LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
In 2009, I vaguely became aware of a new jukebox musical featuring the music of the “hair” bands of the 1980s. Like most Gen X-ers, the fondness for the music we grew up with never went away. At the time, I was preparing to direct another 80’s rock musical, Footloose, and wondered if this new show would succeed and eventually become available to community theatres.
Fast forward 12 years, a move to a new state AND a pandemic, I found myself as the Artistic Director of HT. At one of our 2023 first programming selection meetings, I suggested “What if we do Rock of Ages?” I truly thought I would get immediate push back on the size of the show, the complexity, the difficulty of the music, and the technical demands. Instead, everyone love the idea, and a show was picked to anchor our 2023 season. I took a big gulp, but also applied to direct the show knowing I would be devastated if I didn’t take it on.
In my 20+ years as a director, this show has been the most technically and artistically challenging so far, I could not have done this without our fantastic and supportive staff (Allison, Beth, Don, Michele, Rita, Rowan, and Tate), the largest creative and production team to work on a show since my arrival at HT, the talented Lenora Thom, Matilyn Hull and Amanda McLoughlin, Maddie Anderson (who put their creative hearts and souls into this show), and a brilliant cast who spent hours learning, reviewing, and mastering some of the most complex vocals and intense choreography to ever grace our stage. What you are seeing tonight the culmination of sweat, tears and artistic collaboration, possible beyond what most people believe small theatres can accomplish. It proves that HT’s secret motto is for 2023 is “Don’t Stop Believin’.” I sincerely hope you’ll have “Nothin’ But a Good Time” at this show.
-Victoria Lamberth (Director)
MEET THE CAST AND CREW
Sage Albert (SHERRIE) is a recent graduate of Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Music, as well as a minor in dance. Her recent credits include Cathy in The Last Five Years and the Mistress of Novices in the opera Suor Angelica. Sage is looking forward to moving to New York City this fall to pursue a career in performance!
Tate Albert (DENNIS) is a seasoned actor who’s credits include Noises Off!, Footloose the Musical, and Oleanna. He also works on the technical side of the theatre in lighting and sound design. Tate was last seen on stage as John in Calendar Girls. His next show will be Every Christmas Story Every Told!
Rowan Bishop (LONNY) is so proud and excited to bring Rock of Ages to the Hendersonville Theatre stage. They are inspired and uplifted by this stellar cast every single day, and hope that you will be, too! You may recognize Rowan from other HT shows like The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Calendar Girls, and Holiday Double Cheer. Other notable works include Songs for A New World, The Good Doctor, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Hamlet, and Brigadoon. When not on stage, Rowan works full time as Production Manager at HT and spends most of their time working alongside the rest of the staff to make the theatre a brave, welcoming artistic space for everyone in our community. Love and Light!
Tiffanie Boone (MOTHER/JUSTICE) is excited to make her debut at Hendersonville Theatre. You may have seen her around WNC over the past several years. Most recently she was in Happyland: A Rock Opera at the Magnetic Theatre, a singer in The Carolina Christmas Show, playing the role of Raylean in the comedy drama In The Middle of Nowhere at Parkway Playhouse, or as Miss Scarlett in Clue. She is so very thankful for her family and partner for their love and encouragement. She would like to extend her gratitude to all supporters of the arts. Let’s keep lifting up one another.
Brenda Craig (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be performing with Hendersonville Theatre for the first time. She has been active with Tryon Little Theater, where her recent credits include State Fair (ensemble), Dearly Departed (Lucille), Pump Boys & Dinettes (ensemble/choreography), and The Hallelujah Girls (Carlene). Other performances include The Book Club Play (Anna), and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Siobahn). In addition to acting, Brenda enjoys other creative arts and music, and works as Marketing Director for WNCW public radio. She lives in Saluda with her husband, Sam, and rescue dog, Gus.
Lois Hade (ASST. DIRECTOR) has a BA in Theatre with a concentration in Performance and Applied Theatre. Her philosophy of theatre is that it should fundamentally be an art that challenges and incites change. Whether it change your spirit from down to excited with light hearted musical or changes in action for real life issues. Prior directing credits would include Truth Be Told by Amy Dunlap and assistant/partial directing Antigone. In addition to directing, Lois has had her share of stage management with Bridges of Madison County, Hedda Gabler, and Great Divorce and also is a scenic painter and actor. She feels an immense honor to use her vision and voice to allow others to be seen and heard and understood.
Sara Hassinger (STAGE MANAGER) is thrilled to be working on Rock of Ages. She has Stage Managed 8 productions for Hendersonville Theatre, worked backstage crew at ACT, and Stage Managed at Montford Park Players and NC Stage. In her past life, she was a Television Director, so being bossy comes naturally. Sara would like to thank Victoria for the opportunity to work on this show. It was a blast!
Derrick Hill (MAYOR/JA’KEITH/ENSEMBLE) is a Brevard College Graduate with a Bachelors degree in Theatrical Performance. Some of his previous works include The Silt Verses (Mr. Finch), Twelfth Night (Duke Orsino), Into the Woods (Narrator), and Boeing Boeing (Robert). This is his first performance at the Hendersonville Theatre, and it will not be his last!
Matilyn Hull (CHOREOGRAPHER/REPORTER/ENSEMBLE) hasn’t performed in a musical in several years, so when Victoria asked her not only to choreograph this beast of a show, but to join the fun onstage, of course she agreed! She works in Marketing with RHA Health Services by day and acts, dances, and choreographs as much as she can by night. Hendersonville Theatre patrons saw Matilyn’s choreography in Nunsense Jamboree and Holiday Double Cheer and saw her acting in Steel Magnolias (Annelle), August: Osage County (Jean), Always a Bridesmaid (Kari), and Clybourne Park (Betsy/Lindsay). Her favorite local acting credits include Megan in Bloodbath: Victoria’s Secret (Magnetic), Susan in Wait Until Dark (BLT), Annelle in Steel Magnolias (HART), and Hero in Much Ado About Nothing (MPP). In September, she will be acting in Radium Girls at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, and in October, you can see more of her choreography in Young Frankenstein right here at HT.
Victoria Lamberth (DIRECTOR) is an actor, director and writer who lives in Hendersonville. Her recent directing credits include Sister Amnesia’s Nunsense Jamboree! and Love, Loss and What I Wore at Hendersonville Theatre, Grimm’s Fairy Tales at Montford Park Players, and The Sparrow and the Whippoorwill at The Magnetic Theatre. Currently, she works full-time as HT’s artistic director. In a previous life, she worked as a graphic designer and marketing consultant. Victoria is also looking forward to returning to the stage this Christmas in Every Christmas Story Every Told! As always, she thanks he family for their patience, support and understanding as she drags them into this theatrical world with her.
Josh Luria (DREW) most recently played the role of Reverend Hale in Tryon Shakespeare’s production of The Crucible. He received his core training from The Atlantic Theater Company’s conservatory program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. After his training, he spent five years producing and directing new works for the theater company he founded with four colleagues, EBE Ensemble, primarily in downtown Manhattan. He is thrilled and humbled to be a part of the outstanding ensemble of Rock of Ages, his first musical since high school. Outside of the theater, you can often find him writing computer programs, gardening, traveling, or scuba diving.
Hogan McLamb (FRANZ) is a 23 year old actor from Asheville. Hogan was last seen at Hendersonville Theater as Father Hollywood in Sister Amnesias Country Western Nunsense Jamboree! Hogan last performance was at HART as Don Price in Big Fish. Hogan has been also seen on stage at ACT, Montford Park Players, and in productions with the APAA! Hogan would love to thank everyone who has helped, and cheered him on through his journey!
Beth Norris (WAITRESS/ENSEMBLE) has been involved with Hendersonville Theatre since 2011 when she was cast as a Pick-a-Little Lady in The Music Man, beginning a career that has now spanned more than 35 productions. She graduated from North Greenville University with a degree in Theatre Performance in 2015, and now splits her time working at Furman University during the day as an Enrollment Coordinator and Hendersonville Theatre (during every spare minute she has) as Education Director.
Daniel Sandoval (HERTZ) returns to the Hendersonville Theatre after his debut in May as Niles Rutherford in An Improper Royal Tea. You may have also seen him perform in a dozen-odd productions in the Asheville area since 2018. Favorite past roles include Lemml, the Stage Manager in Paula Vogel’s Indecent, and Cleo Nicholson in Tom Godleski’s Sparrow and Whippoorwill. An experienced singer, he has performed with a variety of local arts organizations, directs the choir at Jubilee! Community, and has never met a Karoake Mic he didn’t like.
Allison Starling (JOEY PRIMO/ENSEMBLE) has been involved in theatre and dance since a young age. After spending the majority of her formative years performing and training at Fountain Inn Repertory Experience (Fountain Inn, SC), South Carolina Children’s Theatre, and the Greenville Ballet (Greenville, SC), Allison went on to study design, musical theatre, and art in college. She eventually graduated from North Greenville University in 2017 with a degree in Theatre Design. After graduating, Allison spent several years designing and performing for theatres in Greenville, Anderson, and Greenwood, South Carolina and eventually joined Hendersonville Theatre in 2018 when she designed costumes for their production of Stage Kiss. Since then, she has performed in, designed, directed, and stage managed numerous HT productions. This past January, she joined the theatre in a more official capacity and currently serves full-time as both the Company Manager and Costume Shop Manager. She is passionate about theatre both as an artistic and educational experience.
Lenora Thom (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is a conductor, pianist, organist, arranger, and teacher whose career spans decades in both NYC and WNC. Her many Music Director positions include the New Jersey and Asheville Choral Societies, the Riverdale (NY) and Kean (NJ) Chamber Orchestras, Flat Rock Playhouse, and numerous other professional and community theatres. Ms. Thom has music directed nearly 100 productions for off-Broadway, regional, summer stock, and university theatres. Lenora maintains a busy voice and piano studio, and finds time for choral/instrumental arranging as well. An award-winning pianist, she has performed in cabaret, recital, and chamber music concerts throughout the Northeast and WNC. Lenora studied at Juilliard, the Hartt School of Music, Trinity College, the Peabody Conservatory, and the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors.
Matt Wade (FATHER/STACEE JAXX) is ecstatic to debut Stacee as his first musical performance in the WNC, a rad contrast from his most recent, as Sweeney Todd early last year in Austin, TX. Locally, you may have seen him as Algernon in the Reader’s Theatre production of The Importance of Being Earnest; or with the Montford Park Players, as Benedick in Much Ado, Laertes in Hamlet, Macduff in Macbeth, Lysimachus in Pericles, and Angelo in Comedy of Errors. Professional highlights include national tours of Oklahoma!, and The Producers; Asst. Cruise Director and Entertainer aboard the American Duchess on the Mississippi River; crooning in the Greenbrier Resort & Casino; a summer at Six Flags: Astroworld; and a plethora of wonderful regional theatre across the country. This journey is dedicated to my mom, and my rockstar partner, Candy.
Jennifer Worthen (REGINA) has been performing since she was in grade school. It is her favorite hobby. She is a classically trained vocalist as well as a singer-songwriter. Jennifer’s greatest hope is that her offerings on stage bring joy and levity to whomever might be watching and listening. She is truly grateful to be part of this wonderful production.
Brett Anderson (BASS) is an established musician and music educator from Weaverville, NC. He has been involved in music since early childhood. Brett graduated from North Buncombe High School in 2012 and completed his music education degree from Mars Hill University in 2016. He began his teaching career in chorus while assisting with the middle and high school bands at Central Davidson High School in Lexington, NC. After his first year of teaching, Brett began teaching band at Madison Middle School in Marshall, NC and has taught there for the last five years. Brett is a brass instrument specialist who has played in several musicals throughout WNC. Brett currently lives in Weaverville with his wife, Priscilla, and his son, Nathan.
Maddie Anderson (LIGHTING DESIGN) received her technical theatre degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2021. She has been working as a freelance lighting designer and technician for live theatre, music, and dance in the WNC area since then, and recently moved to Asheville to be closer to the art scene. Rock of Ages has been her first solo theatrical lighting design since college and COVID, and she couldn’t have enjoyed the process more.
David Bruce (DRUMMER) is a veteran pit musician who has played over 100 musicals both off and on stage in Asheville and surrounding western North Carolina. He has done traditional big name shows ranging from Oklahoma! to the Who’s rock musical Tommy and most recently Steve Martin’s musical Bright Star. When David isn’t playing musicals, he teaches private lessons at the Academy for the Arts located at Asheville’s First Baptist Church. He looks forward to playing this show filled with the music he grew up listening to.
Jonathan Forrester (SET DRESSER) has been a part of Hendersonville Theatre since 2009. His involvement began with the production of God’s Favorite in the The Barn located off of State Street. From there he went on to produce, direct and stage manage numerous shows for the theatre. He has also directed several productions for Brevard Little Theatre. He currently serves as President of the Board of Directors. When not onstage or working behind the scenes, Jonathan is Marketing Director for Trinity View Senior Living Community in Arden.
Amanda Sims McLoughlin (PROPS ARTISAN/COSTUME ASSISTANT) is thrilled to be working at Hendersonville Theatre. She has worked in many theatres throughout Western North Carolina and is finally working in the city she calls home. Recent past shows include Beautiful Cages at The Magnetic Theatre and The Little Prince at Montford Park Players. When she isn’t at the theatre, she can be found making embroidery art, spending time with her wonderful offspring, and knitting in her birthday suit. Thank you for supporting local theatre, and enjoy the show!
Lyn Morton (BOARD OPERATOR) has been involved in productions at HT since 2013 (back when it was HLT!) When not ON stage (and she LOVES being on stage), Lyn can be found in HT’s light booth, singing tenor in the chorus at the Flat Rock Playhouse or way up north beyond the Mason Dixon Line visiting her fabulous family.
Ellen Pappas (SCENIC PAINTER) began her lifelong journey in the arts in NYC and was thrilled to discover a vibrant theatre community here in Western North Carolina. She is an actor, singer, songwriter, playwright, director, set designer and painter, photographer, and is honored to be part of Rock Of Ages.
Adam Rose (GUITAR) is a guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Philadelphia. He has lived and performed in NYC, Philly, and Los Angeles. He recently moved to Durham, NC where he was a graduate assistant at NCCU and completed a masters degree in jazz performance and composition.
Don Schwartz (SET DESIGN/BUILD CREW CHIEF) is enjoying the opportunity to work behind the scenes with HT, co-designing and building the set for this show. He also has helped with previous shows serving as an assistant stage manager and sound technician. In 2019, he moved to the area from Catonsville, MD, where he worked with Salem Players in a variety of positions including director, sound tech, actor as well as camp director for a children’s summer drama camp. Enjoy the show!
Hannah Williams (INTIMACY COORDINATOR) is a director, intimacy choreographer, and producer whose work has been seen in productions across the Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, and Canada. She is a faculty member of Theatrical Intimacy Education and the Managing Director of The National Women’s Theatre Festival. Hannah serves as Chair of the Disability Inclusion Committee for the Southeastern Theatre Conference, is a part of the Arts North Carolina Advocacy Cohort and SETC Leadership Initiative, and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University. She is a proud Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. More information about Hannah and pictures of her cats can be found at mshannahcat.com.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SHOW SPONSORS
UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS
Drag Trivia – SEPTEMBER 26
Are you smarter than a Drag Queen? Priscillia Cybin and Margot Wilde host a venomous game of trivia that blurs the lines of gender and intellect with a side-splitting, laugh-filled romp.
HT Sweatshirt Fundraiser!
Help us continue to grow by purchasing an HT logo sweatshirt! All funds raised will be paid directly to Hendersonville Theatre for programming, staffing, and other necessities that keep this theatre running!.
2024 Season Reveal T-shirt Fundraiser!
Help us continue to grow by purchasing an 2024 Season Reveal t-shirt! All funds raised will be paid directly to Hendersonville Theatre for programming, staffing, and other necessities that keep our theatre running!
Young Frankenstein – OCTOBER 13-29
The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein is the electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches.
Adult Audition Workshop – OCTOBER 14
Do you feel like auditions are scary or overwhelming? Have you gone to several, but never gotten cast in a show? SO MUCH goes into the decisions directors make in the casting room. Let us help you get a leg up.
New Works Series – OCTOBER 14
HT’s New Works Series offers exciting script-in-hand readings of new plays by emerging local playwrights. The readings are followed by a talk back with the playwright and actors to provide feedback to the playwright
Beginner Adult Tap Workshop – OCTOBER 21
Whether you are preparing for a show that has tap involved or you are just interested in a new skill for fun, this workshop is for you. IThis class is NOT for those who have never tapped before. This workshop is for beginners with at least a minimal understanding of tap.
Yes, And…Improv Showcase – OCTOBER 26
A show brought to you by our Adult Beginner Improv Class! Come check out this student show and see what our educational program is all about! This is a free event open to the public!
Audition Workshop for Teens – OCTOBER 28
This audition workshop is designed for teens who want to improve their auditioning and overall performing skills. This workshop will take you step-by-step through the audition process and give you pointers to make the whole experience more relaxing and familiar.
Beginner Adult Tap Workshop – NOVEMBER 4
Whether you are preparing for a show that has tap involved or you are just interested in a new skill for fun, this workshop is for you. IThis class is NOT for those who have never tapped before. This workshop is for beginners with at least a minimal understanding of tap.
A Doll’s House – NOVEMBER 4
Written in 1879 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House is about a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband.
Audition Workshop for Children – NOVEMBER 5
This audition workshop is designed for young actors who want to learn to audition or improve their auditioning skills. This workshop will take participants step-by-step through most theatre’s audition process and give young actors pointers to make the whole experience more relaxing and familiar.