Performance Program

Fall 2024

One Man, Two Guvnors

Dramaturgy Notes:

Of Good Stock: Classical Characters Made New Again 

Richard Bean’s One Man Two Guvnors is a modern adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s The Servant of Two Masters, an 18th-century Italian play deeply rooted in the traditions of commedia dell’arte. This vibrant, improvisational theater style originated in 16th-century Italy and is known for its "stock characters"—distinct archetypes that capture universal aspects of human nature and society. Through its archetypal characters and familiar scenarios, commedia dell’arte offers exaggerated, comedic portrayals of the personalities that shape our daily lives. But it’s not just in Bean’s farce where you’ll find these stock characters: you’ll find them in your favorite TV sitcoms! 

One of the most beloved characters in commedia dell’arte is the clever servant, specifically inspired by the figure of Arlecchino (The Harlequin). In One Man Two Guvnors, this archetype is embodied by Francis Henshall, our bumbling but resourceful protagonist. Like Harlequin, Francis is both cunning and perpetually hungry, relying on his quick wit and physical comedy to navigate hilarious predicaments—particularly as he tries to keep his two employers from discovering one another. Like Francis, remnants of The Harlequin can be found in sitcom favorites like Chandler Bing from Friends or Cosmo Kramer from Seinfeld, characters who combine cleverness with an endearing lack of foresight, to delightful comic effect. 

Another prominent commedia archetype, the Lovers (or Innamorati), are represented in the show by Pauline and Alan. The Lovers are often young, emotional, and dramatic, with little awareness of the chaos swirling around them. Their earnest devotion mirrors modern romantic pairs in popular media, such as Jim and Pam from The Office, who are similarly oblivious yet lovable, fumbling their way toward happily-ever-after amid life’s complications. 

The play also brings to life other stock characters, such as Il Dottore and Pantalone—the pompous authority figures often mocked in commedia— through Harry Dangle, the self-important lawyer, and Charlie "the Duck" Clench, a petty criminal. They are pompous and often ridiculous, believing themselves to be the smartest or most powerful in the room. In contemporary media, characters like Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, Uncle Phil in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, or Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory echo these figures with their inflated egos and misplaced confidence. 

A personal favorite of mine, Dolly, the witty and perceptive bookkeeper, represents the spirit of Columbina, the sharp, knowing woman who brings both humor and insight to the story. Like Columbina, Dolly is fiercely independent and often the voice of reason amid the chaos. She combines intelligence with charm and resilience, a character who adds both humor and depth by anchoring the comedy in honesty and wit. Today, Columbina’s influence is seen in characters like Donna Paulsen in Suits or Sandy Cheeks in Spongebob Squarepants. 

Together, these characters reveal the enduring legacy of commedia dell’arte, using humor and archetypes to reflect and exaggerate the personalities we recognize in our lives. You will find traces of these stock characters in almost every comedy you watch today! So, as you enjoy tonight’s performance, watch for these echoes of commedia. And as you reflect on One Man Two Guvnors, look for our favorite stock characters the next time you turn on the TV.  

Dr. Zach Dailey, Dramaturg

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The Importance of Levity 

As I reflect on One Man Two Guvnors, I find myself struggling to find something to say that isn’t corny or cliché. However, as someone more eloquent than I once said: “There’s a reason things become a cliché. Because there is some truth in them.” (Parts of this quote are attributed to various people, and if I asked my dad, he would definitely say it he came up with it). So let’s begin with the cliché because it is, indeed, very true. One Man Two Guvnors is a hilarious performance that will have anyone stomachs hurting by the end of it.  

The humor is not a stand-up with one liner, but the physicality attached to them. The characters’ emotions not only drive the plot but are a huge part of what makes the play funny as they personify and intensify whatever they feel in the moment. In these moments it feels as though the emotions are bigger than what the characters can physically handle thus fueling the ridiculous hijinks, they find themselves in. This kind of laugh-out humor that One Man Two Guvnors has provides a kind of levity that is so important to have during these times of tension, with some very tough decisions having to be made this year, that is not only felt across the country but here in our very own backyard.  

My only hope is that when audiences watch our wonderful actors on stage, not only will they enjoy magic in making these characters come to life but remember the hard work that it took to get there. The actors and technicians are so dedicated in bringing the audience together for a night, or day (or truly whenever you come to see this play) for a performance worth their while, just as their predecessors did when the UHD first opened 50 years ago! 

Alexa Beltran, Assistant Dramaturg  

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Creative Team:

Director - Professor Luke Fedell

Set Design – Ryan McGettigan

Lighting Design – Professor Kyle Moore

Sound Design – Professor Kyle Moore

Score and Music Selection – Professor Luke Fedell

Costume Design – Professor Macy Lynn

Dance Choreography – San Juana Cortina

Dramaturg – Zach Dailey

Video Production – Daniel Ko

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Cast:

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Technical Crew:

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About the Actors & Crew

(*) indicates that this Student is recipient of one or more Drama Scholarships.

Cast Bios:

Sora Srivastava (Francis)

Sora Srivastava is a junior BAFA student at UHD and an actor under Page Parkes Agency and Evolve Artists Agency. This is his 4th production with the O’Kane Theater, having previously appeared as William Nothnagel in The Book Club Play and Don John in Much Ado About Nothing as well as being named Dance Captain in Unpersons: An Evening With Harold Pinter. This is Sora’s first lead role in a play and he is beyond excited to perform for you all. Sora hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in acting and performance and continue his training in acting, dance, and performance and become a full-time actor and performer. Sora would like to thank his family members, especially his father, for their support; his friends and his partner for their incredible friendship and support; his mentors and teachers John Grimmett, Cody Edgar, and Luke Fedell for believing in his potential and giving him the training, lessons, and opportunities to improve as a performer and as a person. He hopes that everyone will enjoy the show freely and enthusiastically.

Emmanuel Sanchez (Stanley)

Emmanuel Sanchez is a Freshmen at UHD, studying in biology. He started theater in middle school as a technician and continued to grow to specialize into sound. He also came to act in several roles in high school, including Harlequin in Harlequin Holds the Bag, sound designer and Minister for Murder by Poe, and senior year directed sound and played the Big Bad Wolf for Shrek. Most shows he has had the freedom to design draw from gothic horror, including Murder by Poe and Queens. Previously he led and taught a team of technicians to set up and maintain the sound system at Spring Woods High School. Now he is collaborating as an actor under Professor Fedell. He is hoping to take on any other roles that can be offered, and to become more proficient at designing and maintaining sound systems. Finally, he would like to thank his former Directors, Ms. Cutler and Ms. Vierling, Javier, the rascals from Spring Woods High School, and Professor Fedell for having him on stage. And of course, everyone who has come to see the show today.

Star Rodgers (Harry Dangle)

Star Rodgers is a history and drama student at University of Houston Downtown, this is her second time performing with the O’Kane Theatre, having previously made her UHD debut as a sergeant in Unpersons. Star seeks to study dramaturgy going forward, and would like to thank her directors, cast mates, and crew for creating such a wonderful environment and collaborating on such a great play, her friends and family for always supporting her ambitions in the arts, a thanks to the audience, without whom none of us would be here, and finally a special thanks to her mother, Shay Rodgers, for nurturing in her, from a young age, a strong appreciation and understanding of the arts.

Beach Rosa (Alfie)

Beach Rosa is a Sophomore BAFADC major at the University of Houston Downtown. They appeared on the UHD stage as Head Guard in Unpersons: An Evening With Harold Pinter and as the Watch in Much Ado About Nothing. Before attending UHD, Beach performed with Troupe 4588 in shows such as The Cover Of Life along with 10 Ways To Survive The Zombie Apocalypse. They would like to thank the Theatre crew for being collaborative to work with plus their loved ones for supporting them throughout their Theatre journey.

Josephine Laurenzo (Rachel/Roscoe Crabbe)

Josephine Laurenzo is a Sophomore at UHD majoring in Health Sciences but has always had a passion for performing both on and off the stage. She is excited to be making her UHD theatre debut with this production. This semester she also performed as the iconic Alice in a production of Dorothy meets Alice at Company on Stage and is looking forward to doing more acting in the future.

Trey Worrell (Lloyd Boateng)

Trey Worrell is a film studies major who has done 2 other UHD shows: Much Ado About Nothing, Unpersons: An Evening with Harold Pinter. Trey has been a plethora of shows before this, and he had to use everything he learned in his time acting for this show. From Asher from the giver to uncle fester all the way to Loyd Boateng. Trey has had a lot of fun getting to work with his fellow actors. And his wonderful director Professor Fedell. Trey can’t wait to see what is in store for him. Trey wants to thank his stage managers and his director for giving him this opportunity to play Loyd Boateng.

Yamily Rivera (Pauline Clench)

Yamily Rivera started her theater journey in her junior year in high school, she played the lead in Everyman and continued theater into her freshman year of college. In high school she went on to do 7 productions experiencing both sides of theater being backstage calling cues to performing and being on stage. Working within the Theatre community has helped her navigate through her journey. Her influences started when she attended the Houston Ballet and touched on other fine arts throughout her youth that have inspired her to pursue theater.  Yamily enjoyed working with her high school theater participating as a theater officer and helping to fundraise. she wishes to continue her theater journey at the university of Houston- Downtown. She would love to thank the directors and the wonderful cast. 

Alexandra Clemente (Pauline Clench)

Alexandra Clemente is a BAFA major and is excited to be back on stage as Pauline in this show.  She transferred from Lone Star College-CyFair where she performed in past productions such as Hamlet (Horatio) and Private Lives (Louise). Alexandra recently appeared in O’Kane Theater’s stage as Gila in Unpersons: A Night with Harold Pinter and as Hero in Much Ado About Nothing. She would like to thank her friends for all the fun memories and the encouragement they give in every rehearsal. Alexandra would also like to thank her family for their unwavering support, and she dedicates her performances to her partner, whose love and constant belief in her make everything possible. 

Fernando Ruiz (Charlie Clench)

Fernando Ruiz is UHD student in College of Humanities, prior to his studies he was an active duty Navy Sailor and in his journey abroad developing the hunger to engage in theater, while in acting school, his wings were always cut by military instruction till the day he was honorably discharged. He began to pursue an acting career was when he was 13, while watching Mexican TV shows. While he was in Acting school, he became indulged with the practices and techniques, the teacher quickly complimented his ability to adapt to method acting. Although this is his first time on the stage, acting and entertaining have always been in his blood stream. Moreover, the journey of the unknown is always fascinating and exciting but seeking a career in Theater could always be a possibility. His love to Humanities and Culture Representation is always in the fore front of his priorities.

Khang Huynh (Alan Dangle)

is a third year STEM major at the University of Houston-Downtown. He worked on Much Ado About Nothing and Unpersons from 2023-2024. Before joining UHD productions he’s been doing theatre for 6 years from Jr High School to High School, but now for a year in UHD. Performed Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Leading Ladies, and Noises Off. Khang is thankful to be part of the O’Kane Theatre and grateful for Adam Delka, Nicholas Farco, Troy Menn, Timothy Klein, Lucas Fedell, Kyle Moore, Macylyne Malmstrom, Shawn Ryner, and Zach Dailey. He’s also thankful to meet the people and the friends he makes in the green room. He hopes the best for everyone and hopefully he can pursue theatre in the future. 

Africa Qhamata (Dolly)       

Africa Qhamata is a Freshman majoring in Finance at the University of Houston-Downtown. Before attending UHD, Africa started her theater journey in High school taking Theater Arts 1 her freshman year. After, she performed in a Musical The Little Mermaid as ensemble and performed in a student written play called Kerrdle as Ms. Tones. Africa would like to thank the director for the opportunity to perform again and her fellow actors for the work they do together.

Adrianna Vargas (Dolly)

is a business supply chain management major at UHD. During the summer she has performed as Jen in The Lifeboat is Sinking for summer orientation for future UHD students and last spring semester she had the opportunity to perform as Gila, in One for the Road in the O’Kane Theatre production Unpersons: An Evening With Harold Pinter. In the past she has also performed in Can We Know The Sound, a collaborative merging of art practices where she performed interpretive dance. She would like to express her gratitude and appreciation for her friends and family who have shown support throughout her theatre and university experience.

Kimberly Lopez Estrada (Gareth/Policeman)

Kimberly Lopez Estrada is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Houston-Downtown. She’s been involved in various shows at Westchester Academy for International Studies, including Antigone and The Wizard of Oz. This is her first show here, but she’s excited to see her love for theater continue before she graduates. She’d like to thank her high school theater director, Andrew Maddocks, for being a great example of what a true thespian is. She’d also like to thank her boyfriend Ian and her family, for reminding her that it’s okay to spend time on her passions. She’d also love to shout out her KDChi sisters and 87 fam for supporting her and believing in her!

Michael Gonzalez (Scout boy/Policeman)

Born in Houston Texas, Michael Gonzalez is aspiring to be one of the best actors of this generation! He has done two productions with the O'Kane Theatre. A loud mouth Conrade in Much Ado About Nothing & a prisoner in Unpersons: An Evening With Harold Pinter. Dabbles in guitar and quick to a joke, there is never a dull moment! Grateful for all the things given to him, he is always making something out of nothing.

Mawue Agbenohevi (Barman/Policeman)

Mawuena Agbenohevi is a senior with a psychology major at The University of Houston-Downtown. Prior to attending UHD Mawuena had very little theatre experience, but still participated in church plays growing up and always had a dream of being on TV. He recently played on stage as Claudio in Much Ado about Nothing In fall 2023, and previously as Fish in The Royale in spring 2021. Since then he has been inspired by his professors Klein and Fedell and other actors he grew up watching, his new professors pushed him to aspire for excellence and taught him how to take a leap of faith. Someday in the future after Mawuena has graduated in spring 2025 he aspires to be on Netflix and work in collaboration with some of the same roles he was inspired by. He would like to thank his peers, family and especially his mother for always believing in him.

Julian Dorr (Driver)

Julian Dorr is a fine arts major in painting although he is not new to the world of theatre, he is excited to start his new journey at the O’Kane Theatre. Julian has had multiple influences within acting that has shaped the way he goes about acting but the most influential of them all was his high school theatre teacher Brandy Rood. Julian has met a number of people throughout his theatrical career and every single one of them has left a lasting impression on him. Julian has dreams of one day acting in a horror movie as well as playing Beetle Juice in the Beetle Juice Musical but most of all he wants to keep acting for as long as he possibly could. Julian would like to extend the most sincerest thanks to everyone who has made this play possible including Professor Fedell, Professor Macy, Professor Moore, and many more. As well as extend thanks to his fellow actors for making him feel welcome and loved within their community. He’d also like to extend thanks to his high school theatre teacher Mrs.B for showing him the ropes of theatre. And lastly he would like to thank his family for always being there and supporting him. 

Crew

Maria Garcia (Stage Manager)

Maria Garcia is currently a senior working on getting a Double Major in Fine Arts and in CIET at UHD. She has worked on the following plays The Amish Project, The Book Club Play, Unpersons: An Evening With Harold Pinter, and now Fall 2024 One Man, Two Guvnors. She worked as a costume designer and stage manager for The Amish Project and Book Club Play, and has now just been solely focusing on running the shows as the head stage manager. There are always many challenges with every show, she has learned how to manage the stage and proven to be an indispensable member of the backstage crew. The backstage crew is like family to her, and the actors are just wonderful people who she is extremely delighted to work with for this show. Professor Luke Fedell, has been a great mentor and has been a great support in her stage management carreer. She would like to thank all the people who have made her feel at home in the theatre: Avianca Palmer, Shon Brown, San Juana Cortina, Danielle Hodgins, Sora Srivastava, Ian Ramirez, Dana Estoesta, Eleanor Novio, Adrianna Vargas and to the new cast members who share laugher backstage!

Dana Estoesta (ASM/Prop)

Dana Mari Estoesta is a Junior at UHD majoring in Psychology. This is not her first show at the O’Kane theater. Dana is pleased to be able to Assist Stage Manager with Head stage manager Maria for One Man, Two Governors. Dana is not an actor but being backstage helping with the production seeing the whole start to finish is something special. As well as being able to see what we build from the ground up for the set is amazing. From being also, a stage manager for Much Ado About Nothing to still continuing till now. In the future Dana sees herself doing more shows and making the theatre space open for everyone! Dana wants to thank you her family and friends who is seeing her grow! She is also grateful for those people who have supported her and continue to support her through all the ups and downs. The O'Kane Theatre has given her amazing friends and a community that will continue to grow stronger! 

Davis Drake (ASM)

Drake Davies is currently exploring his options at UHD, a journey which has led him to treading into the waters of classical theatre. Having little prior experience in the arts, working as the assistant stage manager for One Man, Two Guvnors will be his first foray into the wonderful realm of the theatrical arts. Working on production and spending time with the very talented cast and professors at the O’Kane Theatre has ignited a love for it all. He is thankful for being given the opportunity to work closely with everyone and looks forward to where this opportunity and newfound passion will lead him in the future.

Airrinesha (ASM/ Costume)

Airrinesha Shelton is a sophomore communications major trading in her JROTC uniform for the mask of theater Airrinesha dove head first into her first plays: Much Ado about Nothing, Unpersons, and now One Man 2 Guvnors, as the costume first hand she repaired and kept actor attire in pristine condition. Airrinesha followed the artist that brought the play to life through costume, with Professor Macylyne Malmstrom to lead the way Airrinesha roped in the actors to help prepare and assist them to fully immerse themselves into the character they were called to play. Airrinesha would like to thank all the theater staff, actors, and tech, for turning a simple story into a fun reality. She would also like to thank her family and the audience for showing up to view the story that our UHD students have made available for you to experience.

Fernando Cejudo (Sound and Projections)

Fernando Cejudo is a Junior Political Science major at the University of Houston Downtown. Recently he is working backstage on the current theatrical production of One Man Two Guvnors, doing light and sound work. This is currently his third production with the O’kane Theatre, and plans on doing many more future shows, and maybe even be in front of the audience one day. I would like to thank the professors and directors at the university, for allowing him to learn the ropes on how to do backstage production, and his friends for making the experience memorable and seeing rising stars in local theatre.

Ian Ramirez (Board Operator)

Ian Ramirez is a Fine Arts major at the University of Houston – Downtown. Ian began working as a backstage crew member during his time in high school and later continued his practice in university where He has worked behind the scenes as lightboard Operator in multiple plays such as Hell Cab, The Story of Us, The Royale, The Amish Project, The Book Club Play, and now, Unpersons. The people who influenced Ian to become part of the theatre were his high school teacher Jack Mcewen alongside his professors Luke Fedell and Tim Klein. Ian enjoys spending time working with the cast and crew members both in and out of production and wishes to take his talents outside of the University and work in greater productions in the future. Ian would like to thank his professors for the opportunity to join on this production along with the cast and crew who he had the opportunity to work closely with. He would also want to give thanks to his mother and father for taking their time and helping him arrive to the university.

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Special Thanks:

President Loren J. Blanchard, Dr. Liza Alonzo, Dr. Azar Rejaie, Dr. Wendy Burns-Ardolino, Dr. Paul Kintzele, Mark Cervenka, Dr. Deborah E. Bordelon, Kimberly Thomas, Liza Alonzo, Emily Leffler, Dr. Judith Quander, Dr. Lucas Logan, Dr. Anthony Ramirez, Dr. Vida Robertson, Dr. Chuck Jackson,  Cherilyn Pearson, Benito Vasquez, the Students in the course Costume Design Class, Frank Vela, Albert Holden, Daniel Ko, Tim Klein, Jennifer Nava, Angela Parrish, Jessica Ramirez, Marlene Chavez, Callie Everett, Courtney Lundgren

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