Fenix Theatre Company Presents
A HOLIDAY MUSICAL
Directed by Peter Brown & Kat Moraros
Musical Direction by Shane Van Vliet
December 7-17, 2023
Thurs-Sat 6:30pm, Sat & Sun 2:00pm
Experience a joyous winter celebration: a professional production of Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night infused with over 25 holiday songs performed by local actors and a live band.
Fenix makes this Shakespearean classic family-friendly and easy to follow, showcasing exciting physicality and masterful performances as characters navigate mistaken identities, forged letters, swordplay, giant presents, and even a pillow fight.
It's Portland's most affordable holiday tradition!
Our suggested donation is $20/person or $40/family. As a non-profit organization, we rely on donations to cover our production costs. This includes paying our actors and designers a living wage, rental fees, and more. To reduce cost barriers for our community members, we operate on a pay-what-you-can model. Thank you for your support!
The Cast
Kyle Aarons (he/him) - Antonio (Band: flute, piano, trombone, xylophone)
Kyle Aarons is thrilled to be back with Fenix for another adventure into Illyria. His work has been seen on and off stage all over Maine and New Hampshire as an actor, director, fight/intimacy director, music director, and musician. Favorite credits: Edward Bloom (Big Fish), Jamie (The Last 5 Years), Georges Seurat (Sunday in the Park with George), Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald (Assassins), Midsummer Night's Dream (Nick Bottom), The Tempest (Stephano) and NYC Man (I Love You, Because). As always, thanks John.
Josh Brassard (he/him) - Sir Toby Belch
Josh Brassard is an actor, playwright and software engineer based in the Greater Portland area. He is thrilled and proud to be part of this production of 12th NIGHT, his second appearance with Fenix (his first being Laertes in 2015's HAMLET). Recent credits include Pericles in PERICLES (Naked Shakespeare, 2019); Jacques in AS YOU LIKE IT (Wanderoo Theater Company, 2019); Henry in JANE GREY and Pete in THE BI-ANNUAL STONE SKIPPING COMPETITION OF LONG LAKE (Maine Playwright's Festival, 2021 - streaming); various roles in AN EVENING OF FUN: SHORT PLAYS (The Theater Project, 2021); George in HUMBLE BOY (Saco River Theatre, 2022); Henry in THE HOLDUP (Saco River Theatre, 2022); Doctor Royer-Collard in QUILLS (Mad Horse, 2023); and Howie in RABBIT HOLE (Schoolhouse Arts, 2023). He co-founded Pie Man Theatre Company in 2015, helping to run the company until 2018 (during which time most of his acting work was done under that shingle). He was also a member of Acorn Productions' Naked Shakespeare Ensemble from 2011-15, and again from 2018-20.
Bluee Brewster (they/them) - Sebastian
Bluee is so excited to be making their Fenix Theatre Company debut in this outstanding production! They were recently seen at Maddy’s Theatre as Mr. Mallard in Make Way for Ducklings; Monte/ Pingo in Nieve en la jungla; and as White Dragon in Dragons Love Tacos. Bluee’s professional credits include: Duloc Dancer/Sticks Pig in Shrek Jr, and Singer/Dancer in Welcome Home: Concert (Maine State Music Theater). Their notable local credits include the Emcee in Cabaret (Portland Players). They want to wish you happy holidays, and hope you enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate with your loved ones!
Megan Cross (she/her) - Malvolio
Megan Cross is a Portland based actor, director, dialect and acting coach, and educating artist with a passion for dramaturgical studies. Recent acting credits include Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest (Center Stage Theatre), Shirley in The Art of Eliza (Maine Playwright’s Festival 2023 Audience Choice Winner), Stell in Pony (Portland Theatre Festival), Agatha in The Moors (Dramatic Repertory Company), and Maggie in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (Acorn Productions Zoom staged reading). Maine credits also include Portland Players, City Theater, The Footlights Theater, and Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association.
San Francisco credits include: San Francisco Film School, Theatre Rhinoceros (the longest running queer theatre in the world), New Conservatory Theatre Center, Marin Theatre Company, TheatreWorks, Il Teatro 450, and San Jose Rep. Megan is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine. This performance she dedicates to the memory of Kelly King (her first and most beloved Malvolio) and his indelible legacy on stage and in life.
Brendan Daly (he/him) - Priest, Curio (Band: drums, acoustic guitar, piano)
Brendan is a drummer, guitarist, pianist, and actor based in Portland. Originally from Chicago, he has performed in cities around the Midwest, including St. Paul, MN, Madison, WI, Milwaukee, WI, and Chicago, IL. He has done various pit musician work at theaters in the Portland area. He played Harvey Dent’s assistant in a cut scene from The Dark Knight. In college, he was the mascot and performed on the basketball court at Madison Square Garden.
Paul Fidalgo (he/him) - Sir Andrew (Band: guitar)
In the Long Long Ago, Paul worked for 10 years as a professional stage actor and musician. During five years in repertory with the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) in Virginia, he played a wide variety of roles—such as Touchstone in As You Like It, Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night, Trinculo in The Tempest, and Crumpet in the one-person Santaland Diaries—in addition to writing original music and serving as music director for several productions. He has directed nine productions for the UNE Players including Clue, Chicago, and Into the Woods. Paul holds a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University, and is now editor of Free Inquiry magazine. After a way-too-long absence, he was delighted to (finally!) return to the stage playing Erik Blake in The Humans and Pirelli in Sweeney Todd at Schoolhouse Arts. Most importantly, Paul is the father of two incredibly dangerous and amazing children. His website is NearEarthObject.net.
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John Logan (he/him) - Count Orsino
John Logan is excited to be making his debut with Fenix Theatre Company. He is originally from Westbrook, Maine and has been acting all around Maine since 2015. Most recently, he played Robert in The Play That Goes Wrong at the Waterville Opera House. You may have also seen him at Theater At Monmouth, Camden Shakespeare Festival, or the Portland Players. He returned to Maine in 2022 after receiving his Master's Degree in Acting from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. All my love to Gabe, my family, and my friends. Thank you, as always, for your support.
Katelyn Manfre (she/her) - Olivia
Katelyn Manfre is thrilled to be working with Fenix for the very first time! Her theatrical credits include work up and down the east coast with Ars Nova, Primary Stages, Pipeline Theatre Company, Atlantic Theater Company, Folger Theatre, Pointless Theatre Company, NextStop Theatre Company, the Peterborough Players, Lost Nation Theater, and Theater at Monmouth. She holds a BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, and her MFA from Shakespeare Theatre Company's Academy at GWU. In her other roles, Katelyn is the Director of Community Programs & Partnerships for Portland Ovations and proud mom to Ivy and Hooper.
AP Nuri (she/they) - Feste
A.P. Nuri is a multidisciplinary artist who hails from Arizona and is now local to Maine. They’re excited to be back in the theater world doing their first show in Maine, first full Shakespeare performance and first theatre show since the pandemic. They have been in many performances, with their favorite roles being The Leading Player in Pippin, Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Genie in Aladdin.
Shannon Oliver (she/her) - Captain/Valentine/Officer (Band: bass guitar, stand up bass)
Shannon is a local musician and performer who will take any opportunity to have fun, be silly, and put on a show! She operates a small dog training, boarding, and daycare facility as well as a Maine State licensed 501(c)(3) dog rescue (if you're looking, let her know...). Shannon was on stage most recently as Gabrielle in Lyric Music Theatre's production of Cinderella and before that as Nikki Harris in their production of Curtains! Some of her favorite experiences on stage were as Oz in We Will Rock You at Portland Players, Jo March in Little Women at Lyric Music Theatre, and Carrie White in Carrie: The Musical also at Lyric. Shannon is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this band, cast, and company in what is undoubtedly one of her more unique and collaborative opportunities yet!
Molly Bryant Roberts (she/her) - Maria
Molly has been working with Fenix Theatre Co. off and on since their first season and is thrilled to return this year to reprise the role of Maria. Deeply passionate about Shakespeare she relishes the opportunity to show just how fun and down-to-earth his comedies should be. This particular adaptation is near and dear to her heart, as it marries a rollicking good time with all the warmth and joy winter holidays bring. She extends her gratitude to the entire Fenix board: working with such a talented, inclusive, and kind team is a pleasure and privilege.
Sararose Willey (she/her) - Viola
Sararose is overjoyed to be returning to the role of Viola, remembering her previous experience with the role in her 4th grade readers theatre production fondly. Sararose graduated from Maine Arts Academy with a focus in acting & directing, and attended Shakespeare & Company’s conservatory post high school. Since, she's acted in PortFringe, The Maine Playrights Festival, and most recently, in Fenix's summer production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). She also dances as a member of Resurgence Dance Company, and has spent countless hours in her ‘vocal booth’ (glorified closet), ‘voice acting’ (making strange noises into a microphone). She is very glad you are here, helping to create a new holiday tradition and supporting accessible theatre in Portland!
The Band
Piano, Trombone, Flute: Kyle Aarons
Electric & Upright Bass: Shannon Oliver
Percussion, Piano, Acoustic Guitar: Brendan Daly
Electric Guitar: Paul Fidalgo
The Understudies
Please note: if an understudy goes on for a show, they will perform with their script in their hand.
Amanda Eaton (she/her) - Understudy for Maria, Feste
Amanda has had the pleasure of working all over the country as an actor, singer, improviser, choreographer, producer and filmmaker. She received her BA in Theatre from UMaine and is a grad of The Second City, Chicago. Amanda is proud to be a co-producer and ensemble member with You Should Smile More and performs regularly with Capital City Improv and Running with Scissors. She has happily has had the fortune of making her living in the arts for over 20 years and is thrilled to be involved in her first production with Fenix!
Mason Hawkes (any pronouns) - Understudy for Sebastian, Orsino (will perform as Orsino on 12/17 at 2pm)
Mason is a local queer artist and actor who enjoys spending time with their Golden Retriever, Cleopatra (Cleo for short), and exploring the many sights and smells of the Maine woods. Mason is currently studying a degree in film at Southern Maine Community College and gets a lot of their inspiration from nature and the wild places it can take our imaginations! If they're not studying or acting on the stage you may have a hard time finding Mason at all because they're often off searching for magic you can't see and finding treasures you can't share through words.
Kat Moraros (she/they) - Understudy for Viola, Olivia, Ensemble
Kat is a queer theatre artist and proud volunteer board member for Fenix Theatre Company. She is grateful to be returning to 12th Night this year as co-director, set decorator, understudy, photographer, social media manager, box office manager, and whatever else comes along! Other Maine credits include work with Portland Stage Company, Theater at Monmouth, Mad Horse Theatre Company, Dramatic Repertory Company, Maddy's Theater, Good Theater, and Chimera Theater Ensemble. Chicago credits include American Immersion Theatre, Midsommer Flight, GreatWorks Theatre tours, and training at Black Box Academy. More: www.katmoraros.com @katmoraros @katmorarosphotography
Sean Ramey (he/him) - Understudy for Antonio, Toby, Andrew, Malvolio
Sean Ramey is grateful to be involved with this year's production of "Twelfth Night". Sean lives in Auburn, works in Biddeford, and plays wherever he gets the chance. He thanks you for supporting Fenix Theatre Company and hopes you will enjoy the show.
The Crew
Directors: Peter Brown and Kat Moraros
Production Coordinator and Music Director: Shane Van Vliet
Costume designer: Michelle Handley
Production photography (2021, 2022): Michelle Handley
Production photography (2023): Kat Moraros Photography
Intimacy Consultant: Hollie Pryor
Fight Coordinator: Sean Ramey
Sound designer: Chris Fitze
Lighting designer: Florence Cooley
House manager: Zack Handlen
The Venue
Stevens Square Community Center, 631 Stevens Ave, Portland ME 04103
FREE PARKING!!!
Praise for 12th Night from Portland Phoenix, Megan Grumbling, 2021
"A hoot of a holiday show – and a holiday musical, no less, with a giddily wide-ranging modern song list and a live band. The very spirited, very fun, exquisitely cast comedy runs through Dec. 18 at the spacious auditorium of the Stevens Square Community Center."
"...a Christmas miracle of festive and sumptuously color-coordinated scintillation. Everything and everyone glitters."
"If music be the food of love, this show’s amorous foibles are fed on a richly varied diet. The band... performs on upright bass, electric and acoustic guitars, piano, an adorably tiny xylophone, and even a melodica. The songs are smartly chosen, wide-ranging in genre and mood, and so much fun to discover in the moment that I don’t want to spoil anything. Suffice it to say that the story’s soundtrack moves gamely from cheesy holiday classics to classical guitar to classic rock, with some achingly beautiful ballads and even a barbershop quartet."
2023 Production Photos by Kat Moraros Photography
