THE GEEZE & ME
a musical about aging
PREMIER in Downtown San Diego
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Taibi & Shirl Kahler
DIRECTED by Nancy Locke Capers
CO-WRITTEN by Nancy & Hedges Capers
MUSIC & LYRICS by Hedges Capers
CO-PRODUCED by Nancy & Hedges Capers
An original musical
CAST:
Kent Brisby, Gabriela Nelson, Hedges Capers, Scotty Billion, Jesse MacKinnon, Lolly Boroff, Byron LaDue, Susan Benninghoff, Lorraine Devon Wilke, Devlin, Kiera Mersky, Erin Vanderhyde and Lauren Preski.
Kent Brisby, Jesse MacKinnon, Lorraine Devon Wilke and Hedges Capers singing "Social Insecurity."
Lolly Boroff as the beloved Mrs. Dingler (with Hedges Capers & Byron La Due) singing "Lady Bumps."
Jesse MacKinnon and Gabriela Nelson as Dwight & Sherry sing "Thought I Was Somebody" & "Old Folks"
Devlin, Gabby Nelson, Lorraine Devon Wilke and Susan Benninghoff (as Kay, Sherry, Helen and Miranda)
"That'd Be Me"
VIDEO CLIP OF Susie Singer Carter as "Science"
VIDEO CLIPS from the show (:10)
KUSI media interview with Hedge, Nancy and Lorraine Devon Wilke singing "Rag Lady."
Interviews with Nancy Locke Capers and Hedges Capers on Conversayer: https://conversayer.net/podcast-unspoken/
when we opened and where
OPENED MARCH 31 - APRIL 29th, 2017, at THE TENTH Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Avenue, San Diego 92101
"The Geeze & Me" is a funny, irreverent, and poignant original musical. This timely show features a comedic troupe of eccentric players who team up to examine the different aspects of aging.
An eclectic blend of songs ranging from pop to blues to corner street doo-wop, accompanied by innovative choreography and a great cast.
The perils and benefits of growing older are reflected in the concerns of
this diverse group of people.
Media and Press: SUSAN J. FARESE
SJF Communications 408-398-5940
sjfcommunications@gmail.com
www.sjfcommunications.comArticle about the show by Lorraine Devon Wilke: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-geeze-and-me-honoring-and-illuminating-age-through_us_58bcacd7e4b02eac8876d058
Reviews: Stage and Cinema - http://www.stageandcinema.com/2017/04/04/the-geeze-and-me/
San Diego Story - http://www.sandiegostory.com/growing-older-with-dignity/
Director: NANCY CAPERS
CAST:
HEDGES CAPERS (David)
Signed a recording contract at age 16, became recording artist with Capitol Records, 8 albums, staff writer with A & M, singing duo "Hedge & Donna" performed @ Carnegie Hall, the Greek Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, The Troubadour, talk shows (The Tonight Show, Merv Griffin, etc.), and variety shows (The Smothers Brothers, etc.) Played the lead in film "The Legend of Hillbilly John" (1972). Now back on the boards, writing all music & lyrics and co-writing the book for The Geeze & Me.
GABRIELA NELSON (Sherry)
Considerable experience in stage and screen, recording artist who has worked nationally and internationally. She's a former 80's icon (NBC TV series regular on "KIDD VIDEO"). Recent San Diego appearances include SD Rep, 10th Ave Arts, La Jolla Playhouse, Black Box Theatre, The Horton Grand and Spreckles. Gabby also writes for the Latin Performing Arts Community.
DEVLIN (Kay)
Formerly appearing in Sunday in the Park with George, (which won a 2016 Craig Noel Award from the SD Critics Circle) after extensive stage work and cabaret/concerts, Devlin appeared in Into the Woods, Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, Women Behind Bars, A Christmas Carol, and The Devlin Show and also seen in The Spitfire Grill at North Coast Rep. For more: http://www.ma4sd.com/service/devlin/
JESSE MacKINNON (Dwight)
... is recipient of the 2016 San Diego Critics Circle Craig Noel Award, and The San Diego Playbill Award for Outstanding Performance in a Drama as Eddie Carbone in A View From The Bridge (Renaissance Theater). Other regional credits include: Jules in Sunday in the Park With George (ION Theate); Roy Cohn in Angels In America (ION Theater); Henry Peabody inTobacco Road (La Jolla Playhouse); MacDuff in MacBeth (Intrepid Shakespeare); Polymester in Hecuba, (6th@Penn), Renee Gallimard in M. Butterfly (Diversionary); Horace Vandergelder Hello Dolly (Lambs Players); Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol (North Coast Rep); Henri Fontannes The Magic Fire (Moonlight at the Avo); Pharoah in Aida (Starlight); Emil De Becq inSouth Pacific (Lambs Players); Pop in Pajama Game (Starlight); Pat Denning in 42nd Street (Welk Theater) and Major Ed Lansdale Dooley Diversionary Theatre.
LORRAINE DEVON WILKE (Helen)
The multi-talented actress, published writer (After the Sucker Punch, Hysterical Love), produced screenwriter (To Cross the Rubicon) and singer/songwriter. Her excellent third novel, A Nice White Girl, is currently being fine-tuned for a 2018 release. Learn more at: www.lorrainedevonwilke.com. Buy her book latest The Alchemy of Noise on Amazon. Interview with Lorraine: https://conversayer.net/podcast-unspoken/
Read Lorraine Devon Wilke article @ the show: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-geeze-and-me-honoring-and-illuminating-age-through_us_58bcacd7e4b02eac8876d058
BYRON LA DUE (Howard)
A veteran performer at many San Diego area theatres, including recent productions as Paul Gauguin in Prick (San Diego Fringe Festival), Gauguin in The Musical Paul Gauguin (Asian Story Theatre), and Willum in The Nerd, (Coronado Playhouse). Byron also has notable credits at The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego Rep, Starlight Musical Theatre and the former Gaslamp Quarter Theatre, Hahn Cosmopolitan Theatre and Marquis Theatre. Byron has a BA in Drama from SDSU. Extensive improv experience. Winner of the Best Actor Atlas Award as Big Harp in Robber Bridegroom and Winner, Comedy Festival as Duke Ladoo in The Piparoos Live at the Globe. Performed in over 30 productions as an actor, sings, plays guitar and has done extensive improv work.
KENT BRISBY (Bob)
Kent focuses mainly on original work, appearing in 2015 in THE PITCH starring Paul Rodriguez and the upcoming THREE KINGS/TRES REYES this holiday season. Toured nationally, appeared on more than a dozen local stages as an actor. As a playwright and director he has many more local credits, including projects at the Old Globe and San Diego Zoo. He currently serves as Artistic Director for Asian Story Theater, as well as Radio Theater for KPBS, AirStage and Radio Lunch. [Just down the street he is a co-author and director of a new play HALO-HALO at the Lyceum Space through April 9. Bring your GEEZE & ME ticket stub for discount admission.] For more: KLBrisby.com
SUSAN BENNINGHOFF (Miranda)
Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Susan is currently director of the legendary San Diego playwrights development group, Scripteasers. As well as musical and stage work including the Phoenix Performing Arts Center.
SUSIE SINGER CARTER (G.G. and Science)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0802053/. She directed a short film she wrote about her mother, struck with Alzheimer's - My Mom and The Girl with Valerie Harper and Liz Torres. Recently accepted into Cannes Film Festival as well on the short list for Academy Awards for Shorts. Congratulations, Suze!
She's also producer/writer of "I Love Lucifer" hilarious podcast in 2021. (On Apple podcasts.)
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlTRldVFw74.
ERIN VANDERHYDE (Homeless)
Recently graduating from SDSU after pursuing a degree in General Theatre. Entertainer at Legoland. Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar, The Drowsy Chaperone, Dr. Faustus Lights the Lights (SDSU), Hairspray, Godspell, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Legally Blonde, Footloose and Ragtime at Young Actors Theatre (YAT). Associates Degree in Music, Grossmont College.
LAUREN PRESKI (Margret)
Natl. Assn of Singing Teachers - 2nd place, NC, Back to the 80s - Moronga Casino, Last Chance Romance, Property of the Dallas Cowboys, Don Giovanni, Legoland - live shows, Six Flags, America - Wonder Woman, and musical “A Boy and a Girl.”
KIERA MERSKY (Bobbi).
Live shows at Universal Studios, theatre productions as a dancer and actress, as well as in commercials, Kiera received her B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Temple University.
SCOTTY BILLION (The Undertaker)
Involved in music from a young age. Ozzy Osborne and Black Sabbath were both heavy influences. This was Scotty's first time in a theatrical production, but hopefully not his last. A great job as The Undertaker!
"The Secret to Happiness? Get Old" by Michele Parente SD Union Tribune. 2016.
Left: Neil Shigley's "Invisible People"
Rehearsals with Music Director Will (B.J.) Robinson.
Gabriela Nelson as SHERRY sings "Beauty," reflecting the feeling of losing one's looks that come with age.
Kiera Mersky, Lauren Preski and Lolly Boroff are hilarious in "Lady Bumps" with Hedges Capers and Byron LaDue.
Erin Vanderhyde as "Homeless"
with Lorraine Devon Wilke and company, who sing "Oh Sister."
Kent Brisby, soulful as BOB & Post-Death BOB.
The devine Devlin sings "Sailor" accompanied by Gabby Nelson and Lorraine Devon Wilke.
.
KUSI interview with Lorraine Devon Wilke, Hedges and Nancy Capers with Elizabeth Alvarez.
PRODUCTION TEAM
The people who made it all happen:
DR. DILIP JESTE, SCRIPT CONSULTANT
UCSanDiego, Geriatric psychiatrist and neuroscientist
We are honored to have Dr. Dilip Jeste, a geriatric neuropsychiatrist who specializes in successful aging, the neurobiology of wisdom as well as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in older adults. Senior Associate Dean for Healthy Aging and Senior Care at UC San Diego, Geriatric psychiatrist, and neuroscientist: "It's wonderful to see our research turned into art."
Watch Dr. Jeste's excellent TED Talk @ aging: http://tedmed.com/talks/show?id=52681
Danielle Glorioso, LCSW
Executive Director of the Center for Healthy Aging, UCSD
is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been a member of the UCSD Division of Geriatric Psychiatry since 2001. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Healthy Aging and the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/danielle-k-glorioso-la-jolla-ca/173951
Taibi & Shirl Kahler
Executive Producers
Learn more @ Dr. Kahler at : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taibi_Kahler
WILL (BJ) ROBINSON
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Host of KPBS's "Spectrum" http://video.kpbs.org/show/spectrum/
A musician, educator, composer, director, and performer, BJ has worked with the vocal dept. of Southwestern College since 2009; host of KPBS Spectrum (airing every Saturday at 5:30PM), a program about arts and culture in SD; serves as baritone soloist at All Saints Episcopal Church in Hillcrest since 2010 and as an instructor/music director for J*Company Youth Theater since 2012. Composed original scores for San Diego-based short films (Mustang Love, The Fad and Furriest: A Documentary), starred in short film Meetchu In Machu Picchu: A Musical Journey, by Larry Zieger. Voice of a character in the soundtrack to Dinner for God, a novel & CD by Rayme Sciaroni. In addition to having a private vocal studio, BJ is a vocal instructor at Francis Parker School and a frequent guest performer with the music ministry at USD.
JOANNE LOVEJOY, Choreographer
(Hedges & Joanne left)
Joanne is a dancer, teacher, choreographer. As a teen, she performed alongside the “Bright Side Singers” in Bob Hope’s USO shows in California; singer and dancer for “Cabaret Review,” numerous productions with “Rhythm-Aire Players,” choreographed “Annie” and “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Lyceum. For the past twelve years on the teaching staff at several local dance studios including S.D. Danceworks and Culture Shock Dance Center. Please see more at: https://www.metrodancesd.com/joanne-lovejoy/
DONALD PRIESS, Video Producer/Editor
Writer and editor, known for Cake (2006), The Brothers Flub (1997) and Scream Queens; as well as "I Love Lucifer" podcast in 2021. Video PRODUCER for Beat Poet, Ginger G.G. Gregorian, Soapbox, Science, The Herlock Society and "old" projections for The Geeze & Me. Awesomely creative. (In Culver City.)
Producer/Editor on over 200 commercials, music videos and documentaries, and currently the short film "My Mom And The Girl" starring Valerie Harper, chosen for Cannes Film Festival. Thank you, Don!
BEONICA BULLARD, Stage Manager
Intrepid Theatre Company, the Old Globe Theater, SDSU Theater Dept., Comic Con International. BA in Stage Management.
Earning a BFA in General Theater. Beonica grew up in San Diego, graduating from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts as a theater major. Worked with the (SDSU) School of Theater, Television, and Film on shows such as "Into The Woods" (dir. P. Kalustian), "The BFG" (dir. M. Larlham), and "Julius Caesar" (dir. D.Turner Sonnenberg), Intrepid Shakespeare Company, "Quality of Life" (dir. C. Yael-Cox) and the Plays By Young Writers Festival 2015 & 2016 (dir. C. Kouma). San Diego International Comic Con 2016.
BRENDAN HILL, Assistant Director
As company manager of Food for Thought Productions/Cause Celebre in NYC for six years, he also found time to...
Awarded Semi-finalist for both the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference (2012) and Clubbed Thumb’s Biennial Commission (2015).
Received production of his full length play Shitloads of Money at Ensemble Studio Theatre in NYC.
Member of Ensemble Studio Theatre’s emerging playwrights program, Youngblood, from 2012 to 2016
Have three plays performed in Paris, Fr (2014 - 2016)
MAX CADILLAC GIDALEY, Costume Designer
Costuming for 9 to 5: The Musical at San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) as well as their holiday classic White Christmas. Working closely with Janet Pitcher, also costumed My Fair Lady at The Welk Resort. Recently modeled for San Diego Opera. Performing throughout his home town of San Diego at Cygnet, SDMT, Moonlight, and The Welk Resort, thrilled to play Lillias Pastia in San Diego Opera'sThe Tragedy of Carmen. BFA, Musical Theatre (AMDA). Thank you to Susan Farese for making this happen.
JOE HUPPERT, Sound & Video Engineer
JOE HUPPERT (Sound and Video Designer)
Previously at San Diego Repertory Theater, The Oldest Boy (Craig Noel Award). Other local video designs include This Wonderful Life for North Coast Rep, Glengarry Glen Ross for La Jolla Playhouse and The Elephant Man with Backyard Renaissance. As sound designer, shows include Blueprints to Freedom, Peter and the Starcatchers (La Jolla Playhouse) ;Scott Joplin, Extraordinary Chambers, Yellow Face, Stick Fly, Kita Y Fernanda, 26 Miles (Mo'Olelo); Urinetown, Over the Tavern, King O’ The Moon (Mercury Theater); Mr. Burns (UCSD).
ZAC DALZIEL, Assoc. Producer
Set construction, general assistance. In "No Safe Haven" at age 11 as "Mikie."
SUSAN J. FARESE - Publicist
Owner SJF Communications in San Diego
Provides personalized Marketing/PR/Social Media/Writing/Photography/Video Services
www.sjfcommunications.com
Writing/Speaking
SAMUEL WARREN & ASSOC., CASTING
Samuel Warren International Casting Services
http://www.samuelwarren.com/
(619) 264-4135
Member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, a Casting Society of America Member and affiliated with the Better Business Bureau.
Invisible People by American artist NEIL SHIGLEY. http://neilshigley.com/
Fox television story on Neil's portrait of a homeless man won a 2013 Emmy. His most recent work consists of large-scale portraits of homeless people near his studio in San Diego. His work has been exhibited internationally. We are honored that he will be doing a portrait of "Homeless" which is on display in theatre lobby.
CYNTHIA BLOODGOOD Lighting Design
Freelance Designer and Technician. Technical Theatre Teacher at La Jolla Country Day School, Technical Director at San Diego Junior Theatre. BA in Theater and Media Arts from BYU.
Hedges Capers & Byron LaDue sing "Lady Bumps"
Nancy & Hedges work on "Beat Poet"
"The Geeze & Me" cookies by Vicky and Larry Blanas, Lawrence Dean's Bake Shop in Wilmette, Illinois. Thank you. Delicious!
Ken Jacques, Production Photographer
The busiest photographer in San Diego.
DONATIONS:
Rag Lady Productions donated 50% of revenues to charities: LGBT Seniors San Diego, A New Path, PATH, The Unbattle Project,
as well as the UC San Diego Center for Healthy Aging.
Production Team
Co-writers/Producers/Director
Hedges Capers
Co-Writer/MUSIC/Co-Producer
Co-writer of book, creator of all original music, actor, set designer, builder, video editor. Former Marriage & Family Clinical Counselor, successful corporate consultant at Mattersight (http://www.mattersight.com/). 8 albums with "Hedge & Donna", staff writer for A & M Records, recording contract at age 16. Lead in film "The Legend of Hillbilly John."
Nancy Capers
Director/Co-writer/Co-producer
Psychotherapist, actress, produced screenwriter
La Jolla Light interview with the Capers:
http://www.lajollalight.com/art/sd-the-geeze-and-me-brings-humor-honesty-to-aging-20170323-story.html
"Myself!"
Lorraine Devon Wilke sing-speaking "Myself!"
"The "Myself" piece? Totally great. Was on edge of my seat from Wilke's delivery." L.R.
We want to go on tour! Call us. 858 232-9697
Nancy & Hedges Capers
CONTACT US
OPENED on March 31, 2016, Downtown at The Tenth Avenue Arts Centre, 930 10th Ave, San Diego 92101.
