The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon |
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Don Zolidis |
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Dylan Sleeper Mary Shafarik |
Robyn Tanger Matthew Adams |
Ian Welsh Angela Engebretson |
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Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts. |
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Hallmark movies are totally my jam. Every October I renew my subscription to the Hallmark movie app. I devour each flick while also chugging hot cocoa or wine. 'Tis the season they say! But I've also noticed a lot of overlapping "themes" & characters when I watch these frothy flicks. My friend, Steve, and I constantly talk about writing our own Hallmark movie and finding the perfect "formula" for a Hallmark Channel hit. And, it's downright laughable what we come up with.
So when I saw a play for The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon, I KNEW it had to be our holiday show for Out of the Woods Theatre's fourth theatre season. It's a delightful "comedic romp" as I call it -- poking fun at all the stereotypes and holiday movies that spill over from the Hallmark Channel to Netflix and other streaming channels. This play is filled with side-splitting humor & delightfully awkward, "that went dark quick" moments. Add to that some of the absolute best comedic actors in the Wausau area and we've got a recipe for hilarious holiday fun.
I hope you enjoy this show as much as the cast and I have enjoyed rehearsing & performing it for you. Thanks to the resilience & innovation of our little theatre company (despite the pandemic), we are proud to bring you our fourth consecutive holiday production. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Nicole Stephens
Sponsors
Song List
It’s a Hallmark Movie Day! By Wesley Alfvin
The Hallmark Channel Song by Russ Stallons
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Harry Connick, Jr.
White Christmas by Bing Crosby
Cold December Night by Michael Buble
All I Want For Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt
I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Elvis Presley
Where Are You Christmas by Faith Hill
Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Jack Jezzro
Last Christmas by Wham!
I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Martina McBride
The Holly and the Ivy by George Winston
Greensleeves (Instrumental) by Orchestre symphonique de Quebec
Sponsors
Who's Who
Cast
Creative Team
Nicole Stephens
Cindi Strobel
Rebecca Bonkoski, KC Hofer
Bob Stephens
Allegra Coolidge of The Hair Affair Salon, LLC
Jim & Paula Hawkins, Robyn Tanger
Meet the Company
Lori Lewis
Lori Lewis has spent many years as a very proud theatre & all-star cheer Mom to Ashlyn & Alayna, but now, it’s her time to bring the drama! This is Lori’s second theatrical production with OOTWT as well as the second in her entire life. She would like to thank her friends & family for attending this show to laugh with her. She adds, "go get a cocktail -- it makes us funnier! Happy Holidays!"
Katie Oelig
This is Katie Oelig's second production with Out of the Woods Theatre. She played Holly in THANKSGIVING: A PLAY and is excited to be in The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon. In her spare time, she likes to play board games with her husband & family and take hikes with their yellow lab, Vinny.
Bailey Sleeper
Bailey Sleeper is extremely excited to make her Out of the Woods debut. Previously, she's been involved with productions both on & off-stage with Wausau & Antigo Community Theatres, as well as the former UWMC theatre department. She's extremely excited to act along side her husband for the first time. Outside of theatre, Bailey spends her time as a corporate giving professional, volunteers her time on various boards of directors and plays with her corgi puppy.
Dylan Sleeper
Dylan Sleeper is thrilled to be a part of OOTWT’s production of The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon. Favorite credits under Dylan's belt include TTHE ELEPHANT MAN (John Merrick), THE LION IN WINTER (Prince Richard the Lionheart), EVITA (Che), and CHRISTMAS MY WAY. Dylan is very excited to act opposite his wife, Bailey, for the first time. Outside of theater, Dylan enjoys playing games, refereeing basketball, going to school and taking his corgi to the dog park. Dylan gives a big thank you to the cast & crew for bringing together such a fun show!
Robyn Tanger
Robyn Tanger is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to bring Joy to life in this show & to work with so many talented individuals. She's been a member of CenterStage Band & Show Choir for three years & is eager to become more involved in the performing arts. Aside from her love of singing & dancing, Robyn can also be found outdoors hiking, playing pickleball, or being creative in the kitchen. She is grateful for the support & encouragement of her family & friends. She wishes everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Ian Welsh
Ian Welsh has been involved with theater since he was 12 and since then has been involved in numerous productions over the years. He's done shows with WCT, CWCT, Everest, OOTWT and Centerstage. Some of his favorite shows are SEUSSICAL, CATS, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, and TARZAN. Ian is very excited to get his first lead role in a show as Paul & he hopes you enjoy the show.
Mary Shafarik
Mary Shafarik became involved in theatre when she was a kid & never looked back. Locally, she has been on stage with CWCT, WCT, UWSP at Wausau, Artista! Players and OOTWT. Some favorite roles include: Marmee in LITTLE WOMEN, The Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS, Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Sister Mary Amnesia in NUNSENSE, Domina in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, Paulette in LEGALLY BLONDE and Lily in THE SECRET GARDEN. Mary is a board-certified music therapist & owns Life Rhythms Music Therapy. She's married & has two daughters.
Matthew Adams
Matt Adams is an elementary school teacher in Wausau. He worked on set construction & stage crew for several plays in high school. He was convinced to audition for The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon after his breakout role as "Audience Participant" in a production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE received rave reviews (from his wife). He is very excited to be part of the play!
Angela Engebretson
This is Angela Engebretson’s debut with OOTWT. Her favorite past theatre role was being cast as the Evil Queen in SNOW WHITE. "What a gift it has been to act & laugh with reckless abandon alongside this talented cast & crew!" says Angela. She is thankful to her family for their enthusiastic support of this little dream.
Dylan Cromell
Dylan Cromell has enjoyed working with Out of the Woods Theatre on The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon. His only other experience with theater was this past summer's production of MARIAN, OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD but he is already proving himself as a natural on the stage. He would like to thank Out of the Woods Theatre for giving him the opportunity to try his hand at acting and his friends & family for encouraging him.
Jim Hawkins
Now retired as a lawyer, Jim Hawkins has been active in local theater since coming to Wausau in 1979 but also in educational & community theater since playing a milkman in second grade (a good many years ago). He has been a professional stagehand in the US & Germany, designed, built or acted in local productions, and still occasionally works as a stagehand at the Grand. His wife, Paula and he have worked together in local theater for almost 30 years and were recently emcees for the annual CenterStage show. They're so glad to be back in live, in-person productions in any capacity. Favorite roles are anything they're doing together.
Paula Hawkins
Paula Hawkins has been involved in theater for 60 years since she was cast in her first show in junior high. Since then she has performed with Menomonie Community Theater, Wausau Community Theater, Mad Regals, Oasis Theater Ensemble, UW-Marathon County Theater (now UWSP at Wausau), Artista! Players, Central Wisconsin Children's Theatre, CenterStage Band & Show Choir, and Out of the Woods Theatre. Favorite roles include STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Clairee Belcher -- twice), NOISES OFF (Belinda Blair), MAD REGALS (Queen Victoria & Lucrezia Borgia), THE MUSIC MAN (Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn -– where she met her husband!), CHARLIE'S AUNT (Donna Lucia) and LEND ME A TENOR (Maria Merelli). Along with her husband, Jim, she has also designed & built sets for local community theater group shows including THE MUSIC MAN, CAROUSEL, NARNIA, CHILDREN OF EDEN, HELLO DOLLY, HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, COME BLOW YOUR HORN & others.
Jefferson Le
Jefferson Le is thrilled to be part of another great Out of the Woods production. He was previously in MARIAN, OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD and directed ALICE IN THE GARDENS. When he's not doing theatre, he enjoys cooking, hanging out with friends, watching Dancing With the Stars and playing games. He would like to thank his family & friends for the wonderful support in his theatrical adventures. Jefferson says, "Happy Holidays & have a Happy New Year!!"
Stephanie Hardi
A Colorado native, Stephanie Hardi moved to Central WI from Denver in 2019 with her husband, toddler & Australian Shepard and has loved exploring the Midwest. As a passionate participant in the performing arts -- both on stage & in the audience -- Stephanie is thrilled to be a part of OOTWT’s The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon production. In addition to theater, Stephanie is an avid reader & loves to find adventure with her family through mounrtain biking, skiing & hiking. She would like to send much love to her amazing husband, Schwan, for his support.
Lynn Meyer
Lynn Meyer has been involved in local theater for many years -- both onstage & backstage -- including WCT, Artista! Players, OOTWT & more. Favorite roles include OKLAHOMA (Ado Annie), THE MUSICA MAN (Mrs. Paroo), FIDDLER ON THE ROOD (Yente), INTO THE WOODS (Jack's Mother), DAMN YANKEES (Meg) and SEUSSICAL (The Sour Kangaroo). Lynn is the costume shop manager for WCT. She's also a charter member of CenterStage Band & Show Choir ... singing, dancing & costuming her heart out. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Hannah Holbach
Hannah Holbach is thrilled to be involved in this holiday show! This is her second production with OOTWT -- she appeared as the Red Queen previously in ALICE IN THE GARDENS. Other favorite appearances include Judy in THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTITIME and Kristine in A CHORUS LINE with WCT. Behind the scenes, she has directed MATILDA and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. She is also a member of CenterStage Band & Show Choir. When not performing, Hannah works as a hospice nurse and is currently obtaining her Master's degree in nursing informatics. She would like to thank her family & friends for their support, especially her mom Karen.
Benjamin Freyer
Ben Freyer, an avid lover of theater, cannot wait to be a part of OOTWT's production of The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon! Having his start in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with WCT, Ben has performed in community & high school theater alike and this is his debut production with OOTWT. Some of Ben's favorite past roles include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey II), MAMMA MIA! (Eddie) and 1776 (Samuel Chase). Ben can't wait to share this ludicrous production with you & wishes you a merry Christmas!
LaTonya Sala
LaTonya Sala is excited to be performing with Out of the Woods Theatre on this very funny show! Recent shows LaTonya has performed in include THE LITTLE MERMAID, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. LaTonya says, "Thanks to my family for all your support. Enjoy the show!"
Nicole Stephens
Nicole Stephens wears many hats not only at OOTWT but also in her life in general. A woman of many trades; she has managed, directed, written playscripts, acted, costumed, choreographed, designed & painted sets, done all the hair & makeup ... and even helped other performers change shoes backstage. Outside of theatre, Nicole owns Brush & Bashful and has worked in the beauty industry for over 20 years. And when she's not hard at work with theatre and the salon, you can find her baking up a storm, gardening, writing, organizing, raising chickens & having dance parties in her kitchen with her family & close friends. She is married to a wonderful husband, Bob, who supports all her endeavors and has a stunningly beautiful & intelligent daughter, Sidney. Past shows directed by Nicole include STEEL MAGNOLIAS, LITTLE WOMEN and THANKSGIVING: A PLAY.
Cindi Strobel
Rebecca Bonkoski, KC Hofer
Bob Stephens
Allegra Coolidge of The Hair Affair Salon, LLC
Jim & Paula Hawkins, Robyn Tanger
Multimedia
Your Narrators, Katie Oelig & Lori Lewis
Holly (played by Bailey Sleeper) & Brett (played by Dylan Sleeper)
Joy (played by Robyn Tanger) & Paul (played by Ian Welsh)
Jackson (played by Matt Adams) & Carol (played by Mary Shafarik)
Blake (played by Dylan Cromell) & Merry (played by Angela Engebretson)
Kris (played by Jim Hawkins) & Noelle (played by Paula Hawkins)
Rita (played by Stephanie Hardi) & Sven (played by Jefferson Le)
There's always an evil villain plotting to take over a small town in. Played by Lynn Meyer.
Everyone's favorite sassy, red-headed bestie: Bridgette (played by Hannah Holbach).
That awkward moment when your ex-boyfriend shows up. Played by Benjamin Freyer.
Everyone's favorite TSA Agent (played by LaTonya Sala)
Donors
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Presenting Sponsors: Oak Trees ... representing strength & courage, $3000+ Season Sponsors: Birch Trees ... representing new beginnings, $2000-2999 Show Sponsors: Maple Trees ... representing balance & promise, $1000-1999 Performance Sponsors: Cedar Trees ... representing healthy growth, $500-999 Supporters: Ash Trees ... representing grounded strength, $100-499 Donors: Pine Trees ... representing humility & humble beginnings, $0-99 -- Brian Achatz, Katie Alvord, Tim Blahnik, Winsor Cosby, Tanya Elliott, Nicole Oleson, Adam Sala, Matthew Savage, Heidi Schafer-Edwards, Paige Trotter, Deborah Yellow Thunder
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Want to make a donation? Want to support a young actor via a scholarship or by paying their participation fee? It's easy! Just go to: https://square.link/u/CiA4a88I
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Special Thanks To:
Allegra Coolidge & The Hair Affair Salon, LLC
Central Wisconsin Children's Theatre
evolutions in design
Jim Kryshak Jewelers
Scott Fritsche & Artista! Entertainment
Vino Latte
Sponsors
