Theatre Palisades Youth Presents

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR

Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture

Book by

Kevin Del Aguila Original Music and Lyrics by

George Noriega & Joel Someillan

Directed and Choreographed by

Lara Ganz

Musical Director

Caitlin Tortorici

Produced by

Amy Kate Connolly Claire Farwell

Stephanie Malayil

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. is presented through special arrangement with

and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY

(212) 541-4684 mtishows.com

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT ONE

It’s Showtime ............................. Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, Zoo Guests

Zookeeper Zelda, Zookeeper Zeke, Zookeeper Zoe,

Skipper, Kowalski, Private, Penguins, Lionesses

Wild And Free ............................................ Marty, Zookeepers, Zoo Guests

Best Friends ...................................................................Marty, Alex, Mason

Relax, Be Cool, Chill Out ....... Marty, Skipper, Penguins, Police Officer #1,

Police Officer #2, Alex, Gloria, Melman, Old Lady

Subway Announcer, Animal Control Officers

Grand Central .................... Marty, Alex, Gloria, Melman, Mason, Penguins

Penguins’ Sea Shanty ................................................................... Penguins

ACT TWO Welcome To Me ........................................................... King Julien, Lemurs

I Like To Move It ....................... King Julien, Lynn, Lars, Lee, Lew, Lemurs,

Marty, Alex, Gloria, Melman

Steak .......................................................................... Alex, Servers, Steaks

Penguins’ Sea Shanty (Reprise) ................................................... Penguins

Living In Paradise ........... Marty, Alex, Gloria, Melman, King Julien, Lemurs

Foosa Hungry ..................................................................................... Foosa

Best Friends (Reprise) ................................................... Marty, Alex, Foosa

The King Of Madagascar .................... Marty, Alex, Gloria, Melman, Foosa,

Penguins, Lemurs, King Julien

Together Forever ............................ Marty, Alex, Gloria, Melman, Penguins

I Like To Move It (Reprise) ............................................................ Company

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR was an obvious choice for our Winter Workshop. The heart-warming yet silly story line! The invigorating, funky and fresh musical soundtrack! The lovable, quirky characters! The wonderful message on the importance of friendship! It wasn’t until we started rehearsals with the kids that I began to see the deeper message in what appeared to be a light-hearted cartoon-based story.

This cast is made up of an exceptionally talented and very empathic

group of young actors. They began to voice their concerns and worries about the animals being held captive in the zoo. They were also concerned for the many displaced animals “in the wild” whose homes had been destroyed by “the people.” An 8-year old cast member noted, “Animals are special. We should protect them, not destroy their homes. What if a giant came along with big machines and destroyed our homes?” Luckily, the animals in this story were welcomed by the lemurs of Madagascar, and we are reminded that “over any land and across the sea, no matter where we are, we’re never very far” from home. May we all be “Wild and Free” to venture out of cages and borders and travel freely wherever our hearts desire. May all nations be as kind to nature and as welcoming to displaced citizens and animals as the lemurs of Madagascar!

Special thanks to our costume team! Please know that the

spectacular costumes in this show were designed and hand-sewn by one of our parents, Claire Farwell, with the help of another parent, Erin Herron!

I would also like to thank my teammates, Caitlin Tortorici, our magical

Musical Director, and Amy Kate Connolly, our veteran Producer and “wind beneath our wings”. Working with you both is certainly a gift from the angels!

And lastly, thanks to the Theatre Palisades Board and parent

volunteers who made this production possible! Enjoy! Lara Ganz TPY Program Director

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director & Choreographer ............................................................ Lara Ganz Music Director/Additional Choreography ............................. Caitlin Tortorici Director’s Assistant/Additional Choreography ........................... Tricia Taper Co-Producers ......................................... Amy Kate Connolly, Claire Farwell & Stephanie Malayil Set Construction .................................. Jeff Dixon, Jim Cooper, Gus Farwell & Jon Ganz Set Painting ................................... Tania Collas, Gus Farwell, Holly Maxon & Tricia Taper Light & Sound Programming ................................................... Andrew Frew Lighting Consultant .............................................................. Pablo Santiago Lighting & Technical Support .................... Clayton Collins & Audrey Maxon Directors in Training .................................... Kerry Cooper & Audrey Maxon Production Assts & Running Crew ................ Mia Ruhman & Chelsea Trotti Costumes ........................................................ Claire Farwell & Erin Herron Hair & Make- up .......................... Erin Herron, Ricarda Ankenbrand-Lindes & Rosie Willis Props ........................................................................................ Tania Collas Concessions ........................ Ricarda Ankenbrand-Lindes, Lynde Kaufman, Carrie Ring, Rande Dorn, Ainslie Sugarman & Ollie Willis Publicity .............................................................. Cary Sullivan, Carrie Ring, Michele Sexton & Ainslie Sugarman Photography/Lobby Board ............................................. Amy Kate Connolly Program ......................................................................................... Jon Ganz Poster Design ................................................................. Amy Kate Connolly Box Office Manager .................................................... Diane Grant Feltham

PRODUCTION STAFF BIOS

Lara Ganz (Director & Choreographer) Lara received her BA in Psychology from UCLA, graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in NYC, and is currently studying to be a drama therapist for children. However, learning to parent her two enchanting children, Callum and Mireille, has been by far her greatest education. She feels extremely grateful for the uplifting experience of working with the TPY members over the past 4 years. She dedicates this show to the memory of “Soulie-Kittycat,” her little lion who is now “Wild and Free”. The spirit of “The King” lives on!

Caitlin Tortorici (Musical Director) Caitlin Tortorici is thrilled to have been a part of Madagascar. She has been making music for many years, as a recording artist, performer and vocal coach. She has studied contemporary and classical music (and, of course, musical theatre) and also has a background in art therapy and child development. She currently works at Crossroads and can be seen playing with The Tom Nolan band every month at the Moose Lodge in Santa Monica! Tricia Taper (Director’s Assistant) Tricia graduated from the University of Southern California’s Theatre and Film School and has been acting, dancing and choreographing her whole life. Tricia is continuing her love for the theater with us at TPY. She is married to Brian Taper and they are so in love with their two-year old daughter, Juliet. Amy Kate Connolly (Co-Producer) This is Amy Kate’s 5th year at TPY. Amy Kate has her Masters in Fine Arts, Acting from Southern Methodist University and attempts to use her degree whenever she can! She had a marvelous time collaborating with her lovely fellow producers Claire Farwell & Stephanie Malayil! She expressed, "It was a true pleasure working with the effervescent and wonderful team of Ganz & Tortorici!" Amy Kate would like to give a special “thank you” to all of the parents who volunteer for TPY Productions! Without their efforts, these shows wouldn’t be possible! Claire Farwell (Co-Producer) British born Claire Farwell was an international fashion model turned socioeconomic reporter; producer of television, film and documentaries; and for the last 5 years has had her own women's fashion label, Claire Farwell London. She is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful production and able to bring her costume design skills and production experience along with her! She would like to say how proud she is of her 2 daughters, Devon and Avalon (both cast in the production), her brilliant partner in crime, Gustaf, and would like to thank Lara, Erin (costume design partner extraordinaire) and all the cast and crew. It has been a pleasure! Stephanie Malayil (Co-Producer) This is Stephanie’s first time working with the TPY and she is loving it. Stephanie is mom to Zoe and Pierce and wife to Thomas. She is so proud that Zoe is in her first play and loves her dedication to both acting and soccer. When Stephanie isn’t producing, she is a partner in the law firm of Satterthwaite Malayil Legal Group, P.C.

CAST (in alphabetical order)

King Julien / Ensemble ........................................................Pearl Abrahams

Gloria the Hippo / Ensemble ............................................... Safiyah Dawuni

Skipper the Penguin / Phil the Monkey ........................................ Ava Dixon

Alex the Lion / Ensemble ........................................................... Bella Dixon

Mason the Monkey / Server / Lemur ..................................... Avalon Farwell

Kowalski the Penguin ............................................................ Devon Farwell

Skipper the Penguin / Phil the Monkey .................................... Callum Ganz

Lioness / Mort the Lemur / Policewoman ................................ Mireille Ganz

Melman the Giraffe / Ensemble................................................ Safiye Gurdil

Marty the Zebra / Ensemble ................................................ Jemma Handler

Lioness / Lew the Lemur ......................................................... Jolie Handler

King Julien / Policewoman / Ensemble ................................. Sophie Herron

Melman the Giraffe / Ensemble.......................................... Hayley Kaufman

Alex the Lion / Ensemble ................................................ Evangeline Lindes

Zookeeper Zoe / Lynn the Lemur / Eyewitness ......................... Zoe Malayil

Gloria the Hippo / Ensemble .................................................... Maya Millner

Private the Penguin ..................................................................... Kayla Ring

Lioness / Lee the Lemur / Camerawoman ............... Camille Santiago-Dorn

Rico the Penguin ........................................................ Marco Santiago-Dorn

Marty the Zebra / Ensemble ....................................................... Lexi Sexton

Zookeeper Zelda/Candy Hammernose/Lars the Lemur ... Hailey Sugarman

Zookeeper Zeke / Maurice the Lemur / New Yorker .................. Freya Willis

ABOUT THE CAST

Pearl Abrahams (King Julien/Ensemble) is very excited to be participating in her first show with Theatre Palisades Youth! Pearl has been acting for about 5 years and really likes doing it. Some of her performances are: Mamma Mia!, Matilda, Annie, The Sound of Music, and a skit for the National Women's History Museum fundraiser in Beverly Hills. Pearl is 9 years old and can’t wait until the show starts! Enjoy! Safiyah Dawuni (Gloria the Hippo/Ensemble) is 14 years old and attends Paul Revere Middle School. Safiyah loves being creative from music to drawing to acting. This is her 2nd TPY production and has performed in productions at Malibu & Santa Monica Playhouse, etc. Safiyah enjoys traveling and has been to Africa 13 times but not to Madagascar yet! Ava Dixon (Skipper the Penguin/Phil the Monkey) is excited to be in her very first TPY production. She's watched her older sister in the last few plays and decided to give it a try herself. Ava is in the 5th grade at Pali Elementary and ready for Paul Revere in the fall. She is an avid soccer player, loves video games a little too much, and worships everything Star Wars. She thanks Lara and everyone in TPY for helping guide her through her first, and definitely not last, theater experience. Isabella Dixon (Alex the Lion/Ensemble) is elated to be in her 5th production with TPY. A few of her previous roles have included James in James and the Giant Peach, Jr., and Kira in Xanadu, Jr. Bella is in the 8th grade at Paul Revere and starts Pali High in the fall. AHHH!! She plays the guitar, keyboard, and drums, and is obsessed with everything musical (especially Hamilton). She thanks Lara and everyone in the TPY family for truly making this amazing experience special. Avalon Farwell (Mason the Monkey/Server/Lemur) is in 4th grade and is thrilled to be in her first TPY show along with her sister and friends. Avalon will be playing Mason, a random lemur and a server. She is very much a cheeky monkey and when she grows up wants to be an actress. Devon Farwell (Kowalski the Penguin) is in 5th grade. This will be her first TPY show! Devon is very excited to be playing Kowalski. When she grows up she wants to be a neuroscientist. Callum Ganz (Skipper the Penguin/Phil the Monkey) is excited to be part of this production, his second at the Theatre Palisades! His first was

Xanadu Jr. When not waddling on stage and slapping flipper, Callum enjoys soccer, swimming, playing drums and piano, and memorizing the names and abilities of all 700+ Pokemon. Mireille Ganz (Lioness/Mort the Lemur/Policewoman) is thrilled to be part of this production, her second at the Theatre Palisades! Her first was Xanadu Jr. When not gliding about on stage, Mireille enjoys gliding about in general; ballet, tap and hip hop dancing; singing; swimming, monkey bars; designing clothes for puppies; and everything to do with Beanie Boos (and puppies). Safiye Gurdil (Melman the Giraffe/Ensemble) is a 5th grader at Palisades Elementary who loves music, dance, cats, Gravity Falls, and especially, Theatre Palisades Youth! She has performed in several TPY shows and is thrilled for the opportunity to “stretch” in the role of Melman the Giraffe. Thank you, Lara and Caitlin!

Jemma Handler (Marty the Zebra/Ensemble) is excited to be in her first show at TPY. She has previously performed in 10 shows at Youth Academy of the Dramatic Arts, including starring as Maria in The Sound of Music and Warner in Legally Blonde. Jemma is 10 years old and is in 4th grade. In addition to acting, singing and dancing, Jemma L-O-V-E-S reading, playing with her dogs and is on the swim team. Jolie Handler (Lioness/Lew the Lemur) is happy to be in her first show at TPY. She has previously performed in 3 shows at Youth Academy of the Dramatic Arts, including Oklahoma, Aladdin and Legally Blonde. Jolie is also excited since recently filming her first national commercial for Honda, which will start airing in the Spring. She is 7 years old and in 1st grade. Jolie loves singing, acting, dancing, reading, hiking and yoga. Sophie Herron (King Julien/Policewoman/Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of her 2nd TPY show. She played Urania and the Centaur in Xanadu Jr. last summer. Sophie enjoys reading, writing, and tennis. She thanks her family, especially her dog Boomer, for making her enjoy life, and the TPY crew for this extraordinary experience! Hayley Kaufman (Melman the Giraffe/Ensemble) is in 6th grade at Lincoln Middle School. This is her first time performing at TPY and first time in a musical. Hayley has performed in several plays at Santa Monica Playhouse. In addition, she played 10-year old Beverly in the VR television show Defrost on the Sundance Channel.

Evangeline Lindes (Alex the Lion/Ensemble) is 10 and has been acting since age 3 and is currently training with John Kirby and vocal coach Mika Newton. She is passionate about acting, singing, dancing, and art. She is featured in commercials, global print campaigns (Disney, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi's) and editorials in ELLE Magazine. Evangeline is represented by Curtis Talent Management & Paradigm Talent Agency. Zoe Malayil (Zookeeper Zoe/Lynn the Lemur/Eyewitness) is 9 years old and in 3rd grade at Grant Elementary School in Santa Monica. This is Zoe’s first TPY production. She last appeared in the Grant Elementary School talent show in the spring of 2016. Zoe’s interests include gymnastics, soccer and reading. Maya Millner (Gloria the Hippo/Ensemble) is 13 and this is her 4th TPY production. Maya also enjoys dancing in New West Charter’s middle school dance program. Maya loves everything about the creative process. Maya would like to thank her family and any friends who come to see her in this show (thanks for coming guys!). A big thanks to Lara & Caitlin for their tireless work and enthusiasm. Kayla Ring (Private the Penguin) is 9 years old and a 3rd grader at Palisades Elementary. She has performed in The Wizard of Oz, the original plays Screen Time, A Very Supermarket and Two Sides To Every Story, and she played King Triton in The Little Mermaid. Kayla enjoys singing, dancing, playing piano and acting. Camille Santiago-Dorn (Lioness/Lee the Lemur/Camerawoman) is new to TPY. She is currently a 2nd grader at Westland Elementary. Camille is an aspiring artist and ball of joy and hugs. Camille is excited to share the stage with her brother and fellow artists. Marco Santiago-Dorn (Rico the Penguin) is new to TPY. He is currently a 3rd grader at Westland Elementary and is an avid car vocalist and Pokemon player. He is excited to be in the show with his sister and best friend. Lexi Sexton (Marty the Zebra/Ensemble) is excited to be part of her first production with TPY! Previously, she has been in several musicals through Kids On Stage, including Annie and Mary Poppins. In her free time, she’s on her school’s basketball team and enjoys singing, skiing, reading, swimming and playing much too much Minecraft.

Hailey Sugarman (Zookeeper Zelda/Candy Hammernose/Lars the Lemur) is a 4th grader at Palisades Elementary, and is enthusiastic about her first show with TPY. Outside of acting, Hailey loves playing soccer - especially goalie. Hailey would like to thank her wonderful and always amazing sister who encourages her to try new things, which is mostly why she is doing this play. Freya Willis (Zookeeper Zeke/Maurice the Lemur/New Yorker) is performing with Theatre Palisades Youth for the first time and is so excited to be playing Maurice and Zookeeper Zeke in Madagascar. She has done two other shows with the Adderley School and loves to act, sing and dance. She takes hip hop classes and did ballet for many years from the age of 2!