Producer, Playwright and Songwriter: Susanne Sims
Susanne Sims is the former manager of the Twice Blessed Thrift Store at Unity Church of Hawaii. Inspired by the humorous and unexpected events that can happen only in a thrift store setting, Susanne began writing what has become Thrift Store: The Musical. A condensed version of this play was performed in February 2013 at the Unity Church of Hawaii Volunteer Recognition Dinner where it was received with overwhelming enthusiasm. Since then she has devoted her time to writing the full stage play and bringing it to a wider audience. Susanne’s passion is singing, songwriting and stand-up comedy. Her performances can be seen on You Tube. www.susannesims.com
Director and Script Consultant: Genie Joseph
Genie Joseph, M.F.A., M.A. is an Adjunct Professor at Chaminade University in Honolulu where she teaches Media, Communication, Inter-Cultural Communication, Acting and Improvisational Comedy. Genie was the CEO of Hawaii Movie Studios and produced several feature films and TV shows. She was a recent finalist in the Los Angeles Film Festival Screenwriting Program through National University where she completed her MFA in screenwriting. She also holds a Masters degree in communication. www.geniejoseph.com
Musical Director: Dan Del Negro
Dan Del Negro is a pianist, synthesist, composer, arranger, producer, and music director. Dan’s touring Broadway show experience includes Les Mis, Phantom, Miss Saigon, and Grease. In the fall of 1999, Dan played with the Miss Saigon orchestra for two months in Honolulu, and his love for the Islands led him to move to Hawaii in November 2000. Since then, Dan has become an active part of the local jazz, convention, and Hawaiian music scenes. www.dandelnegro.com
Wardrobe and Props, Bonnie Parsons
Bonnie Parsons is the Executive Director of the Miss Oahu, Waikiki and Diamond Head Scholarship Program where she produces and directs an annual preliminary pageant each year for Miss Hawaii/America. She is also a member of the Miss Hawaii Board of Directors. Bonnie’s theatre experience includes performing annually in Jack Cione’s The Follies held at the Arcadia for the past six years, as well as providing makeup, costumes and props for the show. Bonnie is the manager of “Hidden Treasures” thrift store located at the Moiliili Community Center.
Show is Sponsored by:
Twice Blessed Thrift StoreUnity Church of HawaiiUnited Self-Help
With additional support from United Self Help and The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts.