2023 Summer Playbill
Sponsored by:
Agatha Christie’s
Murder on the Orient Express
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig
Based on the novel by Agatha Christie
Directed by Kerby Thompson
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
This play was originally staged by McCarter Theater Center, Princeton, NJ.
Emily Mann, Artistic Director; Timothy J. Shields, Managing Director.
The production subsequently transferred to Hartford Stage, Hartford, CT.
Darko Tresnjak, Artistic Director; Michael Stotts, Managing Director.
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Dialect Coaches: Deena Conley, Celia Madeoy & Blake A. Segal
Scenic Designer: Darin V. Himmerich
Lighting Designer: Matthew Webb
Costume Designer: Wendi R. Zea
Sound Designer: Seth Asa Sengel
Properties Designer: Taylor Barr
Production Stage Manager: Melanie Ernst
Technical Director: Dana White, Jr.
Company Manager: Joshua Stenger
Assistant Stage Manager: Talene Pogharian
Deck Crew: Kate Lee
Setting: Most of the play takes place aboard the Orient Express as it travels from Istanbul to Western Europe
Time: 1934 Act One: Mid-day to morning Act Two: Morning to mid-day
CAST (in alphabetical order)
Michael Antico (Hercule Poirot) is most pleased to be rejoining this great cast & crew for another ride on the Orient Express! He is very grateful to have been given the rare gift to return to such a fantastic story told by so many kind and talented people. Michael has been seen in CRT’s past productions of Newsies (Mr. Weisel) in 2018 and Born Yesterday (Eddie Brock) in 2019 and received a nomination for a S.A.L.T. award for Best Supporting Actor. He is also a voice actor with Rogue Dialogue’s Windfall (Isaac) and Forgive Me! (Brett). Offstage, Michael loves to stargaze, search for beach glass and yell at his favorite sports teams. Merci beaucoup to all involved!
Bill Coughlin (Samuel Ratchett) always looks forward to returning to CRT. Past CRT credits include both CRT’s productions of Over the River and Through the Woods, for which he won a Syracuse Area Live Theatre Award in 2005. Other CRT roles and shows include Harry Brock in Born Yesterday, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, The Music Man, Corpse! The Nerd, Bye Bye Birdie, Barefoot in the Park, The King and I, Run For Your Wife and Breaking Legs. CRT show directing credits include The King and I, The Sound of Music and State Fair. Bill established a summer drama program in1994 which evolved into CRT’s Stars of Tomorrow program. Bill has an MFA in theatre from Brooklyn College and was a high school English and Drama teacher for 35 years. He wants to thank Kerby and CRT for all their support, but especially his wife Michele for her undying love and understanding.
Jamie Craib (Colonel Arbuthnot) is overjoyed to make his US theatre debut with CRT! He is a Scottish actor and voiceover artist who trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Scottish Regional: Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. TV/Film: Law & Order (recurring), Outlander, and Seclusion (Lead). Before moving to NYC, he worked as a PE teacher in Glasgow but had to follow his lifelong dream of becoming an actor. Love and thanks to my wife Amy, my parents John & Carina, and my incredibly supportive family. Follow my adventure on Instagram: @jamie.craib and www.jamiecraib.com
Cara D’Emanuele (Princess Dragomiroff) is thrilled to return to CRT to board the Orient Express again! She is an actor/director/musical director and master performing arts teacher specializing in musical theatre. Notable performances include Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Rebecca in Rags, Nurse in Sunday in the Park with George, Violetta in The Rose Tattoo, Louella Parsons in The Cat’s Meow, and Aaronetta Gibbs in Morning’s at Seven. Cara is a proud graduate of Wagner College and Syracuse University. (She is also secretly thrilled to be working with Kerby again, who she met during summer stock in Potsdam way back in 1991!)
Catherine Gaffney (Helen Hubbard) is thrilled to celebrate her 5th anniversary with CRT, having appeared in Our Town, The Lady With All The Answers and Over the River and Through the Woods. Additional credits include Holes (Lexington Children’s Theatre), The Cake (AthensWest), Clybourne Park (Generic Theatre) and The Nerd (Tidewater Stage). When not on stage, Catherine enjoys recording audiobooks in her home voice over studio in Kentucky, teaching and directing at Asbury University, cuddling her cat, and hanging out with her talented, ever-supportive husband, Sean. Huge thanks to Kerby and the entire CRT family! @cathgaff
Anna Gion (Countess Andrenyi) is a bi-coastal actor trained in both classical and contemporary work. Off-Broadway credits include Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest and Sleepy Hollow The Musical. Regionally, Anna has performed with NJ Rep, The REV Theatre Company, and Luna Stage. West Coast credits include Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bella in Lost in Yonkers, Emilia in Othello, and Natasha in Chekhov’s The Proposal. More information can be found at www.annagion.com. “For my family, for Alexander.”
Alice K. Johnson (Mary Debenham) is a Brooklyn-based actor/writer who trained at Fordham University and The London Dramatic Academy. She works bicoastally in NYC and Seattle, creating new work with various theater companies and acting in film and television projects. She’s the winner of the Broadway World Regional Award for Best Supporting Performer in Over The River and Through The Woods at CRT in 2022. Alice is thrilled to pick up where she left off last year with her fellow castmates in Murder On The Orient Express and is excited to tackle The Cake! She’d like to thank her wonderful husband, Grant, and her friends and family for all their support. Find her at Alicekjohnson.com or @thealicekjohnson and @alicecooksforyou.
Mikey LoBalsamo (Hector MacQueen) is so excited to be back at beautiful CRT. You may remember him from past productions such as: Hair (Margaret Mead), Kiss Me Kate (Gangster 2) and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. He was also in last season’s Murder on the Orient Express and is so thankful he gets to come back and finish the run and be here this season. Thanks to the amazing cast and crew!
Derek Powell (Michel the Conductor) is honored to return to CRT after appearing as First Man in Kiss Me, Kate last summer. NYC: Love is Love is Love: The Musical (Feinstein’s/54 Below). Regional: Howie Newsome in Our Town, Eddie “Brother” James (u/s) in Tender Rain, Max/Jonathon (u/s) in The Play That Goes Wrong (Syracuse Stage), Maxmillian/Peter in By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, Andre in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Joey in Sister Act, Paris in Romeo and Juliet, Steve/Dave/Chad in Almost, Maine (Red House Arts Center), Edward Hyde in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Chenango River Theatre), Zeus in An Odyssey (Hangar Theatre), Baron Del Cedro in The Fan (The Cherry Arts), Reverend Hopkins in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Millbrook Playhouse). Derek is a core member of the Building Company Theater ensemble, which devises new works and facilitates Forum Theatre workshops for the Syracuse community. @derekemersonpowell.
Weston Pytel (Head Waiter) (he/him) is from Meriden, CT, and a recent graduate of Nazareth College with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. His favorite credits include SpongeBob (The SpongeBob Musical), The Baker (Into the Woods), and Charlie Chaplin (Chaplin The Musical). Weston is thrilled to be back at CRT for another great summer after being a part of the Performing Intern Company last year! He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continuous support. Thank you for coming! @westonpytel, westonpytel.com
Rebecca Tucker (Greta Ohlsson) is thrilled to be back at CRT! New York: New Victory Theatre (Caps for Sale the Musical) Regional: Ford’s Theatre (Widow Lincoln), Portland Stage (Or,), Oregon Cabaret (The Play That Goes Wrong, Moon Over Buffalo), Sierra Repertory (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Sharon Playhouse (Barefoot in the Park), Interlakes Theatre (Gypsy), Broward Stage Door (Nice Work If You Can Get It), Okoboji Summer Rep (Little Women the Musical), Great American Melodrama (Steel Magnolias, Unnecessary Farce), Winnipesaukee Playhouse (Miss Julie, The Importance of Being Earnest, Cabaret, Rocky Horror, Boeing Boeing). Tours: Caps for Sale, Christmas Carol. Rebecca holds a BFA from California State University, Fullerton. Love you, Nick <3 www.rebecca-tucker.com
Nicholas Wilder (Monsieur Bouc) is thrilled to be returning to CRT for his 8th summer! Previous shows: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Ladies Man, Women in Jeopardy, The 39 Steps, Sleuth and Rumors. Off-Broadway: Major Barbara (The Pearl Theatre) Regional: Centennial Casting (Seven Angels), Equivocation (Virginia Rep), Peter and the Starcatcher (Winni Playhouse), Angels in America (Richmond Triangle Playhouse), The 39 Steps (Laguna Playhouse, Forestburgh, Surflight) and Living in Exile (theatre KAPOW) for which he won the Best Actor New Hampshire Theatre Award. Tours: The 39 Steps (Natl. Tour) A Christmas Carol (Natl. Tour) The Learned Ladies, Richard II (Shakespeare Theatre of NJ). Many thanks to Kerby for this opportunity and to his wife Rebecca for her constant love and support. www.nicholaswilder.com
Performing Intern Understudy Company
Understudies do not appear unless noted before a performance
For Ms. Gion / Ms. Johnson – Aubrey Alvino and Breanna Lemerise
For Ms. Tucker – Mia Caslowitz
For Ms. D’Emanuele / Ms. Gaffney– Jessica Cerreta
For Mr. LoBalsomo /Mr. Craib – Michael Hartman
For Mr. Antico / Mr. Coughlin – Weston Pytell
For Mr. Wilder / Mr. Powell – Trevor Shingler
Director
Kerby Thompson (Producing Artistic Director / Show Director) has served in this position at Cortland Rep since 2000. In his time here, he has successfully led the theatre thru two capital campaigns: one for $150,000 to install an elevator and sprinkler system in the Little York Pavilion, and one for $2.25 million to create “CRT Downtown”. At CRT, he has performed in The Addams Family (Mal Beinke), The Full Monty (Harold), Chicago (Billy Flynn – Winner of the Syracuse Area Live Theatre “SALT” Award for Best Actor of the Summer Season), Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks (Michael Minnetti – SALT nominee), Moonlight and Magnolias (David Selznick – SALT Award for Best Actor of the Summer Season), The Music Man (Harold Hill – SALT nominee), Anything Goes (Billy Crocker), and The World Goes Round (Man 2). CRT directing credits include Murder on the Orient Express, Mama Mia, Million Dollar Quartet, Our Town (SALT Award – Director of a Play), Saturday Night Fever (SALT Award – Director of a Musical), The Lady with All the Answers, Appointment with Death, Cards on the Table, 1776 (SALT nomination), Buddy!, The Ladies Man, Rumors, See How They Run, Unnecessary Farce, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and others. Another lifetime ago, previous to moving to Cortland, he lived in New York City for 14 years as an actor/singer/dancer, director and choreographer. Favorite performance credits include Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Loni Anderson, and The Best Little Whorehouse… with Barbara Eden. He said Hello to Dolly! and Bye Bye to Birdie on two national tours and performed in two international tours with Dolly! and Anything Goes to Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Other performance credits include The Will Rogers Follies, Me and My Girl, Brigadoon, Shenendoah, Joseph…Dreamcoat, and many others.
Creators
Agatha Christie (Author) (1890-1976) is the author not only of The Mousetrap, the longest running stage production in history, but also Witness for the Prosecution and And Then There Were None, to name but a few of her greatest stage successes. Her novels have sold more than 2 billion copies around the world, and she is only outsold by the Bible and Shakespeare. Born in 1890 in Torquay, Devon, England, to an American father and English mother, she wrote her first play, Black Coffee, (the only play in which she chose to feature Poirot) in 1930, having been disappointed by the way The Murder of Roger Ackroyd had been adapted into Alibi in 1928. She adapted her bestselling novel And Then There Were None for stage in 1943, giving it a different ending, followed by, in quick succession, Appointment with Death (1945), Murder on the Nile (1946) and The Hollow (1951). With The Mousetrap (1952), Witness for the Prosecution (1953), and Spider’s Web (1954), she became the only female playwright to have three plays running in the West End at the same time. Later plays include Towards Zero (1956) co-adapted with Gerald Verner, Verdict (1958) possibly her most unusual play, Go Back for Murder (1960), and Rule of Three (1962) a series of three one-act plays. After a hugely successful career and a wonderful life, Ms. Christie died peacefully on 12 January 1976. Christie’s own account of her life, An Autobiography, was published after her death in 1977. Agatha Christie Limited (ACL) has been managing the literary and media rights to Agatha Christie’s works around the world since 1955, when the company was set up by Christie herself. Recent theatre collaborations include the critically acclaimed Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall in London, working with Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions, and Murder on the Orient Express adapted by Ken Ludwig, with productions at McCarter Theatre in Princeton and Hartford, Connecticut, USA. ACL also works closely with international theatre companies developing in-territory stage productions.
Ken Ludwig (Playwright/Adapter) has had six shows on Broadway, seven in London’s West End, and many of his works have become a standard part of the American repertoire. His 28 plays and musicals have been performed in over 30 countries in more than 20 languages and are produced throughout the United States every night of the year. Lend Me a Tenor won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century” by The Washington Post. Crazy For You was on Broadway for five years and won the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical. In addition, he has won the Edgar Award for Best Mystery of the Year, two Laurence Olivier Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards, and the Edwin Forrest Award for Contributions to the American Theater. His plays have starred, among others, Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, Tony Shaloub, Joan Collins and Hal Holbrook. His stage version of Murder on the Orient Express was written expressly at the request of the Agatha Christie Estate, and his latest play, Dear Jack, Dear Louise, won the 2020 Charles MacArthur Award for Best New Play of the Year and is optioned for Broadway. His book How To Teach Your Children Shakespeare, published by Penguin Random House, won the Falstaff Award for Best Shakespeare Book of the Year, and his essays are published in the Yale Review. He is a graduate of Harvard and Cambridge and is a frequent guest speaker for groups as varied as The Oxford-Cambridge Society, The Jane Austen Society of North America, The Folger Shakespeare Library, and The Baker Street Irregulars. For more information, see his website at www.kenludwig.com.
Creative Team
Darin V. Himmerich (Scenic Designer) is happy to have his design seen this year for Murder on the Orient Express. He returned to CRT last summer to add to his CRT resume after designing the sets for Saturday Night Fever and La Cage Aux Folles in previous seasons. Darin is an Associate Professor of theatre at the University of Nebraska – Kearney where he is the Director of Theatre as well as Scenic Designer and Technical Director. While his time is mostly spent in academic theatre, he still does professional designs when possible. Some of his most recent designs include Mauritius and Unnecessary Farce for Nebraska Repertory Theatre, Inspecting Carol and All Shook Up for The Black Hills Playhouse, and Red and Tuesdays with Morrie for Crane River Theatre. Darin also enjoyed seven years working in Los Angeles on TV, movies, and theme parks.
Wendi R. Zea (Costume Designer) is Associate Professor and Resident Costume Designer at Southern Illinois University, where designs include Sunday in the Park with George, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as her fourth production of The Jungle Book. In 2018 she designed costumes for the national tour of a new holiday musical, Noël. Favorite shows designed at CRT are too numerous to mention but include 1776 and several Agatha Christie mysteries. She has designed for a number of theaters, but CRT remains her longest association, going back to 2001.
Seth Asa Sengel (Sound Designer) is a lifelong listener from the backwoods of Southern Maine. He always loves spending time in Homer and Cortland and making art with his friends at CRT. Seth has spent decades as a performing artist and is blessed with a wonderful life among creators and visionaries. For more information on Seth Asa, visit www.sethasa.com. Please be kind to one another, and to yourself, and let people know that you love them. Much love to Mary Lana and Hazel.
Matthew Webb (Lighting Designer) is excited to return for his fourth season at CRT, having previously designed Mamma Mia!, Sleuth, Our Town, and last summer’s …Orient Express. In Central New York, Matt’s been nominated for three SALT Awards for his work with CRT, and he recently lit The Play That Goes Wrong at Syracuse Stage. Elsewhere, Matt’s designed with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Arden Theatre, Seattle Rep, Asolo Rep, ZACH Theatre, San Jose Rep, Arkansas Rep, Phoenix Theatre, and many others. This fall, Matt will join the faculty of Montclair State University in New Jersey, and he holds an MFA from the University of Washington.
Production Staff
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Melanie Ernst (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager) is filled with gratitude to join the CRT family this summer! Most recent: Stage Manager for the National Tour of The Thorn. Love and thanks to my friends and mentors for cheering me on from afar and my family for being my biggest cheerleaders. All the glory to God! Eph. 3:20 melaniejernst.com IG: @melle.belle1
Joshua Stenger (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager)is delighted to be back in the Fingerlakes Region and to spend the summer at CRT! He is currently pursuing an MFA in Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Favorite credits include Once at Bristol Valley Theatre and Footloose at The REV. Much thanks to my parents for their constant support, and my cat, Pip, for never needing to set a morning alarm ever again. Lights GO and enjoy the show!
Talene Pogharian (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) (she/her) is so excited to be spending the summer with CRT! Her favorite credits include A Story Beyond (Liars and Believers), Fabulation (Lyric Stage Company of Boston), Most Happy in Concert (Williamstown Theatre Festival) and Spamalot (Northern Stage). Originally from Watertown, MA, Talene graduated from Hofstra University in 2021 with a BFA in Theatre Arts. She wants to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support!
Laura Swygert (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) is excited to be joining CRT this summer. Florida-based, Swygert graduated from Florida State University as a B.A. Theatre in Stage Management. She previously worked as a Stage Management Intern at Gulfshore Playhouse (Steel Magnolias, Mud Row, Barefoot in the Park). Other previous credits include Bye Bye Birdie (SM, Endstation Theatre Company), R+H Cinderella (SM, Fallon Theatre), and The Importance of Being Earnest (ASM, Lab Theatre).
Kate Lee (Deck Hand/Backstage Crew) is a recent graduate of Dryden High School. At Dryden, she was an Assistant Stage Manager for She Loves Me (2022), and Stage Manager for Beauty and the Beast (2023). In the fall, she plans to attend University of Connecticut for a B.S. in Cognitive Science and a B.A. in Theater Studies. She is incredibly excited to be working with CRT for the first time this summer!
SCENIC DEPARTMENT
Dana White, Jr. (Technical Director), a South Florida native, serves on faculty, and as Technical Coordinator, at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He earned his MFA in Technical Production from Florida State University. Dana is passionate about the elements of artistry, community, and humanity as it relates to storytelling. Previous credits include CRT, Bristol Valley Theatre, Palm Beach Shakespeare, Sunrise Theater, Texas Shakespeare Festival, Actor’s Rep, and tech for theater departments in the Palm Beach County School District.
Jacob Southworth (Assistant Technical Director) is a native of East Greenbush, New York and is breaking back into the theatre scene after COVID. He has worked as a carpenter in several different productions, such as The Shape of Things (Fall 2019), as the Assistant Technical Director in Fun Home (Spring 2019), as the Co-Scene Designer for She Kills Monsters (Spring 2020), and just got off working a contract for Royal Caribbean on several shows. He is excited to work as the Assistant Technical Director this summer.
Iz Dillon (Carpenter) is from Carmel, Indiana. Currently a Technical Production student at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Previous experience includes being Head Carpenter for Frankenstein and Fellow Travelers at CCM (2023), Scenic Carpenter and Run Crew for Blue Stockings at CCM (2022), and Scenic Carpenter and Fly Crew for Xanadu at CCM (2021).
Kylee Hancock (Carpenter) (she/they) recently graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Henderson State University. During her time at Henderson, she worked diligently on the carpentry work-study staff. Their recent credits include head carpenter on Antigone, Men on Boats, and As You Like It. Besides carpentry, Kylee was the technical director of Our Town. Last summer, she worked as a scenic carpenter at Texas Shakespeare Festival for a five-show season.
Ruihan (Renée) Liu (Paint Charge) is a professional Scenic Artist / Designer born and raised in Qingdao, China. She relocated to the US in 2016 and got her B.F.A. in Production Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). After 4 years of study at SCAD and working in the industry, she found her passion and decided to continue her studying. She is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Scenic Design at the University of South Carolina.
Eleanor Kephart (Scenic Shop Intern) is currently a senior at SUNY Geneseo with a double major in Theater and English. They love all things tech theater and are especially interested in pursuing higher education in lighting and scenic design. They want to thank their professors, family, and friends for always encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Eleanor hopes you enjoy the shows!
PROPS DEPARTMENT
Taylor Barr (Season Props Designer) is a returning designer from the American South. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in theatre, and another in mathematics. Some of his recent theatrical projects have included Macbeth (Props), Monkey Island (Director, Props), and Coyote (Playwright, Director, Props). Non-theatrical projects include assorted mathematical research and The Midnight Bizarre, a community arts centered event; @themidnightbizarre on Instagram. Ideologically, this kid likes to have fun. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Nora K. Galley (Props Artisan) is a props artist originally from Buffalo, NY, and is excited to be spending the summer in Cortland, continuing her tour of CNY. Previously, she has worked in Syracuse, Ithaca, and Auburn, as well as Des Moines, Iowa. She is a graduate of the Theatre department at SUNY Fredonia and spends her time away from Cortland working at Syracuse Stage. norakgalley.com
Riley Bates (Properties Intern) is a rising senior at Vassar studying drama and art history. She’s excited to be joining CRT’s team as Props Intern! Previous design experience includes scenic for Mercury and Mosquitoes and props for Witch with the Vassar College Experimental Theater and props design for James and the Giant Peach at Millbrook Playhouse, where she was last summer’s Props Intern. She would like to thank her friends, family, and dog Titan for all their love and support!
COSTUME DEPARTMENT
Shanie Hollenbeck (Stitcher/Costume Shop Supervisor) hails from Chadron, NE where she most recently was the costume shop manager and co-designer for Chadron State College’s productions of The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes, The Thanksgiving Play, Working, and The Thin Place. She is elated to join the CRT crew and meet all the amazing people this summer. Some of Shanie’s favorite things include DnD, reading, writing poetry, herbal tea, and anime.
Nina Haurani (Costume Shop Intern)(she/her)is thrilled to be working at CRT this summer! She is an upcoming senior at Miami University where she is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Fashion. Nina is interested in costume design and has a job in the costume shop at Miami University. She is looking forward to developing her sewing and tailoring skills at Cortland this summer!
Stacy Moller (Stitcher) is pleased to be joining the staff of CRT this summer to lend her talent to the costume shop and wardrobe crew. Stacey is the owner of Magpie Custom Creations in Cortland and the Costume Shop Manager for SUNY Cortland’s Department Performing Arts. Through her studios, she has designed and built costumes for several theaters over the past twenty years including the New York Institute of Technology in Westbury, NY, Homer High and Jr. High Schools, The Homer Center for the Arts’ Center Players and Shakespeare in the Park, Neezen Toes Productions, Inc., and for numerous individuals throughout the US.
LIGHTING DEPARTMENT
Jeffrey Oakley (Head Electrician) (he/they) Originating from North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jeffrey is a professional Lighting Designer and Electrician. Currently they attend the University of Iowa as an M.F.A. candidate, studying to enhance their artistic craft. They have previously worked with Utah Shakespeare Festival, TEXAS! the Outdoor Musical, and Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Their previous works include Little Shop of Horrors, Sound of Music, Mother:Knife, Pierogi Play, Guilt/Less, Do You Feel Anger, and Speak Daggers. Instagram: @oakleylightingdesign
SOUND DEPARTMENT
Abirami Senthil (Season Sound Engineer) is a Sound Design student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She worked as an A1/sound engineer last summer at Timberlake Playhouse and as an A2 on Karate Kid The Musical. This is her first time working at CRT. She is excited to be part of these productions and hopes you enjoy the shows!
Sponsored by:
Xanadu
Book by Douglas Carter Beane, Music & Lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar
Based on the Universal Pictures Film; Screenplay by Richard Danus and Marc Rubel
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Ahrens, Dan Vickery, Tara Smith/B. Swibel, Sara Murchison,/Dale Smith & Cari Smulyan
Co-Directed by Bryan Knowlton and Kerby Thompson
Xanadu is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
“Xanadu”, “All Over the World”, “The Fall”, “I’m Alive”, “Evil Woman”, “Don’t Walk Away” and “Strange Magic” written by Jeff Lynne, published by EMI Blackwood Music Inc.
“Magic”, “Suddenly”, “Dancin”, “Suspended in Time”, “Whenever You’re Away from Me,”, “Fool” and “Have You Never Been Mellow” written by John Farrar, published by John Farrar Music.
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Music Director: Shoshana Seid-Green
Choreographer: Bryan Knowlton
Scenic Designer: Rozy Isquith
Lighting Designer: Matthew Webb
Costume Designer: Clara Jean Kelly
Sound Designer: Kyle Jensen
Properties Designer: Taylor Barr
Production Stage Manager: Joshua Stenger
Technical Director: Simone Scalici
Company Manager: Melanie Ernst
Assistant Stage Manger: Laura Swygert
Deck Crew: Kate Lee
Musicians for this production: Simon Bjarning (Drums / Percussion), Dan Skidmore (Guitar)
Time: 1980 Place: Los Angeles and Mount Olympus
Musical Numbers
Act One
Scene 1: Venice Beach
I’m Alive – Muses and Clio/Kira
Scene 2: Santa Monica Pier
Magic – Sonny, Kira, and Muses
Evil Woman – Melpomene, Calliope, and Sirens
Scene 3: Outside the Auditorium
Suddenly – Sonny and Kira
Scene 4: Danny Maguire’s Office
Whenever You’re Away from Me – Danny Maguire, Kira, and Young Danny
Scene 5: Inside Auditorium
Dancin – ‘40s and ‘80s Singers, Kira, Sonny, and Danny
Strange Magic – Sonny and Kira, Melpomene, Calliope, and Eros
All Over the World – Full Company
Don’t Walk Away – Sonny, Kira, and Muses
Act Two
Scene 6: Venice Beach
All Over the World / Magic (reprises) – Muses, Melpomene, and Calliope
Fool – Kira, Melpomene, and Calliope
The Fall – Sonny and Muses
Suspended in Time – Kira and Sonny
Scene 7: Mount Olympus
Have You Never Been Mellow? – Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Thetis, Cyclops, Medusa, Centaur
Scene 8: Club Xanadu
Xanadu – Full Company
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Aubrey Alvino (Melpomene, Medusa) is an actress from New York. She graduated from Rider University earlier this spring, receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance. Aubrey fell in love with CRT two winters ago when she first auditioned and is over the moon to be here! Some previous credits include Scaramouche in WWRY, Brenda in Catch Me If You Can, Heather Chandler in Heathers, and Natalie in Next to Normal. Aubrey is thrilled to be a part of something so special and hopes that you enjoy the shows! Instagram: @aubreyalvino | website: aubreyalvino.com *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Mai Caslowitz (Euterpe, Siren, Andrew Sister, Thetis) (she/they) is a rising junior Musical Theatre major at Rider University and is beyond thrilled to be joining CRT’s 2023 Performing Intern Company! Regional Credits: Spring Awakening (Anna) with the Milton Theater. Educational Credits include Rebirth & Into the Spotlight with Rider University, Carrie: The Musical (Freida) with the Rider Student Theatre Company. *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Jessica Cerreta (Calliope, Aphrodite) is so excited to be performing with CRT this summer! She is from Hopewell Junction, NY and is currently pursuing her BFA in musical theater at Syracuse University (Go Orange!) When not on stage she loves to build Lego sets and spend time with friends and family. She thanks everyone who has supported her, especially her parents, and thanks everyone at CRT for the wonderful opportunity! Recent credits: The Little Mermaid (Syracuse Stage), Sweet Charity (Syracuse University), The Play That Goes Wrong u/s Annie (Syracuse Stage), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Redhouse Arts Center), Legoland NY Performer. *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Michael Hartman (Thalia, Siren, Young Danny, Tubes Singer, Cyclops) is delighted and honored to be involved in CRT’s summer season! He is currently finishing his BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Utah. Michael was recently seen in Pioneer Theatre’s The Prom and various other theatres in Utah. Favorite shows in which he has previously performed include Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, and Bright Star. Michael would like to thank his parents, Kristen and Mason, for always believing in him and supporting him to reach for the stars. Instagram: @_michaelmh_ *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Andrew Burton Kelley (Sonny Malone) is thrilled to be making their CRT debut! He is a New York-based performer, having previously worked on the Waitress National Tour, Carnival Cruise Lines, and many regional theatres around the country. Favorite credits include Sonny in Xanadu, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (Mac-Haydn), Doody in Grease, Al in A Chorus Line (Palace Theatre of Manchester), and Mark in Rent (Firehouse Center of the Arts). Love to his parents, Al, his incredible wife Rachel, and little kitten Eloise.
Breanna Lemerise (Erato, Siren, Andrew Sister, Eros, Hera) (she/her) is a rising junior Musical Theatre major at Rider University and is extremely excited to be a member of CRT’s 2023 Performing Intern Company! Recent educational credits include Into the Spotlight: a Stephen Sondheim Cabaret (Soloist) and Rebirth (Soloist) at Rider University. *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Trevor Shingler (Terpsichore, Siren, Tubes Singer, Hermes, Centaur) is a Junior BFA Musical Theatre student at Rider University, originally from Chicago, IL. Recent credits include Cabaret (Cliff), Grease (Danny), and Kiss Me, Kate (Harrison Howell). His choreography was also seen in Magic To Do, a student run cabaret at Rider. ig: @trevorshingler. *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Paul Weagraff (Danny Maguire, Zeus) is thrilled to be making his debut with CRT. Having grown up in the Finger Lakes region, it’s great to be back! Regional credits closer to his Delaware home include Max Detweiler (The Sound of Music); Mal Beineke (The Addams Family); Mayor Dobbs (Bright Star); Narrator/Mysterious Man (Into the Woods); Herr Schultz (Cabaret); Frank Butley (Native Gardens); and Charles Giteau (Assassins). Many thanks to everyone at CRT for this wonderful opportunity!
Shelby Zimmerman (Kira, Clio) is a senior musical theatre major at Otterbein University; originally hailing from Tampa, Florida. She is absolutely thrilled to be making her return to CRT after being a performing intern in 2021, appearing in Goin’ to the Chapel and Pirate Schmirate!. Other regional credits include: Sherrie (Rock of Ages), Mae (The Wild Party), and Cathy (The Last 5 Years). She would like to thank Kerby and the rest of the Cortland cast and crew for always providing such a fun and supportive environment, Mikey for being the best porch stoop buddy, her parents for being her rock, and Mr. Bobinsky. Shelby dedicates all her performances to her Grandma Vicky. IG: @Shelby.lz
Directors / Choreographers
Brian Knowlton (Co-Director / Choreographer) is a New York and London based director and choreographer. Bryan’s extensive career has spanned from starring on Broadway in the most recent revival of A Chorus Line to appearing in multiple National Tours, Film and TV. He is an award-winning choreographer with credits that include Cabaret and Chicago (NH Theatre Award for Best Choreographer, ONSTAGE Theatre Award Nomination for Best Choreography), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Award for Outstanding Choreography) Beehive (Berkshire Theatre Award nomination for Best Choreographer) Saturday Night Fever and Mamma Mia! (SALT Award nominations for Best Choreographer), Curtains (Broadway World Award Nomination for Best Choreography) among many others. At present, he is attached as Director/Choreographer to In My Own Little Corner starring Chryssie Whitehead in NYC and serving as choreographer for the new musical The Only Way Out written by David Thatcher Maglione in London, UK. He is currently an adjunct professor at Montclair State University as well as on faculty at Broadway Dance Center, STEPS on Broadway in New York City as well as THE HUB and House of Jazz in London. More info: bryanknowlton.org.
Kerby Thompson (Producing Artistic Director / Show Co-Director) has served in this position at Cortland Rep since 2000. In his time here, he has successfully led the theatre thru two capital campaigns: one for $150,000 to install an elevator and sprinkler system in the Little York Pavilion, and one for $2.25 million to create “CRT Downtown”. At CRT, he has performed in The Addams Family (Mal Beinke), The Full Monty (Harold), Chicago (Billy Flynn – Winner of the Syracuse Area Live Theatre “SALT” Award for Best Actor of the Summer Season), Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks (Michael Minnetti – SALT nominee), Moonlight and Magnolias (David Selznick – SALT Award for Best Actor of the Summer Season), The Music Man (Harold Hill – SALT nominee), Anything Goes (Billy Crocker), and The World Goes Round (Man 2). CRT directing credits include Murder on the Orient Express, Mama Mia, Million Dollar Quartet, Our Town (SALT Award – Director of a Play), Saturday Night Fever (SALT Award – Director of a Musical), The Lady with All the Answers, Appointment with Death, Cards on the Table, 1776 (SALT nomination), Buddy!, The Ladies Man, Rumors, See How They Run, Unnecessary Farce, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and others. Another lifetime ago, previous to moving to Cortland, he lived in New York City for 14 years as an actor/singer/dancer, director and choreographer. Favorite performance credits include Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Loni Anderson, and The Best Little Whorehouse… with Barbara Eden. He said Hello to Dolly! and Bye Bye to Birdie on two national tours and performed in two international tours with Dolly! and Anything Goes to Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Other performance credits include The Will Rogers Follies, Me and My Girl, Brigadoon, Shenendoah, Joseph…Dreamcoat, and many others..
Shoshana Seid-Green (Music Director) is thrilled to return to CRT, where she previously music directed Saturday Night Fever and Mamma Mia! Recent credits include Cabaret (SUNY Cortland), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Nazareth College), Fun Home (Barnard University), The Rocky Horror Show, Mamma Mia!, Ghost (Winnipesaukee Playhouse), Always…Patsy Cline (Jean’s Playhouse), and various shows in and around New York City. She has also been a resident music director with Jenny Wiley Theatre (Mary Poppins, 9 to 5, Shrek, Little Shop of Horrors, School of Rock, The Velveteen Rabbit) and a music supervisor with RWS Entertainment for the Holland America Line production shows. Shoshana has 15 years of experience music directing at theatres across the country, is based in NYC and is a graduate of University of California, Irvine.
Creators
Douglas Carter Beane’s (Book) play The Nance opened on Broadway starring Nathan Lane, where it received five Tony nominations and won three. It was filmed for PBS Live from Lincoln Center and was shown in movie theaters and then broadcast on PBS. Beane’s previous play The Little Dog Laughed opened on Broadway where it was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play and won a Tony award for Julie White. It then opened in the West End at the Garrick Theater where it starred Tamsin Grieg and Rupert Friend and Gemma Arterton and was nominated for the Olivier for Best New Play.
His other plays include Fairycakes starring Mo Rocca, Jackie Hoffman, Ann Harada, and Julie Halston, Shows for Days featuring Patti Lupone and Michael Urie, The Country Club starring Cynthia Nixon and Amy Sedaris, Mr. & Mrs. Fitch which starred John Lithgow and Jennifer Ehle, Music from a Sparkling Planet and As Bees in Honey Drown which won the Outer Critics Circle John Gassner Award and an Obie award for its star, J. Smith Cameron. His first play Advice from A Caterpillar was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle award and was made into a film starring Cynthia Nixon and Timothy Oliphant. It received the Aspen Comedy Festival Best Feature award. He wrote the film, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar which starred Patrick Swayze, John Leguizamo, Wesley Snipes, Robin Williams and Stockard Channing.
A respected practitioner of musical theater, his adaptation of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella ran on Broadway for two years and was also nominated for Tonys for both Best Book of a Musical and Best Musical Revival. His musical stage version of the film Xanadu also ran on Broadway for two years and was nominated for a Tony for Best Book of a Musical and Best Musical. It received the Drama Desk Award for best book of a musical and the Outer Critics Circle Best Musical award. Beane’s new book for the musical Sister Act ran on Broadway for two years and was nominated for the Tony for Best Book of a Musical and Best Musical. It opened in London this summer with Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior. He wrote the book for the Broadway musical, Lysistrata Jones, and received both the Drama Desk and Tony nomination for Best Book of a musical. He wrote the book to the stage adaptation of MGM’s The Bandwagon which was produced at the Old Globe and Encores, and he’s written the summer show for the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. His libretto for Die Fledermaus debuted at the Metropolitan Opera and is in their repertoire.
He is married to composer Lewis Flinn, and they have two children, Cooper and Gabrielle who like theater but don’t want to do it.
Jeff Lynne (Music and Lyrics) formed the Electric Light Orchestra, or E.L.O., in the 1970’s. The group gradually developed from cult favorites into one of the 70s’ leading recording acts, scoring international success with several platinum-selling albums, including A New World Record and Out of The Blue. Lynne’s dual talents as a composer and producer ensured the group’s status but, sensing an artistic sterility, he abandoned his creation in 1986. The artist then assumed an increasingly backroom role but won praise for his production work with George Harrison (Cloud Nine), Randy Newman (Land of Dreams) and Roy Orbison (Mystery Girl) and he has also contributed his distinctive production qualities to much of Tom Petty s recent output. Lynne’s work with Orbison coincided with his position as ‘Otis Wilbury’ in the Traveling Wilburys, an informal ‘supergroup’ completed by Orbison, Harrison, Tom Petty, and Bob Dylan. This particularly prolific period was also marked by his work with Brian Wilson on the ex-Beach Boys’ first long-awaited solo album. In recent years, Lynne has produced the Beatles’ lost tapes, notably Free as a Bird and Real Love. He co-produced Paul McCartney’s Flaming Pie in 1997.
John Farrar (Music and Lyrics) left Australia in 1970 at the invitation of the legendary English group The Shadows; they recorded six albums together. During a break he began working with Olivia Newton-John. He went on to produce 14 albums for her. After winning a Grammy (Record of the Year) for I Honestly Love You, he moved to L.A. where he wrote and produced many of her hits: Have You Never Been Mellow?, Hopelessly Devoted to You (Academy Award nom.), You’re the Once That I Want (Golden Globe nom.), Don’t Stop Believing, A Little More Love, Magic, Suddenly, Sam, Make a Move on Me. He also produced the mega-hit Physical. In 1995 he co-wrote with Tim Rice the songs for the Cliff Richard musical Heathcliff. He co-wrote with Francis Ford Coppola the songs for a new musical, Gidget.
Creative Team
Rosalind (Rozy) Isquith (Scenic Designer) is a scenic designer and artist from Vermont. She is happy to be returning to CRT this summer, after designing the set for Hair last summer. As a designer, Rozy works for SUNY Geneseo, The Pennsylvania State University, New London Barn Playhouse, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, University of Vermont’s Royall Tyler Theatre, and the Very Merry Theatre Company. As a scenic artist, she continues to work with Goodspeed Musicals, The Glimmerglass Festival, Scenic Art Studios, and the New London Barn Playhouse. Her design work can be viewed at RosalindIsquith.com.
Matt Webb (Lighting Designer) is excited to return for his fourth season at CRT, having previously designed Mamma Mia!, Sleuth, Our Town, and last summer’s …Orient Express. In Central New York, Matt’s been nominated for three SALT Awards for his work with CRT, and he recently lit The Play That Goes Wrong at Syracuse Stage. Elsewhere, Matt’s designed with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Arden Theatre, Seattle Rep, Asolo Rep, ZACH Theatre, San Jose Rep, Arkansas Rep, Phoenix Theatre, and many others. This fall, Matt will join the faculty of Montclair State University in New Jersey, and he holds an MFA from the University of Washington.
Clara Jean Kelly (Costume Designer) (she, her, hers) is an Assistant Professor of Costume Production, Costume Designer, and Costume Technician based in Tuscaloosa, AL. She has her MFA in Costume Design from Florida State University and does freelance costume design all over the United States. Clara Jean has previously worked as the Costume Shop Manager and as a Costume Designer at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and has performed duties as a Costume Shop Manager, Adjunct Professor, and Residential Costume Designer at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA and at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. Other notable positions include the Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer at Theater at Monmouth in Monmouth, ME and the Residential Costume Designer and Shop Manager at The Hippodrome State Theater in Gainesville, FL.
Kyle Jensen (Sound Designer) (he/him/his) is a sound designer based out of Pennsylvania. Design credits: Metamorphoses (Penn State – State College, PA), Ragtime (SSTI – Hilton Head, SC), Somewhere Over the Border (assistant) (Teatro Vista – Chicago, IL), Something Grim(m), and Cake Ladies (Dallas Theater Center – Dallas, TX), and How to Succeed in Business… (American University – Washington, DC). He is a member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA) and Association of Sound Designers (ASD). kylejensenmedia.com, Instagram: @kylejensensound
Musicians
Simon Bjarning (Drums/Percussion) is a professional drummer and percussionist originally from Denmark and has made New York State his home since 2014. His work has been divided between drumming, classical percussion, and teaching. As an experienced musical theater drummer/percussionist in Denmark and in the US, Simon has played on multiple Broadway shows over the years including Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Annie and The Producers. With CRT, Simon recently performed in Saturday Night Fever and The Rat Pack Lounge.
Dan Skidmore (Guitar)‘s work as a pit guitarist includes RENT, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Assassins, The Last Five Years, Something Rotten, The Wedding Singer, Godspell, Rocky Horror, Pippin, Footloose, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, Grease, Anything Goes, Seussical, Crazy for You, Joseph…, Disaster!, Bring it On, and 13: The Musical. He is the staff guitarist at Bristol Hills Music Camp and for the Diocese of Syracuse. He has performed with The New York Voices, Nancy Kelly, Ronnie Leigh, and many Syracuse club acts. Clients include Syracuse Media Group, The Redhouse, Syracuse Summer Theater, Baldwinsville Theater Guild, CNY Playhouse, and many others.
Production Staff
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Melanie Ernst (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager) is filled with gratitude to join the CRT family this summer! Most recent: Stage Manager for the National Tour of The Thorn. Love and thanks to my friends and mentors for cheering me on from afar and my family for being my biggest cheerleaders. All the glory to God! Eph. 3:20 melaniejernst.com IG: @melle.belle1
Joshua Stenger (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager)is delighted to be back in the Fingerlakes Region and to spend the summer at CRT! He is currently pursuing an MFA in Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Favorite credits include Once at Bristol Valley Theatre and Footloose at The REV. Much thanks to my parents for their constant support, and my cat, Pip, for never needing to set a morning alarm ever again. Lights GO and enjoy the show!
Talene Pogharian (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) (she/her) is so excited to be spending the summer with CRT! Her favorite credits include A Story Beyond (Liars and Believers), Fabulation (Lyric Stage Company of Boston), Most Happy in Concert (Williamstown Theatre Festival) and Spamalot (Northern Stage). Originally from Watertown, MA, Talene graduated from Hofstra University in 2021 with a BFA in Theatre Arts. She wants to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support!
Laura Swygert (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) is excited to be joining CRT this summer. Florida-based, Swygert graduated from Florida State University as a B.A. Theatre in Stage Management. She previously worked as a Stage Management Intern at Gulfshore Playhouse (Steel Magnolias, Mud Row, Barefoot in the Park). Other previous credits include Bye Bye Birdie (SM, Endstation Theatre Company), R+H Cinderella (SM, Fallon Theatre), and The Importance of Being Earnest (ASM, Lab Theatre).
Kate Lee (Deck Hand/Backstage Crew) is a recent graduate of Dryden High School. At Dryden, she was an Assistant Stage Manager for She Loves Me (2022), and Stage Manager for Beauty and the Beast (2023). In the fall, she plans to attend University of Connecticut for a B.S. in Cognitive Science and a B.A. in Theater Studies. She is incredibly excited to be working with CRT for the first time this summer!
SCENIC DEPARTMENT
Simone Scalici (Technical Director) is the Technical Director for SUNY Cortland Department of Musical Theatre. He has worked with CRT in the past on the Stories in the Park series and is excited to be involved in the Summer 2023 season. He has worked with Syracuse stage, Syracuse City Ballet, Colgate University, Gimmerglass Opera, SUNY Oneonta, Orpheus Theatre, the Grand Illusion Cinema, WTSC, and a host of other arts organizations.
Jacob Southworth (Assistant Technical Director) is a native of East Greenbush, New York and is breaking back into the theatre scene after COVID. He has worked as a carpenter in several different productions, such as The Shape of Things (Fall 2019), as the Assistant Technical Director in Fun Home (Spring 2019), as the Co-Scene Designer for She Kills Monsters (Spring 2020), and just got off working a contract for Royal Caribbean on several shows. He is excited to work as the Assistant Technical Director this summer.
Iz Dillon (Carpenter) is from Carmel, Indiana. Currently a Technical Production student at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Previous experience includes being Head Carpenter for Frankenstein and Fellow Travelers at CCM (2023), Scenic Carpenter and Run Crew for Blue Stockings at CCM (2022), and Scenic Carpenter and Fly Crew for Xanadu at CCM (2021).
Kylee Hancock (Carpenter) (she/they) recently graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Henderson State University. During her time at Henderson, she worked diligently on the carpentry work-study staff. Their recent credits include head carpenter on Antigone, Men on Boats, and As You Like It. Besides carpentry, Kylee was the technical director of Our Town. Last summer, she worked as a scenic carpenter at Texas Shakespeare Festival for a five-show season.
Ruihan (Renée) Liu (Paint Charge) is a professional Scenic Artist / Designer born and raised in Qingdao, China. She relocated to the US in 2016 and got her B.F.A. in Production Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). After 4 years of study at SCAD and working in the industry, she found her passion and decided to continue her studying. She is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Scenic Design at the University of South Carolina.
Eleanor Kephart (Scenic Shop Intern) is currently a senior at SUNY Geneseo with a double major in Theater and English. They love all things tech theater and are especially interested in pursuing higher education in lighting and scenic design. They want to thank their professors, family, and friends for always encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Eleanor hopes you enjoy the shows!
PROPS DEPARTMENT
Taylor Barr (Season Props Designer)is a returning designer from the American South. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in theatre, and another in mathematics. Some of his recent theatrical projects have included Macbeth (Props), Monkey Island (Director, Props), and Coyote (Playwright, Director, Props). Non-theatrical projects include assorted mathematical research and The Midnight Bizarre, a community arts centered event; @themidnightbizarre on Instagram. Ideologically, this kid likes to have fun. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Nora K. Galley (Props Artisan) is a props artist originally from Buffalo, NY, and is excited to be spending the summer in Cortland, continuing her tour of CNY. Previously, she has worked in Syracuse, Ithaca, and Auburn, as well as Des Moines, Iowa. She is a graduate of the Theatre department at SUNY Fredonia and spends her time away from Cortland working at Syracuse Stage. norakgalley.com
Riley Bates (Properties Intern) is a rising senior at Vassar studying drama and art history. She’s excited to be joining CRT’s team as Props Intern! Previous design experience includes scenic for Mercury and Mosquitoes and props for Witch with the Vassar College Experimental Theater and props design for James and the Giant Peach at Millbrook Playhouse, where she was last summer’s Props Intern. She would like to thank her friends, family, and dog Titan for all their love and support!
COSTUME DEPARTMENT
Shanie Hollenbeck (Stitcher/Costume Shop Supervisor) hails from Chadron, NE where she most recently was the costume shop manager and co-designer for Chadron State College’s productions of The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes, The Thanksgiving Play, Working, and The Thin Place. She is elated to join the CRT crew and meet all the amazing people this summer. Some of Shanie’s favorite things include DnD, reading, writing poetry, herbal tea, and anime.
Nina Haurani (Costume Shop Intern)(she/her)is thrilled to be working at CRT this summer! She is an upcoming senior at Miami University where she is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Fashion. Nina is interested in costume design and has a job in the costume shop at Miami University. She is looking forward to developing her sewing and tailoring skills at Cortland this summer!
Stacy Moller (Stitcher) is pleased to be joining the staff of CRT this summer to lend her talent to the costume shop and wardrobe crew. Stacey is the owner of Magpie Custom Creations in Cortland and the Costume Shop Manager for SUNY Cortland’s Department Performing Arts. Through her studios, she has designed and built costumes for several theaters over the past twenty years including the New York Institute of Technology in Westbury, NY, Homer High and Jr. High Schools, The Homer Center for the Arts’ Center Players and Shakespeare in the Park, Neezen Toes Productions, Inc., and for numerous individuals throughout the US.
LIGHTING DEPARTMENT
Jeffrey Oakley (Head Electrician) (he/they) Originating from North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jeffrey is a professional Lighting Designer and Electrician. Currently they attend the University of Iowa as an M.F.A. candidate, studying to enhance their artistic craft. They have previously worked with Utah Shakespeare Festival, TEXAS! the Outdoor Musical, and Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Their previous works include Little Shop of Horrors, Sound of Music, Mother:Knife, Pierogi Play, Guilt/Less, Do You Feel Anger, and Speak Daggers. Instagram: @oakleylightingdesign
SOUND DEPARTMENT
Abirami Senthil (Season Sound Engineer) is a Sound Design student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She worked as an A1/sound engineer last summer at Timberlake Playhouse and as an A2 on Karate Kid The Musical. This is her first time working at CRT. She is excited to be part of these productions and hopes you enjoy the shows!
Sponsored by:
Unnecessary Farce
by Paul Slade Smith
Directed by Kerby Thompson
Unnecessary Farce is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. www.dramatists.com
Originally Produced by Boarshead Theatre, Lansing, Michigan; Kristine Thatcher, Artistic Director
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Scenic Designer: Carl Tallent
Lighting Designer: Jeffrey Oakley
Costume Designer: Orli Nativ
Sound Designer: Abi Senthil
Properties Designer: Taylor Barr
Production Stage Manager: Melanie Ernst
Technical Director: Simone Scalici
Company Manager: Joshua Stenger
Assistant Stage Manger: Talene Pogharian
Deck Crew: Kate Lee
Time: Spring, 2009
Place: Two adjoining motel rooms in a big town/small city somewhere in America …not unlike Cortland.
CAST (in alphabetical order)
Mark Bader (Mayor Meekly) is happy to be back at CRT, having appeared in Fiddler on the Roof, Spider’s Web, and 2009’s Unnecessary Farce, among other productions. He has appeared in Bedroom Farce at Ithaca’s Hangar Theatre, and regionally as Sir Lancelot in Spamalot, and in The Lonesome West, Art, 1776, Moonlight and Magnolias, and others. Additionally, Mark has acted at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center, and at London’s historic Lauderdale House — King Charles II’s occasional residence — and Scotland’s Edinburgh International Festival Fringe, also serving as playwright. Directing credits include Rhinoceros, Pinter’s The Hothouse, and others. Mark would like to thank Kerby and CRT for this wonderful opportunity.
Emily Britt (Billie Dwyer) is a MT graduate of Syracuse University, originally from Christchurch, New Zealand. Emily was one of the youngest contestants to make the top 10 in Broadway’s Search for Roxie for Chicago the Musical. Past credits include Babette, Beauty & The Beast (Syracuse Stage), Kristine, A Chorus Line (Syracuse University), Margot, Legally Blonde (Connelly Theater). Thank you to the Cortland family for welcoming her back – Emily was previously seen in Cortland’s Mamma Mia! and Legally Blonde. emilyabritt.com @emily_britttt
Mikey LoBalsamo (Agent Frank) is so excited to be back at beautiful CRT. You may remember him from past productions such as: Hair (Margaret Mead), Kiss Me Kate (Gangster 2) and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. He was also in last season’s Murder on the Orient Express and is so thankful he gets to come back and finish the run and be here this season. Thanks to the amazing cast and crew!
Rebecca Tucker (Karen Brown) is thrilled to be back at CRT! New York: New Victory Theatre (Caps for Sale the Musical) Regional: Ford’s Theatre (Widow Lincoln), Portland Stage (Or), Oregon Cabaret (The Play That Goes Wrong, Moon Over Buffalo), Sierra Repertory (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Sharon Playhouse (Barefoot in the Park), Interlakes Theatre (Gypsy), Broward Stage Door (Nice Work If You Can Get It), Okoboji Summer Rep (Little Women the Musical), Great American Melodrama (Steel Magnolias, Unnecessary Farce), Winnipesaukee Playhouse (Miss Julie, The Importance of Being Earnest, Cabaret, Rocky Horror, Boeing Boeing). Tours: Caps for Sale, Christmas Carol. Rebecca holds a BFA from California State University, Fullerton. Love you, Nick <3 www.rebecca-tucker.com
Colin Wasmund (Todd) is thrilled to be returning for his third CRT production! It’s been a hot minute, but previous CRT shows include Ernie Cusack in Rumors (2011) and various roles in Almost, Maine (2007). While that was a while ago, Colin has aged like a fine wine and is currently an Assistant Professor of Acting at Western Carolina University near Asheville, NC. Additionally, Colin continues to work primarily as an on-camera actor in commercials and film. His song addiction at the moment is Monty Python’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Cheers!
Gerri Weagraff (Mary Meekly) is thrilled to make her CRT debut! Gerri most recently played the Dowager Empress in the North American tour of Anastasia, performing in 41 states and 3 Canadian provinces over the last year and a half. Other national tour credits: Fiddler on the Roof (Golde). Regional: Arizona Broadway Theatre, Surflight Theatre, Beef & Boards, Fireside, Act II Playhouse, Candlelight Theatre. Some favorite roles: Phyllis (Follies), Mrs. Potts (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Parthy Hawks (Show Boat), Hannah (The Spitfire Grill), Mama Murphy (Bright Star), Mrs. Brice (Funny Girl), Julia (Lend Me a Tenor). www.gerriweagraff.com
Nicholas Wilder (Eric Sheridan) is thrilled to be returning to CRT for his 8th summer! Previous shows: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Ladies Man, Women in Jeopardy, The 39 Steps, Sleuth and Rumors. Off-Broadway: Major Barbara (The Pearl Theatre) Regional: Centennial Casting (Seven Angels), Equivocation (Virginia Rep), Peter and the Starcatcher (Winni Playhouse), Angels in America (Richmond Triangle Playhouse), The 39 Steps (Laguna Playhouse, Forestburgh, Surflight) and Living in Exile (theatre KAPOW) for which he won the Best Actor New Hampshire Theatre Award. Tours: The 39 Steps (Natl. Tour) A Christmas Carol (Natl. Tour) The Learned Ladies, Richard II (Shakespeare Theatre of NJ). Many thanks to Kerby for this opportunity and to his wife Rebecca for her constant love and support. www.nicholaswilder.com
Director
Kerby Thompson (Director) has served in this position at Cortland Rep since 2000. In his time here, he has successfully led the theatre thru two capital campaigns: one for $150,000 to install an elevator and sprinkler system in the Little York Pavilion, and one for $2.25 million to create “CRT Downtown”. At CRT, he has performed in The Addams Family (Mal Beinke), The Full Monty (Harold), Chicago (Billy Flynn – Winner of the Syracuse Area Live Theatre “SALT” Award for Best Actor of the Summer Season), Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks (Michael Minnetti – SALT nominee), Moonlight and Magnolias (David Selznick – SALT Award for Best Actor of the Summer Season), The Music Man (Harold Hill – SALT nominee), Anything Goes (Billy Crocker), and The World Goes Round (Man 2). CRT directing credits include Murder on the Orient Express, Mama Mia, Million Dollar Quartet, Our Town (SALT Award – Director of a Play), Saturday Night Fever (SALT Award – Director of a Musical), The Lady with All the Answers, Appointment with Death, Cards on the Table, 1776 (SALT nomination), Buddy!, The Ladies Man, Rumors, See How They Run, Unnecessary Farce, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and others. Another lifetime ago, previous to moving to Cortland, he lived in New York City for 14 years as an actor/singer/dancer, director and choreographer. Favorite performance credits include Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Loni Anderson, and The Best Little Whorehouse… with Barbara Eden. He said Hello to Dolly! and Bye Bye to Birdie on two national tours and performed in two international tours with Dolly! and Anything Goes to Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Other performance credits include The Will Rogers Follies, Me and My Girl, Brigadoon, Shenendoah, Joseph…Dreamcoat, and many others.
Creators
Paul Slade Smith (Playwright) is a writer and actor based in Brooklyn, New York. His play Unnecessary Farce, winner of nine regional theatre awards, has had over 250 productions throughout the United States and in Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Switzerland, Iceland, and Singapore. As an actor, Paul has appeared in the original Broadway casts of Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Lincoln Center revival of My Fair Lady. He has also been seen in the national tours of Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera, and at regional theatres including The Goodman, Steppenwolf, American Repertory Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
Creative Team
Carl Tallent (Scenic Designer) is happy to revisit his design for Unnecessary Farce from 2009, which he designed when he was a mere toddler. Carl is a set designer, painter, and window dresser based in NYC. A few of his previous designs from CRT include Marvelous Wonderettes, Fiddler on the Roof, The Mousetrap and Annie Get Your Gun. Carl is a window dresser at Bergdorf Goodman and also works as a props artisan on many Broadway productions. To see more of his work, please visit his website at carltallentdesign.com.
Jeffrey Oakley (Lighting Designer) Please see Jeffrey’s bio under the Lighting Department.
Orli Nativ (Costume Designer) is a Brooklyn-based designer and mixed-media artist. Select favorite projects include the world premiere of Deliverance with Godlight Theatre Company, Le Nozze Di Figaro at Opera Naples, a tarot-inspired Pippin at the Summer Theatre of New Canaan, immersive production design for The Mortality Machine and Project Ascension with Sinking Ship Creations, and a national campaign of costumes made in live flowers for Hilton Garden Inn. She is a Creative Partner in Extra Dimensional Studios, which provides bespoke, detail-oriented design services and artist-to-artist support. Previously at CRT: Born Yesterday, Rat Pack Lounge, Women in Jeopardy. www.orlinativ.com
Abi Senthil (Sound Designer) Please see Abi’s bio under the Sound Department.
Production Staff
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Melanie Ernst (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager) is filled with gratitude to join the CRT family this summer! Most recent: Stage Manager for the National Tour of The Thorn. Love and thanks to my friends and mentors for cheering me on from afar and my family for being my biggest cheerleaders. All the glory to God! Eph. 3:20 melaniejernst.com IG: @melle.belle1
Joshua Stenger (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager)is delighted to be back in the Fingerlakes Region and to spend the summer at CRT! He is currently pursuing an MFA in Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Favorite credits include Once at Bristol Valley Theatre and Footloose at The REV. Much thanks to my parents for their constant support, and my cat, Pip, for never needing to set a morning alarm ever again. Lights GO and enjoy the show!
Talene Pogharian (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) (she/her) is so excited to be spending the summer with CRT! Her favorite credits include A Story Beyond (Liars and Believers), Fabulation (Lyric Stage Company of Boston), Most Happy in Concert (Williamstown Theatre Festival) and Spamalot (Northern Stage). Originally from Watertown, MA, Talene graduated from Hofstra University in 2021 with a BFA in Theatre Arts. She wants to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support!
Laura Swygert (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) is excited to be joining CRT this summer. Florida-based, Swygert graduated from Florida State University as a B.A. Theatre in Stage Management. She previously worked as a Stage Management Intern at Gulfshore Playhouse (Steel Magnolias, Mud Row, Barefoot in the Park). Other previous credits include Bye Bye Birdie (SM, Endstation Theatre Company), R+H Cinderella (SM, Fallon Theatre), and The Importance of Being Earnest (ASM, Lab Theatre).
Kate Lee (Deck Hand/Backstage Crew) is a recent graduate of Dryden High School. At Dryden, she was an Assistant Stage Manager for She Loves Me (2022), and Stage Manager for Beauty and the Beast (2023). In the fall, she plans to attend University of Connecticut for a B.S. in Cognitive Science and a B.A. in Theater Studies. She is incredibly excited to be working with CRT for the first time this summer!
SCENIC DEPARTMENT
Simone Scalici (Technical Director) is the Technical Director for SUNY Cortland Department of Musical Theatre. He has worked with CRT in the past on the Stories in the Park series and is excited to be involved in the Summer 2023 season. He has worked with Syracuse stage, Syracuse City Ballet, Colgate University, Gimmerglass Opera, SUNY Oneonta, Orpheus Theatre, the Grand Illusion Cinema, WTSC, and a host of other arts organizations.
Jacob Southworth (Assistant Technical Director) is a native of East Greenbush, New York and is breaking back into the theatre scene after COVID. He has worked as a carpenter in several different productions, such as The Shape of Things (Fall 2019), as the Assistant Technical Director in Fun Home (Spring 2019), as the Co-Scene Designer for She Kills Monsters (Spring 2020), and just got off working a contract for Royal Caribbean on several shows. He is excited to work as the Assistant Technical Director this summer.
Iz Dillon (Carpenter) is from Carmel, Indiana. Currently a Technical Production student at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Previous experience includes being Head Carpenter for Frankenstein and Fellow Travelers at CCM (2023), Scenic Carpenter and Run Crew for Blue Stockings at CCM (2022), and Scenic Carpenter and Fly Crew for Xanadu at CCM (2021).
Kylee Hancock (Carpenter) (she/they) recently graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Henderson State University. During her time at Henderson, she worked diligently on the carpentry work-study staff. Their recent credits include head carpenter on Antigone, Men on Boats, and As You Like It. Besides carpentry, Kylee was the technical director of Our Town. Last summer, she worked as a scenic carpenter at Texas Shakespeare Festival for a five-show season.
Ruihan (Renée) Liu (Paint Charge) is a professional Scenic Artist / Designer born and raised in Qingdao, China. She relocated to the US in 2016 and got her B.F.A. in Production Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). After 4 years of study at SCAD and working in the industry, she found her passion and decided to continue her studying. She is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Scenic Design at the University of South Carolina.
Eleanor Kephart (Scenic Shop Intern) is currently a senior at SUNY Geneseo with a double major in Theater and English. They love all things tech theater and are especially interested in pursuing higher education in lighting and scenic design. They want to thank their professors, family, and friends for always encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Eleanor hopes you enjoy the shows!
PROPS DEPARTMENT
Taylor Barr (Season Props Designer)is a returning designer from the American South. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in theatre, and another in mathematics. Some of his recent theatrical projects have included Macbeth (Props), Monkey Island (Director, Props), and Coyote (Playwright, Director, Props). Non-theatrical projects include assorted mathematical research and The Midnight Bizarre, a community arts centered event; @themidnightbizarre on Instagram. Ideologically, this kid likes to have fun. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Nora K Galley (Props Artisan) is a props artist originally from Buffalo, NY, and is excited to be spending the summer in Cortland, continuing her tour of CNY. Previously, she has worked in Syracuse, Ithaca, and Auburn, as well as Des Moines, Iowa. She is a graduate of the Theatre department at SUNY Fredonia and spends her time away from Cortland working at Syracuse Stage. norakgalley.com
Riley Bates (Properties Intern) is a rising senior at Vassar studying drama and art history. She’s excited to be joining CRT’s team as Props Intern! Previous design experience includes scenic for Mercury and Mosquitoes and props for Witch with the Vassar College Experimental Theater and props design for James and the Giant Peach at Millbrook Playhouse, where she was last summer’s Props Intern. She would like to thank her friends, family, and dog Titan for all their love and support!
COSTUME DEPARTMENT
Shanie Hollenbeck (Stitcher/Costume Shop Supervisor) hails from Chadron, NE where she most recently was the costume shop manager and co-designer for Chadron State College’s productions of The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes, The Thanksgiving Play, Working, and The Thin Place. She is elated to join the CRT crew and meet all the amazing people this summer. Some of Shanie’s favorite things include DnD, reading, writing poetry, herbal tea, and anime.
Nina Haurani (Costume Shop Intern) (she/her) is thrilled to be working at CRT this summer! She is an upcoming senior at Miami University where she is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Fashion. Nina is interested in costume design and has a job in the costume shop at Miami University. She is looking forward to developing her sewing and tailoring skills at Cortland this summer!
Stacy Moller (Stitcher) is pleased to be joining the staff of CRT this summer to lend her talent to the costume shop and wardrobe crew. Stacey is the owner of Magpie Custom Creations in Cortland and the Costume Shop Manager for SUNY Cortland’s Department Performing Arts. Through her studios, she has designed and built costumes for several theaters over the past twenty years including the New York Institute of Technology in Westbury, NY, Homer High and Jr. High Schools, The Homer Center for the Arts’ Center Players and Shakespeare in the Park, Neezen Toes Productions, Inc., and for numerous individuals throughout the US.
LIGHTING DEPARTMENT
Jeffrey Oakley (Head Electrician) (he/they) Originating from North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jeffrey is a professional Lighting Designer and Electrician. Currently they attend the University of Iowa as an M.F.A. candidate, studying to enhance their artistic craft. They have previously worked with Utah Shakespeare Festival, TEXAS! the Outdoor Musical, and Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Their previous works include Little Shop of Horrors, Sound of Music, Mother:Knife, Pierogi Play, Guilt/Less, Do You Feel Anger, and Speak Daggers. Instagram: @oakleylightingdesign
SOUND DEPARTMENT
Abirami Senthil (Season Sound Engineer) is a Sound Design student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She worked as an A1/sound engineer last summer at Timberlake Playhouse and as an A2 on Karate Kid The Musical. This is her first time working at CRT. She is excited to be part of these productions and hopes you enjoy the shows!
Sponsored by:
The Cake
by Bekah Brunstetter
Directed by Dr. Deena Conley
The Cake is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Originally produced in New York City by the Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director, Barry Grove, Executive Producer on February 12, 2019
The Cake was originally produced by The Echo Theater Company, Los Angeles, California.
Chris Fields, Artistic Director; Jesse Cannady, Producing Director
The Cake received a developmental reading at The Alley Theatre.
Gregory Boyd, Artistic Director / Dean R. Gladden, Managing Director
The Cake was developed at The Ojai Playwrights Conference.
Robert Egan, Artistic Director/Producer
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Scenic Designer: Ahna Packard
Lighting Designer: Eric Behnke
Costume Designer: Emily Liberatore
Sound Designer: Seth Asa Sengel
Properties Designer: Taylor Barr
Production Stage Manager: Joshua Stenger
Technical Director: Simone Scalici
Company Manager: Melanie Ernst
Assistant Stage Manger: Laura Swygert
Deck Crew: Kate Lee
CAST (in alphabetical order)
Barbara Bayes (Della) is thrilled to return to the CRT stage after debuting here in Always A Bridesmaid (Libby Ruth) in 2015! Stage credits: national tour of How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical (Grandma Who/Auntie Who), The Heidi Chronicles (Fran/April), Into the Woods (Witch), Nunsense (Robert Anne), the original musical workshop NYC premiere of How the Weston’s Won (Sharon/Calamity Jane) as well as the NYC premiere of the dramatic play Executive Decision (Madam President). TV Credits: Evil Lives Here, Six Degrees of Murder. Love and thanks to my family and friends. Especially my tribe, SDB, TDB, AZB, INS, MDS.
Evan Simone Frazier (Macy) is an interdisciplinary artist who enjoys long quiet walks through nature and also walking through crowds of people with a coffee and bagel in hand. Her stage credits include Ragtime (Axelrod Theater), The Cake (The Philipstown Theater), and several works at The Tank, Matthew Corozine Theater, and The Chain Theater. In 2021, she received an MFAIA from Goddard College, where she developed a solo show Perfect and her play Nothing But a Coincidence is currently in development. She is very excited to be joining CRT for this wonderful play!
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Alice K. Johnson (Jen) is a Brooklyn-based actor/writer who trained at Fordham University and The London Dramatic Academy. She works bicoastally in NYC and Seattle, creating new work with various theater companies and acting in film and television projects. She’s the winner of the Broadway World Regional Award for Best Supporting Performer in Over The River and Through The Woods at CRT in 2022. Alice is thrilled to pick up where she left off last year with her fellow castmates in Murder On The Orient Express and is excited to tackle The Cake! She’d like to thank her wonderful husband, Grant, and her friends and family for all their support. Find her at Alicekjohnson.com or @thealicekjohnson and @alicecooksforyou.
Dale Young (Tim) has been making his way in this world as a theatre artist and arts educator for the past several decades in cities like Chicago, Boston, Denver, and currently the wilds of Arizona. Recent directing credits include: Peter and the Star Catcher, Bright Star, and Danke, Danke, an original theatrical clown show, all at Eastern Arizona College, where he is Chair of the Theatre Program. Past CRT productions include: Our Town, Appointment with Death, Making God Laugh, The Hollow, and more.
Director
Deena Conley (Director) is the Musical Theatre Coordinator at SUNY Cortland who made her CRT directing debut last summer with Over the River and Through the Woods. She has lived and worked all over the country — Directing highlights include Cabaret, Lysistrata, Urinetown, Fool for Love, Chicago, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Twenty-Fifth Annual Spelling Bee, A Little Night Music, next to normal, Sweet Charity, Rabbit Hole, and The Widow’s Blind Date. Deena holds a Ph.D. in Directing from Wayne State University, MI.
Creators
Bekah Brunstetter (Playwright) hails from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and currently lives in Los Angeles. As a TV writer and producer, she has written for Switched at Birth, American Gods, This is Us and Maid. She has developed content for Apple TV, Hulu and FX. As a playwright, her work has been staged and developed by The O’Neill Playwright’s conference, the Atlantic Theater, Portland Center Stage, The Old Globe, the La Jolla Playhouse, Naked Angels, South Coast Repertory, The Echo Theater and Ojai Playwright’s conference. Her play The Cake has been produced over 80 times worldwide and ran off-Broadway at Manhattan Theater Club. She is currently working on commissions for South Coast Rep, Manhattan Theater Club, Barrington Stage, and Playmaker’s Rep. She is currently developing a musical adaptation of The Notebook with Ingrid Michaelson, and an original musical with Cinco Paul called AD 16, which recently ran at the Olney Theater Center. She is an alumni of the CTG Writers Group, Primary Stages writes group, Ars Nova Play Group, The Playwright’s Realm, and the Women’s Project Lab, and the Echo Playwright’s Group. BA UNC Chapel Hill; MFA in Dramatic Writing from the New School for Drama.
Creative Team
Ahna Packard (Scenic Designer) is a Scenic Designer, Sr. Set Designer, and Scenic Artist for theatre, television, and film., with over 20 years of experience. As a Set Designer for television and film, Ahna has worked for Paramount, Universal, UPN, ABC Television, NBC Television, and FOX. Her credits include MONK, Star Trek; Enterprise, Castle Rock and Star Trek: Nemesis. As a theatrical designer, Ahna has designed for Omaha Community Playhouse, Nebraska Repertory Theater, Black Hills Playhouse, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Ahna lives in Kearney with her family and is an Assistant Professor in the Interior and Product Design Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Eric Behnke (Lighting Designer) is in his 17th year with CRT. He started as a stage manager in 2006, began as Lighting Designer in 2010 and became full time in 2015. Lighting design highlights include HAIR, Appointment with Death (SALT Winner), The 39 Steps (SALT nominee), Legally Blonde, and The Andrews Brothers, among others. Previously, Eric was on the national tours of The Phantom Tollbooth, Chasing George Washington, and Knuffle Bunny (The Kennedy Center), The Magic School Bus and 50 Shades, the Musical Parody (NYC), and toured internationally with Dreamgirls. He has also worked for The Downtown Cabaret Theatre (CT), The Hippodrome Theatre (FL), the Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase as well as many Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters. Love to Kris, Rosie and Teddy!
Emily Liberatore (Costume Designer) grew up in Hamburg, NJ. Her love of music and storytelling led her to the world of theatre, and the more she dived into its different concentrations, the more she found to love. It introduced her to costume design, a perfect combination of her skills and passions. Today she is pursuing an MFA in Costume Design at University of Connecticut and an M.S in Energy and Environmental Management at University of Connecticut. She is passionate about applying her environmental studies to her work as a designer by working towards a more sustainable future for the entertainment industry. She holds a BFA in Theater Design and Technology from Syracuse University ‘18. She loves film, theatre, and working to create new worlds and characters in entertainment. ELiberatoredesign.com
Seth Asa Sengel (Sound Designer) is a lifelong listener from the backwoods of Southern Maine. He always loves spending time in Homer and Cortland and making art with his friends at CRT. Seth has spent decades as a performing artist and is blessed with a wonderful life among creators and visionaries. For more information on Seth Asa, visit www.sethasa.com. Please be kind to one another, and to yourself, and let people know that you love them. Much love to Mary Lana and Hazel.
Production Staff
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Melanie Ernst (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager) is filled with gratitude to join the CRT family this summer! Most recent: Stage Manager for the National Tour of The Thorn. Love and thanks to my friends and mentors for cheering me on from afar and my family for being my biggest cheerleaders. All the glory to God! Eph. 3:20 melaniejernst.com IG: @melle.belle1
Joshua Stenger (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager)is delighted to be back in the Fingerlakes Region and to spend the summer at CRT! He is currently pursuing an MFA in Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Favorite credits include Once at Bristol Valley Theatre and Footloose at The REV. Much thanks to my parents for their constant support, and my cat, Pip, for never needing to set a morning alarm ever again. Lights GO and enjoy the show!
Talene Pogharian (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) (she/her) is so excited to be spending the summer with CRT! Her favorite credits include A Story Beyond (Liars and Believers), Fabulation (Lyric Stage Company of Boston), Most Happy in Concert (Williamstown Theatre Festival) and Spamalot (Northern Stage). Originally from Watertown, MA, Talene graduated from Hofstra University in 2021 with a BFA in Theatre Arts. She wants to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support!
Laura Swygert (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) is excited to be joining CRT this summer. Florida-based, Swygert graduated from Florida State University as a B.A. Theatre in Stage Management. She previously worked as a Stage Management Intern at Gulfshore Playhouse (Steel Magnolias, Mud Row, Barefoot in the Park). Other previous credits include Bye Bye Birdie (SM, Endstation Theatre Company), R+H Cinderella (SM, Fallon Theatre), and The Importance of Being Earnest (ASM, Lab Theatre).
Kate Lee (Deck Hand/Backstage Crew) is a recent graduate of Dryden High School. At Dryden, she was an Assistant Stage Manager for She Loves Me (2022), and Stage Manager for Beauty and the Beast (2023). In the fall, she plans to attend University of Connecticut for a B.S. in Cognitive Science and a B.A. in Theater Studies. She is incredibly excited to be working with CRT for the first time this summer!
SCENIC DEPARTMENT
Simone Scalici (Technical Director) is the Technical Director for SUNY Cortland Department of Musical Theatre. He has worked with CRT in the past on the Stories in the Park series and is excited to be involved in the Summer 2023 season. He has worked with Syracuse stage, Syracuse City Ballet, Colgate University, Gimmerglass Opera, SUNY Oneonta, Orpheus Theatre, the Grand Illusion Cinema, WTSC, and a host of other arts organizations.
Jacob Southworth (Assistant Technical Director) is a native of East Greenbush, New York and is breaking back into the theatre scene after COVID. He has worked as a carpenter in several different productions, such as The Shape of Things (Fall 2019), as the Assistant Technical Director in Fun Home (Spring 2019), as the Co-Scene Designer for She Kills Monsters (Spring 2020), and just got off working a contract for Royal Caribbean on several shows. He is excited to work as the Assistant Technical Director this summer.
Iz Dillon (Carpenter) is from Carmel, Indiana. Currently a Technical Production student at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Previous experience includes being Head Carpenter for Frankenstein and Fellow Travelers at CCM (2023), Scenic Carpenter and Run Crew for Blue Stockings at CCM (2022), and Scenic Carpenter and Fly Crew for Xanadu at CCM (2021).
Kylee Hancock (Carpenter) (she/they) recently graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Henderson State University. During her time at Henderson, she worked diligently on the carpentry work-study staff. Their recent credits include head carpenter on Antigone, Men on Boats, and As You Like It. Besides carpentry, Kylee was the technical director of Our Town. Last summer, she worked as a scenic carpenter at Texas Shakespeare Festival for a five-show season.
Ruihan (Renée) Liu (Paint Charge) is a professional Scenic Artist / Designer born and raised in Qingdao, China. She relocated to the US in 2016 and got her B.F.A. in Production Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). After 4 years of study at SCAD and working in the industry, she found her passion and decided to continue her studying. She is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Scenic Design at the University of South Carolina.
Eleanor Kephart (Scenic Shop Intern) is currently a senior at SUNY Geneseo with a double major in Theater and English. They love all things tech theater and are especially interested in pursuing higher education in lighting and scenic design. They want to thank their professors, family, and friends for always encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Eleanor hopes you enjoy the shows!
PROPS DEPARTMENT
Taylor Barr (Season Props Designer)is a returning designer from the American South. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in theatre, and another in mathematics. Some of his recent theatrical projects have included Macbeth (Props), Monkey Island (Director, Props), and Coyote (Playwright, Director, Props). Non-theatrical projects include assorted mathematical research and The Midnight Bizarre, a community arts centered event; @themidnightbizarre on Instagram. Ideologically, this kid likes to have fun. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Nora K Galley (Props Artisan) is a props artist originally from Buffalo, NY, and is excited to be spending the summer in Cortland, continuing her tour of CNY. Previously, she has worked in Syracuse, Ithaca, and Auburn, as well as Des Moines, Iowa. She is a graduate of the Theatre department at SUNY Fredonia and spends her time away from Cortland working at Syracuse Stage. norakgalley.com
Riley Bates (Properties Intern) is a rising senior at Vassar studying drama and art history. She’s excited to be joining CRT’s team as Props Intern! Previous design experience includes scenic for Mercury and Mosquitoes and props for Witch with the Vassar College Experimental Theater and props design for James and the Giant Peach at Millbrook Playhouse, where she was last summer’s Props Intern. She would like to thank her friends, family, and dog Titan for all their love and support!
COSTUME DEPARTMENT
Shanie Hollenbeck (Stitcher/Costume Shop Supervisor) hails from Chadron, NE where she most recently was the costume shop manager and co-designer for Chadron State College’s productions of The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes, The Thanksgiving Play, Working, and The Thin Place. She is elated to join the CRT crew and meet all the amazing people this summer. Some of Shanie’s favorite things include DnD, reading, writing poetry, herbal tea, and anime.
Nina Haurani (Costume Shop Intern)(she/her)is thrilled to be working at CRT this summer! She is an upcoming senior at Miami University where she is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Fashion. Nina is interested in costume design and has a job in the costume shop at Miami University. She is looking forward to developing her sewing and tailoring skills at Cortland this summer!
Stacy Moller (Stitcher) is pleased to be joining the staff of CRT this summer to lend her talent to the costume shop and wardrobe crew. Stacey is the owner of Magpie Custom Creations in Cortland and the Costume Shop Manager for SUNY Cortland’s Department Performing Arts. Through her studios, she has designed and built costumes for several theaters over the past twenty years including the New York Institute of Technology in Westbury, NY, Homer High and Jr. High Schools, The Homer Center for the Arts’ Center Players and Shakespeare in the Park, Neezen Toes Productions, Inc., and for numerous individuals throughout the US.
LIGHTING DEPARTMENT
Jeffrey Oakley (Head Electrician) (he/they) Originating from North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jeffrey is a professional Lighting Designer and Electrician. Currently they attend the University of Iowa as an M.F.A. candidate, studying to enhance their artistic craft. They have previously worked with Utah Shakespeare Festival, TEXAS! the Outdoor Musical, and Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Their previous works include Little Shop of Horrors, Sound of Music, Mother:Knife, Pierogi Play, Guilt/Less, Do You Feel Anger, and Speak Daggers. Instagram: @oakleylightingdesign
SOUND DEPARTMENT
Abirami Senthil (Season Sound Engineer) is a Sound Design student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She worked as an A1/sound engineer last summer at Timberlake Playhouse and as an A2 on Karate Kid The Musical. This is her first time working at CRT. She is excited to be part of these productions and hopes you enjoy the shows!
Sponsored by:
The Wizard of Oz
By L. Frank Baum Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart; Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard / Orchestration by Larry Wilcox Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company; Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
Co-Directed by Matthew Couvillon & Joseph J. Simeone
The Wizard of Oz is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Music Director: Nicolás Guerrero
Scenic & Puppet Designers: Matthew Couvillon & Joseph J. Simeone
Lighting Designer: Eric Behnke
Costume Designer: Angie Andrea
Sound Designer: Lindsay Putnam
Properties Designer: Taylor Barr
Production Stage Manager: Melanie Ernst
Technical Director: Simone Scalici
Company Manager: Joshua Stenger
Assistant Stage Manager: Talene Pogharian
Deck Crew: Kate Lee
Musicians for this production: Simon Bjarning (Drums / Percussion), Canaan J. Harris (Keyboards 2), and Grace Waterman (Reeds)
Scenes & Musical Numbers
Act One
Scene 1: The Kansas Prairie
Scene 2: The Rainbow
Over the Rainbow – Dorothy
Scene 3: Kansas
Scene 4: Professor Marvel’s Caravan
Scene 5: The Twister
Scene 6: Munchkinland
Munchkin Musical Sequence & Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead – Glinda, Dorothy, Munchkins
Scene 7: The Wicked Witch
Yellow Brick Road – Munchkins
Scene 8: Scarecrow – The Cornfield
Scene 9: Crows in Cornfield
If I Only Had A Brain – Scarecrow, Dorothy and Crows
We’re Off to See the Wizard – Dorothy, Scarecrow
Scene 10: Tinman with Apple Trees in Front of His Cottage
If I Only Had A Heart – Tinman, Dorothy and Trees
Scene 11: Want to Play Ball?
We’re Off to See the Wizard – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman
Scene 12: Wild Forest
Lions and Tigers and Bears – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman
If I Only Had the Nerve – Lion, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman
We’re Off to See the Wizard – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion
Scene 13: Poppies
Poppies – Glinda,Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion, Chorus
Act Two
Scene 1: Outside the Gates of the Emerald City
Entr’acte / Optimistic Voices – Chorus
The Merry Old Land of Oz – Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, Guard and Ozians
Scene 2: The Town Square, Emerald City
The Merry Old Land of Oz (con’t) – Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, Guard and Ozians
If I Were King of the Forest – Lion, Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow
Scene 3: The Wizard’s Chamber
Scene 4: The Gates of the Emerald City (Butterfly Net)
Scene 5: The Witch’s Castle (Winkies)
March of the Winkies – Winkies
Scene 6: The Haunted Forest
The Jitterbug – Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, and Jitterbugs
Scene 7: Flying Monkeys
Scene 8: The Witch’s Castle
Scene 9: Main Gate of the Witch’s Castle
Scene 10: The Witch’s Chamber (The Rescue)
Over the Rainbow (reprise) – Dorothy
Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead (reprise) – Winkies
Scene 11: The Wizard’s Chamber (Humbug)
Scene 12: Balloon
Scene 13: Farewell to Oz
Scene 14: The Kansas Prairie (Home!)
CAST (in alphabetical order)
Aubrey Alvino (Miss Gulch / Wicked Witch / Ensemble) is an actress from New York. She graduated from Rider University earlier this spring, receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance. Aubrey fell in love with CRT two winters ago when she first auditioned and is over the moon to be here! Some previous credits include Scaramouche in WWRY, Brenda in Catch Me If You Can, Heather Chandler in Heathers, and Natalie in Next to Normal. Aubrey is thrilled to be a part of something so special and hopes that you enjoy the shows! Instagram: @aubreyalvino | website: aubreyalvino.com *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Mai Caslowitz (Hunk / Scarecrow / Ensemble) (she/they) is a rising junior Musical Theatre major at Rider University and is beyond thrilled to be joining CRT’s 2023 Performing Intern Company! Regional Credits: Spring Awakening (Anna) with the Milton Theater. Educational Credits include Rebirth & Into the Spotlight with Rider University, Carrie: The Musical (Freida) with the Rider Student Theatre Company. *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Jessica Cerreta (Aunt Em / Glinda / Ensemble) is so excited to be performing with CRT this summer! She is from Hopewell Junction, NY and is currently pursuing her BFA in musical theater at Syracuse University (Go Orange!) When not on stage she loves to build Lego sets and spend time with friends and family. She thanks everyone who has supported her, especially her parents, and thanks everyone at CRT for the wonderful opportunity! Recent credits: The Little Mermaid (Syracuse Stage), Sweet Charity (Syracuse University), The Play That Goes Wrong u/s Annie (Syracuse Stage), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Redhouse Arts Center), Legoland NY Performer. *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Michael Hartman (Hickory / Tin Man / Ensemble) is delighted and honored to be involved in CRT’s summer season! He is currently finishing his BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Utah. Michael was recently seen in Pioneer Theatre’s The Prom and various other theatres in Utah. Favorite shows in which he has previously performed include Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, and Bright Star. Michael would like to thank his parents, Kristen and Mason, for always believing in him and supporting him to reach for the stars. Instagram: @_michaelmh_ *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Breanna Lemerise (Nikko / Ensemble) (she/her) is a rising junior Musical Theatre major at Rider University and is extremely excited to be a member of CRT’s 2023 Performing Intern Company! Recent educational credits include Into the Spotlight: a Stephen Sondheim Cabaret (Soloist) and Rebirth (Soloist) at Rider University. *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Mikey LoBalsamo (Professor Marvel / The Wizard / Ensemble) is so excited to be back at beautiful CRT. You may remember him from past productions such as: Hair (Margaret Mead), Kiss Me Kate (Gangster 2) and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. He was also in last season’s Murder on the Orient Express and is so thankful he gets to come back and finish the run and be here this season. Thanks to the amazing cast and crew!
Weston Pytel (Zeke / The Cowardly Lion / Ensemble) (he/him) is from Meriden, CT, and a recent graduate of Nazareth College with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. His favorite credits include SpongeBob (The SpongeBob Musical), The Baker (Into the Woods), and Charlie Chaplin (Chaplin The Musical). Weston is thrilled to be back at CRT for another great summer after being a part of the Performing Intern Company last year! He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continuous support. Thank you for coming! @westonpytel, westonpytel.com
Sally Shaw (Dorothy Gale) is a Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist. Winning Playbill’s 2021 Search for a Star Competition kick-started her performing career before graduating with a BFA in Musical Theater from Ithaca College. NYC credits: Sasha Velour’s Nightgowns: The Musical (Stagehand) at the Connelly Theatre; reading of The Humans at Sea Dog Theater (Brigid). Regional credits: The Snow Queen (Greta – nominated for a 2019 S.A.L.T. award) at the Cherry Arts, and What Haunts You (Girl) with Clockmaker Arts at the Kitchen Theatre. When she’s not onstage you can catch her creatively assisting Brooklyn’s grooviest band, Sammy Rae & the Friends. Proudly represented by CLA Partners. @sal.shaw
Trevor Shingler (Uncle Henry / Emerald Guard / Ensemble) is a Junior BFA Musical Theatre student at Rider University, originally from Chicago, IL. Recent credits include Cabaret (Cliff), Grease (Danny), and Kiss Me, Kate (Harrison Howell). His choreography was also seen in Magic To Do, a student run cabaret at Rider. ig: @trevorshingler. *Member of the CRT 2023 Performing Intern Company.
Directors / Choreographers
Matthew Couvillon (Co-Director/Choreographer/Scenic Designer) is thrilled to be back for his seventh season at CRT! Couvillon has worked as the Associate Choreographer to Tony Award winning Director/Choreographers Bob Avian and Baayork Lee for over 10 years. Some productions include: A Chorus Line (Malaga, Spain with Antonio Banderas, New York City Center, Hollywood Bowl, Austria, PCLO, City Springs Theatre Company, U.S. National Tour, Tokyo), ShowStoppers (Wynn Las Vegas), One Singular Sensation (The Public Theatre) and A Broadway Musical Celebration (CLO). His European choreography credits include: Das Land des Lachelns, and Gypsy in Austria. U.S. choreography credits: Newsies, Legally Blonde, and La Cage Aux Folles here at Cortland Rep, plus West Side Story, Cinderella, and numerous other shows. www.matthewcouvillon.com
Joseph J. Simeone (Co-Director/Choreographer/Scenic Designer) a multidisciplinary artist, debuted his first painting at the Corcoran Gallery in D.C. and has since showcased works worldwide, including the esteemed Getty Trust. A Juilliard alumnus, he danced with ABT and Merce Cunningham Co., and appeared in Broadway hits like A Bronx Tale, The Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, where his Riff portrayal earned two Best Actor Awards and praise from Arthur Laurents. Mentored by Laurents and Stephen Schwartz, Joseph has honed his playwriting and musical composition skills, ghostwriting for Broadway and creating Café Berlin, set for production in 2024. Other performance credits include: The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Paper Mill Playhouse; Little Dancer at The Kennedy Center; A Chorus Line, Irma La Douce and Zorba at New York City Center and numerous other shows. www.josephjsimeone.com.
Nick Guerrero (Music Director) is a music director, vocal coach, and collaborative pianist originally from Huntsville, AL. Nick graduated with a B.M. in Piano Performance from The University of Alabama and an M.M. in Musical Theatre/Opera Conducting from Ithaca College. In addition to his professional work as a music director, Nick writes musical theatre songs and just premiered his song cycle titled On the Brink. He is currently based in New York City.
Creators
Lyman Frank Baum (Author) (May 15, 1856 – May 6, 1919) was an American author of children’s books, best known for writing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in 1900. One of the most successful novels in American literature, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz sold out instantly, became a cultural sensation, and sold over three million copies before entering the public domain in 1956. Baum wrote thirteen novel sequels, nine other fantasy novels, and a host of other works, including 83 short stories, over 200 poems, and 55 novels. He made numerous attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen. Baum’s writings remarkably anticipated innovations including television, augmented reality, laptop computers (The Master Key), wireless telephones (Tik-Tok of Oz), women in high-risk, action-heavy occupations (Mary Louise in the Country), and the ubiquity of advertising on clothing (Aunt Jane’s Nieces at Work).
Harold Arlen (Music and Lyrics) (1905-1986) wrote some of the greatest hits from the 30’s and 40’s, including the entire score to the classic movie The Wizard of Oz. Songs such as Over the Rainbow, Get Happy, Stormy Weather, It’s Only a Paper Moon, I’ve Got the World on a String and Last Night When We Were Young are just some of the standards that live on today and have distinguished Harold Arlen as one of the Great American Composers of the 20th Century.
Born and bred in New York, Harold Arlen began his career as an accompanist in vaudeville and appeared occasionally as a band vocalist on records, often singing his own compositions. During his career he wrote over 500 songs, including Let’s Fall in Love, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and I Love a Parade (all with lyrics by Ted Koehler). Arlen had a long and productive partnership with Johnny Mercer with many resulting hits, including That Old Black Magic, Blues in the Night, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive and One For My Baby (and One More for the Road).
His Broadway musicals include Bloomer Girl, St. Louis Woman, House of Flowers, Jamaica, and Saratoga. Films include The Singing Kid (1936), Star Spangled Rhythm (1942), The Petty Girl (1950), My Blue Heaven (1950), The Farmer Takes a Wife (1953), and Gay Purr-ee (1962). With Ira Gershwin he wrote the songs for 1954’s A Star is Born, starring Judy Garland, including the Oscar-nominated The Man That Got Away. Arlen won an Academy Award for the song “Over the Rainbow, voted the 20th century’s No. 1 song by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
E. Y. Harburg (Music and Lyrics)One of America’s greatest lyricists for stage and screen, Yip Harburg (1896-1981) was the son of poor Russian-Jewish immigrants and attended CCNY. Also, a book writer (usually with Fred Saidy), director, and poet, Harburg wrote lyrics for more than 550 songs, including It’s Only A Paper Moon (with Harold Arlen), April in Paris (with Vernon Duke) and Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? (with Jay Gorney). His landmark musicals were Bloomer Girl (with Arlen) and Finian’s Rainbow. Yip was the final editor and wrote lyrics and continuity for the universally loved film The Wizard of Oz.
Herbert Stothart (Background Music) (1885-1949) was nominated for nine Oscars and won Best Original Score for his work on the 1939 film of The Wizard of Oz. As a young man, he studied music in Europe and at the University of Wisconsin, where he also taught. He worked as a musical director for Arthur Hammerstein and later began writing music for the producer’s nephew, Oscar Hammerstein II, including some for the operetta Rose Marie. In 1929, he was signed to a contract by Louis B. Mayer; he spent the last 20 years of his life at MGM studios working on films, including Rose Marie, A Night at the Opera, Anna Karenina, David Copperfield, Madame Curie, Idiot’s Delight, Northwest Passage, Mrs. Miniver, Mutiny on the Bounty, National Velvet and What Every Woman Knows.
Peter Howard (Dance and Vocal Arrangements) (1927-2008) was an American musical theater arranger, conductor and pianist. Howard served as either music director or dance music arranger for 38 Broadway shows, including Chicago; Fosse; Carnival; The Sound of Music; Hello, Dolly!; 1776; Annie; Baby; My One and Only; Barnum; The Tap Dance Kid; Swinging on a Star; and Crazy for You. His movie work includes Stepping Out, Zelig, Mame, Annie and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. A number of his songs have been heard on Sesame Street. For many years, he toured the United States and Europe in his one-man show, Peter Howard’s Broadway or Crazy for Musicals.
Larry Wilcox (Orchestrations) (1935-1993) orchestrated over 25 Broadway shows and tours, including The Yearling, The Three Musketeers, Singin’ in the Rain and Aspects of Love. He arranged and conducted recordings for the Boston Pops, the Milwaukee Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Paul Simon, Tony Bennett, Shirley MacLaine, and Dionne Warwick. Mr. Wilcox also arranged nightclub acts for Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli and Ann-Margret, among others.
John Kane (Stage Adaptation) is an accomplished British actor and writer. An associate actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Kane played Puck in Peter Brook’s acclaimed production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, alongside Ben Kingsley, Alan Howard and Frances de la Tour, before turning to comedy script writing. He began writing for Terry Scott’s sketch show Scott On, before taking over the reins on a project for Terry Scott and comic actress June Whitfield, which began as Happy Ever After and later turned into the longer-running series Terry and June, for which he wrote the entire first series and much of the subsequent run. His TV acting credits include Tommy in the 1974 Doctor Who serial Planet of the Spiders.
Kane also created sitcoms Me and My Girl (1984–88) with Richard O’Sullivan and Tim Brooke-Taylor, All in Good Faith (1985–88) with Richard Briers and Aztec drama The Feathered Serpent (1976–78). He also wrote for, among others, Never the Twain, Smuggler, and Rings on Their Fingers, and he wrote the “Six Napoleons” episode of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, with Jeremy Brett in the title role. Turning to the stage, Kane wrote the RSC’s adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, the West End Cole Porter tribute A Swell Party and the words and music in 2005 for The Canterville Ghost at the Southwark Playhouse. He also wrote the television film The Vamp starring Shelley Winters, children’s cartoon Britt Allcroft’s Magic Adventures of Mumfie, and won a CableACE Award for his screenplay Daisies in December, starring Joss Ackland. He collaborated with composer David Bass on a children’s opera Kids Court, which was premiered in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2007 by the North Cambridge Family Opera Company. He continues to write and act on both stage and screen.
Creative Team
Matthew Couvillon and Joseph J. Simeone (Co-Scenic and Puppet Designers) Please see Matthew’s and Joseph’s bios under Director bios for Wizard of Oz.
Eric Behnke (Lighting Designer) is in his 17th year with CRT. He started as a stage manager in 2006, began as Lighting Designer in 2010 and became full time in 2015. Lighting design highlights include HAIR, Appointment with Death (SALT Winner), The 39 Steps (SALT nominee), Legally Blonde, and The Andrews Brothers, among others. Previously, Eric was on the national tours of The Phantom Tollbooth, Chasing George Washington, and Knuffle Bunny (The Kennedy Center), The Magic School Bus and 50 Shades, the Musical Parody (NYC), and toured internationally with Dreamgirls. He has also worked for The Downtown Cabaret Theatre (CT), The Hippodrome Theatre (FL), the Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase as well as many Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters. Love to Kris, Rosie and Teddy!
Angie Andrea (Costume Designer) is a recent MFA graduate from University of Florida. She has a passion for exploring history through dress, and sparking imagination between costume and character. During her time at UF she designed Dog Act, I am the Dead Man, and Blood at the Root as well as mentored undergraduates in their costume designs on the University’s annual African dance showcase titled Agbedidi. Follow her to see more of her work @AngieCostumeDesign
Lindsay Putnam (Sound Designer) is a sound designer and educator who has designed an assortment of works including award-winning escape rooms, musicals, plays, devised pieces, and new works. She has worked at a variety of venues including Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Disneyland, The Den Theatre, Stockton Theatre Project, Ground & Field Festival, Pegasus Playlab, TheatreUCF, Dr. Phillips Center, South Coast Repertory, PCPA, Solvang Festival Theatre, The Escape Ventures, and online streaming platforms. She has previously taught at University of Central Florida and Pacific Conservatory Theatre and is currently an Assistant Professor of Sound Design at University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Musicians
Simon Bjarning (Drums/Percussion) is a professional drummer and percussionist originally from Denmark and has made New York State his home since 2014. His work has been divided between drumming, classical percussion, and teaching. As an experienced musical theater drummer/percussionist in Denmark and in the US, Simon has played on multiple Broadway shows over the years including Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Annie and The Producers. With CRT, Simon recently performed in Saturday Night Fever and The Rat Pack Lounge.
Canaan J. Harris (Keyboards 2) is a NYC-based pianist, composer, and music director with degrees in Piano Performance, Music Composition, & Musical Theater Composition. Last summer, he music directed Kiss Me, Kate here at CRT, and has since music directed several cabarets at 54 Below and the Laurie Beechman Theater, and has had readings of two of his original musicals.
Grace Waterman (Reeds) is incredibly eager to join CRT for the first time this summer. Grace is currently pursuing a BM Clarinet Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College’s School of Music with concentrations in woodwind doubling and wind pedagogy. She actively performs in many ensembles, developing a reputation as a doubler in the Finger Lake/Central New York regions. As a pit musician, her previous credits include Once Upon a Mattress, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family Into the Woods, Twelfth Night, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Production Staff
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Melanie Ernst (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager) is filled with gratitude to join the CRT family this summer! Most recent: Stage Manager for the National Tour of The Thorn. Love and thanks to my friends and mentors for cheering me on from afar and my family for being my biggest cheerleaders. All the glory to God! Eph. 3:20 melaniejernst.com IG: @melle.belle1
Joshua Stenger (Stage Manager/Co-Company Manager)is delighted to be back in the Fingerlakes Region and to spend the summer at CRT! He is currently pursuing an MFA in Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Favorite credits include Once at Bristol Valley Theatre and Footloose at The REV. Much thanks to my parents for their constant support, and my cat, Pip, for never needing to set a morning alarm ever again. Lights GO and enjoy the show!
Talene Pogharian (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) (she/her) is so excited to be spending the summer with CRT! Her favorite credits include A Story Beyond (Liars and Believers), Fabulation (Lyric Stage Company of Boston), Most Happy in Concert (Williamstown Theatre Festival) and Spamalot (Northern Stage). Originally from Watertown, MA, Talene graduated from Hofstra University in 2021 with a BFA in Theatre Arts. She wants to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support!
Laura Swygert (Assistant Stage/Company Manager) is excited to be joining CRT this summer. Florida-based, Swygert graduated from Florida State University as a B.A. Theatre in Stage Management. She previously worked as a Stage Management Intern at Gulfshore Playhouse (Steel Magnolias, Mud Row, Barefoot in the Park). Other previous credits include Bye Bye Birdie (SM, Endstation Theatre Company), R+H Cinderella (SM, Fallon Theatre), and The Importance of Being Earnest (ASM, Lab Theatre).
Kate Lee (Deck Hand/Backstage Crew) is a recent graduate of Dryden High School. At Dryden, she was an Assistant Stage Manager for She Loves Me (2022), and Stage Manager for Beauty and the Beast (2023). In the fall, she plans to attend University of Connecticut for a B.S. in Cognitive Science and a B.A. in Theater Studies. She is incredibly excited to be working with CRT for the first time this summer!
SCENIC DEPARTMENT
Simone Scalici (Technical Director) is the Technical Director for SUNY Cortland Department of Musical Theatre. He has worked with CRT in the past on the Stories in the Park series and is excited to be involved in the Summer 2023 season. He has worked with Syracuse stage, Syracuse City Ballet, Colgate University, Gimmerglass Opera, SUNY Oneonta, Orpheus Theatre, the Grand Illusion Cinema, WTSC, and a host of other arts organizations.
Jacob Southworth (Assistant Technical Director) is a native of East Greenbush, New York and is breaking back into the theatre scene after COVID. He has worked as a carpenter in several different productions, such as The Shape of Things (Fall 2019), as the Assistant Technical Director in Fun Home (Spring 2019), as the Co-Scene Designer for She Kills Monsters (Spring 2020), and just got off working a contract for Royal Caribbean on several shows. He is excited to work as the Assistant Technical Director this summer.
Iz Dillon (Carpenter) is from Carmel, Indiana. Currently a Technical Production student at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Previous experience includes being Head Carpenter for Frankenstein and Fellow Travelers at CCM (2023), Scenic Carpenter and Run Crew for Blue Stockings at CCM (2022), and Scenic Carpenter and Fly Crew for Xanadu at CCM (2021).
Kylee Hancock (Carpenter) (she/they) recently graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Henderson State University. During her time at Henderson, she worked diligently on the carpentry work-study staff. Their recent credits include head carpenter on Antigone, Men on Boats, and As You Like It. Besides carpentry, Kylee was the technical director of Our Town. Last summer, she worked as a scenic carpenter at Texas Shakespeare Festival for a five-show season.
Ruihan (Renée) Liu (Paint Charge) is a professional Scenic Artist / Designer born and raised in Qingdao, China. She relocated to the US in 2016 and got her B.F.A. in Production Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). After 4 years of study at SCAD and working in the industry, she found her passion and decided to continue her studying. She is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Scenic Design at the University of South Carolina.
Eleanor Kephart (Scenic Shop Intern) is currently a senior at SUNY Geneseo with a double major in Theater and English. They love all things tech theater and are especially interested in pursuing higher education in lighting and scenic design. They want to thank their professors, family, and friends for always encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Eleanor hopes you enjoy the shows!
PROPS DEPARTMENT
Taylor Barr (Season Props Designer) is a returning designer from the American South. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in theatre, and another in mathematics. Some of his recent theatrical projects have included Macbeth (Props), Monkey Island (Director, Props), and Coyote (Playwright, Director, Props). Non-theatrical projects include assorted mathematical research and The Midnight Bizarre, a community arts centered event; @themidnightbizarre on Instagram. Ideologically, this kid likes to have fun. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Nora K Galley (Props Artisan) is a props artist originally from Buffalo, NY, and is excited to be spending the summer in Cortland, continuing her tour of CNY. Previously, she has worked in Syracuse, Ithaca, and Auburn, as well as Des Moines, Iowa. She is a graduate of the Theatre department at SUNY Fredonia and spends her time away from Cortland working at Syracuse Stage. norakgalley.com
Riley Bates (Properties Intern) is a rising senior at Vassar studying drama and art history. She’s excited to be joining CRT’s team as Props Intern! Previous design experience includes scenic for Mercury and Mosquitoes and props for Witch with the Vassar College Experimental Theater and props design for James and the Giant Peach at Millbrook Playhouse, where she was last summer’s Props Intern. She would like to thank her friends, family, and dog Titan for all their love and support!
COSTUME DEPARTMENT
Shanie Hollenbeck (Stitcher/Costume Shop Supervisor) hails from Chadron, NE where she most recently was the costume shop manager and co-designer for Chadron State College’s productions of The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes, The Thanksgiving Play, Working, and The Thin Place. She is elated to join the CRT crew and meet all the amazing people this summer. Some of Shanie’s favorite things include DnD, reading, writing poetry, herbal tea, and anime.
Stacy Moller (Stitcher) is pleased to be joining the staff of CRT this summer to lend her talent to the costume shop and wardrobe crew. Stacey is the owner of Magpie Custom Creations in Cortland and the Costume Shop Manager for SUNY Cortland’s Department Performing Arts. Through her studios, she has designed and built costumes for several theaters over the past twenty years including the New York Institute of Technology in Westbury, NY, Homer High and Jr. High Schools, The Homer Center for the Arts’ Center Players and Shakespeare in the Park, Neezen Toes Productions, Inc., and for numerous individuals throughout the US.
Nina Haurani (Costume Shop Intern)(she/her)is thrilled to be working at CRT this summer! She is an upcoming senior at Miami University where she is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Fashion. Nina is interested in costume design and has a job in the costume shop at Miami University. She is looking forward to developing her sewing and tailoring skills at Cortland this summer!
LIGHTING DEPARTMENT
Jeffrey Oakley (Head Electrician) (he/they) Originating from North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jeffrey is a professional Lighting Designer and Electrician. Currently they attend the University of Iowa as an M.F.A. candidate, studying to enhance their artistic craft. They have previously worked with Utah Shakespeare Festival, TEXAS! the Outdoor Musical, and Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Their previous works include Little Shop of Horrors, Sound of Music, Mother:Knife, Pierogi Play, Guilt/Less, Do You Feel Anger, and Speak Daggers. Instagram: @oakleylightingdesign
SOUND DEPARTMENT
Abirami Senthil (Season Sound Engineer) is a Sound Design student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She worked as an A1/sound engineer last summer at Timberlake Playhouse and as an A2 on Karate Kid The Musical. This is her first time working at CRT. She is excited to be part of these productions and hopes you enjoy the shows!
