Little Shop of Horrors FINAL by actofct

ACT OF CONNECTICUT

Katie Diamond, Executive Director Daniel C. Levine, Artistic Director presents

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Book and Lyrics by Music by Howard Ashman Alan Menken

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith starring

Robb Sapp Laura Woyasz

William Thomas Evans Kent Overshown

Kadrea Dawkins Ashley Alexandra Seldon Rachelle Legrand Jaclyn Mercer Ian Shain and Daniel C. Levine

Music Supervision by Bryan Perri

Lighting Design by Jack Mehler

Wig and Hair Design by Tommy Kurzman

Production Manager Annie Jacobs

Music Direction by P. Jason Yarcho

Costume Design by Ryan Park Prop Master Abigail Bueti

Casting by Binder Casting Justin Bohon, CSA

Scenic Design by Ryan Howell

Sound Design by John Salutz Puppeteer Thomas Bergamo

Production Stage Manager Theresa S. Carroll

Directed and Choreographed by Jason A. Sparks

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS was originally directed by Howard Ashman with musical staging by Edie Cowan

Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director)

Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) All authorized performance materials also supplied by MTI www.MTIshows.com

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT I

Prologue (Little Shop of Horrors) .........................................Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

Skid Row (Downtown) ......................................................................................... Company

Da-Doo ................................................................... Seymour, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

Grow for Me ............................................................................................................ Seymour

Ya Never Know .................................................................................... Mushnik, Seymour, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

Somewhere That’s Green ........................................................................................ Audrey Closed For Renovations ....................................................... Mushnik, Seymour, Audrey

Dentist! ........................................................................... Orin, Crystal, Ronnette, Chiffon

Mushnik and Son .................................................................................. Mushnik, Seymour

Feed Me (Git It) .................................................................................... Seymour, Audrey II, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

Now (It’s Just the Gas) ................................................................................. Orin, Seymour

ACT II

Call Back in the Morning ...................................................................... Audrey, Seymour Suddenly Seymour ................................................................................ Seymour, Audrey, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

Suppertime ............................................................ Audrey II, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

The Meek Shall Inherit ............................................................ Seymour, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette, Bernstein, Luce, Snip

Sominex / Suppertime II (Reprise)..................................................... Audrey, Audrey II Somewhere That’s Green (Reprise) .......................................................................Audrey

Finale (Don’t Feed the Plants) ........................................................................... Company

The running time of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is 2 hours, including one 15-minute intermission.

The use of theatrical haze and fog, as well as brief use of non-nicotine herbal cigarettes, is present in this production.

CAST

In Order of Appearance

Chiffon ....................................................................................................... Kadrea Dawkins

Crystal ....................................................................................... Ashley Alexandra Seldon

Ronnette ................................................................................................. Rachelle Legrand

Mr. Mushnik .................................................................................. William Thomas Evans*

Audrey ........................................................................................................... Laura Woyasz*

Seymour Krelborn ............................................................................................ Robb Sapp*

Orin, Bernstein, Luce, Snip, and Everyone Else ................................. Daniel C. Levine*

Voice Of Audrey II ................................................................................... Kent Overshown*

Ensemble, Female Swing .......................................................................... Jaclyn Mercer

Ensemble, Male Swing ...................................................................................... Ian Shain

BAND

Conductor / Piano ....................................................................................... P. Jason Yarcho

Conductor / Piano (10/31-11/3) ................................................................. Isaac Hayward

Keyboards ........................................................................................................... Tom Cuffari

Electric & Acoustic Guitars .............................................................................. Jeff Carlson

Electric Bass ................................................................................................. Arnold Gottlieb

Drums & Percussion ................................................................................... Dennis Arcano

* denotes member of Actor’s Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

Special guest star walk-on roles were auctioned off at the 2019 ACT Gala. Thanks to the generosity of several ACT supporters, the following individuals will make an appearance in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (in the role of “customer”):

October 18.....................................................................................................................Rebecca Baglio

October 25 ..............................................................................................................................Kaye Hale

October 27 ......................................................................................................................Allison Stockel

November 1 .....................................................................................................................Thomas Berta

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director / Choreographer...........................................................................Jason A. Sparks

Music Director ........................................................................................... P. Jason Yarcho

Artistic Director ....................................................................................... Daniel C. Levine

Music Supervisor .............................................................................................. Bryan Perri

Associate Music Director ........................................................................... Isaac Hayward

Scenic Designer .............................................................................................. Ryan Howell

Lighting Designer ............................................................................................ Jack Mehler

Costume Designer .............................................................................................. Ryan Park

Sound Designer ................................................................................................. John Salutz

Wig and Hair Designer ............................................................................ Tommy Kurzman

Prop Master ...................................................................................................... Abigail Bueti

Audrey II Puppeteer .............................................................................. Thomas Bergamo

Production Manager ..................................................................................... Annie Jacobs

Production Stage Manager ................................................................ Theresa S. Carroll*

Assistant Production Manager ..................................................................... Abigail Bueti

Assistant Stage Manager ....................................................................... Stephanie Brown

Production Assistant .................................................................................... Sarah Hooper

Assistant Scenic Designer ............................................................................... Daniel Allen

Assistant Lighting Designer ........................................................................... Lydia Strong

Assistant Costume Designer ...................................................................... Brenda Phelps

Assistant Prop Master ............................................................................................ Liv Kurtz

Dance Captain .......................................................................... Ashley Alexandra Seldon

Wardrobe Supervisor .......................................................................................... Alex Allyn

Dresser .......................................................................................................................Liv Kurtz

Master Electrician ............................................................................................. Lydia Strong

Light Board Operator .............................................................................. Matthew Gilbert

Audio Engineer .............................................................................................. Daniel Gonko

Audio Assistant .....................................................................................Timothy Schoeberl

Automation ....................................................................................................... Emily Larkin

Casting by ................................................................... Binder Casting, Justin Bohon CSA

Photography by ............................................................................................... Jeff Butchen

Music Contractor, Synth & Drum Programmer .................................... Dennis Arcano

Costume and Audrey II plant rental ...................................................... Cape Playhouse

Scenery provided by ..............................Hillbolic Artist + Carpentry, Silovsky Studios

Lighting provided by ............................4 Wall Entertainment, Altman Lighting Rental

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 Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine:

Say “Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!”

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. I was obsessed with the show when I was a teenager and am fairly certain that watching Steve Martin play “The Dentist” in the film, was the reason for my wanting to be a dentist when I grew up. Years later, I graduated college and then I actually went on to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. During my second year at Tufts Dental School, I auditioned for, and got cast in, LES MISERABLES. I dropped out of dental school and began my career in the theater. Fast forward a decade, and I was cast as “The Dentist” in the Broadway National Tour of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (directed by Jerry Zaks)! Certainly a “full circle” moment for me, and I went on to make a bit of a career playing that role in many productions.

When Katie Diamond, Bryan Perri, and I (along with our fantastic founding board members) were creating ACT, and understood how intimate this theater would be, we knew that LITTLE SHOP would be a perfect show for our space. I think that the show plays best in a venue like ours.

As always, we want to thank you for your patronage. Our first season was a great success, and we are very excited for what we have planned for you during this second season with LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, GODSPELL, NICKEL MINES, and FREAKY FRIDAY - and don’t forget about our incredible Broadway Unplugged series!

We continue to be blown away by this community and by your dedication and support of live theater. I am excited that you are here tonight and get to experience this gem of a musical up close and personal. And I am beyond thrilled to revisit the role that has been a huge part of my career.

Look out Ridgefield, here comes Audrey II! And whatever you do …. “don’t feed the plants!”

WHO’S WHO

Laura Woyasz (Audrey) was last seen at ACT in WORKING. Broadway: WICKED (Glinda) OffBroadway: THE MARVELOUS

WONDERETTES, ATTACK OF THE ELVIS IMPERSONATORS, MY LIFE WITH ALBERTINE. National Tours: CHEERS LIVE ON STAGE, WICKED, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, HELLO, DOLLY. Please visit www.laurawoyasz.com for more fun facts & show info! For my dog, Wally. I hope you’re somewhere that’s green. IG: Laura Woyasz

Robb Sapp (Seymour) comes directly from the North American tour of Disney’s THE LION KING, where he has performed the roles of Timon, Zazu and Ed. He was also a part of the Broadway, 1st National and Las Vegas companies of the show. Other Broadway credits include WICKED (Boq) and SHREK (Pinocchio). He has appeared off-Broadway, regionally and internationally and can be heard on 4 original cast recordings.

William Thomas Evans (Mr. Mushnik) comes to ACT directly from St. Michaels Playhouse where he played Max Prince in LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR.

Original Broadway Casts: CAMELOT (1993 Revival), THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL versions 1 and 2, and A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Recent off Broadway: DESPERATE MEASURES and THE FANTASTICKS. 2 seasons on “Alpha House” on Amazon Prime. 8 years as Santa with THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. This one’s for Craig.

Daniel C. Levine (Orin Scrivello, Bernstein, Snip, Luce, Everyone else) Broadway/ Broadway National Tours: 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 THE WHO’S TOMMY. He also originated the role of Mary Sunshine in the Broadway National tour of CHICAGO. Favorite “role” to date: co-founding and serving as Artistic Director for ACT of CT!

Kent Overshown (Voice of the Plant)

Kent is thrilled to be making his ACT of CT debut playing one of the most infamous villains of stage and screen, Audrey II! NY Theatre: PROMENADE at City Center Encores! Off-Center. Tours: THE GERSHWINS’

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PORGY AND BESS, MEMPHIS. Regional: Goodspeed Opera House, Walnut Street Theatre, Two River Theatre, Casa Mañana, The Muny, STAGES St. Louis, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Diamond Head Theatre. Immense love to fam, friends, and HCKR! Go blue!

Kadrea Dawkins (Chiffon) is thrilled to be a part of this production! She is a recent graduate from Rider University with a BFA in musical theatre. Professional credits include DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL (TheaterWorks USA). Special thanks to Binder, the creative team, Mrs. Zorn, and to her family! Endless thanks to Mom and Dad!

Rachelle Legrand (Ronnette) is excited to join ACT of Connecticut in this production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Some of her favorite roles include DREAMGIRLS (Deena), Hair (Dionne), AUSTIN THE UNSTOPPABLE (Deena), FOOTLOOSE (Wendy-Jo), TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED, AND BLACK (Young Lorraine Hansberry). She thanks God, family, and her friends for their constant love and unending support.

Ashley Alexandra Seldon (Crystal, Dance Captain) is an NYC based singer/actress. This is her first time working with ACT of CT and on one of her favorite musicals, nonetheless. Most recently, Ashley sang lead on the Celebrity Summit, backup on tour for “She Rocks!”, and in the pit for ESTHER: THE HEART OF A QUEEN. Earlier this summer Ashley also debuted her cabaret, “I’m Working On It” at The Green Room 42.

Jaclyn Mercer (Ensemble/Female Swing) is happy to be making her ACT debut! She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Connecticut State University. Regional credits: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Sharon Playhouse.) Other credits include: COMPANY (Amy), DANCING AT LUGHNASA (Maggie), THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Understudy Janet/Ensemble). Much love to her crazy supportive family! IG: @jaclyn_mercer

Ian Shain (Ensemble/Male Swing) is so excited to be making his ACT of CT debut with this quirky show! Select regional: North Shore Music Theatre, Cape Rep Theatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, New

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London Barn Playhouse, The Palace Theatre, Ivortyon Playhouse, and Sharon Playhouse. Training: NYU/ Tisch. Many thanks to Jason, Justin at Binder Casting, and the whole ACT of CT team for this opportunity. Love to my family.

Jason A. Sparks (Director/ Choreographer) Selected Director/ Choreographer credits: HELLO, DOLLY! (Teatro Insurgentes, Mexico City-Los Metros Award winner, Best Choreography), ALTAR BOYZ (Cape Playhouse), WHISKEY & RYE (NCL), THE RIVALS (The York Theatre). Choreographer: GYPSY (Cape Playhouse), Roundabout Theatre Company’s 51st Anniversary Gala, PROPAGANDA! (NYMF Best Choreography Award). Broadway Associate/Assistant: KISS ME, KATE (Studio 54) HELLO, DOLLY! starring Bette Midler (Shubert Theatre), SHE LOVES ME (Studio 54), AFTER MIDNIGHT (Brooks Atkinson), SOMETHING TO DANCE ABOUT (New York City Ballet). Associate Choreographer: “68th Annual Tony Awards” starring Hugh Jackman and the “69th Annual Tony Awards” starring Kristen Chenoweth and Alan Cumming, A CHRISTMAS STORY (National Tour), COTTON CLUB PARADE (City Center Encores!). Associate Director/ Choreographer: AFTER MIDNIGHT (Norwegian Cruise Lines). This spring Jason will be returning to Mexico City to choreograph CABARET with famed Mexican film director Francisco Franco. Jason is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. @JasonASparks. www. JasonASparks.net

P. Jason Yarcho (Music Director) Broadway: WICKED, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, SHUFFLE ALONG, OR THE MAKING OF THE MUSICAL SENSATION OF 1921 AND ALL THAT FOLLOWED, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. Musical Director/Conductor for both the first and second National Tours of WICKED, BRIGHT STAR, and FALSETTOS. Regional/Off Bway: CAGNEY, The Obie Awards, Papermill Playhouse, Playwrights Horizons, The Muny, Barrington Stage Company, Cincinnati Pops. Masters Degree in Orchestral Conducting from CCM.

Daniel C. Levine (Artistic Director) Daniel is thrilled to serve as Artistic Director of ACT of CT. Daniel is the creator, producer, and director of BROADWAY BACKSTAGE!, DANCIN’ BROADWAY, and AMERICAN DANCE SPECTACULAR! – all which have toured throughout the U.S. He is the creator and director of BORN TO DANCE, a multi-media production performed throughout the fleet of ships on Princess Cruise Lines, in collaboration with Stephen Schwartz. Daniel serves as Artistic Advisor for The Ridgefield Playhouse Broadway & Cabaret Series in Ridgefield, CT and has directed TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and AN EVENING WITH JOEL GREY at The Playhouse. He is also the founder and Executive Director of Big Apple Tutoring, LLC - one of Manhattan’s largest academic educational firms. Daniel is a Commissioner for Ridgefield’s Conservation Commission, where he plays an active role in maintaining Ridgefield’s Open Spaces. He

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graduated Brandeis University and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. At ACT of CT, Daniel has directed MAMMA MIA!, EVITA (for which he won the 2018 Broadway World CT Best Director of a Musical Award), and WORKING (which he re-conceived with Stephen Schwartz and will serve as a template for future productions at other regional theatres). Upcoming projects include JAGGED LITTLE PILL (opening on Broadway in 2019/2020). Daniel, along with his husband Bryan Perri (ACT Resident Music Supervisor) and Katie Diamond (ACT Executive Director) could not be more proud of the ACT of CT team’s mission of “Bringing Broadway to Ridgefield!”

Bryan Perri (Resident Music Supervisor) Bryan is currently working alongside Alanis Morissette, Tom Kitt, and Diane Paulus on the upcoming Broadway bound musical JAGGED LITTLE PILL (opening on Broadway this November), where he serves as the show’s Music Director. He also recently served as Music Director for the Broadway bound production of ALMOST FAMOUS at San Diego’s Old Globe Theater. Other credits as Music Director include the Broadway productions of WICKED, CHAPLIN, and the Broadway National Tour of NEXT TO NORMAL (starring TONY Winner Alice Ripley). Bryan also Music Directed SUPERHERO, DOGFIGHT and VANITIES all at 2nd Stage Theater off Broadway. 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. He was also Music Director for the National Tour of ALTAR BOYZ, and was

the arranger, orchestrator and Music Director on BORN TO DANCE (a show currently on the fleet of ships on Princess Cruises in association with Stephen Schwartz and created by Daniel C. Levine). Bryan is also Music Director and arranger for Aaron Tveit and Lindsay Mendez, performing with them in venues across the country. Along with his husband Daniel C Levine, Bryan is a proud founding member of ACT of Connecticut and also serves as their Resident Music Supervisor. He has supervised and music directed numerous events and productions (at ACT) including his own Broadway Unplugged Series. Bryan is thrilled to be a part of Ridgefield’s vibrant and thriving artistic community and looks forward to continuing to build community through the vital art form of live theater.

Isaac Hayward (Associate Music Director) Isaac is a young award-winning Australian music director, multi-instrumentalist and arranger. He recently made his Broadway debut as the assistant conductor and co-electronic music designer for KING KONG. His other credits include music supervisor, orchestrator and additional music composer for MURIEL’S WEDDING (Sydney Theatre Company & Global Creatures, Helpmann and Sydney Theatre Awards), music director and additional orchestrations for LADIES IN BLACK (Queensland Theatre Company, Helpmann nomination), music direction for THE RABBITS (Opera Australia), conductor for THE MIKADO (New Zealand Opera), and music director for his UK debut with THE SECRET RIVER (National Theatre, London).

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Ryan Howell (Scenic Designer)

Broadway (Associate): LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS (Studio 54), ECLIPSED (The Golden Theater), Off-Broadway: PRETTY HUNGER, TEENAGE DICK (The Public Theatre), ADORATION OF THE OLD WOMAN (INTAR), POLKADOTS (Atlantic Theater Company), ALL OVER THE MAP (The Lion Theater), PROPAGANDA! THE MUSICAL (NYMF). Regional: ARIADNE AUX NAXOS (Cincinnati Opera), IDOMENEO (WolfTrap Opera), A FEW GOOD MEN (Pittsburgh Public Theater), LIGHTS OUT: NAT KING COLE (The Geffen Playhouse, People’s Light Theater), LOVING VS. VIRGINIA (Williamstown), EVITA (Westport Country Playhouse), ALTAR BOYZ (The Cape Playhouse), MATILDA, THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, DREAMGIRLS, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE…, PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT, ROCK OF AGES, HAND TO GOD (Playhouse on the Square), NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, ROCK OF AGES, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Summer Repertory Theater); Film/TV (Asst. Art Director): “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”- Season 2 (Netflix), “The Affair” - Season 2 (Showtime), “Gotham” - Season 5 (Fox). www.ryanmhowell.com / Instagram: @ryanmhowell

Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer) is proud to be a founding board member of ACT of CT. He designed scenery and lighting for MAMMA MIA!, EVITA, and WORKING, and scenery for ...SPELLING BEE, receiving BroadwayWorld Connecticut scenery and lighting awards for EVITA. He received the 2012 Korean Musical Theatre Award (Korean Tony) for ELISABETH and the

2013 award for REBECCA; a 2018 Gypsy Rose Lee (Seattle) nomination for his work on (IM)PULSE; and IRNE nominations for JEKYLL AND HYDE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, NINE and CAMELOT, all at North Shore Music Theatre. He lit Daniel C. Levine’s BORN TO DANCE for Princess Cruises/Stephen Schwartz, currently running on four ships all around the world. Other theatre work 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 Arts organizations designing and renovating performance spaces.

Ryan Park (Costume Design) ARIADNE (Cincinnati Opera), LITTLE SHOP (The Cape Playhouse), CABARET (Boston Conservatory), LATINXOXO (Joe’s Pub), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Drury Lane), ALTAR BOYZ (The Cape Playhouse), THE GERANIUM ON THE WINDOWSILL…(Flint Youth Theater), JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING... (Drury Lane), A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE! (Gershwin Entertainment), SIMON DAWES BECOMES A PLANET (Time Shared Productions). Ryan has been the associate/assistant designer on twenty Broadway productions including MY FAIR LADY (LCT), WAR PAINT, THE KING AND I (LCT), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GIGI, and THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, as well as operas at The Chicago Lyric, The English National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, and The New York Philharmonic. TV and short film: “Are You Joking?” (The

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Battery Co.), “Sign” (Iris Prize), NBC Upfronts, and “The Sound of Music Live” and “Peter Pan Live!” He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. RyanParkDesign.com

John Salutz (Sound Design) is a New York based Lighting and Sound Designer. His work has been seen and heard in New York at the York Theatre Co., Ensemble Studio Theatre, Urban Stages, Queens Theatre in the Park, the Tank, Hard Sparks, Atlantic Acting School, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, as well as regionally at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Connecticut Ballet, Argyle Theatre, ACT of Connecticut, Southeastern Regional Ballet Association, Centenary Stage Co., Southeast Alabama Dance Co., and Provincetown Theater. Additional information can be found at: www.johnsalutzdesigns.com

Tommy Kurzman (Wig/Hair Design) Most recently designed wigs and makeup for the NYC revival of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Broadway (Makeup): ALL MY SONS, TRUE WEST, ST. JOAN, MY FAIR LADY, LITTLE FOXES, LONG DAY’S JOURNEY, BRIGHT STAR, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THÉRÈSE RAQUIN. Off-Broadway: MCC. The Public, MTC, NWS. Regional: Resident Ensemble Players, Cape Playhouse, Sig. VA, MSM, D.C., BCS. Associate Hair Designer on over 15 Broadway productions. @TommyKurzmanWigs

Abigail Bueti (Prop Master) Abigail is a recent graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelors in Theatre Design and Technology. She has worked on many shows there

including CRAZY FOR YOU, THE WILD PARTY, EVITA and The 25TH ANNUAL... SPELLING BEE. For her work on SPELLING BEE she won The Barbizon Award for Scene Design from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Abby is thankful to have started a new position here at ACT as the assistant production manager and to be able to also work creatively as a props master and designer!

Thomas Bergamo (Puppeteer)

Thomas is overjoyed to be back at ACT! Previously Tom assistant stage managed ACT’s first production, MAMMA MIA! Since then, Thomas has graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from WCSU. This summer Tom was in residence at Connecticut Repertory Theatre for the Nutmeg Summer series. Regional credits include: CABARET (Herman/Kit Kat boy), MAMMA MIA! (Ensemble), BIG RIVER (Dance Captain/Ensemble). Much love to Dan and the ACT family for welcoming me back :) IG @tombergamo; www.thomasbergamo.com

Annie Jacobs (Production Manager)

Annie is proud to have served as Production Manager of ACT of CT for its first full season. She joined ACT after spending the past 12 years in Queens, NY. Her work there includes 4 years as production manager for Queens Theatre, a performing arts center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and 9 seasons at APAC in Astoria, NY where she production managed 40 shows including FOLLIES, ALLEGRO, CHILDREN OF EDEN, and HUMAN COMEDY. Previous to that she worked at Showman Fabricators in production management

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followed by project management. There she worked on Broadway’s LITTLE MERMAID, SWEENEY TODD, 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, television’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”, “Dr. Oz”, Disney World’s “American Idol Experience” and many others. Annie has her BFA from the Theatre School at DePaul University and her MFA from the School of Drama at Yale University.

Theresa S. Carroll (Production Stage Manager) is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University and a current resident of New Fairfield, CT. Including her work with ACT, some of her recent Stage Management credits include: THE PINK UNICORN (PSM) at Out of the Box Theatrics, NYC; ALL OUR CHILDREN (Company Manager) at The Sheen Center, NYC; WORKING (ASM) at ACT of CT; EASTBOUND (PSM) at the NY Theatre Barn, NYC. Previous credits include: HOW THE WESTONS WON (PSM) at Out of The Box Theatrics, NYC; RIPCORD (PSM) at Seven Angels Theatre, CT; EVITA (ASM) at ACT of CT; OUR TOWN (PSM), TWELFTH NIGHT (PSM) and TAMING OF THE SHREW (PSM) for Valley Shakespeare Festival, CT; and UNDER THE LID (ASM) at Theatre Row, NYC. In addition to stage managing Theresa works as an Arts Administrator; producing and company managing productions across CT and NYC while continuing to work as a Stage Management mentor.

Stephanie L. Brown (Assistant Stage Manager) Stephanie is a recent graduate of Western Connecticut State University and is very happy to return

to ACT. Her most recent ACT credit is WORKING (Dresser). Other credits include Off-Broadway’s THE WHITE DEVIL and MACBETH (Deck Supervisor).

Sarah Hooper (Production Assistant) is a recent graduate from Western Connecticut State University with a BA in Theatre Arts: Technology/Design. Recent credits include: HENRY VIII (assistant stage manager) and TWELFTH NIGHT (assistant stage manager). Other credits include: stage manager for Downtown Cabaret’s Main Stage 2018-2019 season (LEGALLY BLONDE, ANNIE, GEORGE ORWELL’S: 1984, SISTER ACT, and THE FULL MONTY). She trained with Shakespeare on the Sound as a stage management apprentice in 2016 and is a member of the EMC program.

Katie Diamond (Executive Director) is honored to be a founding member and to serve as the Executive Director of ACT. As a singer, actor, writer, and producer, Katie Diamond has written, produced, and/or performed in numerous musical theatre and cabaret shows over the past twenty years. Broadway and tour performing credits include: Lorraine in JERSEY BOYS, THE PIRATE QUEEN (understudy for Stephanie J. Block), WHITE CHRISTMAS, and THE WEDDING BANQUET. As a producer/performer, Katie has had the pleasure of working with Daniel C. Levine on THE WHO’S TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, all presented at the Ridgefield Playhouse, as well as MAMMA MIA!, EVITA, WORKING, AUSTEN’S PRIDE, and ...SPELLING BEE, which

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were all presented at ACT. She has also written, produced, and performed in three cabaret shows in NYC; SECONDARY CHARACTERS, ALL KNOCKED UP, and TYPED OUT. Katie has released two solo albums, Original Passion and Down by the Riverside, and can be heard on THE PIRATE QUEEN original cast recording. A certified Music Together teacher, and lifelong advocate of arts education, Katie is thrilled that ACT is able to offer such wonderful classes for the youth of our community. After graduating with a bachelor of music in vocal performance from New England Conservatory of Music, Katie lived and worked in Seattle before moving to NYC in 2005. In 2014, she relocated to Ridgefield, CT with her husband Bill Diamond and their three children. She is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and The National Alliance for Musical Theatre.

Howard Ashman (Book & Lyrics)

Best known as a pivotal creative mind behind the renaissance of Disney animation and his work on THE LITTLE MERMAID, ALADDIN AND BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (which is dedicated to, “Our friend, Howard Ashman, who gave a Mermaid her voice and a Beast his soul...”) Ashman’s first love was theater. Ashman was a founder of off off Broadway’s renowned WPA Theater, where he conceived, wrote and directed God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, as well as the classic musical, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (both music by Alan Menken). In 1986, he wrote and directed the Broadway musical SMILE (music by Marvin Hamlisch). Lamented as a lost treasure of the 1980’s the-

ater scene, Smile remains popular on High School and College campuses throughout the country. Howard Ashman died in 1991 from complications of AIDS. For more information, please visit howardashman.com.

Alan Menken (Music) Theater: GOD BLESS YOU MR ROSEWATER, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, REAL LIFE FUNNIES, ATINA: EVIL QUEEN OF THE GALAXY, KICKS, THE APPRENTICESHIP OF DUDDY KRAVITZ, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, WEIRD ROMANCE, KING DAVID, DER GLÖCKNER VON NOTRE DAME, THE LITTLE MERMAID, SISTER ACT, LEAP OF FAITH, ALADDIN AND NEWSIES. FILM: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, NEWSIES, ALADDIN, POCAHONTAS, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, HERCULES, LIFE WITH MIKEY, LINCOLN, HOME ON THE RANGE, NOEL, ENCHANTED, SHAGGY DOG, TANGLED AND MIRROR MIRROR. SONGS: ROCKY V, HOME ALONE 2 and CAPTAIN AMERICA. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London’s Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Binder Casting (Casting) Founded by Jay Binder, CSA in 1984. Binder has cast over 80 Broadway productions, dozens of National Tours, several off-Broadway

WHO’S WHO

shows, workshops and labs, in addition to seasons for over twenty-five regional theatres around the country. Broadway highlights include: DISNEY’S THE LION KING (all North American casting), IN TRANSIT, DAMES AT SEA, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER, NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, BORN YESTERDAY, THE MIRACLE WORKER, FINIAN’S RAINBOW, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, A CHORUS LINE, GYPSY, THE 39 STEPS, WHITE CHRISTMAS, IS HE DEAD?, INHERIT THE WIND, JOURNEY’S END, BUTLEY, VIRGINIA WOOLF, SWEET CHARITY, WONDERFUL TOWN, MOVIN’ OUT, 42ND STREET, THE MUSIC MAN, THE ICEMAN COMETH, …CHARLIE BROWN, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO, CHICAGO, THE KING AND I, DAMN YANKEES, LOST IN YONKERS, JAKE’S WOMEN, JEROME ROBBINS’ BROADWAY, THE GOODBYE GIRL, among others. Film/TV highlights: DREAMGIRLS, CHICAGO, NINE, HAIRSPRAY, CAROUSEL (PBS/NY Phil), Six by Sondheim (HBO) and “Encores! At City Center” since its inception in 1994. Twelve–time Artios Award winner and the recipient of the Rosie Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. Part of RWS Entertainment Group. www.bindercasting.com

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker,

MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.

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 is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Equity theatre located in Ridgefield, CT. Founded and led by Katie Diamond, Daniel C. Levine, and Bryan Perri, ACT of CT presents limited en-

WHO’S WHO

gagement runs of well-known Broadway musicals and plays, as well as world-premiere productions by the next generation of writers and composers. ACT of CT was honored with 11 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards in 2018-2019, its inaugural season. The theatre company produces three shows per season, including one show in the “Presenting Stephen Schwartz!” Series (honoring ACT Artistic Advisor, Stephen Schwartz). All shows feature both Broadway stars and local Fairfield and Westchester County talent. In addition to fully produced Mainstage productions, ACT of CT hosts a New Works Series, The Broadway Unplugged Series, youth education classes, masterclasses, camps, workshops, and a conservatory program for high school students. Visit actofct.org for further information.

ACT of CONNECTICUT STAFF

Executive Director ..................Katie Diamond

Artistic Director ................... Daniel C. Levine

General Manager ............ Heather M. Porter

Music Supervisor .......................... Bryan Perri

Dir. of Production ...................... Annie Jacobs

Dir. of Education .................. Heather Hillman

Dir. of Development .................. Shelley Terry

Company Mgmt. .......................... Mary Joyce Aaron Klein

Education Coord. .................. Carolyn Savoia

Poster Design ................................. Max Cove

Marketing Design ..........................Katie Gallo Peter Pasquerello

Social Media ...................................Katie Gallo

Public Relations .........................Amanda Duff

Patron Services Coord. ............... Aaron Klein

Front of House Staff .............. Emma Giorgio, Katie Girardot, Jamie Leo, Kayla Murphy, Sam Rogers, Dominick Ventrella

Special Thanks to:

Emma Giorgio, Mary Jones, Ethan Karas, Lew Mead, Josh Samuels, Bill Shea, Michael Patrick Walker

3/19/20-3/29/20 FREAKY FRIDAY 5/14/20-6/14/20

Visit actofct.org to reserve your tickets today!

SEASON TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! GODSPELL 2/6/20-3/8/20 NICKEL MINES

ACT of Connecticut

Board of Directors

Katie Diamond, President

Daniel C. Levine, VP

Truitt Bell, Treasurer

Heather Hillman, Secretary

Rebecca Baglio

Kristin Beylouni

Betsy Brand

Mary E. Joyce

Caroline Kellen

Jack Mehler

Christina Millar

Trish Minskoff

Larry Morley

Bryan Perri

Michael Seelbach

Frank Selvaggi

Bill Shea

ACT of Connecticut

Advisory Board

Susan Batten

Al Blackstone

Beowulf Boritt

Christian Borle

Bill Diamond

Caite Hevner

Tom Kitt

Lindsay Mendez

Alan Menken

Stephen Schwartz

2019 - 2020 Sponsors

Season Sponsors

Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation

Diamond Properties

Anita & Nick Donofrio

Fairfield County Bank

Goldstone Family Foundation

HamletHub

LaQuinta by Wyndham

Danbury

Diamond Sponsors

The Bennett Family TownVibe

UBS Private Wealth

Management - Shantz

Mantione Group

Rose Gold Sponsors

Wendy & Bill Beurket

Gold Sponsors

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa

Bareburger

Gallo Ristorante

Heather Hillman & Jack Whalen

Robert & Gerri Lewis

Tom & Tizzie Mantione

The M&T Charitable Foundation

The Trevisani Famiily

Whip Salon

Silver Sponsors

Russ & Holly Neumann

Nutmeg Livery Service

Rodier Flowers

Volvo Cars, Danbury

Sensory Friendly Series

Little Shop of Horrors FINAL

ACT OF CONNECTICUT