Orchestrations by Martin Lowe
Originally Produced on Broadway by
Barbara Broccoli, John N. Hart Jr., Patrick Milling Smith, Frederick Zollo, Brian Carmody, Michael G. Wilson, Orin Wolf, The Shubert Organization Robert Cole, Executive Producer
in association with
New York Theatre Workshop
Once was originally produced Off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop in December 2011, Jim Nicola, Artistic Director, William Russo, Managing Director
Once was originally developed at the American Repertory Theater, Cambridge, Massachusetts, in April 2011
Diane Paulus, Artistic Director, Diane Borger, Producer
ONCE
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
I am so thankful to have been asked to direct this show. Although I am not a stranger to directing shows with a love story between people, I am a stranger to directing a show with a love story between people and an idea. The idea of music and the power it has in each of our lives. This show demonstrates the fact that music has the ability to create lifelong connection, help heal broken hearts, mend relationships and evoke emotions. The playing of live music is a critical aspect of this show for that very reason. My hope is that you as an audience member feel connected with not only the characters presented on stage but the music and the musicians that are adding their own life experiences and relationships as they play. This show is a living and breathing experience and you are the final component of that. I hope that as you watch this show you can see the power that music has for each of us.
“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” – Jimi Hendrix
GUY – GUITAR
Chris Ayers
Chris has been performing on stage since the late 80’s. After doing theatre in High School, he formed 2 separate bands and released two albums in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. He took a break for many years to help raise his 4 amazing kids with his incredible wife Kayci and after moving back to Idaho in 2015, got back into theatre again performing in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at The Orpheum. Recent roles include Dewey Finn in School of Rock ( Dilettantes), Mr. Andrews in Titanic (Dilettantes), Jervis Pendleton in Daddy Long Legs (MVLT), Mr. Wormwood in Matilda the Musical (MVRep), Walter Hobbs in Elf the Musical (MVRep), Shrek in Shrek the Musical (MVRep) and he also recently directed Tuck Everlasting (2023 with MVRep) and Les Misérables ( 2024 with JuMP Company). Chris loves the theatre and everything it does for the performers, crew and the audience. He hopes you’re transported with this show and is so grateful you’ve chosen to spend time with us and this project we’ve decided to tackle. Enjoy the show!
GIRL – PIANO
Johanna Stagge
Johanna Stagge is excited to return to the stage in an all-new intimate theater experience in Twin Falls Theatre Collective’s debut show. Some of her favorite roles include Kathy in The Last Five Years, Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and more. In her spare time, she likes to travel with her husband, dote on her two amazing sons, and snuggle her dog, Princess Leia.
BILLY – GUITAR
Dusty Blackburn
It was around age 4-5 that Garth “Dusty” Blackburn first joined his parents on “the boards” during the University of Utah’s production of the Music Man. Dusty has never slowed his fascination with the performing arts. He has participated in dozens of productions ever since. One of his favorite passions is telling stories through the creation of unforgettable characters. The story of Once is a particular favorite of his, and he wishes to express his gratitude to the production team for allowing him a chance to participate in this, the inaugural production for the Twin Falls Theater Collective. He also wishes to thank his family and his favorite “fan girl” for their support of his crazed passions.
REZA – PIANO/MELODICA/CAJON/ACCORDION
Amanda Hall
Amanda Hall is a passionate music educator who currently teaches choir at Canyon Ridge High School. Beyond the classroom, she is a proud mother of two boys. She is excited to be taking the stage again and sharing her passion for the arts with the community.
BARUSKA
Linda Golding
What a joy to be part of this beautiful production of “Once”, with an amazing cast of fabulously talented actors! Being on stage is my happy place, and I am fortunate to have been able to perform to my heart’s content for more than 60 years! Coming to Twin Falls four years ago has given me opportunities to be part of an extraordinary rich theater culture which has included Titanic the Musical, Tuck Everlasting, The Little Mermaid, and School of Rock! Thanks to everyone who welcomed me! Forever grateful. Linda Golding “Baruska”. Enjoy the show!
BANK MANAGER – GUITAR
Ivan Hardcastle
Ivan has been involved in musical theater for 14 years, with immense support from his wife and family. Playing guitar has long been a hobby in waiting. It has been super fun for Ivan to be able to combine these two hobbies at the same time as the Bank Manager
DA – GUITAR
JR Clark
JR started theatre late in life at the age of 47, in 2014. The stage has allowed him to become a pauper, king, hero, tyrant, fool and many more personas. JR’s family wins best supporting cast from him daily (sorry No cash award!). He would also like to thank Ryker Haris, Chris Ayers and this amazing cast for allowing him to be part of this family.
SVEC – GUITAR/PERCUSSION
Joseph Bosteder
With over 15 years of classical voice and theater training, Joseph Bosteder is celebrated for his commanding performances across a wide range of iconic roles. He has starred as Billy Flynn in Chicago the Musical (Orpheum) and portrayed the title characters in both Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Babcock) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Canyon Ridge). His versatility shines through in recent performances, including Ismay in Titanic the Musical (CSI), the title role in Tarzan: The Stage Musical (Orpheum), and as a featured performer in Social: A Concept by Kaishon Hamann, where he show- cased tango, swing, and modern dance concepts. Joseph also contributed to a Sondheim tribute at the Sun Valley Opera House and appeared in A Christmas Carol the Musical (Argyros). In Blackfoot, he had the privilege of playing Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (BPAC) and Charlie in The Foreigner (Nuart), further solidifying his presence in the regional theater scene. Passionate about his craft, Joseph is honored to work alongside such a talented community and cast, and eagerly anticipates new opportunities to collaborate and perform.
ANDREJ – GUITAR/UKULELE
Garth Wright
Garth Wright is thrilled to be making his debut in Once. As a lifelong storyteller and writer, he is excited to experience the stagethe first time. With a background in creative writing, he has always been drawn to the art of immersive storytelling, and this production marks an exciting new chapter in his creative journey, and he is grateful for the opportunity to experience this alongside this talented cast and crew.
EAMON
Tim Hafer
Timothy Hafer III has been acting in the Magic Valley for more than half of his life. Due to mental health issues, he took a break for a few years but has very much enjoyed being back in the theater. Mr. Hafer teaches elementary drama at Xavier Charter School and enjoys being a goofy goober for his students. Mr. Hafer serves on the Twin Falls Public Arts Commission and hopes to help make the make the Magic Valley a more vibrant and an inviting place for artists of all shapes and sizes.
EMCEE – VIOLIN
Garett Christensen
Garett Christensen is excited to be the Emcee and Violin player for our produc- tion. He has been looking to get back into theater and what better way than to be in Once! Past productions and roles are one of the Suitors in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Maurice in Beauty and the Beast, Phra Alack in The King and I, and Ike Skidmore in Oklahoma. While he enjoys the occasional stage time, Garett loves to play in live orchestras. Recently he played Viola in Les Misérables with the JUMP Company and has played for Operas while he was at Idaho State University. Locally he participates in the Magic Valley Symphony and leads the Magic Valley Youth Symphony. Currently, Mr. C. teaches 5-8th Grade band in the Filer School District. Garett thanks Ryker and Chris for getting him to be a part of Once and hopes you enjoy the show!
EX-GIRLFRIEND – PERCUSSION/MELODICA/PIANO
Emmalee Calvert
Emmalee is overjoyed to be making her onstage debut and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Music has always been near to her heart, and it’s what drew her to this show. She’s been playing piano for as long as she can remember, performing in places ranging from Carnegie Hall to her home church. Most recently, she had the honor of playing in the live orchestra for Jump Company’s *Les Misérables*. Emmalee would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Ryker and Chris for the hard work they’ve put into the show and to her mom and dad for the many times they encouraged her younger self to go practice anyway.
IVONKA – BASS GUITAR
Palmer Ayers
Palmer is thrilled to be playing the part of Ivonka! She’s very excited to be part of the first production with the Twin Falls Theater Collective. Her favorite previous roles include, Little Fiona-Shrek the Musical, Matilda-Matilda the Musical, Winnie Foster-Tuck Everlasting, Katie-School of Rock, Ensemble-Les Mis. In 2023 she filmed her first movie which was released in August 2024 entitled Beneath Sheep’s Clothing. Palmer is super happy to be playing the bass in another show! She hopes you enjoy the show!
ENSEMBLE – MANDOLIN
Delanie Blackburn
Delanie Blackburn has been on the stage as long as she can remember. From her first appearance as a butterfly in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Ward- robe” when she was just a caterpillar to her most recent performance as Sabor in Tarzan. “Once” has always held a special place in her heart as it reminds her of her parents Jennifer Miller and Garth Dusty Blackburn. She is so excited to be learning the Mandolin alongside her father as they take on an incredible learning experience together. She hopes you love this production by the Twin Falls Theatre Collective- there is some serious talent and hard work behind this show!
ENSEMBLE – CELLO
Shelley Carson
Shelley is excited to return to the stage after an almost 20-year hiatus to raise her five sons. She was a Theater Arts major for a short time at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah minoring in directing and dance, but eventually changed course (too many times to count) and is now a Marriage and Family Counselor working for Idaho’s Family Courts for the past 26 years. She has previously appeared on stage as the Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Gloria Thorpe in Damn Yankees, stage manager for Arsenic and Old Lace and again in The Sound of Music as Baron- ess Elsa Schraeder as well as other small one act productions. After another long hiatus from playing the cello, she picked it up several years ago and has played in the Treasure Valley Hymns of Thanksgiving orchestra and a lot of Christmas performances, because, well, that’s when cellos get asked to play. She and her husband David love spending time with their five sons, four daughters-in-law/girlfriends and six soul-filling grandchildren.
Thank you Tony Prater & Robin Doner
Leave………………………………………………………………………GUY
Song Without Words…………………………………………………GIRL
Falling Slowly…………………………………………………..GUY, GIRL
North Strand…………………………………………………..COMPANY
The Moon……………………………………………………….COMPANY
The Moon (Reprise)…………………………………………………..GUY
Scene Change…………………………………………………COMPANY
Ej Pada Pada…………………………………………………..COMPANY
If You Want Me………………………………………………..COMPANY
Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy…………………….GUY
Trying to Pull Myself Away (part 1)……………………..COMPANY
Barushka’s Story……………………………………………….COMPANY
Trying to Pull Myself Away (part 2)…………………….COMPANY
Say It To Me Now……………………………………………………..GUY
Abandoned in Bandon……………………………BANK MANAGER
Satisfy Me………………………………………………………………REZA
Gold………………………………………………………………COMPANY
Act 2 Opening………………………………………………….COMPANY
When your Mind’s F***** Up (Rehearsal)……………..GUY, GIRL,
BILLY, SVEC, ANDREJ, BANK MANAGER
Scene Change into Bar Scene Underscore………….COMPANY
A Butterfly on the Dance Floor……………………………COMPANY
Howth Head…………………………………………………….COMPANY
Sleeping………………………………………………….GUY, COMPANY
When Your Mind’s Made Up……………………………..GUY, GIRL,
BILLY, SVEC, ANDREJ, BANK MANAGER
The Hill……………………………………………………………………GIRL
Drum Breakdown……………………………………………..COMPANY
Gold (A Capella)……………………………………………….COMPANY
The Moon (Company Reprise)……………………………COMPANY
Play it Again……………………………………………………………………..
Falling Slowly (Reprise)……………………………………..COMPANY
We’d like to thank some people who have helped make this production a success. First, thank you to all the cast/crew for putting in countless hours to create your characters and learn your instruments/music. Thank you to Britt Moffitt and Natalie Harris for helping with costumes. Luis Vargas with MPS & Parker Straubhaar for help with lights/sound. The Ayers Family. Thank you to our sponsors. Please support them!
Thank you to the community for supporting this show, showing up and supporting your people and the arts. We can’t do what we love without you.
