Katie Diamond, Executive Director Daniel C Levine, Artistic Director presents
Book, Music and Lyrics by Lindsey Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs
Based on the novel "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Scenic Design
Josh Zangen
Sound Design
Joanna Lynne Staub
Casting Wojcik/Seay Casting
General Management
SL Theatricals
Costume Design
Amy Clark
Technical Supervision Larry Morley
Dance Arrangements
Amanda Jacobs
Greg Jarrett
Lighting Design
Jason Lyons
Production Manager
Annie Jacobs
Orchestrations
Scott Wasserman
Production Stage Manager Kelly Ruth Cole*
Music Supervisor / Music Director
Kevin Stites
Choreography
Andrew Palermo
Directed by Igor Goldin
For more nformation about the show, please contact info@austenspride com
Jane Austen Caitlyn Caughell*
Cassandra Austen / Charlotte Lucas Kristin Rose Kelleher
Mr Bennet Kevyn Morrow*
Mrs Bennet / Lady Catherine de Bourgh Michele Ragusa*
Jane Bennet Manna Nichols*
Elizabeth Bennet Olivia Hernandez*
Mary Bennet / Georgiana Darcy Caroline Innerbichler*
Kitty Bennet Katie Dixon*
Lydia Bennet Kelley Davies
Charles Bingley Jordan Dobson*
Fitzwilliam Darcy Ryan Jesse*
Caroline Bingley / Mrs Gardiner Briana Gantsweg
Mr Collins / Mr Gardiner Eric Michael Parker
George Wickham Jonathan Young
Redcoats / Ensemble Joseph Allen, Reggie Bromell, Brandon Keith Rogers, Lucas Thompson*
Music Director / Conductor / Keyboard 1 Kevin Stites
Associate Music Director / Keyboard 2 Jeff Cox
Cello Melissa Westgate
Percussion Dennis Arcano
Keyboard Programming Jeff Cox
Copyist / Music Assistant Alexander Ronnenberg
Choices: First Impressions
Isn t She Wonderful
When I Fall in Love
My Dearest Jane (First Letter)
Silly Girls
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Cassandra, Austen, Company
Bingley, Jane, Darcy, Elizabeth
Elizabeth, Austen
Caroline
Mr Bennet
Mr Collins, The Bennets
Meeting Mr Collins Austen, Bennet Girls
My Dream Wickham, Soldiers
The Netherfield Ball
Bingley, Austen, Company
The Netherfield Ball (Reprise) Company
My Poor Nerves
Mrs Bennet
Not Romantic Austen
My Dearest Jane (Second Letter)
Caroline
The Proposal Darcy
Why? Austen
Choices: Second Chances Austen, Company
Take a Walk
Elizabeth, Darcy, Ensemble
Darcy s Letter Austen, Elizabeth, Darcy, Wickham, Company
Had I Been in Love
I Can't Resist a Redcoat
The Portrait Song
Austen, Elizabeth
Lydia, Cassandra, Austen, Soldiers
Elizabeth, Darcy
What if Lydia Ran Away? Company
I Think You're Wonderful
Fine Eyes
Finale
Bingley, Jane
Darcy
Elizabeth, Darcy, Austen, Company
AUSTEN'S PRIDE is performed with a 15 minute intermission.
Production Team
Director Igor Goldin, SDC
Music Director / Supervisor Kevin Stites
Choreographer Andrew Palermo, SDC
Scenic Designer Josh Zangen, USA
Costume Designer Amy Clark, USA
Lighting Designer Jason Lyons, USA
Sound Designer Joanna Lynne Staub, USA
Technical Supervisor Larry Morley
Production Manager Annie Jacobs
Assistant Director Ryan Rhue
Assistant Choreographer Sarah Nathan
Assistant Scenic Designer Alex Innocenti
Assistant Costume Designer Hunter Kaczorowski
Assistant Lighting Designer Catherine Clark
Production Stage Manager Kelly Ruth Cole*
Assistant Stage Manager Josh Cape
Props Supervisor Eric Reynolds
General Managers Joseph Longthorne, Benjamin Simpson
Education Dir. / Management. Asst. Brian Curl
Dance Captain Lucas Thompson
Master Electrician Katie Whittemore
Lighting Programmer Bryan McManamy
Light Board Operator Matt Gilbert
Audio Engineer Dan Gonko
Audio Assistant Gary Tole
Automation Matt Granelli
Wardrobe Supervisor Jaclyn Mercer
Dresser Jessica Bowe
Casting by Wojcik/Seay Casting
Production Assistant Emilia Getzinger
Scene Shop Stone Dog Studios
Production Team (continued)
Lighting
Sound equipment supplied by Sound Associates
Percussion Rental Anthony DeQuattro, Dennis Arcano
Photographer Jeff Butchen
Poster Design Kate Ducey
Marketing Materials Peter Pasquerello
Legal Counsel Ben Feldman, Feldman Golinski Reedy + Ben-Zvi PLLC
Accounting Schall and Ashenfarb, CPAs LLC
Executive
Front
Developing a new musical is an incredibly complex and harrowing, but amazingly fulfilling experience It takes an army of experts across many disciplines to create the masterpieces that we all know and love Perhaps you’ve never thought about what it takes to make all of this happen. Have you ever wondered how the musicals that you know and love got their start? Sitting in a Broadway theater, did it ever cross your mind how that show came to be?
Many people don’t realize that musicals have a long history before hitting the Great White Way Whether you know it or not, the fact that you are sitting in the audience tonight makes you a part of the process of launching a new production. At ACT of CT, it is our mission to help foster and nurture new musicals Of course, it is my passion to honor the rich history and tradition of theater by presenting beloved titles for our audience to enjoy; MAMMA MIA!, EVITA, and WORKING are proof of that. However, it is equally important to me to present new titles and support work that has not yet had the opportunity to be enjoyed by the masses. We want our audiences to have the chance not only to enjoy old favorites, but also to be introduced to brand new pieces. After all, today’s “new shows” will be tomorrow's classics.
AUSTEN’S PRIDE tells the story of “Pride and Prejudice” in an original and highly imaginative way The AUSTEN’S PRIDE creative team and cast are second to none, and I am truly excited that our ACT patrons are the first CT audiences to lay eyes on this exquisite new work Who knows? Maybe sometime in the not so distant future, you’ll be sitting in a Broadway theater saying, “I was one of the first people to ever see this show back when it was in Ridgefield, CT!”.
Joseph Allen as Redcoat / Ensemble
Recent credits: HAIRSPRAY (North Shore Music Theatre), BE MORE CHILL (Jeremy), Huck in BIG RIVER (Sharon Playhouse), SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley), ALL SHOOK UP (Dennis), WEST SIDE STORY (Baby John –New London Barn Playhouse) Thanks to The Mine and Wojcik-Seay Casting! Proud Penn State grad. @JosephFrederickAllen
Reggie Bromell as Redcoat / Ensemble
Reggie Bromell is thrilled to be making his debut at ACT with AUSTEN’S PRIDE! Past credits include the National Tours of PIPPIN and MEMPHIS. Favorite regional credits include DREAMGIRLS, SISTER ACT, and SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE Thanks to his loving family and their support, and his wonderful agents over at ATB
Caughell* as Jane Austen
Broadway: Original cast of Disney’s NEWSIES! Tours: THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY and FINDING NEVERLAND Regional theater credits include Casa Manana, Sacramento Music Circus, The Hangar Theater & The Engeman Theater In honor of this production, she has made a contribution to The New York Women’s Foundation: an advocate for an equitable and just future for women. www nywf org
Kelley Davies as Lydia Bennet
Kelley is thrilled to be making her ACT of CT debut! Favorite regional credits include: THE GRADUATE (Elaine), CHARLEY’S AUNT (Kitty), MARY’S WEDDING (Mary), THE WALTZ (Young Camille, World Premiere), BASKERVILLE (Sherlock Holmes), and ALL SHOOK UP (Sandra) She is a proud Emerson College alum and sends all her love and gratitude to her family and friends! For more on Kelley, visit www kelleyjanedavies com or follow @kelleydavies
Katie Dixon* as Kitty Bennet
CHASING RAINBOWS (Deanna Durbin- New World Stages), CATS (Jellylorum, Grizabella- Really Useful Grp), BABES IN TOYLAND (Lincoln Center), THE SECRET GARDEN (Lily- Edinburgh Fringe Festival), SWEENEY TODD (Johanna- Nevada Opera), THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Mabel- NYGASP), LES MISERABLES (Eponine- Musical Theatre West), Opera Hong Kong, Disney Philharmonic Series, USO Show Troupe M M Mannes School of Music
Jordan Dobson* as Charles Bingley
Jordan is thrilled make his ACT debut! Recent credits: THE COLOR PURPLE, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON (Theatre Horizon), CABARET, GYPSY (Arden Theatre Co ), CAMELOT, KISS ME KATE (Act II Playhouse), MY FAIR LADY (Quintessence Theatre Group), PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Mauckingbird Theatre Co ) Many thanks to my family, Mikayla, and Frankie!
Briana Gantsweg as Caroline Bingley / Mrs. Gardiner
National Tours: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (Phoebe), A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL (Mother) Regional: BORN YESTERDAY (Billie Dawn - Cortland Rep), ROMEO AND JULIET (Juliet - Stairwell Theater), ALL SHOOK UP (Miss SandraNew London Barn Playhouse) Gratitude to Avalon Artists Group and the ACT team!
Olivia Hernandez* as Elizabeth Bennet
California native. Credits include OKLAHOMA! at TUTS (Laurey), MARY POPPINS (Mary Poppins), WEST SIDE STORY (Maria), CAMELOT (Guenevere), and INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella) BFA in Musical Theatre from The University of Michigan Many thanks to the creative team, Avalon Artists Group, LOVF, and Sam Davis Always for Tim MacDougall @oliviaaletha
Innerbichler* as Mary Bennet / Georgiana Darcy
LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: THE MUSICAL (National Tour), MAMMA MIA!, WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Ordway Center), GREASE, THE LITTLE MERMAID, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, BYE BYE BIRDIE (Chanhassen Dinner Theatres), HAIR (7th House Theater), RAGTIME (Park Square Theatre). For Allison.
Ryan Jesse* as Fitzwilliam Darcy
Broadway: JERSEY BOYS (Bob Gaudio) Tours: JERSEY BOYS (Bob Gaudio), CINDERELLA starring Lea Salonga (Prince u/s), DIRTY DANCING (Neil Kellerman). Regional: GREY GARDENS (Joe Kennedy, Jr /Jerry) at Portland Center Stage, HELLO, DOLLY! at Casa Mañana (Cornelius Hackl) An Arizona native, Ryan holds a B A in Musical Theater from University of Northern Colorado.
Kristin Rose Kelleher as Cassandra Austen / Charlotte Lucas
Kristin is thrilled to be making her ACT of CT debut with this beautiful musical Favorite credits include LES MISERABLES (Riverside Theatre), HAIR (Secret Theatre), and SOUTH PACIFIC (Ogunquit Playhouse) Thanks to her wonderfully supportive family, the team at Professional Artists, and Wojcik/Seay Casting! @kristinrosekelleher
Kevyn Morrow*
as Mr Bennet
Broadway: BANDSTAND, THE COLOR PURPLE (revival), SCARLET PIMPERNEL, DREAM, DREAMGIRLS, A CHORUS LINE, LEADER OF THE PACK. West End: RAGTIME (Olivier Best Actor Nom). TV: “Instinct”, “Central Park Five”, “The Path”, “Good Wife”, “Elementary”, “Blue Bloods”, “Person of Interest”, “L/O” Film: Fair Market Value, The Trade, Stayin Alive. Helen Hayes, Barrymore, NAACP Best Actor Nominee MOULIN ROUGE Bway 2019
Manna Nichols* as Jane Bennet
Broadway/Tour: ALLEGIANCE, THE KING & I (Tuptim) Select Theatre: MY FAIR LADY (Arena Stage), MUSIC MAN (Arizona Theatre Company), LES MISERABLES (Pioneer/Maine State), MISS SAIGON (KC Starlight Tour/Fulton) Film: Cold Pursuit (Minya), Beauty & the Beast (2017- Background Vocals). www MannaNichols com Follow: @MannaNichols
Eric Michael Parker as Mr. Collins / Mr. Gardiner
NY: NEWSIES (Engeman), WHISKEY PANTS: THE MAYOR OF WILLIAMSBURG (Mind the Art), TWISTED OPERETTAS (Joe's Pub @ The Public) CA: MY FAIR LADY (Musical Theatre West), TITANIC (Moonlight Prod), DROWSY CHAPERONE (Norris PAC) Lotte Lenya Competition winner. Bachelor’s of Music from Chapman U. Has Marie Kondo d his dresser ericmichaelparker com @ericpahkah
Michele Ragusa* as Mrs. Bennet / Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Broadway: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, URINETOWN, RAGTIME, TITANIC, A CLASS ACT, CYRANO Off-Broadway: ADRIFT IN MACAO (Lortel/ Drama League Noms), DISASTER!, TITANIC (LCT) Regional: GYPSY, HELLO DOLLY, MAME, INTO THE WOODS, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, DROWSY CHAPERONE, SWEENEY TODD, KISS ME KATE, FULL MONTY www micheleragusa com
Brandon Keith Rogers as Redcoat / Ensemble
Brandon is thrilled to join ACT of CT! Last seen in the JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY Reunion at the Guggenheim Museum Tour: NÖEL (Dance Capt), Regional: WEST SIDE STORY (Barrington Stage), 42ND STREET (Billy, The Palace), MAMMA MIA! (Eddie, The Palace), GREASE (RCCL) and ROCK OF AGES (Eldorado Showroom) Many thanks to the creatives, cast, the fam, Dave Secor, Wojcik & Seay Casting and God For Hannah
Lucas Thompson* as Redcoat / Ensemble
Broadway: CATS (Neil Simon Theatre). National tour: LOVE NEVER DIES (North American premiere) Regional: HELLO DOLLY! (Riverside), THE MUSIC MAN (TUTS), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (North Shore), GOOD NEWS! (Goodspeed). BM/MM Jacobs School of Music Infinite thanks to the AUSTEN’S PRIDE team, DHA, my family, and Andy @lucasjohnthompson
Jonathan Young as George Wickham
Jonathan is happy to be returning to ACT of Connecticut where he was last seen as Gad in JOSEPH last season Favorite credits include GREY GARDENS, NEXT TO NORMAL, BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, MY WAY, and ASSASSINS. Thanks to the team at ACT, Hudson Artists Agency, and his incredibly supportive family and friends @ jonathanyoung
THANK YOU
The producers would like to express their gratitude to the following for their contributions toward this making this show possible:
R Erin Craig, Daniel Wallace, Trish Whitehurst, Melissa Zakri, Randy Cohen, RRR Creative, Fitzwilliam Developmental LLC
LINDSAY WARREN BAKER ( Book, Music, Lyrics ) is a stage director, writer, and teaching artist Collaborative writing credits include AUSTEN’S PRIDE; LILY, A MUSICAL PORTRAIT; TRUTH IN BEAUTY; and DANIEL, THE MUSICAL. Other original works include HOMECOMING, B*, THE STAKEOUT, and THIRST Select directing credits: INDECENT; ORDINARY DAYS; AT SWIM, TWO BOYS; HAMLET; MRS PRESIDENT; BURNED OVER; THE CAT’S MEOW; LO SPEZIALE; NEXT TO NORMAL; and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Baker is an Instructor of Opera at the Eastman School of Music. Education and Training: SUNY Empire State College (MA Liberal Studies), St. Olaf College (BA Music and Theater), O’Neill NTI, Moscow Art Theatre, Dagara Music Center (Ghana)
AMANDA JACOBS (Book, Music, Lyrics, Dance Arrangements) is recognized most for her work on AUSTEN’S PRIDE - A NEW MUSICAL OF PRIDE & PREJUDICE (Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, 2016; LaMirada, 2015; NYMF 2011-Stage Entertainment Award, Most Promising Musical) In 2014, JASNA chose her as their International Visitor, and she spent six weeks in Chawton, UK, Jane Austen’s home, composing, performing/producing concerts Other works: LEARNING HOW TO DROWN (Boston College, 2016; The PiTCH-FLMTF 2014, 2015 Johnny Mercer Writer’s Colony-Goodspeed Musicals); THE UP SIDE OF DOWN ( with Y York, Hormel Festival 2015) Other collaborative works: DANIEL, LILY, and TRUTH IN BEAUTY Jacobs is also recognized for her concert & sacred music composition, most recently Charlotte Smith’s The Song Cycles of Beachy Head (Boulanger Initiative, 2019, Carnegie Hall, 2018, BWWC, 2017 World Premiere, Chawton Library, UK/Britten-Pears Foundation, 2016, University of Melbourne, 2015; Ucross Foundation) She recently completed her PhD in Educational Psychology and specializes in learning environments in the Arts A native of Macon, Georgia, she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Wesleyan College Visit http://amanda-jacobs blogspot com for more information
IGOR GOLDIN ( Director) received a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for his production of the WW2 musical YANK! He is also the recipient of 3 NYMF Awards for Excellence in Direction for JANE AUSTEN'S PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, CROSSING SWORDS and COMMON GROUNDS Recently he directed the new musical adaptation of Brian Friel’s MOLLY SWEENEY, EVITA, THE MUSIC MAN, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, SOUTH PACIFIC, MAPLE AND VINE and many more Off-Broadway he directed the New York Times Critics' Picks, WITH GLEE and A RITUAL OF FAITH Mr Goldin was a finalist for the SDC Joe A Callaway Award for Distinguished Direction He’s a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
KEVIN STITES ( Music Supervisor / Music Director / Conductor / Keyboard 2 ) conducted Broadway Classics (Carnegie Hall) and the 25th Anniversary Concert of CRAZY FOR YOU at David Geffen Hall for Manhattan Concert Productions He has conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in solo concerts with Kristin Chenoweth and Brian Stokes Mitchell at Walt Disney Hall His Broadway credits include ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY (Roundabout Revival), SOUTH PACIFIC (Lincoln Center), TALE OF TWO CITIES, TITANIC (Original Musical Supervisor/Music Director), SUNSET BOULEVARD, NINE TO FIVE (Additional Arrangements), PAMELA’S FIRST MUSICAL, LES MISERABLES (2006 revival), THE THREEPENNY OPERA (Roundabout Revival), CHILDREN AND ART, THE COLOR PURPLE (Music Supervision / Incidental Music), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (2004 Revival), NINE (2003 revival), OKLAHOMA! (Nunn/Stroman) and ON THE TOWN (1998) He served as Music Director for THE PRODUCERS, GUYS AND DOLLS and LES MISERABLES at the Hollywood Bowl, and Conductor for PERFECTLY FRANK: HOLLYWOOD TO BROADWAY and Sondheim, Bernstein, Lerner and Loewe and Gershwin tributes at the Grant Park Music Festival He was the Music Supervisor for the German Premiere of REBECCA in Stuttgart, the Music Supervisor / Conductor for the World Premiere of Maury Yeston’s DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY, and Music Director / Pianist for VOIGT LESSONS at The Glimmerglass Festival.
ANDREW PALERMO (C horeography ) is a director, choreographer, and creator of theatre and dance Select credits include METEOR SHOWER (Broadway/Booth), ALLEGIANCE (Broadway/Longacre), NICKEL MINES, (Co-author/Director/Choreographer, The Duke), THE OTHER JOSH COHEN (Papermill/Soho Playhouse), KRISTIN CHENOWETH, BABES IN TOYLAND, THE MIKADO, OF THEE, I SING (Carnegie Hall), THE FRANK LOESSER SONGBOOK/NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC (Lincoln Center) ACE (The Old Globe, Cincinnati Playhouse, Repertory Theater of St. Louis), THE ALUMINUM SHOW (world tour), LET GO, (Moscow State Dance Theatre, ‘Gzhel’) Andrew is the co-founding Artistic Director of dre dance, the founder of Creatively Able, movement classes for individuals with autism, and an Associate Professor of Drama at UC Irvine
JOSH ZANGEN ( Scenic Design ) Selected credits; Live Concerts/Tours: Justin Timberlake, James Taylor, Jack White, Outkast, Kylie Minogue, Rihanna, The Killers, Thomas Rhett, Britney Spears, and others Live theatre: Spiegelworlds’ award-winning ABSINTHE, EMPIRE, VEGAS NOCTURNE and DESIR IMMORTAL CHI, SINGING IN THE RAIN - São Paulo, Brazil, Nickelodeon –STORYTIME LIVE!, THE HURLY BURLY SHOW - West End UK, MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE AGE OF HEROES, Ringling Bros CIRCUS EXTREME and OUT OF THIS WORLD Ceremonies: 1st European Games Baku - Closing Ceremony, Abu Dhabi 44th National Day, Asian Games Jakarta –Opening and Closing Ceremony Theme Park: SeaWorld – Orca Experience Macy’s award-winning holiday windows 'Yes Virginia' built entirely out of paper Upcoming: Through the Echoes and PY1 Venue with Guy Laliberte, Aerosmith - Las Vegas, Jurassic World Live, Carrie Underwood – Cry Pretty Tour Co-Founder and Director of Design at Fireplay
AMY CLARK ( Costume Design ) Amy Clark is a NYC-based costume designer whose work has been seen on Broadway, regional theaters, television, and arenas across the country Amy's costume designs for Broadway include A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN and CHAPLIN (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations) Other recent designs include CLUELESS: THE MUSICAL, BIG APPLE CIRCUS, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING at The Kennedy Center, DESCRIBE THE NIGHT at The Atlantic Theater, BLIND DATE at The Goodman Theater, ROMY AND MICHELE’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION: THE MUSICAL and HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL at New World Stages, RINGLING BROS BARNUM AND BAILEY CIRCUS PRESENTS: LEGENDS, FOLLIES, and CHAPLIN in St Petersburg Russia, MY LIFE IS A MUSICAL at Bay Street Theater, HELLO, DOLLY!, KISS ME KATE, NOISES OFF, SOMEWHERE, THE LITTLE MERMAID, ON YOUR TOES at City Center Encores! Amy has designed for regional theaters across the country and received the 2012 Theatre Hall of Fame Emerging Artists Fellowship Received an MFA in Costume Design from NYU Tisch School of the Arts
JASON LYONS ( Lighting Design ) Broadway: HAND TO GOD, ON THE TOWN, BRONX BOMBERS, LET IT BE, BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, ROCK OF AGES, THE THREEPENNY OPERA, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, and GOOD VIBRATIONS Recent: CLUELESS, THE MUSICAL (The New Group), MAMMA MIA! (TUTS), SUGAR IN OUR WOUNDS (MTC), THE HONEYMOONERS (Papermill), ROMY & MICHELE’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION (5th Ave), Born For This (Arena Stage), KINGS, DRY POWDER, BARBECUE (The Public Theatre), FAMILIAR, ROBIN HOOD, RED VELVET, MACBETH AND LOVE’S LABOR’S LOST (The Old Globe) Awards: Jeff, Helen Hayes, and Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Lighting Design. www.jasonlyonsdesign.com
JOANNA LYNNE STAUB ( Sound Design) Off-Broadway: The Public Theater, Ensemble Studio Theatre, WP Theatre, and NY Theatre Workshop Regional: Goodman Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 5th Avenue Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alliance Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Classical: St Louis and New Jersey Symphonies Television: NBC – Live! THE SOUND OF MUSIC, PETER PAN and THE WIZ Ms Staub has extensive credits associate designing and engineering Broadway and national touring companies She holds degrees from Ithaca College and the University of Illinois, and teaches Sound Design at Princeton University. Jlssound com
JEFF COX ( Associate Music Director / Keyboard 2 ) is a New York-based music director and conductor who has performed internationally and on Broadway His NYC credits include THE BAND’S VISIT (key 2 sub) and A LETTER TO HARVEY MILK (piano/conductor sub). Jeff is the music director of “The Unreachable Stars,” a concert featuring Broadway actors and musicians that has performed throughout China and the United States He has also played on the national tour of WICKED and is a regular music director at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival He holds a Master’s Degree in conducting from Ithaca College. www.jeffcoxmusic.com
SCOTT WASSERMAN (O rchestrations) is an orchestrator and electronic music designer originally from East Hampton, CT Broadway: HAMILTON, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and THE GREAT COMET as Ableton Programmer, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, ANNIE, and LEAP OF FAITH Other: RADIO CITY SUMMER & CHRISTMAS SHOWS - Additional Orchestrations, INVISIBLE THREAD, 21 CHUMP STREET (This American Life), and DIANA (La Jolla Playhouse) as Ableton Programmer Television: THE 71st TONY AWARDS; CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND - Orchestrator Album: Joel B New’s CABOT COVE (Broadway Records) - Orchestrator & Arranger Podcast: SONG SALAD with Shannon Deep, www songsaladpodcast com Upcoming: BLACKBEARD (Signature Theatre) - Co-Orchestrator with David Holcenberg Love to Meghan! www scottwasserman com @scottwasserman1
KELLY RUTH COLE (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to again be working with the fantastic AUSTEN’S PRIDE Team Previous credits include RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR & THE NEW YORK SPECTACULAR (Radio City Music Hall), A MARVELOUS ORDER (Developmental Opera), IN THE BAR OF A TOKYO HOTEL (New World Stages); ATOMIC (Theater Row); HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN? (NYMF), THE INEXPLICABLE REDEMPTION OF AGENT G (MaYi/Vampire Cowboys), THE SLUTS OF SUTTON DRIVE (Ensemble Studio Theatre); FROM BREAST CANCER TO BROADWAY (Cherry Lane Theatre); CUT (The Management); ZARKANA: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Workshop (StudentsLive); MY HEART IN A SUITCASE (National Tour); TOMMY (Baystreet Theatre)
JOSH CAPE ( Assistant Stage Manager ), originally from Montreal, is a freelance stage manager and production manager based in NYC Previous stage management credits include ROMEO & JULIET (Trinity Rep); THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (The Washington Ballet); OSCAR AT THE CROWN (Neon Coven); IN THE HEIGHTS, THE SEAGULL, SWEENEY TODD, MARY STUART (Brown University) He is thrilled to be joining ACT for their inaugural season!
LARRY MORLEY ( Technical Supervisor ) is pleased to have been a part of the Broadway community for more than 35 years Broadway credits include METEOR SHOWER, BRIGHT STAR, GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, END OF THE RAINBOW, HAIR, NEXT TO NORMAL, EQUUS, JOURNEY’S END, DRIVING MISS DAISY, MERCHANT OF VENICE as well as tours of CABARET and CINDERELLA Larry also supervises productions of the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
ANNIE JACOBS ( Production Manager) Annie joined ACT in 2018 after spending the previous 12 years in Queens, NY Her work there includes 4 years as production manager for Queens Theatre, a performing arts center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and 9 seasons at APAC in Astoria, NY where she production managed 40 shows including FOLLIES, ALLEGRO, CHILDREN OF EDEN, and HUMAN COMEDY Previous to that she worked at Showman Fabricators in production management followed by project management There she worked on Broadway’s LITTLE MERMAID, SWEENEY TODD, 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, television’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”, “Dr. Oz”, Disney World’s American Idol Experience and many others Annie has her BFA from the Theatre School at DePaul University and her MFA from the School of Drama at Yale University
SL THEATRICALS (General Manager) is a boutique theatrical firm founded by partners Benjamin Simpson and Joseph Longthorne As General Managers- THICKER THAN WATER (Joe’s Pub @ The Public Theater), OSCAR AT THE CROWN (3 Dollar Bill), BLANK! THE MUSICAL (The Green Room 42), STU FOR SILVERTON, THE APPLE BOYS (Ars Nova); Here Arts: HEARTLESS BASTARD, BILLY AND THE KILLERS; NYMF: MOTHER JONES AND THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE, THE CALICO BUFFALO, ICON, NUMBERS NERDS, THE GOREE ALL-GIRL STRING BAND, PLAY LIKE A WINNER, GENERATION ME, WHAT’S YOUR WISH?, IF SAND WERE STONE, and SONATA 1962 As Co-Producers- Off Broadway: BE MORE CHILL Broadway: BE MORE CHILL, WAITRESS, OH HELLO! ON BROADWAY, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2, HELLO, DOLLY! (2017 Tony Award), METEOR SHOWER, and THE BAND’S VISIT (2018 Tony Award) In Development: GENERATION ME www sltheatricals com
WOJCIK | SEAY CASTING ( Casting) Owners Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay cast in all mediums with Holly Buczek and Courtney Hammond National and International tours: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, WEST SIDE STORY-TOKYO, SOMETHING ROTTEN!, RENT, KINKY BOOTS, ROCK OF AGES, MOTOWN, JEKYLL & HYDE-KOREA, DREAMGIRLS-Korea, VOCALOSITY, FLASHDANCE, NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, JOSEPH DREAMCOAT, AND A CHORUS LINE Off-Broadway includes: OTHELLO: THE REMIX, CHURCH & STATE, THE PORTAL, TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ THE TWO CHARACTER PLAY, HANDLE WITH CARE, TRIASSIC PARQ and more Regional: Multiple seasons/shows for Riverside Theatre, FL; Arvada Center, CO; John W Engeman Theatre, NY; Theatre Raleigh, NC; Stages St Louis, MO; Theatre Aspen, CO; Tuacahn Performing Arts Center, UT www wscasting com @WScasting
DANIEL C LEVINE (Artistic Director) Daniel C Levine is thrilled to serve as Artistic Director of ACT of CT MAMMA MIA! (directed by Daniel) was the inaugural production in ACT’s brand new theater Daniel has appeared on Broadway and in the Broadway National Tours of: MAMMA MIA!, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Tony Nomination For Best Revival), CHICAGO, LES MISERABLES, and TOMMY Daniel was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical –League of American Theaters and Producers, for his role as Cousin Kevin in THE WHO’S TOMMY He also originated the role of Mary Sunshine in the Broadway National tour of CHICAGO Daniel has worked extensively across the country and has been seen in: OKLAHOMA! (5th Avenue,Seattle), NEXT TO NORMAL (Seven Angels Theater), GUYS & DOLLS (The Ordway Theater, Minneapolis), COMPANY (5th Avenue,Seattle), MAN OF LA MANCHA (Cleveland Playhouse), SWEET CHARITY (West Virginia Public), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (North Carolina Theater and Kansas City Starlight), JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (North Shore Music Theater, Boston), and EVITA (Music Theater of CT) Daniel is the creator, producer, and director of BROADWAY BACKSTAGE! and DANCIN’ BROADWAY –currently touring throughout the U S His show, AMERICAN DANCE SPECTACULAR! opened in the Fall of 2017 Daniel is the creator and director of BORN TO DANCE – a multi-media production performed throughout the fleet of ships on Princess Cruise Lines, in collaboration with Stephen Schwartz Daniel also serves as Artistic Advisor for The Ridgefield Playhouse Broadway & Cabaret Series in Ridgefield, CT and has directed TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at The Playhouse He is also the founder and Executive Director of Big Apple Tutoring, LLC –one of Manhattan’s largest academic educational firms Daniel is a commissioner for Ridgefield’s Conservation Commission, where he plays an active role in maintaining Ridgefield’s Open Spaces. He graduated Brandeis University and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Daniel directed ACT’s critically successful production of EVITA, for which he won the 2018 Broadway World CT Best Director of a Musical Award Daniel recently directed WORKING at ACT of Connecticut This world-premiere version of Stephen Schwartz's musical was reconceived by Daniel and will serve as a template for other regional theatres Upcoming projects include JAGGED LITTLE PILL (opening on Broadway in 2019/2020) Daniel, along with his husband Bryan Perri (ACT Resident Music Supervisor) and Katie Diamond (ACT Executive Director) could not be more proud of the ACT of CT team’s mission of “Bringing Broadway to Ridgefield!”.
BRYAN PERRI (Resident Music Supervisor) is both thrilled and honored to be a founding member and Resident Music Supervisor of ACT of Connecticut, which brings the vital art form of professional theater to Ridgefield. Along with his husband Daniel C Levine and executive producer Katie Diamond, he is honored to be a part of Ridgefield’s vibrant artistic community Bryan recently finished a five year run as music director and conductor of the Broadway production of WICKED He is currently music director for SUPERHERO, having its world premiere Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater. He is also very excited to be music director for the Broadway-bound JAGGED LITTLE PILL, which premiered this spring at The American Repertory Theater (the ART) in Boston Other credits as Music Director include: CHAPLIN (Broadway), DOGFIGHT, VANITIES - both OffBroadway at Second Stage Theater, Disney's FREAKY FRIDAY (musical supervisor, Signature Theater) and can be heard on each show’s respective cast albums He was also Music Director for the first national tours of NEXT TO NORMAL, and ALTAR BOYZ as well as BORN TO DANCE (Arranger, Orchestrator and Music Director) -a new show premiering on Princess Cruises in association with Stephen Schwartz Bryan also serves as Music Director and arranger for Lindsay Mendez as well as Aaron Tveit who recently performed at the American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center In Ridgefield, he has Music Directed concerts of THE WHO’S TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, JOSEPH DREAMCOAT, as well as evenings with Stephen Schwartz and Joel Grey Bryan was the Music Supervisor for ACT s productions of MAMMA MIA!, EVITA, and WORKING Thank you to all the residents of Ridgefield who believe that theatre and the arts matter!
KATIE DIAMOND (Executive Director) As a singer, actor, writer, and producer, Katie Diamond has written, produced, and/or performed in numerous musical theatre and cabaret shows over the past twenty years Broadway and tour performing credits include: Lorraine in JERSEY BOYS, THE PIRATE QUEEN (understudy for Stephanie J Block), WHITE CHRISTMAS, and THE WEDDING BANQUET As a producer/performer, Katie has had the pleasure of working with Daniel C Levine on THE WHO’S TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, all presented at the Ridgefield Playhouse She has also written, produced, and performed in three cabaret shows in NYC; SECONDARY CHARACTERS, ALL KNOCKED UP, and TYPED OUT Katie has released two solo albums, Original Passion and Down by the Riverside, and can be heard on THE PIRATE QUEEN original cast recording A certified Music Together teacher, and lifelong advocate of arts education, Katie is thrilled that ACT is able to offer such wonderful classes for the youth of our community After graduating with a bachelor of music in vocal performance from New England Conservatory of Music, Katie lived and worked in Seattle before moving to NYC in 2005 In 2014, she relocated to Ridgefield, CT with her husband Bill Diamond and their three children She is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and The National Alliance for Musical Theatre
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION "Equity”, founded in 1913, is the U S labor union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans Actors Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions www actorsequity org #EquityWorks
ACT of CONNECTICUT (A CONTEMPORARY THEATRE) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 premier Equity regional theatre that opened in June 2018. Led by Executive Director Katie Diamond and Artistic Director Daniel C Levine, this contemporary theater strives to be the regional destination theatergoers choose ACT of Connecticut presents limited engagement runs of well-known Broadway plays and musicals, as well as world premiere plays and musicals by the next generation of writers and composers. In addition to fully produced, main stage productions, the producers have launched the Theatre Education program starting with The Conservatory, a series for middle and high school students ACT of Connecticut is proud to join the many renowned local arts organizations to make Ridgefield a true arts destination for Fairfield County and all of New England
would like to express our deep gratitude to the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation for their continued dedication to our mission.
Thank you for your support!
2018-2019 Season Sponsors
Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation
Anonymous
The Bishop Family
Diamond Properties
Goldstone Family Foundation
Heather Hillman and Jack Whalen TownVibe
Diamond Sponsors
The Bennett Family Fairfield County Bank
Hamlet Hub
Richard and Lori Jabara
Rose Gold Sponsors
Wendy and Bill Beurket
Adam Broderick Salon & Spa
Val and Greg Jensen
Robert and Gerri Lewis
Frank Selvaggi and Bill Shea
Gold Sponsors
Bareburger
Gallo Ristorante
M&T Bank
Whip Salon
Silver Sponsors
Alpha Romeo of Danbury
Maserati of Danbury
Russ and Holly Neumann
PepsiCo
Taylor-Zemo Foundation
Sensory Friendly Series Sponsor
The Breede Family
ACT of Connecticut Board of Directors
Katie Diamond, President
Daniel C. Levine, Vice President
Heather Hillman, Secretary
Bill Diamond, Treasurer
Truitt Bell ▪ Kristin Beylouni ▪ Betsy Brand ▪ Mary E. Joyce
Caroline Kellen ▪ Jack Mehler ▪ Christina Millar ▪ Trish Minskoff
Larry Morley ▪ Bryan Perri ▪ Michael Seelbach
Frank Selvaggi ▪ Bill Shea
ACT of Connecticut Artistic Advisory Board
Susan Batten ▪ Al Blackstone ▪ Beowulf Boritt
Christian Borle ▪ Caite Hevner ▪ Lindsay Mendez
Alan Menken ▪ Stephen Schwartz
ACT of Connecticut Founding Donors
Anonymous
Rebecca and Scott Baglio
The Bishop Family
The Breede Family
Diamond Properties
Heather Hillman and Jack Whalen
Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation
Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation
Daniel C. Levine
Bryan Perri
Thank you to our Business Partners
Adam Broderick Salon & Spa ▪ Alpha Romeo of Danbury
Bareburger ▪ Berkshire Broadcasting ▪ Brew & Co.
Bruce Bennett Nissan ▪ Dimitri's Diner
Fairfield County Bank ▪ Gallo Ristorante ▪ Hamlet Hub
The Hideaway ▪ LaQuinta of Danbury ▪ Maserati of Danbury
M&T Bank ▪ Nature's Temptations ▪ Nod Hill Brewery
Nutmeg Livery Service ▪ PepsiCo ▪ Rodier Flowers
TownVibe ▪ Vine & Co. ▪ Whip Salon ▪ WSHU │ Public Radio
