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Song List

Once

is presented in two acts. There will be one 15-minute intermission

ACT ONE

ACT TWO

Sponsors

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Jonathan Wilson

Guy (Guitar)

Jonathan Wilson is thrilled to be on stage with Gaslight Theatre again. This is Jonathan's fourth production with Gaslight in the two years he has lived here in Enid. His first show, “Clue: On Stage,” allowed him to work with some of the amazing talent showcased in “Once,” including the illustrious Jason Maly. Jonathan is so thankful for the friendships built ever since. He would like to give a special shout out to Sean Gallagher for his patient music direction and the rest of the band for creating wonderful music together. A huge thank you goes out to his wife, Jamie Wilson, for her understanding and support of this role.

Maddy Mae Billings

Girl (Piano)

Maddy Mae Billings is so happy to be back at home working at Gaslight! Maddy Mae is an OKC based professional singer/actor, a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University, and has over 19 years of performance experience. Some of her favorite roles include Whatsername in “Green Day’s American Idiot” (Gaslight Theatre), Heidi in “[title of show]” (Pollard Theatre Company), Maria in “The Sound of Music” (Upstage Theatre),and Natalie in “Next to Normal” (Gaslight Theatre). Maddy Mae is so proud to “Czech” a new skill off her list by learning piano for this production. She would like to thank her family, friends, and sweet husband, Alex for all of their love and support. For more of Maddy Mae’s work check out maddymaebillings.com.

William Day

Billy (Mandolin, Cajon)

William Day is incredibly glad to be part of such a fun and talented cast. He could not ask for a better experience with his first time performing at Gaslight Theatre. He is a graduate of Wichita State University with a BFA in Music Theatre. Recent credits include “The Theory of Relativity” (Wichita State), “Anything Goes” (Wichita State), “[title of show]” (Wichita State), “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (OKC Parks and Recreation), and “Company” (Rose State). William’s mission is to make art more accessible for the people and spaces that need it the most.

Renae Perry

Reza (Violin)

Renae Perry is elated for her first production at the Gaslight Theatre. A Stillwater resident and native, Renae is finishing up her final weeks as the President of the Board of Directorsat Town & Gown Theatre in Stillwater, where she has been a part of 23 productions over the last decade. Favorite shows include “Doubt: A Parable” and “The Addams Family Musical” (director), “Guys and Dolls” (Sarah Brown), “Noises Off” (Belinda/Flavia), and “Seussical: the Musical” (Gertrude McFuzz). Renae is extremely grateful to the “Once” production team for embracing her outlandish whims and agreeing to see if she could learn the violin for this production.

Catina Sundvall

Baruska (Concertina)

Catina Sundvall is thrilled to be a part of this production. An Air Force transplant from the east coast, Catina found her home at Gaslight more than 25 years ago. She is a retired counselor and mother of 3 children and nana to 3 grandsons. She thanks her wife Ginny for listening to the concertina for the last 6 months and being her touchstone in life. She is very excited to be “sharing” the stage with her son Nathan and life longfriends. She will be directing “A Christmas Story” this upcoming holiday season. Catina was most recently seen as Olive in “The Odd Couple” (Female Version) and Macbeth in “Macbeth.” Later!

Curtis Crandall

Da

Curtis Crandall is returning to the Gaslight Theatre stage after last being seen in “The Tempest” as Stephano. His last musical performance was as “Bill” in “Mamma Mia!” He has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this cast! I think I like being a “man of a certain age” at this point. The fathers are a great place to be! He’d like to thank Jason, Sean and Angela for taking a chance on him in this fantastic show, and also their patience while working with his schedule. He would also like to thank his wife, Kim, and daughter, Abby, for their help and love throughout the show as he runs off to play pretend with his friends.

Harrison Lyon

Svec (Drums, Bass, Guitar)

Harrison Lyon has been in several Gaslight plays, mostly with the Gaslight Teens. Most recently he was the King of Hearts in “Alice in Wonderland.” He also appeared in “Mary Poppins,” “Excalibur,” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” He is excited to be in this show with his family and play different instruments.

Blake Recknagel

Andrej (Tambourine)

Blake Recknagel has been on the Gaslight stage, as well as behind the scenes, for nearly two decades. Most recently he appeared as Dickie Harrington in “Awesome 80’s Prom” for Gaslight’s Dinner Theatre. He has genuinely enjoyed being in this production with such a talented group of individuals. He gives thanks to his parents for their constant support, and thanks to the creative team of Jason, Angela, & Sean.

Mitch Lyon

Bank Manager (Guitar, Bass)

Mitch Lyon is a therapist, pastor, graduate student at Grand Canyon University, husband, and father to the best two kids in the world. He is thankful to be a part of this cast and especially thankful to be performing with his kids, Harrison and McCartney, and having his wife, Dedra, backstage. He has been in many Gaslight and Turpin shows, most recently in “The Odd Couple” as Jesus.

Daniel Rios

Eamon/Ensemble (Guitar, Banjo)

Daniel Rios is excited to be performing in his third Gaslight production. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and has been involved in theatre and music for over a decade. His other Gaslight credits include Michael in “The Pillowman” and Bellhop (and others) in “Lucky Stiff.” Daniel would like to thank his family and friends, but not Katie,for their support. He would also like to thank the cast and crew for making such a creative and fun community.

Sydney Wehmeyer

Ex Girlfriend/Ensemble. (Melodica)

Sydney Wehmeyer is a theatre student at Oklahoma State University and a new regular player at Stillwater’s Town & Gown Theatre. She is ever grateful to be making her Gaslight debut alongside such wholeheartedly passionate, charming, and courageous performers. Upon graduation, Sydney hopes to pursue a lifetime of teaching drama to younger generations.

McCartney Lyon

Ivonka

McCartney Lyon will be a fifth grader at Hoover Elementary in the fall. She has participated in drama camp for the last 5 years and played Gretl in the “Sound of Music” at Enid High School. She was last seen as Young Siward in “Macbeth” during this past season’s Shakespeare in the Park.

Venson Fields

Emcee/Ensemble (Cajon)

Venson Fields was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma. He has appeared in many Gaslight Theatre and Enid Symphony productions. Some of his favorites are “Rent,” “Green Day’s American Idiot,” “Unnecessary Farce,” and “Titus Andronicus.” “I’m a huge fan of the arts, be it visual, audio, or performance.”.

Ashley McConnell

Ensemble

Ashley McConnell has been a part of Gaslight Theater, both on and off stage, for four years. She was most recently on stage in several small cameos during “A Seussified Christmas Carol” this past holiday season or as one of the Wyrd Sisters during last year’s Shakespeare in the Park. She is so thankful to Jason and the rest of the director team for allowing her an opportunity to be a part of this amazing production and to learn from them and their experiences.

Jersey Garrett

Ensemble

Jersey Garrett is more than excited to be back in Enid and performing on stage again for the summer. She spent her first year of undergrad studying Music at the University of Oklahoma. You might have last seen her as Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins” (Gaslight Theater), Maria in “The Sound Of Music” ( EHS), and Donna in “Mamma Mia” (EHS). Jersey would like to thank her family for encouraging her to perform over the summer to continue growing her love for theater and music. She has loved this opportunity and can’t wait to continue her music journey.

Michael Garland

Ensemble (Violin)

Michael Garland is excited for being a part of his first production at Gaslight. He holds a bachelors of music performance from Wichita State, a masters from the Cincinnati Conservatory, and is currently finishing up his doctorate at the University of Oklahoma. Michael has held performance positions with the Wichita Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and currently plays with the Enid Symphony. He is now enjoying being the orchestra director for Enid public schools. While he spends most of his time in the pit, he was once the understudy for Fester for Putnam City West High School’s performance of “The Addams Family Musical,” the socially distanced version. The fact that he’s bald was just a coincidence.

Sean Gallagher

Ensemble (Guitar)

Jason Maly

Director

Jason Maly (Director) An Enid native, Jason studied Music and Theatre at the University of Tulsa, and has been very active at Gaslight Theatre over the years, both as an actor and director. “Once” marks the 11th production Jason has directed at Gaslight. His most recent directing credits in the musical category include the 2021 summer musical “Green Day’s American Idiot,” “Next to Normal” in 2018 and “RENT” in 2016, all three receiving the Charlie Awards for Best Musical and Best Play in their respective seasons. Jason also directed the 2019 Gaslight season opener, “One Man, Two Guvnors” and the 2017 production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” with the Enid Symphony Orchestra. As an actor, Jason’s most recent roles have included Wadsworth in “CLUE: Onstage,” Mr. Mushnik in “Little Shop of Horrors,” Sandy in “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel,” Ned Weeks in “The Normal Heart” and Picasso in “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” This collaboration with Sean and Angela on “Once” has been nearly two years in the making, and the result of many lengthy discussions and planning sessions throughout the various stages of preparation. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have taken this journey with. It has been an absolute joy. This creative team, cast and crew are among the finest people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with, and their talent, focus and dedication throughout this process have been humbling.”

Angela Gallagher

Assistant Director/Choreographer

Angela Gallagher (Assistant Director/Choreographer) has cherished every single moment working with this immensely talented cast. Angela has been involved in the performing arts since she started dancing at the age of 3. She started her career as a dance instructor and choreographer in 2003 at the age of 17, and has since had the opportunity to choreograph several showchoirs, pageant contestants at the state and national levels, and hundreds of competitive dancers. She also has had the pleasure of choreographing/assistant directing several musicals at the Gaslight Theatre, most recently being “Mary Poppins” and “Green Day’s American Idiot.” Angela loves being on stage just as much as working behind the scenes; her most notable roles at Gaslight include Shelby in “Steel Magnolias,” Susan in “[title of show],” Tanya in “Mamma Mia!,” and Angie Graziano in “Breaking Legs.” Her performance in “Breaking Legs” earned her a Charlie Award for Best Actress in a Comedy and the coveted Toddy Award. Her most favorite roles to date are Momma to Harrison and McCartney and Loving Wife to Sean Gallagher, who each take the stage in this production. A huge thanks to Jason Maly for trusting me to help create this beautiful piece of art.

Sean Gallagher

Music Director

Sean Gallagher (Music Director) Since receiving his undergrad and graduate degrees in music from University of Central Oklahoma, Sean has been teaching and playing professionally for well over 25 years. As an educator, Sean has taught privately, been adjunct professor for Southern Nazarene University, and music instructor for Classen School of Advanced Study in OKC. As a performer, he’s been involved with musicals, variety shows, as well as played and recorded with several artists across the state; opening for Mercy Me, Matthew West, and Leona Mitchell as well as performing alongside artists such as Kyle Dillingham, Kristi Starling, Katrina Elam, Rita Springer, and Plumb. Formerly, a full-time worship leader for over 18 years, Sean currently travels around the state leading worship for a variety of congregations. As the music director in past Gaslight productions, you may have seen Sean perform in “One Man, Two Guvnors,” “Green Day’s American Idiot,” and now “ONCE.” When not performing with his band, or as a solo act, you can find him with his better half, Angela Gallagher loving life. Between the two, they have four wonderful kids, and enjoy what Enid offers their blended family. “I am grateful, honored, and even humbled to be part of the creative team for ONCE, and have the opportunity to, not only direct, but also perform with this group of hard-working musicians, and be surrounded by such AMAZING talent!”

Mary Aiaka Kent

Stage Manager

Whitney Hall

Lighting and Sound Technician

Nathan Sundvall

Multimedia Technician

Rena Cook

Dialect Coach

Justin Blasier

Technical Director

Studying at Full Sail University and drumming professionally for almost 25 years... Justin has the skill, ear, and abilities to record, mix, master, and produce your music on top of being a world class live and studio drummer. Drumming, Mixing, Engineering, and Assisting on many projects including: Robert Allen, Lisbon, The Peachtrees, Backstage Pass, and more! Justin owns and operates Blasier.Pro LLC along with his wife Taylor. They create a variety of media content for many brands and organizations in Oklahoma. Justin is also the Tech. Director at the Gaslight Theatre in Enid, Oklahoma.

Sam Coleman

Stage Crew

Dedra Lyon

Stage Crew

Emily Day

Stage Crew

Grant Gallagher

Stage Crew

Donors

About the Authors

Enda Walsh is an acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and director. His recent work includes the play Arlington and the opera The Second Violinist which both premiered at the Galway International Arts Festival in 2016 and 2017 respectively. He also worked on the new musical, Lazarus, with David Bowie, which opened at New York Theatre Workshop in December 2015. Enda adapted and directed Max Porter’s Grief is the Thing with Feathers, which ran both in Glasgow and New York. His work has been translated into many languages and has been performed internationally since 1996.  In 2014 he received an Honorary Doctorate from Galway University.

Glen Hansard is an award-winning musician with a host of real-life songs and lilting vocals that reflect a passion for his diverse influences. Film: The Commitments, Once.  Albums: Between Two Shores, This Wild Willing, Didn't He Ramble, Rhythm and Repose, Strict Joy, the soundtrack of Once (Academy Award for Best Original Song, 'Falling Slowly'; Olivier award for Outstanding Musical Contribution), The Swell Season, The Cost, Burn the Maps, Set List, For the Birds, Dance the Devil, Fitzcarraldo, and Another Love Song.

Marketa Irglová is an Academy Award winning musician and actor born in the Czech Republic. Film: Once and Milluji tě Modře. Albums: Muna, Anar, The Swell Season,the soundtrack of Once (Academy Award for Best Original Song, 'Falling Slowly', Olivier award for Outstanding Musical Contribution), Strict Joy.

John Carney is a Dublin-based writer-director who came to the world's attention following the box office hit and critically acclaimed musical feature film Once, which garnered multiple Independent Spirit, Sundance and Raindance awards. Previously, John was a bassist in the Irish rock band the Frames, where he met Glen Hansard. These musical roots continue to be evident in John's work with his latest production, Can a Song Save Your Life?. Other projects include Dogs of Babel for David Heyman and Nathan Kahane starring Steve Carrell and a feature adaptation of M.R. James's Casting the Runes for Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

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