DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Conceiving the script in early September, under constant bombardment of

TV news about the U.S. presidential election and Syrian refugee crisis, the

cast proposed some heavy themes, such as immigration, segregation, the

role of the police, the media, and the idea of sacrifice. At the same time,

many of the cast wanted to try out having super powers. Who doesn’t? Each

cast member ultimately made their own choice whether to be a villain, a

super hero, or an everyday person. They chose their super power and/or

occupation. The plot grew organically from the characters and their jobs

or powers. Much of the dialogue was written or developed by the cast

during improvisations.

As a member of the audience, you have a super power, too: the power of

imagination. Our heroes can’t do it alone. We need you to join us in the

fight for truth, justice, and the American Way. Turn your clock back to

1949, just after the Second World War. The townspeople of Metro-City are

feeling safe and prosperous under the watchful eyes of a team of Super

Heroes who have taken up residence. What do they have to fear?

CREW LIST

Director…...................................................................Lisa Lee Schmidt

Associate Director...........................................................Mark C. Guerra

Assistant Director and Film Director................................Ruben Carrazana

Musical Director....................................................................Lindsy Lev

Composer and Arranger..................................................George Gagliardi

Choreographer..............................................................Lela Bell Wesley

Assistant to the Director....................................................Shirley Spitler

Costume Designers.................................Sarah Eubank, Shirley Harrison, Shannon Harrison & Cindy Thornton

Prop Designers……………………….......… Shirley Harrison & Simon Lewis

Hair & make up……………………………………......………..Holly Jo Harris

Set Designer ………………………………………………... Ruben Carrazana

Jesters Coordinator for HPUMC..................................................Liz Irwin

Film and video……………………….........Antonii Henderson & Chris Taylor

Light and Technical Direction.....................................David Marchbanks

Slide and Video Operator.....................................................James Bailey

Sound Operator....................................................................Liam Taylor

Musicians..............................Yancey Arthur, Dan Fogel, George Gagliardi Lindsy Lev, Phil Minshew, & John Simon

Set Painters.....................Brynnle Beckman, David Kembel, Shane Sparks, Michelle Weakland, & Austin Weakland

rehearsal support & backstage crew

Doug Anderson, E.J. Burke, Maria Calderon, Laura Coleman, Stephanie

Drews, Sarah Eubank, Ceci Gladbach, Shirley Harrison, Maggie Ingels,

Simon Lewis, Sylvia Luedtke, Stephanie Newland, Casmir Osuague, Sue

Ringle, Shirley Spitler, Stan Spitler, Cindy Thornton, and Meghan Villard

JESTERS CAST (in order of appearance)

Mack Standish, newspaper stand owner.............................John McKinleyChef Macaroni....................................................................Jake EubankProfessor Annie..............................................................Patricia GibsonKara the Powerful, a Super Hero...........................................Elaine ScialoDog Walker......................................................................Nathan BekkerDr. Joy, veterinarian......................................................Nancy AppelmanFly Guy, a Super Hero..........................................................Scott SpitlerJackman, a Super Hero......................................................Jack HopkinsMetro City Mayor......................................................Nicholas EnsmingerJay Olsen, newspaper photographer.................................Jeremy CriswellElla, college student.....................................................Constance LewisSmiley, a Super Hero......................................................Katie PassmoreMiss Merriweather, Mayor’s Assistant...............................Cindy JohnstonDr. Burns....................................................................Austin DavenportNurse Crystal..............................................................Christi DavenportNurse Beth......................................................................Erin AndersonBasketball Coach.............................................................Joseph O’NealWildcat Basketball Player...................................................Allison ElliottThe Hammer, a Super Hero.................................................Dean LefflerOfficer Page.....................................................................Kinsey BoozerOfficer Jackson....................................................................Jason CartyFoley Sound Effects Man...................................................Reese GouldVickie, sound engineer....................................................Chrissie AllisonEmily, sound effect assistant...............................................Emily HimesCaptain Strongarm, a Super Hero....................................Chris ThompsonMonty, radio announcer............................................Jason Edward CarterRuthie, jingle singer.............................................................Abby MunnLeah, jingle singer...........................................................Leah BattaloraLaser Knight, Super Hero and jingle singer..............................John FarleyTucker, inventor and visionary..........................................Michael SusensThe Silencer, a villain..................................................Shannon HarrisonThe Controller, a villain.....................................................Cormac CurrinSparkshocker, a villain...........................................................John HuffMr. Hyde, a villain.....................................................Matthew KwasniakBrainwash, a villain..........................................................Andrea PartonMindset, a villain..............................................................Justin WatersDr. Millicent Storm, a villain....................................Jessica Hallett Smith

SPECIAL THANKS

SPECIAL THANKS TO...• SMU first year dance majors, SMU theater department,

Theater Three, Lakehill Prepatory, Dallas Costume Shoppe, Shakespeare Dallas

• The Jesters families and friends for all of their amazing help with the set, costumes and props, in addition to their love and support of the program

• Our ticket sellers, front of house volunteers and greeters

• Young Men’s Service League of Park Cities for running all of our parking and serving as ushers

• The Fellowship Sunday school class

• Songs and lyrics composed by John Huff, John Farley, George Gagliardi, and Lindsy Lev

• Additional musical arrangements by George Gagliardi

• Program artwork by Austin Davenport

• Choreography contributions by Shannon Harrison

• All film video & editing by Antonii Henderson & Chris Taylor

HISTORY OF JESTERS

The concept of theater with those who have special needs was first introduced to Highland Park United Methodist Church by church member Sue Ringle, whose nephew had performed with a Jesters theater troupe in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Since then the HPUMC Jesters troupe has successfully planned, practiced and performed six original musical shows including Dave’s Circle of Friends (’10-‘11), Movin’ On: A Family Tale of Squirrels, Police, and Magic (’11-’12), Slim Chance in Boot Heel (‘12-‘13), Paradise Island (‘13-‘14), Invasion from the Stars (‘14-‘15), and Time Will Tell (’15-’16). This year marks the seventh season of Jesters.

All ticket sales and contributions will support Jesters and the Special Needs Ministry at HPUMC.

donors

BEHIND THE CURTAIN $250 - $499Sudsy & Gordon AdamsStephen AdamsEdward J. Burke, IIIDee & Dodge CarterIan Chapa & familyMaddie & Josh EspinosaMary Nan & Gary Johnson in memory of Kate Elizabeth Yeene Family of Joseph O’Neal Beth SusansMeredith & Pedro Zevallos

ALL THAT GLITTERS $500 - $999Morgan & Matt FlemingClay Hansard - Inwood Motors Inc.Sue & Jimmy Irish

BREAK A LEG $ 1,000 - $1,999Pam BordersFortress Investment Group LLCBecky & Joe GouldSuzanne & Jim JohnstonGeorgia L. & Douglas McW. Smith

SCENE order

ACT 1

Scene 1: What makes a hero a hero?

Scene 2: Radio show

Scene 3: Super hero thank you party

Scene 4: Reevaluating the evil plan

Scene 5: Radio show

Scene 6: Dividing the town

Intermission

ACT 2

Scene 1: Sneaking across the bridge

Scene 2: No-can-doo-ium

Scene 3: Radio show

Scene 4: Finale

ACTOR BIOGRAPHIES

CHRISSIE ALLISON / Vickie, sound engineer This is Chrissie’s third season with Jesters. Originally hailing from New York, she now calls Texas home. Upon arrival in Texas she easily mastered the fine art of saying “y’all.” When she is not

acting, Chrissie attends My Possibilities in Plano.

ERIN ANDERSON / Nurse Beth Erin is one of the Jesters originals and this will be her 7th season with the troupe. Her favorite performance was Paradise Island in which she played a member of the Haggard Family. When Erin is

not acting or dancing she enjoys writing stories. Her favorite thing about Jesters is the acting. She has always liked the theater and the movies.

NANCY APPELMAN / Dr. Joy, veterinarian Nancy has been with Jesters for five years. Her favorite role is a three way tie between acting as the Bear Tamer in Slim Chance in Boot Heel, a Mermaid in Paradise Island and the Costume

Designer in Invasion from the Stars. During the week Nancy attends My Possibilities and enjoys Equest, swimming, and YoungLife. Her favorite thing about Jesters is being on stage in the spot light.

LEAH BATTALORA / Leah, jingle singer This is Leah’s 4th year with Jesters. Her favorite performance was Invasion from the Stars in which she played an alien. When she is not acting, Leah attends the Notre Dame School of Dallas

and volunteers at the Frontier Flight Museum and Howdy Homemade. She loves to ride horses and participates in the Equest Equestrian program. Leah’s favorite thing about participating in Jesters is meeting and performing with new friends.

NATHAN BEKKER / Nathan, dog walkerNathan has been performing with Jesters for four seasons. His favorite past shows were Movin’ On in 2012 and Paradise Island in 2014. When Nathan is not acting and rehearsing he attends

a dayhab program and enjoys art, dancing, ice skating, bowling, computers, swimming, going to the gym, and helping others. Nathan loves being part of the Jesters community and finds he enjoys Jesters more each year.

KINSEY BOOZER / Officer PageThis is Kinsey’s first season with Jesters. She has previous acting experience from performing in the Christmas programs at the Notre Dame School. When she is not rehearsing with

Jesters, Kinsey works at Dallas Afterschool. She enjoys coloring, riding her bike, spending time with her pug Bubba and is active in Explorers and the Kingdom Singers at HPUMC. She loves being able to act and make new friends through Jesters.

JASON EDWARD CARTER / Monty, radio announcer Jason is one of the Jesters originals and this is his 7th season. His favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel, where he played Alonzo. When he is not acting with Jesters he is acting

at My Possibilities. His favorite thing about Jesters is that he enjoys playing the different roles.

JASON CARTY / Officer Jackson This is Jason’s third year with Jesters. His favorite past performances were Invasion from the Stars and Time Will Tell. When he is not acting, Jason works part time at Kroger, enjoys

reading and talking about sports, and is involved with several church programs at HPUMC. The two things he enjoys most about Jesters are the challenging lines and the new friends.

JEREMY CRISWELL / Jay Olson, newspaper photographer Jeremy is a Jesters original and this will be his 7th season. He has loved each performance so much he cannot pick a favorite.

When he is not acting, Jeremy works for Dean Foods and volunteers with Best Buddies. His favorite thing about Jesters is making new friends and putting on a new play each year.

CORMAC CURRIN / The Controller, a villain Cormac is a Jesters original. His favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel in which he played the Jokester. When he is not acting, Cormac attends the DISD 18+ program and

participates in Special Olympics. His favorite thing about Jesters is acting!

AUSTIN DAVENPORT / Dr. Burns Austin is one of the Jesters originals and this will be his 7th season. His favorite past role was as Allen the Rabbit in Movin’ On. When he is not acting, Austin works as a mail room clerk at

Baker Botts Law Firm. His favorite things about Jesters are greeting his friends on Saturday morning, dancing and singing.

CHRISTINA HOCKEL DAVENPORT / Nurse Crystal Christina, “Christi,” is a Jesters original. Of the seven productions, her favorite past performance was last year’s, Time Will Tell, when she returned from a long illness to play Margaret

Carnegie. Christi volunteers as a teachers’ aide at St. Thomas Aquinas Lower School. She is looking forward to returning to work this year as a grocery store courtesy clerk. Christi loves everything about Jesters and is very thankful for those who make it happen!

ALLISON ELLIOTT / Wildcat basketball playerAllison is one of the original Jesters. Her favorite past performance was Paradise Island. When she is not acting, Allison volunteers at C.C. Young Retirement Center, attends My Possibilities, performs

with Rockwall Community Playhouse STAR players, participates with Best Buddies, plays golf for Special Olympics, attends The Walk at HPUMC, and loves hanging out with friends and spending time with her boyfriend, Vance. Her favorite thing about Jesters is the performances.

NICHOLAS ENSMINGER / Metro City MayorThis is Nicholas’ 7th performance with the troupe. His favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel in which he played one of the Amigos. When he is not acting, Nicholas is a student

at Notre Dame School of Dallas and enjoys juggling. His favorite things about participating in Jesters are being able to perform in front of an audience and, of course, the friends and volunteers, especially the girls.

JAKE EUBANK / Chef MacaroniJake is a Jesters original. Of his past seven performances his favorite was as a squirrel in Movin’ On. When he is not acting, Jake enjoys swimming and being at his family’s farm. He enjoys being

a part of Jesters because it gives him the opportunity to make people laugh.

JOHN FARLEY / Laser Knight, Super Hero and jingle singer John is a Jesters original and this is his 7th season. His favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel in which he played a Cowboy. When he is not acting, he attends My Possibilities and

enjoys practicing art and voice acting. His favorite things about Jesters are singing, friendship, and practicing acting.

PATRICIA GIBSON / Professor Annie Patricia was the very first Jesters cast member to sign up and this will be her 7th season. Her favorite role was as the Grandmother in Movin’ On. Her favorite thing about Jesters is all her friends

and the volunteers. “It is great seeing them year after year.”

REESE GOULD / Foley Sound Effects Man Reese made his debut with Jesters in 2011 and this is his 7th season. His favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel in which he played the Wanted Cowboy. When Reese is not

acting, his life is full with work, church involvement, and family life.

SHANNON HARRISON / The Silencer, a villain Shannon has been a part of the Jesters troupe for six years. Her favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel in which she played the Angry Farmer. When she is not acting Shannon

works part time at the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library and audits classes at TAMU-Commerce. She also enjoys dancing, singing, and acting in her spare time. Her favorite thing about Jesters is making friends.

EMILY HIMES / Emily, sound effects assistant Emily is one of the Jesters originals and this is her 7th season. Her favorite past performance is Movin’ On in which she played a news reporter. When she is not acting, Emily attends Connecting

Point of Park Cities and enjoys SMU Best Buddies, Special Olympics sports, and HPUMC Explorers. The things she likes best about Jesters are learning about acting and being around all the nice people involved.

JACK HOPKINS / Jackman, a Super Hero Jack is one of the Jesters originals and this is his 7th season. His favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel in which he played a Cowboy. When he is not acting, Jack does

volunteer work and co-teaches a Sunday School class. He also enjoys bowling, dancing, and anything theatrical. His favorite thing about participating in Jesters is the chance to be with friends and to play different characters. He also loves the audience!

JOHN HUFF / Sparkshocker, a villain John is one of the Jesters originals and this will be his 7th season. His favorite past performance is a tie between Movin’ On in which he played Henry and Slim Chance in Boot Heel in which

he played the Performance Troupe Leader. When he is not acting John works as a volunteer at the Children’s Aquarium and collects transforming figures. He loves coming to Jesters because he feels it is one of the only places where he can truly be himself.

CINDY JOHNSTON / Miss Merriweather, Mayor’s AssistantCindy is one of the Jesters originals and this is her 7th season. Her favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel where she played Sandy. When she is not acting Cindy works

as an office assistant at Locke, Lord LLP. She loves the friendships she has made in Jesters.

MATTHEW KWASNIAK / Mr. Hyde, a villain Matthew is a Jesters original and this is his 7th season. His favorite performance was Invasion from the Stars in which he played the Assistant Director, Mo. When he is not acting Matthew

attends the vocational program at the Notre Dame School of Dallas. He also enjoys making his own films and attending the Joey Travolta Inclusion Films camp in California. Matthew’s favorite things about Jesters are enjoying learning to act and hearing the audience.

DEAN LEFFLER / The Hammer, a Super Hero This is Dean’s 7th season with Jesters. One of Dean’s favorite roles was as the Judge in Slim Chance in Boot Heel. When he is not acting, Dean is involved with Mosaic of Dallas. Dean’s

favorite things about Jesters are getting into costume and playing fun and different characters.

CONSTANCE LEWIS / Ella, college student Constance is a Jesters original and this is her 7th season. Some of her favorite past roles were as a lawyer in Slim Chance in Boot Heel, a detective in Paradise Island and as a movie extra named

Susan in Invasion from the Stars. When she is not acting, Constance attends job training at the Notre Dame School’s post-grad program and enjoys exercise, playing computer games and reading books. Her favorite things about Jest-ers are gaining confidence through acting, being appreciated by people, and having a group of friends; actors and volunteers, who became like family to her.

JOHN MCKINLEY / Mack Standish, newspaper stand owner John has been a Jesters actor for five years. He has enjoyed all of his past performances so much he cannot pick a favorite. When he is not acting, John enjoys reading, golf, and playing guitar.

His favorite thing about Jesters is looking forward to playing a new character each year.

ABBY MUNN / Ruthie, jingle singerAbby is a Jesters original and this is her 7th season. She loves all the Jesters performances which she has been a part of, but her favorite role was when she played Roxie and sang “We are

Chickens” with her friend Cindy Johnston in the play Slim Chance in Boot Heel. When she is not acting, she works at Guardian Pharmacy Services and at Kohl’s Department Store. She enjoys Jesters because “I am able to pursue my passion of theater and do it with a wonderful circle of friends!”

JOSEPH O’NEAL / basketball coach This is Joseph’s third performance with Jesters. Joseph attends the Highland Park High School Transition Program and his favorite thing about Jesters is watching his friends do such

a good job.

ANDREA ABIGAIL PARTON / Brainwash, a villain This is Andrea’s second season with Jesters. When she is not acting, she runs a local autism support group, enjoys horseback riding, photography and is also involved in political advocacy.

Her favorite thing about participating in Jesters is working with the other cast members to develop an original storyline.

KATIE PASSMORE / Smilie, a Super Hero This is Katie’s second performance with Jesters. Last season she played Helen Keller in Time Will Tell. Katie is a senior at Pearce High School and her favorite thing about Jesters is being

surrounded by friends and awesome volunteers.

ELAINE SCIALO (LAINEY) / Kara the Powerful, a Super HeroThis is Elaine’s 5th season with Jesters. Her most recent, favorite performance is Invasion from the Stars in which she played the actress Rachel Berry. Elaine is currently a Hipster at My Possi-

bilities in Plano and volunteers at the Child Development Academy. She also enjoys attending YoungLife, hanging out with friends, and making YOUTUBE videos in her spare time. Her favorite thing about Jesters is practicing her dances and performing for family and friends from YoungLife.

JESSICA HALLETT SMITH / Dr. Millicent Storm, a villain Jessica is a Jesters original. Her favorite past roles are as the Detective in Movin’ On, as a Lady Pirate in Paradise Island and as the Music Director in Invasion from the Stars. When she is not

acting, Jessica works in the library at the Hockaday Upper School. She also volunteers in the Volunteer Office of the George W. Bush Library and Museum and is a Laundry Assistant at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. She also plays tennis and basketball for Special Olympics, ushers at her church, and takes fitness classes through the YMCA. Her favorite thing about participating in Jesters is everyone coming together with good ideas for the play each year.

SCOTT SPITLER / Fly Guy, a Super Hero Scott is one of the Jesters originals and this is his 7th season. His favorite past performance is Slim Chance in Boot Heel where he played both the cow and a cowboy/townsman. When

he is not acting, Scott does contract work for the Citizens Development Center assembling and sorting materials. His favorite things about participating in Jesters are getting to act, sing, and dance.

MICHAEL SUSENS / Tucker, inventor & visionaryMichael has been a Jesters actor for three years. His favorite role was when he played Colonel Stronghold in Invasion from the Stars. Michael is in the transition program at Highland Park High

School and enjoys model railroading when he is not acting. His favorite thing about Jesters is that it is his chance to shine.

CHRIS THOMPSON / Captain Strongarm, a Super HeroChris is a Jesters original and this is his 7th season. His favorite Jesters performance is Invasion from the Stars in which he played an actor who played an astronaut named Major Tom. When he is

not acting, Chris attends My Possibilities, volunteers at The Salvation Army, and plays the cello. His favorite thing about Jesters is dancing.

JUSTIN WATERS / Mindset, a villainThis is Justin’s 6th season with Jesters. His favorite past performance is Slim Chance is Boot Heel where he played Slim Chance. His favorite part of Jesters is making and having friends.

autographs

autographs

autographs

3300 MOCKINGBIRD LANE • DALLAS, TEXAS 75205 • HPUMC.ORG

TRADITIONALSanctuary* • 8:30, 9:30, & 11 am

CONTEMPORARYCornerstone • 9:30* & 11 am*, Wesley Hall

5 pm Saturday Night Service

ACOUSTICThe Chapel • 11 am, Cox Chapel

TEACHINGKerygma • 11 am, Rm 120

LITURGY & SACRAMENT8:30 am, Cox Chapel

SPECIAL NEEDSThe Feast • 5 pm, Rm 120

HIGHLAND PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

*May be viewed online at HPUMConline.org

3300 MOCKINGBIRD LANE • DALLAS, TEXAS 75205 • HPUMC.ORG

The FeastA welcoming weekly worship service for those with special needs, their families and friends, and all who have a heart for special needs. Sundays at 5:00 pm.

Kingdom SingersOur new special needs choir for all ages where we sing, play instruments and dance to beautiful music. Rehearsals are Sundays at 4:00 pm with performances at The Feast.

The WalkA class that offers participants a chance to grow in their faith, while enjoying fellowship. Multiple classroom settings accommodate individuals of all ages, interests, and abilities. Sundays at 9:30 am.

JestersA theatrical performance opportunity for teens (16+) and adults with special needs with rehearsals from September to February, concluding in a two-night performance. We hope you enjoyed the show!

Night OWLS (Out With Loving Sitters)A respite program for families who have children with special needs and their siblings (to age 13). Held the �rst and third Friday of the month.

ExplorersA spiritual and leisure enrichment group for teens (13+) and adults with special needs. Held the second Tuesday of the month.

“�th one mind and one voice we glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

R�ans 15:6

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT OUR MINISTRY & SERVING OPPORTUNTIES:Cheryl Vandiver • 214.523.2209 • vandiverc@hpumc.org • hpumc.org/specialneeds