*** The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.***

Be part of the show and support the Off Broadway Theatre!

At intermission, you get to decide which song will be performed live by voting with a $1 donation. Four songs will be up for selection, and the winning tune will take center stage. It’s a fun way to support local theatre while enjoying a one-of-a-kind musical moment at every show! Cast your vote now

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Jill Stark’s Director’s Notes

Starting a new year with OBT in a new space and stepping back into the world of directing and choreography after a six-year hiatus, I am filled with excitement and gratitude. It’s been a journey of personal growth and reflection, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to return than with this talented and vibrant cast. Diving into a fun parody of Grease is to be able to relive and dance to songs that inspired me to pursue musical theatre. It’s what the Off Broadway Theatre is meant to do. ENJOY. This cast took my direction and pushed themselves as if they were completing a marathon, while exploring their comedic instincts and the joy of storytelling. I am extremely grateful and encourage you all to sit back, hum along (since the words have been changed), and be amused by one of the most talented ensembles I have had the pleasure to work with.

CAST BIOS

Jessica Andrews as Hera

Jessica is so excited to be doing another show with the OBT. She was most recently seen in Dracula vs Henry Botter and The Scarlet Pimpernel: An Adaptation by Eric R. Jensen. She has always loved music and singing and making people laugh. She was involved in several music programs at the University of Utah while pursuing her degree in Civil Engineering. Her hobbies include karaoke, fire dancing, and spending time with her fur-babies.

Kayla Barlow as Sandea

This is Kayla’s third show with OBT! Some of her favorite past roles include Woman #1 in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Dragon in Shrek the Musical and Queen Elizabeth in Pirate Queen. Kayla has performed with many prominent musicians, including Steve Smith of Journey, Andrew Tolman of Imagine Dragons, Christine Ohlman of SNL, and many others. She is excited to portray Sandea in Greece Is the Word!

Evie Benson as Cherub

Evie is excited for her OBT debut! Since the age of 4, Evie has seen so many OBT shows she has lost count. She is thrilled to be in a show with her bestie, Jonas, as well as her mom, Jessica (Rizzi), and Evie’s guardian, Matt (Nicco). Previously, Evie enjoyed performing the role of a Who in Seussical. At home she enjoys dancing, reading, and video and board games with friends and family,

Jessica Benson as Riziculous (Rizzie)  

Jess is happy to be back at the OBT! She was last seen in green as Alphabah in Wicked Wizard of Ahhs. She is back to play with her OBT family with so many important friends who are talented, funny, and giving, both in the cast and production team. She is also excited to play as a couple with her IRL partner, Matt (Nicco), and their first time in a show with IRL adorable daughter, Evie. 

Matt Davids as K’nicklaus (Nicco)

Matthew is thrilled to be back at the OBT for his ninth show! He was last seen here as Googly Moogly (and six others!) in Frightmare Before Christmas. Some of his favorite roles include Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and Laertes in Hamleton. He’s always had a soft spot for Greek mythology and Happy Days—because what’s better than the Fonz in a toga?

DRÜ as Max Maximus

DRÜ is a classically trained performer, studying under such comedic masters as Daffy Duck, The Great Gonzo, and Homer Simpson. Some of his favorite performances include The Governor in Man of La Mancha, Aldolfo in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He’s also an experienced vocalist and looks forward to taking his voice out of the shower and on the road. Very SPECIAL THANKS to everyone who supports DRÜ in his endeavors.

Monte Garcia as Max Maximus

Monte is delighted to reprise the role of Max here at the new OBT location with this very talented cast. He has been performing all over the area for 25 years & has appeared in several OBT productions including last year’s Scarlet Pimpernel, Robyn Hood, Pirates of the Carabiner, Star Ward, The Lone Stranger, and others. Some of his other favorite roles include Sancho in Man of La Mancha, Radames in Aida, Pseudolus in Forum, and Bernardo in West Side Story. He is ever grateful to his uber supporting wife, Jen…”I lava, lava yous!”.

Viveann Godwin as Schnooky  

Viveann is excited to be on stage again with her OBT family as Schnooky in Greece is the Word. She was first seen on the OBT stage in Peta Pun and the Pirates three years ago, and has done several roles on stage and off. Her favorite roles include Momma/Crocky, Dr Hamblin, Brassett, and Mrs Mayor, as well as running tech for the theater. She is grateful for the support of her son and family, especially her theater family.

Stacee Hunsaker as Mardea   

Stacee Hunsaker is excited to be a part of the Off Broadway Theatre once again. “It’s not that I don’t like humans—it’s just that you’re not a cat and that disappoints me. Stop spraying Lysol and remember, kids: only you can prevent linger longers.” Previous roles include Mimi in Guys and Dolls with Cottonwood Heights, Amy Spettigue in Eric Jensen’s Charlie’s Aunt with the Off Broadway Theatre, and Alabama Lamb in Big Fish with Sandy Arts Guild.

Austinn Jensen as Eugean 

There’s much to observe when you get an actor with amazing looks, sharp wit, and timing so precise that if jokes were darts, they’d hit the bullseye every time. OBT could find no such person so they called Austinn instead. Austinn is thrilled to be performing again in Greece is the Word, though he took the saying “Break a Leg,” too literally toward the beginning of rehearsal, and broke his foot. “Believe in your Dreams…” – Dracula

Eric R. Jensen as Zeus

Eric is thrilled to bring this play back and reprise his role as Zeus! He loves anything that is comical and takes any opportunity to make people laugh. He thanks his wife, Sandy, their son, Austinn, and the board of trustees of the Off Broadway Theatre for all of their love and support. 2025 will be a new adventure here at the Alliance Theater, and he hopes you will enjoy this performance and many more throughout the year at our new stage. Thanks for following us here!

Anna Kennedy as Hera

Anna is excited to be back with the OBT in this new space. Previous OBT credits include The Scarlet Pimpernel: An Adaptation by Eric R. Jensen and It’s a Wondrous Life. In her spare time, Anna is an attorney and enjoys reading and fishing for compliments that she won’t actually accept. She thanks her family for their unwavering support and this amazing cast and crew for their dedication and hard work.

Chris Kennedy as Concussion 

Chris is glad to be back acting here at the OBT, playing with some amazingly funny talent and great friends. He was last seen co-directing Scarlet Pimpernel: An Adaptation by Eric R. Jensen here on the OBT stage. Previously, he performed as Robyn Hood, and in Star Ward and Eric Jensen’s Charlie’s Aunt on the OBT stage.  Favorite shows include Daddy Long Legs and The Odd Couple. He thanks his family, friends, and all of you for your support. Enjoy the show!

Jonas Macdonald as Cherub

Jonas is excited to be back on the OBT stage! He loves performing, creating, and playing sports. Outside of the theater, Jonas enjoys playing soccer, is a dem-professional on a sled, and is just shy of earning his black belt in taekwondo. He thanks his family, friends, and dogs for their support!

Scott Macdonald as Xenon (Nonny)    

Scott believes that theater embiggens the soul of the smallest man. He is excited to be the “teenager” T-God Nonny in this production with such an amazing and talented cast. In the past Scott has played multitudinous roles, from maniacal bad guys to endearing hobos and dashing heroes. When not theater-ing Scott likes to bike, ski, big-wheel, and talk in the third person, and is grateful for the support of his son, Jonas, his girlfriend, Jill, and his friends and family.

Brandy Pehrson as Schnooky

Brandwynne is honored to make her debut with the OBT company. With more than 30 years of experience in musical theater, she has performed in numerous productions and cherished every moment on stage. She is deeply grateful to the cast, crew, and creative team for their support and effort. She dedicates this performance to her family, friends, and especially to Karen, whose unwavering encouragement continues to inspire her journey.

Shea Potter as  Potzimus (Potzie)

Shea joined the OBT over a decade ago in their fantastic production of Greek School Musical. He played a teenager then and is still playing a teenager now, attesting to how youthful he has remained over the last few decades. You might have seen Shea as Squidward in OBT’s SpongeBob the Musical. He was a stand out in that role and is sure to be a stand out in this one. We hope to see him in many more productions to come. He thanks the loving support of his wife and family.

Hunter Smith as Dino

Hunter has loved being a part of Greece is the Word here at the OBT! You might have seen him recently in OBT’s Dracula vs Henry Potter as Heinrich or last year as Laverle in Utahoma! Hunter works as a software engineer from home, so he enjoys any opportunity to talk to people in real life, even if it is all pretend on a stage. 

Clarence Strohn as Concussion     

Clarence is exhaustedly excited to return for another round of Greece! Known for believing his jokes are the funniest (they are), Clarence spends his muggle life in IT—installing printers, expanding his massive spreadsheet empire, and coding at 3 a.m. because why not? In his spare time he works on his sweet moves—because nothing says ‘peak performance’ like barely surviving a dance number. He promises you’ll laugh at least once during this ridiculous parody… probably at his jokes.

Alisa Woodbrey as Frenchious    

Alisa loves performing and has done so all over the Wasatch Front. Some of her favorite stage credits include: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Truly Scrumptious), How to Succeed in Business… (Rosemary), and Sister Act (Mother Superior). During the day she uses her MBA to manage Woodbrey Family Travel, which she owns with her husband. Thanks to my family for always coming to my shows!

CREW BIOS

Jill Stark – Director

Jill has been in drama and dance for more than 35 years in performance and 20 years in directing and choreographing. With a passion for the performing arts that ignited in childhood, she has also dedicated the past 18 years to inspiring students and nurturing young talent. Jill has performed in numerous theatrical productions, over the valley but mostly at OBT and New World Shakespeare Company. From classic plays to contemporary dance pieces, she has captivated audiences with her ability to to make weird facial expressions while hopefully telling the story. She also loves to choreograph and enhance the play with precise movement. As a drama and dance educator, Jill is committed to fostering a love for the arts in her students. She creates an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages creativity, self-expression, and collaboration. Her teaching methods emphasize the importance of technique while also allowing students to explore their individuality. Although she has moved to Special Education she uses her love of performance to help all students. 

Lee Wailes – Stage Manager

The last time OBT put on Greece, at the theater’s first location in downtown Salt Lake, Lee was a spotlight tech. Eight years later, much has changed for him and the company. Now a stage manager to a fantastic cast, I hope you’ll enjoy this beginning of the theater’s new chapter. Much has changed, but the joy has remained.

Chase Arnold – Sound & Light Tech

Why is Chase here? Who knows? But what we do know is that doing tech for a show is pretty fun, and so he is doing it again, by himself this time, at that. He’ll probably tell you he’s an “adult” now, so he can make “reasonable decisions.” Enjoy the show. Or not. He doesn’t really mind.

Robbie Dalley – Sound and Light Consultant

A Primetime Emmy Award winner (yes, it is true!), Robbie has spent the past 20 years working all things tech for various groups, including the Sugar Factory Playhouse. He helped to start the OBT’s inhouse tech program and has continued to help push the boundaries of what is possible for our theater. Always behind the scenes, he is a dad to a great, soon-to-be-10-year-old son (Robbie), two cats (Penelope & Charlie), and a Corgi (Flora). He divides his non-theater time between work and family.

David Bellis – Laughing Stock Improv Tech

David has been the sound and light tech at the OBT for many years. He has been the sound and light tech for many of our  productions and has been a steadfast tech for our improv shows. David works full-time and spends many of his weekends helping out at the OBT, keeping the laughter going. Thanks David!

JApril 4 – April 26

May 16 – June 7

August 15 – August 30

November 28 – December 20

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Clarence Strohn, trustee and chair
Jeff Driggs, trustee and vice chair
Brett Andersen, trustee and secretary
Bing Fang, trustee and past chair
Christopher Cheeney, trustee 
Monte Garcia, trustee
Sandy Jensen, trustee
Jim Morgan, trustee 
Kelly Wideman, trustee

OFFICERS

Eric R. Jensen, Co-Founder / Artistic & Technical Director
Sandy ThuyAnn Jensen, Co-Founder / Executive Director
Bing Fang, Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Hicks, Treasurer
Kelly Wideman, Marketing Director

CONSULTANTS

Aaron Bellis, consultant
Nic Brown, consultant
Austinn Jensen, consultant
Daniel Gillette, consultat

ERIC R. AND SANDY HUBBLE JENSEN’S BIOS

Eric and Sandy are co-founders of the Off Broadway Theatre and Laughing Stock improv comedy troupe. They have worked closely for some 30 years, dedicating much of their time to building and growing the Off Broadway Theatre. They have been married for over 30 years and have one son, Austinn, who has grown up acting in numerous OBT and other productions.

Eric, the artistic and technical director for the OBT, grew up in Murray, Utah. He received his bachelor’s degree in theater arts at the University of Utah and his master’s degree in secondary education at the University of Phoenix. As executive producer and lead playwright, director, set designer, costumer, actor, and improviser, he guides many aspiring talents at the OBT. He teaches improv classes while mentoring up-and-coming playwrights, directors, stage managers, and set designers. His acting, writing, and directing experience has also been featured at Desert Star, CenterPoint Legacy, Hale (both Orem and West Valley), and Egyptian theaters. He has taught and performed high school workshops and elementary school assemblies, as well as for some after school programs. Eric also teaches K – 6 as a fine arts specialist in the Davis School District, inspiring children to love theatre, music, dance, and all things art. Under Eric’s leadership, OBT won the Best Community Theatre award from the Utah Theatre Association in 2020, recognizing the quality of the theatre and Eric’s work with high schools and the community.

Sandy serves as the executive director of the theatre, as well as executive producer, box office manager, and social media specialist, with more than 30 years of experience in small business management. She has an extensive acting background, including the OBT, Hale Centre Theatre WVC, The Grand Theatre, Sundance Theatre, Salt Lake Acting Company, Pages Lane, and Stage Right Theater. Sandy continues to work tirelessly to grow volunteer opportunities at the OBT. She was born in Vietnam and has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with endorsements in ESL, STEM, and Gifted. She teaches 1st grade in the Davis School District. She has earned two Presidential Awards for Volunteering and has been recognized in Who’s Who of America. 

The Off Broadway Theatre has been said to have a feel of “family,” and that’s because it is. Eric and Sandy’s mission has always been to provide a place where people can come together and make laughter ring true and provide a safe place to hone skills and develop friendships. Through the art of live performances, the theatre has reached many new friends, and its charitable outreach program has provided wonderful opportunities to serve our community. 

Eric and Sandy also co-founded Laughing Stock Improv and have performed together on the OBT stage as well as at corporate and school events. They are proud to have such a long-running improv show with some amazingly talented improvisers who have been with the company for a long time.

Thank you for your many years of support and patronage in Salt Lake City and Draper, and for following us here to the Alliance Theatre. Please continue to donate to help us forge another 30+ years of spreading laughter in Utah! Go to www.theOBT.org to donate today.