Jesus Christ Superstar Playbill

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ACT of Connecticut Ridgefield, CT

Copyright © 2022 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.


HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION We are thrilled that you are with us today, in person, at ACT of CT! Please note, per our union (Actors’ Equity Association) guidelines, all patrons and staff are required to wear a mask (covering nose and mouth) regardless of vaccination status while inside ACT of CT for performances. All ACT of CT staff, as well as cast, crew, creative teams, and musicians are fully vaccinated. Concessions may be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the performance and at intermission. Thank you and enjoy the show!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Sensory Friendly Performance Saturday, April 10 at 2:00pm Please call (475) 215-5497 or email boxoffice@actofct.org for more information and to reserve a seat. This performance is reserved only for our friends with sensory sensitivities and is not open to the public.

ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut

SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT Friday, May 6, 2022 | 6 PM Honoring Anita & Nick Donofrio


ACT OF CONNECTICUT Katie Diamond Executive Director

Daniel C. Levine Artistic Director

R. Erin Craig Producing Director

presents

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics by Tim Rice Scenic Designer Jack Mehler

Costume Designer Claudia Stefany

Lighting Designer Penny Jacobus

Sound Designer Nathan Rubio

Casting Wojcik Casting Team

Production Stage Manager Morgan R. Holbrook

Music Director Jeffrey Campos

Music Supervisor Bryan Perri

Choreographer Sara Brians

Directed by

Daniel C. Levine

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com


MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE

Overture ...........................................................................................................................Full Company Heaven on Their Minds ............................................................................................................... Judas

What’s the Buzz? .............................................................................................. Jesus, Mary, Apostles Strange Thing Mystifying............................................................................... Judas, Jesus, Apostles

Everything’s Alright ............................................................................. Mary, Judas, Jesus, Apostles

This Jesus Must Die ...................................................................................... Annas, Caiaphas, Priest Hosanna .......................................................................... Jesus, Caiaphas, Annas, Priest, Apostles Simon Zealotes .......................................................................................................... Simon, Apostles Poor Jerusalem .............................................................................................................................. Jesus

Pilate’s Dream ................................................................................................................................ Pilate

The Temple / Make Us Well ..................................................................................... Jesus, Ensemble Everything’s Alright (reprise) ........................................................................................... Mary, Jesus

I Don’t Know How to Love Him .................................................................................................. Mary Damned for All Time / Blood Money ........................................... Judas, Caiaphas, Annas, Priest ACT TWO

The Last Supper ................................................................................... Jesus, Judas, Mary, Apostles Gethsemane ................................................................................................................................... Jesus

The Arrest ..................... Judas, Peter, Jesus, Apostles, Caiaphas, Annas, Priest, Guards, Crowd Peter’s Denial ........................................................................................................... Peter, Mary, Spies Pilate and Christ ....................................... Jesus, Pilate, Annas, Caiaphas, Priest, Crowd, Guards Herod’s Song ............................................................................................................... Herod, Minions

Could We Start Again, Please? .......................................................................... Mary, Peter, Simon

Judas’ Death ...................................................................................... Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, Priest Trial By Pilate / 39 Lashes ........................ Pilate, Caiaphas, Annas, Priest, Jesus, Crowd, Guards

Superstar .................... Judas, Departed Ones, Pilate, Caiaphas, Annas, Priest, Crowd, Guards Crucifixion ....................................................................................................................................... Jesus

John 19:41 ......................................................................................... Jesus, Mary, Apostles, Children JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will run approximately 120 minutes in length, including a 15 minute intermission.

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHORS’ RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.CONCORDTHEATRICALS.COM/RESOURCES/PROTECTING-ARTISTS


CAST Jesus................................................................................................................................ Brett Stoelker* Judas ............................................................................................................................Avionce Hoyles* Mary Magdalene.......................................................................................................Caitlin Kinnunen* Pilate ........................................................................................................................... Michael McGuirk Herod .......................................................................................................................Randy Donaldson* Caiaphas .................................................................................................................... Isaac Ryckeghem Annas ............................................................................................................................... Katie LaMark* Priest ........................................................................................................................... Ben Cherington* Simon ........................................................................................................................ Ariel Neydavoud* Peter ................................................................................................................. Andrew Stevens Purdy Ensemble ............................. Chris Balestriere, Corinne C. Broadbent*, Will Stephan Connell*, Alex Hartman*, Marlena Lopez Hilderley, Kelly MacMillan*, Amber Hurst Martin*, Val Moranto, Ariel Neydavoud*, Devin Price*, Andrew Stevens Purdy, Daniel Thimm, Cole Wachman, Caitlin Witty The Children ........................................... Rosie Diamond, Chloe Ryan Simner, Ellie Lila Wanicur Swings .................................................. Corinne C. Broadbent*, Shea Coughlin, Cole Wachman UNDERSTUDIES for Jesus - Will Stephan Connell*; for Judas - Ariel Neydavoud*; for Mary - Caitlin Witty; for Herod - Devin Price*; for Pilate & Caiaphas - Ben Cherington*; for Annas - Amber Hurst Martin*, Val Moranto; for Simon - Amber Hurst Martin*, Andrew Stevens Purdy; for Peter & Priest - Cole Wachman

*denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers

BAND Music Director / Conductor / Keyboard 1 .............................................................. Jeffrey Campos Keyboard 2 / Rehearsal Pianist ........................................................................................ Tom Cuffari Woodwinds ........................................................................................................................Amy Griffiths French Horn ........................................................................................................ Darlene Kaukoranta Trumpet ............................................................................................................................... Clyde Daley Guitar 1 ..........................................................................................................................Dan Hartington Guitar 2 ......................................................................................................................................... Al Orlo Electric Bass ................................................................................................................Alex Busby Smith Drums / Percussion ....................................................................................................Dennis J. Arcano Conservatory Pianist .................................................................................................... Zach Kampler Music Contractor / Synthesizer Programmer ......................................................Dennis J. Arcano Late seating and/or reentry to the theater will be at the discretion of the management.



PRODUCTION TEAM

Director ........................................................................................................................ Daniel C. Levine Choreographer ..................................................................................................................Sara Brians• Music Supervisor ................................................................................................................ Bryan Perri Music Director ............................................................................................................ Jeffrey Campos Scenic Designer ............................................................................................................. Jack Mehler+ Costume Designer ..................................................................................................... Claudia Stefany Lighting Designer .......................................................................................................Penny Jacobus+ Sound Designer ..............................................................................................................Nathan Rubio Associate Scenic Designer ..................................................................................... Aoshuang Zhang Production Stage Manager ........................................................................... Morgan R. Holbrook* Assistant Stage Manager ............................................................................................. Rico Froehlich Production Assistant ......................................................................................................Margot Weiss Wardrobe Supervisor ................................................................................................ Claudia Stefany Assistant to Costume Designer .................................................................................... Janet Fenton Soundscape Design ............................................................................ Bryan Perri, Daniel C. Levine Technical Director ................................................................................................................. Ally Olinyk Head Electrician ..........................................................................................................Adam Romano Head Carpenter / Lighting Programmer .............................................................. Dominick Walch Audio Head .......................................................................................................................... Becca Stoll Audio Engineer / A1 ........................................................................................................... Frank Egan Audio Assistant / A2.............................................................................................................. Nick Leek Crew ..................................................................................................................................... Dina Jawetz Dance Captain .............................................................................................................. Alex Hartman* Scenic Charge ........................................................................................................................ Liz Popiel Scenic Painters ......................................................... Tara Llewellyn, Ashley Raymond, Sara Stone Load-in Crew / Electricians / Sound / Set Dressing / Props ............. Eden Atencio, Tom Bloss, Rico Froehlich, Bella Genuario, Sam Johnson, Terrence Mahon, Celeste Richards, Jacob Sanner Conservatory Associate Director .......................................................................... Meredith Walker Set Construction & Installation ................................................................................. Upstate Scenic Casting .......................................................................................... Scott Wojcik, Holly Buczek (CSA), Courtney Hammond, Nick Ferrao Casting Intern .................................................................................................................. Ryan Esparza Photography ...................................................................................................................... Jeff Butchen Videography ..................................................................................................................... Matt Gurren Conservatory Children Headshots ........................................ www.PhotographybySusanC.com Program ........................................................................................................................... Mary E. Joyce

•The Choreographer is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

* denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers

+ United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE, is the union representing Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound and Projection designers in Live Performance.


A Note From the Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine I’ve always been a fan of Jesus Christ Superstar. It was one of those cast albums that I listened to constantly as a teenager. In fact, I can still viscerally recall the day when, driving home from college in my beat-up Ford Pinto, my treasured Jesus Christ Superstar tape got eaten by the cassette/radio player, destroying it completely. A very upsetting day in the life of an eighteen-year-old musical theater nerd. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that one day, I would be performing in Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway, but I was lucky enough to be cast in the 2000 Broadway revival of the show. Although that production was nominated for a Tony Award, it only ran on Broadway for six months. Still, it was the most exciting six months of my life, and since then, I’ve been a part of many productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, both as an actor and as director. Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the world’s most widely produced musicals. Since the original 1971 production, the show has been revived, reimagined and reconceived hundreds of times, often with unique and interesting concepts. Because the show’s subject matter is almost instantaneously recognized, Jesus Christ Superstar allows directors the freedom to put their own stamp on their specific productions. When founding ACT of CT, along with Katie Diamond and Bryan Perri, I made a very conscious decision as Artistic Director, not to simply restage musicals that audiences have already seen. That really was not of interest to me. With ACT’s unique stage and space, we have an incredible opportunity to rethink existing shows and to create an intimacy that most larger theaters and venues simply can’t achieve. I want our audiences to truly feel a part of a production, as opposed to simply observing it. Past shows like Evita, Working, and Godspell are good examples of this. Our current production of Jesus Christ Superstar is another example of our desire to think “outside the box” when producing and presenting theater. I am a bit obsessed with Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. The book (and the Hulu TV series) deeply affected and impacted me. Coincidentally, I was in the middle of watching the fourth season of The Handmaid’s Tale when I was just beginning all of my pre-production work for our Jesus Christ Superstar production, and I was struck by the overwhelming similarity between the oppressive totalitarian society depicted in The Handmaid’s Tale and the Roman occupation of much of the Middle East during Jesus’ lifetime. I began to think about the freedom fighters and resistance groups battling against the fundamentalist regime in The Handmaid’s Tale, and to compare that to the Zealot movement standing up to the Roman oppression. There were also eerie similarities between The Handmaid’s Tale’s “Commanders” and the Pharisees described in the Gospels. All of this got me very excited, as a director. What would it be like if I really delved deep into exploring the similarities between The Handmaid’s Tale’s Republic of Gilead and the biblical Galilee? Consequently, The Handmaid’s Tale influenced my vision for ACT of CT’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Restaging a typical and expected “biblical version” of Jesus Christ Superstar (complete with sand dunes and tunics) was not what I wanted to do here at ACT of CT. I’ve done that version before, and I wanted to dig a bit deeper for this specific production. I began directing this incredibly talented company of actors on February 28, just four days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is not lost on me (or on this incredible cast) that our version of Jesus Christ Superstar depicting freedom fighters, revolutionaries, and refugees, in some small way mirrors the atrocities taking place 4,775 miles away from Ridgefield. These current events also influenced our production. As mentioned earlier, Jesus Christ Superstar has been produced thousands of times with many unique interpretations and adaptations. Regardless of any specific director’s approach, concept, or setting of the musical, the story of Jesus Christ Superstar remains one of the greatest stories ever told. Daniel C. Levine


WHO’S WHO

Chris Balestriere (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his ACT of CT debut! When not on stage, he works as a realtor on one of William Raveis’s top producing teams in Fairfield County. Local credits include: GREASE, NEWSIES, URINETOWN, THE WHO’S TOMMY, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SOMETHING ROTTEN, INTO THE WOODS. Chris would not be where he is today without the support of his wonderful friends and family. Their constant love is what keeps him going! @chrisbal22

Ben Cherington* (Priest, u/s Pilate & Caiaphas) is honored to be making his ACT of CT debut. Favorite credits include A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL (Pittsburgh CLO), A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE (Clinton Area Showboat Theatre), TIGER AT THE GATES, INTO THE WOODS (Carnegie Mellon School of Drama). BFA Carnegie Mellon University. Endless gratitude for all the places and people Ben calls home. bencherington.com

Corinne C. Broadbent* (Ensemble, Swing) is thrilled to be making her ACT of CT debut! Recently, she played Trina in FALSETTOLAND at MTC following her sold-out cabaret show LET IT SING. She is the mother of two children and contributes creatively to the Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Favorite credits include: Narrator in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT (CT Critics Nomination), Zaneeta in MUSIC MAN, Dona Juana in EVITA, and Sister Amnesia in NUNSENSE. Love to Allan, Phaedra, and Grayson, and a big thanks to Daniel C. Levine! Shea Coughlin (Swing) Thrilled to be returning to ACT of CT after an amazing run in NICKEL MINES (Naomi.) Off Broadway: SLEEPY HOLLOW and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Players Theater) Regional: MAMMA MIA! (CRT) A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM (Shakespeare in Sharon) and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (Ives Concert Park) Proud Westconn alum. Instagram @shea_coughlin

Will Stephan Connell* (Ensemble, u/s Jesus) is thrilled to join this spectacular production! Select credits include Chip in THE 25TH ANNUAL...SPELLING BEE (Fulton Theatre), Laurie in LITTLE WOMEN (Quintessence Theatre), Bobby C in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Walnut Street Theatre), and Houdini in RAGTIME (Bristol Riverside Theatre). A University of Pennsylvania graduate, Will has also performed as Frankie Valli in OH, WHAT A NIGHT! at Interlakes Theatre. Special thanks to Daniel, Bryan, Sara, Jeffrey, the cast and crew, Laura, and everyone at ATB for this opportunity! @awillandaway Randy Donaldson* (Herod) is so excited to be making his ACT of CT debut! Randy has performed in over 11 Broadway shows/ National tours including; Banzai in THE LION KING, Tommy Keeler in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Paul in KISS ME, KATE and WONDERFUL TOWN. In addition to performing for over 30 years, Randy is also a commercial producer. He has produced both Broadway and Off-


WHO’S WHO

Broadway shows: THE PEE WEE HERMAN SHOW, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, AMERICAN SON, TRIASSIC PARQ and ONE FUNNY MOTHER. Thanks Michele, love you!

Alex Hartman* (Ensemble, Dance Captain) is honored to be making her ACT of CT debut with this incredible company of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! She was last seen at Transcendence Theatre Company in A CHORUS LINE (Swing, Associate Choreographer BroadwayWorld Best Choreography 2019). She has also appeared at the Arrow Rock Lyceum in MARY POPPINS, CRAZY FOR YOU, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MAMMA MIA, OKLAHOMA!, FUNNY GIRL, and FOOTLOOSE (Associate Choreographer). NYC credits include POPSTAR! (Ensemble / Assistant Choreographer), Vox Lumiere’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, THE MAGICIAN (featuring Dan White). @alexjhartman Marlena Lopez Hilderley (Ensemble) is beyond excited to be back on stage with this lovely cast and crew. This is her second time performing with ACT of CT - her first being EVITA where she played Peron’s Mistress. She has since performed for Disney Cruise Line and, more recently, taken on the role as dog mama to her pup Cora. Love and thanks to Austin, Mom, Dad, Madi, Mel, Granny, and Brian for being her biggest cheerleaders. Love to all and enjoy the show! Avionce Hoyles* (Judas) is a Rock Hill, SC native and a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Avionce is thrilled to tackle Judas in ACT of CT’s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Some of his

recent credits include; SHARED SENTENCES (Houses on the Moon Theatre), SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE (ACT of Connecticut), A BURNING CHURCH (New Ohio Theatre), BAT OUT OF HELL (NYC City Center), “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), and “60th Annual Grammy Awards” (CBS). Thank you to the ACT of CT family and my team at Kreative Artist. @avioncehoyles Ephesians 3:20 Caitlin Kinnunen* (Mary Magdalene) is a Tony-nominated actress for her work in THE PROM on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (Carolyn), and SPRING AWAKENING (Thea). Regional theatre: Alliance Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Weston Playhouse, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, and Seattle Children’s Theatre. Film/TV credits include The Intern, Sweet Little Lies, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, We Need to Talk About Kevin, “Younger”, “American Vandal”, “The Knick”, and “Law & Order: SVU”. Katie LaMark* (Annas) is happy to be returning to ACT of CT! MAMMA MIA (ensemble), ROCK OF AGES 10th Anniversary Tour (Sherrie), RENT 20th Anniversary (Maureen Johnson), CHASING RAINBOWS (Flatrock Playhouse), and “Mr. Robot” (USA network). Kelly MacMillan* (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to ACT of CT in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Last fall Kelly made her principal debut as DeLee in SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE. Kelly recently


WHO’S WHO

made her television debut as a Principal Dancer on Apple TV’s ROAR (chor. Marguerite Derricks). Other credits include FOOTLOOSE (The MUNY) and Holland America Line/RWS. Thanks to her parents for their constant love and support of her dreams. Kelly graduated with a BFA in Dance from Indiana University. IG: xoxo_kellymac

Amber Hurst Martin* (Ensemble, u/s Simon & Annas) is absolutely thrilled to be making her ACT of CT debut in her favorite musical! National/Int’l Tours: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Disciple/ Soul Sister); IT GETS BETTER (Gay Men’s Chorus of LA); SUNFISH (Daegu Opera House - Korea) Regional: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Ronnette); WEST SIDE STORY (Rosalia); FAR FROM CANTERBURY (Dolores) Other: Disney Cruise Lines (THE LION KING / MALEFICENT) She recently premiered her solo cabaret, YOU CAN’T ACT A COLOR in Los Angeles. Catch Amber as Joanne in ACT of CT’s upcoming production of RENT! www. amberhurstmartin.com @tamberine716 Michael McGuirk (Pilate) lives in Ridgefield. After a long hiatus from the theatre, he is grateful for this opportunity to return! Past productions: OLIVER, OKLAHOMA, JEKYLL & HYDE. NYC: PLAY IT COOL, EVENING AT THE CARLYLE. A veteran of commercials, highlights: Cobra/Puma Golf, face of depression, voice for an anti-gas pill, and an international hand model for Nescafe. Thanks to Amanda and their rescues - Hattie & Lucy. He currently works on Main Street as a real estate agent for William Pitt/Sothebys. @mcguirk.realestate

Val Moranto (Ensemble, u/s Annas) is thrilled to be back after making her ACT of CT debut with SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ! Tour & Regional Highlights: THE WHO’S TOMMY, MARY POPPINS, LES MISÉRABLES, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF & PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT. Upcoming: Mrs. Lovett in Madison Lyric Stage’s SWEENEY TODD AND I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY: THE WHITNEY HOUSTON BIOPIC. Val would like to thank Daniel C. Levine, Bryan Perri, Erin Craig & Katie Diamond for this incredible opportunity and her husband Tj for his undying love & support. Visit valmoranto. com to see and hear more! Ariel Neydavoud* (Simon, Ensemble, u/s Judas) most recently performed at The Public Theater understudying the role of Tarek opposite four-time Emmy Awardwinner David Hyde Pierce. Off-Broadway: THE VISITOR (The Public Theater), TEMPLE OF THE SOULS (NYMF). Regional: THE CALIPH IN KISMET (dir. Lonny Price); SWEET CHARITY (dir. Kathleen Marshall); CHICAGO (dir. Denis Jones); MAMMA MIA! (Marriott Theatre); The Fakir in THE SECRET GARDEN (3-D Theatricals); SISTER ACT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Disney’s WHEN YOU WISH (Tuacahn Center for the Arts); SOUTH PACIFIC, OKLAHOMA! (Musical Theatre West). Instagram: @arielneydavoud Devin Price* (Ensemble, u/s Herod) Credits Include: 2nd National Tour, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL; Regional: FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE (Little Moe), SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ (Victor), KINKY BOOTS (Ogunquit


WHO’S WHO

Playhouse), PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, JOSEPH… (Judah), MEMPHIS (Wailin’ Joe).

Andrew Stevens Purdy (Peter, Ensemble, u/s Simon) is grateful to be making his ACT of CT debut in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! THEATRE: NEWSIES (Crutchie) at The Gateway, HAIR (Woof ) at Forestburgh Playhouse, CRAZY FOR YOU (Mingo) at Reagle Music Theatre, HELLO, DOLLY! (Barnaby) at Elon University. FILM: Unidentified Objects, Meet Cute (starring Pete Davidson & Kaley Cuoco). Proud alum of Elon Music Theatre and Walnut Hill School. Love and gratitude to DGRW, everyone at ACT of CT, and my family! www. andrewstevenspurdy.com IG: @feelinpurdygood Isaac Ryckeghem (Caiaphas) is thrilled to make his ACT of CT debut with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! He studied opera at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho, and musical theatre at the Institute for American Musical Theatre in New York. Other credits include: THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Franz), ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Frank N. Furter) and DON GIOVANNI (Leporello). Isaac would like to thank his friends and family, IAMT and its faculty, and the incredible cast and crew that made this show possible. Brett Stoelker* (Jesus) is honored to be portraying such an iconic role. National Tour: LES MISÉRABLES (u/s Enjolras), ROCK OF AGES - LAS VEGAS (Stacee Jaxx), JOSEPH... DREAMCOAT, TENORS OF ROCK, RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS

SPECTACULAR; Regional: ROCK OF AGES TUTS (Stacee Jaxx), LES MISÉRABLES (Enjolras), NEXT TO NORMAL (Gabe), MISS SAIGON. Awards: “Outstanding Featured Actor” NEXT TO NORMAL (Gabe). Additionally, Brett via Twitter directly assisted over 20,000 New Jerseyans acquire COVID-19 vaccines during the initial rollout. Love to Jillian, his family, ACT, & incredible agents at DGRW. Twitter/IG: @brettstoelker Daniel Thimm (Ensemble) is a recent graduate of The New Studio on Broadway at NYU Tisch School of The Arts. Daniel is thrilled to be making his professional theater debut at ACT of CT. Thanks to family, friends, and CESD! @dbthimm

Cole Wachman (Ensemble, Swing, u/s Peter & Priest) is so excited to be a part of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! Cole graduated from Pace University with a BFA in Musical Theater in 2020. Some of his favorite performance experiences include assisting Ellenore Scott as Associate Choreographer in Pace’s production of HEAD OVER HEELS (canceled due to COVID-19), as well as dancing for Carrie-Anne Ingrouille with Norwegian Creative Studios Caitlin Witty (Ensemble, u/s Mary) is grateful to be working with this community. Workshops/Readings: ALICE BLISS (Mark Brokaw); FUNNY FACE (Michael Mayer/Dick Scanlan). Regional: SISTER ACT (Sister Mary Robert); SWINGTIME CANTEEN (Arrow Rock Lyceum); THE LITTLE


WHO’S WHO

MERMAID (STL Variety Children’s Theatre). Music Video/Vocalist: “Break the Chain” (Eve Ensler/Debbie Allen). Film/Commercial: Stand Up (SilverArt s.r.o); “Neutrogena Promo.” BFA Webster Conservatory 2019. Caitlin is a national YoungArts finalist. Thank you for supporting live theatre. Light and love!

Rosie Diamond (Child) is thrilled to be a part of this production! She was previously seen on the ACT of CT stage in EVITA, as well as the summer productions of TIMBERLAND and JOSEPH… DREAMCOAT. Other credits include ANNIE at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts and JOSEPH… DREAMCOAT at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Chloe Ryan Simner (Child) is ecstatic to be in her first professional production! She is a freshman at Stamford High School. Credits Include: ALL TOGETHER NOW! (Jenna/Waitress), NINE (Annabella), FROZEN JR. (Bulda), SHREK JR. (Dragon) and ANNIE (Molly). Chloe attended Stagedoor Manor and is on the Summer Youth Board at Curtain Call. Ellie Lila Wanicur (Child) is thrilled to join the cast of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Ellie (age 8) recently performed in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Yorktown Stage and THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Gretl) at Landmark Community Theatre as well as youth productions of ALADDIN, DESCENDANTS and ACT of CT’s TIMBERLAND.

Daniel C. Levine (Director, ACT of CT Artistic Director) is thrilled to serve as Artistic Director of ACT of CT. Before co-founding ACT of CT in 2018 (along with Katie Diamond and Bryan Perri), Daniel 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 by The League of American Theaters and Producers, for his role as Cousin Kevin in 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 / Kansas City Starlight), JOSEPH…..DREAMCOAT (North Shore Music Theater, Boston), and EVITA (Music Theater of CT). Daniel is the creator/producer/director of BROADWAY BACKSTAGE!, DANCIN’ BROADWAY, and AMERICAN DANCE SPECTACULAR! – all of which have toured throughout the U.S. He is the creator/director of BORN TO DANCE, a multi-media production performed throughout the fleet of ships on Princess Cruise Lines, in collaboration with Stephen Schwartz. At The Ridgefield Playhouse, Daniel directed TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and AN EVENING WITH JOEL GREY, and also moderates and hosts AN EVENING WITH THE CELEBRITY HOUSEWIVES at The Playhouse. At ACT of CT, Daniel has directed MAMMA MIA!, EVITA (winner of the 2018 Broadway World CT Best Director of a Musical), WORKING (which he re-conceived with Stephen Schwartz), GODSPELL, SNAPSHOTS, and INTO THE WOODS (In Concert). Daniel re-


WHO’S WHO

turned to his performing roots and played “The Dentist” in ACT’s production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and was also thrilled to star alongside Katie Diamond and Bryan Perri in THE LAST FIVE YEARS. Daniel was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for the cast album recording of ACT of CT’s SNAPSHOTS (this production can currently be viewed on-demand on BroadwayHD). Daniel’s reconceived version of WORKING was recently licensed by Music Theater International and theaters around the country are now able to produce and present ACT’s version of the musical. Daniel graduated Brandeis University and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Sara Brians (Choreographer) is a NYC based director, choreographer, and educator, and is thrilled to return to ACT of CT after choreographing GODSPELL and SNAPSHOTS. As Director/Choreographer: CITY OF ANGELS, GODSPELL (Theatre Aspen), MATILDA (Theatre Workshop of Nantucket). Choreographer: CABARET, SPRING AWAKENING, FOLLIES (*NYIT Award Outstanding Choreography), NEWTON’S CRADLE, THE TROUBLE WITH DOUG, ROCK OF AGES, MAN OF LA MANCHA, THE FULL MONTY, BIG FISH, CHICAGO, RING OF FIRE, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, PIPPIN & more. Broadway Resident & Assoc. Choreographer: MATILDA, BILLY ELLIOT, WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE TERMS OF MY SURRENDER, AFTER THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC, 42ND STREET (Dance Captain). City Center Encores!: GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, FACE THE MUSIC, OF THEE I SING. Associate Choreographer: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (The Alley Theatre), Broadway: 3 GENERATIONS (The Kennedy Center), 42nd STREET (Ogunquit Playhouse), LONESTAR LOVE (The 5th Avenue Theatre),SHOW BOAT (Goodspeed), PULSE (Asolo Rep) & concerts at NYC Town, The 92nd Street Y, Symphony Space & Merkin Hall. Industrial Choreography: CES (Las

Vegas), The Becket Fund (NYC), Five Star Diamond Award (Berlin), The Iowa H.S. Musical Theatre Awards. Teaching: Banff Centre, Pace University, MSM & more. SaraBrians.com Jeffrey Campos (Music Director, Conductor, Keyboard 1) National Tours: JEKYLL & HYDE, A CHORUS LINE, THE WIZARD OF OZ, OKLAHOMA, ANNIE, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. Regional Credits: Ogunquit Playhouse, Florida Studio Theatre, Cortland Rep, Gateway Playhouse, Meadow Brook Theatre. NYC: A STOOP ON ORCHARD STREET (Off-Broadway), “NYC Mayor’s Awards for Arts and Culture,” BROADWAY BACKWARDS (orchestrations), NYMF, NYC Fringe, and numerous shows at the Astoria Performing Arts Center as resident musical supervisor. He is also on the musical staff for Royal Caribbean International. Jack Mehler (Scenic Designer) is a proud founding board member of ACT of CT, where he designed scenery and lighting for MAMMA MIA!, EVITA, WORKING, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ; scenery for ...SPELLING BEE; lighting for LITTLE SHOP and GODSPELL. He received the 2012 Korean Musical Theatre Award (Korean Tony) for ELISABETH and the 2013 award for REBECCA. He lit Daniel C. Levine’s BORN TO DANCE for Princess Cruises/Stephen Schwartz. Other theatre includes Riverside Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Seattle Rep, Walnut Street Theatre. Dance work includes Alvin Ailey, Ballet Memphis, Ballet Met, Ballet West, Donald Byrd/Spectrum, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Lar Lubovitch, San Francisco Ballet. He also consults for organizations, designing and renovating performance spaces. www.jackmehlerdesign.com Claudia Stefany (Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor) is a freelance Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor in the greater NY/NJ/CT area. She previously served as the Associate Artistic Director at the SHAPE Performing Arts


WHO’S WHO

Centre outside of Brussels, Belgium and as Wardrobe Supervisor for the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Garrison, New York.

Penny Jacobus (Lighting Designer) is the former Lighting Director for the New York City Ballet and was with the company from 2000-2018. Additional credits include 4 World premieres for NYCB, designs for Christopher Wheeldon and the Morphoses Dance Company, and Tom Gold Dance.She previously worked for the New York City Opera and assisted on several NYC Broadway shows. Penny would like to thank her family for their love and support, and ACT of CT for this wonderful opportunity. Nathan Rubio (Sound Designer) is a NYC based Sound Designer/Engineer. He’s excited to do his first show with ACT of CT! Select credits include; Design: SONGS ABOUT TRAINS (New Ohio Theatre), TIMES SQUARE (NYU Tisch Mainstage). Audio 1: RAGTIME (PSF), ENDANGERED! (Davenport Theatre). Assistant: WHISPERHOUSE (59 E59th), MOBY DICK (Boston ART). Production Audio: KIMBERLY AKIMBO (Atlantic Theatre Group), LETTERS OF SURESH (2nd Stage). Much love and thanks for all the friends and family! #StopAAPIHate Morgan R. Holbrook* (Production Stage Manager) Broadway: THE INHERITANCE, THE FERRYMAN, THE BOYS IN THE BAND, SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, THE CHERRY ORCHARD, BLACKBIRD, THE GIN GAME, THE AUDIENCE, THE REALISTIC JONESES, R+H’S CINDERELLA, BETRAYAL, PICNIC. Off-Broadway: A SHERLOCK CAROL, THE PORTUGUESE KID (MTC), SONS OF THE PROPHET (Roundabout). Love and thanks to my parents. Rico Froehlich (Assistant Stage Manager) is a recent graduate from Ithaca College, who was born and raised in Ridgefield. This winter, he was the choreographer for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at RHS

and worked as an Associate Director at Random Farms Kids Theater. Over the summer, Rico is the Resident Production Manager for French Woods Festival, one of the leading performing arts summer camps. Some of his favorite credits include HEAD OVER HEELS (PSM), SEUSSICAL (SM), SIDE BY SIDE with NY POPS (PSM), and GROUNDHOG DAY (SM). Margot Weiss (Production Assistant) is thrilled to be joining ACT of CT for this production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. She has recently graduated from Connecticut College with a BA in theater, specifically stage management. Favorite shows she’s been a part of include THE WOLVES (Conn College), SOUTH PACIFIC IN CONCERT (NPT), and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Shakespeare on the Sound). Dennis J. Arcano (Music Contractor, Synthesizer Programmer) has been involved as the Music Contractor, Synth & Drum Programmer and/or House Drummer for every main stage production at ACT of CT from MAMMA MIA! to NICKEL MINES. Broadway/Off-Broadway: FOLLIES (2001 Revival), TICK, TICK... BOOM!, ALTAR BOYZ, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, JAGGED LITTLE PILL. National Tour: TICK, TICK...BOOM! (Assistant Musical Director). Regional: CANDLEWOOD PLAYHOUSE, BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY, GOODSPEED’S NORMA TERRIS THEATER. Over 25 years of performances with the Ridgefield Playhouse, the Ridgefield Chorale and the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Scott Wojcik, Holly Buczek (CSA), Wojcik Casting Team (Casting) Scott Wojcik, Holly Buczek (CSA), Courtney Hammond and Nick Ferrao cast in all mediums. National and International tours: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, SOMETHING ROTTEN!, RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour, KINKY BOOTS, DREAMGIRLS, ROCK OF


WHO’S WHO

AGES, MOTOWN, JEKYLL & HYDE, WEST SIDE STORY-Tokyo, NICE WORK….,FLASHDANCE, JOSEPH… DREAMCOAT, and A CHORUS LINE. Off-Broadway: OTHELLO: THE REMIX, CHURCH & STATE, THE PORTAL, TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ THE TWO CHARACTER PLAY, HANDLE WITH CARE, TRIASSIC PARQ and more. In Development: SUPERYOU, AUSTEN’S PRIDE. Regional: Multiple seasons/ shows for Riverside Theatre, FL; ACT of Connecticut; John W. Engeman Theatre, NY; Theatre Raleigh, NC; Stages St. Louis, MO; Seattle 5th Avenue Theatre, WA; Theatre Aspen,CO; Tuacahn Performing Arts Center, UT and ACT of CT. www.wojcasting.com @Wojcasting

Andrew Lloyd Webber (Music) is the composer of some of the world’s best-known musicals including CATS, EVITA, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and SUNSET BOULEVARD. When SUNSET BOULEVARD joined SCHOOL OF ROCK – THE MUSICAL, CATS and PHANTOM on Broadway in February 2017 he became the only person to equal the record set in 1953 by Rodgers and Hammerstein with four shows running concurrently. As well as THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and CATS his productions include the groundbreaking BOMBAY DREAMS, which introduced the double Oscarwinning Bollywood composer AR Rahman to the Western stage. As a composer and producer, Lloyd Webber is one of an elite group of artists to have achieved EGOT status by receiving an Emmy, four Grammys including Best Contemporary Classical Composition for REQUIEM, his setting of the Latin Requiem mass, an Oscar and eight Tony Awards including the 2018 Special Tony for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. He has won seven Oliviers and a Golden Globe and his honors include

the Praemium Imperiale, the Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre, a BASCA Fellowship, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He owns seven London theatres including the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and the London Palladium. He is the only theatre owner to re-invest every cent of profits into his buildings. He is passionate about the importance of music in education and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has become one of Britain’s leading charities supporting the arts and music. In 2016 the Foundation funded a major new national initiative which endowed the American Theatre Wing with a $1.3 million, three-year grant to support theatre education opportunities for young people and public schools across the U.S. He was knighted by Her Majesty, the Queen in 1992 and created a life peer in 1997. To mark his 70th birthday, his bestselling autobiography Unmasked was published by HarperCollins in March 2018. Tim Rice (Lyrics) has worked in music, theatre and films since 1965 when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim’s ambitions to write rock or pop songs they turned their attention to Andrew’s obsession—musical theatre. Their first collaboration (lyrics by Tim, music by Andrew) was an unsuccessful show based on the life of Dr.Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist, THE LIKES OF US. Their next three works together were much more successful—JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and EVITA. Tim has since worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (THE LION KING, AIDA), Alan Menken (ALADDIN, KING DAVID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (CHESS) and most recently, Stuart Brayson (FROM HERE TO ETERNITY). A new production of FROM HERE TO


WHO’S WHO

ETERNITY made its début at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre, New York, in June 2016, and played in the Fall of 2017 at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. In December 2016 selections from the score were performed at three official events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Further US productions are in the works. In March 2017, two films with new Tim Rice material were released. Disney’s fresh interpretation of Beauty and the Beast, directed by Bill Condon, features three new songs written with Alan Menken, and the latest Roger Goldby film, Time of Their Lives, starring Joan Collins and Pauline Collins, features “Morty and Me,” a song written with Pete Hobbs, sung by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. He formed his own cricket team in 1973 and was President of MCC in 2002. He is a regular broadcaster/presenter on BBC Radio 2, drawing on his extensive knowledge of the history of popular music since Elvis was a lad. He has won 3 Oscars, 3 Tonys, 3 Golden Globes, 5 Grammys, 13 Ivor Novello Awards, Hollywood Walk of Fame etc., mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up, but in 2018 became one of only 15 people to reach EGOT status, when the NBC production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE IN CONCERT won an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special. Katie Diamond (ACT of CT Executive Director) is honored to be a founding member and to serve as Executive Director of ACT of CT. As a singer, actor, writer, and producer, Katie has written, produced, and/or performed in numerous musical theatre and cabaret shows over the past twenty-five 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, as well as MAMMA MIA!, EVITA, WORKING, AUSTEN’S PRIDE, ...SPELLING BEE, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, GODSPELL, and THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Cathy), which were all presented at ACT of CT. 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 of CT 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 has been a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association for 20 years. R. Erin Craig (ACT of CT Producing Director) has spent her career to date developing, mentoring and producing new artists and works through her work as Producer, General Manager, Executive Producer, Production Manager and Consultant for theatre, film, music and special events over the past 28 years. Current commercial projects include: AUSTEN’S PRIDE (ACT of CT 2019), MR. RICKEY CALLS A MEETING, ACADEMY, INTO THE WILD, BEATSVILLE. Select past projects: IN THE HEIGHTS, HIGH FIDELITY, THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN, THE EVOLUTION OF MANN, RIGHT BEFORE I GO, HIMSELF AND NORA, STALKING THE BOGEYMAN, THE JAZZ AGE, IRENA’S VOW, MERRILEE


WHO’S WHO

MANNERLY, How We Got Away With It, Easter Mysteries. Member - Broadway League, Off-Broadway League, Theatre Resources Unlimited (TRU). Educator and Mentor. Houses on the Moon Theater Company, Board Member. Founder and owner of La Vie Productions.

Bryan Perri (ACT of CT Resident Music Supervisor) was most recently music director and conductor of JAGGED LITTLE PILL on Broadway. He was also recently nominated for a Grammy award for the world premiere cast recording Stephen Schwartz’s SNAPSHOTS. He is music supervisor for the Broadway-bound production of ALMOST FAMOUS, which recently had its world premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe theater and garnered him a Craig Noel award for best music direction. Other Broadway credits as music director include five years at WICKED and the new musical CHAPLIN for which he also provided dance and vocal arrangements. Bryan was also music director for the first national tour of NEXT TO NORMAL (starring Tony winner Alice Ripley). Off Broadway credits include SUPERHERO, DOGFIGHT and VANITIES all at 2nd Stage Theater. He was also music supervisor for Disney’s FREAKY FRIDAY premiering at the Signature Theater in D.C. as well as LIMELIGHT at the La Jolla Playhouse. Bryan is also music director and arranger for Aaron Tveit as well as Lindsay Mendez and performs with them in venues across the countryincluding the American Songbook series at Lincoln Center and Webster Hall. He has also worked on numerous shows with his husband Daniel C Levine (artistic director of ACT of CT) including BORN TO DANCE-created in association with Stephen Schwartz-and which is currently running on 4 ships in the Princess Cruiseline fleet. Bryan is proud to be a founding member of ACT of

CT and is honored to serve as ACT’s resident music supervisor. At ACT he has supervised MAMMA MIA, EVITA, WORKING, SPELLING BEE, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and GODSPELL and has musically directed concerts of TOMMY, JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. He also holds a BM from NYU in Vocal Performance as well as an MM from CCM in orchestral conducting and very much enjoys teaching music in all its forms to all ages, and especially through ACT of CT’s Conservatory Program. Bryan firmly believes that theater matters and the arts are essential! 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 (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut of Connecticut is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional theatre located in Ridgefield, CT. Founded in 2018 by Katie Diamond, Daniel C. Levine and Bryan Perri, and along with the more recent addition of R. Erin Craig, ACT of CT presents limited engagement runs of well-known musicals, as well as world-premiere productions by the next generation of writers and composers. In addition to fully produced mainstage productions, ACT of CT’s programing also includes a New Works Series, a Broadway Unplugged Series, and an extensive theater education program. With its 182 seats and turntable stage,


WHO’S WHO

the theater offers an intimate, unique, and immersive theatrical experience for its patrons. Given the proximity to New York City, ACT of CT has access to top theatre talent and professionals. In just three seasons, ACT of CT become one of the most well-known and highly respected regional theatres in the area, and received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album for the cast album of their 2021 production of Stephen Schwartz’s SNAPSHOTS. ACT of CT is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to inspiring, creating, and nurturing a culturally diverse and equitable environment for its staff, creative teams, cast, musicians, crew members, and audiences. ACT of CT does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admission or administration of any of its programs

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

109 Cheese & Wine Rebecca Baglio Truitt Bell - Bareburger Ridgefield Bernard’s / Sarah’s Wine Bar Chris Bishop - North American Motor Car John Bonanni - WCSU Theatre Department Reggie Bromell Theresa S. Carroll Susan Consentino Rev. Lauri Craig & Bob Craig Michael Feldman - Redi Cut Carpet Raffaele Gallo - Gallo Ristorante Katie Girardot Grand Prix NY Racing & Entertainment Holly Gray Greenwich Hospital Lab Judy & Hal Higby Katie’s Intoxikating Kakes LaQuinta by Wyndham - Danbury Rudy Marconi & The Town of Ridgefield Mark Riser & Harriet Hanlon Daniela Sikora & Keitha Kinne Vine & Co. Nicole Von Elm The West Lane Inn Ezra Zimmerman

on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining an inclusive and discrimination-free environment.

ACT OF CT’S 2022 SPRING AND SUMMER EDUCATION PROGRAMS: YOUTH CHOIR 2nd—7th graders | OPEN ENROLLMENT April 4–May 16 (concert on May 23rd)

SUMMER MAINSTAGE MUSICAL THEATER INTENSIVE RENT (School Edition) Incoming 7th—12th graders | BY AUDITION July 5—July 16

SUMMER PERFORMANCE CAMP Incoming 2nd—6th graders | OPEN ENROLLMENT July 19—July 30 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AUDITIONS & REGISTRATION, VISIT:

actofct.org/education OR EMAIL:

education@actofct.org Scholarships Available: Needs-based financial assistance is available through ACT of CT’s scholarship program. Learn more and apply on our website under First ACT!


ACT OF CONNECTICUT STAFF Executive Director ................................................................................................Katie Diamond Artistic Director .................................................................................................. Daniel C. Levine Producing Director .................................................................................................. R. Erin Craig Resident Music Supervisor ....................................................................................... Bryan Perri Director of Education / Outreach ..................................................................Heather Hillman Director of Development .......................................................................................Shelley Terry General Manager ................................................................................................... Matt Terzigni Company Manager / COVID Safety Manager ................................................ Tyler Pascucci Technical Director ........................................................................................................ Ally Olinyk Artistic Associate / House Manager ............................................................ Meredith Walker Grants Manager ..................................................................................................... Noelle Kenny Assistant ......................................................................................................... Dominick Ventrella Box Office Associate ............................................................................................ Emma Giorgio Bookkeeper ..........................................................................................................Karen Conover Cleaning Service ............................................................................ City Wide Facility Solutions Accountants .................................................................................................Reynolds + Rowella Medical Advisor .......................................................................................... Michael Brand, MD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Katie Diamond, President Daniel C. Levine, Vice President Truitt Bell, Treasurer Heather Hillman, Secretary

Rebecca Baglio, Kristin Beylouni, Betsy Brand, Ashley Diamond, Randy Donaldson, Mike Evariste, Mary E. Joyce, Caroline Kellen, Jack Mehler, Trish Minskoff, Larry Morley, Bryan Perri, Michael Seelbach, Rajal Lele Young ARTISTIC ADVISORY BOARD Susan Batten Tom Kitt Al Blackstone Simon Matthews Beowulf Boritt Lindsay Mendez Christian Borle Alan Menken R. Erin Craig Christina Millar Caite Hevner Stephen Schwartz Peter Hylenski Frank Selvaggi

EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD Dennis Arcano Randy Donaldson Carina Drake Mike Evariste Cory Gillette Ivy Huff Angela Rice Claire Simard

Support has been provided to ACT of CT from CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.


2021-2022 SEASON SPONSORS TITLE SPONSORS Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation MARQUEE SPONSORS Connecticut Office of the Arts, CT Humanities, Diamond Properties, Nick & Anita Donofrio PRESENTING SPONSORS Rudy & Sally Ruggles, HamletHub PRODUCING SPONSORS Bareburger-Ridgefield, The Borman Family Foundation, Fairfield County Bank, Heather Hillman & Jack Whalen, LaQuinta by Wyndham-Danbury, The West Lane Inn DIRECTOR SPONSORS Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Gallo Ristorante, Steven & Liz Goldstone, Todd & Karen Kipnes, Robert & Gerri Lewis, Tom & Tizzie Mantione, Patrick & Catherine Neligan, Ridgefield Magazine, Gary & Susie Singer SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS 109 Cheese & Wine, Bernard’s/Sarah’s Wine Bar, BMW of Ridgefield, George Landegger, The M&T Charitable Foundation, Nature’s Temptations, Joe Loonan & Linda MacDonald, Nutmeg Livery Service, Russ & Holly Neumann, Nissan of Yorktown Heights, Tom & Michele Quindlen, RPAC Art Gallery, Ridgefield Thrift Shop, Rodier Flowers, Robert & Heather Salaga, TerraSole, Tow Foundation, Vine & Co, Volvo of Danbury, WHIP Salon 2020 - 2021 Donors $100,000-$250,000 Connecticut Office of the Arts Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation Denise & Michael Kellen Foundation $50,000-$99,999 Rudy & Sally Ruggles $25,000-$49,999 Christopher & Kimberly Bishop The Borman Family Foundation Heather Hillman & Jack Whalen $10,000-$24,999 Scott & Rebecca Baglio Darren & Kristin Beylouni Fairfield County Bank Steven & Liz Goldstone Michael & Sheila Gray Todd & Karen Kipnes

Robert & Gerri Lewis Tom & Tizzie Mantione Patrick & Catherine Neligan Gary & Susie Singer The Trevisani Family $5,000-$9,999 The Burry Fredrik Foundation John & Lori Berisford Steven & Ann Carlson Colonial Automobile Group William & Katie Diamond Nick & Anita Donofrio Lorna Ehrlickman The M&T Charitable Foundation Russ & Holly Neumann Ridgefield Thrift Shop Daniela Sikora & Keitha Kinne Jon & Allison Stockel Tow Foundation Volvo of Danbury

$2,500-$4,999 Michael & Betsy Brand James & Ashley Diamond Tom & Kaitlyn Hayes Kaye Malton Hale Lawrence & Lorraine Morley Stephen & Patti Ross Robert Salaga & Heather Neumann Salaga Philip & Danielle Van Riper $1,000 - $2,499 Stephanie & Andy Anderson Matt Bartleme & Kelly Moriarty William & Wendy Beurket Mark & Sarah Blandford Joshua & Linda Blum Jeffrey & Christine Boris Kathleen Brennan Jeffrey & Heather Butchen Christopher Cartelli Ciotta Legal Group, LLC Kevin & Elaine Cox The Dalessio Family


2020-2021 DONORS continued

$1,000 - $2,499 Randy Donaldson & Michelle Isenberg Sam & Louise Edelman Linda Elkman Christian & Jennifer Forsyth Darryl & Kristy Jefferson Valerie Jensen Christopher & Mary E Joyce J.McLaughlin Darin & Sharon Hoffner Caroline Kellen Brendan Kenny & Noelle Villafuerte Kenny Kutnick Foundation Tomás LiPuma Barbara Manners Rudy & Peggy Marconi Robert & Kristin McGuinness Patricia Minskoff Marc Monte The New York Community Trust Nissan Yorktown Heights Ridgefield Family Eye Care Alex & Monica Staehely Teed & Brown Gary & Joyce Tomlinson Kenneth Willman Jordan & Rajal Young

$500-$999 A-Z Landscaping Anonymous Bart’s Tree Service Books on the Common Bernard & Sarah Bouissou Rick & Kristin Cacciapaglia Anthony & Lorriane Catalano Thomas Rosamilia & Karen Coblens Tammy Conley & Roselinde Torres Kenneth & Kerry Anne Ducey Jean Ferlazzo Ira Joe & Shelly Fisher Khosrow & Renee Fozouni Raffaele & Elizabeth Gallo Hillel Goldman Carol Mahlstedt James & Jean Prusko

Stephen Reynolds & Susan Wolf Jeffrey & Evelyn Sabin Frank Selvaggi & Bill Shea Charles & Margaret Shaeffer Elizabeth Smolenack Don & Tina Sturges Stephen & Wendy Wooters

$300-$499 Dr. & Mrs. Joseph A. DeLapa Susan Doroudian Philip Fischer Robert & Denise Fontenelli Barbara Hartman Joel Barlow High School Kenneth Ng Kenneth Olsen Howard & Heather Porter Laura Powers Karen Savir Bridget Schuster Joel Third Thomas Williams $150-$299 Raissa Katona Bennett Tom & Regina Berta Tim & Kristin Boylan Nancy Brandon Ellen Burns Heather Cody Robert & Lauri Craig Robert Cristadoro Kelly Decker Keith Denning Susan Evans Vincent Giordano Maribeth Griffin Jeffrey & Jennifer Hansen Allen Hershkowitz Mary Hoermann Jana Hogan Manette Hutchings Eileen Joyce Tom & Maureen Kozkark Thomas & Anne Marie Kwalwasser Richard Larson Howard & Judith Levine

Joe Loonan & Linda MacDonald Jean Mazzilli Thomas & Carole McLemore William & Kristin McNamara Jennifer Mitchell George Nova John Olson Ben Oko & Helen Dimos Juliet Lambert Pratt James & Therese Rayfield Jason & Angela Rice Monica Riggs National Charity League Ridgefield Apartments Andy & Annette Robertson Michael & Diana Rosella Adina Schecter Scott Schwartz Kassie Seavy Brian & Annette Sferra Katherine Swan The Cake Box Alexandra Holson Walker Daniel Wellers Sarah Whitton Alan & Marguerite Winsor Laura Woyasz Lisa Wroblewski David & Victoria Yolen

* donors from Aug 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021


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@northamericanmotorcar

/northamericanmotorcar

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Ridgefield’s only Boutique Hotel

22 West Lane Ridgefield, Connecticut www.westlaneinn.com 203.438.7323 Newly Renovated Rooms / Offering Event Space Follow us on


The Kipnes Family is thrilled to support ACT. Thank you for bringing Broadway to our backyard and inspiring the next generation of theater lovers and performers. Theater Matters!

ACT OF CT IS GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF:


Safeguard your life and property while waiting for the show to start. Sign up for Ridgefield Alerts by scanning this QR code: Through the new Ridgefield Alerts system, you’ll receive targeted, emergency information from the town during life-threatening events.

We can’t alert you if we can’t reach you!

ACT OF CT IS GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF:


Finding inspiration is important. At M&T Bank, we understand how important the arts are to a vibrant community. That’s why we offer our time, energy and resources to support artists of all kinds, and encourage others to do the same. Learn more at mtb.com.

Equal Housing Lender. ©2018 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.


Proud to support Saluting ACT of CT and Jesus Christ Superstar

Congratulations to the cast, crew and staff!

The Shantz Mantione Group UBS Financial Services Inc. Private Wealth Management 600 Washington Blvd, 9th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 866-860-7266 toll free ubs.com/team/shantzmantione As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business, and that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to you about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the client relationship summary provided at ubs.com/relationshipsummary, or ask your UBS Financial Advisor for a copy. Private Wealth Management is a division within UBS Financial Services Inc., which is a subsidiary of UBS AG. © UBS 2022. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-1352402798 Exp.: 03/31/2023


Nissan of Yorktown Heights is proud to support

ACT of Connecticut and helping to bring the best of Broadway into our local community.





Want to keep in touch with the happenings in the

068 zip codes? Subscribe for a glimpse into the vibrant culture for the year and receive six bi-monthly issues that focus on the wonderful arts and community that thrive within Connecticut’s first cultural district and surrounding areas. Please note: Residents of Ridgefield and Wilton receive a complimentary magazine subscription. This option is for those who would like to receive the magazine outside of zip codes 06877, 06879, and 06897.

Subscribe Today! www.068Magazine.com


Nature’s Temptations YOUR HEALTHY FOOD MARKET ORGANIC

LOCAL • SUSTAINABLE

100% Organic Produce • Dairy • Meats Seafood • Groceries • Bulk Foods Herbs • Vitamins • Health & Beauty Prepared Foods • Homemade Soups 100% Organic Juice Bar • Café Catering for All Occasions 32 Prospect Street, Ridgefield, CT • 203-438-5443 naturestemptations.com

Close to Home and Heart AN EXHIBITION FEATURING

Cindy Wagner AND THE WORKS OF RPAC RESIDENT ARTISTS

On Display now through Thursday, March 17

410 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877 203-894-5609 • info@RPACGallery.com


SARAH’S WINE BAR…

It’s the food.

…and the cool vibe …and the art and live music …and the outstanding $25 bottles Upstairs at Bernard’s.

EXTRAORDINARY FOOD NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO WITH BERNARD & SARAH 20 West Lane {Route 35} Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877

203.438.8282 bernardsridgefield.com

3 BIG S H OP LA NE RI DGEFIELD, C T, 068 7 7 20 3-438 -53 52


wine • spirits vineandcompany.com

Drink Happy

7 4 1 B E D F O R D R D . B E D F O R D H I L L S , N Y 10507

Open 7 days a week Top talent in hair cutting, color, and blowouts

Call: 855.WHIP.SLN

WWW.WHIPSALON.COM




The Beylouni Family and The Colonial Automobile Group wish continued success to our friends at ACT.

The arts inspire a sense of community and bring us comfort and happiness. It is our pleasure, now more than ever, to support professional theatre.

d r o F l ia n o l o C t a g in Now Play

:

! o c n o r B e h t f o Th e R e t u r n

ColonialAutomobile.com Colonial Colonial Colonial Brewster Granite 126 Federal Road Danbury CT 06811

89 Newtown Road Danbury CT 06810

100C Federal Road Danbury CT 06811

1021 Route 22 Brewster NY 10509

193 Lowell Road Hudson NH 03051




GREGORY BRUCATO, MD, FACS Board Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Fellow, American College of Surgeons 38-B Grove Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877 203-431-7644 · BrucatoPlasticSurgery.com


CARING FOR THE FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY Family-owned since 1982

OUR TEAM OF SPECIALISTS

We hope you’ll feel good when you visit our shop…or when you arrive home and notice your dry cleaning has been delivered…or when you see our four-leaf rating awarded by the Green Cleaners Council as proof of our commitment to the environment…or when you look in the mirror and see how great you look in your clothes that have been cared for by Colonial Cleaners.

19 CATOONAH STREET, RIDGEFIELD

Open Weekdays 7 am – 6 pm | Saturdays 8 am – 5 pm Call 203.431.6397 to schedule pick-up and delivery service www.colonialcleaners.com | all work done on premises DRY CLEANING | SHIRT LAUNDERING | WASH & FOLD | CUSTOM ALTERATIONS


THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE Non-profit 501 (C) (3)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022 @ 8PM

THE BOOMER BOYS MUSICAL

LUANN DE LESSEPS

It’s Viagra for the soul! A hilarious musical revue!

From Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of NY!”

PILOBOLUS TH

STEVE SOLOMON’S

Vintage classics to their trend setting innovative work in shadow.

MAY 8

APRIL 9

VENUE INFORMATION HERE

50 ANNIVERSARY APRIL 22

COUNTESS & FRIENDS APRIL 16

MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY

Prepare to laugh and cry!

JUNE 18

203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG


472 Main Street Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203) 438-2282 ridgefieldlibrary.org


WMNR Fine Arts Radio An Oasis of Classical and Classic Music

WMNR.org

Tune in with us 88.1 fm 90.1 fm 91.9 fm


https://ridgefieldallies.org @RidgefieldAllies

Please join us as an ally


Song Dance

Your lawn is more than grass. Teed & Brown combines turf science expertise and distinctive service to provide a lawn that is the perfect setting for your life, whatever that may be. Visit teedandbrown.com or call (203) 847-1241 to find out how your lawn can become a Teed & Brown lawn.


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