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 Concert Performance

Dead Certain Concert Slideshow

2022 Dead Certain Creative Team
2021 Concert Performance Creative Team

2022 Dead Certain Creative Team

Meet the Creative Team for the October 2022 performance of Dead Certain at the Grand Theatre

GRAHAM RUSSELL

MUSIC and LYRICS

Graham 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

Jim Christian

DIRECTOR and CHOREOGRAPHER

Jim Christian is a native of Utah with over 45 years of professional experience as a director, teacher, actor, playwright, and producer in the areas of theatre, television and film. He has worked as a director and choreographer for the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearea Festival, Pioneer Theatre Company, Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, Utah Opera Company, Utah Symphony, Lyric Repertory Company, Hale Centre Theatre, Utah Musical Theatre, Park City Egyptian Theatre, Rodgers Memorial Theatre, The Grand Theatre, Utah State University, West Valley Arts, and theaters in California, Kentucky, Arizona, Montana, Florida, Wyoming, Tennessee, and Illinois. In 1996 he was awarded the “Crystal Crest Master Teacher of the Year” for Weber State University. He was the recipient of Utah’s “Best in State” award in 2006 for “Outstanding University Professor.” He was also named “Presidential Distinguished Professor” at Weber State in 2009 and the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award for the College of Arts and Humanities in 2021. His work as an award-winning playwright has been performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC and at venues across the country. Jim is a member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers and The Dramatists Guild.

JONATHAN MCDONALD

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Jonathan McDonald (Music Director) is an award-winning pianist and Music Director based in Utah. Recent credits include The Sound of Music, Little Women, The Musical of Musicals, Anything Goes, West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, and Next To Normal. As a classical pianist Jonathan has won national competitions and performed with ensembles and orchestras across the globe. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Weber State University.

Gage Williams

SET DESIGNER

Gage's work in the theatre and television spans three decades, and includes classical, contemporary, musical theatre, and award shows, sitcoms and variety programing for television. He served as the Resident Set Designer for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival (ISF) in Boise, Idaho, 1994-2008 and an Associate Artist with Great Lakes Theater (GLT) in Cleveland, OH.2002-2008. During that time he was the set designer for the inaugural productions of the ISF Festival Stage at Warm Springs Reserve in 1998 and the GLT Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square in 2008. Elsewhere he has designed sets for numerous regional theatres and opera companies including Salt Lake Acting Company, Actors Theatre of Phoenix, Childsplay, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Grand Theatre, Pioneer Theatre Company, and Utah Opera Company. His set designs for Anne of Green Gables at Childsplay and Hamlet at Idaho Shakespeare Festival were selected for the US Design Exhibit at the 1999 and 2003 Prague Quadrennial Stage Design Exposition (PQ) in the Czech Republic and as a featured US set designer for PQ 2019. His set designs have been featured in the United State Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) publication TD&T numerous times, and a retrospective of his work was a solo exhibit at the 2016 USITT Design Expo. For television, he was a staff Art Director for Bruce Ryan Production Design from 1990-1994. His Art Direction credits include productions for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, Disney, VH-1, and MTV. He received a CableACE Award for Art Direction for the Showtime film Mastergate. Master of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University. Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, the American Academy of Television Arts and Science, and USITT. Based in Salt Lake City, where he is a Professor of Theatre at the University of Utah.

JEREMY CORNWALL

SOUND DESIGN

started doing sound for night clubs in 2003 while playing in a band. In 2007 he was able to go on the road with the band Air Supply. He toured with them till 2019 as the Front of House Sound Engineer and Production Manager. While with Air Supply, he was able to visit more than 50 countries and experience venues all over the world. After touring, he has spent his time as a local sound engineer at venues all over the state. He is currently a freelance sound engineer working with bands that come to town at most of the venues throughout the Wasatch Front.

Shannon McCullock

COSTUMES

Shannon McCullock is a Utah based costume designer residing in Salt Lake City. She received her BFA in Performing Arts Design from the University of Utah in 2010. Shannon began designing for the Grand Theatre as Resident Costume Designer in 2016. Though her body of work emphasis is musical theater she has also designed for: opera, classical Greek theater, American classic theater, children's theater, and music video. Her resident designer position finds her primarily designing for Grand Theatre, however, she has also been fortunate to design for: Salt Lake Acting Company, the Utah Classical Greek Theater Festival, Westminster College Opera Studio, the University of Utah, Studio 115, the Babcock Theater, and the Utah Museum of Natural History Children’s Theater Program. Her strong construction, pattern drafting, and costume crafts background allows her to make one-of-a-kind costumes for theatrical productions. She especially enjoys making elaborate masks, head-pieces, armor. Some of her favorite costumes to design and construct were the Animal Spirits in Perdida and the Dancing Cupcakes in Pinkalicous.

DREW BIELINSKI

LIGHTING DESIGN

is a freelance lighting designer based in Salt Lake City after having spent the majority of his life living in the Midwest. He currently works as a Technical Director at Abravanel Hall. Prior to moving to Salt Lake City, he worked as the Lighting Supervisor for Teatro ZinZanni in Seattle, Washington, and as the Master Electrician for Riverside Theatre in Iowa City, Iowa. His most recent lighting design credits include Liminal and Men on Boats at the University of Utah, and Curtains and First Date at The Grand Theatre.

2021 Dead Certain Creative Team

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

GRAHAM RUSSELL

MUSIC and LYRICS

Graham 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

MUSIC 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.

2022 Dead Certain Cast
2021 Concert Performers

Dead Certain Performers

Meet the cast for the October 2022 performance of Dead Certain at the Grand Theatre

HOLDEN SMITH

(Boyd Denning)

is a freshman at USU in the Bachelors of Music, Classical Voice program. He was last seen as Will Bloom in Big Fish. Previous credits include: Mickey in the SLC cast of A Wall Apart, Frank Abagnale, Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, Bellhop in Lend Me A Tenor, Lucas in The Addams Family, Action in West Side Story, The Scarlet Pimpernel (HCT), Crazy For You (CPT), and A Tale of Two Cities (CPT).

ANGIE CALL

(Melissa Daley)

is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production. She has been seen in many theaters including Hale Centre Theatre, CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, The Grand, Pickleville Playhouse, and the Children’s Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include The Narrator in Joseph Dreamcoat, Princess Fiona in Shrek, Mother in Ragtime, Alice in The Addams Family, Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins, and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. Angie teaches at CenterPoint’s Academy as the music director, as well as teaching private voice and piano lessons.

BRITTY MARIE

(Frannie Feldman)

feels honored to have been a part of this incredible creative team for so many years. Other roles include Morticia (Adams Family), Sir Robin (Spamalot), Georgia (Curtains), and most recently School Of Rock at Hale Center Theatre. When she is not on stage, she works as a content creator and social media manager. Tiktok:@bemusing

SARA MCDONALD

(Alice)

is delighted to be making her debut at The Grand in Dead Certain. She was most recently seen on the SAG stage in Crazy for You (Irene). Other credits across the valley include: Anything Goes (Reno), Seven Brides (Milly), Next to Normal (Diana), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife) and Hello Dolly! (Dolly). She has been a Special Education Teacher for 10 years and currently teaches at West High School.

ALEISHA MEIER

(Trish Woodward)

is thrilled to be joining the cast of Dead Certain. She has performed roles such as Cosette in Les Misérables and Dot in Sunday in the Park with George. Aleisha is currently studying Respiratory Therapy at SLCC so she is overjoyed to be able to perform again.

ZAC FREEMAN

(Elliott Kreelman)

is excited to be back at The Grand so soon after Head Over Heels as King Basilius. He was recently seen as Roger in Rent at Oppa and Big Jule in Guys and Dolls at Hale Centre Theatre. Other HCT productions include Wizard of Oz, Newsies, Hunchback, Freaky Friday, and Phantom. Some of his favorite roles include Shrek in The Musical, Sonny Malone in Xanadu, Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone and Sir Richard Bingham in the regional premier of The Pirate Queen at HCT. He is so excited to be in this original musical and thanks the production team greatly for the opportunity.

JOSH RICHARDSON

(Gaylord Parrish)

marks his first show at The Grand, and couldn’t be more excited to be working on a brand-new musical! Josh has performed all over Utah, including at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Egyptian Theater in Park City, CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, and at Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley City and in Sandy. When he’s not onstage he works in marketing as an account manager for Holistic Web Presence. Find Josh at facebook.com/JoshIsAnActor

TREVOR BLAIR

(Flannery)

is very excited to be back at The Grand after having been most recently seen as Daryl Grady in Curtains. He has been in many other shows, including: My Fair Lady (Zoltan Karpathy), Herakles (Lycus), Tarzan (Kerchak), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), Romeo and Juliet (Friar Lawrence), Sweeney Todd (Beadle Bamford), Spring Awakening (Otto Lammermeier), and Hair (Margaret Mead). He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Utah.

JAIDEN CASTLETON

(Conover)

is a graduate from Westminster College. You may have seen him on The Grand’s stage as Action (West Side Story), in Spamalot, and in A Wall Apart. Jaiden is excited to show you all this fun and exciting show!

LORINDA GRIFFITHS

(Hazel)

is extremely honored to be part of Dead Certain, her first show with The Grand, and couldn’t be more excited! Lorinda’s favorite roles have been Bloody Mary in South Pacific (Center Point Theatre) and Christmas Eve in Avenue Q. She also performed in Aida and Ragtime at CPT and Mamma Mia! at Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse.

ELLIE OTIS

(Adele)

is a recent graduate from the University of Utah who is thrilled to be returning to The Grand. She recently assistant directed their production of Head Over Heels and is excited to experience The Grand from a new perspective. Ellie is pursuing a career in stage directing, and loves having the opportunity to act, sing, and dance as she does so. She ’can’t wait to be part of a world premiere!

JORDYN ASPYN

(Ensemble)

a BFA in Musical Theatre from Southern Utah University and is a BAST certified singing teacher. Some of her favorite projects include 9 to 5 (Doralee) at The Ziegfeld Theatre and The Egyptian in Park City; Bright Star (Alice Murphy) at the Zig; The Light in the Piazza at Hale Center Theatre; The Spitfire Grill, Five Women...Dress, RENT, Heathers the Musical (SUU); Noises Off (Simon Fest); and the PC Girl Cabaret. @jordynaspyn

LAVERNE MCDERMOTT

(Ensemble)

has been doing theatre his entire life and studied theatre at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He has a passion for acting because he loves brining joy and entertainment to anyone he can. Mr. McDermott is excited to be a part of his first show at The Grand Theatre and can’t wait to see what is to come of his career out in Utah after only being out here for a couple of months.

MADISON PORTILLO

(Ensemble)

has been performing for over 20 years. She holds an AFA in Musical Theatre, and a “Mouseters Degree” from Walt Disney World. You may have seen her on stage at Desert Star Theater, Hale Center Theater Orem, and recently starring as Frederic in Pirates of Penzance at The Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden.

TYNAN PORTILLO

(Ensemble)

has been performing for over 16 years and now makes his debut at The Grand Theatre as a member of the Dead Certain Ensemble! He has most roles number among Richard III (Richard III), Adam (Seven Brides...) and Chuck (Footloose). He is proud to originate a role in this brand- new show!

AMANDA SHRUM

(Ensemble)

is hella-hyped to be a part of her first show at The Grand. She was last seen as The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet with New World Shakespeare. Other favorite roles include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Madeleine True in The Wild Party and a member of the tribe in Hair. When not on stage, she is writing dystopian jukebox rock musicals. @amandakshrum

JAKE TRUMBO

(Ensemble)

is appearing in his ninth show with The Grand. Previous roles include Eddie/Dr. Scott in Rocky Horror Show, and Sir Galahad in Spamalot. After studying acting at Weber State University, Jake has spent more than 20 years on the stage and screen entertaining Utah audiences.

Dead Certain Concert 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 musicians for the October 2022 performance of Dead Certain at the Grand Theatre

JONATHAN MCDONALD

(Music Director, Keys)

is an award-winning pianist and Music Director based in Utah. Recent credits include Head Over Heels, The Sound of Music, Little Women, The Musical of Musicals, Anything Goes, West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, and Next To Normal. As a classical pianist, Jonathan has won national competitions and performed with ensembles and orchestras across the globe. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Weber State University.

DAVIN TAYLER

(Bass)

is excited to be performing with the talented cast of Dead Certain. Other favorite stage credits include: Always...Patsy Cline with The Grand Theatre, School of Rock with Hale Centre Theatre, Fun Home with Salt Lake Acting Company and The Rocky Horror Picture Show with The Grand Theatre.

DAVID SLACK

(Keys)

is pleased to be playing for the stage again after some time away from Desert Star Playhouse, where he was “your musical host for the evening” for six years and music directed for three.

MARK D MAXSON

(Guitar)

is very pleased to be playing guitar for this production of Dead Certain. Other Utah musical theatre credits include School of Rock, Always Patsy Cline, The Rocky Horror Show, Fun Home, The Last Ship, Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Bat Boy, and more! Mark was a featured performer at Lagoon 1992-1995, and 2013-14 as band leader – also band leader and arranger for the very first Frightmares live show in 1995, The Frightmares Musical Revue. Mark works full time at Weber State University as Program Coordinator, Music & Sound Production, Technology and Innovation.

JAY LAWRENCE

(Drums)

has been a member of faculties at BYU, U of U, Snow College, and other Universities. Jay performed with celebrities such as Cher, Natalie Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, Tom Jones, Gladys Knight, Linda Ronstadt, and Nancy Sinatra. Lawrence has concertized with several jazz artists, including Cyrus Chestnut, John Patitucci, Roy Hargrove, Milt Jackson, Carol Kaye, Clark Terry, and Phil Woods. Jay’s recording, Sweet Lime reached number 7 on the Jazz Week charts. His recent album, Sonic Paragon, was named CD of the month by New York’s WBGO. Lawrence has recorded many film scores such as The Sandlot, Gettysburg, Three Ninjas Kick Back, and U-571.

KAYSON BROWN

(Cello)

holds a Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting from BYU where he served as conducting and cello faculty. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from the U. As a cellist, Kayson played principal cello at both BYU and the U and has soloed with more than a dozen symphony orchestras. He was featured in a KBYU Television special performing “Bach recently been on stage as Edith in the Ziegfeld Theater’s Pirates of Penzance and his favorite Unaccompanied Suites” and has released more than 150 videos on his Learn2playCello YouTube Channel.

Dead Certain Production Team

Meet the production team for the October 2022 performance of Dead Certain at the Grand Theatre

CAROLINE CAIN

STAGE MANAGER

is a graduate of the U of U with her BFA in Stage Management. Caroline has worked for The Grand Theatre since 2008 and became their resident stage manager in 2013. Her most recent credits include Head Over Heels, Noises Off, Rocky Horror Picture Show, A Wall Apart, West Side Story, First Date, Marvelous Wonderettes, Spamalot, and The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Other credits include Dead Certain (staged reading 2021), Heat Death of the Universe (2021), Plan-B Theatre’s Script in Hand Series (2018); The Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival (2016); Wasatch Theatre’s Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (2016).

ASH BUTLER

ASSIST. STAGE MANAGER

is a first- time student intern at The Grand. Ash has been a Stage Manager for Assassins at SLCC. They are currently studying as a student at SLCC, majoring in technical theater to get an associate’s degree. Ash has had a passion for theater their whole life and wants to do great things in this line of work.

MARCIA PIÑA

ASSIST. STAGE MANAGER

is completing her BFA in Stage Management at the University of Utah. She was recently the Stage Manager for The Emily Dickinson Musical (Studio 115, Open Door) at the U of U, as well as the Assistant Stage Manager for The Book Club Play (Babcock), and Illyria (Babcock). Marci has previously worked as the Stage Manager for Ícaro Compañía Teatral, a professional theatre company in Mexico City on Urinetown (Teatro Milán), The Pillowman (Foro Lucerna), Argonautika (Foro Lucerna), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Foro Lucerna).

MÁIRE NELLIGAN

PROPS MANAGER

received her degrees in theater eons ago and spent some time directing with HerVoice, a feminist theater troupe in Kent, Ohio. Moving West, she worked with local and semi-professional theaters in Arizona. During the Arizona years, she also spent time as a fire watch and a ranch hand, as well as an adjunct professor at Cochise Community College. After moving to Utah, Máire worked for SLCC’s Fine Arts department before coming to work for The Grand. She loves being the prop master, and generally considers whichever show she’s currently working on to be her favorite. She will admit, however, that the two “most fun ever” were La Cage aux Folles and Spamalot.

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