Dead Certain
A Killer Musical

Boyd Denning is an out-of-work mortuary assistant with the worst luck in the world. Holding down any other job than the one he's done his entire life is unimaginable to him. Boyd leaves his small Iowa town and travels to the “big city” of Denver. But he soon discovers finding a job in Denver is more difficult than he imagined until he's helped by a man he meets on the bus, Mr. Parrish. Boyd is hired to drive a hearse for the Daley funeral home owned and operated by Melissa Daley and helped by her friend Frannie Feldman. Boyd is also offered a second job working for Mr. Parrish. After some convincing, Boyd decides to accept the job, until he discovers that the woman of his dreams is on the “list”. Suddenly, Boyd Denning is “Dead Certain” he can't do this job.

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Dead Certain Songs

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Dead Certain Live Performance

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Dead Certain Creative Team

GRAHAM RUSSELL

Music and Lyrics

is the songwriter and a founding member of the group Air Supply. Their hit songs and twenty-three albums have charted for five decades throughout the world. Billboard magazine recently honored the band in the top 100 most successful groups of all time. While still performing over 130 live shows on five continents with Air Supply every year, Graham is now dedicated to composing for the theatre, where he began his career starring in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in 1975. This is Graham's fifth musical score and third collaboration with Sam and Craig. Their previous theatrical works include A WALL APART and ALAMO. Graham’s other group, G and the Jolly Cucumbers is releasing their first album in August. Graham has been a resident of Utah for 31 years. For more info: www.airsupplymusic.com

SAM GOLDSTEIN

Book

has served as Executive Producer, Consultant and Writer for a number of film, documentary and industrial projects including the award winning documentary TOUGH TIMES, RESILIENT KIDS, WINSLOW THE CHRISTMAS BEAR, WHY WON’T MY CHILD PAY ATTENTION and IT’S JUST ATTENTION DISORDER. With Craig, he has co-written nearly a dozen film scripts including the 2017 winner of the True Story Screenwriting Contest, PASSING THROUGH. Sam has authored over 50 books including THE POWER OF RESILIENCE, RAISING RESILIENT CHILDREN, and recently TENACITY. DEAD CERTAIN is his third musical collaboration with Craig and Graham. He was recently chosen by City Weekly as the Best Neuropsychologist in Utah. For more info: www.samgoldstein.com

CRAIG CLYDE

Book

has appeared in over sixty major films and national television programs for all the major networks — as well as numerous stage roles as an actor. He was Cornelius Hackl in the original national roadshow production of HELLO DOLLY starring Dorothy LaMour. A member of Actor's Equity and the Screen Actor's Guild he has written and directed twenty-two feature films and television dramas. His films include MIRACLE DOGS starring the then unknown Josh Hutcherson and THE DERBY STALLION starring the also then-unknown Zac Efron. His production of THE CHRISTMAS WISH starring Kristy Swanson was the highest rated program for the Hallmark Channel in 2012. Craig has taught screenwriting labs at the “Sundance Retreat,” as well as lectures on film-making and screenwriting for various film festivals and schools around the country. DEAD CERTAIN, based on Craig’s screenplay, marks his third musical partnership with Sam and Graham. For more info: screenrtr.com

RACHEL KLEIN

Director

is a NYC based director, of whose work The New York Times has praised: "What makes this show pop is the bracing vision of its director, Rachel Klein." Off-Broadway Direction: RED ROSES, GREEN GOLD (Minetta Lane Theatre/featuring the music of the Grateful Dead); AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (The Davenport Theatre); THE ANTHEM (The Lynn Redgrave Theatre). Selected NYC Theatre: TINK! (New York Musical Festival); MORE THAN ALL THE WORLD (adapted from Marlowe's Edward II); SYMPHONY OF SHADOWS (Jerome Robbins Foundation commission); A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Shrunken Shakespeare Co); CIRCUS OF CIRCUS (The House of Yes); THE TRAGEDY OF MARIA MACABRE (Tides Foundation commission.) Ms. Klein directed the charity roast of Michael Musto (hosted by Rosie O'Donnell,) serves as Artistic Director of Iconoclast Theatre Collective, and is the director and showrunner of the hit audio series, THE WORLD TO COME. For more info: www.rachelkleindirector.com

JONATHAN IVIE

Musical Director

Jonathan Ivie is a NYC-based Music Director / Keyboardist / Coach devoted to new musical theater. From greasing the Broadway boards playing and conducting Rock of Ages, off-Broadway subbing, to the beloved NYMF festival (Crude: the Musical; A Wall Apart; Emojiland), and bandleader for artists in concert (The Company Men; Mitchell Jarvis; Constantine Maroulis), to regional premieres of new musicals (A Wall Apart-Utah; ¡Americano!-Arizona), to Zoom stage readings (Brilliance the Musical), “Jivie” is glad to be here and easy to work with.

Dead Certain Performers

Meet the Salt Lake City performers for the August 25th, 2021 live concert performance of Dead Certain at the Grand Theatre

JUSTIN SARGENT

(Boyd Denning)

Justin starred as Peter Parker in the Broadway blockbuster SPIDERMAN: TURN OFF THE DARK, Drew in ROCK OF AGES, and was in the Original Broadway Cast of BONNIE AND CLYDE! REGIONAL: WEST SIDE STORY (Tony), BAZ (Christian), LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE (Mark), PIPPIN (Pippin), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Riff Raff), FOREVER PLAID (Jinx) and many others. DEVELOPMENTAL THEATRE: BRAVE NEW WORLD (NC Stage), BLISS (Workshops), JOAN OF ARC: INTO THE FIRE (Workshops), OSWALD (Workshops), CLOWNTOWN (Workshops), SUPERYOU (Workshops), THE VIEW UPSTAIRS (Workshops), INTO THE WILD (Workshops), BAT OUT OF HELL (Workshops), and more! TV/FILM: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: LIVE on NBC, LAW & ORDER: SVU, MR ROBOT, ROYAL PAINS, DE-LOCATED, BIG EXIT (film), STORMCHASER (film), NO ONE CALLED AHEAD (film). Justin is developing a new musical with the band AIR SUPPLY, and has also performed across the country singing the music of QUEEN with a live symphony. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Florida. More info: @justinmsargent

BROOKE HOLLADAY

(Melissa McConnell)

Brooke is grateful to be a part of this project, she loves any chance she gets to rock out on stage. Some of Brooke's favorite roles include Dyanne (MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET), The Chaparone (DROWSY CHAPERONE), Audrey (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS), and Eponine (LES MISERABLES). She loves her amazing family and all they do to support and love her.

MEGAN JOY

(Frannie Feldman)

Megan Joy is a renowned singer/songwriter whose vocal talent was catapulted into the international spotlight in 2009 when she became a finalist on American Idol. She has performed extensively on television as well as to large live audiences across the United States. In her recording career, she has created two solo albums, an EP with her band Vadawave, has garnered a platinum certified single in Australia and co-created the alt-classical project Bloody Cabaret.

BRITTANY MARIE

(Book, Alice)

Britty is thrilled to be part of another production with this amazing creative team, and humbled to have been a part of this team since their first project. Other theater credits include Morticia (ADAMS FAMILY), Brave Sir Robin (SPAMALOT), and Martha Jefferson (1776). Britty is also a seasoned improv comedian, and has recently found a following on Tiktok where she shares her original comedy content @bemusing. She would like to thank all those who keep the arts alive through their contributions and committment.

DEE-DEE DARBY-DUFFIN

(Trish Woodward)

Born in the "Charm City" of Baltimore, Dee-Dee has been delighting audiences as an actor, writer and jazz singer for a quarter of a century. Dee-Dee also discovered the acting bug and has performed in countless regional theater productions and discovered her love of jazz while performing to sold out shows in the lead role in Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill for Pygmalion Theater Company in Salt Lake City, Utah. Folks have been lining up to so see her ever since.

MICHAEL SCOTT JOHNSON

(Elliott Kreelman)

Michael is thrilled to be returning to The Grand after appearing in MUSICAL OF MUSICALS, A WALL APART, FIRST DATE, JEKYL AND HYDE and PICNIC. Other credits include: SILENT SKY (Pygmalion Productions), CARAVAN, MERRY CHRISTMAS and several episodes of RADIO HOUR (Plan-B Theatre), TWELFTH NIGHT (Salt Lake Shakespeare), LAUGHING STOCK and THE CRUCIBLE (Pioneer Theatre Company). Michael is a graduate of the University of Utah’s Actor Training Program where he appeared in BLUE STOCKINGS, ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD and SPRING AWAKENINGS among others.

JORDYN ASPYN

(Ensemble)

Jordyn is an alumnus of SUU with a BFA in Musical Theatre. In addition to this workshop, she is currently performing at The Ziegfeld Theatre in 9 TO 5 (Doralee). Other recent credits include BRIGHT STAR (Alice Murphy) and FREAKY FRIDAY (Savannah) at the Ziegfeld. In addition to performing, Jordyn also loves to direct, coach acting and singing, attempt to tend to her plants, and snuggle with Miss Delilah the French bulldog. Some of her favorite projects include The Spitfire Grill, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, RENT, Fiddler on the Roof, Heathers the Musical, Pride and Prejudice, Noises Off, and being a part of PC Girl Cabaret. @jordynaspyn

ASHLYN BROOKE ANDERSON

(Ensemble)

Ashlyn is a Utah-based actress with an Idahoan heart. Most recently she was seen performing as Wendy Jo in FOOTLOOSE at the Harman Theatre and Cathy Hiatt in THE LAST FIVE YEARS at Luminaire Theatre Company. Previously she performed as Suzanne in the world premiere of A WALL APART, Lord Graham Russell's (Air Supply) original rock musical. She has performed all over the world including her time in Tokyo, Japan at Tokyo Disney Resort and busking on the streets of Seoul, South Korea with her guitar. Some of her favorite credits include THE LITTLE MERMAID (Ariel), VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA ANSD SPIKE(Nina), IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play (Mary Bailey), and HAIRSPRAY (Penny). She is currently a senior at Weber State University studying psychology and creative writing.

JAIDEN CASTLETON

(Ensemble)

Jaiden is a graduate of Westminster College’s Acting program. You may have also seen him in The Grand Theatre’s, A WALL APART, SPAMALOT, and WEST SIDE STORY as Action. This is Jaiden’s first production back since the Pandemic, and is excited to be on stage again!

GREGORY HARRISON

(Ensemble)

Gregory is glad to debut with The Grand Theatre in DEAD CERTAIN. He most recently music directed NEXT TO NORMAL and GODSPELL. His most recent performing roles include Oberon in PHANTOM, Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, The Man in the Yellow Suit in TUCK EVERLASTING, Diesel in WEST SIDE STORY, Ralph Rackstraw in HMS PINAFORE, and Nemorino in THE ELIXER OF LOVE. He was a member of the Utah Opera Chorus for CARMEN, LA BOHEME, and MOBY DICK. He is currently preparing for his role in the ensemble of SWEENEY TODD with WVC Arts. Gregory teaches voice lessons and enjoys studying chess. SingingGreg.com

KARIN GITTINS

(Ensemble)

KARIN was last seen on The Grand Theatre’s stage in MUSICAL OF MUSICALS, THE MUSICAL! Select credits: YEAST NATION (world premiere) w/ Greg Kotis & Mark Hollmann. SWEENY TODD (Mrs. Lovett), LES MISERABLES (Mme. Thenadier), MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (Helena Landless), A NEW BRAIN (Mimi Schwinn), NINE (Luisa Contini), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Golde). A huge thanks to Sam, Graham, Craig, Rachael & Jonathan for their amazing work and for the opportunity!

KARLI ROSE LOWRY

(Ensemble)

Karli Rose is happy to be back on stage here at The Grand; she was last seen in the role of Magenta in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Karli Rose studied Musical Theatre at The University of Utah. Select credits include: Kelli Mangrum (HANDS ON HARDBODY, Veronica Sawyer (HEATHERS), Squeaky Fromme (ASSASSINS), Maureen (RENT), Mrs. Lovett (SWEENY TODD), and Mazeppa (GYPSY). Karli sings lead for a Funk band and during the day, helps folks buy and sell real estate.

MAXX TEUCHER

(Ensemble)

Maxx’s credits include Bright Star (Jimmy Ray), FREAKY FRIDAY (Coach Meyers/Ensemble), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (RiffRaff) and SINGING IN THE RAIN (ensemble) at the Ziegfeld Theater. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM (Joseph), THE SCALET PIMPERNEL (Ensemble) and MY FAIR LADY (Ensemble) at Music Theater West. JEKYLL AND HYDE (Ensemble) at the Cache Theater Company. He has witnessed many spectacular shows at the Grand Theatre over the years.

Nicholas Whitaker

(Ensemble)

Nick got his start in professional acting in film at the age of nine. He has loved working with this amazing team since A WALL APART He is grateful to be back for this experience. Special thanks to Shae Whitaker for letting him always follow his dreams.

COLTON WARD

(Ensemble)

Colton Ward is excited to be a part of this new show! He has his Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Theatre from Weber State University. He has performed all over the Utah valley with some favorite performances being; Patsy in SPAMALOT and Don Lockwood both at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City and the Ziegfeld Theatre in Ogden, Peter Pan in PETER PAN and Action in WEST SIDE STORY at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, and Ensemble in CINDERELLA at Hale Center Theater. Check out his website at ColtonWard.com "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it" - Robin Williams

JEFFREY BLACK

(Ensemble)

Jeff is extremely excited to be a part of this amazing new project! He has come to the Grande Theatre and witnessed many spectacular shows over the years, and is now overjoyed to be joining old and new friends on it’s stage at last. You might recognize Jeff from other shows around Utah including at Midvale Main Street, Centerpoint, & Hale Centre Theatres. Thanks to his family for a lifetime of support! Miss you Mom RIP xoxo

Dead Certain Band

Meet the Salt Lake City musicians for the August 25th, 2021 live concert performance of Dead Certain at the Grand Theatre

STEVE BAUMAN

(Bass)

Steve has been an active bassist in the Salt Lake City music scene for over 25 years. He specializes in a wide variety of genres including jazz, blues, R&B, rock, funk, soul and pop. Steve has played bass in many bands over the years including Sugar Street, Wisebird, Fat Soul, Johnny Walker's Dead Horses, Colin Robison's Honest Soul, Ryan Hiller Band and many more. He has also performed as a theater pit musician in several productions including “Carrie” the Musical, “Bridges of Madison County” and the Utah Premiere of “Bare” the musical. He is the current bassist for Salt Lake rock band Marmalade Hill, blues band The Whiskey Rebellion, Pop/Jazz band Lounge 40, Party band Synergy and is very busy as a freelance bassist and bass instructor. He lives with his beautiful wife Delightra in Draper, Utah. He is a passionate supporter of live music and the arts.

STEVE LINDEMAN

(Keyboards)

Steve Lindeman is a jazz and contemporary composer and keyboardist active in the Salt Lake City area. He was born and raised in Indiana, and spent 20 years as a freelance musician in New York City. In the late 1990s, he became a professor of music theory and jazz studies at BYU, where he taught for 25 years.

TOM HOPKINS

(Guitars)

Tom is a highly acclaimed guitarist, composer, songwriter, and music producer. His music compositions, productions and guitar work have been an important part of movies, television, radio, artists recordings, video games, concerts and major corporate events for over 30 years. Tom has been arranging and performing regularly with one of America’s most in demand bands, "The Party Crashers”, and creating music and content for a powerful personal development program called the U of You. He has recorded and toured around the world providing guitar for Kenny Loggins, Tommy Shaw from Styx, Eddie Money, Bret Michaels, Trace Atkins, Gladys Knight, Leon Patillo of Santana, Juice Newton, SheDaisy, Belinda Carlisle, Collin Ray, Donny & Marie Osmond, reunion tours and PBS Specials of the Osmond Family, and Televised performances of many American Idol contestants including David Archuleta.

DAVE EVANOFF

(Drums)

David has been a professional musical, producer and composer for decades. He’s toured with Broadway casts, Ice Capades and yes, The Circus. David owns Sound Designs Studios a full-service recording facility that has been in operation for 30 years in Salt Lake City.

DR. LAUREN POSEY

(Cello)

Lauren currently directs the Posey Cello Studio in Holladay, UT and she is also the Faculty and Artistic Director for the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute. She is a member of the Rosco String Quartet and Ballet West Orchestra in Salt Lake City, UT, as well as on faculty at the Gifted Music School. Dr. Posey completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stony Brook University under the tutelage of Colin Carr in 2017. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Southern California and a Master of Music degree from the University of Utah. Dr. Posey won the 2012 T. Gordon Parks Memorial Collegiate Concerto Competition and was a quarterfinalist in the 2016 and 2017 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition with Trio Mondial. As a member of the Rosco String Quartet, she won the 2014 MTNA National String Chamber Music Competition and attended the 2014 Deer Valley Emerging String Quartet Program.

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