BIOS

Cast and Creators of the August 9, 2014, revival of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz

Laura Bueno

Laura Bueno (Betsy Bobbin) was most recently seen as Anna 1 in Bodhi Tree Concerts' production of Kurt Weill's Seven Deadly Sins at the San Diego International Fringe Festival. She performed with San Diego Musical Theatre in The Sound of Music and was also seen at Lyric at the Birch in the roles of Tessa in The Gondoliers, Gigi in Gigi, Petra in A Little Night Music, Hope in Anything Goes, Iolanthe in Iolanthe, Peep Bo in The Mikado and Molly Brazen in The Beggar’s Opera. Other credits include Wendy in Peter Pan, The Secretary in The Consul, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Zaneeta in The Music Man, Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, Margy in State Fair and Nanette in No, No, Nanette. She has sung with the San Diego Opera chorus for ten years. Laura has directed/ choreographed several children's shows and show choirs. She has danced for 25 years and teaches ballroom dance with Edudance-Classrooms in Motion. Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and studies voice with Dianna Ruggiero.

Dillon Rendo

Dillon Rendo (Hank the Mule) is honored to be part of The Tik Tok Man of Oz. This is his first principal part in a show, but he has been an ensemble dancer in Ever After, The Wizard of Oz, and The Lion King, all productions of Infinity Dance Arts. He was also shadow Simba in The Lion King. All these productions have given him an opportunity to turn his love of street dancing into something more. Dillon would like to thank his family and mentors for their endless support.

Eduard Cao

Eduard Cao (the Shaggy Man) graduated from the University of California Riverside with a BA in Theater. Some favorite roles include: Doody in Grease, Baby John in West Side Story, Puck in Midsummer Night's Dream, Michael in Back to the '80s, and as Scarecrow in The Wiz. Currently cast as a segment host in the lifestyle TV show Asian Voices, he has a passion for writing and film making with projects like Princess of Oz and the web series Snow White and Rose. Youtube.com/edcaoartist

Kendra Leori Truett

Kendra Leori Truett (Ozma) is a photographer and an artist, and has enjoyed singing and acting in a variety of productions from bands to burlesque, comedy to musical theater. She is a long time performer in the Mystery Cafe Dinner Theater and has been seen in Coronado Playhouse's Ruthless and Wild Party. Favorite roles include Audry in Little Shop and Aldonza in Man of La Mancha. She is happy to be part of the revival of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz. kendratruettphotography.com

Tamara Rodriguez

Tamara Rodriguez (Polychrome) is flushing in rainbow shades as she takes the stage as Polychrome! She is making her debut in two popular TV reality shows Quinceañera: Mama Quiero Ser Artista (Sweet Fifteen: Mom, I Want to be an Artist) (Telemundo) and Buscando a Timbiriche, La Nueva Banda  (Univision). Tamara has participated in concerts in the US which include the bicentennial celebration in San Antonio, Texas; Boston fashion week showcase; Lena Horne Tribute at the Isabella Gardner Museum and the Berklee Performance Center in Boston, Massachusetts; and Nokia Theatre Live with Shakhar Binespajooh alongside the L.A Philharmonic in Los Angeles. Her regional theatre credits include Chicago, Carnival, The Wizard of Oz, and Annie Get Your Gun. She graduated cum laude with a dual major in Voice and Songwriting from Berklee College Of Music. Tamara is the current Vocal Director/ Choreographer to the Village Church Community Theatre. She would like to dedicate all her work to her Mom.

Reggie Hutchins

Reggie Hutchins (Tik-Tok) is excited to be a part of such an amazing cast and crew bringing to life a Frank Baum classic. He has performed in a lot of productions in and around San Diego. He has appeared in San Diego Musical Theatre’s Dreamgirls (2008 Best Musical), in Starlight Theatre’s Aida and Ragtime, also Lyric Opera’s H.M.S. Pinafore and Daughter of the Regiment, and in Coronado Playhouse’s Chicago, as well as numerous others. Reggie has also appeared on national television in ABC’s Wipeout (2009) and danced on Soul Train (Americas Longest Running Syndicated Music Program). He has also been in several motion pictures: The Principal, Dead Pool, and The Wash. Reggie has a Visual & Performing Arts Degree from SDCC and is pursuing an MFA in Musical Theatre from UCSD. “MANY THANKS” to Eric, David, and Chrissy for this wonderful opportunity.

Amanda Everett

Amanda Everett (Queen Ann Soforth) has been a lifelong fan of all things Oz and as such is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production. She has performed on stages all over California. Her favorite credits include The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, The Laramie Project, The It Girl, Ruthless! The Musical, Sealed for Freshness, Curtains, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Life of a Sofa, Mel Brooks' The Producers, The Year Without a Santa Claus, Malt Shop Memories, The Littlest Angel, and Carnival.  She would like to thank her amazing family and friends for their unwavering support of all of her endeavors.

Vander Turner

Vander Turner (Private Files) is a San Diego native. A graduate of the University of California San Diego, Vander received his BA in Theatre Studies with a performance emphasis. He is very excited to be back on stage performing with some amazing people and has had a great time bringing this classic to life. Vander enjoys singing, video games, drinking with friends, piña coladas, and long walks in the rain. A few past credits include: Linus (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Mr. Mistoffelees (Cats), Colehouse Walker (Ragtime), Mr. Fetch/Lammermeier (Spring Awakening).

Danny Ingersoll

Danny Ingersoll (Ruggedo) is a local San Diego actor. As San Diego's premier "Realtor for the Arts," he donates a portion of all commissions to the arts organization of each client's choice. Some of his favorite roles include Daddy Warbucks, Sylvia St. Croix, Aldolpho, King of Siam, Julian Marsh. He is grateful to be active in San Diego's acting community.

Alyson Stein

Alyson Stein (Royal Gardener, Storm-at-Sea Betsy, and Dance Ensemble) is excited to be a part of the cast of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz! She is 10 years old and will be in the 6^th grade. Alyson has performed in multiple productions with Infinity Dance Arts and with her school. She has also performed and modeled with Gretchen Productions as well as participating in several cheer competitions. Alyson enjoys dancing, performing, cheerleading, and gymnastics. Alyson would like to thank her parents and Grandpa for being her biggest fans! She would also like to thank Miss Chrissy Burns for inviting her to participate in so many great opportunities!

Sydney Paige Kerl

Sydney Paige Kerl (Moss Rose, Dance Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of this production of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz. While only fourteen, she possesses the stature and poise of a girl in her twenties. She is excited to begin high school this fall at Steel Canyon where she will be one of the newest members of their Advanced Show Choir. She most recently was seen in the role of Pumbaa for Infinity Dance Arts’ production of The Lion King. She has also performed the roles of Tour Guide of Oz and Glinda’s understudy in The Wizard of Oz. Sydney also was an Evil Stepsister in the production of Ever After. Sydney has been dancing since the age of three in tap, jazz, ballet, and lyrical. She also recently began modeling for Gretchen Productions. Sydney would like to thank her Mom and Dad for all of their love and support and Chrissy Burns and Jenn Solomon for their inspiration and guidance.

Taylor Schwartz

Taylor Schwartz (Jacque Rose, Dance Ensemble) is seventeen years old and is exhilarated to be performing in The Tik Tok Man of Oz. You may have seen her dancing/singing in Taking Back The Stage, Willie Wonka, Ever After, The Wizard of Oz, and most recently The Lion King. Her favorite role was Gloria Rasputin in Bye Bye, Birdie where she received the Best Minor Supporting Actress award. Taylor loves attending classes at Infinity Dance Arts and doing makeup on the side. She also would like to thank her family and the IDA staff for always reminding her to wear her invisible crown!

Taylor Hamilton

Taylor Hamilton (Dance Ensemble) is fifteen, she has been dancing for thirteen years, and is excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this once in a lifetime musical. Taylor started off dancing for the competition company The Dance Machine, but in the last six years she has performed at Infinity Dance Arts and has gained a love for musicals through her teachers Chrissy Burns and Jennifer Solomon-Rubio. She would like to thank her dance, singing, and acting instructors for getting her this far and her family for not going crazy with the amount of rehearsals she spends all her life going to.

Caley Hernandez

Caley Hernandez (Dream Ozma in the pas de deux, Dance Ensemble) was born and raised in San Diego and began dancing seriously when she was eight with The Dance Conservatory. At thirteen she became the youngest member of La Diego 2, where she danced for one year under the direction of Daniel Marshall. Later Caley found a new dance home at the Academy of Performing Arts where she has earned an ongoing scholarship from APA’s Kevin Charles Patterson. Caley has won awards in competition dance for Showstoppers and Dance America, including an overall high score in the adult category. She also choreographs for Hillsdale Middle School’s Mixed Ensemble Choir.

Sydney Rei

Sydney Rei (Dance Ensemble) started dancing at the young age of three and has over eighteen years of being a performer and student. She competed nationally and regionally for over eight years. Sydney continued her training and received her Bachelor’s Degree in dance theatre at the world renowned AMDA college and conservatory of the performing arts, where she trained with industry professionals such as Donyelle Jones of So You Think You Can Dance season two. She has been working with Jenn and Infinity Dance Arts for a number of years and is so thankful to be a permanent member of the IDA family. Sydney is so excited to be in the cast of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz.

Carmina Vasquez

Carmina Vasquez (Dance Ensemble) is a San Diego-based performer who loves to hit the stage and entertain!  She is trained in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop and has danced with Mesa College Dance Company, Grossmont College, and Culture Shock’s Afta Shock team.  She has also had the pleasure of performing in such productions as Chicago, Pippin, Grease, and 42^nd St. She is excited to join the cast of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz and take part in whimsical history by sharing a story that has waited 100 years to be re-told. Enjoy the show!

Alex Flores

Alex Flores (Dream Private Files in the pas de duex) is twenty years old. He started dancing at seventeen by joining color guard during his senior year of high school. He has continued performing and competing in the independent open color guard team Vox Artium for its 2013 and 2014 productions. His dance training has continued at Academy of Performing Arts in San Diego and at Southwestern College where he performed in the Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, and Spring 2014 dance showcases. For the Spring 2014 showcase he choreographed one piece.

Chrissy Burns

The Director of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz is the award-winning Chrissy Burns, fresh off directing Chicago the Musical at the Coronado Playhouse. Chrissy's other productions include 42nd Street, Sweet Charity, and Nunsense. She has worked as an actor on dozens of San Diego stages, including Lambs Players, Moxie Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, Fritz Theatre, Starlight Theatre, CCT, Scripps Ranch Theatre, OnStage Playhouse, and more. Her favorite roles include Queenie in The Wild Party, Sheila in Hair, and Anytime Annie in 42nd Street. She was recently seen in the cast of miXtape, the hit 1980’s musical with Lambs Players at the Horton Grand Theater Downtown. Chrissy works as a Singing Telegram Specialist and Marilyn Monroe Look-a-Like Entertainer. As Director and Producer of the Caburlesque Kittens she appears in live Broadway-style burlesque shows as “Ophelia Kitty” at San Diego premiere venues and events. Chrissy teaches Musical Theater and Voice Lessons at Infinity Dance Arts in El Cajon, California.

Joseph Grienenberger

The Musical Director and Arranger of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz is the multi-talented Joseph Grienenberger. Joseph has worked in music production capacities with most of San Diego’s major theatres: Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Rep, North Coast Rep, Sledgehammer, The Fritz, Moonlight, and 10+ productions as an Associate Artist at Lyric Opera San Diego. He was music director for San Diego Opera’s education department in 1999-2002, and was substitute keyboardist for Ringling Brothers in several cities in 2001. He’s written parody lyrics to opera arias and theatre music for mainstage productions (Lyric Opera) and corporate events (SD Opera), penned the farce Get a Clue! for Black Rabbit Theatre, served on the board of the Actors Alliance of San Diego, and coaches voice, acting, dialects, and audition preparation. Onstage work includes 110 productions as a core chorister at SD Opera, 40+ roles with Lyric Opera (including all of the extant Gilbert & Sullivan works), musicals at Starlight and Moonlight, two North American tours with National Theatre for Children, and countless concerts of theatre, classical, and liturgical music.

Jennifer Solomon-Rubio

The choreographer of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz is the award-winning Jennifer Solomon-Rubio. Jenn has over twenty years of dance experience, beginning her training in San Diego, California, where she received a scholarship into the dance study program at the Academy of Performing Arts, and performing in national dance competitions. Teaming with director Chrissy Burns, she's choreographed such stage musicals as 42nd Street, Ruthless! the Musical, and Chicago. Her stage experience includes fashion and trade shows. She has been involved in choreographic work for many community and professional organizations throughout San Diego. In 2008 she opened the dance studio Infinity Dance Arts in El Cajon, California, where she continues to serve as studio director and instructor. Through Infinity Dance Arts Jenn and Chrissy co-directed a production of The Wizard of Oz in 2013.

Christopher Boltz

The Lighting Designer of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz is Christopher R Boltz, the scenic and lighting design instructor at Fresno City College. His designs have been seen throughout California. Recently he designed How the Prince Became a Frog for the Gabriella Axelrad Foundation in Los Angeles. He has designed one-woman shows for Lily Tomlin (Los Angeles, Northridge) and Carol Channing (in Pasadena). Upcoming productions include Avenue Q and Boeing Boeing. Mr. Boltz is thrilled to be working on the 100th anniversary of The Tik Tok Man of Oz. His work can be seen at www.setsandlights.com.

Eric Shanower

David Maxine

The Set and Costume Designers of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz are Eric Shanower and David Maxine. Eric is a multiple Eisner Award-winning and New York Times best-selling cartoonist. His comics projects include the ongoing series Age of Bronze, the story of the Trojan War, for Image Comics. He recently finished a six-year stint writing comics adaptations of six of L. Frank Baum's Oz books with art by Skottie Young for Marvel Comics. He has illustrated numerous other Oz comics and books, as well as illustrated for magazines and television. He is also the producer of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz and is cast as the Ugly Man. David has a BFA from New York University and an MFA from Yale in Set Design. He has designed productions including Sweeney Todd, Oklahoma!, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Baltimore Waltz for theaters such as Skylight Opera in Milwaukee, Yale Rep, and Trenton State College. He was Resident Scenic Designer for three years at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, where he designed Cloud 9, Pelleas and Melisande, Don Giovanni, Glass Menagerie, and others. He worked as an Associate Designer for ABC News in New York City. He was Production Designer for the film Ready? OK! He has served as a Scenic Artist at San Diego Opera and La Jolla Playhouse. He received a 2004 Grammy Award nomination for his 2-CD set Vintage Recordings from the 1903 Broadway Musical The Wizard of Oz.

L. Frank Baum

L. Frank Baum, writer of the book and lyrics for The Tik-Tok Man of Oz, was the author of the American children's classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and thirteen sequels. Baum published many other books and short stories during his prolific career. He was born in Chittenango, New York, in 1856, where his writing and publishing career got off to a start with a self-published home newspaper printed on his own press. Baum's aspirations led him to the theater. His first commercially successful production of note was The Maid of Arran in 1882, which Baum produced, directed, and starred in. Baum's greatest theatre work was his script for The Wizard of Oz, which opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theater in January 1903. This smash show was produced by Fred Hamlin, directed by Julian Mitchell, and made stars of Fred Stone as the Scarecrow and David Montgomery as the Tin Woodman. Hoping to repeat the great success of The Wizard of Oz, Baum brought his script for The Tik-Tok Man of Oz to producer Oliver Morosco. The Tik-Tok Man of Oz opened at the Majestic Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 31, 1913, and toured the USA and Canada through 1914. Baum then embraced the new industry of motion pictures and, through his Oz Film Manufacturing Company of Hollywood, California, produced four feature films and several shorts based on his stories. Baum died at his home, Ozcot, in Hollywood in 1919.

Louis F. Gottschalk

Louis F. Gottschalk, composer of the music for The Tik-Tok Man of Oz, was born in 1864 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of a Missouri state senator (and is no relation to composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk). As a conductor of Broadway shows, Gottschalk rose to prominence when he conducted the US premiere of Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow. He served as Victor Herbert's musical director on The Ameer, Dream City, and The Magic Knight. His long association with L. Frank Baum began when he composed the music for The Tik-Tok Man of Oz. Gottchalk and Baum were both members of the Uplifters, a social organization within the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and they, with other Uplifters, founded the Oz Film Manufacturing Company in 1914. Gottschalk wrote scores for the company's films. When the film company folded, Gottschalk went on to write scores for many early films, including D. W. Griffith's Broken Blossoms and Orphans of the Storm, Charlie Chaplin's A Woman of Paris, and Little Lord Fauntleroy starring Mary Pickford. He died at his Los Angeles home in 1934.

Gottschalk and Baum hard at work.

Oliver Morosco

Oliver Morosco, lyricist for three songs for (and original producer of) The Tik-Tok Man of Oz, was born Oliver Mitchell in Logan, Utah, in 1875. After his divorced mother moved the family to San Francisco, he worked under his foster father, the theatrical impresario Walter Morosco. Oliver left San Francisco for Los Angeles in 1899 with, as the newspapers later claimed, “$40 in his pocket.” Within a dozen years he was arguably the most influential theater producer on the west coast, managing theaters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and eventually in New York. Rather than developing shows to send to Broadway, he bucked tradition by producing fully-developed shows in the west and then chose which of his successes to give Broadway runs. The most successful Morosco productions that followed this pattern were The Bird of Paradise by Richard Walton Tully and Peg o’ My Heart, both starring Laurette Taylor. Morosco brought to public attention Bebe Daniels, Leo Carillo, and Eddie Cantor, among many others. As well as producing stage shows and movies, Morosco wrote and directed. His power and influence waned during the 1920s, but he continued to produce for the stage until a streetcar in Hollywood struck and killed him in 1945.

Victor Schertzinger

Victor Schertzinger, composer of four songs for The Tik-Tok Man of Oz, was born in 1888. He played violin with the Victor Herbert Orchestra and the John Philip Sousa band when he was eight years old. After composing music for and conducting performances of The Tik-Tok Man of Oz, he became a film director. He also wrote scripts and composed music for films. In 1934 he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for One Night of Love. His best-known songs are “I Remember You” and “Tangerine,” both introduced in the 1942 film The Fleet’s In, the last film he directed before his 1941 death. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.