Rhinoceros

Faith Alfieri (Housewife, Monsieur Bœuf) is a third-year student in the BFA Musical Theatre program, minoring in Dance and Performing Arts Administration. She was most recently seen in Pegasus Playlab’s What’s In Store (Mavis). She has also participated in UCF’s Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), Metamorphoses (Actor 3/Eurydice) and others. Past favorites of hers include Jekyll & Hyde (Lucy Harris), Chicago (Mona/Lipschitz), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van De Graff) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck). @faith_alfieri

Jacob Berggren (Jean) is a Theatre and Dance graduate from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul, MN. He has performed with regional theaters such as the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Capital City Theatre in productions including Disney's Newsies,The Music Man, On the Town, and Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. He has performed with Carnival Cruise Lines on the Carnival Legend and Valor. He trained at the Actors Studio Drama School in NYC and Broadway Dance Center in addition to working as a Ballroom Dance Instructor with Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Downtown NYC. Jacob is immensely grateful to his mentors, family, and friends. JacobBerggren.com

Cruz Donovan (Madame Bœuf, U/S Old Gentleman, U/S Little Old Man) is a first-year transfer in the BFA Acting program. He was last seen on the Theatre UCF stage in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Ensemble) at the Dr. Phillips Center and Peter and the Starcatcher (U/S Mrs. Bumbrake). Past theater credits include Project Spotlight’s Team Spirit (Mayor Douglas), She Kills Monsters (Chuck), Trap (Ephrain Salas), Puffs (Cedric), Mamma Mia! (Bill Austin), and more.

Joey Fields (Old Gentleman) is a second-year in the BFA Acting program. He has been seen on the Theatre UCF stage in Sweeney Todd (Beadle Bamford) and Chicken and Biscuits (U/S Logan). Other theatre credits include The Addams Family (Fester), All Shook Up (Jim) and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Sebastian). He is involved in Project Spotlight as the co-head Playwriting Club and is the co-President of the UCF chapter of Alpha Psi Omega.

Marty Gnidula [he/him] (Bérenger) is a first-year in the MFA Acting program. Originally from Orange, CT, Marty received a B.A. in Theatre and English Pre-Law from the University of Vermont. Some of his recent credits include Spamalot (Sir Robin) at Vermont Repertory Theatre, Every Brilliant Thing (Narrator), and Imogen Says Nothing (John Hemminges) at UVM. Marty wants to send special love to his mom. @martyg246

Sarah Gruber (Logician, U/S Monsieur Bœuf) is a first-year in the MFA Acting program. This is her Theatre UCF debut. Recent professional credits include An American in Paris (Swing), BLKS (That Bitch on the Couch) and Witch (Winnifred). She is also a dramaturg and dance teacher. sarahgruber.com

Luke Grzybowski (Boss of Café, U/S Fireman, U/S Grocer Man, U/S Botard) is a sophomore in the BFA Acting program. This is his Theatre UCF debut. He is involved with Project Spotlight. @lukegrzybowski

Samantha Lewis (Ensemble, U/S Daisy, U/S Housewife) is a second year transfer student in the BFA Musical Theatre Program. She has been seen on the Theatre UCF stage in Bright Star (U/S Margo, Ensemble) and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Ensemble). Other credits include Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky).

Tristen Mendoza (Botard) is a freshman in the BFA Acting Program. This is her Theatre UCF debut. Her favorite roles include The Little Mermaid (Ursula) and The Book of Will (Ben Johnson). She is the founder of a volunteer Arts organization, called Tristen’s Tinker Tots. @tristenm_arts

Paris Michaud (Waitress, Little Old Man’s Wife) is a freshman in the BFA Musical Theatre program and is proud to be making her Theatre UCF debut. Her most recent outside credits include Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Into the Woods (Bakers Wife), and The Revolutionists (Director). @the_paris_michaud

Spencer G. D. Mounts (Monsieur Papillon) is a second-year transfer student in the Psychology program with a minor in Theatre. This is Spencer's debut in a Theatre UCF production. His favorite roles have been Sargent Gregovich in Teahouse of the August Moon and that one time he was a battle dancer for a total of two episodes for a show called Dance Kingdom of which he’s not sure ever truly aired. Spencer plans to further his education after graduation to become a licensed marriage and family counselor while pursuing acting on the side.

Christian Perry (Fireman, U/S Bérenger, U/S Dudard) is a third-year B.A. Theatre Studies student. Previously, he made his Theatre UCF debut in Peter and the Starcatcher (Ensemble, U/S Lord Aster). He was also in Dance Night (Bill Delaney), a new work, during its Pegasus Playlab workshop. Other credits include Macbeth (Soldier/Doctor) with Wildfire Players.

Mackenzie Prince (Dudard) is a senior in the BFA Acting program. Other Theatre UCF roles include Alf in Peter and the Starcatcher and Tobias Ragg in Sweeny Todd. His professional credits include working with Theater West End and the Tampa Opera. Mackenzie is signed with 22Talent and works throughout the Florida film and short film scene. You can find more information at his website: mackenzieprinceactorportfolio.com

Justin Joseph Rotolo (Grocer Man, U/S Bérenger, U/S Jean) is a Third-Year Transfer Student and Senior in the BFA Acting Program. He is Secretary of Alpha Psi Omega. Theatre UCF: Bite Me (Nathan), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Mulberry, U/S Old Dogsborough, U/S Young Dogsborough, U/S Goodwill, U/S Fish), The Cherry Orchard (Ensemble, U/S Gayev, U/S Pischik, U/S Firs, U/S Vagrant), Metamorphoses (U/S Midas and others, U/S Erysichthon and others). Florida Southern College: The Diary of Anne Frank (Peter, Co-Sound Designer), Stop Kiss (Peter), Tom Jones (Actor #6) @justinrotolo  justinrotoloshots.com

Hailey Thrower (Ensemble, U/S Waitress, U/S Boss of Café, U/S Grocer Woman) is a sophomore currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Animation and Visualization. She is making her Theatre UCF debut after moving to Orlando from Jacksonville a year ago, where she continues to be involved in community theatre both onstage and off through her internships and volunteer roles. @hailey_ann_03

Erica Turner (Grocer Woman, U/S Little Old Man’s Wife) is a sophomore in the BFA Musical Theatre program. She was most recently a part of Theatre UCFs production of Sweeney Todd as a swing. Last summer, Erica was honored to play Reverend Mother in Nunsense at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. @ericaaturner

Faviana Vázquez (Daisy) is a second-year transfer student in the BFA Acting program. Stage: The Cherry Orchard Shaken (Ensemble, U/S Anya, U/S Dunyasha, U/S Charlotta), Race to Infinity (Guadalupe/Mrs Ramos), On the Rocks (Evelyn), The Body (Abby). Film: Rule of Thirds (Liv), Potato Chips (Featured Dancer). In her free time, Favi likes to work on perfecting her latte art and to take pictures of her weenie dog, Hamilton, with her pink digital camera.

Charley Willoughby (Little Old Man, U/S Logician, U/S Madame Bœuf) is a third year transfer in the BFA Acting program and is further pursuing a dance minor! He was previously seen in UCF’s production of The Prom where he was in the ensemble as well as the understudy for Kevin. He also helped out on the wardrobe crew for UCF’s production of Bright Star.

Casey Blake (Wardrobe Crew) is a first year in the BFA Musical Theater program. This is his first time being part of a UCF production. This is also his first time doing crew for a show. Casey typically performs and has been in many shows.

Matthew Conte (Scenic Design) is a set designer based in Orlando, Florida. His Theatre UCF credits include Metamorphoses (Asst. Scenic Design), Sweeney Todd (Lead Carpenter), Irreverent! (Scenic Design), Bright Star (Props Manager), & Race to Infinity (Co-Scenic Design). He is the Director of Set Design for Antuan Magazine and Strike Magazine Orlando. He is currently completing his BFA in Theatre Design and Technology at the University of Central Florida with a minor in Philosophy. MatthewConte.com

Kirby Lee (Dramaturg) is a second year Graduate Student in the TYA program, With a BFA in Theatre for Youth from East Carolina University! She is also a teaching artist at Orlando Family Stage, and A kidstown Presenter at the Orlando Science Center. Her recent credits include: Only Some of Gods Creatures or Mississippi Magnolias (Dramaturg, Orlando shakes), Honestly? ( Dramaturg, Project Spotlight), The Grumpy Cat; Teaching Children Kindness Through Puppetry (Original Play at Kids Fringe), Deaf Republic (Performer) at  UCF Celebrates The Arts, and Daring To Dream (Creative Participant), apart of UCFs Pegasus Playlab! She is super excited to be apart of her first Theatre UCF production! @kirbyy._.leee

Haleigh Mish (Deck Crew) is a Freshman in the BFA Musical Theatre program. Some of her theatre credits include Anya (Anastasia), The Witch (Into the Woods), Campbell/Dance Captain (Bring It On), and Mrs. White (Clue: On Stage). When not performing, she enjoys roles behind the scenes of theatrical productions such as doing hair and makeup or choreographing. @haleigh.mish

Chelsea Montes (Production Assistant) is a first year transfer BFA Stage Management student at the University of Central Florida. They previously worked on AESOP's Fable-ous Christmas Tree (Stage Manager), Boeing-Boeing (Assistant Stage Manager), and Once Upon a Mattress (Stage Manager). @orlandostagemanagers

Elizabeth Pelland (Wardrobe Supervisor) is a second-year in the BA Theatre Studies program and is planning on getting her minor in Education. This is her Theatre UCF debut. She plans to use her degree to become a Theatre Educator. When she is not working on a show, she enjoys, reading, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends! @basically_lizzy

Alex Russell (Lighting Designer) is in pursuit of a fulfilling career in storytelling as a scenic and lighting designer. In his time at UCF, he has also been a part of the design teams for blackbox show The Clean House (Scenic Designer) and mainstage musical The Prom (Assistant Lighting Designer). With a strong foundation in the technical skills necessary to bring shows to life, he is ready to make the leap from academic theatre into the industry beyond. alexrussellcreates.com

Tyler Simons (Associate Director) is a KCACTF Region IV award-winning director and second-year MFA TYA candidate with a B.A in Theatre Studies and a minor in Education! His previous credits include: Regional Theatre; A Christmas Carol (Assistant Director, Orlando Shakes), The Facts Are As Follows (Dramaturg, Orlando Shakes), Theatre UCF: Dance Night (Associate Director) as part of Pegasus Playlab at UCF, Working (Assistant Director), Affinity Lunch Minutes (Assistant Director). MAKE ART NOT WAR! @tylersiimons

Caiden Talbert (Stage Manager) is a second year BFA Stage Management student at the University of Central Florida. Most recently, she was the Production Stage Manager on Pegasus PlayLab’s What’s In Store. Additional UCF Credits: The Prom (Production Assistant), UCF Celebrates the Arts (Stage Manager). Past credits include Kids Theatre Kamp’s Matilda Jr. (Stage Manager) and Calvary Theatre’s Cinderella (Stage Manager). @orlandostagemanagers

Annalee Weydert (Production Stage Manager) is a fourth-year BFA Stage Management student at the University of Central Florida. Most recently, she was the Stage Manager on Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. at the Orlando Family Stage. She spent the past summer in Loch Sheldrake, New York completing her internship working as a Stage Manager and Camp Counselor at Stagedoor Manor. Additional Theatre UCF Credits: Project Spotlight’s Race to Infinity (Stage Manager), The Prom (Assistant Stage Manager), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Assistant Stage Manager) and Shrek the Musical (Production Assistant). Other theatre credits include Rock of Ages (Stage Manager), Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville (Assistant Stage Manager), and Mamma Mia! (Assistant Stage Manager) and at the Athens Theatre in DeLand, FL. @orlandostagemanagers

Chris Wilson (Stage Manager) is a third year BFA Stage Management student at the University of Central Florida. Most recently, he was an Assistant Stage Manager on Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. at the Orlando Family Stage. Additional UCF Credits: The Prom (Assistant Stage Manager), Bite Me (Assistant Stage Manager), TECH-nique: A Dance Concert (Production Assistant). Past credits include Area Stage Company’s Be More Chill (Assistant Stage Manager) and Aladdin (Assistant Stage Manager), as well as Actors’ Playhouse’s The Addams Family (Stage Manager) and Descendants (Stage Manager). @orlandostagemanagers

Eugène Ionesco wrote Rhinoceros in 1959 to critique the spread of fascism throughout Europe, including to his home country of Romania. The play employs the grotesque transformation of people into rhinoceroses as an absurdist metaphor for the way fascist ideologies can subtly infiltrate and overtake society one individual at a time. Each character undergoes a transformation, choosing either to resist or to join the herd. How might we, in 2024, relate to the themes of a play written over 60 years ago?

Interestingly, Ionesco’s own interpretation of Rhinoceros would eventually evolve to address not just fascism and Nazism but the broader concept of groupthink and the dangers of conformist ideologies. In developing our production, we discussed  instances where groupthink has caused mass destruction within a community, which included the Jonestown massacre and the Challenger space shuttle explosion. We see how blindly following the lead of others can permanently damage institutions and individuals alike. This broader interpretation of what the rhinoceros might symbolize resonates with American culture today, especially in the way that media exerts control on how we perceive our world, current events, and politics. Social media – specifically apps like TikTok, Instagram, and X – can foster groupthink because their algorithms encourage the rapid spread of inflammatory opinions within echo chambers, making civil discourse nearly impossible. The rhinoceroses in our production embody a dangerous contemporary trend towards monoculture, a single-mindedness that suppresses individuality, diversity of thought, and productive disagreement.

While watching this play, we encourage you to look inward and consider if you have ever followed the herd. Ask yourself, am I a rhinoceros?

- Rachel Yurchick and Kirby Lee, dramaturgs