Kinky Boots Playbill 2024

ACT OF CONNECTICUT

Ridgefield, CT

ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) OF CONNECTICUT

Producing Director

R. Erin Craig

Artistic Director

Daniel C. Levine

presents

Executive Director, Emeritus Katie Diamond

Book By HARVEY FIERSTEIN

Music & Lyrics By CYNDI LAUPER

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell

Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots

Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth

Scenic Designer

DANIEL C. LEVINE

Casting

Costume & Wig Designer KURT ALGER

THE CASTING COLLABORATIVE JASON STYRES

Lighting Designer CHARLIE MORRISON Sound Designer SARAH GOODMAN

Assistant Stage Manager GRACE GRIFFIN

Production Stage Manager

JOHN M. ATHERLAY

Music Director

Assistant Stage Manager

BENJAMIN BLAINE HAWKINS

Technical Supervisor LARRY MORLEY

MATTHEW STEPHENS

Directed & Choreographed by NATHAN PECK

Original Broadway Orchestrations and Arrangements Stephen Oremus

Original Broadway Production Produced by Daryl Roth & Hal Luftig

James L. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Independent Presenters Network, CJ E&M, Jayne Baron Sherman, Just For Laughs Theatricals/Judith Ann Abrams, Yashuhiro Kawana, Jane Bergére, Allan S. Gordon & Adam S. Gordon, Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Lucy & Phil Suarez, Bryan Bantry, Ron Fierstein & Dorsey Regal, Jim Kierstead/Gregory Rae, BB Group/Christina Papagjika, Michael DeSantis/Patrick Baugh, Brian Smith/Tom & Connie Walsh, Warren Trepp and Jujamcyn Theaters

Kinky Boots Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT I

“Price & Son Theme” ............................................................................... ENSEMBLE

“The Most Beautiful Thing” ..................... MR. PRICE, ENSEMBLE, NICOLA, ANGELS

“The Funeral” .......................................................................................... ENSEMBLE

“Into The Pub” ......................................................................................... ENSEMBLE

“Take What You Got” ................................................... CHARLIE, HARRY, ENSEMBLE

“Land of Lola” .................................................................................... L OLA, ANGELS

“Land of Lola (Reprise)” ..................................................................... LOLA, ANGELS

“Step One” ............................................................................... CHARLIE, ENSEMBLE

“Sex Is in the Heel” ........ LOLA, ANGELS, PAT, LAUREN, TRISH, ENSEMBLE, GEORGE

“Price & Son Theme (Reprise)” ............................................................... ENSEMBLE

“The History of Wrong Guys” ...................................................................... LAUREN

“I’m Not My Father’s Son” ................................................................ LOLA, CHARLIE

“Everybody Say Yeah” .................................................... CHARLIE, LOLA, ENSEMBLE

ACT II

“Entr’acte/Price & Son Theme (Reprise)” .............................................. ENSEMBLE

“What a Woman Wants” .................... LOLA, DON, PAT, ENSEMBLE, TRISH, LAUREN

“In This Corner” .................. PAT, ANGELS, LOLA, GEORGE, TRISH, DON, ENSEMBLE

“Charlie’s Soliloquy” .................................................................................... CHARLIE

“Soul of a Man” ....................................................................... CHARLIE, ENSEMBLE

“Hold Me in Your Heart” .................................................................................. LOLA

“Wrong Guys (Reprise)” ............................................................................... LAUREN

“Raise You Up/Just Be” .................................................................... FULL COMPANY

KINKY BOOTS will run approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes plus a 15 minute intermission.

Late seating and/or re-entry to the theater will be at the discretion of management. Please silence your cellphones. The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

CAST

(in order of appearance)

Mr. Price ........................................................................................................................... JONATHAN BRODY*

Charlie Price ...................................................................................................................... ANDREW CEKALA*

Nicola .......................................................................................................................................... CAI CAMPBELL

George ..................................................................................................................................... JEFF WILLIAMS*

Don .................................................................................................................................... NICKOLAUS COLÓN

Lauren ..................................................................................................................................... CHELSEA ZENO*

Pat ............................................................................................................................................. JESSIE ALAGNA*

Trish ............................................................................................................................................... BELLA BOSCO

Harry ............................................................................................................................................ MICKEY WHITE

Lola .......................................................................................................................................... TOPHER J. BABB*

Angels ..................................... MEKHI HOLLOWAY, TYLER KELLER*, TY KOELLER, KAIMANA NEIL, PABLO PERNIA, JOEY SOCCI

Simon Sr ...................................................................................................................... RANDY DONALDSON*

Richard Bailey .............................................................................................................. ROBERT PETERPAUL*

Milan Stage Manager ........................................................................................................... VAL MORANTO

Ensemble .......................................................... BELLA BOSCO, JONATHAN BRODY*, CAI CAMPBELL, RANDY DONALDSON*, DANNY GRUMICH*, SHAYLEN HARGER*, VAL MORANTO, ROBERT PETERPAUL*, TIM SHEA*, MICKEY WHITE

EM HADICK*, STEPHEN PETROVICH*

Dance Captain

EM HADICK* Swings

UNDERSTUDIES

For Mr. Price: TIM SHEA*; for Charlie Price: MICKEY WHITE; for Nicola: EM HADICK*; for George: JONATHAN BRODY*; for Don: DANNY GRUMICH*; for Lauren SHAYLEN HARGER*; for Pat & Trish: VAL MORANTO; for Harry: ROBERT PETERPAUL*, for Lola: MEKHI HOLLOWAY

BAND

Music Director / Conductor / Keyboard 1 ........................................................ MATTHEW STEPHENS

Associate Music Director / Keyboard 2 ............................................................................. TOM CUFFARI

Guitar 1 ................................................................................................................................................... AL ORLO

Guitar 2 ......................................................................................................................................... JOHN TUOHY

Violin .................................................................................................................................... CHAEYOUNG SON

Cello ................................................................................................................................. CHERYL LABRECQUE

Bass ..................................................................................................................................... ALEX BUSBY SMITH

Reed ...................................................................................................................................................... GARY BLU

Trumpet / Flugelhorn ....................................................................................................... RONALD HARTER

Trombone ........................................................................................................................... JENS WENDELBOE

Drums ...................................................................................................................................... DARCY MACRAE

Synth Programmer ........................................................................................................ DENNIS J. ARCANO

*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, ACT of Connecticut, and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

THE CAST

Topher J. Babb

Andrew Cekala

Jessie Alagna

Mekhi Holloway

Bella Bosco

Jonathan Brody

Cai Campbell

Nickolaus Colón Randy Donaldson

Danny Grumich

Shaylen Harger

Tyler Keller

Ty Koeller

Val Moranto

Kaimana Neil Pablo Pernia

Robert Peterpaul Tim Shea Joey Socci

Mickey White Jeff Williams Chelsea Zeno Em Hadick

Stephen Petrovich

A Note From the Artistic Director:

“Just be who you wanna be, never let them tell you who you ought to be. Just be with dignity, celebrate yourself triumphantly.”

In a world where the struggle for acceptance and equality continues, Kinky Boots invites us to join the revolution of self-discovery, tolerance, and celebration of diversity. Kinky Boots emerges as a glittering gem, exuding importance and relevance in today’s ever-evolving society. Grappling with issues of identity, discrimination, and acceptance, this remarkable show serves as a rallying cry for change, sparking conversations about the importance of inclusion and stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, urging all of us to confront our own biases and to foster a sense of empathy and understanding. Kinky Boots transcends the footlights and has become a symbol of empowerment and acceptance. In every strut and every note, Kinky Boots reminds us that change is not only possible, but necessary. At its heart, Kinky Boots tells us that, sometimes, the best way to “fit in” is to “stand out” and encourages us to celebrate our uniqueness and to break free from societal expectations. It’s a joyful musical and one that I am very proud to be able to present at ACT of CT.

This production concludes our sixth spectacular season, and it has been another wonderful one here at ACT of CT with our productions of Sunset Boulevard, Broadway Unplugged, Million Dollar Quartet, and of course Kinky Boots. We thank you for making this season a terrific one and we are grateful for your patronage. As I often say, we consider ourselves lucky to work in a community where the arts are considered vital to a thriving society.

Thank you for supporting ACT of CT!

Daniel C. Levine Artistic Director, ACT of CT

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director/Choreographer ................................................................................................. NATHAN PECK*

Music Director ........................................................................................................ MATTHEW STEPHENS

Scenic Designer ............................................................................................................. DANIEL C. LEVINE

Costume & Wig Designer ...................................................................................................... KURT ALGER

Lighting Designer .................................................................................................. CHARLIE MORRISON+

Sound Designer .......................................................................................................... SARAH GOODMAN

Associate Director / Choreographer .................................................................................. EM HADICK

Dialect Coach .............................................................................................................................. LIZ PEARCE

Music Coordinator / Synth Programmer ............................................................ DENNIS J. ARCANO

Production Stage Manager ................................................................................... JOHN M. ATHERLAY

Assistant Stage Manager ................................................................................................ GRACE GRIFFIN

Assistant Stage Manager ...................................................................... BENJAMIN BLAINE HAWKINS

A1 / Sound Mixer ................................................................................................. JACKSON ALEXANDER

A2 / Audio Assistant ...................................................................................................... ETHAN MAGUIRE

Production Sound .................................................................. JACOB SANNER, EMERSON WACHNIK

Resident Wardrobe & Wig Supervisor .................................................................... BECKY FLAHERTY

Wardrobe Supervisor ....................................................................................................... DAVID CONNEL

Wig Supervisor ............................................................................................................. AVANT JOHNSTON

Wig Assistant .................................................................................................................... ANYA NARDONE

Dresser / Stitcher ............................................................................................................. NICOLE WEAVER

Stage Supervisor ........................................................................................................... CONNOR IMHOFF

Production Assistant ......................................................................................... CHARLOTTE O’KEEFFEE

Scenic Artists ................................................. DANIEL C. LEVINE, MATT GILBERT, LIZZIE VALENCIA

Prop Photographer ............................................................................................................. NATHAN PECK

Load-in Crew ................................................ NATHAN BRENN, MATT GILBERT, CONNOR IMHOFF, JAKE LEWIS, CATHERINE SARACENO

Head Electrician ................................................................... ADAM LOBELSON / CHROMA DESIGNS

Electrician ................................................................................... EVAN BRENNER / CHROMA DESIGNS

Lighting Board Operator .......................................................................................... MICHAEL MURPHY

Run Crew ...................................................................................................................... MATTHEW GILBERT

Casting .......... THE CASTING COLLABORATIVE: ANDREA ZEE, BESS FIFER, RICHARD GLOVER, GREGORY JAFARI VAN ACKER, DALE BROWN, GAMA VALLE, JASON STYRES

Special Event Photographer ........................................................................................... DYLAN MILLER

Production Photographer ................................................................................................ JEFF BUTCHEN

Archival Videographer ...................................................................................................... MATT GURREN

Poster and Artwork Designer ....................................................................................... BILLY MITCHELL

Playbill Designer ..................................................................................... RYAN JAMES DESIGN STUDIO

Playbill Printing ................................................................................................................ KENO GRAPHICS

Cyndi Lauper wishes to thank her collaborators: Sammy James Jr., Steve Gaboury

Rich Morel and Tom Hammer, Stephen Oremus

Props & Partial Scenic Design by David Rockwell

Original Costume Design by Greg Barnes

Keyboard Programming Rentals by KeyboardTEK

Speciality Lighting Equipment Provided by Chroma Designs and 4Wall Roland SPD SX Sample Pad Provided by Sammy Meredino

Costumes and Wigs Provided by Vanity House Design

Props, Partial Scenery, and Partial Costumes Provided by Crossroads Live North America

Treadmills Provided by ShowMotion, Inc.

Additional Sound Equipment Provided by PRG

WHO’S WHO

TOPHER J. BABB (Lola) is so grateful to be making their ACT of CT debut, and overjoyed to be telling the beautiful and increasingly timely story of Kinky Boots once again! Favorite credits include: Jelly’s Last Jam (New York City Center), Kinky Boots (Off-Broadway), Pretty Woman (1st National Tour), Hairspray, On Your Feet!, The Wedding Singer, Holiday Inn (Regional) and “Encore!” (Streaming on Disney+). Many thanks to our wonderful creative team, Dave at Daniel Hoff, and to friends and family for their continued support. Dream your life, live your dream! xx instagram: @topherjfabb

ANDREW CEKALA (Charlie Price) is thrilled to be making his ACT of CT debut amongst such a ridiculously talented cast and creative team. Favorite credits include The Heart of Robin Hood and Marie Antoinette (A.R.T), Hair (Berkshire Theater Group), Beau (MTF at Playwrights Horizons), and Pippin (Original Broadway Revival Company). He is a recent graduate of the Musical Theatre program at the University of Michigan. Andrew is also a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, with music on all streaming platforms. Love to his family and friends, and to DGRW for their endless belief. @andrewrcekala

JESSIE ALAGNA (Pat) is thrilled to be joining the factory in this bucket list show! Her mom (who still has a crush on Chiwetel Ejiofor) first introduced her to the movie & she’s been hooked ever since! Favorite credits include: Emojiland the Musical (Pile of Poo), Millenials Are Killing Musicals, Mamma Mia! (Rosie), Bingo! (Alison), Footloose (Betty/Eleanor), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Sally), Beehive!, The Life, and Jekyll & Hyde. Hugs to Ma, Doogle, and her trash muppet @elmermcpooperton. Find Jessie @jessiestella

BELLA BOSCO (Trish / Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her ACT of Connecticut debut! Outside credits: Hello, Dolly! (Dolly Levi), 9 to 5 (Doralee), Kiss Me, Kate (Lois), She Loves Me (Ilona) at College Light Opera Company; Bat Boy (Meredith Parker), Swee-

ney Todd (Beggar Woman) and Melancholy Play (Tilly) at WCSU. Special thanks to Mom and Dad, Ben, voice teacher Jeremy Powell, manager Cyrena Esposito, and her brilliant mentors and training at WCSU! Instagram: @thebellabosco www.BellaBosco.com

JONATHAN BRODY (Mr. Price / Ensemble / u/s George) Broadway: A Bronx Tale, Amazing Grace, Spamalot, Titanic, Sally Marr...and Her Escorts, Me and My Girl. Tours: Mary Poppins, Funny Girl, My Fair Lady. Off-Broadway: Pirates!, The Sorceress, Theda Bara and the Frontier Rabbi, Eating Raoul. Regional: The Diary of Anne Frank, Lost in Yonkers, Animal Crackers, Hamlet. Television: “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO), “Guiding Light” (CBS), “The Knick” (HBO), “The Blacklist” (NBC), “Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall” (PBS), “An Evening With Alan Jay Lerner, Porgy & Bess: An American Voice”.

CAI CAMPBELL (Nicola / Maggie / Ensemble) is elated to jump back into her boots as Nicola! She is grateful to the ACT of CT team and creatives for the opportunity to tell such a fun, bright and important story. Credits include RENT (National Tour), Hairspray (National Tour), Burn the Floor (NCL) and Kinky Boots (NCL). Love and thanks to her friends, family, and team for their unwavering support. @caicampbell

NICKOLAUS COLÓN (Don) Alumni of UNCSA (’15). Off Broadway: Stranger Sings! (Hopper) National Tour: Fiddler on the Roof (Mordcha / u/s Tevye), Dirty Dancing (Billy Kostecki) NCL: Kinky Boots (Don), Rock of Ages (Dennis) Regional: Beauty and the Beast (Beast), Peter and the Starcatcher (Slank / Hawking Clam) and more. “HEY!! I’m so excited to be making my ACT of CT debut with a show that I’ve done multiple times, but never gets old. It means so much that you spent your hard earned money to watch us try and save this little shoe factory. Follow @Nickolauscolon if you want to keep up with all my adventures.”

RANDY DONALDSON (Simon Sr / Delivery Man / Ensemble) was last seen as King

WHO’S WHO

Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar on the ACT of CT stage. Randy has performed in 11 Broadway shows / National Tours including The Lion King, Kiss Me, Kate, A Chorus Line, Wonderful Town, and Annie Get Your Gun. Randy is also a Tony-nominated commercial Producer and has produced both on and off-Broadway including The Pee-Wee Herman Show, American Son, The Scottsboro Boys, Triassic Parq, and One Funny Mother Thanks, Michele for allowing me to continue to play.

DANNY GRUMICH (Mutt / Ensemble / u/s Don) ACT of CT debut. Off-Broadway: With or Without You (Tony), A Piece of My Heart (American Men). Selected Regional: Kinky Boots (Ogunquit Playhouse), Carousel (Billy), Oklahoma! (Jud Fry), Guys and Dolls, Oliver! (Bill Sykes). TV: “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), “The Mysteries of Laura” (NBC). Thanks to Nathan and the ACT of CT team for the opportunity. Special thanks to my team at The Mine. All my love to Meryn and Gracie! @danny.grumich

SHAYLEN HARGER (Gemma / Ensemble / u/s Lauren) is so thankful to be back for yet another amazing production at ACT of CT! Previous ACT of CT credits include, Rock of Ages, Godspell, and the original works, Killing Mom. Other credits include, Mamma Mia! and Jesus Christ Superstar at Connecticut Repertory Theatre. Her most recent achievements this past year were portraying “Belle” in Beauty and the Beast with Disney on Classic. A staged concert tour all throughout Japan singing with an 85 piece Japanese Orchestra. She also made her national television debut singing as a finalist on FOX TV’s, “I Can See Your Voice”, with Dr. Ken Jeong. Shay is also a Youtuber well known for her gender bent song covers and many other genres across the board. XOXO You can also find her on IG and TikTok! @shaylenharger “May the good vibes be forever in your favor.” - Shay

MEKHI HOLLOWAY (Angel / u/s Lola) is thrilled to join the cast of Kinky Boots, a dream show for them. Mekhi is eager to

introduce the world to his captivating drag persona, Honey Kuerbitz. Mekhi’s stage credits include performing in the Blues Clues and You Live National Tour, Rock of Ages at the Argyle Theatre, and Roger in Grease at the Argyle Theatre. Additionally, they portrayed Annas and understudied Judas in the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Mekhi extends a heartfelt shoutout to their family and friends for their unwavering support, and to their agent Brian Herrick at Hell’s Kitchen Agency for championing their authenticity. insta:@mekhi_holloway.

TYLER KELLER (Angel) is excited to be celebrating his ACT of CT debut! He was previously seen as an Angel in Kinky Boots at the Hollywood Bowl and on Norwegian Cruise Line. Other credits include Rock of Ages (NCL), Cats (Royal Caribbean), Evita (MTC), and more. Many thanks to everyone at ACT of CT, Nathan Peck, Jason Styres, and ATB Talent. Love to Josh and my family for always supporting me. Please enjoy our beautiful show!

TY KOELLER (Angel) is so excited to be in his first ACT of CT production and tell this amazing story. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a BA in Theater. Ty has performed in regional musical theatre, national tours, theme parks, immersive productions, film, and cruise ships. He would like to thank his friends, family, Bright Artists Management and the Movement Talent Agency for all of their support. IG @tyrannosauruskoeller TT @tykoeller

VAL MORANTO (Marge / Milan Stage Manager / Ensemble / u/s Pat & Trish) is thrilled to be getting back into the Boots! This is Val’s 6th production at ACT of CT~ others include Sunset Boulevard, The Secret Garden, Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar & Smokey Joe’s Café! Regional & Tour highlights: Kinky Boots, The Who’s Tommy, Les Misérables, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins & Sweeney Todd. Val can be seen on Season 16 of

WHO’S WHO

“America’s Got Talent” & singing with Josh Groban on his Summer Harmony Tour of 2022! Proud graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music. She would like to thank Daniel C. Levine, Erin Craig & Nathan Peck for this opportunity and her Husband TJ for his love & support!

KAIMANA NEIL (Angel) is thrilled to be making his ACT of CT debut! Recent credits: Tootsie (National Tour), Le Cabaret Rouge (MSC Seashore), The Wizard of Oz (Chicago Shakespeare), and Sophisticated Ladies (Porchlight Music Theatre). A proud LINK and CCPA alumni. Kaimana sends out gratitude to his soul family and the Hell’s Kitchen Agency! www.kaimananeil.com @woosh_kid

PABLO PERNIA (Angel) National Tour: Legally Blonde (Nikos) Regional Credits: NSMT: Kinky Boots (Angel/Asst Choreographer) Alabama Shakespeare: Cabaret (Hans, Cliff u/s) Theatre By the Sea: Footloose (Lyle/ Jeter/ Ren u/s), Cinderella (Ensemble, Topher u/s), Kinky Boots (Angel). PPTOPA: Cabaret (Emcee); Slow Burn Theatre Co: Kinky Boots (Angel), Matilda (Rudolpho); The Wick Theatre: Gypsy (Yonkers); Thanks to ACT of CT and the creative team for bringing me on board, Mikey, and all his family and friends for their unconditional love and support always. www.pablo-pernia.com @pabloperniaa

ROBERT PETERPAUL (Richard Bailey / Ensemble / u/s Harry) is a performer and self-proclaimed muppet who’s appeared on stages across the country. He was cast as JoJo in Seussical on Broadway, and since has appeared regionally in Newsies at Westport Country Playhouse, Beauty and the Beast at WPPAC, Jersey Boys at MCT and Spelling Bee right here at ACT of CT. His Film/TV credits include: CBS’ “Bull”, Netflix’s “King Cobra” and the Amazon rom-com

“Sitting in Bars with Cake”. Robert created “The Art of Kindness” podcast with the Broadway Podcast Network, interviewing star guests like Carol Burnett and streaming everywhere. He sends gratitude to the

entire ACT of CT company, his family, Cassie and YOU for supporting theatre. Say hi: @robpeterpaul

TIM SHEA (Hooch / Ensemble / u/s Mr Price) is thrilled to be making his ACT of CT debut. Previous credits include School of Rock (National Tour), Rock of Ages (National Tour). He has appeared at various theaters across the country including The Bucks County Playhouse, Music Theatre Wichita, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, The Sharon Playhouse, and The Ogunquit Playhouse. Many thanks to The Collective and everyone at ACT of CT for the opportunity, and to his family for the continued love and support. Go Celtics.

JOEY SOCCI (Angel) a Connecticut native, graduated with a BFA in Commercial Dance from Pace University. At Pace, they have performed in concert works including Paul Taylor’s Company B, and original works by Josh Bergasse and Anthony Morigerato. Previously, Joey has performed at several theme parks with RWS and across the globe aboard the Norwegian Star. Most recently, they could be seen in White Christmas at Bucks County Playhouse. @joey_socci_

MICKEY WHITE (Harry / Ensemble / u/s Charlie) is ecstatic to be making his ACT of CT debut by ‘making boots’ once again! Some of his favorite credits include : National Tour: Hairspray (Sketch), Disney Cruise Lines: Fantasy (Bert, Lumiere), Slowburn Theatre: Newsies (Davey), Weathervane Theater: Kinky Boots (Charlie Price), Goodspeed Opera House: The Peculiar Tale of the Prince of Bohemia... (Prince of Bohemia). Maine State Music Theatre: The Who’s Tommy (Tommy). Boston Conservatory BFA. @mickeytwhite

JEFF WILLIAMS (George) Broadway: New York, New York, The Music Man (2000), The Pirate Queen, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A Christmas Carol. Regional Theater: Hamlet, Red, Good People, Seminar, To Kill a Mockingbird, M Butterfly, Art, The Crucible, The Sisters Rosensweig, Terra Nova, Outside Mullingar, Rags and more. TV: “When They

WHO’S WHO

See Us” (Netflix), “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), “The Good Fight” (CBS), “Orange Is the New Black” (Netflix), “Tales of the City” (Netflix), “Difficult People” (Hulu), “Bull” (CBS), “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix), “The Sopranos” (HBO). Syracuse University graduate. @jeffwilliamsNYC

CHELSEA ZENO (Lauren) Regional: In the Heights (Vanessa, Gateway Playhouse), In the Heights (Vanessa, WPPAC), In the Heights (Vanessa, PA Shakespeare Festival), Distant Thunder (Shareen, First Americans Museum), In the Heights (Vanessa, Theatre Under the Stars), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmeralda, Fuse Productions). Chelsea performs nationally with The Ultimate Disney Tribute Band, The Little Mermen. You can catch her singing on the Distant Thunder cast recording, as well as on Davey K’s Fun Facts kid’s album. All the love and thanks to Mom, Dad, and Aust for their undying support! @chelsea_zeno

EM HADICK (Associate Director / Choreographer / Swing / u/s Nicola / Dance Captain) is thrilled to be here at ACT of CT! National Tour: Pretty Woman: The Musical (Swing, Dance Captain). Selected Regional: A Christmas Carol (Geva Theatre), The Spitfire Grill, The Marvelous Wonderettes (Meadow Brook Theatre), Into the Woods (Flint Repertory Theatre), A Chorus Line (Interlakes Summer Theatre, The Huron Playhouse). A huge thank you to Nathan Peck, and always endless love and thanks to family, friends, and TPG. For Koopie. @emhadick

STEPHEN PETROVICH (Swing) Newtown CT native. Originated the role of Gangle in the 1st national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. Favorites: Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Jersey Boys (Nick Massi), Matilda (Mister Wormwood), The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow 4x), Spamalot, La Cage, Hairspray, 42nd Street. BFA Musical Theatre: the Boston Conservatory. @stephenpetrovich

NATHAN PECK (Director / Choreographer) is happy to be back at ACT of CT after cho -

reographing The Secret Garden! Nathan directed & choreographed Kinky Boots at Ogunquit Playhouse, North Carolina Theater, Music Theater of Wichita, and on Norwegian Cruise Line. Most recently, he was the Associate Director of the Off Broadway play The White Chip. Nathan also directed & choreographed The SpongeBob Musical for the OP Arts Academy. Nathan choreographed Live from Lincoln Center: Stars in Concert featuring Annaleigh Ashford for PBS and was dance/movement consultant of You Can’t Take It With You, Sylvia and Our Mother’s Brief Affair on Broadway. nathanpeckonline.com

MATTHEW STEPHENS (Music Director / Conductor/ Keyboard 1) Thrilled to join ACT of CT for the first time, NYC based music director Matthew Stephens has performed in venues ranging from Lincoln Center to Club Cumming alongside industry luminaries including Mary Testa, Norm Lewis and opera star Deborah Voigt. BROADWAY: Illinoise (upcoming) NATIONAL TOUR: The Sound of Music (Associate Conductor), OFF BROADWAY: The Perfect Game (Theatre Row), The Body Politic (NYMF), King of Pangaea (NAMT). REGIONAL: RENT (Madison Theatre), Sunday In the Park with George (Axelrod), CONCERT: Sweeney Todd (Pacific Symphony), Yours Sincerely, Stephen Sondheim (Princeton Festival), My Fair Lady (Utah Symphony). A passionate advocate for new works, Matthew collaborates with organizations including the American Opera Project, NYU-Tisch MT Writing Program and the National Alliance for Musical Theatre. @maspianist

KURT ALGER (Costume / Wig Designer) Regional: Rock of Ages, Matilda, Sunset Boulevard, Aida, Oklahoma!, Grease, Gypsy, Annie, Jekyll & Hyde, Newsies, Man of La Mancha, Singin’ in the Rain, A Gentleman’s Guide…, Mary Poppins, 1776, The Producers, Evita, Elf The Musical, The Music Man, Miss Saigon, Hello, Dolly!, Beauty and the Beast, Crazy for You, Chicago, The Wiz, Xanadu, Dreamgirls, and Les Misérables. Coordinator: Finding

WHO’S WHO

Neverland Tour, Shrek The Musical World Tour, RENT on tour & Broadway for 10 years, Hairspray tour & the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Tour. Thrilled to be returning to ACT of CT!

CHARLIE MORRISON (Lighting Designer) NYC/National/International tours: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Miss Saigon, Disney’s Aida, The Producers, Man of La Mancha, Guys and Dolls, Groovaloo, Hello, Dolly!, My Fair Lady, The King and I, Spelling Bee, Gypsy, 42nd Street, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, The Who’s Tommy, Titanic, The Music Man and many others. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Guthrie Theater, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Goodspeed Musicals, Seattle Repertory, Seattle 5th Avenue, Broadway Sacramento, Theatre Under the Stars, Dallas Summer Musicals, Kansas City Starlight, Pittsburgh CLO, George Street Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory, Tulsa Opera and many others. TV: Finding Magic Mike for HBOMax. Charlie is the recipient of two Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design. www.cmlighting.com

SARAH GOODMAN (Sound Designer) is a multidisciplinary designer and performer. MA in Creative Media and Technology, Berklee NYC. Sound Design: A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story (The Argyle Theatre), Show Me Eternity (Culture Lab LIC), Sound and Projection Design: Immigrants’ Love Stories (Prime Produce), A1: Cowboy Bob (World Premiere, The Alley Theatre), Sound Engineer at Tony Award-Winning 54 Below, Projection Design: Maestra Gala, Amplify 2024 (Sony Hall) and Amplify 2022 (LPR), Ring of Keys’ Queering the Canon: Sondheim (Joe’s Pub). Sarah is also the Production Manager of the Broadway Podcast Network and editor of the podcasts: Singular Sensation, Breaking Broadway with Kerry Butler, and her own podcast that she co-hosts GOOD SHOW! bpn.fm/goodshow soundsgoodsarahg.com

JOHN M. ATHERLAY (Production Stage Manager) ACT of CT: Sunset Boulevard, Million Dollar Quartet. Broadway credits include the original companies of Prelude to A Kiss, A Small Family Business, Beauty and the Beast, and Xanadu. Also on Broadway: The Seagull (with Tyne Daly and JonVoight) and Fela. National Tours include Pre-Broadway tour of Stardust (with Betty Buckley), Almost Like Being in Love (with Diahann Carroll), The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Young Frankenstein, Fiddler on The Roof (with Topol), 101 Dalmatians the Musical (with 15 real dalmatians), Fela, Anything Goes, The Gershwin’s’ Porgy and Bess, Cabaret, Blithe Spirit (with Angela Lansbury), The Band’s Visit, A Soldier’s Play.

GRACE GRIFFIN (Assistant Stage Manager) Favorite credits include: Tours: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre’s International Tour. Off-Broadway: Drawing Lessons (Ma-Yi Theater Company), Plays for the Plague Year (The Public), Lyrics and Lyricists: Facing the Music (92NY). Regional: Million Dollar Quartet (ACT of CT), Sunset Boulevard (ACT of CT). Events: The Last New Year’s Eve Ball (The McKittrick Hotel), Celebrating Chick Corea (Jazz at Lincoln Center), New York City Marathon. Love to my family.

BENJAMIN BLAINE HAWKINS

(Assistant Stage Manager) Favorite credits include; National Tour: Wicked, Hamilton. Off-Broadway: Gloria (Vineyard Theatre), Lazarus (NYTW), In & Of Itself (Daryl Roth Theatre), Head Of Passes (The Public), The Legend Of Georgia McBride (MCC), The Wolves (Playwrights Realm), The Beast In The Jungle (Vineyard Theatre), Evening At The Talk House (Signature Theatre), Back Home Again (Aruba Productions), A Taste Of Things To Come (York Theatre Company), The Secret Life of Bees (Atlantic Theatre Company), Sweet Charity (Signature Theatre Company), Zuccotti Park (New York Fringe Festival), Freedom Riders: The Civil Rights Musical (NYMF), SmokeFall (MCC), Wide Awake Hearts (59E59), Lost Girls (MCC). Other theatre: The Tale of Despereaux (The Old Globe), Radioactive (Manhattan School

WHO’S WHO

of Music), Perfect Picture (The Mill). TV: “Gotham” (Fox), “Homeland” (Showtime). Fashion clients: Chanel, Rag & Bone, Hugo Boss, Phillip Lim, Cartier, Valentino, Armand de Brignac, H&M, Fenty, Ralph Lauren, The Met Gala.

DENNIS J. ARCANO (Music Coordinator) has been involved for every production at ACT of CT from Mamma Mia! to The Secret Garden, including the Grammy Nominated World Premiere recording of Snapshots. Broadway/Off-Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo, Almost Famous, Mr. Saturday Night, Jagged Little Pill, ...Spelling Bee, Altar Boyz, Tick, Tick...Boom!, Follies (2001 Revival). National Tour: Tick, Tick...Boom! (Assistant Music Director). Regional: Candlewood Playhouse, Barrington Stage Company, Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theater.

THE CASTING COLLABORATIVE (Casting)

Broadway: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Tony Award), Dames at Sea, Lion King, Nice Work… Film/TV: Severance (Apple TV+), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix), Carousel (PBS), Six by Sondheim (HBO), SYTYCD, How You Look at It. Off-Broadway: Gatsby, Little Girl Blue, Puffs, Midnight at the Never Get, Pedro Pan, Apple Boys, Missed Connections, 15 different Encores! productions. Tours: A Gentleman’s Guide…, Sugar Skull, West Side Story, Anastasia, Fiddler on the Roof, Yemandja, The King and I, Cinderella, The Lion King, White Christmas. Other: Dance Lab New York, In Pieces, Magic Mike Live (London/Las Vegas), Bridgerton Experience, Wild (Black Iris Project), Phish (MSG), Arkansas Rep, Arrow Rock Lyceum, Virginia Theatre Festival, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Syracuse Stage, and more. www.thecastingcollab.com

DANIEL C. LEVINE (ACT of CT Artistic Director / Scenic Designer) is a 2022 Grammy Nominee and 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 Hor-

rors, The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar (Tony Nomination For Best Revival), Chicago, Les Misérables, and The Who’s 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 and 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 and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and An Evening With Joel Grey, and also served as the moderator and host for An Evening With The Celebrity Housewives. At ACT of CT, Daniel has directed Mamma Mia!, Evita (2018 Broadway World CT Best Director of a Musical winner), Working (which he re-conceived with Stephen Schwartz), Godspell, Snapshots, Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, Guys and Dolls, The Secret Garden (2023 CT Critics Circle Award for Best Direction of a Musical winner), and Sunset Boulevard. Daniel returned 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 (now available on-demand on

WHO’S WHO

BroadwayHD). Daniel’s reconceived version of Working was licensed by Music Theater International and theaters around the country are now producing and presenting ACT’s version of the musical. Daniel graduated Brandeis University and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

BRYAN PERRI (ACT of CT Resident Music Supervisor) was most recently music director and conductor of Almost Famous on Broadway. He also just returned from serving as music supervisor and co-orchestrator for the world premiere of the critically acclaimed new musical, The Lonely Few at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Prior to that, Bryan music directed and conducted the Tony winning Jagged Little Pill on Broadway. Bryan’s other Broadway credits as music director include Wicked and Chaplin (for which he also provided dance and vocal arrangements). He also served as music director for the Broadway 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 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 was awarded the prestigious Craig Noel Award for Best Music Direction for his work on the pre-Broadway run of Almost Famous at San Diego’s Old Globe theater. Bryan is the music director and arranger for Aaron Tveit as well as Lauren Patten and performs with them in venues across the country, including the American Songbook series at Lincoln Center, House of Blues, Irving Plaza, 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 the Princess Cruise Line fleet). Bryan is proud to be a founding member of ACT of CT and is honored to serve as ACT of CT’s Resident Music Supervisor. At ACT of CT Bryan has music supervised Mamma Mia!, Evita, Working, Spelling Bee, Little Shop

of Horrors, Nickel Mines, Godspell, Into The Woods, The Last Five Years, RENT, Jesus Christ Superstar, Smokey Joe’s Café, and Guys and Dolls. Bryan created ACT’s Broadway Unplugged Series, which has become an audience favorite. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award for the world premiere cast recording of Stephen Schwartz’s Snapshots. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Music from NYU in Vocal Performance, as well as an Master’s Degree in Music from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in Orchestral Conducting. Bryan firmly believes that theater matters and the arts are essential!

KATIE DIAMOND (ACT of CT

Founding Executive Director, Emeritus) 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 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. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

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,

WHO’S WHO

Executive Producer, General Manager, Production Manager, and Consultant for theatre, film, music, and special events for nearly 30 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 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 & owner of La Vie Productions. www.lavieproductions.com

HARVEY FIERSTEIN (Book) is a four-time Tony Award-winning writer and actor. His Broadway writing credits include Kinky Boots, Torch Song Trilogy (Tony, Drama Desk, Dramatists Guild Awards), Casa Valentina, Safe Sex, Legs Diamond and A Catered Affair (12 Drama Desk nominations and the Drama League Award for Best Musical). His La Cage Aux Folles is the only show to ever win Best Musical and 2 Best Revival Tony Awards. Other plays include Spookhouse, Forget Him and Flatbush Tosca. His teleplays include Tidy Endings for HBO (ACE Award), and On Common Ground for Showtime. His children’s HBO special, The Sissy Duckling, won the Humanitas Prize and the book version is in its eighth printing. Other honors include the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performer of the Year, a special OBIE award, NY Magazine Award, and nominations for The Olivier Award and an Emmy. His political writings have been seen on PBS’ series “In The Life” and published in The NY Times, Huffington Post and Hartford Courant. He was inducted into The Theater Hall of Fame in 2008.

CYNDI LAUPER (Music and lyrics) is a Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning artist with over 30 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 50 million albums. With her first album, She’s So Unusual, Lau-

per won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and became the first female in history to have four top-five singles from a debut album. Since then, Lauper has released ten additional studio albums, been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and celebrated as a New York Times best-selling author. Overall, during her storied music career, Lauper has been nominated for 15 Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, seven American Video Awards and 18 MTV Awards. In 2013, Cyndi Lauper became the first solo woman to win Best original score for her music and lyrics for Kinky Boots. Never one to slow down, next she is currently writing the score for the Broadway adaptation of the 1988 feature film Working Girl, contributed a song to the score of the Broadway musical Spongebob Squarepants and launched her own fashion line A Touch of Cyn with Home Shopping Network.

JERRY MITCHELL (Original Director / Choreographer) Tony Awards for Best Choreography: La Cage Aux Folles (revival) and Kinky Boots (also nominated as Director). In addition to directing On Your Feet, other Broadway choreography: Pretty Woman (Director/Choreographer), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Full Monty (Tony nomination), The Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray (Tony nomination, West End and NBC telecast), Gypsy, Never Gonna Dance (Tony nomination), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony and West End Olivier nominations), La Cage Aux Folles, Legally Blonde (Tony nomination and West End), which he also directed and Catch Me If You Can. Thirty years ago, Jerry created and now continues to Executive Produce Broadway Bares, a yearly charitable global fund-raiser benefit, for which accomplishment he received his third Tony Award earlier this year. Next up: Boop for Broadway and The Devil Wears Prada for the West End.

ACTORS’

EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers. Equity fosters the art of

WHO’S WHO

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. actorsequity.org #EquityWorks

STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRA-

PHERS SOCIETY (SDC) is the theatrical union that unites, empowers, and protects professional Stage Directors and Choreographers throughout the United States. Its mission is to foster a national community of professional stage directors and choreographers by protecting the rights, health and livelihoods of all its Members; negotiating and enforcing employment agreements across a range of jurisdictions; facilitating the exchange of ideas, information and opportunities; and educating current and future generations about the critical role of directors and choreographers in leading the field.

ACT (A CONTEMPORARY THEATRE) 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 programming also includes a New Works Series, a Broadway Unplugged Series, and an extensive theater education program. With its 182 seats and turntable stage, 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 five seasons, ACT of CT has 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 dedicated to inspiring, creating and nurturing a culturally diverse and equitable environment for its staff, creative teams, cast, musicians, crew members and audiences, and is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining an inclusive, discrimination-free environment.

Information and/or opinions expressed in “Who’s Who” are those of the players, not necessarily those of ACT of CT.

SPECIAL THANKS:

Anita and Nick Donofrio; Tom and Tizzie Mantione; Eddies Pizza & Pasta; Tom Maguire and LaQuinta by Wyndham, Danbury; Ogunquit Playhouse; Southwest Cafe.

ACT OF CT STAFF

Artistic Director .............................................................................................................. DANIEL C. LEVINE

Producing Director ............................................................................................................... R. ERIN CRAIG

Founding Executive Director, Emeritus ................................................................... KATIE DIAMOND

Resident Music Supervisor .................................................................................................. BRYAN PERRI

Director of Education & Outreach ........................................................................ HEATHER HILLMAN

Director of Development ................................................................................................ SHELLEY TERRY

General Manager ..................................................................................................... TRACEY BRYGGMAN

Company Manager ............................................................................................................. PATRICK GOSS

Technical Supervisor ........................................................................................................ LARRY MORLEY

Stage Supervisor ........................................................................................................... CONNOR IMHOFF

Resident Wardrobe / Wig Supervisor ..................................................................... BECKY FLAHERTY

House Manager ....................................................................................................... JULIE COHEN SLOMA

Patron Services Representative ................................................................................... EMMA GIORGIO

Resident Music Coordinator.................................................................................... DENNIS J. ARCANO

Graphic Designer ............................................................................................................... PAUL WRONSKI

Education Coordinator ............................................................................................ CAROLYN CLINTON

Marketing Coordinator ....................................................................................................... CARA GILEAU

Office and Transportation Coordinator .............................................................................. AILIS TYRA

Executive Assistant ...................................................................................................................... RYAN CYR

Office Assistants ........................................................................... NATHAN BRENN, ANYA NARDONE, CATHERINE SARACENO, DAISY STOTT

Front of House Staff ..................... NATHAN BRENN, EMMA GIORGIO, CATHERINE SARACENO, DAISY STOTT, AILIS TYRA, LIZZIE VALENCIA

Interns ..................................................................... MADDY GALGANO, EVA HOLLERAN, AVA MACK

Bookkeeping Services ..................................................................................... ECRATCHIT NONPROFIT

Accountants ........................................................................................................ REYNOLDS & ROWELLA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Katie Diamond, President

Daniel C. Levine, Vice President

Tizzie Mantione, Treasurer

Heather Hillman, Secretary

Rebecca Baglio, Kristin Beylouni, Betsy Brand, R. Erin Craig, Randy Donaldson, Mary E. Joyce, Caroline Kellen, Peggy Marconi, Jack Mehler, Larry Morley, Bryan Perri, Marisa Schafer, Michael Seelbach, Rajal Young

ARTISTIC ADVISORY BOARD

Susan Batten

Al Blackstone

Beowulf Boritt

Christian Borle

R. Erin Craig

Mike Evariste

Caite Hevner

Peter Hylenski

Tom Kitt

Simon Matthews

Lindsay Mendez

Alan Menken

Christina Millar

Patricia Minskoff

Stephen Schwartz

Frank Selvaggi

EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Dennis J. Arcano

Selina Bell

Nancy Caron

Randy Donaldson

Carina Drake

Mike Evariste

Cory Gillette

Mary Joyce

Deborah Penn

Angela Rice

Rachel Ruggeri

Claire Simard

Jennifer Sproule

2023-2024 SEASON SPONSORS

TITLE SPONSORS

Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation

MARQUEE SPONSORS

Connecticut Office of the Arts, Diamond Properties, Anita and Nick Donofrio, Rudy L. Ruggles, Jr.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Anne S. Richardson Fund, HamletHub

PRODUCING SPONSORS

The Borman Family Foundation, Burry Fredrik Foundation, Fairfield County Bank, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, The West Lane Inn

DIRECTOR SPONSORS

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Colonial Automobile Group, Gallo Ristorante, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Heather Hillman and Jack Whalen, Karen and Todd Kipnes, Robert and Gerri Lewis, Joe Loonan and Linda MacDonald, Tom and Tizzie Mantione, Patrick and Catherine Neligan, Michele and Tom Quindlen, Ridgefield Thrift Shop, Rodier Flowers, Daniela Sikora, 068 Magazine, Gary and Susie Singer

SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS

109 Cheese & Wine, BMW of Ridgefield, Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe, Colonial Cleaners, The Jacullo Family, George Landegger, M&T Charitable Foundation, Nature’s Temptations, Russ and Holly Neumann, Nissan of Yorktown Heights, Nutmeg Livery Service, Jim and Susie Perakis, RPAC Gallery, Southwest Cafe, Steinway & Sons, TerraSole Ristorante, Vine & Co., Volvo Cars Danbury

2022-2023 Donors

$100,000+

Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation

Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation

Diamond Properties

$50,000-$99,999

CT Humanities

Connecticut Office of the Arts

Anita and Nick Donofrio

Ridgefield Town Hall

Rudy L. Ruggles, Jr.

$30,000-$49,999

Anne S. Richardson Fund

Bareburger - Ridgefield

The Borman Family Foundation

Burry Fredrik Foundation

Fairfield County Bank

HamletHub

LaQuinta by Wyndam-Danbury

Ridgefield Station

The West Lane Inn

$10,000-$29,999

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa

Lori and John Berisford

Kristin and Darren Beylouni

Colabella Media

Colonial Automobile Group

Gallo Ristorante

Liz and Steven Goldstone

Sheila and Michael Gray

Heather Hillman and Jack Whalen

Karen and Todd Kipnes

Gerri and Robert Lewis

Tizzie and Tom Mantione

National Endowment for the Arts

Ridgefield Thrift Shop

Daniela Sikora and Keitha Kinne

Susie and Gary Singer

$5,000-$9,999

Laura and Joe Ancona

Rebecca and Scott Baglio

Wendy and William Beurket

Melissa and David Beylouni

BMW of Ridgefield

Ann and Steven Carlson

Katie and William Diamond

George F Landegger

Emily and Jeffrey Levi

Joseph Loonan and Linda MacDonald

MLE Foundation

The M&T Charitable Foundation

Nature’s Temptations

Catherine and Patrick Neligan

Holly and Russ Neumann

Nissan of Yorktown Heights

Nutmeg Livery

Susie and Jim Perakis

Peter and Jeanne Charitable Fund

Michele and Tom Quindlen

Rodier Flowers

Heather and Robert Salaga

Allison and Jon Stockel

TerraSole Ristorante

Joyce and Gary Tomlinson

Vine & Co.

Volvo of Danbury

Elizabeth and Paul Wronski

Rajal and Jordan Young

$2,500-$4,999

Barker Welfare Foundation

Bart’s Tree Service

Linda and Joshua Blum

Christine and Jeffrey Boris

Betsy and Michael Brand

Couri Foundation, Inc.

Sue and Bruce Cruikshank

Lisa Esneault

Susan Galione

Kaye Hale Malton and Doug Malton

Jana and Sean Hogan

Mary and Christopher Joyce

Caroline Kellen

Kristen and Robert Liesegang

Peggy and Rudy Marconi

Lauren and Russ Mika

Lorraine and Larry Morley

Elizabeth Murray Ellis

Karla Murtaugh

Danille and David Petrie

Patricia and Stephen Ross

Rotary Club of Ridgefield

Teed & Brown

The Tow Foundation

Danielle and Philip Van Riper

Weeks Automobile Corporation

$1,000 - $2,499

2022-2023 Donors continued

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center

Stephanie and Andy Anderson

Susan Batten and Truitt Bell

Matt Bartelme and Kelly Moriarty

Sandi Barry

Joshua Benet

Sarah and Mark Blandford

Brandmark Studios LLC

Dr. Gregory Brucato

Georgia Burger

Heather and Jeff Butchen

Christopher Cartelli

Tammy Conley and Roselinde

Torres

Robert and Lauri Craig

Jennifer Crowl

Dalessio Family Foundation

Kate and Harry Dayton

Susan and Antonio Fernandez

Jennifer and Christian Forsyth

The Fountain Inn

Renee and KR Fozouni

Elizabeth and Raffaele Gallo

Kerri Glass

Madelyne Gray

John Grissmer

Leah and Jonathan Hayner

Lenore and Robert Herbst

Sharon and Darrin Hoffner

Cynthia and Todd Kemmer

Kovak Foundation

Kutnick Foundation

Trish LaRosa

Christine and Philip Lodewick

Erika Long

Brenda McKinley

Trish Minskoff

Terri and Marc Nathanson

The New York Community Trust

Leslie and Michael Partington

Amy Piantaggini

Jean and James Prusko

Jillian and Rob Rae

Angela and Jason Rice

Diana and Michael Rosella

Kirsten Salley and Danny Butler

Lonnie Shapiro

Stephen Shiller

Bellanca Smigel Rutter

Elizabeth and Andrew Smolenack

Rachel and Joseph Sondheimer

Nick Spofford

The Stephen & Carole Schwartz Foundation

Leslie and Peter Swan

Synchrony Foundation

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Chris Whitten, Fred Astaire

Dance Studio

$500-$999

Tracy Anderson

Brenda and Dan Berta

Barbara Beylouni

Nancy and Gene Brandon

Ellen Burns and Darwin Ellis

Kristen and Rick Cacciapaglia

Lorraine and Anthony Catalano

Karen Coblens and Thomas Rosamilia

Richard Conway

Susan Consentino

Elaine and Kevin Cox

Shelly and Ira Joe Fisher

Anna Hardwick and Daniel Gwartz

Jeffrey Hansen

Dana and Andrew Harnett

Annette Hasapidis

Cheryl Helfer

Susan Herron

Barbara and Paige Hillery

Robert Iannucci

Susan Kania

Noelle and Brendan Kenny

Juliet Lambert Pratt and John Pratt

Barbara Manners

Heidi Marcus

Eileen and Thomas McIntyre

Kostas Mavridis, Dimitri’s Diner

Michele and Kyle Morehouse

Polly O’Brien Morrow

Benjamin Oko and Helen Dimos

Suzanne Rabinowitz

Stephen Reynolds and Susan Wolf

Ridgefield Library

Margaret Rodgers

Evelyn and Jeffrey Sabin

Michael Seelbach and David Stone

Marisa and Timothy Schafer

David Smith

Tina and Don Sturges

Faye and Jerry Walton

Joan and Michael Wexelbaum

Dayna and Jason White

Marguerite and Alan Winsor

Young’s of Ridgefield

Grace Weber

Victoria and David Yolen

$250-$499

Sue Bellion

Suzanne Brennan

Katie Burton

Mary and James Coleman

Carol Dockery

Denise and Robert Fontenelli

Roland Fiorelli

Founder’s Hall

Justin Jabara

Carrie and Ian Lewis

Kristen Lee

Marquerite and John Mehler

Cornelius McMorrow and Monroe

Alechman

Amy Pal and Kevin Maney

Mary Ellen Raab

Michael Rettger

Joseph Savoia

Scott Schwartz

Ed Smith

Martin Wagner

Whip Salon

$150-$249

Jim Abbott

Hilary and Michael Aronow

Liz and Phil Arturi

Sarah Paige Bareau

Danielle Beylouni

Meg Campbell

Christa and Jeffrey Carone

Marian Dar and Richard Schlosberg

Debbie Eck

Niro and Ed Feliciano

Amy Gewirtz

Emma Hardiman

Marion Hargett

Richard Kalriess

Richard Larson

John Olson

Laurie Rippon

Anne and Rudy Ruggles III

Kassie Seavy

Adam Schwabe

Joel Third

Debbie Thornton

Jerusha Vogel

Sarah Whitton

Kelly York

Business Partners

109 Cheese & Wine

850 Degrees Wood Fire Pizza

AG Beauty

American Metal Whiskey

Bobo’s Café - Ridgefield

Books on the Commons, LLC

Colonial Cleaners

Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe

De Clercq Office Group

First Connecticut Home Services

Katie’s Intoxikating Kakes

Marty’s Motors

New England Landscape

Nod Hill Brewery

Prospector Theater

The Residence Inn - Danbury

Ross Bread Shoppe

Southwest Café

Tusk & Cup

*donors from Aug 1 2022– July 31, 2023

With heart and sole,

you

can make ordinary extraordinary.

Thank you ACT of CT celebrates the people places and things that make our community great

coming associated with India as well, owing to established Arabian-Indian trade routes and significant Arab and Persian migration over the centuries to the Indian

The portrayal of the Fakir in the original Broadway production was not without controversy, with issues being raised, especially as new versions of the show have been produced, regarding the authenticity of some of the language and move ment shown on stage. Vishal Vaidya, the actor who played the Fakir in the recent Los Angeles production of (an ACT of CT alum, whom early ACT of CT audiences may remember as playing Potiphar in ACT of CT’s production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Ridgefield Playhouse) was instrumental in identifying and rectifying some of those discrepancies in that

With the guidance of Vishal Vaidya and Niro Feliciano, who are acting as advisors The Secret Garden, and Monica Kapoor, who is acting as the production’s Indian movement consultant, this production of strives to accurately and respectfully showcase the rich cultural traditions of its Indian setting.

The role of the Fakir in this production is played by Joseph C. Townsend - a Middle Eastern American actor of Syrian descent based in New York City. Casting Mr. Townsend in the role explores the idea that Syrians (and others settling in India at that time) may have sought out specific traditions. We see the Fakir chanting in Hindi and performing Indian movements, thus representing the meeting and melding, over time, of cultures. Likewise, we see Mary Lennox, the central character in the story, observing the performance of these prayerful rituals in India, and later embracing them herself in the moors of Northern England. Just as we know, historically, how the meeting of Arab and Indian cultures came to shape traditions and customs in this region, The Secret Garden, in this way, portrays another instance of cultural exchange crossing time and place.

Proud to support ACT of CT

For a comfortable stay with great amenities, visit La Quinta® by Wyndham Danbury, conveniently located off I-84. This ideal location is perfect for both business and leisure travelers with easy-access to Danbury Fair Mall, Candlewood Lake, and more. La Quinta offers and a business center so you can stay productive. Plus, you'll love the complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and pool.

On-site Arcade

Kristin and Darren Beylouni and the Colonial Automobile Group Wish Continued

Success to our Friends at

“I may be facing the impossible, I may be chasing after miracles. And there may be the steepest mountain to overcome. But this is step one.”

* Step One song, Kinky Boots

YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERT

RIDGEFIELD - Proud to be designated as Connecticut’s First Cultural District

REDDING - Dubbed “the Vermont of Connecticut” Approximately One Hour to Manhattan 2 0 3 . 7 3 3 . 7

Craftsman style, custom built modern barn with exposed beams, timbered ceilings & wide board floors, in Redding’s most sought after neighborhood, Farview Farms, with private pool, tennis & clubhouse Top West Redding location, just 58 miles to Midtown, yet enjoy 2 02 pastoral acres bordering the Brinckeroff Preserve, an 85-acre parcel owned by the Land Trust for hiking in both the open fields & wooded trails The picturesque backyard with extensive stone walls, also backs up to Devil’s Den Preserve, the largest tract of protected land in CT with 1,800 acres & 7 miles of hiking/biking trails This gracious home offers 3,861 sf, 4 bedrooms & 3/1 baths, including 583 sf in the finished lower level, ideal for fitness, game room, or home office The charming entry foyer with exposed beams & native fieldstone wall, leads to the expansive great room with walls of built-in bookshelves, wood burning fireplace, & French doors to the wrap around deck overlooking the backyard & open meadow. The main level also showcases the updated kitchen with glass walled breakfast room, skylights, center island, Subzero fridge, & brand new double ovens, open to the inviting family room with fieldstone fireplace. Not to be missed is the two story primary suite with vaulted timbered ceiling, updated marble bath, large WIC, 3rd fireplace, plus spiral staircase to the office loft & huge storage attic $1,099,000

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated Equal Housing Opportunity Belvedere Palace New Weimar by Curt Hermann, used with permission lancona@wpsir.com • 470 Main Street, Ridgefield • williampitt.com

Espresso Bar & Gelateria

• The finest specialty coffee made by the most skilled baristas using the freshest locally roasted beans

• All natural artisanal soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries, smoothies, frappes, breakfast sandwiches

• 12 all natural flavors of traditional Italian gelato made daily on premises

TWO LOCATIONS:

51 Ethan Allen Highway Ridgefield, CT 06877

142 Old Ridgefield Road Wilton, CT 06897

Crystals & Jewelry • Candles, Essential Oils & Incense

Yoga Wear, Boho Clothing & Accessories • Spiritual Gifts & Statuary • Decks, Books & Cards

The First Shungite Room in the USA

• Certification Classes HOME • BODY • SOUL PURVEYORS OF POSITIVITY • A UNIQUE LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE

Special events, classes, workshops and retreats in both our Shungite Room and at The Angel Wing (our spiritual center next door).

• Readings • Yoga - All Levels • Massage

• Reiki

• Energy Work

• Sound Healing

• Gong Baths

• Acupuncture

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!

Nissan of Yorktown Heights is proud to support

ACT of Connecticut

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

Lounge Menu

Brunch and Lunch Menu

Pizza Night

Weekly Specials

Events

CARING FOR THE FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY

Family-owned since 1982

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.

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

Pointe

FOR A GOOD TIME CALL

As a full service travel agency, we can assist you with planning Air, Land, & Sea Vacations including:

• Safaris

• Destination Weddings

• All-Inclusive Resort Vacations

• Guided Tours

• Group Travel

• Ocean, River, & Expedition Cruises

Our services are complimentary and we have more than sixty 5-Star Google Reviews!

Call today and let us help plan your next dream vacation!

(203) 429 5589

67 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT www.ExpediaCruises.com/900221

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Join our mailing list. Scan this QR code and subscribe to our email list to find out what shows we will be presenting next season, as well as early access to dates and seats. 2024/2025 Season Subscriber Packages go on sale immediately following our Annual Gala on June 7th.

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