Presents

By

Christopher Demos-Brown

American Son

is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp.

www.concordtheatricals.com

Director

Jeanné Wynne Herring

Assistant Director
Jared Duldulao

Stage Manager/Light Board Operator/Sound Designer
Erich Steinwandt-Gudoy

About the play :

An estranged, bi-racial couple must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by the local police following a traffic-stop incident. Their disparate histories and backgrounds inform their assumptions as they try to find out what happened to their son.

American Son performed on Broadway in the 2018 to 2019 season before being made into a Netflix film. Both starred Kerry Washington and Jeremy Jordan.

THE CAST

Kendra Ellis-Connor

Shervelle Hannah

Scott Connor

Garrett Hols

Officer Paul Larkin

Adam Kalma

Lieutenant John Stokes

Andre West

THE SETTING

The waiting room of a police station in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

TIME

A morning early in June, 2021, shortly after 4am.

MEET THE CAST, DIRECTOR, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Jeanne Wynne Herring

Jeanne Wynne Herring (Director) is a seasoned theater professional with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment arts. A Santa Clara University graduate with a BA in theater production, Jeanné’s multifaceted career spans theater, film, and photography. She is passionate about bringing stories to life to inspire and entertain. Jeanné is the founder and producer of Excellence Happens, LLC, and the creator of “ The Lolita Gentry Project," a unique storytelling initiative. Learn more at www.jeannewynneherring.com

Jared Duldulao

Recently seen in Once on This Island (MVT) and failing at a proposal (Kiss Me, Kate - DHT), Jared Duldulao (Assistant Director) is so happy to assist with this production. Past productions that have brought Jared joy include playing Harry "Jazzbo" Heywood in It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (MVT), Lo Singh in La Cage Aux Folles, Flower Drum Song, Elf, and Seussical the Musical (DHT) , Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Miss Great Plains in Pageant, Garvin in Footloose, Hair (MVT), Salome, Elektra (HOT). Much thanks to the fam (adopted and blood) for the constant love and support.

Shervelle Hannah

Shervelle Hannah (Kendra Ellis-Connor) is a local actor, director and playwright who proudly owns W.o.W. Productions, which focuses on Black theater and art. As an actor, Shervelle has been in many productions around the island including Ragtime (DHT) and a staged reading of Flyin’ West at Manoa Valley Theatre. Shervelle has performed in many productions at The Actor’s Group (TAG) including Good People, and Paul Dunbar: The Poet and His Song. Most recently, Shervelle is part of the Wilson Project at TAG, a group which seeks to bring the works of August Wilson to Hawaii. She is currently performing in Parade at MVT and recently performed in TAG’s production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Shervelle’s company, W.o.W. Productions, has produced several Juneteenth celebrations including And Still I Rise: The Journey from Struggle to Triumph which was performed at Manoa Valley Theatre, a staged version of Flyin’ West at KOA and Paul Dunbar: The Musical Revue at TAG. Currently, Shervelle is pursuing an MFA at University of Hawaii with an emphasis in Directing and Playwriting.

Garrett Hols

Garrett Hols (Scott Connor) is honored to be a part of this production, especially now when the world could use a little less dichotomous thinking, and more exploration of perspectives within the gray as American Son does so beautifully. He was most recently seen at MVT in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and The 39 Steps, and Daddy Long Legs. He would like to dedicate his performance to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Adam Kalma

Adam Kalma (Officer Larkin) is an actor and educator from Long Beach, California. He has a BFA in Theatre Performance from Chapman University and trained at Second City Hollywood and the Ivana Chubbuck Studio in Los Angeles. Recent credits include Le Beau in As You Like It (HSF) and Leo in Lend Me a Soprano (MVT). He also earned an MA in Teaching from USC and currently teaches drama and English at Moanalua High School. Adam thanks his wife, mother-in-law, and their dog, Charlie, for their love and support. He is also grateful for your attendance and support for the arts!

Andre West

Andre West (Lt. John Stokes) began acting in theater with The Actor’s Group in Sons of the Prophet, Sure Thing, Boise, Idaho, and Paul Dunbar: The Poet and His Song. He most recently completed roles in the August Wilson Century Cycle in two plays: Gem of the Ocean and most recently Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. His other acting credits include roles in Magnum PI, several commercials, and numerous appearances as an extra in Hawaii 5.0, The Wrong Missy, King Kong vs. Godzilla, and The Inhumans. Andre is a practicing chiropractor here in Hawaii and is a member of SAG-AFTRA.

Acronym Key to Theatres

DHT

HOT

HPU

HSF

HTC

IABK

KHSPAC

KOA

MVT

TAG

Diamond Head Theatre

Hawaii Opera Theatre

Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Shakespeare Festival

Hawaii Theatre Center

I'm a Bright Kid Foundation

Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center

Koa Onstage Arts

Manoa Valley Theatre

The Actor's Group

SPECIAL THANKS

Camron Hurt (Voice-Overs)

Jasmine Haley Anderson (Fight Choreography)

Jonathan Beck (Voice-Overs)

Sarah Velasco (Sound Assistance)

Janine Myers (Lighting Assistance)

VERY SPECIAL THANKS

Kawaiaha'o Church for leasing MVT the beautiful grounds it occupies.

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc for permitting our patrons to park at the Mānoa Marketplace and for support of MVT's education program.

Nathan Sult & Beth Tarter for enhancements to the theatre.

STAFF

Executive Director

Artistic Director

Technical Director

Production Stage Manager/

Box Office Manager

Marketing Associate

Associate Technical Director
Costume Supervisor

Bookkeeper and HR

Public Relations Director

House Managers

Evening Box Office

Weekend Box Office

Bar Staff

Playbill

Kathleen Young

Rob Duval

Willie Sabel

Erich Steinwandt-Gudoy

Julianne Castillo

Mira Fey
Amber Lehua Baker

Accumulus

Kristin Jackson

Marguerite Saxton

Jennifer E. Muehle

Alyson Wong

Carey Smith

Jaime Brice

Dan Connell

Ray Sonomura

Jules Castillo

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

David Kennedy

Jeffrey S. Portnoy

Peter Ehrman

Scott D. Larimer

Bob Taylor

Chris C. Bayot

Norbert M. Buelsing

Randy Diamond

Blenn Fujimoto

Tom Ishii Jr.

Stacey Katakura

Mary Kubota

William Lindemann

Maleko McDonnell

Jeff Merz

Jacce Mikulanec

Matthew Mishina

Amy Monk

Scott Morita

Richard Morris

Karen Mukai
Barbara Nickerson

Jadine Nielsen

Ramona Sayre

Alice K. Tucker

JD Watumull

Dave Wilson

2024.2025
SEASON SPONSORS

SEASON BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

SEASON PRESENTER SPONSORS

SEASON SPONSORS

MUSIC & COMEDY SERIES SPONSOR

MAHALO TO OUR 2023-2024

ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTORS

2023.2024 Annual Fund

Leading Gift $25,000+

City and County of Honolulu

McInerny Foundation

State of Hawaii

Marquee Circle $5,000+

Alexander and Baldwin

Beth Tarter & Nathan Sult

G. N. Wilcox General Trust

Hawaii State Foundation On Culture and the Arts

John R. Halligan Char Fund

Jusine Stamen Arrillaga & John Arrillaga

Steven C Barnes Fund

Producer's Circle $1,000+

Alice K. Tucker
Barbara Nickerson
Captain David Wilson
Edward Rensing
Foodland
Geraldine Lee
Glenn Cannon Foundation
Hank and Jean Trapido-Rosenthal
HK Construction Corp
In memory of Frank and Joyce Vahovich
In Memory of Roberta Bishop
JD and Julie Watumull
Jennifer Taylor and Paul White
John Dean
Kubota Foundation
Malama Manoa
Mark and Linda Kuklinsky
Mary Jo Freshley
MW Group
Norbert and Jill Buelsing
Paul
Paul Weissman
Richard and Bo Tanaka
Robin and Stephen
Ruth and Blenn Fujimoto
The Michael J. Marks Foundation

Stage Manager's Circle $500+

Amy and David Monk
Bob & Lynne Toyofuku

Carol A. Egan

Carol Kai Onouye

Chris C. Bayot
David McCulloch

Fabienne Herold

Felice Brault
Fredrico Biven
George and Sandy Apter
Hank Chapin
In Honor of Rob Duval
Jane Sugimura
Janis Akuna
Jonna D. Zane
Katy Chen & Daniel Sandomire
Left Wing Right Brain Fund
Leonard and Charlotte Chow

Magda Alexander

Marc Asano
Michael & Candy Murphy

Mike Durant

Mona Vierra Chang, Amy Eisenberg, Patsy Izumo
Mr. & Mrs Damien Kim
Mr. and Mrs. Riki S. Moritmoto
Nancy Eastlund
Norman and Carol Young
Paraluman Stice-Durkin & Robert Durkin
Patrick & Noreen Sinko
Ramona Sayre
Richard and Teresa Clifton
Scott Morita
Stanley & Gayle Ishii

Stephen Marcuccilli

Stephen Ugelow

Susan Christensen

Tamuki Family Fund

Tracy and Sandy Sakai

Wendy Goodenow

Leading Player's Circle $250+

Barbara Cargill

Barbara Perry

Christine S. Fukui

David McCulloch
Divie Jo Thompson
DONALD J. BONDARENKO & JOAN T. NAKAMURA

Elaine M.L. Chang

Elli Winnik

Elvis Kawahara
Gary Tucker
Herb & Kathy Hong

John Murphy

Julia Muller & Earl Shreckengast
Karen Mukai
Kevin and Kathleen Sayre
Kip Wilborn & Jan Nakamura

Laura White
Lex and Gerry Alexander

Lisa Kimsey

Nancy Tudor
Neil & Kathy Field
Pat Shine

Patricia Burrell

Randy Tucker

Rochelle Uchibori

Roy and Mary Matsuda
T. Brodhead
The Gregory Wrenn and Robert Pyburn Charitable Fund

Supporting Cast $150+

Allan Okubo

Andrew Morgan & Danny Richard

Carla and Al Joaquin
Chris & Rudy
Cori Mackie
Elli Winnik
Fabienne Herold
Greg Kenui Nakamatsu
Hula's Bar and Lei Stand
Jeffrey and Elizabeth Grad
John Murphy

Judith Olson

Kay & Bill Kibby
Lani Hearn

Malia Kaai-BarrettMarilyn Rowell
Melfried and Judy Olson
Mike Durant
Movie Museum
Nancy and Eugene Shen

Naomi Yap

Peter & Karen Ehrman
Philip Kahue

Sarah M. Cole

Stephen Marcuccilli

Susan Y. Yasuda

Tom Cooper
Vanessa Foster
Fred & Coralie Kramer
Andrew Morgan & Danny Richard

Contributors $50+

Alexandra Eyer
Alison Bruce-Maldonado
Anna Viggiano
Anne Naito
Annie Yoshida
Anthony Nagatani
Brennan-Woods Ohana
Bruce McEwan
Carolyn Koehler
Charles and Anne Miller
Chloë Wurr

Chris & Rudy

Christine Fukui

Clifford Chang

Cody Higaki
Connie Muse

David and Elizabeth Bremer

Dave and Fiona Kennedy
David and Bonnie Andrew
David and Susie
David Heulitt
Dennis Randall & Marilin Memory of Jo Pruden
Douglas and Cathy Song
Douglas and Christina Meller
Duane and Fran Hartmann
Dwight Martin
Ed Seibert
Elaine M.I. Chang
Elizabeth Flanagan
Francis and Suzanne Wright
George Hutchinson
Glenn & Sharon Yokoyama

Gordon Aoyagi

Harvey and Lynne Rackil
Herb and Michelle Schreiner
In Honor of Alice Tucker
In honor of Dave Wilson
In honor of Jo Pruden
In Memory of Jo Pruden
In Memory of Jo Pruden
in Memory of Stuart Roy Yammer
Jack Law
Jan Lubin
Janet Henderson
Jean Grice

Jeffrey Ady

Jip Pruden

John and Rita Thompson
John Ito
John Starr Alexander
Joyce Pavlis
Judy Sobin
Julie Reyes
Junko Ady
Karen Boyer and Korynn Grenert
Karinna Nielsen & Daniel Zurbriggen
Kim Parker
Kurt and Corinne Takara
Laura White
Leighton Liu
Lena Young
Mabel Suzuki
Magda Alexander

Marilyn McCormick-Randell

Marilyn Rowell

Marjorie DeSantis
Mary Ann Ige
Mary Kubota
Matt Mishina
Matthew Walker
Melinda Walker
Nate and Vickie Fong
Norma Murayama
Patricia Burrell
Paul Pancho
Phil Sammer

Purvis Grice

Rhea Yamashiro and Paul Carmody
Ritchie + Sunny Mudd
Robert and Corrine Taylor
Robert and Mary Schornsteimer
Ronald Fitzgerald
Sam and Kerry Gridley
Sandra Shiroma
Sherri and Leiney Rigg
Susan Christensen
Thomas Roark
Tracy and Sandy Sakai
Trudy Drypolcher

Vanessa Foster

Vickie Fullard-Leo
Victoria Marzano
William Nagle & Diane Kimura

Manoa Valley Theatre makes every effort to ensure that all patrons are listed properly and spelled correctly. If we had made an error, we encourage you to contact the office so that we can correct the listing.

2022-2023

ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTORS

Welcome to the ohana!

Terence Knapp Visiting Artists Endowment Fund

MVT LEGACY

DONORS CIRCLE

Mahalo to these donors who have included MVT in their estate planning

Estate of Richard Aadland

Timothy L. Archer

Michael Beard

Roger and Felice Brault

Hank Chapin

Estate of Jim Connors

Richard and Myrna Cundy

Don Flaminio

Victoria Gail-White and John Wythe White

Estate of Gaye Glaser

Estate of Gail M. Hudson

Estate of Dorothy Ireland

Estate of Jerome and Jura Landﬁeld

Estate of Roger Long

Dwight T. Martin

Estate of Elaine Martin

Donald E. Morgan

in Memory of Beverly J. Morgan

Richard S. Morris

Estate of Leon J. Munson

In Honor of Eleanor Fisher Pence

Estate of Martin Pence

Jeﬀrey S. and Sandi Portnoy

Estate of David M. Reed

Michael and Alberta Rosenberg

Clint Schroeder

Alice and Jerry Tucker

Estate of Angeline Walther

Estate of Herbert Walther