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Past recipients of the George Plautz Playwright Prize:
2024 - Elise Hanson, Craven
2023 - Lojo Simon, Freaks of the Cosmic Circus
All winners (thus far) have received a $500 cash tip and full production at the Regent Street Black Box at the Eccles, where Wasatch Theatre Company is a resident company. Will you be the 2026 recipient? Send your ideas to Jim Martin at [email protected].
2024 - Elise Hanson, Craven
2023 - Lojo Simon, Freaks of the Cosmic Circus
All winners (thus far) have received a $500 cash tip and full production at the Regent Street Black Box at the Eccles, where Wasatch Theatre Company is a resident company. Will you be the 2026 recipient? Send your ideas to Jim Martin at [email protected].
THE CAST
Svetlana - Annie Jones
Olgivanna - Lisa Nicole Thurman
Joseph Stalin / Louis Fisher / Ensemble - Conner Kaiponui Webb
Yovanna/Ensemble - Julia Wihongi-Combs
Ensemble - Benjamin Salazar
Ensemble - Chelsea Dawn Francis
Ensemble - Alyssa Aramaki
Brandock/Ensemble - Angel Martinez
Ensemble - Isaiah Micah Stotesbery
THE CREW
Production Company: Wasatch Theatre Company
Director - Remy Egan Talanoa
Assistant Director/Stage Manager - Lindsey Sampson
Costume Designer: Laney Lillywhite
Lighting Design: Riley Merrill
Sound Designer:
Prop Support: Miranda and Josh Bauer
Lighting Board Operator: Jayden Martin
Managing Producer: Jim Martin
Special Thanks: Miranda and Josh Bauer, Salt Lake City Arts Council, Salt Lake County Arts and Culture, the Zoo Arts and Parks Initiative
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
“The performing arts have the power to open and change the hearts of those observing it. As audiences watch from the comfort of their seats they love, hate, and grow to understand the characters being portrayed. They begin to care about people they may have otherwise never met or had a conversation with. Because of this I believe the performing arts have the ability to bring together and heal communities in a way nothing else can. It’s our prerogative as audiences and artists to keep them alive and to present stories that soothe and challenge our beliefs. This story shows us a small insight into the effects of dictatorial rule on even one of the most privileged individuals during Joseph Stalin’s reign. It also shows us many human faults and yet among those the very human need for autonomy.”
NOTE FROM THE DRAMATURG
I saw the original production of Saintmaker back in 2022 and I fell in love with the show. I adore that the siblings are based on biblical siblings from the town of Bethany; Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. A story involving Mary and Martha is found in Luke 10, when Jesus came to visit the sisters. Martha did the housework while Mary sat and listened to Jesus. When Martha got upset with her sister, Jesus said “Mary hath chosen that good part.” I don’t doubt that Jesus recognized that Martha’s actions were born out of love for him. Everyone has to make choices where every option is good, but choosing one thing means losing another. Yet in the end, I believe any choice that lets us spend time or serve the people we love can be considered a “good part.”
Remy is excited for his directing debut after over 20 years performing on the stage. Remy has done many productions around Utah and the surrounding states. You may have seen him most recently as Ramses in Prince of Egypt at Hale Center Theater. Some other stages you may have seen him on include: West Valley Performing Arts, Hale Center Theater Orem, Centerpoint Legacy Theater, Pickleville Playhouse, The Grand Theater, and Playmill Jackson. Remy studied Musical Theater at Western Wyoming Community College, Modern Dance at the University of Utah, and Political Science at Utah State University. Remy has enjoyed getting to know Svetlana Alilluyeva’s story and hopes you enjoy getting to know her as well. Remy has always had a passion for what the performing arts can do for our world and communities, here are some of his thoughts:
Spencer is a Utah-based writer for stage and screen. He seeks out stories that have never been told, taking inspiration from history, classic film, his own experiences, and the dark recesses of his mind. He firmly believes that, through story, human souls can connect with empathy and understanding, regardless of how different they seem.
Lindsey has been involved in Utah theater for 15 years and most recently designed the hair and makeup for Lehi Arts’ Matilda, Puffs, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When she’s not at rehearsal she enjoys working from home as a technology consultant and spending time with her delightful family. She’d like to thank Remy, Wes, and BJ for their support and love.
Benjamin is thrilled to be performing with Wasatch Theatre Company. Benjamin has spent his time recently performing at Hale Centre Theatre in both The Addam’s Family and The Prince of Egypt. Other notable performing credits include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with Grand Performing Arts, Mary Poppins with Royal Theatre Academy, and Newsies with Draper Historic Theatre
Conner Kaiponui Webb is an polynesian Utah-based inspired playwright and performer! He is currently a Junior at Southern Utah University majoring in a BS Theatre Arts degree. Conner's favorite credits include Prince Of Egypt with Hale Centre Theatre, Christmas Story (The Old Man), The Spongebob Musical (Patrick Star) - Stansbury High School; Newsies (Finch/Darcy), The Wedding Singer, and Legally Blonde- The Empress Theatre; Cabaret (Victor), The Prom, Julius Caesar (Cobbler), and 219 (Playwright- His first produced show) - SUU; While at SUU, Conner has learned that sometimes in art you have to make your own opportunities. For example, he has made a Playwriting Club down at SUU with the help of his fellow student, Kira Wootton. And he is very proud of what they have been able to accomplish! He wants to thank his mother, his friends, and his found family for always supporting him.
Annie is excited to make her debut with Wasatch Theatre Company. Some of her recent performing credits include: A Chorus Line (Kristine/Judy) at West Valley Performing Arts and as an ensemble member in Jekyll and Hyde at West Valley Performing Arts, Kiss Me Kate at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, and Jekyll and Hyde at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre. When she is not performing you can find her on the climbing wall or watering her plants to sweet lullabies of progressive rock music.
Chelsea is thrilled to be a part of this world premiere production with Wasatch Theater Company! Some of her favorite credits include: Kira (Xanadu), Mrs. Wormwood (Matilda), Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), and Kitty (The Drowsy Chaperone). Other credits include Walt Disney World Entertainment in Orlando, Florida, and Improvinators (Improv Troupe). When not performing, she works as a Corporate Event Specialist. She absolutely treasures every opportunity to tell stories onstage and is so grateful for the support from her friends and family!
Born and raised in Utah, Julia has always had a passion to perform. From 2022-2024 Julia appeared in multiple parades and shows across the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, including the re-opening production of Fantasmic. Some of Julia’s other favorite roles include Maria in West Side Story, Little Red in Into the Woods, and Ensemble in The Prince of Egypt. Julia would like to thank her husband for his limitless support and the wonderful team at Wasatch Theatre Company for this opportunity.
Alyssa studied acting and playwriting at Brigham Young University, where she also performed in the a cappella group Noteworthy. Favorite stage credits include An Ideal Husband (Gertrude Chiltern), Dancing at Lughnasa (Chris), and The Crucible (Rebecca Nurse). She has appeared in multiple new works and devised pieces, as well as several short films. Alyssa works as a voiceover artist, a vocal coach, and a mom of two toddlers.
Angel has been in the profession for over 10 years & would like to thank those who continue in supporting the arts. Aside from musicals, Martinez also spends much of his time as a Jazz singer for various retirement homes & finds it the most gratifying experience! If you would like to see about booking Angel for Jazz entertainment, visit(www.Linktr.ee/TheBoxiest)! "Thank you!"
Lisa (she/her) has a Theatre degree in Performing Arts from UVU. Favorite roles include Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett in Noises Off!, Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible, Agnes in Dancing at Lughnasa, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.
Born and raised in Sandy, Utah, Isaiah is a senior acting student in the BFA program at Utah Valley University. After graduation, Isaiah plans on building a resume in local theater before moving out of state. Outside of performing, Isaiah enjoys computer programming, game development, and drawing.
WTC Board of Directors
Sharon Daurelle
Hugh Hanson
Jim Martin
Katie Smith
Phillip Vernon
Sharon Daurelle
Hugh Hanson
Jim Martin
Katie Smith
Phillip Vernon
Coming next
Tickets now on sale!
