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Special Thanks Goes Out To:

Frank Santos & Corbett Compel

Elizabeth Hughes

JR Armstrong

All of the Orlando Fringe Staff & Volunteers

Director / Writer's Note:

Most people that know me wouldn't immediately peg me for a country music fan, so it's no surprise that the most popular questions throughout this entire process have sounded like "Why this story?" "Why this music?" "Why now?" ... I remember seeing the 2002 movie as a sophomore in high school on a weekend outing to the movie theatre. Since then, it has always been one of my favorites and that notion has stuck with me into adulthood. It wouldn't be until years later that I would find out that my best friend and writing partner, Matthew Wyss, has a similar outlook! Through the years, it's rare that I was able to keep scrolling past when seeing it being aired on cable romcom channels. So I have to ask myself: why is that? It's the story and the amazing performances by Reese, Josh, Patrick, etc. The story I relate to on a lot of different levels. Growing up in a small rural town outside of Charleston, SC and then moving to a much bigger city in an attempt to spread my wings. Also, after being away from that small town for a while, it did seem awkward (at times) going back to visit family and friends. Once my eyes had been open to a different world, it was hard to see the one I was raised in in the same way. Things had changed, I had changed, and I struggled with fitting the new me into the world that I grew up in. However, deep down, there were definitely things about that previous life that I definitely missed: a simpler time, a steady safety net, uncomplicated childhood friendships... small things, but comforting things. But, there's also a lot of painful and problematic memories that go along with those times, and when looking at it as whole, those good and bad memories ebb and flow in and around each other, which I imagine is the same for most people. The one thing that remains constant throughout all of that though is the soundtrack of those years.... and that's 90's / 2000's country music!

As a lover of all kinds of music, I see and hear memories with music attached to them, they are synonymous for me. My family always had music in our house, on the boat, at the beach, in the car, in the backyard... and I loved that. To borrow a few words from one my cast members, "these are anthems for the working person, the fighters of injustice, the passionate lovers, and the deeply heartbroken." Something about that just rings true for me, and I guess you could say that I have harbored a secret affinity for this type of music over the years. It's part of me. So, when approaching this project, it was just a natural choice to tell this story backed by this type of music... it just fits. I imagine that MELANIE would feel the same way.

On an even more current note, I am absolutely in love with the notion of queer culture reclaiming country music in this nation right now. I'm here for it, and I hope this adds my small but mighty voice to this movement! With that being said, you will also find a couple of today's hits mixed into tonight's show.

So thank you for coming on this journey with us as we explore those ideas through the lens of this show. I hope it brings you the same joy that it brings us. And remember, it is possible to have both roots and wings!

- Jamie DeHay

Song List

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Christie Duffer

MELANIE CARMICHAEL

Christie is thrilled to return to Orlando Fringe 2025 with Unseen Images Theatre! Favorite credits include Laurey in Oklahoma!, Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music, Angie Dickinson in The Prom, Katie Lane Murphy (Honky Tonk Laundry), Carmen in Cocaine Bear: The Opera (Orlando Fringe 2024 Patron’s Pick), Cindy in A Bad Romance (Orlando Fringe 2023 Patron’s Pick), Musetta in La bohème, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni. An Illinois native, Christie holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from DePaul University. Offstage, she teaches elementary music and enjoys spending time with her dog, Sawyer. She is endlessly grateful to her parents and her wonderful friends for their love and support.

Austin Sultzbach

JAKE PERRY

Austin is truly ecstatic to be making his Fringe Debut as Jake Perry in this truly wonderful musical. He graduated from Point Park University, where he got his BFA in Musical Theatre. When he’s not jamming in Alabama, you can see him as a technician and stage assist at the horror makeup show. He also loves to hangout on Delancey Street with his good buddy Jake Blues. He would like to thank his wonderful director Jamie, his fantastic musical director Aaron, and his wonderful stage management team Emma and Sirai. Austin has loved working with this wonderful group of weirdos that makes up this entire cast. His wonderful understudy JT for always making sure he was at the top of his game. Most importantly he would like to thank his beautiful and caring wife for being his biggest supporter throughout this entire journey he’s been on. He loves her with all of his heart and would truly do anything just to see her smile. He hopes you enjoy the show and continue to support local theater!!

Celestino DeCicco

ANDREW HENNINGS

Celestino is back at his third fringe. He played Johnathan Harker last year in “it’s alive: a monsters burlesque comedy”.

Lauren Anne Andersson

LURLYNN

This year marks 10 years of Fringe fun for Lauren! Past Fringe Credits: JAWS: THE MOVIE: THE MUSICAL, LES MISERABBA, A BAD ROMANCE, WRONG TURN: A FINAL GIRLS CABARET, BLACKLIST BABES PRESENT CITY BEAUTIFUL: A LIVE BAND BURLESQUE SHOW, FRINGE AFTER DARK: WAYWARD QUEERS HOUSE PARTY, A LONG TIME AGO: THE 80s STRIKE BACK, THE GAY 90s MUSICAL, LIL’ WOMEN: A RAP MUSICAL, WHAT IF?, and MONSTER ISLAND. Lauren has performed for the local theme park, sports, and dinner theatre entertainment offerings over the past decade. Outside of Fringe, she has most notably been seen at TEATRO MARTINI (Madame Talia) and PIRATES DINNER ADVENTURE (Treasure). Lauren is also the Recruiter for Technical Entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort and the Casting Director for the Orlando-based projects of theatreMAMA. Lauren would like to thank Director and fearless leader Jamie DeHay for allowing her to be a part of this dream team once again. To the cast and crew, thank you for creating one of the most fun rehearsal and show experiences I have ever had. You are all so beautifully talented, and I am honored to make magic with you onstage this year ❤️ Lauren would also like to thank patrons like you for making festivals like Fringe continue to be possible!

Christian Inirio

BOBBY RAY

Christian is rarin’ to go for his debut with Unseen Images Theatre.  Recent shows include Ride The Cyclone (The Amazing Karnak), Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth) and Clue: On Stage (Mr. Green). You can also see him in Pangolin’s music video for Post Seasonal Depression. If you’re reading this at the 2025 Orlando Fringe Festival, you can also catch him at the Rocky Horror Improv Show on May 15th, 17th and 22nd! As always, he’d like to thank his partner, Chris, for putting up with his crazy schedule and for always supporting him in life and career! Always remember Trans rights are human rights, Black Lives Matter and Santa Claus is always watching!

Wendy Starkand

PEARL SMOOTER

Wendy is a powerhouse performer whose career spans Off-Broadway, regional theatre, musicals, plays, children’s theatre, and cabaret. She’s brought depth and charisma to roles like Mama Rose in Gypsy, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, and Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, with memorable turns in The Full Monty, Hairspray, Lippa’s The Wild Party, and Fiddler on the Roof. Off-Broadway credits include Born to Rumba, The Ball, and The Right to Play. Children’s theatre highlights include The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Pinocchio (The Blue Fairy), and Dragons Love Tacos (Orla O’Leary). From showstoppers to storytelling for young audiences, she brings fearless commitment and magnetic presence to every role

Jay Bogdanowitsch

EARL SMOOTER

Jay is an Actor, Director, Producer, and Writer. Notable roles include Polonius/Referee in “Hamlet Shut Up!”, a silent rendition of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” as if told by Buster Keaton that premiered at Sacred Fools Theater in Los Angeles and performed at the NYC Fringe Festival (NYCFringe) to sold out houses. Jay was Principal Talent in commercials with such companies as WWE Slim Jim with LA Knight and Bianca Belair, Florida Lottery, and Hard Rock Bet to name a few. Jay’s latest Comedy Short Film “Family Traditions” has currently screened at over 40 film festivals and won 25 Awards and recently been chosen as “Official Selection” in the 2025 Houston Comedy Film Festival. Jay is also a Comedic Improviser in both Long Form and Short Form Improv Comedy having studied and performed at Nitro Theater and SAK Comedy Lab.

Monica Titus

STELLA KAY PERRY

Monica is an Orlando based actress, and costume designer who was last seen onstage in Sordid Lives at Theater West End. She is thrilled to be making her Unseen Images debut, and wishes everyone a happy and successful Fringe! Local performance credits include: It Should Have Been You, Company, (The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol), A Swingin’ Christmas, A Grand Night for Singing, Honky Tonk Angels, Some Enchanted Evening (Winter Park Playhouse), Bridges of Madison County (Theater West End), A Christmas Story the Musical, James and the Giant Peach, Lend Me a Tenor (Athens Theatre), and Sunday in the Park with George (Mad Cow Theatre). Favorite local costume credits include: Wild Party (Theater West End), Ada and the Engine, Neighbors a Fair Trade Agreement, Assassins the Musical (The Studio Theater at Tiera del Sol), and Crazy for Gershwin, Shout! The Mod Musical, and 8 Track the Musical (Winter Park Playhouse).

JT Diaz

ENSEMBLE / ELDON / (us JAKE)

This is JT's first production with Unseen Images and his first Fringe Festival in over 10 years. He was recently seen in The Full Monty at Athens Theater and Damn Yankees at the Icehouse Theater in Mount Dora. He wants to thank his beautiful wife for always being a constant supporter of his passion and for loving him so fiercely. He look forward to getting started on the next project and thanks the S.H.A team for giving him the chance to share his talents at the Fringe again!

Sahid Pabon

ENSEMBLE / WADE / (us BOBBY RAY)

Sahid is thrilled to be joining the cast of Sweet Home Alabama. Previous stage credits include Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Del Delmonaco), 8 Track: Sounds of the 80s (Man 2, The Lover), and his original one-man cabaret, Plot Twist at the Winter Park Playhouse and The Secret Garden (Archibald Craven) with Central Florida Vocal Arts. A proud Universal Team Member, Sahid has worked on many projects with Universal Orlando Resort, including being a part of the opening team for Universal Epic Universe. Sahid would like to thank Jamie and the entire cast and crew for making this Fringe experience so memorable. Thanks to Mom and Ross for their never-ending love and support.

Bret Carson

ENSEMBLE / CLINTON / (us ANDREW)

Bret is finishing his 19th year teaching Middle School Chorus in OCPS. Bret currently teaches chorus & keyboard at Gotha MS. Choirs under his direction have performed at State Conferences, Carnegie Hall & were featured on prime time national television in the 2019 Disney Holiday Special performing with Sting & Shaggy. Bret has served as the district chairman for Orange County with the Florida Vocal Association and is a certified adjudicator for MPA events. In addition to teaching, Bret has also directed over a dozen different Broadway Jr. productions at Gotha & South Creek MS. When not involved with music Bret can be seen on the sidelines coaching the boys soccer & volleyball teams at Gotha. Bret was most recently seen in LRT's production of Ragtime as Houdini. Bret would like to thank the production of Unseen Images team as well as his friends & family for giving him the opportunity to perform again!

Lily Garnett

ENSEMBLE / STARR / (us MELANIE)

Lily is elated to be performing in her 7th show at the Orlando Fringe Festival, and her 4th show with Unseen Images Theatre! Born and raised in Georgia, Lily is one of the cast’s resident southern ladies, so she feels right at home as Starr. Lily was last seen at Orlando Fringe 2024 as Annie in "Wrong Turn: A Final Girls Cabaret” (Patron’s Pick). Favorite Fringe credits include: her premiere solo show, War Paint (Orlando Fringe, PortFringe, and KC Fringe 2019), Amy in Lil Women (Edmonton Fringe 2018), and Rora in A Bad Romance (Orlando Fringe 2023, Patron’s Pick). Her performance as Rora earned her a Watermark Splash Award for Favorite LGBTQ+ Supporting Performer. When she's not Fringing, Lily can be found on stages, film sets, and ballroom dance floors across Central Florida. She holds a BA in Theatre from Rollins College, and she is represented by Burton and Robinson Agency... All my love to Austin and Brooklyn! Thank you to the entire SHA family for another incredible Fringe experience! This show has been a beautiful reminder that you CAN have roots and wings.

Kayla Fischl

ENSEMBLE / TRISH / (us LURLYNN)

Kayla is grateful to be making her return to Unseen Images Productions! Past Regional Credits: Lead Vocalist (Royal Caribbean Cruises/MSC Cruise Line), Jinx at “Pirates Dinner Adventure”, Dorothy Gibson at “Titanic Dinner Gala”, April (Company) at The Studio Theatre in The Villages, FFNM 2018/2022 Seasons at The Winter Park Playhouse. Past Fringe Credits: “Sam’s Skeleton Soirée” (2025), “The Gay 90’s Musical”/“Miss Gultch Returns” (2022), “The Impossible Club” (2021). MFA Musical Theatre, The Boston Conservatory. BFA Musical Theatre, AMDA: College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts. Many thanks to Jamie, Aaron, R’hea, and Matt for this amazing opportunity, and the entire cast/crew for bringing this outstanding show to life. Break legs everyone! www.KaylaFischl.com Kayla_Fischl@aol.com

Sean Hancock

ENSEMBLE / FREDERICK / Dance Captain

This is Sean's second Fringe show, and he is so excited to be a part of this production and perform with this amazing cast! He graduated from Columbia State in Commercial Entertainment and was in a Contemporary dance company in Nashville. He has been in local productions in Orlando including Newsies(Mush), Rock of Ages,(Jakeeth) ,White Christmas(Ensemble), and On your Feet(Ensemble) "I've had a blast being a part of this production and can't wait for many more!"

Emma Licata

ENSEMBLE / PAN

Emma is delighted to be returning home to Unseen Images Theatre for Sweet Home Alabama. Previous credits include: Unseen Images: A Bad Romance (Stefani), Carousel (Julie Jordan), Teatro Martini (Jinx) & Pirates Dinner Adventure (Princess Anita). OCU BM MT ‘20. Emma would like to thank the entire Unseen Images Theatre Creative Team for having her back this year and to the cast for all the Boondocks fun! Enjoy the show!

Andrew Sandoval

ENSEMBLE / BARRY

Andrew is very excited to be joining Unseen Images Theatre in his second year performing at the Orlando Fringe Festival. As an Orlando based performer, he has performed at multiple theme parks in the area from Universal Studios, Seaworld Orlando, and Legoland Florida. He has also choreographed for ATX winterguard based out of Austin, Texas. He would also love to thank his husband, friends, and family for all the love and support they give.

Jessica Young

ENSEMBLE / MRS. BUFORD

Jessica is thrilled to return to Orlando Fringe after her 2021 debut in Darths and Droids (Patron’s Pick). She is equally excited to be on the Edyth Bush since she grew up performing here and even interned here post-grad. When she’s not playing make believe at the theme parks, she’s a teaching artist, director, and playwright. Big thanks to her dad and Andrea for the self-tape support (and for pretending not to judge her “Alabama” accent)

Felicia Thornsbury

ENSEMBLE / TABATHA

Felicia is thrilled to be part of tonight’s production. A David Lynch coded trouble maker, her recent credits include The Bride in The Barbara Lee Comedy Wedding, Sue in An Adele Horror Story, Elysia in Phantasmagoria. In addition, Felicia is also a performer at Universal Studios. Trained vocally at the the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Trained in Musical Theatre by Mike Thomas.

Julie Weber

Female Swing

Julie is thrilled to be back performing for her second year at the Orlando Fringe Festival. She previously played Riri in Unseen Images Theatre’s production of “A Bad Romance” in 2023. Other roles outside of the Orlando Fringe Festival include playing Cinderella in Theatre Winter Haven’s production of “Disenchanted” and being an ensemble member in The Henegar Center’s production of “Rock of Ages”.

Destany Sherman

Male Swing

Destany has been a performer since she was a baby including pageants, competitive dancing, theatre and choir. From Alabama, she moved here to Florida to work for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. She has a passion for live productions and is so excited for her first Fringe show as an ensemble swing! Thank you to the team for casting her and the cast for being so welcoming! Previous roles have included Snow Queen in the Nutcracker, Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, bottle dancer in Fiddler on the Roof, Belle in Disenchanted, and years of Candlelight Processional and choir performances. Previous Orlando productions include featured dancer and dance captain for Matilda, Suessical, Ragtime, Anastasia, Freaky Friday and assistant choreographer for the Rocky Horror Show. Happy Fringe!

Jamie DeHay

Producer / Writer / Director / Designer

Jamie is a graduate University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem, NC) where he earned a BFA in Scene Design from the School of Design & Production in May of 2016. In 2011, he earned an Associates Degree in Live Entertainment Design & Technology from Valencia College in Orlando, FL. He has done a wide variety of work in both the themed entertainment & performing arts field ranging from theme parks, escape rooms, laser tag arenas, themed environments & events, corporate events & trade shows, live theatre, parties, cabarets, cruise ships, and circus. He works as a freelance designer for various theatre companies in the Central Florida area, as well as serving as Artistic Director / Producer for his own production company, Unseen Images Theatre. Jamie is so excited to be able to work with this talented cast, crew and creative team. Favorite directing credits: A Bad Romance (2023), Pillow Talk (2013/2014/2017), Next Fall (2014), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2016) Gay Jeopardy (2017), Fucking Men (2021), Selling Out: The Musical (2021), Les MiserABBA (2022). Favorite design credits: Arden (In The Wings - 2021), Peter & The Starcatcher (LHPS - 2020), Much Ado About Nothing (LHPS – 2019) Next To Normal (Valencia College – 2017), The Glass Menagerie (Beth Marshall Presents - 2016), Bye, Bye, Birdie (Theatre at The J – 2016) Peter Pan (Tibbits Opera House – 2015), Pippin (Tibbits Opera House – 2015). www.JamieIsCreative.com

Matthew Wyss

Co-Book Writer / Production Manager

Matthew is beyond excited to return to Orlando Fringe this year having been involved with past productions including Unseen Images Pillow Talk and co-writing 2023’s A Bad Romance. Forever grateful to his ride or die Jamie for including him in this process. Also a huge thanks goes to his partner, Marco: Your never-ending patience and understanding during rehearsals and script revisions meant the world. 💙💜

Aaron W. Penfield

Music Director

Aaron is thrilled to be participating in his seventh Orlando Fringe this year, this time down in the Boondocks! Previous music directing credits include “A Bad Romance” & “Les MiserABBA" (Forced Perspective Entertainment, both Orlando Fringe Patron’s Picks), "The Gay 90's Musical" (Unseen Images Theatre) and twenty-one Broadway Jr. musicals at Howard Middle School. Previous performing credits include "The Wizard of Loch Haven Park" (Calhoun), "John and Jen" (piano & percussion), and "Oliver" (Dr. Grimwig). Additionally, Aaron serves as Director of Modern Worship at First United Methodist Church of Orlando. Aaron is an advocate and champion for arts education in Central Florida, serving as the Choral Director at Howard Middle School for the past eighteen years. Aaron would like to thank Jamie and the entire production team for their trust and collaboration, the cast for their hard work bringing this show to life, and his family for their unwavering support. Happy Fringe!

Nishaa Johnson

Musical Arrangements

Nishaa is excited to be back on the Production Team for Sweet Home Alabama after previously being involved with the 2023 Fringe production of A Bad Romance. Nishaa holds both a Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, as well her Master's from the University of Central Florida.  Nishaa frequently music directs for Little Radical Theatrics. Recent credits include music direction for Anastasia and Carousel. Nishaa also works as a licensed title agent, but the title she is most proud of is Mommy!

Rhea Hughes

Choreographer

Rhéa, pronounced ray-uh, grew up in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina where she began dancing at age four. She received her BA in Dance Education from the University of South Carolina in 2016 and moved to Orlando, FL shortly after graduation. Rhéa has since performed at Sea World, Capone’s Dinner and Show as a Dancer/Singer, Virgin Voyages, and is currently performing at Universal Orlando Resort as a Dancer/Actor. Her theater credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Ensemble), Legally Blonde (Elle’s Mom/Ensemble), A Chorus Line (Judy), SpongeBob the Musical (Choreographer/Electric Skate/Ensemble), The Wild Party (Jackie U/S, Ensemble), and Young Frankenstein (Ensemble/Dance Captain). She can also be found performing with Thomas Wilkins Choreography (Nursecon at Sea) and with Drapinski Dance Company (local and touring). Rhéa is thrilled to be working with this incredible cast!!

Blair Meeker

Lighting Designer

Blair is thrilled to be collaborating with Unseen Images Theatre for the second time, returning to Fringe, bringing Sweet Home Alabama to life on stage. Previous lighting design credits include A Bad Romance-Unseen Images Theatre (Orlando, FL); Legally Blonde, Frozen the Musical, Little Women, Matilda at Westview Theatre (Portland, OR); Assistant Light Design: Return to the Forbidden Planet, Hamlet, and American Idiot at Valencia College (Orlando, FL); and additional work with Chicago- Theatre South Playhouse (Orlando, FL). Blair Meeker received the Jerry Award for Outstanding Light Design for Side by Side (Indian Trail Theatre, Kenosha, WI) and was honored along with the cast and crew a Patron’s Pick – Silver Venue Award for A Bad Romance 2023. He would like to thank his family for their unconditional love and support. BmeekerLD.weebly.com

Lisa Schroeder

Costume Designer

This is Lisa's first time working with Unseen Images Theatre, but she has been one of Jamie's Head Elves with The Elves Did It: Holiday Decorating Service since 2019!

Emma Marie Oliver

Stage Manager

Emma is a writer and creative thrilled to make her Fringe debut as part of the creative team for Sweet Home Alabama. With an MFA in Dramatic Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Emma specializes in theatrical and immersive storytelling, with shows and experiences around the world. Her work has been featured in productions with The Walt Disney Company and Universal Destinations & Experiences and staged at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. With over a decade of experience as an actor, performer, and crew member in community theater, Emma brings a deep understanding of the stage from both sides of the script. She is passionate about creating stories that stay with audiences long after they've lived them.

Sarai Goley

Stage Manager

Sarai has taught and directed theater in Lake and Orange County schools for 15 years and currently works as Opera Orlandos' props mistress and assistant production manager. Sarai hails from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Studies with a double minor in Cinema Studies and Mass Communications and a Master of Arts Degree in Theatre Education from the University of Houston. She has worked in theatre for 25 years including the US Fringe Circuit, Orlando Shakes, and remains a proud educator of the future artists of Orlando. She is thrilled to be a part of this original production of Sweet Home Alabama: The Musical with Unseen Images Inc. for the 34th International Orlando Fringe Festival!

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