"Darkness: Where light is not. Light: Brightness or illumination from a particular source. Absolute brightness: The mystery of Leonard Pelkey."
"Darkness: Where light is not. Light: Brightness or illumination from a particular source. Absolute brightness: The mystery of Leonard Pelkey."
March 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10
Matinees & Evening Shows at Alliance Theatre (Trolley Square)
602 E 500 S, Suite 101
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
Become a Sustaining Member Today for an Exclusive Opening Night Experience!
One actor portrays every character in a small Jersey Shore town as he unravels the story of Leonard Pelkey, a tenaciously optimistic and flamboyant fourteen-year-old boy who goes missing. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, Leonard becomes an unexpected inspiration as the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind.
Written by Celeste Lecesne (formerly James Celeste Lecesne; born November 24, 1954). Celeste is an American actor, author, screenwriter, and LGBT rights activist, best known for their screenplay of the Academy-award-winning short film Trevor. Lecesne has written several books including Absolute Brightness and Virgin Territory, and is also active in the entertainment industry as an actor and producer.
Patrick C. Kibbie
DIRECTOR
Patrick C. Kibbie is a director and stage actor from Salt Lake City, Utah. After a successful career in communications, Patrick decided to follow his passion for acting and directing and graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and Directing and East 15 Acting School in London with an MFA in Theatre Directing. Patrick is a dedicated proponent of the arts, who has directed and performed in productions throughout his career. Patrick has directed and performed in theaters across Utah, England, and beyond. Some of his favorite productions he has directed are Lysistrata, The Laramie Project, and Puffs. Some of his favorite roles he has performed in include Michael in Dancing at Lughnasa, Tartuffe in Tartuffe, and the Pastor in 9 Circles. He is thrilled you could join us for tonight’s performance and your support of performing arts in Utah.
Jack Cobabe
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Jack is a director and actor based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Most recently he directed an original adaptation of Euripides’ The Bacchae with the Classical Greek Theatre Festival, and David Mamet’s An Interview with Westminster College. He received his BFA in Theatre Performance from Westminster College. Recent acting credits include Gross Indecency (Alfred Douglas) with Wasatch Theatre, Helen (Theoclymenus) with the Classical Greek Theatre Festival, as well as God of Carnage (Michael) and Frankenstein (Victor Frankenstein) at Westminster College.
Alvaro Cortez
AS EACH OF THE SHOW’S DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERS
Alvaro Cortez is a local actor both in film and theatre based in Salt Lake City. A 2020 pandemic graduate from Westminster College in the B.F.A program. Alvaro started in his actor training since his Junior year at Hillcrest High in Midvale, Utah. Where he was first able to learn and work on his craft with dedicated faculty.
Most recent work was in the Alliance Theater in the The Fringe Festival/The Classical Greek Theater Festival in The Bacchae (Dionysus). Other memorable shows have been: Romeo and Juliet (Tybalt) & Much Ado About Nothing (Don Pedro), as well as, The Memory of Water (Mike), The Zoo Story (Peter), and The Christians (Elder Jay) at Westminster College.
Melanie Kamauu
SOUND DESIGNER
Melanie is a theatre artist originally from the Houston, Texas area. She takes pride in her work in many areas of the stage including as a designer, stage manager, director, and award-winning playwright. At her core, she is an artist who values storytelling and seeks stories that will resonate deeply within the audience. She is excited to join Voodoo Theatre Company for this production of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey.
Emilio Casillas
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Emilio Casillas is a theatre maker from sunny San Diego and received his BFA in Theatre Production and Design from Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah. Emilio serves as the Artistic Director of the Classical Greek Theatre Festival (CGTF), is a production manager with La Musica Lirica - an opera training program in Novafeltria, Italy - and is the Director of Programming for Davis Arts Council (DAC). Notably, Emilio served as Festival Director of the Great Salt Lake Fringe in 2016.
Design credits include La Bohème, L’elisir d’amore, and A Little Night Music for Westminster Opera Studio (scenic & lighting), The Christians and Eurydice at Good Co. Theatre (scenic), the CGTF production of Medea (scenic), and The Beauty Queen of Leenane with Pinnacle Acting Company (lighting).
Director’s Note
As soon as I read this script, I was overwhelmed with a sincere interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity to direct The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey. Having delved into the intricacies of this compelling play, I am captivated by its poignant narrative, rich character development, and the exploration of important social themes.
The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey not only showcases a unique and thought-provoking storyline but also delves into the complexities of identity, acceptance, and the human experience. The character of Leonard Pelkey, with his vibrant personality and the impact he has on the community, presents a powerful platform to explore issues of tolerance, diversity, and the celebration of individuality.
As a director, I am drawn to projects that offer an opportunity to engage the audience on both an emotional and intellectual level. This play, with its mix of drama and humor, provides a perfect canvas for creating a compelling and resonant theatrical experience. The challenges presented in portraying the various characters and their relationships are aspects I find invigorating and inspiring.
Moreover, I believe that the themes explored in The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey are particularly relevant in our current social landscape. The play invites audiences to reflect on the importance of embracing differences and challenging societal norms. By directing this production, I aim to contribute to the conversation surrounding acceptance, understanding, and the celebration of diversity.
I am genuinely excited about The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey and am eager to bring my vision to the stage and audience. Thank you for joining us in the telling of this incredible story. Enjoy!
Patrick Kibbie
Director of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey