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PROUDLY PRESENTED BY THE
CRISMON THEATER COMPANY
Producing Director
Randall Thorn
​Production Managers
Josh Insalaco
Christina Insalaco​​
Student Director
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Managers
​​Lighting Console Operator
Deck Crew
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Props Master
Props Assistants
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House Manager
Sound Operator
Makeup Crew
Mya Mendoza
Elliana Selph
Laney Vrolyks
Samantha Gil
Aislyn Bullard
Zoie Papsin
Owen Insalaco
Riley Woods
Gabriella Denison
Genevieve Gilpin
Jelena Alvares
Maya Velez
Abigail Carpenter
Randall Thorn
Kiley Novak
Landon Sly
Sierra Bagley
ABOUT THE PLAY
Much Ado About Nothing, written by William Shakespeare around 1598–1599, is a beloved romantic comedy that blends sharp wit with deeper themes of love, honor, deception, and forgiveness. Set in the Italian town of Messina, it follows the lively relationships between Beatrice and Benedick and the more traditional pairing of Hero and Claudio. First performed at The Globe Theatre, the play has remained popular for over 400 years, influencing countless adaptations in film and theater. Its enduring appeal lies in its humorous misunderstandings, vibrant characters, and timeless exploration of human relationships.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
RANDALL THORN
t its heart, Much Ado About Nothing is a play about love, pride, and the power of words. Shakespeare gives us two very different romances — one built on sharp wit and reluctant vulnerability, the other nearly undone by rumor and rash judgment. Through laughter and heartbreak, he reminds us how easily we can be misled by what we think we know.
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This play feels remarkably modern. The fear of embarrassment, the sting of gossip, and the courage it takes to admit love are experiences we still recognize today. In this production, we’ve embraced both the sparkling humor of Beatrice and Benedick’s “merry war” and the real emotional stakes that give the comedy its depth.
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Thank you for being here and sharing in the joy, the chaos, and the humanity of this story. We hope you laugh often and leave reminded that love — though risky — is always worth it. Happy Valentines from the Crismon Theater Company.
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- Randy Thorn
Director
Randall Thorn
STUDENT
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
MYA MENDOZA
I am so incredibly grateful to have had my first opportunity to student direct a show with such an incredibly talented group of peers. I cannot express enough how proud I am to call myself the Student Director of this show and the occasional castmate of the students at Crismon.
Thank you all for this experience and I’d like to give a special thanks to Mr. Thorn, Ms. P, and Mr. Glass for showing me what a good director looks like and my parents who drove me back and fourth day in and day out for every rehearsal I needed to be at.
MEET THE COMPANY
CAST
Dylan Glass
DON PEDRO
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Spencer Emenicker
DON JOHN
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Cameron Eshleman
BENEDICK
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Leland Booth
CLAUDIO
My name is Leland Booth and I am a freshman, and I have been doing theater for three years. When I was at Newell Barney I decided to join theater club. For the first few years I was given small rolls, but at my last year and last play there I was given the star role in a play called Rainbows V.S Bunnies, I was given the role of Aaron a kid where he meets a talking rainbow and bunny. I went out and auditioned for Claudio because I had never done a Shakespearean play before and thought it would be fun to get out of my comfort zone. It has been a fun and challenging experience thought out the play. Also I must shout out to my Directors Mrs. Perry and Mr. Thorn for making me a better person and actor.
Hayley Lewis
BEATRICE
Hayley is a Sophomore in High School, and more than excited to be playing Beatrice in this show. She has done every show at Crismon, and is currently the president of Crismon’s Thespian Society. She gives thanks to her mom, who manages the boosters, and her family for always being behind her.
Emelina Kennett
HERO
I thank my mom for telling me to take 10 seconds of courage and audition. It changed my world. My love for acting started when I was little, I was casted as the Lorax. Ever since then, and especially this year I took my love for acting even further and auditioned for 3 shows during my senior year. I auditioned for Beatrice but being casted as hero was the best outcome, being able to express different emotions on stage is amazing. I overall want to be in this show because after auditioning for little mermaid, I realized how much I love being on stage in character. I’ve always loved singing, dancing, and making silly acting videos or small skits, and I didn’t realize theater could give me all of that. Thank you Mr. thorn.
Bella Bialowitz
MARGARET
I'm Bella! I've been doing theater here at Crismon for 2-3 years and I truly believe I've found a family and a community. Throughout the process of this production, I've received so much support from my family and friends, and I can't thank them enough. I've also performed in productions here as Sandra in The Play That Goes Wrong, Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, Star-To-Be in Annie, and many more I will always cherish. I'm so thankful I got to be a part of this production as Margaret. (Enjoy the show!)
Star Norris
URSULA
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Kile McKnight
LEONATO
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Penny Erickson
BORACHIA
Penny is a senior at Crismon High School. Over the last couple years, she’s embraced the technical aspects of production, culminating in stage managing this season’s The One Act Play that Goes Wrong and The Little Mermaid Jr. However, for one last time, she is returning to the stage as Borachia in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Shakespeare shows have always held a special place in her heart, from playing Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew, and she couldn’t think of a better way to go out. Finally, she’d like to thank stage manager Elliana Selph for being an amazing leader and allowing her the opportunity to perform again.
Charlize Cooley
CONSTANZA
I’m thrilled to be part of Crismon’s production of Much Ado About Nothing. Acting has always been a passion of mine, and I’m grateful to bring Constanza to life, especially as I step outside my comfort zone to play an evil sidekick. This is my first Shakespeare production with the company, and I’m thankful to everyone whose dedication and teamwork made it possible.
Brandon Vasquez
DOGBERRY
Originally appearing in his Shakespeare debut, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as Nick Bottom, Brandon has a strong heart and passion for performing Shakespeare. He joined the theater company as a seventh grader and has continued to grow—both as an actor, singer, and as a person. Some of Brandon’s most recent roles include Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Mr. Bernstein in Little Shop of Horrors, Hortensio in The Taming of the Shrew, and Rooster in Annie JR. When he’s not on stage, Brandon enjoys working on music, spending time with friends and family, playing games, and doing Bible study with his friends. Have a happy Valentine’s weekend, and enjoy the production.
Rowan Crosgrove
VERGES/MALE SWING
This is Rowens 7th production here at Crismon! She is very excited to be apart of this amazing show. She would like to thank her cast for being amazing, her student director for not only cooking up directing but her dedication to this show. She would like to thank her parents and sibling for supporting her. And a big thanks to PENNY and SAIGE. Hope whoever is reading this enjoys the show! :)
Javae Spence
MESSENGER
Hello. My name is Javae Spence and this is my first Shakespeare play I ever done. I’m so excited to be part of Much Ado About Nothing as the Messenger. This production has been a great opportunity to explore Shakespeare’s language and im so grateful to the cast and crew for such a fun experience.
Avery Walker
SEXTON
Avers has been a part of many amazing productions. Including The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong, she was a part of the crew for The Little Mermaid Jr, and now Much Ado About Nothin'. She puts her all into her character and her work and also leaves room for improvement. Avers has a huge heart and cares for the people around her as if they were her own family. She continues to grow and learn as each show goes on and plans to continue acting as long as possible. Avers was brought into theater by a friend of hers in 2024 and she fell madly in love with it. When Avers isn't on stage, she enjoys writing books and hanging out with her friends, going to church and just hanging out after school. Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ."
Landon Sly
FRIAR FRANCIS
Landon is a freshmen and is very happy he gets to play this role of Friar Francis. This is his first show ever. He gives thanks to his amazing parents who always made time for him and supported him.
Cheyenne Reichel
UNERSTUDY-HERO
Cheyenne Reichel is a junior at Crismon High School. This is her first show at Crismon after moving from Oregon, as well as her first time performing Shakespeare. She has enjoyed learning the role of Hero, as well as working alongside an amazing cast to bring the story to life. At her previous school she preformed as Erma in Anything Goes and Pilar in Legally Blonde the Musical. Outside of theater she plays volleyball and enjoys baking.
Niah Harris
UNERSTUDY-BORACHIA
Hey you guys! My name is Niah Harris, and I'm playing the role of Borchia as an understudy. I have already been in many Crismon theater shows, including from the very start, with Frozen Jr. as Anna, then continuing to Mid Summers nights dream as Athenian Royalty, Beauty and the Beast as Madame De La Grande Bouche, Annie Jr. as Mrs. Pugh, Taming of the Shrew as Bianca, Little Shop of Horrors as Ronnette, and The Little Mermaid Jr. as Atina(Mersister). On offtime, I like to sing, just in general, and leading Bible studies at lunch with my friends. The biggest thing with doing shows like this is about our thoughts, because our thoughts usually lead our actions, so I've remembered Philippians 4:8. Thank you, and enjoy the show!
Jessalyn Chapman
UNERSTUDY-CONSTANZA
Hi, My name is Jessalyn Chapman (aka Jess) and I’m in 8th grade. I’ll be playing the role of Constanza who is a sidekick to Don John. I’ve been in two previous Crismon productions such as Annie Jr (Orphan) and Little Mermaid Jr (Princess). I want to thank my parents for supporting me and doing all they can to help me, my grandma for giving me rides, and all the friends I have made during theater. Everyone here has helped me in some way and made me feel like I belong.
Reagan Garcia
FEMALE SWING
Hi all! I'm Reagan, and this is my first production here at Crismon Theater and my first production ever. I fell in love with live theater last year, in Mr. Thorn's Drama I class, and I've dreamed of being in a production since then. My friends Jess and Brie have really inspired me to audition for the show, and I thank them (and the power of Jeremy Jordan) for helping me get into the show. I'm excited to be on stage, and I hope you all have a great time watching the show!
PRODUCTION TEAM
Randall Thorn
Producing Director
Randall Thorn is thrilled to be a part of the Crismon High School Fine Arts Department. Mr. Thorn originally comes from Pittsburgh Pa where he studied Music and Musical Theater at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University. He has been a successful Choir and Showchoir director and a Theater producer and director for 31 years in education. He has produced over 120 full stage productions here in Arizona and Pennsylvania and has additionally worked throughout the Valley with groups such as Fusion Talent Showcase, Actors Youth Theater and Just West of Broadway. Mr. Thorn helped design and create an entire program at Learning Foundation and Performing Arts Charter School in Gilbert as well at Paideia Liberal Arts Academy in South Phoenix and is excited to grow a wonderful and new Theatrical program for the Crismon High School Community.
Josh Insalaco
Production Manager
With over 25 years of professional experience in theater, spanning Production Management, Stage Management, and Design, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the stage. His career has taken him to major cities across the country, from the glitz of Los Angeles to the entertainment hub of Las Vegas and even the illustrious Broadway. Josh has dedicated a substantial amount of time to studying, analyzing, and performing Shakespeare, showcasing a deep appreciation for classical theater. As he embarks on his fourth production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the joy he finds in the creative process is palpable. Excitement resonates as he witnesses the growth and development of the students at Crismon High School, recognizing the start of an epic adventure for the Crismon Theater Company. It is indeed an honor for Josh to be part of this journey, contributing his skills and passion to the flourishing program.
Christina Insalaco
Production Manager
With a rich and diverse background spanning three decades, Christina brings a wealth of performance experience to the stage, showcasing her talents in theater, choir, dance, and cheer. Her unwavering passion for musical theater has been a driving force throughout her career, infusing every role with dedication and creativity. Not only is Christina a seasoned performer, but she also possesses a keen eye for the visual aspects of the stage, showcasing her skills in Set and Costume Design. Her ability to easily connect with students fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, making her an invaluable addition to the Crismon Theater Company. Excitement emanates as Christina embarks on this new journey, eager to contribute her expertise and witness the program's growth and success.
The Crismon Theater Booster Club is a Performing Arts booster club based in Queen Creek, AZ. The main purpose of the Crismon Theater Booster Club is to raise money and support for the Crismon Theater Company and provide for theater-related extracurricular activities. The booster club is a Non-Profit and run by a team of volunteers.
SPECIAL THANKS
The Crismon Theater Company would like to extend a special thank you to our generous sponsors:
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Pecan Creek RV Storage
The Goodwin Family
Tavares Plumbing
S & J Grading, Inc.
Chandler Lawn and Gardens
​In addition, we would like to thank:
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The Crismon Theater Boosters
Principal Elyse Torbert and the Administration of CHS
All the wonderful parents and volunteers including:
Josh and Christina Insalaco
Crystal Wright
Mrs. Dana Sloan
Scott Lloyd and the CHS Fine Arts Department
The amazing faculty at CHS
Molly Jacobs and the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center
Dr. Perry Barry, Superintendent
Clearwing Productions
The CHS Music Boosters
The CHS Custodial Staff and Maintenance
PERFORMANCE DATES
FEBRUARY 12-14, 2026