IT'S A WONDERFUL Creative Team
It Takes A Lot of People To Give An Angel Their Wings...
CREATIVE TEAM
DAVID L. ARSENAULT
Scenic Design
As a designer and associate, David’s work has been seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally. Regional: Kennedy Center, Ogunquit Playhouse, Weston Playhouse, Dorset Theatre Festival, George Street Playhouse, Bay Street Theatre, Kitchen Theatre Company, Geva Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Northern Stage, Gulfshore Playhouse, and Bucks County Playhouse, among others. International: English Theatre Berlin. Broadway Associate work includes: The Color Purple and King Charles III. Member: USA 829. www.DavidArsenaultDesign.com
DENA DiGIACINTO
Choreographer
Dena DiGiacinto is over the moon about choreographing Saguaro City’s inaugural production! Favorite performing credits include the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line and Evita (national tour, directed by the legendary Hal Prince). Dena also had the great honor of performing at two special events with the late, great Marvin Hamlisch. Recently, she choreographed A Chorus Line at STAGES St. Louis, and earlier this year she was assistant choreographer to Tony Award nominated director/choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge on a production of Evita at Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago. At the John W. Engeman Theatre in New York, Dena worked on shows such as Mary Poppins (associate director/choreographer), Thoroughly Modern Millie (co-choreographer), and A Chorus Line (choreographer). Dena is also the Director of Outreach and Education at Saguaro City Music Theatre, and is passionate about providing access to the arts for children and teens of all backgrounds and abilities in Tucson.
ROWAN GRIFFITH
Props Designer
Rowan fell in love with props in her freshman year of high school and has since devoted all of her time to that field trying to pick up as many skills as she could. She’s made many things from battle axes (ATC She Kills Monsters 2019) to plush rats (CFHS Disaster the Musical 2020)! Now breaching into the world of foley, she’s very excited to be working on this production of It’s a Wonderful Life (A Live Radio Play)!
ISABELLA HIGHTOWER
Assistant Stage Manager
Isabella Hightower is a high school Senior working towards her goal of making Technical Theater her career. She got her start as a 10 year old in youth theater groups and since then she’s worked on a myriad of productions in many different positions. Though she admits, she always loved Stage Management the most. So much, in fact, that next year she will be attending the University of Arizona in hopes to earn a BFA in Theatre Production.
DREW HUMPHREY
Director
After completing his BFA in Dance from the University of Arizona, Drew spent the next 20 years pursuing his directing and performing career in NYC. Broadway: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Ensemble, Cast Recording); New York/Tours: Of Thee I Sing (Encores!), Lady Be Good (Encores!, Cast Recording), 42nd Street (Ensemble, 1st Natl.); Regional: Holiday Inn (Ted Hanover, Drury Lane) and others across the US. Drew had the honor to perform at the Kennedy Center for Ted Kennedy and President Obama. Directing/Choreography credits include: Oklahoma, Mary Poppins, A Chorus Line, Singin’ In The Rain, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street, and Gypsy. Drew’s involved in guest teaching, master classes, guest directing, and choreographing at high schools and Universities. Of all pursuits, bringing inclusive arts educational opportunities to the community is a central focus for Drew and Saguaro City Music Theatre. www.drewjhumphrey.com
MATT MARCUS
Sound Designer
Matt is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Sound Design at the U of AZ School of Theatre where his recent credits include Sound Designs for Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, The Merchant of Venice, Spring Awakening, and Evita. Other productions include Love, Sweet Love, a musical featuring the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, along with national tours for Theater League, Theater of the Stars, and Dallas Summer Musicals. On hiatus from his audio career in the late 20th century, Matt was Property Master for Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. He is a member of the Theatrical Sound Designer’s and Composers Association, and the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, where he is the President of Local 415.
CHRISTOPHER MASON
Lighting Designer
Christopher is excited to collaborate with Saguaro City Music Theatre and the cast and crew of It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play. Christopher will graduate from the University of Arizona in the spring with his MFA in Theatre Design and Technology – emphasis lighting. Notable productions include Polaroid Stories, Next to Normal, High Fidelity, Fun Home, and Desperate Measures. You can see more of his work at LUX2152.com. Many thanks to my wife Ginger and our kids for all the support on this journey.
LINDSAY McDONALD
Costume Designer
Lindsay is thrilled to be working with Saguaro City for their inaugural show in Tucson! A third year MFA student in Costume Design and Technology at the University of Arizona, she recently designed Legally Blonde, Three Sisters and A Simple Herstory for Arizona Repertory Theatre. She earned her BA in Theater Arts at The University of New Hampshire, after which she designed shows for Hackmatack Summer Theatre and Lakes Region Summer Theatre. She has worked in the costume shops of the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, Center Theater Group and The Los Angeles Opera, and was part of the construction team for the costumes and puppets for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Salt Lake City Olympics. She would like to thank her family for their unwavering support and confidence!
JAMIE REED
Music Director
Jamie Reed, a 5th year resident of Tucson, is a Faculty Member of the Musical Theatre Program at University of Arizona. An accomplished music director, pianist, arranger, orchestrator, and vocal coach, she holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Professional credits include previous resident Music Director for Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck, MI, current MD for Okoboji Summer Theater in Okoboji, Iowa, and Music Director for Holland America Cruise Line. MD credits include Memphis, Mamma Mia, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Cabaret, Assassins, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Evita, Altar Boyz, Murder Ballad, Next To Normal, Rent, West Side Story, Last Five Years, and Lippa’s The Wild Party. National Tour credits: Wicked, Book of Mormon, Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, and My Fair Lady. Her first love is her 10 year old son, Anjelo, a musical prodigy in the making.
NORM TESTA
Technical Director
After getting an MFA in Theatrical Lighting Design from University of Arizona, Norm worked at Children’s Theatre Company as Stage Supervisor and Touring Lighting Designer. Norm was a Lighting Designer and Stage Manager for Norwegian and Holland America Cruise Lines for 3½ years while traveling around the world. Back in Tucson he worked as a Facilities Technical Coordinator for Arizona Theatre Company and volunteered for 6 years to restore the Tucson Fox Theatre. Norm taught Technical Theatre at Catalina Foothills HS for 23 years, developing an award-winning 4-year Technical Theatre program and achieving National Board Certification for Teaching.
DANI WRIGHT
Production Stage Manager
a Tucson native, got her start in theater at age 8 through Tom Thumb Players. In 2007, she received a BA from Brigham Young University's College of Theatre and Media Arts. Since then, she has continued her work in the theater and film industries, involving a variety of projects from large-scale concerts and stadium shows to community theater productions to feature films. She is currently the Director of Events and Volunteers for SARSEF, a STEM education nonprofit, as well as the Board President of CYT Tucson.
CHARLIE INGRAM
Executive Director
Charlie is thrilled to be a part of this young company. After receiving his BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster University, Charlie performed across the US in various productions, and the high seas on board the Oceania Regatta. He then moved to Chicago where he began pursuing a career in law. After passing the bar, he welcomed the opportunity to reenter the theatre world with Saguaro City. He is honored to help bring professional theatre and artistic opportunities to the people of Tucson.