THE OLD GLOBE Presents the WORLD PREMIERE of
CLINT BLACK’S LOOKING FOR CHRISTMAS*

with Music and Lyrics by CLINT BLACK,
Book by JAMES D. SASSER with CLINT BLACK,
Music Supervision and Music Direction by MATT HINKLEY,
Directed by KENT NICHOLSON

Performances Begin NOVEMBER 11, 2018,
with Opening Night on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 at 8:00 P.M.
EXTENDED by Popular Demand Through MONDAY, DECEMBER 31!

*Please note revised title and use moving forward … thanks!

PHOTO EDITORS: Advance photos for Clint Black’s Looking for Christmasare available by clicking here.

SAN DIEGO (October 29, 2018)—The Old Globe will expand San Diego’s celebration of the holidays with a world premiere American musical about family, faith, and the magic of Christmas. Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas, inspired by the country music legend’s 1995 chart-topping holiday album, features music and lyrics by Clint Black, book by James D. Sasser with Black, and music supervision and music direction by Matt Hinkley, and is directed by Kent Nicholson. Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas begins performances on November 11 and has just been extended by popular demand through the holidays, running until Monday, December 31 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Tickets start at $39.00 and are on sale to the general public now. Previews run November 11–19. Opening night is Tuesday, November 20 at 8:00 p.m.

Amid the commotion of the holidays, Staff Sergeant Mike Randolf returns from Afghanistan and home to his family. But before Mike can open his heart to the joy and spirit of the season, he must make peace with the past and let go of the ghosts of the battlefield. While Mike’s wife helps him readjust to civilian life, it’s their precocious young daughter’s sweet search for the true meaning of Christmas that leads the family toward healing. This heartwarming musical is sure to become an enduring holiday classic.

The cast includes DeLeon Dallas (Wild Goose Dreams at La Jolla Playhouse, Honky and Actually at San Diego Repertory Theatre) as Douglas Miller, Aaron C. Finley (Broadway’s Kinky Boots, It Shoulda Been You, and Rock of Ages) as Mike Randolf, Kaylin Hedges (title role in Annie at the Hollywood Bowl) as Ellie Randolf, Liana Hunt (Broadway’s Newsies and Mamma Mia!, national tours of Bright Star, Wicked,and Mamma Mia!) as Jessie Randolf, and Syndee Winters (Broadway’s The Lion King, Motown The Musical, Pippin, and Hamilton; NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert) as Alissa Miller. The ensemble includes Reanne Acasio, Bobby Chiu (Billy Watson), Veda Cienfuegos (Joanie Watson), Giovanni Cozic (Jimmy McElroy), Scott Richard Foster (Jack Peters), Bryant Martin (Santa), Reese McCulloch (Melissa Peters), and Katie Sapper; with swings Lauren Livia Muehl, Jonathan Sangster, and Lauren Ellen Thompson.

The creative team includes Wendy Seyb (Choreographer), Sean Fanning (Scenic Design), Charlotte Devaux (Costume Design), Rui Rita (Lighting Design), Leon Rothenberg (Sound Design), Cody Owen Stine (Associate Music Director, Music Director – November 11 to December 31), Jason Styres, CSA (Casting), and Anjee Nero (Production Stage Manager).

“Clint Black is a giant of American music, and his wonderful holiday album has given us a great production to fill our intimate theatre in the round with feeling and good cheer, and to bring 2018 to a sweet and moving climax,” said Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. “Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas is full of beautiful and winning songs. But what moves me most about it is that it’s a simple and honest story of love in all its forms: the love between parents and children, the love between friends, love of country, and love of God. Clint and the great artists who’ve come to San Diego to make this world premiere have given us a lively and touching show that’s a balm for turbulent times and that I believe will become a true Christmas classic. I can’t wait for our audiences to experience it.”

The Old Globe and Clint Black are both committed to serving our large community of military families. Complimentary tickets for military service members and their families are being underwritten by Gail and Doug Hutcheson, Elaine Lipinsky Family Foundation, Walter J. and Mary C. Zable Foundation, and Pamela Farr and Buford Alexander. Additional underwriters are being sought so that more servicemen and women and their families can experience theatre during the holiday season. For more information on supporting the Globe’s military initiatives, please contact Bridget Cantu Wear at (619) 684-4144 or bcantuwear@TheOldGlobe.org.

Clint Black (Music and Lyrics, Book) has one of the most storied careers in modern music. He surged to superstardom as part of the fabled “Class of ’89,” reaching No. 1 with five consecutive singles from his triple-Platinum debut, Killin’ Time. He followed that with the triple-Platinum Put Yourself in My Shoes, and then a string of Platinum albums throughout the ’90s. Perhaps most impressively, Mr. Black writes all of his own songs and produces his own records. He has created a catalog that has produced 22 No. 1 singles and made him one of the most successful singer/songwriters of the modern era. Along the way, Mr. Black has sold over 20 million records; earned more than a dozen Gold and Platinum awards in the U.S. and Canada; landed nearly two dozen major awards and nominations, including more than a dozen Grammy Award nominations; and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

James D. Sasser (Book) has had a performance career spanning from Broadway and Off Broadway to opera and concert stages around the world, and he has been involved for two decades in the development of dozens of new musical works on both sides of the table as an actor, writer, and producer. He has worked with organizations ranging from Riverdance to Sundance, Jesus Christ Superstar to Forbidden Broadway, and theatre outfits including Ars Nova, Manhattan Theatre Club, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, New Dramatists, Vineyard Theatre, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Playwrights Horizons, and many more. With writing partner Charles Vincent Burwell, their musicals include CUBAMOR, Bottle Shock (based on the hit cult wine film), and the forthcoming Black Count. CUBAMOR had its developmental premiere at Village Theatre’s Beta Series and was an official selection of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s New Works Festival. Bottle Shock has been presented at the Napa Valley Film Festival, Ars Nova, and Z Space, and it is gearing up for its premiere in the Bay Area. Mr. Sasser and Mr. Burwell’s songs have been heard at Lincoln Center, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, Ars Nova, A Little New Music in L.A., Feinstein’s at the Nikko in San Francisco, and other venues on both coasts. Along with Kent Nicholson and Mr. Burwell, and financial partners Henry Ivey and Juliet Settlemier, Mr. Sasser founded the 959 Group, a new-works theatrical development and investment strategy LLC. Their first endeavor was Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, which marked vocal sensation Josh Groban’s Broadway debut, and was nominated for twelve Tony Awards, winning two. Their portfolio includes CUBAMOR, Bottle Shock, and Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas.

Kent Nicholson (Director) has had a hand in nearly three decades of new-work development on both coasts with pioneering organizations such as Playwrights Horizons and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. His New York directing credits include 9 Circles (Sheen Center), Long Story Short (Prospect Theater Company), Five Flights (Rattlestick Playwrights Theater), Wet (Summer Play Festival), and Marry Harry (New York Musical Theatre Festival, American Theater Group). Mr. Nicholson’s regional credits include Once, Amadeus, and The Light in the Piazza (South Coast Repertory), How to Write a New Book for the Bible (South Coast Repertory, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre), CUBAMOR (Village Theatre), Lizzie (Theatre Under The Stars, Village Theatre), Grey Gardens, Vincent in Brixton, Ambition Facing West, and All My Sons (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley), Saint Ex (Weston Playhouse), 9 Circles, The Good German, and Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Marin Theatre Company), and Small Tragedy and Satellites (Aurora Theatre Company). He created the New Works Initiative at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and the Uncharted writers group at Ars Nova. Mr. Nicholson currently serves on the boards of Old Sound Room and Musical Theatre Factory, and he serves as Associate Producer of Musical Theatre at Playwrights Horizons in New York.

Matt Hinkley (Music Supervisor and Music Director), originally from Texas, is a New York City/New Jersey–based multi-instrumentalist, conductor, music director, and arranger/orchestrator. His Broadway credits include SpongeBob SquarePants, Bandstand, Finding Neverland, Violet, First Date, and Godspell. His regional credits include Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing (Signature Theatre Company, Helen Hayes Award nomination for Outstanding Musical Direction), The Circus in Winter (Goodspeed Musicals), Chess (The Kennedy Center), and Love Kills (Steppenwolf Theatre Company). His other New York credits include Rooms;Joe Iconis’s Bloodsong of Love and Things to Ruin;the City Center Encores! production of Assassins; The Burnt Part Boys; 35mm; The Bad Years; F#%king Up Everything/Brooklyn Crush; and Koberet. He also worked on the film of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years. Mr. Hinkley’s studio and concert work includes supervising/arranging for Caissie Levy, Jonathan Reid Gealt, and Natalie Weiss; music direction for Bubble Boy; and collaborations with Kerrigan and Lowdermilk, Joe Iconis, and more. His works in development include music direction for Adam Rapp and Jamestown Revival’s The Outsiders, and music supervision forMr. Gealt’s Dust & Shadow, Ben Clark’s Skin & Bones, and Tennessee Whiskey, about the life and songs of Dean Dillon.

Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas is supported in part through gifts from Production Sponsors Globe Guilders, The Prado Restaurant at Balboa Park, Evelyn Mack Truitt, and Viasat, as well as Artist Sponsors Lynne and Steve Wheeler (for actor Aaron C. Finley). Financial support is provided by The City of San Diego. Tickets for military service members and their families are being underwritten by Gail and Doug Hutcheson, Elaine Lipinsky Family Foundation, Walter J. and Mary C. Zable Foundation, and Pamela Farr and Buford Alexander.

Additional events taking place during the run of Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas include:

VICKI AND CARL ZEIGER INSIGHTS SEMINAR: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.

This series provides an opportunity to closely connect with productions both onstage and backstage. A panel selected from the artistic company of each show (playwrights, actors, directors, designers, and/or technicians) engages patrons in an informal and illuminating presentation of ideas and insights to enhance the theatregoing experience. Reception at 5:00 p.m. FREE.

POST-SHOW FORUMS: Tuesdays, November 27 and December 4, and Wednesday, December 5, 2018. Join us after the show for an informal and enlightening question-and-answer session with cast, crew, and/or Globe staff members. Get the inside story on creating a character and putting together a professional production. FREE.

SUBJECT MATTERS: Saturday, December 1, 2018

Explore the ideas and issues raised by a production through brief, illuminating post-show discussions with local experts, such as scientists, artists, historians and scholars. Subject Matters will ignite discussion, bring the play's concerns into sharp focus, and encourage you to think beyond the stage!  FREE; no reservations necessary.

SINGLE TICKETS to Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas start at $39.00 and are on sale to the general public now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623], or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. Discounts are available for full-time students, patrons 29 years of age and under, seniors, military members, and groups of 10 or more.

PERFORMANCES begin on November 11, 2018 and have been extended by popular demand through Monday, December 31. Performance times: Previews: Sunday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m.; no performance on Thursday, November 15; Friday, November 16 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 17 at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m.; and Monday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. Opening night is Tuesday, November 20 at 8:00 p.m. Regular performances (November 21 – December 16): Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Holiday schedule (December 19 – 31): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. There will be additional 2:00 p.m. matinee performances on Wednesday, December 12; Friday, December 21; Monday, December 24; Thursday, December 27; and Monday, December 31. There will be no matinee performance on Saturday, December 15 and no evening performance on Tuesday, December 18. There will be no performances on Thanksgiving (November 22); Christmas Day (December 25); or the day after Christmas (December 26).

LOCATION and PARKING INFORMATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Through a special arrangement with the San Diego Zoo, Old Globe evening ticket-holders have the opportunity to pre-purchase valet parking in the Zoo’s employee parking structure. With a drop-off point just a short walk to the Globe, theatregoers may purchase fast, easy, convenient valet parking for just $14 per vehicle per evening. Pre-paid only, available only by phone through the Old Globe Box Office. Call (619) 234-5623 or visit www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/valet-parking. The Balboa Park valet is also available during weekend performances, located in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For additional parking information visit www.BalboaPark.org.

There are numerous free parking lots available throughout the park. Guests may also be dropped off in front of the Mingei International Museum. There is a 10-minute zone at The Old Globe, used only for daytime deliveries, ticket purchases, and handicapped access dropoff. For directions and up-to-date information, please visit www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/detailed-directions.

PLEASE NOTE: To look up online or GPS directions to The Old Globe, please do not use the Delivery Address above. For GPS users, please click here for the map coordinates, and here for written directions to The Old Globe and nearby parking in Balboa Park.

CALENDAR: Globe for All Tour: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (10/30–11/18), Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (11/3–12/29), Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas: The New Clint Black Christmas Musical (11/11–12/16), Grinch Sensory Friendly perf & AXIS: Jungle Poppins (12/1),  Familiar (1/26–3/3/2019), Tiny Beautiful Things (2/9–3/10), AXIS: I Love Africa concert (2/9), Life After (3/22–4/28), They Promised Her the Moon (4/6–5/5), AXIS: Happy Birthday Mr. Shakespeare! (4/20), AXIS: concert tbd (5/9), Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy (5/11–6/16), What You Are (5/23–6/23), AXIS: Tuesday Summer Dances (6/4, 6/11, 8/18, 6/25, AXIS: Make Music San Diego (6/21).

PHOTO EDITORS: Digital images of The Old Globe’s productions are available at www.theoldglobe.org/press-room.

The Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional regional theatres and has stood as San Diego’s flagship arts institution for over 80 years. Under the leadership of Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and Managing Director Timothy J. Shields, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages: the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the 600-seat Old Globe Theatre and the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, both part of The Old Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, and the 605-seat outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, home of its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people attend Globe productions annually and participate in the theatre’s artistic and arts engagement programs. Numerous world premieres such as the 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Meteor Shower, Bright Star, Allegiance, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,and the annual holiday musical Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to enjoy highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.

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CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM BIOGRAPHIES

Reanne Acasio (Ensemble) is making her Old Globe debut. Her regional theatre credits include Jo March in Little Women (The Barn Stage Company), Grace Farrell in Annie (Encore Theatre San Diego), Heather Duke in Heathers (OnStage Playhouse), Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (ASL Musical), and Maria in West Side Story, the title role in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors (GATE Theater). Ms. Acasio received her bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego. She also currently serves as The Old Globe’s Arts Engagement Operations Coordinator. @reanneacasio on Instagram.

Bobby Chiu (Billy Watson, Ensemble) is thrilled to return to The Old Globe. He previously performed at The Old Globe as a Little Who in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! His other credits include John in Fun Home (San Diego Repertory Theatre), Jerome in South Pacific (San Diego Musical Theatre), Eddie in the West Coast premiere of The Last Wife (Cygnet Theatre Company), Winthrop in The Music Man (Welk Resort Theatre), and Chip in Beauty and the Beast (J*Company Youth Theatre). When not performing, Mr. Chiu loves to play piano, dance ballet and tap, and rollerblade. He is 10 years old and in the fifth grade.

Veda Cienfuegos (Joanie Watson, Ensemble) is very proud to make her theatrical debut. She is a nine-year-old third grader with a passion for the performing arts. When not in school or rehearsal, she studies ballet as part of a pre-professional program, and also attends jazz, tumbling, acting, and voice lessons. In her spare time she loves to cook, draw, and swim. This experience would not be possible without all the support and encouragement she receives from her family, friends, and teachers, especially her vocal and acting coach, Moriah Angeline. Ms. Cienfuegos’s performance is dedicated to her late great-grandfather, Phil Lowey, an Old Globe alumnus who once performed on the very same stage.

Giovanni Cozic (Jimmy McElroy, Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to The Old Globe for the holiday season. His selected theatre credits include the world premiere musical Up Here (La Jolla Playhouse), the 2015 and 2017 productions of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe), and The Last Wife and Gypsy (Cygnet Theatre Company). Mr. Cozic is 12 and enjoys playing golf, cooking, and learning about U.S. history. Much love to his parents and brother, Pierre.

DeLeon Dallas (Douglas Miller) is a recent graduate from UC San Diego, where he received his M.F.A. in Acting. He is excited to be making his debut at The Old Globe. His credits include Wild Goose Dreams (La Jolla Playhouse) and Honky and Actually (San Diego Repertory Theatre). He also appeared in the PBS broadcast of Honky.

Aaron C. Finley (Mike Randolf) appeared on Broadway as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots, Brian Howard in It Shoulda Been You, and Drew in Rock of Ages. His New York credits also include Allegiance (workshop). His regional credits include Diner: The Musical, Rent, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, A Christmas Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and more. He was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana and is a proud graduate of Pacific Lutheran University. He also travels across North America performing Pops concerts with some of the very best symphony orchestras. @aaroncfinley.

Scott Richard Foster (Jack Peters, Ensemble), a native of Texas, naturally grew up as a Clint Black fan and is thrilled to be a part of this world premiere. He was most recently seen in the original Broadway cast of Gettin’ the Band Back Together. He was also in Brooklyn on Broadway, and he originated roles in such Off Broadway shows as Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking, Forbidden Broadway Comes Out Swinging!, Power Balladz, and Sessions, as well as having a three-year tenure in NEWSical the Musical. For seven years, he was a member of the New York City company of the National Comedy Theatre improv troupe, whose home base in none other than San Diego. On television he has been seen in “Shades of Blue,” “Blue Bloods,” and “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” as well as several national commercials including Breyers Gelato and Dollar Shave Club. He is very excited to make his Old Globe debut.

Kaylin Hedges (Ellie Randolf) is thrilled to be making her Old Globe debut. She was most recently seen in The Hollywood Bowl’s production of Annie where she starred as Annie under the direction of Tony Award–nominated director Michael Arden. Her other theatre credits include the title role in the new musical Tara Tremendous; Elf Child in Kris Kringle The Musical; and the title role in Westchester Broadway Theatre’s production of Annie. Her television and film credits include Ava in a new Comedy Central show “The Other Two,” premiering in 2019, and Young Jess in the upcoming feature film Soulmate(s). kaylinhedges.com, @kaylinhedges on Instagram.

Liana Hunt (Jessie Randolf) has appeared on Broadway as Katherine in Newsies and Sophie in Mamma Mia! Her national tour credits include Margo in Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s Bright Star, Nessarose in Wicked,and Sophie in Mamma Mia! She has performed regionally as Rose Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis (The Muny), Sibyl in Private Lives (Riverside Theatre), Sandy in Grease and Emma in Jekyll & Hyde (John W. Engeman Theater), and Eponine in Les Misérables (Merry-Go-Round Playhouse). She received her B.F.A. from New York University. @lianamariehunt on Instagram and Twitter.

Bryant Martin (Santa, Ensemble) recently appeared Off Broadway as Sheriff Martin Green in Desperate Measures, winner of the 2018 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play. His regional credits include Father in Ragtime (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Gideon Fletcher in Sting’s The Last Ship (Pioneer Theatre Company), Robert in The Bridges of Madison County (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Curly in Oklahoma! (multiple productions), Gaston in Beauty and the Beast (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Rich in Gentlemen Volunteers (Pig Iron Theatre Company), Philippe de Chandon in Phantom (Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera), Thomas Jefferson in 1776 (Lyric Stage), and Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Westport Country Playhouse). His television credits include “Quantico,” “Forever,” and “The Jack and Triumph Show.” bryant-martin.com.

Reese McCulloch (Melissa Peters, Ensemble) is happy to return to The Old Globe for another Christmas season. She is 11 years old and is in seventh grade at La Mesa Arts Academy. She performed in The Old Globe’s 2017 production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! as Cindy-Lou Who. She has also enjoyed roles in community theatre as Young Nala in The Lion King Jr., Lost Boy in Peter Pan, and an orphan and Annie understudy in Annie. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, drawing, chocolate, her cats, and watching cat videos.

Lauren Livia Muehl (Swing), age 10, is thrilled this holiday season to be returning to The Old Globe, where she was last seen as a Little Who in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She has appeared in several local productions including Mary Poppins (Christian Youth Theater San Diego), Ruthless! (MOXIE Theatre), and Billy Elliot: The Musical and Cats: A New Day (California Youth Conservatory). She has performed in San Diego Shakespeare Society’s Celebrity Sonnets many times and danced in San Diego Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker for the past four years. She was also honored to sing the national anthem at Petco Park with her California Youth Conservatory cast during two Padres games. When not singing or dancing, she enjoys gymnastics and can be found playing keyboard, flute, or bass guitar and chasing her twin brother.

Jonathan Sangster (Swing) is thrilled to be making his Old Globe debut. His recent credits include Boss Elf in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (national tour), Igor in Young Frankenstein, Malcolm MacGregor in The Full Monty, Billy Elliot: The Musical, Rocky in Damn Yankees, Man 2 in First Date, and Ragtime (San Diego Musical Theatre), Patsy in Spamalot (Cygnet Theatre Company), Ali Hakim in Oklahoma! (New Village Arts, Craig Noel Award nomination), Spring Awakening and Urinetown (The Barn Stage Company), Seussical starring Cathy Rigby (3-D Theatricals), and Grease (Welk Resort Theatre).

Katie Sapper (Ensemble) is delighted to make her Old Globe debut with such a fantastic cast and creative team. A San Diego native who fell in love with theatre in middle school when performing with the Globe’s Summer Shakespeare Intensive, she is beyond grateful for this full-circle moment. Her regional credits include Crystal in the world premiere of Kingdom City (La Jolla Playhouse), Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Betty in Sunset Boulevard, and Kate McGowan in Titanic (Moonlight Stage Productions), Anne in A Little Night Music and Melody in Bad Jews (Cygnet Theatre Company), Gloria in Damn Yankees (San Diego Musical Theatre; Craig Noel Award nomination), June in Smoke on the Mountain and Glinda in the world premiere of Oz (Lamb’s Players Theatre), and Ivy in bare: A Pop Opera and Nancy in A New Brain (Diversionary Theatre). She received her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. katiesapper.com.

Lauren Ellen Thompson (Swing) is thrilled to be making her Old Globe debut and returning to her beautiful hometown of San Diego. She received her B.A. in Theatre and Film from Azusa Pacific University. Her theatre credits include Violet, The 39 Steps, Dancing at Lughnasa, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Cat’s-Paw, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and The Matchmaker (Actors Co-op Theatre Company), Empty Glasses (Occidental College New Play Festival), Almost, Maine (Split Check Entertainment), and The Pajama Game (Starlight Musical Theatre). Her television and film credits include Roman J. Israel, Esq. opposite Denzel Washington, “The Fix,” Nightmare Mansion, Survival Skills, She Can Dance?, The Accountants,“Soccer Moms,”“The Matt and Kory Show,”and Reckoning. In addition, Ms. Thompson travels the U.S. and overseas performing as a lead vocalist with several event bands. laurenellenthompson.com, @lauren_ellen_thompson.

Syndee Winters (Alissa Miller) is a graduate of Five Towns College and a recipient of its Distinguished Alumnus Award. Her Broadway credits include Nala in The Lion King, Mary Wells and Diana Ross in Motown The Musical, Leading Player understudy in Pippin, and Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler in Hamilton. She was most recently seen as an Apostle in the Emmy Award–winning broadcast of NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert starring John Legend. @Syndeewinters.

Wendy Seyb (Choreographer) is an award-winning director, writer, choreographer, and filmmaker. Her career highlights include choreographing The Pee-wee Herman Show (Broadway, HBO); choreographing Sting and Oscar Isaac at Carnegie Hall; working with Christopher Lloyd in his return to theatre; and premiering her original award-winning short film starring Emmy Award winner Peter Scolari at top film festivals. Her Off Broadway highlights include choreographing Click, Clack, Moo (Lucille Lortel Award nomination), The Toxic Avenger (Lucille Lortel, Joe A. Callaway, and Dora Award nominations), and Murder for Two (and two national tours). Her talents have been sought out by top names in the industry including Amazon Studios, NBCUniversal Television, The Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney Theatrical Productions, The Sacramento Ballet, Geffen Playhouse, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Paper Mill Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center, and Children’s Theatre Company.

Sean Fanning (Scenic Design) is a Southern California–based scenic designer with numerous productions across local stages. His previous Globe credits include the Globe for All Tours of Measure for Measure and All’s Well That Ends Well, Full Gallop (Craig Noel Award nomination), A Doll’s House, Kingdom, and Plaid Tidings. With The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, his credits include Pericles, Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure, Twelfth Night, The Winter’s Tale, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His other recent designs include Oslo, Thomas and Sally, and My Mañana Comes (Marin Theatre Company), Fun Home, Beachtown, Evita, and Manifest Destinitis (San Diego Repertory), On the Twentieth Century (Craig Noel Award), A Little Night Music, The Wind and the Breeze, The Last Wife, Hir, Seven Guitars, and King Hedley II (Cygnet Theatre Company), and Once, Silent Sky, and Equivocation (Lamb’s Players Theatre). He received the first Craig Noel Award for Designer of the Year for his body of work in 2016. Mr. Fanning holds an M.F.A. in Scene Design from San Diego State University. seanfanningdesigns.com.

Charlotte Devaux (Costume Design) has designed 25 productions at The Old Globe. Her work has also been featured at La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company, and San Diego Dance Theater. She designed Miami Libre, a Cuban dance musical, for the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. Internationally, she has designed extensively for both theatre and television in New Zealand. In addition to her New Zealand theatre credits, she was the costume designer and stylist for Television New Zealand. She holds additional design credits in London and Sydney. Ms. Devaux holds the position of Resident Associate Costume Designer at The Old Globe, where she has collaborated with world-class designers, directors, and actors on over 75 productions of contemporary works, Shakespearean productions, and Broadway-bound musicals, including the recent The Heart of Rock & Roll. She is a recipient of a prestigious Theatre Communications Group grant undertaking costume research in London and Bath.

Rui Rita (Lighting Design) designed the Globe’s productions of Death of a Salesman, Dividing the Estate, and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His Broadway credits include The Velocity of Autumn, The Trip to Bountiful, Present Laughter, Dividing the Estate, Old Acquaintance, and Enchanted April, among others. He designed the Off Broadway premieres of Paradise Blue, The Old Friends, and The Orphans’ Home Cycle (Signature Theatre Company; Henry Hewes Design Award), Skeleton Crew (Atlantic Theater Company), The Happiest Song Plays Last (Second Stage Theatre), Just Jim Dale (Roundabout Theatre Company), Nightingale and Moonlight and Magnolias (Manhattan Theatre Club), The Carpetbagger’s Children and Far East (Lincoln Center Theater), and Dinner with Friends (Variety Arts Center). He also designed the Off Broadway revivals of The Piano Lesson (Signature), Talley’s Folly and The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore (Roundabout), and Engaged (Theatre for a New Audience; Obie Award). His recent regional credits include Alley Theatre, Arena Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Center Theatre Group, Ford’s Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Huntington Theatre Company, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Williamstown Theatre Festival.

Leon Rothenberg (Sound Design) designed The Old Globe’s productions of The Lion, Bethany, and Some Lovers. His recent Broadway credits include The Waverly Gallery, The Boys in the Band, A Doll’s House Part 2, Violet, The Realistic Jones, and The Nance (Tony Award). He has designed regionally for Arena Stage, American Conservatory Theater, Geffen Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Huntington Theatre Company, Portland Center Stage, Seattle Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival, New York Stage and Film, and more. His selected New York and Off Broadway credits include Second Stage Theatre, New York City Center, Manhattan Theatre Club, The Public Theater, Culture Project, and Tectonic Theater Project. He has also designed for Cirque du Soleil. Mr. Rothenberg is a faculty member of California Institute of the Arts. klaxson.net.

Cody Owen Stine (Associate Music Director, Music Director – November 11 to December 31) is a New York City–based composer, lyricist, music director, and performer. As music director, he conducted the original productions of Miss You Like Hell (and original cast album), The Robber Bridegroom (and original cast album), Murder Ballad, For the Last Time, and Eager to Lose. He has played in the Broadway orchestras for SpongeBob SquarePants, Bandstand, Finding Neverland, and American Psycho. He is the resident cabaret director of Williamstown Theatre Festival. As composer/lyricist his work has been seen at Ars Nova, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Second City Los Angeles, Prospect Theater Company, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. His shows as composer/lyricist include The Prisoner of Vegas, Penthesilea, and a 2019 commission from Williamstown Theatre Festival.

Jason Styres, CSA (Casting) cast the Broadway productions of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Dames at Sea, The Lion King, and Nice Work If You Can Get It.His Off Broadway credits include Puffs, Midnight at the Never Get, Pedro Pan, Neurosis, R.R.R.E.D., War Boys, Money Talks, Trip of Love, iLLA, Missed Connections, and 15 City Center Encores! productions, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Merrily We Roll Along, On Your Toes, Little Me, The Most Happy Fella, Lady Be Good!, Paint Your Wagon, and Cabin in the Sky. His national tour credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The King and I, Fiddler on the Roof, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Lion King, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Mr. Styres’s film and television credits include How You Look at It, Carousel (PBS), Six by Sondheim (HBO), and “So You Think You Can Dance.” He also cast the London and Las Vegas productions of Magic Mike Live directed by Channing Tatum. His other credits include Josh Prince’s Broadway Dance Lab, Camille A. Brown’s developmental project, Hartford Stage, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Florida Studio Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and others. Mr. Styres is a seven-time Artios Award nominee and a New York board member of the Casting Society of America.

Anjee Nero (Production Stage Manager) has previously worked on The Old Globe’s world premiere musical productions of The Heart of Rock & Roll, Benny & Joon, October Sky, Bright Star, Dog and Pony, Allegiance, A Room with a View, and Kingdom. Some of her additional credits include The Tempest; The Wanderers; The Importance of Being Earnest; King Richard II; Picasso at the Lapin Agile; Kiss Me, Kate; The Twenty-seventh Man; The Winter’s Tale; Be a Good Little Widow; and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. Ms. Nero worked on the Broadway production of Bright Star and launched the first national tour last fall. Her selected La Jolla Playhouse credits include Sideways directed by Des McAnuff, Ruined directed by Liesl Tommy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Christopher Ashley, and Herringbone directed by Roger Rees and starring BD Wong. Ms. Nero has worked with several prominent regional theatres including The Kennedy Center, Center Theatre Group (Ahmanson and Kirk Douglas Theatres), Hartford Stage, SITI Company, Huntington Theatre Company, and Berkeley Repertory Theatre, to name a few, including having toured both nationally and internationally with several dance and music companies.

World premiere
Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas
Music and lyrics by Clint Black
Book by James D. Sasser with Clint Black
Music supervision and music direction by Matt Hinkley
Directed by Kent Nicholson

RUNS: November 11 – December 31, 2018
Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre
Conrad Prebys Theatre Center

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $39.00.

SYNOPSIS: A world premiere American musical about family, loyalty, and the magic of Christmas from country music legend Clint Black, inspired by his 1995 chart-topping holiday album. Amid the commotion of the holidays, Staff Sergeant Mike Randolf returns from Afghanistan and home to his family. But before Mike can open his heart to the joy and spirit of the season, he must make peace with the past and let go the ghosts of the battlefield. While Mike’s wife helps him readjust to civilian life, it’s their precocious young daughter’s sweet search for the true meaning of Christmas that leads the family toward healing. This heartwarming musical is sure to become an enduring holiday classic.

CAST: DeLeon Dallas (Douglas Miller), Aaron C. Finley (Mike Randolf), Kaylin Hedges (Ellie Randolf), Liana Hunt (Jessie Randolf), Syndee Winters (Alissa Miller); ensemble: Reanne Acasio, Bobby Chiu (Billy Watson), Veda Cienfuegos (Joanie Watson), Giovanni Cozic (Jimmy McElroy), Scott Richard Foster (Jack Peters), Bryant Martin (Santa), Reese McCulloch (Melissa Peters), Katie Sapper; swings: Lauren Livia Muehl, Jonathan Sangster, Lauren Ellen Thompson.

CREATIVE TEAM: Wendy Seyb (Choreographer), Sean Fanning (Scenic Design), Charlotte Devaux (Costume Design), Rui Rita (Lighting Design), Leon Rothenberg (Sound Design), Cody Owen Stine (Associate Music Director, Music Director – Nov. 11 to Dec. 31), Jason Styres, CSA (Casting), Anjee Nero (Production Stage Manager).

BOX OFFICE WINDOW HOURS: Noon to final curtain Tuesday through Sunday. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA accepted.
(619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623].

LOCATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Free parking is available throughout the park. Valet parking is also available ($14, advance reservation by calling the Box Office, evening performances only).

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

PREVIEW PERFORMANCES:

Nov 11 SUN 7:00pm (Christmas Tree Lighting)

Nov 13 TUE 7:00pm (Zeiger Insights Seminar)

Nov 14 WED 7:00pm

Nov 16 FRI 8:00pm

Nov 17 SAT 8:00pm

Nov 18 SUN 7:00pm

Nov 19 MON 7:00pm

OPENING NIGHT: Nov 20 TUE 8:00pm

REGULAR PERFORMANCES:

Nov 21 WED 7:00pm

Nov 23 FRI 8:00pm

Nov 24 SAT 2:00pm

Nov 24 SAT 8:00pm

Nov 25 SUN 2:00pm

Nov 25 SUN 7:00pm

Nov 27 TUE 7:00pm (Post-Show Forum)

Nov 28 WED 7:00pm

Nov 29 THU 8:00pm

Nov 30 FRI 8:00pm

Dec 1 SAT 2:00pm (Subject Matters)

Dec 1 SAT 8:00pm

Dec 2 SUN 2:00pm

Dec 2 SUN 7:00pm

Dec 4 TUE 7:00pm (Post-Show Forum)

Dec 5 WED 7:00pm (Post-Show Forum)

Dec 6 THU 8:00pm

Dec 7 FRI 8:00pm

Dec 8 SAT 2:00pm (December Nights)

Dec 8 SAT 8:00pm (December Nights)

Dec 9 SUN 2:00pm

Dec 9 SUN 7:00pm

Dec 11 TUE 7:00pm

Dec 12 WED 2:00pm

Dec 12 WED 7:00pm

Dec 13 THU 8:00pm

Dec 14 FRI 8:00pm

Dec 15 SAT 8:00pm

Dec 16 SUN 2:00pm

Dec 16 SUN 7:00pm

Dec 19 WED 7:00pm

Dec 20 THU 8:00pm

Dec 21 FRI 2:00pm

Dec 21 FRI 7:00pm

Dec 22 SAT 2:00pm

Dec 22 SAT 7:00pm

Dec 23 SUN 2:00pm

Dec 23 SUN 7:00pm

Dec 24 MON 2:00pm

Dec 27 THU 2:00pm

Dec 27 THU 7:00pm

Dec 28 FRI 7:00pm

Dec 29 SAT 2:00pm

Dec 29 SAT 7:00pm

Dec 30 SUN 2:00pm

Dec 30 SUN 7:00pm

Dec 31 MON 2:00pm

PHOTOS: Digital images of Globe productions are available at TheOldGlobe.org/press-room.

PRESS CONTACTS:

Susan Chicoine (619) 238-0043 x2352 / 325-9416
schicoine@TheOldGlobe.org

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti (619) 238-0043 x2356
aenciso@TheOldGlobe.org