Cast/Crew Bios
ADAM ARGYLE (Mystery Preacher 1, Fight Director)
Adam thoroughly enjoys the Theatre. Some of Adam’s favorite roles have been Tybalt
(Romeo & Juliet), Richard (The Lion in Winter) and Wentworth (Persuasion). In addition to Romeo & Juliet, Adam has appeared in several of Shakespeare’s works including Macbeth (Macbeth), Julius Caesar (Caesar, Octavius), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Master Ford) and Othello (Iago.) Most recently Adam was seen as MacDuff in Renaissance Now’s production of Macbeth, both here in Provo and in New York. He has been fortunate to portray the character of Charles Jennens in Joyful Noise on several seasons at the Covey Center for the Arts. Adam has also been featured in previous Mahonri Stewart plays, including as William Law in Friends of God, Hades in "The Death of Eurydice," and Joseph Smith III in The Fading Flower.
As a fight director, Adam has years of experience with swords and other means of theatrical combat and
scenes he has choreographed have won awards at both local and national levels.
Adam thoroughly enjoys the Theatre. Some of Adam’s favorite roles have been Tybalt
(Romeo & Juliet), Richard (The Lion in Winter) and Wentworth (Persuasion). In addition to Romeo & Juliet, Adam has appeared in several of Shakespeare’s works including Macbeth (Macbeth), Julius Caesar (Caesar, Octavius), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Master Ford) and Othello (Iago.) Most recently Adam was seen as MacDuff in Renaissance Now’s production of Macbeth, both here in Provo and in New York. He has been fortunate to portray the character of Charles Jennens in Joyful Noise on several seasons at the Covey Center for the Arts. Adam has also been featured in previous Mahonri Stewart plays, including as William Law in Friends of God, Hades in "The Death of Eurydice," and Joseph Smith III in The Fading Flower.
As a fight director, Adam has years of experience with swords and other means of theatrical combat and
scenes he has choreographed have won awards at both local and national levels.
JAMES ARRINGTON (Director)
Professionally trained at The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, James Arrington is well known for writing several one-man shows. His first, Here’s Brother Brigham, toured from Hawaii to Scotland and Alaska to Florida and is now on DVD for all to enjoy. He followed that writing three versions of Farley Family Reunion, Farley Family 2: The Next Gyration, and The Farley Family Xmas. (These works can be found at www.jamesarringtonproductions.com) He followed with J. Golden, Tumuaki! Matthew Cowley of the Pacific, and Wilford Woodruff: God’s Fisherman. He has written full plays and musicals, along with scripts for the screen, radio, television, outdoor pageant, and even puppetry.
James joined the faculty at UVU in 1999, where he was made the first chair of the new Theatre Arts Department. He directed nearly every year till his retirement in 2016 among which were A Doll’s
House, Fiddler on The Roof, Grease, and The Trail of Dreams (co-written with Steve Perry, and Marvin Payne.) It was at UVU that he discovered Mahonri Stewart, a brand-new student playwright, and produced/directed the original production of the magnificent play you will see tonight.
Professionally trained at The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, James Arrington is well known for writing several one-man shows. His first, Here’s Brother Brigham, toured from Hawaii to Scotland and Alaska to Florida and is now on DVD for all to enjoy. He followed that writing three versions of Farley Family Reunion, Farley Family 2: The Next Gyration, and The Farley Family Xmas. (These works can be found at www.jamesarringtonproductions.com) He followed with J. Golden, Tumuaki! Matthew Cowley of the Pacific, and Wilford Woodruff: God’s Fisherman. He has written full plays and musicals, along with scripts for the screen, radio, television, outdoor pageant, and even puppetry.
James joined the faculty at UVU in 1999, where he was made the first chair of the new Theatre Arts Department. He directed nearly every year till his retirement in 2016 among which were A Doll’s
House, Fiddler on The Roof, Grease, and The Trail of Dreams (co-written with Steve Perry, and Marvin Payne.) It was at UVU that he discovered Mahonri Stewart, a brand-new student playwright, and produced/directed the original production of the magnificent play you will see tonight.
KENNETH F. BROWN (Harold Lowe)
Kenneth played the role of Harold Lowe in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003 and also portrayed Willard Richards in Mahonri Stewart's play Friends of God. He obtained his associates degree in Theater from UVU in December of 2003, after which he went on to pursue a career in acting. His largest role was in the movie, The Yankles where he played Rabbi Moshe Meyers, A Jewish Rabbi baseball coach. The Yankles went on to win 9 film festival awards. He also played Gary’s Brother in the film, Unicorn City, and Gregorio in the film, The Appearance. He also had a role on the TV show The Aquabats, playing a kitten loving motorcycle gang member (S:3, E:3, "Kitty Litter"). His websites are Kennethfbrown.com, talentmg.com/talent/actors/kenneth-brown/, and youtube.com/@kennethfbrown4118
Kenneth played the role of Harold Lowe in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003 and also portrayed Willard Richards in Mahonri Stewart's play Friends of God. He obtained his associates degree in Theater from UVU in December of 2003, after which he went on to pursue a career in acting. His largest role was in the movie, The Yankles where he played Rabbi Moshe Meyers, A Jewish Rabbi baseball coach. The Yankles went on to win 9 film festival awards. He also played Gary’s Brother in the film, Unicorn City, and Gregorio in the film, The Appearance. He also had a role on the TV show The Aquabats, playing a kitten loving motorcycle gang member (S:3, E:3, "Kitty Litter"). His websites are Kennethfbrown.com, talentmg.com/talent/actors/kenneth-brown/, and youtube.com/@kennethfbrown4118
NATHANIEL DREW (Producer)
Nathaniel is an award-winning music composer for theater, TV, and film (Magellan, Flight From Shadow, and Mythica: Darkspore); an entrepeneur/businessman; a film/TV producer (Ace in the Hole); a social media influencer; and the founder of the Salt Lake Pops Orchestra.
Nathaniel is an award-winning music composer for theater, TV, and film (Magellan, Flight From Shadow, and Mythica: Darkspore); an entrepeneur/businessman; a film/TV producer (Ace in the Hole); a social media influencer; and the founder of the Salt Lake Pops Orchestra.
Linn Eggett (Stage Crew)
Linn was a student of Mahonri Stewart and is a fellow lover of English and theater. They participated in many shows directed by Stewart through the years. They were told once by Stewart that they had “a weird sense of humor” when they were Gertrude in 15 Minute Hamlet. They are currently a sophomore in college studying English with a minor in theater. They can be found messing around both on and backstage at USU and recruiting people to participate in their small acting group Shakespeare on 25th.
Linn was a student of Mahonri Stewart and is a fellow lover of English and theater. They participated in many shows directed by Stewart through the years. They were told once by Stewart that they had “a weird sense of humor” when they were Gertrude in 15 Minute Hamlet. They are currently a sophomore in college studying English with a minor in theater. They can be found messing around both on and backstage at USU and recruiting people to participate in their small acting group Shakespeare on 25th.
EMMA FAYE (Hannah Whitefield, double cast)
Emma Faye is excited to join the cast of Farewell to Eden as Hannah Whitefield. The role of Hannah has been a beautiful character to step into and bring to life. She resonates with her passion and beliefs. Emma has over 25 years of experience on stage, screen, and voice over. A native Californian now living in Utah, she continues exploring her storytelling passion through community theatre and audiobooks. She is the President of the Eagle Mountain Community Theatre and narrates audiobooks full-time from her home studio as the Clean Reads Queen. www.emmafayenarrates.com
Emma Faye is excited to join the cast of Farewell to Eden as Hannah Whitefield. The role of Hannah has been a beautiful character to step into and bring to life. She resonates with her passion and beliefs. Emma has over 25 years of experience on stage, screen, and voice over. A native Californian now living in Utah, she continues exploring her storytelling passion through community theatre and audiobooks. She is the President of the Eagle Mountain Community Theatre and narrates audiobooks full-time from her home studio as the Clean Reads Queen. www.emmafayenarrates.com
JULIANNE FERGUSON (Esther Whitefield)
Julianne is very excited to be a part of Farewell to Eden. She recently worked with Tooele Vally Theatre on MacBeth as Ross, and with Stansbury High School (SHS) in Legally Blonde as Elle Woods. Julianne is a senior in high school at SHS and wants to receive a BFA in musical theater when she goes to college. For fun, she likes spend time with her family, friends, and her little dog, Peanut.
Julianne is very excited to be a part of Farewell to Eden. She recently worked with Tooele Vally Theatre on MacBeth as Ross, and with Stansbury High School (SHS) in Legally Blonde as Elle Woods. Julianne is a senior in high school at SHS and wants to receive a BFA in musical theater when she goes to college. For fun, she likes spend time with her family, friends, and her little dog, Peanut.
KARLEE FLAIG (Hair Designer)
Karlee has loved the theater since she began with her first show, Alice in Wonderland Jr., in the 5th grade. Since then she has been a part of a wide variety of productions such as Shakespeare’s The Tempest as Ariel, Legally Blonde The Musical as Vivian Kensington, Mahonri Stewart's adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, and many more. In her junior year of high school, Karlee ventured to the backstage area of the theater as well as maintaining her passions on the stage. She not only did makeup and began to be an assistant director for various shows, she was in but also got the experience of being a stage manager for two junior productions for the elementary to middle school casts. Her love for the theater is wide as she continues to explore it’s depth and has now embarked into hair design for the first time in the 20th anniversary production of Mahonri Stewart's Farewell to Eden.
Karlee has loved the theater since she began with her first show, Alice in Wonderland Jr., in the 5th grade. Since then she has been a part of a wide variety of productions such as Shakespeare’s The Tempest as Ariel, Legally Blonde The Musical as Vivian Kensington, Mahonri Stewart's adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, and many more. In her junior year of high school, Karlee ventured to the backstage area of the theater as well as maintaining her passions on the stage. She not only did makeup and began to be an assistant director for various shows, she was in but also got the experience of being a stage manager for two junior productions for the elementary to middle school casts. Her love for the theater is wide as she continues to explore it’s depth and has now embarked into hair design for the first time in the 20th anniversary production of Mahonri Stewart's Farewell to Eden.
DANOR GERALD (Videographer)
Danor grew up in rural Mississippi, Chicago, and Texas. He studied theater after high school at a private liberal arts university in Arkansas. He started acting professionally in Dallas after moving home to attend a local acting conservatory. He gave critically acclaimed performances as Tom Robinson and the Preacher in To Kill a Mockingbird at DCT and Manuel in The Gingerbread Lady. He was part of the original cast in some world premieres that were staged in Dallas including adaptations of William Faulkner's (Nobel Prize) The Sound and the Fury and Manchild in the Promised Land. From Dallas he moved onto larger stages at Disney World. Danor and Mahonri Stewart have worked together on a number of projects, most notably when he played Truman Nibley in Stewart's Rings of the Tree.
Danor's TV career began to take shape playing a recurring role in the TV series Sheena. After that he appears in TV and indie films for Hallmark, SyFy Channel, Lifetime, and numerous indie films. Gerald stars as Sgt. Jesse Owens in Saints and Soldiers: The Void (2014). He is most known for performances in teen-genre films like High School Musical 2, Forever Strong, and House of Fears.
Danor's directorial debut is the narrative feature film Grandpa's Crazy?. Writer, director, and editor, the film's post production and visual effects were produced by Monark Media, which Gerald founded in 2020. This debut feature won Gerald "Best Director of the Year" honors at The India Global International Film Festival, Airflix Film Festival, The Utah Film Festival and has received numerous other awards including "Audience Choice" awards. To follow Danor you can find him on Instagram or Twitter @danorgerald.
Danor grew up in rural Mississippi, Chicago, and Texas. He studied theater after high school at a private liberal arts university in Arkansas. He started acting professionally in Dallas after moving home to attend a local acting conservatory. He gave critically acclaimed performances as Tom Robinson and the Preacher in To Kill a Mockingbird at DCT and Manuel in The Gingerbread Lady. He was part of the original cast in some world premieres that were staged in Dallas including adaptations of William Faulkner's (Nobel Prize) The Sound and the Fury and Manchild in the Promised Land. From Dallas he moved onto larger stages at Disney World. Danor and Mahonri Stewart have worked together on a number of projects, most notably when he played Truman Nibley in Stewart's Rings of the Tree.
Danor's TV career began to take shape playing a recurring role in the TV series Sheena. After that he appears in TV and indie films for Hallmark, SyFy Channel, Lifetime, and numerous indie films. Gerald stars as Sgt. Jesse Owens in Saints and Soldiers: The Void (2014). He is most known for performances in teen-genre films like High School Musical 2, Forever Strong, and House of Fears.
Danor's directorial debut is the narrative feature film Grandpa's Crazy?. Writer, director, and editor, the film's post production and visual effects were produced by Monark Media, which Gerald founded in 2020. This debut feature won Gerald "Best Director of the Year" honors at The India Global International Film Festival, Airflix Film Festival, The Utah Film Festival and has received numerous other awards including "Audience Choice" awards. To follow Danor you can find him on Instagram or Twitter @danorgerald.
MARGIE JOHNSON (Georgiana Highett)
Margie played the role of Georgiana Highett in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003. For that role, Margie was chosen to compete on the regional level in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival's Irene Ryan acting competition. She is so grateful to be reunited with the FTE cast and crew after 20 years. She graduated from the UVU theatre program in 2004 and has tried to stay active in the theatre community wherever she has lived (Utah, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania). When not on stage, Margie stays busy as a mom and an RN. She would like to thank her family for letting her be MIA during this production and her cast family who are so fun to play with!
Margie played the role of Georgiana Highett in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003. For that role, Margie was chosen to compete on the regional level in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival's Irene Ryan acting competition. She is so grateful to be reunited with the FTE cast and crew after 20 years. She graduated from the UVU theatre program in 2004 and has tried to stay active in the theatre community wherever she has lived (Utah, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania). When not on stage, Margie stays busy as a mom and an RN. She would like to thank her family for letting her be MIA during this production and her cast family who are so fun to play with!
TATUM LANGTON (Hannah Whitefield, double cast)
Tatum is absolutely delighted to be back as one of Farewell to Eden's original cast in what was her first stage performance at UVU, all those years ago - only now she gets to play the sister of her previous character. She is a Los Angeles based actress born and raised in and around Bountiful, Utah. She has had the privilege of acting on TV, film and on stage. Most recently she’s written and performed her one-woman play, RedeemHer, in NYC, LA, Utah, and Scotland, for which she also won the AML writing award for Best Drama. Tatum has also starred in other plays be Mahonri Stewart, including in Legends of Sleepy Hollow as Katrina Van Tassel, Swallow the Sun as Janie Moore, and March of Salt Soldiers (co-written with James Arrington) as Celeste Young.
Tatum is absolutely delighted to be back as one of Farewell to Eden's original cast in what was her first stage performance at UVU, all those years ago - only now she gets to play the sister of her previous character. She is a Los Angeles based actress born and raised in and around Bountiful, Utah. She has had the privilege of acting on TV, film and on stage. Most recently she’s written and performed her one-woman play, RedeemHer, in NYC, LA, Utah, and Scotland, for which she also won the AML writing award for Best Drama. Tatum has also starred in other plays be Mahonri Stewart, including in Legends of Sleepy Hollow as Katrina Van Tassel, Swallow the Sun as Janie Moore, and March of Salt Soldiers (co-written with James Arrington) as Celeste Young.
SARAH DAWN LOWRY (Production Manager)
Sarah Dawn had the privilege of stage managing the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003 as a young college student. Bonding with the entire cast and crew was a life changing experience. She went on to get her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and Business from Weber State University. She has stage managed in Utah, South Korea, and California for 23 years. She is pleased to announce that she joined Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) in 2022. Some of her stage management highlights include; For the Love of a Glove 2023 (AEA), Carmen Jones (AEA), Valley Song (AEA), For the Love of a Glove 2020 (world premiere), HYPE MAN: A Breakbeat Play, Cult of Love (world premiere), Cabaret, The Clowns (world premiere English translation), 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible, Farewell to Eden 2003 (world premiere), and Heidi (world premiere). We are here to help each other. Spread love to all living things.
Sarah Dawn had the privilege of stage managing the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003 as a young college student. Bonding with the entire cast and crew was a life changing experience. She went on to get her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and Business from Weber State University. She has stage managed in Utah, South Korea, and California for 23 years. She is pleased to announce that she joined Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) in 2022. Some of her stage management highlights include; For the Love of a Glove 2023 (AEA), Carmen Jones (AEA), Valley Song (AEA), For the Love of a Glove 2020 (world premiere), HYPE MAN: A Breakbeat Play, Cult of Love (world premiere), Cabaret, The Clowns (world premiere English translation), 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible, Farewell to Eden 2003 (world premiere), and Heidi (world premiere). We are here to help each other. Spread love to all living things.
WILLIAM MCCALLISTER (Mystery Preacher 2)
Will is a big fan of telling stories -- and his favorite means of doing so is acting. Working together with people to create a character, and to use said character to help tell a tale -- there is just nothing else like it. Some of Will's favorite past performances include Jimmy Stewart in Mahonri Stewart's Jimmy Stewart Goes to Hollywood, Tarquin in Chelsea Frandsen's Wolves of Sherwood, and Boyd in Max Reuben's Bank Holiday. He is absolutely thrilled to be in this special anniversary production of Farewell to Eden, having loved every second of being a part of the show (that time as Stephen Lockhart) during its 2010 run. He also acted in others of Stewart's plays, including as the role of Owen Barfield in Swallow the Sun and Joseph Smith, Jr. in The Fading Flower. Will's massively grateful to his wife, Zel, for always being so dang supportive as he runs about from film shoot to stage production in order to scratch his storytelling itch.
Will is a big fan of telling stories -- and his favorite means of doing so is acting. Working together with people to create a character, and to use said character to help tell a tale -- there is just nothing else like it. Some of Will's favorite past performances include Jimmy Stewart in Mahonri Stewart's Jimmy Stewart Goes to Hollywood, Tarquin in Chelsea Frandsen's Wolves of Sherwood, and Boyd in Max Reuben's Bank Holiday. He is absolutely thrilled to be in this special anniversary production of Farewell to Eden, having loved every second of being a part of the show (that time as Stephen Lockhart) during its 2010 run. He also acted in others of Stewart's plays, including as the role of Owen Barfield in Swallow the Sun and Joseph Smith, Jr. in The Fading Flower. Will's massively grateful to his wife, Zel, for always being so dang supportive as he runs about from film shoot to stage production in order to scratch his storytelling itch.
ANTONIO MEDINA (Thomas Highett)
Antonio is a young and upcoming actor and multi-artist. He has performed in a multitude of shows such as The Tempest, Legally Blonde, The Little Mermaid, Mahonri Stewart's Manifest, and many more. If he is not out socializing with the world, he is most likely nose deep in his writing projects or maybe in the kitchen making food for his friends and family.
Antonio is a young and upcoming actor and multi-artist. He has performed in a multitude of shows such as The Tempest, Legally Blonde, The Little Mermaid, Mahonri Stewart's Manifest, and many more. If he is not out socializing with the world, he is most likely nose deep in his writing projects or maybe in the kitchen making food for his friends and family.
CALAH OAKLEY (Stage Manager)
Calah is new to the theater scene, but had an intense interest in breaking into stage management and has been learning about the joys of tech theater from her wonderful teacher who has been showing her the ropes, Farewell to Eden's production manager Sarah Dawn Lowry.
Calah is new to the theater scene, but had an intense interest in breaking into stage management and has been learning about the joys of tech theater from her wonderful teacher who has been showing her the ropes, Farewell to Eden's production manager Sarah Dawn Lowry.
EMILY PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY (Photographer)
Emily Pearl is an international award winning portrait photographer. She’s also been featured in multiple magazines and podcasts and has started to travel for her work to places such as Hawaii, Italy, England, and Scotland. One of her greatest honors is the gift she has been given of truly and deeply seeing the person in front of her camera and who they are becoming and helping them to see it as well. She adores her three children and currently resides in West Jordan. Her website is www.emilypearlphotography.com.
Emily Pearl is an international award winning portrait photographer. She’s also been featured in multiple magazines and podcasts and has started to travel for her work to places such as Hawaii, Italy, England, and Scotland. One of her greatest honors is the gift she has been given of truly and deeply seeing the person in front of her camera and who they are becoming and helping them to see it as well. She adores her three children and currently resides in West Jordan. Her website is www.emilypearlphotography.com.
REBECCA MINSON RUPPE (Catherine Highett)
This is Rebecca's second time playing the role of Catherine, having performed the role previously in Zion Theater Company's revival of the show in 2010. Rebecca is a classically trained actress with a bachelor's of art in theater from Utah Valley University. She has most recently been playing Bates on a webseries Phoenix Inc., but is thrilled to be returning to the stage. Among her favorite parts have been Annie at the Off Broadway Theater, Sam Forrest in Mahonri Stewart's A Roof Overhead with Zion Theater Company, and directing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with Zion Theater Company. She has also acted in others of Stewart's plays, including Jimmy Stewart Goes to Hollywood, The Opposing Wheel, "Jinn," and "The Prince's House." She would like to thank her family, especially her husband, Jeremy, and their two beautiful children for all their love and support.
This is Rebecca's second time playing the role of Catherine, having performed the role previously in Zion Theater Company's revival of the show in 2010. Rebecca is a classically trained actress with a bachelor's of art in theater from Utah Valley University. She has most recently been playing Bates on a webseries Phoenix Inc., but is thrilled to be returning to the stage. Among her favorite parts have been Annie at the Off Broadway Theater, Sam Forrest in Mahonri Stewart's A Roof Overhead with Zion Theater Company, and directing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with Zion Theater Company. She has also acted in others of Stewart's plays, including Jimmy Stewart Goes to Hollywood, The Opposing Wheel, "Jinn," and "The Prince's House." She would like to thank her family, especially her husband, Jeremy, and their two beautiful children for all their love and support.
SAMUEL SCHOFIELD (Darrel Fredericks)
Sam played Darrel Fredericks in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003. He studied with Mahonri Stewart at UVU and has always jumped at any opportunity to participate Stewart’s plays. Throughout the years he has acted in Stewart's Swallow the Sun as Warnie Lewis and The Drown’d Book as Thomas Quiney. He is honored to play Darrel once again with a new and improved energy.
Sam played Darrel Fredericks in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003. He studied with Mahonri Stewart at UVU and has always jumped at any opportunity to participate Stewart’s plays. Throughout the years he has acted in Stewart's Swallow the Sun as Warnie Lewis and The Drown’d Book as Thomas Quiney. He is honored to play Darrel once again with a new and improved energy.
RANDY SEELY (Set Designer)
Randy has built and designed sets for numerous theatre organizations, companies, and festivals throughout Southern Utah, such as Utah Shakespeare Festival, The Neil Simon Festival, Cedar Valley Community Theatre, Buffalo Theatre Company, Kayenta Center for the Arts and Utah Tech Entertainment Alliance.
He is currently on the educational staff of Canyon View High School in Cedar City, UT, as Visual Arts Instructor of 2D Art and Scenic Designer/Tech Director for the CVHS Theatre Department. He is also a member of the Cedar City arts Council as their Art Education and Special Projects representative.
Randy holds a BS in Theatre Design, and a BFA in Secondary Art Education from Southern Utah University. He is also a recent recipient of an MA in Studio Art Through the Florence Academy of Fine Arts.
Randy has built and designed sets for numerous theatre organizations, companies, and festivals throughout Southern Utah, such as Utah Shakespeare Festival, The Neil Simon Festival, Cedar Valley Community Theatre, Buffalo Theatre Company, Kayenta Center for the Arts and Utah Tech Entertainment Alliance.
He is currently on the educational staff of Canyon View High School in Cedar City, UT, as Visual Arts Instructor of 2D Art and Scenic Designer/Tech Director for the CVHS Theatre Department. He is also a member of the Cedar City arts Council as their Art Education and Special Projects representative.
Randy holds a BS in Theatre Design, and a BFA in Secondary Art Education from Southern Utah University. He is also a recent recipient of an MA in Studio Art Through the Florence Academy of Fine Arts.
ADAM SLEE (Producer)
Adam has been actively engaged in Arts Advocacy and Education for the past 20 years. He promotes authentic dialogue about race, culture, gender, and disability that embraces the complexity of underlying social and historical issues and advocates for full inclusion of artists of color and performers with disabilities.
Artist-Led Pedagogy is central to Adam's approach to artistic training. He believes that teaching technique is not enough--students must be engaged with artists to be taught to think and see like artists. Those receiving pre-professional training from Mr. Slee develop a comprehensive portfolio and graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to transition into post secondary training.
Under his direction students have ranked highly in many regional, state, and national competitions including: The American Theatre Wing's Musical Theatre Song Writing Competition, The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, The English-Speaking Union's Shakespeare Competition, CS Music Competition, NATS, Playwrights for Social Change, The National Thespian Competition, The Sterling Scholar Awards, The Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards, Utah Shakespeare Competition, UHSAA Theatre Competition, The Fringe Festival (Edinburgh Scotland)
Adam has been actively engaged in Arts Advocacy and Education for the past 20 years. He promotes authentic dialogue about race, culture, gender, and disability that embraces the complexity of underlying social and historical issues and advocates for full inclusion of artists of color and performers with disabilities.
Artist-Led Pedagogy is central to Adam's approach to artistic training. He believes that teaching technique is not enough--students must be engaged with artists to be taught to think and see like artists. Those receiving pre-professional training from Mr. Slee develop a comprehensive portfolio and graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to transition into post secondary training.
Under his direction students have ranked highly in many regional, state, and national competitions including: The American Theatre Wing's Musical Theatre Song Writing Competition, The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, The English-Speaking Union's Shakespeare Competition, CS Music Competition, NATS, Playwrights for Social Change, The National Thespian Competition, The Sterling Scholar Awards, The Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards, Utah Shakespeare Competition, UHSAA Theatre Competition, The Fringe Festival (Edinburgh Scotland)
KAILI SMITH (Marketer)
Frequent guest of Good Things Utah, Motivational Speaker, and VP of Marketing at JobNimbus. Kaili Smith is a UVU Alumna with over 10 years of Marketing experience and is incredibly passionate about behavioral science.
Frequent guest of Good Things Utah, Motivational Speaker, and VP of Marketing at JobNimbus. Kaili Smith is a UVU Alumna with over 10 years of Marketing experience and is incredibly passionate about behavioral science.
ANNE OGDEN STEWART (Costumer and Producer)
Anne started sewing when she was seven and spent many youthful hours sewing with her mom. Anne's previous costuming credits include Mahonri Stewart's Rings of the Tree, Sense and Sensibility, Swallow the Sun, and the workshop production of The Opposing Wheel; additionally she has also costumed for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and A Midsummer's Night Dream. Her first love in the theater is acting. She ventured into theater in the 1st grade and continued through college. She starred in And Then There Were None, See How They Run, and Arsenic and Old Lace. However, it was her role as Gertrude Goulosh in Legends of Sleepy Hollow that led her to falling in love with and subsequently marrying the show's playwright: Mahonri Stewart. They and their two children have been having adventures ever since.
Anne started sewing when she was seven and spent many youthful hours sewing with her mom. Anne's previous costuming credits include Mahonri Stewart's Rings of the Tree, Sense and Sensibility, Swallow the Sun, and the workshop production of The Opposing Wheel; additionally she has also costumed for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and A Midsummer's Night Dream. Her first love in the theater is acting. She ventured into theater in the 1st grade and continued through college. She starred in And Then There Were None, See How They Run, and Arsenic and Old Lace. However, it was her role as Gertrude Goulosh in Legends of Sleepy Hollow that led her to falling in love with and subsequently marrying the show's playwright: Mahonri Stewart. They and their two children have been having adventures ever since.
MAHONRI STEWART (Playwright and Executive Producer)
Mahonri is a playwright, screenwriter, director, theater producer, novelist, poet, anthology editor, and educator. Mahonri graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dramatic Writing (Screenwriting and Playwriting) from Arizona State University and received a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from Utah Valley University. Mahonri is married to Anne Stewart (this production's costumer and co-producer), whom he courted at UVU while she was an actress in his play Legends of Sleepy Hollow (directed by the late, great Christoper Clark). They have two wonderful children.
Two dozen of Mahonri's plays have been produced in Europe and the United States. He has received numerous awards for his plays, including the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival’s National Playwriting Award (Second Place) and a KCACTF National Selection Team Fellowship Award, both for Farewell to Eden. He also received the Hale Centre Theatre's Ruth and Nathan Hale Comedy Playwriting Award (for Legends of Sleepy Hollow) and the Association for Mormon Letters Award for Drama (for A Roof Overhead).
In his attempts to break into screenwriting, Stewart has placed nine times as a finalist, semi finalist, quarter finalist, and an honorable mention in major, international screenplay contests such as ScreenCraft, Final Draft's Big Break, WeScreenplay, and the Big Apple Film Festival in New York. He is a two time ScreenCraft Finalist, in the Feature category and the True Story and Public Domain category, both for his Revolutionary War era screenplay, Wrightsborough. He also has advanced to the semifinalist level in the ScreenCraft Animation Screenplay (for Exiles) and Final Draft's Big Break Screenplay contest (for Wrightsborough), and anxiously awaits the results of those contests. His website is www.mahonristewart.com .
Mahonri is a playwright, screenwriter, director, theater producer, novelist, poet, anthology editor, and educator. Mahonri graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dramatic Writing (Screenwriting and Playwriting) from Arizona State University and received a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from Utah Valley University. Mahonri is married to Anne Stewart (this production's costumer and co-producer), whom he courted at UVU while she was an actress in his play Legends of Sleepy Hollow (directed by the late, great Christoper Clark). They have two wonderful children.
Two dozen of Mahonri's plays have been produced in Europe and the United States. He has received numerous awards for his plays, including the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival’s National Playwriting Award (Second Place) and a KCACTF National Selection Team Fellowship Award, both for Farewell to Eden. He also received the Hale Centre Theatre's Ruth and Nathan Hale Comedy Playwriting Award (for Legends of Sleepy Hollow) and the Association for Mormon Letters Award for Drama (for A Roof Overhead).
In his attempts to break into screenwriting, Stewart has placed nine times as a finalist, semi finalist, quarter finalist, and an honorable mention in major, international screenplay contests such as ScreenCraft, Final Draft's Big Break, WeScreenplay, and the Big Apple Film Festival in New York. He is a two time ScreenCraft Finalist, in the Feature category and the True Story and Public Domain category, both for his Revolutionary War era screenplay, Wrightsborough. He also has advanced to the semifinalist level in the ScreenCraft Animation Screenplay (for Exiles) and Final Draft's Big Break Screenplay contest (for Wrightsborough), and anxiously awaits the results of those contests. His website is www.mahonristewart.com .
AARON R. WILLDEN (Stephen Lockhart)
Aaron played the role of Stephen Lockhart in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003. For that role, Aaron was chosen to compete on the regional level in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s Irene Ryan acting competition. Aaron is thrilled to be reunited with old friends and new acquaintances in this 20th year anniversary production. Aaron currently works as an analyst at Chevron Refinery in North Salt Lake. He credits his success at work to his ability to act. Prior to that, Aaron worked at Sinclair Refinery in Rawlins WY, where he also spent 5 plus years as the Rawlins High School Theater Coach. Aaron wants to thank his amazing wife for being so supportive and understanding while he has been away as she has been at home with 7 kids (one of them being a newborn).
Aaron played the role of Stephen Lockhart in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003. For that role, Aaron was chosen to compete on the regional level in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s Irene Ryan acting competition. Aaron is thrilled to be reunited with old friends and new acquaintances in this 20th year anniversary production. Aaron currently works as an analyst at Chevron Refinery in North Salt Lake. He credits his success at work to his ability to act. Prior to that, Aaron worked at Sinclair Refinery in Rawlins WY, where he also spent 5 plus years as the Rawlins High School Theater Coach. Aaron wants to thank his amazing wife for being so supportive and understanding while he has been away as she has been at home with 7 kids (one of them being a newborn).
ANGELA YOUMANS (Mary)
Angela played the role of Mary in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003. She is excited to polish the silver and play Mary again. She has played Sally in a A Christmas Carol, Mrs. Putnam in The Crucible, Mother Regina in Nuncrackers, and was featured in the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
Angela or “Ms. Yo” uses her theater skills everyday working with her students with special needs in Rexburg, Idaho. Recently, one of the students informed her, “Ms. Yo, you are getting shorter.” She replied, “I hope not, perhaps you are getting taller.” She has taught her students to play “Happy Birthday” on the bells. They share their version of “Happy Birthday” to those around the school. It brings smiles to faces and sometimes a tear to the eye.
Angela played the role of Mary in the original production of Farewell to Eden in 2003. She is excited to polish the silver and play Mary again. She has played Sally in a A Christmas Carol, Mrs. Putnam in The Crucible, Mother Regina in Nuncrackers, and was featured in the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
Angela or “Ms. Yo” uses her theater skills everyday working with her students with special needs in Rexburg, Idaho. Recently, one of the students informed her, “Ms. Yo, you are getting shorter.” She replied, “I hope not, perhaps you are getting taller.” She has taught her students to play “Happy Birthday” on the bells. They share their version of “Happy Birthday” to those around the school. It brings smiles to faces and sometimes a tear to the eye.