October 22, 2016 - November 13, 2016
THE SNOW QUEEN
Adapted from the Hans Christian Andersen by Sean Mitchell
Music & Lyrics by John Allman
In this new adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Gerda is separated from her best friend Kai by the Snow Queen, and vows to find him no matter what happens. On her journey she faces many distractions and obstacles, but with the help of her friends the Mirror, Crow and Robbie, she is able to defeat the Snow Queen and save Kai. Photos by Michael Brunk | NWlens.com
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
Rafael de Leon (Kai) is a junior at Redmond High School and is excited to be working with SSR again. Redmond Middle School: Suessical Jr. (Horton), Peter Pan Jr. (Captain Hook). Redmond Academy: Once Upon a Mattress (Sir Harry), Godspell (Jesus), The Fantasticks (Matt), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy Smith). Redmond High School: Once on this Island(Daniel Beauxhomme), Twelfth Night (Sir Toby Belch), A Flea in her Ear(Victor/Poche), RENT (Roger Davis). SecondStory Repertory: Into the Woods (the Baker), Bonnie and Clyde (Clyde Barrow). He thanks the Squolf for the opportunity to be a part of this production.
Sebastian Floyd Hulburt (Crow) is just so excited to be returning to the stage here at SecondStory Repertory. A veteran of both stage and screen, Sebastian has done a bunch of shows and no movies. It's possible you have seen him in some productions, some of his favorites include: Fancy Nancy (Lionel), Sweeney Todd (Sweeny Todd), Godspell (Judas), and Into the Woods (Cinderella's Prince). By day you can find him arguing about fines with exasperated library employees. He would like to thank everyone who has been kind enough to give him rides and everyone who finds reasons to cast him.
Tadd Morgan (Mirror) is delighted to be back at SSR and part of this magical adventure! He was last seen on stage at Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater in Beauty and the Beast. He has worked with numerous other Seattle companies including Theater Schmeater, Pork Filled Productions, Annex Theatre, Seattle Musical Theatre, and he can be heard in Battleground's Brass radio series. Tadd also works as an admission counselor for Cornish College of the Arts. His heart is full of love for MP, Belle, and the Wolves of Cambor.
Vanessa Ignacio O’Francia (Gerda) is a Seattle native and a woman after God’s own heart. She is absolutely honored to make her debut here at SecondStory Repertory. You may have seen Vanessa in some of her favorite theater productions such as The Dream Girls (Lorrell Robinson), and The Coming of the Messiah (Mother Mary). As she pursues the arts, Vanessa also balances her graduate studies at the UW School of Social Work and service as an educator. She would like to thank the staff for this wonderful opportunity, the love of her life for all his support, and God for pushing her to be a “lion-hearted-lamb” Hebrews 10:35-36.
Suzanne Merhej (Snow Queen/Robbie) is delighted to return to the stage in this fun production after a 3-year hiatus from performing! She is a graduate of the Voice program at UW, where she previously earned a degree in Drama and Dance. Past credits include Gypsy (Louise), A Chorus Line (Sheila), and Legally Blonde at Seattle Musical Theatre, as well as A Funny Thing…Forum and The Villain’s Web at SSR. She has also performed locally with Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater, Driftwood Players, and Seattle Children’s Theatre. Her all-time favorite role is as Mommy to sweet baby Katie. Thank you to Brad and the team at SSR for this opportunity. Love to Todd, without whose support and encouragement I wouldn’t be able to do this. Many blessings to you! Isaiah 43:19.
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Brad Walker (Director) is making his SSR directorial debut with The Snow Queen. An alumnus of the University of Washington and a theater artist of many forms, Brad has also directed with Burien Actors Theatre, SIS Productions, Pork Filled Productions, Sweet Pea Cottage Preschool for the Arts, and taught youth theater with The Hi-Liners. Predominantly an actor, Brad may be familiar to SSR audiences from Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour) and Forever Plaid (Frankie). Brad has also performed with Book-It Repertory Theatre, Taproot Theatre, Intiman, Harlequin Productions, The 14/48 Projects, and StoryBook Theater. His favorite Pokémon is Starmie.
Laurie Roberts (Costume Designer) has been designing costumes for 15 years, and is delighted to be back working at SSR again for the 28th time. She has also designed costumes for Bellevue Youth Theatre and Youth Theatre Northwest. Her work was last seen in this season's Song For A New World. Thanks as always to the Squolf for the opportunity. Enjoy the show!