Premiered on November 19, 2020 at 8PM PST
William Lokke – Author
Lokke was born, raised and educated in Northern Minnesota. In 1957 he ventured to California to join what became the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Throughout his 50 year career as a project physicist and leader he maintained his interest in the arts. In his retirement he spent six years on the Board of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Several years ago he began showcasing his computer driven three hour condensation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Five years ago he initiated what is now ongoing in capable hands, a full-length opera project featuring the life of opera singer Zheng Cao. He developed the script for today’s production of events in the life of Eleanor Roosevelt upon realizing how her hard earned life remains freshly relevant in the 21stcentury world of today.
Misty Megia – Director
Misty has worked as a director, choreographer, set designer and performer throughout the bay area for over 20 years. Some of her favorite shows in her directing/choreography credits include: Red, Circle Mirror Transformation, Pirates of Penzance, Drowsy Chaperone, Cinderella, Oklahoma, Into the Woods, Christmas Carol, Fame, Proof, You Can’t Take it With You, Picasso at Lapin Agile, Grease, Dames at Sea, Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors, Medea, Forever Plaid, South Pacific, Damn Yankees, Lil’ Abner, 70 Girls 70, Jerry’s Girls, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Roar of the Greasepaint Smell of the Crowd, Nunsense I and II, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Snoopy, You’re a good Man Charlie Brown, A My Name is Alice… Her favorite on stage performances include: Val (Chorus Line), Gloria Thorpe (Damn Yankees), Young Vanessa (Follies), Lorraine (42nd Street), Virtue (Anything Goes), Suzanne (Don’t Dress for Dinner).
She thanks Christina for always being an incredible partner in creativity. This cast was a pure pleasure to work with. It’s been an honor witnessing their discoveries and vulnerability through this entire process. She thanks each and every one of them for this fantastic journey. She thanks the incredible producer Scott for the opportunity to collaborate once again, and the outstanding author for his trust in bringing this piece to life and the hours of research that went into this original piece! Thank you, William!!! Last, but definitely not least, she sends gratitude to her husband for his love and support and her family for being the foundation of imagination. We hope you enjoy the show!
Christina Lazo – Assistant Director
Christina is grateful for the opportunity to work with her good friend Misty and all of these incredible women! She is the Executive Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Works, a performance company for young actors. In addition, she has worked with companies such as 42nd St Moon, Broadway By The Bay, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Woodminster Amphitheatre, Tri Valley Rep and many others. It has been a joy to explore the life and work of Eleanor Roosevelt with all of these amazing artists. She, and all of these women, are true inspirations.
Robyn Grahn – Eleanor Roosevelt
Robyn Grahn is a Bay Area artist and educator. She currently works with the Mountain Play: musical theatre on top of Mt Tamalpais in Marin. Recently, roles include Chief Operator in Sorry Wrong Number with Bay Area Radio Drama, Adriana in Comedy of Errors with SF Shakespeare, Robyn (Daniel) in Complete Works of William Shakespeare at Livermore Shakespeare, and Pamela and Margaret in The 39 Steps at Ross Valley Players, and various roles with Amios Shotz SF. She can’t wait to get back onstage, but absolutely joys in the sharing of art no matter the medium.
Loreigna Sinclair – Eleanor Roosevelt
Loreigna Sinclair received her Bachelors of Arts degree from AMDA College and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Since graduating she has performed in numerous productions in California and abroad. Her favorite credits include JoAnn/Ensemble in Dreamgirls International Tour, Felicia Farrell in Memphis, Naomi in the world premier of She Persisted, and Lorrell Robinson in Dreamgirls. Loreigna couldn’t be more grateful to be working again in such uncertain times. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Anita Viramontes – Eleanor Roosevelt
Anita performs as vocalist for event band JD and Company. She was a member of the Warriors House Band at Oracle Arena 1997-2001. Shellie Award for Angry Housewives, and several nominated roles. Summer stock included Eva in EVITA at age 21. Featured artist at the funeral services for Dean Lesher. She was a back up vocalist with The Latin Project with Richard Bean of MALO. Anita is a proud Concord Blue Devil Alumni. She has performed the role of Abuela Claudia in In The Heights for TriValley Rep, Plethos Productions, and Contra Costa Civic, the latter earning her a Bay Area Theater Award Nomination. Anita portrayed Stella Deems in the 42nd Street Moon concert version of FOLLIES as Stella Deems. All my love to Orazio, Ti Amo!
Scott Kenison – Executive Producer
Scott retired as Executive Director of Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center in early 2020. During his time there he produced two live productions – RED and Circle Mirror Transformation. He has done almost everything there is to do in the theater, both on stage and behind the scenes. He began his career doing props at George Street Playhouse and highlights include performing with New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players in New York and around the country, Directing for Georgetown Law School’s Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and performing a few too many silly, oblivious men. He hopes he has not become one!
Mike Johnson – Director of Production
Mike was born and raised in Livermore. He has always been interested in technology and how things work. After high school, his brother Eric, who was involved in theater productions with, then-called Pleasanton Playhouse (now Tri-Valley Rep.), asked if Mike could help backstage. From there Mike enjoyed being behind the scenes and learning the technology of lighting and audio. Working with production companies and multiple venues, Mike learned various aspects of tech including lighting, audio, rigging and management. He always knew the power of sound and developed a passion for helping the audience have an experience through audio. He went on a couple of tours as head audio and worked at the Bankhead theater, eventually transitioning to full time at Bankhead where he was crew, then subsequently Production Manager. In 2019 Mike moved to Arizona to work at the Mesa Performing Arts Center as their Theater Coordinator/Head of Audio before its temporary closing in March 2020. Prior to the pandemic, Mike has begun doing voice-over work. He is thrilled to be doing anything production related during these times and big thanks to Scott, Misty and Christina for inviting him aboard!