Bright Blue Sky Soars Back: Meet the Team Behind This Poignant Story

A poignant and powerful new musical is set to grace the stage at the Rose Center Theater. Bright Blue Sky returns to the Rose for a limited engagement, September 11-12, 2024, after a hugely successful run at the world-famous, Scotland Fringe Festival. This evocative production delves into the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001, through the lens of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. 

But before the curtain rises, let's meet the talented team who brought this remarkable story to life.

Vincent Aniceto: Weaving Words and Emotions

Leading the creative charge is Vincent Aniceto, the show's writer, lyricist, and director. A two-time Emmy Award nominee, Vincent brings his storytelling expertise to this heartfelt project. His own background as a performer allows him to tap into the characters' vulnerabilities and emotional journeys.

BIO: Vince is a two-time Emmy Award nominee for his work on Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, The Powerpuff Girls, and Dexter's Laboratory (Cartoon Network). His recent work includes working as a producer on the recently released Scooby Doo and Guess Who?, and the VeggieTales series.

As a performer, past credits include The King and I (King), Miss Saigon (Engineer), Twelve Angry Men (Juror #8), A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), Spamalot (Lancelot), The Secret Garden (Neville), Sweeney Todd (Pirelli), Brigadoon (Jeff), and How to Succeed (Bert Bratt).

Tim Nelson: Orchestrating a Symphony of Feeling

As the composer and music director, Tim Nelson infuses the production with a powerful musical score. His extensive experience as a director, conductor, and performer gives him a unique understanding of how music can elevate a theatrical experience. Tim's passion for artistic expression translates into a score that will stay with you long after the final note fades.

BIO: Tim has been the Managing Artistic Director for the Rose Center Theater since it’s opening in 2006. A graduate from the University of Colorado with Post Graduate work at Boston University’s School for the Arts, Mr. Nelson has directed, musical directed, conducted, written and performed in over 300 productions from California to New York.

A resident Director of 3 different Production companies - Park Playhouse, Inc. In New York, Litchfield Community Theater in Minnesota & right here at the Rose, Tim holds degrees in both vocal and instrumental music, and as a composer has a variety of original musical shows and recordings to his credit. Most recently hits from all of his Musicals were compiled into the Musical Review TOGETHER as a fundraiser for the Rose Center Theater. Artists from all around the country contributed their talents to this amazing production! Visit his website TNTMusicals.com, where all of his original works are displayed!

Jennifer Matthews: Bringing Stories to Life through Dance

Jennifer Matthews, the show's choreographer, uses her talents to translate the characters' emotions into captivating movement. With a background in both performance and choreography, Jennifer understands how to use dance to tell a story and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

BIO: Jennifer has enjoyed performing in college, community, and dinner theater productions in such roles as “Joan” Dames at Sea, “Liesel” The Sound Of Music, “Connie Miller”, 1940’s Radio Hour, and “Cassie” A Chorus Line. She has choreographed for several parks and recreation programs, private dance schools, local schools, civic, community, and dinner theaters throughout Southern California and Albany, New York. She has choreographed such shows as, Hello Dolly, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Dames At Sea, Annie, West Side Story, Once On This Island, Grease, The Sound Of Music, Lil’ Abner, among countless others. Jennifer choreographed for the Orange County High School of the Arts “Kid’s Next door” group in 2005 and 2006 and is currently teaching Musical Theater and choreographing at Huntington Beach High School’s Academy for the Performing Arts. Jennifer also directed and choreographed seven original musical productions for the City of Cerritos that involved over 300 participants. Today, Jennifer enjoys being a mother of three beautiful young daughters. She is a credentialed teacher, with a Master’s Degree in Reading and Literature, and has been teaching for over 20 years.

Chris Caputo: Painting the Picture with Light and Design

Chris Caputo, the production designer and technical director, creates the visual world of Bright Blue Sky. His decades of experience in theatrical design ensure that the set, lighting, and projections transport the audience to the heart of the story.

This dedicated team, along with the talented cast and crew, has crafted a powerful and moving experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

BIO: Chris holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater Arts from UC Irvine where he studied theatrical design. He has designed sets, lighting, and projections for over 250 shows over the past 30+ years, most of which over the past 13 years. Chris is currently the Resident Designer and Technical Director for the Rose Center Theater and is a freelance designer/Technical Director through his company Legacy Theatrical Design (www.legacytheatricaldesign.com). He designs all over Southern California and New York for such theater companies as The Laguna Playhouse, Rose Center Theater, Saddleback Civic Light Opera, The Covina Valley Playhouse, as well as The Academy for the Performing Arts (APA), Orange Lutheran and Laguna Beach High Schools. Previously, he was the resident Designer/Technical Director for many theaters and theater companies including The Curtain Call Dinner Theater, Center Stage Dance, The Ballet Conservatory, as well as the Technical Director/Theater Manager and Technical Theater Teacher for Mission Viejo High School. Some of his favorite designs include Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot, Addams Family, Oliver, My Fair Lady, Spring Awakening, Oklahoma, Sweeney Todd, Mary Poppins, Lord of the Flies, Little Mermaid, Joseph, Secret Garden, Side Show, Diary of Anne Frank, Evita, Annie, Urinetown, Anything Goes, The King and I, 42nd Street, Noises Off, Godspell, A Mid Summer Night’s Dream, Singin’ in the Rain, The Sound of Music, Carousel, South Pacific, Brigadoon, Bye Bye Birdie, Grease, Crazy for You, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom, Legally Blonde, and many more.

The combined vision of Aniceto, Nelson, Matthews, and Caputo promises a theatrical experience that is both emotionally resonant and visually stunning. Bright Blue Sky is more than just a performance; it's a testament to the human spirit in the face of tragedy. Don't miss this limited engagement. Reserve your tickets today and prepare to be moved by the power of music, theater, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Keywords: Bright Blue Sky, Rose Center Theater, Musical Drama, September 11th, Scotland Fringe Festival, Vincent Aniceto, Tim Nelson, Jennifer Matthews, Chris Caputo, Limited Engagement.