Cinderella (Enchanted Edition) Production Team

Director

Elizabeth Ponic

Elizabeth Ponic (Director) hails from Stowe, Vermont, where she first fell in love with dance and theatre at a young age. She moved to Albuquerque after obtaining a BA in theatre arts. Favorite performance credits include Chicago, Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, Cabaret, Anything Goes, The Producers, Guys and Dolls, and Hair. Some of her favorite backstage credits include serving as Stage Manager for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Newsies, Beauty & The Beast, Rock of Ages, Bonnie & Clyde, the virtual productions of Spamalot; Hair Designer for The Addams Family, Into the Woods, Shrek the Musical; and Costume Design for Civil War, Stones in his Pocket and Sordid Lives. She thanks her wonderful friends, family and husband for supporting her.

Music Director

Jennifer Y. Hipólito

Jennifer Y. Hipólito (Music Director) has been with MTS since the 2016 production of Beauty and the Beast. She was the Music Director for Newsies (MTS), and most recently for Little Shop of Horrors (HAP). Favorite performance credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame and In the Heights (MTS), as well as the World Premiere of Hector Armienta's Zorro (Opera Southwest). She currently serves on the Board of Directors at MTS, and is a past President. She holds an MA in education from GCU, and studied music education with a concentration in voice at UNM. She is a teacher with APS and directs the Jammin' Jaguars at her school. She thanks her loved ones for their constant support. Philippians 4:13

Choreographer

Kellen Weigand

Kellen Weigand (Choreographer) is pleased to continue her choreography journey (with her biggest project to date) after a four year hiatus. As a recent addition to the theatre community, this is her second show ever. She recently had a blast performing in the ensemble of The Hunchback of Notre Dame with MTS. Kellen hails from Dallas, TX where she grew up dancing as many styles as she could find classes. She also set several works on her college dance company during her four years at the University of Maryland. Kellen thanks her friends, family, and the MTS community for their love and support. It takes a village!

Stage Manager

Jordon Embree

Jordon Embree (Stage Manager) has served in many capacities for MTS productions including Assistant Stage Manager for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Bonnie and Clyde, and Beauty and the Beast; Stage Manager for Matilda and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; and as a crew member for Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rock of Ages, and The Pajama Game. Jordon serves on the Board of Directors at MTS. He has enjoyed his time with the cast and crew of Cinderella who continue to show creativity, determination, and a love of theatre. Jordon thanks them all for their contributions to this project, and looks forward to working with all of them again.

Ballroom Choreography and Consultation

Valerie Sako-Peacock

Valerie Sako-Peacock (Ballroom Choreography and Consultation) was born in Albuquerque, but has lived throughout the US and abroad. She is a retired flight attendant and now owns the Peacock Insurance Agency. Having a love for dance her entire life, she started dancing and competing in Country Western, but became passionate about West Coast Swing and Hustle in the early 1990’s. Valerie has competed across the country, placing and winning numerous West Coast Swing competitions.This is her first time working with MTS, and she is honored and humbled to be a part of this stellar production team. She sends love to Mark, Emily, Lykka and her entire family for their love and support.

Ballroom Choreography and Consultation

Alex Vlahos

Alex Vlahos (Ballroom Choreography and Consultation) is originally from NJ and has lived in NM since 1977. Alex began dancing in 1982 starting with Ballroom & Latin and then discovered West Coast Swing in the early 90’s. He’s attended hundreds of competitions throughout the country including the US Ballroom, World Latin, and US Open Swing Championships. Alex has competed, placed, and won numerous advanced level West Coast Swing competitions. He has a passion for dance and has also enjoyed teaching for the local dance community. Alex is excited to be making his debut with MTS. He thanks the entire production team and cast for being so welcoming.

Scenic Design/Master Carpenter

Andy Boehnlein

Andy Boehnlein (Scenic Design/Master Carpenter) is proud to be working on his first show as a Scenic Designer. He is new to the Albuquerque area coming from the Midwest. This is Andy’s second show with MTS, previously serving as a set builder for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Andy is excited to be working with Cinderella again, having acted in the role of the King for his high school production (complete with glued-on facial hair because he couldn’t grow any). Andy would like to thank his dad for teaching him everything he knows about building, and his fiancé Chris for letting him take over the dining table with all of his model building for the show.

Sound Design

Andy Ray Bridges

Andy Ray Bridges (Sound Design) is so happy to be back in the Burque doing theatre. His life has consistently revolved around performance and so is excited to return to the sound booth for MTS. Earlier this year, Andy launched a production company, Here I Come, that hopes to bring new and exciting entertainment in a variety of mediums, in a way that feels relatable to consistently underrepresented communities. "In these trying times I urge everyone to do what they can to protect human rights in their community by supporting local organizations such as Casa Q, WESST, or the NM Women's March."

Costume Design

Rachel Capener

Rachel Capener (Costume Design) considers it a dream and privilege to be a part of this magical show. Rachel is an Albuquerque native and graduated from UNM with a BBA in business entrepreneurship and a minor in theater. She is currently a substitute teacher. Rachel has been doing costume work since high school. Some of her recent costume design (and co-design) work includes Fun Home (MTS), The Little Mermaid (Heartstrings Theatre), Big Fish and Trail to Oregon (MTS). She spends her free time outside of work and theater drinking coffee and thinking about Star Wars. She thanks her family and friends for all their love and support.

Nina Dorrance

Nina Dorrance (Properties Design) is delighted to be designing her third show at MTS. Her most recent credits include The Dumb Waiter (West End Productions), Pelleas et Melisande (Opera Southwest), Hay Fever (West End Productions), Unnecessary Farce (The Adobe), References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot (The Vortex), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (ALT), The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Carrie (MTS). She is retired from the School of Adult and General Education at CNM, where she taught a lot of 7:30 am classes so as to keep her evenings free for theatre. In her spare time she collects glue guns, fabric remnants, and small power tools.

Hair & Makeup Design

Khristah Garcia

Khristah Garcia (Hair & Makeup Design) is a local costume and makeup designer who has been working with MTS since 2018. In 2022, she has been part of these productions for costume/makeup and hair design for Big Fish, Little Shop of Horrors, Holes, James and the Giant Peach the musical kids, The Little Mermaid the musical kids and now Cinderella. She is excited to help MTS bring the sparkling magic to the stage for their end of season production and wants to thank the staff of MTS and her loved ones who have supported her every step of the way. Khristah can help you achieve the look you desire, be it glamorous or gruesome!

Production Staff

Theatre Manager: Theresa A. Carson

Production Coordinator: Gwen Garger

Technical Director: Samuel Strasser

Assistant Stage Manager: Raul Saenz

Lighting Designer: Lucas Zuniga

Light Board Operator: Jerry Hines

Sound Board Operator: Jordon Embree

Sound Engineer: Andy Ray Bridges

Assistant Sound Designer/Engineer: Vincent Montoya

Wardrobe Manager: Robin Havens-Parker

Dressers: Allen Dominguez, Kaylee Hammond

Scenic Builders: Christopher Allemang, Andy Boehnlein, Gwen Garger, Samuel Strasser

Lead Scenic Painter: Gwen Garger

Scenic Painters: Andy Boehnlein, Nicholas Handley, Kirsten Maestas, Samuel Strasser, Tamara Vann-Moya, Adrianne Wise

Costume Construction: Rachel Capener, Allen Dominquez, Robin Havens-Parker, Dee Skinner

Rehearsal Pianist: Daniel Bukin

Acting Box Office Manager: Elizabeth Ponic

Office Manager: Luana Berger

Photography: Jason Ponic Photography

Program Designer/Editor: Vicki Marie Singer