Program
By Colin Escott
Featuring
Brandon Fillette, Kurt Jenkins, Kathleen Macari,
Dan Middleditch, Matthew Mucha, Sean Preece, Hunter Semrau,
Bill Scott Sheets, Brynn Smith-Jenkins, Alex Swindle,
Nathan Yates
Scenic Designer ..... Dots
Lightning Designer ..... Ryan O'Gara
Sound Designer ..... Diego Garzòn
Costume Designer ..... Izumi Inaba
Props Designer ..... Douglas Clarke
Programmer ..... Jonah Camiel
Assistant Music Director and Copyist ..... Johnny Baird
Associate Director ..... Tasha Spear
Associate Lightning Designer ..... Ryan J. Stofa
Assistant Lightning Designer ..... Kat C. Zhou
Associate Costume Designer ..... Hannah K. Davis
Associate Sound Seigner ..... Ashton Michael Corey
Associate Scenic Designer ..... Andrew Moerdyk
Digital Program ..... Marquee Digital
Production Coordinator ..... Chris Steckel
Company Manager ..... Kendraw Arado
General Manager ..... Evan Bernardin Productions
Music Supervisor, Arranger, Orchestrations ..... Chuck Mead
Directed by ..... Scott Weinstein
Cast
Jerry Lee Lewis - Brandon Fillette
Carl Perkins - Kurt Jenkins
Dyanne - Kathleen Macari
Sam Phillips - Matthew Mucha
Fluke - Sean Preece
Johnny Casy - Bill Scott Sheets
Elvis Presley - Alex Swindle
Brother Jay - Nathan Yates
Stand-by for Jerry Lee Lewis - Hunter Semrau
Stand-by for Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley / Music Captain - Dan Middleditch
Stand-by for Dyanne – Brynn Smith-Jenkins
Songs
"Home for the Holidays" - Company
Music by Robert Allenard, Lyrics Al Stillman
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All rights Reserved.
"Santa Claus is Back in Town" - Company
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"O, Christmas Tree" - Dyanne & Carl Perkins
Music and Lyrics by Ernst Anschütz
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Don't be Cruel" - Elvis Presley
Music and Lyrics by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Blue Christmas" - Company
Music and Lyrics by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Cotton Top" - Carl Perkins
Music and Lyrics by Carl Perkins
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Go Tell it on the Mountain" / "I Shall not be Moved" - Company
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Chantilly Lace" - Jerry Lee Lewis
Music and Lyrics by Jiles Perry "The Big Bopper" Richardson
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Santa Baby" - Dyanne
Music and Lyrics by Joan Javits and Philip Springer
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Que Sera, Sera" / "Let the Good Times Roll" / "Hot Diggity" / "Tutti Frutti" - Company
Que Sera, Sera Music and Lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Let the Good Times
Roll Music and Lyrics by Shirley Goodman and Leonard Lee. Hot Diggity Music and
Lyrics by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning. Tutti Frutti Music and Lyrics by Little Richard
and Dorothy LaBostrie. These Compositions are used by permission of the
Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Ring of Fire" - Johnny Cash
Music and Lyrics by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Boogie Woggie Santa Claus" - Company
Music and Lyrics by The Brian Seltzer Orchestra
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Bad Kid" - Jerry Lee Lewis
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Lee Lewis
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Silent Night" - Company
Music by Franz Xaver Gruber, Lyrics by Joseph Mohr
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" / "Jingle Bell Rock" - Company
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks. Jingle Bell
Rock Music and Lyrics by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe. This
Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"I'll be Home for Christmas" - Company
Music by Walter Kent, Lyrics by Kim Gannon
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"I'll be Home for Christmas" (Reprise) - Elvis Presley
Music by Walter Kent, Lyrics by Kim Gannon
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" - Elvis & Company
Music and Lyrics by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Mele Kalikimaka" - Dyanne & Company
Music and Lyrics by R. Alex Anderson
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"God Rest Ye Marry Gentlemen" - Johnny Cash & Company
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Jingle Bells" - Jerry Lee Lewis & Company
Music and Lyrics by James Lord Pierpont
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
"Run, Rudolph, Run" - Carl Perkins & Company
Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks and Marvin Brodie
This Composition is used by permission of the Publisher. All Rights Reserved.
Company Bio
Brandon Fillette (Jerry Lee Lewis) has been working in theatre for the better part of two decades. He has worked as an actor/musician, toured (Pump Boys and Dinettes, Million Dollar Quartet), and spent two years playing for Holland America Cruiselines as a dueling pianist (Billboard Onboard). He holds a B.F.A in Musical Theatre Performance from East Carolina University and recently graduated from BerkleeNYC in the inaugural class with a Masters in Writing Design for Musical Theater. Thanks to family and friends for helping him pursue his dream of back-up singing and playing keys 2 for Billy Joel.
Kurt Jenkins (Carl Perkins) has been involved with Million Dollar Quartet since 2013; first in the original Chicago production, then on the high seas with Norwegian Cruise Line. Now, Kurt is grateful to be performing in this amazing sequel with such a talented cast! When Kurt isn’t on stage, he documents his journey on social media. Follow @kurtjenkins on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. And watch as he builds the future. Past credits include: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Bat Boy and Godspell. Enjoy the show!
Kathleen Macari (Dyanne) is so excited to be back performing Million Dollar Quartet Christmas after our amazing run last year! Kathleen resides in New York City and got her BFA in Performing Arts from Niagara University. She has previously been seen as Dyanne (Million Dollar Quartet), Millie Dillmount (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Trenna (Ring of Fire), Suzy Hendricks (Wait Until Dark) among others. Thank you to the Macari/O’Brien family and friends for your love and support! IG: @kathleenmacari
Matthew Mucha (Sam Phillips) is excited to be back for another year of MDQX! Off- Broadway: Harmony (NYTF), National Tour: Million Dollar Quartet, Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (World Premiere, First National), Bandstand (Broadway First National). Selected Regional: Memphis (CFRT), The Sound of Music (ASF), Tuck Everlasting (SSTI). Matthew is also the co-creator and co-host of the Broadway web series, Second Act Snacks, which is currently streaming on broad.stream. He is also the co-founder of Snack Time Studios LLC. which produces Second Act Snacks and the podcast, Mutha. Endless love to his team at ATB Talent, his family and Jaime. @matthewmucha/@secondactsnacks.
Sean Preece (Fluke) is a Nashville based multi-instrumentalist musician/songwriter. He has performed all over the world and has performed with Million Dollar Quartet on the Norwegian Cruise Line. Over the years, He has performed and recorded with artists such as Mike Gordon (Phish), Eugene Hutz (Gogol Bordello), Shannon McNally and Joshua Panda (America’s Got Talent). You can listen to his original music and see his tour schedule at www.seanpreece.com @spreeces
Bill Scott Sheets (Johnny Cash) Musical theatre credits include: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (2021 Nat. Tour), Million Dollar Quartet (Norwegian Cruise Line, Paramount Theatre/Chicago, The Phoenix Theatre Company, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group, PCPA) and Ring of Fire (Palace Theater, Capital Repertory Theatre). Bill’s performed as a guest entertainer in December of ’63 and Million Dollar Reunion. Bill was born and raised in Owasso, OK. He received his Bachelor's in Music Education at Oklahoma State University. Bill would like to thank his wife, family, and dog for their love and support. IG: @bill_sheets. Website: billscottsheets.com
Alex Swindle (Elvis Presely) is a 28 year old singer, musician, National Grand Champion and 2015 Ultimate Elvis Top Ten World Finalist from Birmingham, Alabama. Growing up in a household of musicians, Alex discovered his passion for performing at a very young age. After twelve years of performing as an Elvis tribute artist, Alex brings to the stage the thrill and charged atmosphere that’s reminiscent of young Elvis in his Sun Record days of 1945. A genuine southern gentleman, Alex presents to his audience a raw talent and compelling charm much like Elvis at the beginning of his career.
Nathan Yates (Brother Jay) is a NYC-based Actor who’s appeared in numerous productions throughout the US and beyond. You can follow his work as a recording artist on all streaming platforms. NathanYatesMusic.com @nathanyatesmusic
Hunter Semrau He/Him (Standby Jerry Lee Lewis) is a Canadian actor/musician andis stoked to be making his National Tour debut! He is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University with a BM in Musical Theatre where he performed in shows such as Spring Awakening (Moritz Stiefel) and A Little Night Music (Henrik Egerman), amongst others. Hunter’s recent professional credits include New West Theatre Co.’s Million Dollar Quartet (Jerry Lee Lewis), and Okoboji Summer Theatre’s Pump Boys and Dinettes (L.M.). @huntersemrau
Brynn Smith-Jenkins (Standby Dyanne) is thrilled to be spending the Holidays eason with her husband, Kurt, and the rest of the incredible Million Dollar QuartetChristmas team. Brynn has previously been seen on the national tour of "Mamma Mia!" (U/S Sophie), as well as with Norwegian Cruise Line in "Swing! The Musical" (Lead Female Vocalist), "Million Dollar Quartet" (Dyanne), "Burn the Floor" (Female Vocalist) and "Pricilla Queen of the Desert" (Swing, U/S Marion). Special thanks to Scott and Chuck. Much love to Mom and Dad, Jim and Diane, and Nan and Phil for all their support.
Dan Middleditch (Standby Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash) is so excited to be a part of the MDQX family! Past credits include Elvis Presley (Million Dollar Quartet, Norwegian Cruise Line) and Buddy Holly (The Buddy Holly Story). He is also an original music artist, and feel free to follow his social media.
Thanks to Our Season Sponsors
JOHN DEERE
WCF COURIER
TYSON
WESTERN HOME
Martha Kroese
Strategic Imaging
UNI College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences
Black Hawk Hotel
Community Foundation
Rasmusson Towing
UNI College of Education
UNI Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice
Buzz Anderson
Cedar Valley Eye Care
Coloff - KCFI
Coloff - MIX
CopyWorks
Discerning Wealth
Fosters Mattress
Friendship Village
Green State Credit Union
ICAN
Investment Center
Isle
Martin Brothers
Landmark Commons
National Dance Academy
NRG
Open Door Hospitality
On Media
Jim & Ardy Rydell
UNI Alumni Association
UNI College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
UNICUE
Veridian Credit Union
West Music
Bob & Susie Heaton
Steve & Terri Jackson
Creative Team Bio
Colin Escott (Book Writer) was born in England and currently lives near Nashville, Tennessee. He co-wrote Million Dollar Quartet.
Scott Weinstein (Director) is an award-winning Director and Writer based in New York City. His work as a director has been seen at major regional theaters around the country and he recently won the Joseph Jefferson award for his Actor-Musician, chamber style re-conception of Ragtime with Griffin Theatre, where he is an ensemble member. Scott was the Associate and Resident Director for the Broadway National Tour, Las Vegas and Chicago productions of the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet. He has developed new work at the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, Pittsburgh CLO, The American Music Theatre Project, The Marriott Theatre, Route 66 Theatre, The Rev, Norwegian Creative Studios and others. Graduate of Northwestern University and proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He is represented by William Morris Endeavor.
Tasha Spear (Associate Director) is thrilled to be back working on Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. She was a part of the World Premiere team last year, as well. Tasha is a New York based director and choreographer. She holds a BA in Critical Theory & Social Justice and an MFA in Theatre Directing. Some credits include Death Deadlines (Director), Miss Julie (Director), Grímnismál (Or, the Magpie Play) (Director), Polyphemus (Director and Co Developer), Grease (Assistant Director), Cabaret (Assistant Director), and Footloose (Choreographer). www.tashaspear.com
Chuck Mead (Arranger and Music Director) is best known for being one of the founding members of three time Grammy nominated, Country Music Association Award winning country music group BR5-49. Between 1996 and 2005 the band released seven successful records before disbanding. In 2006 he started work as Music Supervisor/Director of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet. A member of the original creative team, he shaped the music for the Chicago, Broadway, West End, Las Vegas, and National Tour productions of MDQ all the while touring the world with his band and releasing four critically acclaimed solo albums. In 2017, Mead oversaw the music for the CMT television series “Sun Records” and in 2021 worked as Music Supervisor for the upcoming feature film “Neon Highway.”
Jonny Baird (Associate Music Director and Copyist) is excited to be a part of the Million Dollar Quartet family as the associate music director and co-music arranger. For the past 5 years he has been Music Supervisor for Norwegian Cruise Line. Shows includes Million Dollar Quartet, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, After Midnight, Winelovers the Musical. Broadway: Annie Revival. Tours: Bring It On, Sister Act. Jonny also orchestrates and arranges music throughout New York City. He was an orchestrator for the Virginia Symphony. Favorite shows he has music directed: Jersey Boys, Ragtime, Bat Boy, The Who’s Tommy, Les Miserables, Double Threat Trio. He holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at Shenandoah Conservatory. He would like to thank everyone at Madison Wells Live for having him. He’d also like to thank his family and friends for the countless support.
dots (Scenic Designer) dots is a design collective based in New York City specializing in designing environments for narratives, experiences and performances. Hailing from Colombia, South Africa and Japan, we are Santiago Orjuela-Laverde, Andrew Moerdyk ,and Kimie Nishikawa. We approach every project with diversity of thought and burning curiosity and, above all, we believe in the value of the whole being greater than the sum of its individual parts.
Diego Garzon (Sound Designer) is a musician, sound engineer and music producer, with only 10 years of experience, he has worked in music and entertainment industry, producing and designing audio content for commercial brands like: Coca Cola, Pepsi, Toyota, Chevrolet and more. As sound engineer, he works for Norwegian Cruise Lines doing the engineering of their new builds, he has worked as associated sound designer and production audio for Jersey Boys onboard Norwegian Bliss and Kinky Boots onboard Norwegian Encore. Diego is currently working as head of sound for the new cruise ship Norwegian PR1MA which will have several productions including SUMMER, The Donna Summer musical.
Izumi Inaba (Costume Design) is so excited to be working on this production with Scott after such a long wait! She is originally from Tokyo, Japan, and now based in Chicago, where she has designed over a couple hundred projects. In recent years, she also enjoys working on regional productions that she gets to collaborate with new artists. In 2019, she was chosen to exhibit at Prague Quadrennial as one of the
featured designers of the United States. Recent projects include Dishwasher Dreams at Writers Theatre and Nightwatch at Goodman Theatre.
Ryan J. O’Gara (Lighting Design) Broadway: Thoughts of a Colored Man. National Tour: Juke Box Hero, A Night with Janis Joplin, Vocalocity and The Little Prince. Various productions for Cirque du Soleil, Norwegian Cruise Line, Tokyo Disney Sea, New York City Opera, Paper Mill Playhouse, Walnut Street Theatre, Drury Lane- Chicago (2019 Jeff Nomination), TUTS, Baltimore Center Stage, Syracuse Stage, North Carolina Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Signature Theatre DC, Laguna Playhouse, New Victory Theatre, Lincoln Center Festival, Capital Repertory Theatre and Bristol Riverside Theatre (2016 Barrymore Award). Associate Lighting Designer for over 25 Broadway productions, recently: Ain’t Too Proud, Come from Away, and Hamilton. O’Gara graduated from NCSA.
Chris Steckel (Production Coordinator) manages stages and designs lighting. Select credits: Penelope, Cheek to Cheek, Anything Can Happen in the Theater, Enter Laughing, and Lonesome Blues, A Charlie Brown Christmas (US Tour), Crackskull Row (Irish Rep), Counting Sheep (Recklinghausen Festival), and Spamilton. Non-favorite credits include everything else. For a good time, visit chrisdsteckel.com.
Kendra Arado (Company Manager) Kendra is from Las Vegas and thrilled to be spending this holiday season travelling colder parts of these United States with Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. She has previously worked as a stage manager with Blue Man Group at Luxor and Jabbawockeez and MGM Grand. Most recently she was aboard the Scarlet Lady with Virgin Voyages running exciting productions a sea. If you have made it this far, she appreciates your dedication to reading the program. Enjoy the show.
Evan Bernardin Productions (General Management) is a full-service theatrical management company that provides general management for productions and immersive experiences. Select credits include: Fairycakes, Seven Deadly Sins, Million Dollar Quartet (Tour), Charlie Brown Christmas (Tour), Afterglow, and We Are The Tigers. Additional collaborative projects have included performances at Lincoln Center, The United Nations, The Harvard Club, The White House, Cornell University, Georgetown's Gaston Hall, The Culture Project, The Ohio Theatre and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Marquee Digital (Digital Program) is a New York-based tech startup innovating the theatre industry with ground-breaking digital program solutions. The Marquee is a paperless program for the 21st century, employing contactless, eco-friendly, and ADA-compliant technology to create an interactive and highly intuitive experience for audiences at the theatre, opera, art fairs, conferences, and concerts. In the company’s first year, Marquees have been opened in venues across the United States and in more than 80 countries around the globe.