovation.

Anthony T. Edwards +

Resident Music Director

Anthony T. Edwards was a young accomplished pianist who had won many national awards, when a local theatre company in Bells, TN, needed a pianist and conductor for ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. “I said ‘yes’ and conducted and played my first show when I was 14 years old.” Anthony returns to The Coterie after serving as music director for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!", BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM - THE MUSICAL, GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE, MADAGASCAR- A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, THE WIZ, LYLE THE CROCODILE, SHREK THE MUSICAL, SPRING AWAKENING, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, and LUCKY DUCK. Nationally, Anthony has been the music director for theaters across the country including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts where he performed for four years in ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE. Currently, Anthony is the resident music director for The Coterie, Unicorn Theatre, Starlight Theatre, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, and Eventology. He is an adjunct faculty member at UMKC and is proud to be an endorsed Kurzweil artist. He holds a BA of Music degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, and graduate studies in piano performance from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Anthony proudly serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City.

Ryan Dervin

Choreographer

Ryan Dervin started off dancing at a young age but in high school he had the opportunity to perform in the musical DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and he ended up having so much fun that he caught the theater bug (as some may call it), and he knew he wanted to keep performing as much as possible. Ryan made his Coterie stage debut in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL after recently serving as choreographer for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023). Elsewhere, Ryan has appeared in HOLLYWOOD LIVE: HOLIDAY EDITION, A CHRISTMAS STORY, and PIPPIN with Music Theatre Kansas City Pro, A COMMERCIAL JINGLE FOR REGINA COMET with The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL with Herkon Productions. A native of Leawood, KS, Ryan is a graduate of University of Arizona.

Mackenzie Goodwin *

Production Stage Manager

Mackenzie Goodwin met the theatre through her parents, and she became an avid theatre goer. Her mom is a theatre actor and director, and her dad was an acrobat and a lighting and sound technician. Mackenzie returns to The Coterie after having worked on numerous recent productions, including serving as production stage manager for THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, ELECTRIC POE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and as a production assistant and an actor in DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT. Other recent credits include associate director on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (2022, 2023); swing manager on DREAMGIRLS and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for New Theatre & Restaurant; production stage manager on THE PRICE and DOT for Kansas City Actors Theatre, SHOWS FOR DAYS for Fishtank Theatre, and TITUS ANDRONICUS and MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE for The Living Room Theatre; and safety coordinator at Kansas City Actors Theatre. Mackenzie is the co-producing artistic director for Brother Octopus Productions at The Black Box (formerly Stuffed Buffalo Productions), an intimacy director, a voice over actor, and a member of Actor' Equity Association. For more about Mackenzie, visit goodwincalling.com.

Derek Trautwein

Technical Director

Derek Trautwein is a Kansas City theatre artist with a wide berth of professional and educational experience. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, Derek received his Master of Arts Degree in Theatre History in 2012 from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). During his time at UCM, Derek began his journey as a carpenter and Technical Director to accompany his endeavors in acting, directing, and playwriting. From 2013 to 2023, Derek served as faculty amongst the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Initially hired as the Technical Director as he oversaw all sound, light, and scenic elements, Derek was promoted to Assistant Professor and Department Chair in 2021. Derek’s final directing spotlight at Benedictine, THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie, received a Meritorious Achievement Award for Play Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023. Around Kansas City, Derek has worked with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, KC MeltingPot Theatre, Relevance Productions, Card Table Theatre, and Stuffed Buffalo Productions. Since 2012, Derek has been an active participant in the Kansas City Fringe Festival, producing over a dozen pieces of original works written by other artists as well as his own, including DECEIT, which earned Derek the inaugural Mark Edelman Best New Play Award in 2019. Derek’s original plays have also been featured multiple times each for Kansas City Public Theatre, Olathe Civic Theatre, and the Kansas City Horror Play Festival. Lately, Derek has been bouncing around multiple spaces in the Kansas City theatre community including performing on stage in THIS RANDOM WORLD: THE MYTH OF SERENDIPITY at the Just Off Broadway Theatre and ELF THE MUSICAL with Padgett Productions as well as serving as technical director of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at The Black Box, THE SHOOTER produced by Trish Mitchell at the Just Off Broadway Theatre, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023) at The Coterie. Moving forward, Derek seeks to create on his own terms while aiding artists of all kind find their voices and venues.

David Kiehl +

Resident Sound Designer

David Kiehl thanks his family for piquing his interest in theatre by being raised to value the arts in all forms and for supporting him. David has designed over 130 Coterie productions during the past 25 years including, most recently, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, PUFFS, RISE UP: THE STRUGGLE OF THE FREEDOM RIDERS, BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, and BECOMING MARTIN. Other local productions include THE GRAVE, MILKING CHRISTMAS, and NOCTURNE at The Living Room Theatre, CLYDE'S, THE SOUND INSIDE, and TONI STONE at Unicorn Theatre, and SMART PEOPLE, ‘NIGHT MOTHER, and A DOLL'S HOUSE at Kansas City Actors Theatre.

Jarrett Bertoncin +

Resident Lighting Designer

Jarrett Bertoncin worked backstage on his high school’s theatre productions, where his passion for designing sets and lights began. His most recent shows at The Coterie include THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, ELECTRIC POE, PUFFS, RISE UP: THE STRUGGLE OF THE FREEDOM RIDERS, BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, BECOMING MARTIN, GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM - THE MUSICAL, JACK AND THE BEAN MÁGICO!, TUCK EVERLASTING, and THE NINE WHO DARED: COURAGE IN LITTLE ROCK, as well as LUCKY DUCK, which performed Off-Broadway at The New Victory Theater (NYC). Other recent credits include serving as lighting designer on The Coterie’s co-production of Disney’s NEWSIES at White Theatre at The J, TE ATA for the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of the American Indian, and as scenic designer for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY for Oklahoma City University’s School of Theatre. To see more of Jarrett's designs, visit www.jsbdesigns.org.

Arwen J. White

Costume Designer

Arwen J. White has been in theatre since she was little and found her specialty in costume design early on, designing her first show at 14 years old. At The Coterie, Arwen previously served as costume designer on THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL and DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, as well as co-costume designer on PETE THE CAT. She has designed theatrically throughout Kansas City, including productions of FLOOD at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, MARY'S SEACOLE at Unicorn Theatre, and R & H UNPLUGGED at Music Theater Heritage. Arwen is the founder of Juste Jaquet Designs, a creative studio for costume design and fine art. She is also an Entertainment Contractor for Norwegian Cruise Line, stitching for BURN THE FLOOR, PARADIE, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, and BAND ON THE RUN. Arwen received her degree in Theater Design and Construction from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Now a teaching artist throughout Kansas City, Arwen loves the opportunity to help young artists grow and explore through theatre and design. For more of Arwen's designs, visit www.arwenjwhite.com.

Dorian Allen

Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Manager

Dorian Allen made his way into theatre completely by coincidence after working as an Audio Technician at The Black Box. Dorian is thrilled to be back at The Coterie for another Mo Willems musical, after previously serving as stage carpenter on THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, deck manager on ELECTRIC POE (2023), and stage manager on DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! Other recent credits include playing guitar in FUN HOME with Olathe Civic Theatre Association and serving as assistant stage manager on NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 for Fishtank Theatre. When he isn't on a ladder or covered in paint you can find him playing his guitar or hiking with his dog, Bear. Dorian would like to thank The Coterie, his family and partner, Andi, and Heidi Van for their unwavering love and support. Enjoy the show and ask yourself, Why Not?

Jessica Michael

Stitcher

Jessica Micheal credits her love of theatre to her high school theatre teacher, Mrs. Browning, and sends thanks to her for all the creativity she instilled in her! Jessica has spent her time in Kansas City as a professional theatre artist working both on and off stage. Jessica loves The Coterie and is so, so, so excited to be back working on NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE after previously appearing on stage in THE LIGHTNING THIEF, serving as stitcher on RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL and DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, and as stage crew swing on DOCTOR DOLITTLE. Other recent professional credits include acting in DARK FORREST with Quixotic Entertainment, 13 GOING ON 30 with Brother Octopus Productions, and in a music video for American Idol contestant Cassie Joy. She also served as wig runner on A CHRISTMAS CAROL and a quick change artist on CYRANO with Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Jessica loves spending time with her dogs and husband and wants to thank everyone for supporting The Coterie and invites you to the rest of their 2023/2024 season!

Morgan Lynn Sterrett

Dance Captain

Chas Coffman

Scenic Painter

Mo Willems

Writer

#1 New York Times Bestseller Mo Willems began his career as a writer and animator for PBS' "Sesame Street," where he garnered 6 Emmy Awards for his writing. During his nine seasons at "Sesame Street," Mo also served as a weekly commentator for BBC Radio and created two animated series, Nickelodeon's "The Off-Beats" and Cartoon Network's "Sheep in the Big City." While serving as head writer for Cartoon Network's #1 rated show, "Codename: Kids Next Door," Mo began writing and drawing books for children. His debut effort, "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" became a New York Times Bestseller and was awarded a Caldecott Honor in 2004. The following year "Knuffle Bunny: a Cautionary Tale" was awarded a Caldecott Honor. The sequel, "Knuffle Bunny Too: a Case of Mistaken Identity" garnered Mo his third Caldecott Honor in 2008. In addition to picture books, Mo created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of 'Easy Readers', which were awarded the Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal in 2008 and 2009 and a Geisel Honor in 2011. For older audiences he has published an illustrated memoir of his year-long trip around the world in 1990-91 entitled "You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons." Mo's drawings, wire sculptures, and ceramics (done in collaboration with his father) have exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across the nation and his graphic story about his family experiences during 9-11 for DC Comics resides in the Library of Congress' permanent collection. Mo has been heard on NPR's All Things Considered where he occasionally serves as the broadcast's 'Radio Cartoonist'. While no longer working in television, Mo voices and produces animated cartoons based on his books with Weston Woods studios. The animated "Knuffle Bunny" was awarded Best Film during the New York International Children's Film Festival in 2008 and received the Andrew Carnegie Medal in 2007. The animated "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" garnered Mo his second Carnegie Medal in 2010. Mo wrote the script and lyrics for KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE, commissioned by the Kennedy Center for its 2010 season, as well as The Coterie's previous productions of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!" and DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! Mo lives in Massachusetts with his family.

Deborah Wicks La Puma

Composer

A composer, music director and orchestrator, Deborah Wicks La Puma is one of the most produced Theatre for Young Audiences artists working today. Some of her most popular musicals include ELLA ENCHANTED (based on the book by Gail Carson Levine), OLIVERIO: A BRAZILIAN TWIST, and EINSTEIN IS A DUMMY with playwright Karen Zacarías, and the off-broadway hit, SHE PERSISTED (based on the book by Chelsea Clinton), with playwright Adam Tobin. Deborah has created three musicals with bestselling children's author Mo Willems: NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE as well as The Coterie's previous productions of ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!" and DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! On the small screen, she has worked with Willems on the adaptation of "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience" (released 2022 on HBO Max), and the upcoming animated series UNLIMITED SQUIRRELS. As a music director and orchestrator she has worked with major regional theatre companies across the country, including the Guthrie, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She received her MFA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, and her bachelor's degree from Stanford University. Her honors include the Harold Oaks Award for Sustained Excellence in TYA, an Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Family Musical, the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award, an NEA New American Works Grant, two Parents' Choice Awards, and a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Musical Adaptation. A proud Mexican-American and 'Navy brat' who grew up in Brazil, Portugal, and California, Deborah is a member of TYA/USA, ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild. Mother to three daughters and Mimi the Cat, Deborah lives in Southern California with her PR agent and loving husband, Chris.

Khalia Davis

Coterie Producing Artistic Director

Khalia Davis was 11 years old when she was cast in her first role in an original play at a theatre summer camp. At the top of the show, when she said her first line, the audience actually laughed and she knew she was hooked! For Khalia, that is the magic and beauty of live theatre: that special exchange you share with the audience, knowing that your art is the reason they are transported for a short time to new worlds, learning, and experiencing new stories. Khalia co-leads The Coterie with the managing director to bring the organization’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. Khalia is a multidisciplinary artist and arts leader who most recently served as the Assistant Director for the Broadway-bound world premiere, THE HIPPEST TRIP: THE SOUL TRAIN MUSICAL. As the former Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT), she led the world premieres of A KIDS PLAY ABOUT RACISM, which brought together over 40 theater producing partners, including The Coterie, and was viewed on Broadway on Demand nearly 80,000 times during its limited run then became a free resource for educators and their students; and THE IMAGINARIES: AN IMMERSIVE MUSICAL, an original new work that transformed their theater into an accessible playground created by the newly-formed BACT Writer’s Room, which was created as a direct response to the lack of opportunities for BIPOC playwrights and composers specializing in TYA projects. During the COVID pandemic when theaters were closed in the Bay Area, Khalia worked in partnership with former Executive Director of BACT, Nina Meehan, to conceive and produce various forms of theatrical digital and audio content for young audiences that activated their creativity and imaginative play, showcasing the potential for future digital and theatrical collaborations in TYA programming. Khalia directed and devised other new works like the award-nominated world premiere, SHE PERSISTED THE MUSICAL, based on the popular children’s book by Chelsea Clinton; the off-Broadway world premiere of an original adaptation of Maya Angelou’s I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS with New York City Children’s Theatre; and the world premiere ARTHUR AND FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! based on “Arthur,” the longest-running animated series on PBS with First Stage. Other prominent theaters include: A.C.T., Atlantic Theater Company’s Atlantic for Kids, New York City Children’s Theater, Disney Theatrical Group, Spellbound Theatre and more. As a producer, Khalia has helped organizations reach hundreds of thousands of young people through interactive “edu-tainment” with the nationally known STORY PIRATES, generated new digital pre-school content with Spellbound at Home, and produced children’s media with her personal company, Kids at Heart Productions. Before assuming her role as Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theater in 2020, Khalia served as the Director of Inclusion and Education with Brooklyn Children’s Theatre restructuring their children’s musical theatre programming through an anti-racism lens. Khalia is a proud board member for TYA/USA, Spellbound Theatre, and The Story Pirates. Awards include: 2019 Emerging Leader Fellowship-TYA/USA, 2019 NYCCT Leader Fellowship, and 2021 Corey Medallion Award-Children’s Theatre Foundation of America. Khalia has a BA in Theater Arts from the University of Southern California. To find out more, visit www.khaliadavis.com.

Jonathan Thomas

Coterie Managing Director

Jonathan Thomas stepped into his role managing operations at The Coterie in November 2022 after the tragic loss of executive director Joette Pelster. He co-leads the organization with the producing artistic director, working to bring The Coterie’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. Jonathan began his path as a professional opera and musical theatre performer out of college, working locally with many area performing arts organizations including the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Chorale, Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and New Theatre & Restaurant. After seven years building a successful insurance and financial advising agency, he moved to San Francisco to follow his passion in arts administration. Before returning to Kansas City in 2018, he served as the development manager for The Walden School for three years, where he oversaw organizational fundraising strategies and expanded alumni relations. At ArtsKC, he served as Senior Development Manager, which greatly expanded his knowledge of the Kansas City arts sector. Prior to joining The Coterie, Jonathan served as the Senior Manager for Individual Giving and Partnerships at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, combining his love for the performing arts with his passion for leadership and fund development. Jonathan received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas. He continues his commitment to educating and advocating for the arts by serving on the Orpheus KC board, the Johnson County Park and Recreation Artist Selection Committee, and by chairing the Theatre in the Park advisory council. He is a frequent guest speaker about the economic impact of the arts in Kansas City, appearing at the NAAAP Leadership Conference, Arts Day for Centurions, and at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan is married to Gail Nakano and is a father to Sofia, a junior at Cornell University, Tristan, a junior in high school, and Cassia, a three-year-old who is undecided about her college plans.

Donors

The Coterie wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the many corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals that so generously support The Coterie.

The following list celebrates gifts received April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024.

Sponsors