Working FINAL

ACT of Connecticut Ridgefield, CT

Katie Diamond, Executive Director

Daniel C. Levine, Artistic Director

WORKING A Musical

From the book by STUDS TERKEL

Adapted by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ and NINA FASO

with

Songs

CARNELIA MICKI GRANT LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA

MARY RODGERS AND SUSAN BIRKENHEAD

STEPHEN SCHWARTZ JAMES TAYLOR with Brad Greer

Monica Ramirez

Choreography by Chip Abbott

Scenic and Lighting Design by Jack Mehler

Casting by

Music Supervisor Bryan Perri

Media Design by Caite Hevner

Music Director Dan Pardo

Sound Design by John Salutz

Laura Woyasz

Costume Design by Brenda Phelps

Wig Design and Hair Supervision by Liz Printz

Production Manager Production

Binder Casting Annie Jacobs Stage Manager

Justin Bohon, CSA Michael Seelbach

Orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire

Directed by Daniel C. Levine

Cast Members

Man 1 Brad Greer*

Man 2 André Jordan*

Man 3 Cooper Grodin*

Woman 1 Monica Ramirez*

Woman 2 Zuri Washington*

Woman 3 Laura Woyasz*

Local Ridgefield Workers Wayne Bates, Antoinette Casubolo, Kenneth Choi, Harrison Cluney, Antonio De Mello, Anastasia Kakaveli, Jake O'Brien, Oscar Recinos, Natasha Rocha, Rosely Servedio

Understudies

Swing for all Men

Swing for all Women

Conductor / Keyboard

Electric and Acoustic Guitars

Electric and Acoustic Bass

Orchestra

William Strong

Chrissy Pardo

Dan Pardo

Matt Hinkley

Arnold Gottlieb

Drums and Percussion Dennis Arcano

* indicates member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

The 2019 ACT of Connecticut production of WORKING was adapted and conceived by Daniel C. Levine

MUSICAL NUMBERS

All The Livelong Day ………………………………………………………....................….…….Company (Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, with acknowledgments to Walt Whitman)

Delivery ………………………………………………………..………....................…Man 2 and Company (Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda)

Nobody Tells Me How ………………………………………………………............................Woman 3 (Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, Music by Mary Rodgers)

Brother Trucker ……………………………………………………………..………….....Man 1 and Company (Music and Lyrics by James Taylor)

Just A Housewife ……………………………………………………….................Woman 2 and Women (Music and Lyrics by Craig Carnelia)

Millwork ……………………………………………………………....................…Woman 1 and Company (Music and Lyrics by James Taylor)

The Mason ……………………………………………………………………….........................………..Man 1 (Music and Lyrics by Craig Carnelia)

It's An Art ………………………………………………………………..............….Woman 3 and Company (Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz)

Joe ………………………………………………………………………………….…...........................…...Man 3 (Music and Lyrics by Craig Carnelia)

A Very Good Day ……………………………………………………………..............Man 2 and Woman 2 (Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda)

Cleanin' Women ………………………………………………………...........……..Woman 1 and Women (Music and Lyrics by Micki Grant)

Fathers and Sons ……………………………………………………………….................…Man 3 and Men (Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz)

If I Could've Been ……………………………………………………….....................…………….Company (Music and Lyrics by Micki Grant)

Something To Point To ……………………………………………………………......................Company (Music and Lyrics by Craig Carnelia)

Setting: Ridgefield, CT Present Day

WORKING is performed without an intermission.

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director Daniel C. Levine

Choreographer Chip Abbott

Music Supervisor Bryan Perri

Music Director Dan Pardo

Scenic and Lighting Designer Jack Mehler

Costume Designer Brenda Phelps

Sound Designer John Salutz

Media Designer Caite Hevner

Assistant Media Designer Brian Pacelli

Props Coordinator Liz Brozski

Wig and Hair Designer Liz Printz

Projection Technician Jon Bremmer

Assistant to Projection Technician Case Watson

Videography Go Show Entertainment, LLC

Production Manager Annie Jacobs

Production Stage Manager Michael Seelbach*

Assistant Stage Manager Theresa S. Carroll*

Assistant to Choreographer Rachael MacIsaac Myers

Assistant to Music Director Daniela Sikora

Music Contractor, Synth & Drum Programmer Dennis Arcano

Dance Captain Laura Woyasz*

Master Electrician Katie Whittemore

Audio Engineer Dan Gonko

Audio Assistant Natalie Houle

Automation Matt Gilbert

Deck Crew Matt Granelli

Wardrobe Supervisor Jaclyn Mercer

Wardrobe Assistant Jessica Bowe

Production Assistant Emilia Getzinger

PRODUCTION STAFF

(continued)

Casting by Binder Casting, Justin Bohon CSA Scene Shop Silovsky Studios

Lighting equipment supplied by Altman Lighting Projections supplied by Lucid, World Stages Wig Station supplied by Adam Broderick Salon & Spa

ACT of CONNECTICUT STAFF

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

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

Director of Production .................................................................... Annie Jacobs

Director of Communications ...................................................... Heather M. Porter

Director of Education .................................................................. Heather Hillman

Director of Development .................................................. Carole Keogh McLemore

Company Management .................................................... Mary Joyce, Aaron Klein

Patron Services Coordinator ............................................................... Aaron Klein

Front of House Staff ................................................ Emma Giorgio, Caleigh Lozito Chrissy Pardo, Howard Hendrix Powell

Marketing Design ..................................................................... Peter Pasquerello

Poster Design .................................................................................. Kate Ducey

Education Coordinator ....................................................................... Emily Gray

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

WORKING in Ridgefield

–

A note from our director,

Daniel C. Levine

The score to Stephen Schwartz’s WORKING has always been one of my favorites. I remember as a kid, listening to the original cast recording so frequently and so loudly that my brother (who was not interested in musical theater) actually knew all of the lyrics to “Just A Housewife” by heart. The music elicits so many feeling and emotions, and captures the “story” of each of the show’s characters so perfectly.

Stephen’s brilliant idea to enlist other notable composers (like James Taylor, Micki Grant, and Craig Carnelia) to contribute songs to his show certainly added to the authenticity and diversity of this raw and thoughtprovoking score. The musical was adapted from Studs Terkel’s 1974 book entitled Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do. Terkel conducted over 130 interviews with American workers and shined a light on their hopes, dreams, and struggles.

When we decided that I would direct WORKING this season at ACT, I began researching today’s workforce. I wanted to better understand how today’s workers view their jobs and careers, as compared to past decades. Similar to what Terkel did in the 1970’s, I personally began interviewing local Ridgefield workers to gain insight. This was a fascinating, eyeopening, inspiring, and sometimes heartbreaking exercise, and the one common thread that I learned from my interviewing these Ridgefield workers was that people want to be recognized and appreciated for their work. Simply put, they are proud of what they do! I had the idea to include many of these interviews in our production of WORKING. That meant some re-conceiving and restructuring of the original show. Stephen graciously allowed me to run with this idea, and the result is the performance that you are about to see.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what the waitress at Dimitri’s Diner thinks about, or where the man cutting away branches from the power lines on Main Street came from, or why the lady behind the register at CVS is always smiling, or what the owner of Tony’s Deli dreams about – you’re about to find out.

Welcome to WORKING.

THANK YOU!

Katie Diamond and Daniel C. Levine, the co-founders of ACT of Connecticut, and the entire ACT team, are extremely grateful for the

Bates Limo, Bart's Tree Service, Matt Bartelme, Betsy Brand, Kristin Beylouni, Aryn Cluney, Tamara Colombero, CVS, Bill and Jim Diamond, Dimitri's Diner, Ira Joe Fisher, Rudy Marconi, M&W Landscaping, Ridgefield Fire Department, RVNA, Daniela Sikora & Keitha Kinne, Swiss Welding LLC, and Tony's Corner Deli.

Brad Greer* as Man 1

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (National Tour). OffBroadway/NY: JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA (The New Group), Bernstein's MASS (Lincoln Center), I AM HARVEY MILK (Lincoln Center). Regional: LES MISERABLES (Marius), LEGALLY BLONDE (Emmett), GREASE (Johnny Casino, Danny u/s), JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT (Simeon). Brad is also a proud member of The Broadway Boys and can be heard on their upcoming album, A New Broadway. BFA Musical Theatre, University of the Arts. IG: @bagreer

André

Jordan* as Man 2

is thrilled to be returning ACT of Connecticut, after playing Eddie in MAMMA MIA! earlier this season. National Tours: SHREK THE MUSICAL (Donkey), JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT (Zebulun), LEGALLY BLONDE (Carlos), Regional: SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE (Riverside Theatre), SHREK THE MUSICAL (PCLO), AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Phoenix Theatre), JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT (Ogunquit). Check him out in the hit web series “The Queens Project” on YouTube. André wants to thank Daniel C. Levine & the ACT family for this opportunity. IG: @manchair5

Cooper Grodin* as

Man 3

is proud to make his ACT debut! Title role in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA National Tour, LES MISERABLES National Tour, THE BAND’S VISIT Lab directed by Hal Prince, Shakespeare In The Park’s INTO THE WOODS with music direction by Paul Gemignani, Rooster in ANNIE at Papermill Playhouse, Drama Desk Nominated THE GOLDEN LAND, ABC’s “Deception”. Cooper’s original album It’s The Little Things is available on ITunes. With The Price Group. IG: @CooperGrodinOfficial

Monica Ramirez* as Woman

1

Monica is thrilled to be back at ACT of CT after such a succesful run of EVITA. Off-Broadway: A NEVER ENDING LINE, SINGLE RIDER. TV: “Elementary”, “Madam Secretary”. She is a proud alumna of Ball State University. Love to her family, WAM, and everyone at ACT! ¡Pase lo que pase! IG: @monicatuliaramirez

WHO'S WHO

Zuri Washington*

as Woman 2

is a Bronx native who is excited to make her debut at ACT of CT in WORKING after a love affair with Stephen Schwartz's musicals as a kid. National tours: BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL (Danielle) and MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL (Felicia Farrell). Other credits include DREAMGIRLS (Deena Jones) and SISTER ACT (Deloris). She is a proud member of AEA. www.zuri-washington.com or IG: @zuriwithafringeontop

Laura Woyasz*

as Woman 3

was last seen as Melanie Norton in GRUMPY OLD MEN with Hal Linden and Sally Struthers. Broadway: WICKED (Glinda). OffBroadway: THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, ATTACK OF THE ELVIS IMPERSONATORS, MY LIFE WITH ALBERTINE, and COME BLOW YOUR HORN. National Tours: WICKED, CHEERS LIVE ON STAGE, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, JAMES JOYCE’S THE DEAD, HELLO, DOLLY! A CT native, Laura is so grateful to make her debut at ACT! www.laura-woyasz.com, IG: @laurawoyasz

William Strong as Swing for all Men

is thrilled to making his ACT debut! A graduate of Muhlenberg College, Will is originally from Stamford, CT and is happy to be returning home. His favorite regional credits include Tony in WEST SIDE STORY (Wilton Playshop), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Music Theatre of Connecticut) and PARADE (White Plains Performing Arts Center). Much thanks to M&D, Kate and Buddy for their guidance, love and support.

Chrissy Pardo as Swing for all Women

Chrissy is a NYC actor and musician, originally from Nockamixon Township, PA. Past credits include Patty/Maxine/Laverne understudy in Montgomery Theater's production of SISTERS OF SWING. Chrissy is an active member of the National Asian Artists' Project, promoting the careers of Asian Americans in theater, and has appeared in their concerts and cabarets. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, EAM, KK, and DP.

WHO'S WHO

Daniel C. Levine (Director, Artistic Director) Daniel C. Levine is thrilled to serve as Artistic Director of ACT of CT. MAMMA MIA! (directed by Daniel) was the inaugural production in ACT’s brand new theater. Daniel has appeared on Broadway and in the Broadway National Tours of: MAMMA MIA!, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Tony Nomination For Best Revival), CHICAGO, LES MISERABLES, and TOMMY. Daniel was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical –League of American Theaters and Producers, for his role as Cousin Kevin in THE WHO’S TOMMY. He also originated the role of Mary Sunshine in the Broadway National tour of CHICAGO. Daniel has worked extensively across the country and has been seen in: OKLAHOMA! (5th Avenue,Seattle), NEXT TO NORMAL (Seven Angels Theater), GUYS & DOLLS (The Ordway Theater, Minneapolis), COMPANY (5th Avenue,Seattle), MAN OF LA MANCHA (Cleveland Playhouse), SWEET CHARITY (West Virginia Public), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (North Carolina Theater and Kansas City Starlight), JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (North Shore Music Theater, Boston), and EVITA (Music Theater of CT). Daniel is the creator, producer, and director of BROADWAY BACKSTAGE! and DANCIN’ BROADWAY – currently touring throughout the U.S. His show, AMERICAN DANCE SPECTACULAR! opened in the Fall of 2017. Daniel is the creator and director of BORN TO DANCE – a multi-media production performed throughout the fleet of ships on Princess Cruise Lines, in collaboration with Stephen Schwartz. Daniel also serves as Artistic Advisor for The Ridgefield Playhouse Broadway & Cabaret Series in Ridgefield, CT and has directed TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at The Playhouse. He is also the founder and Executive Director of Big Apple Tutoring, LLC –one of Manhattan’s largest academic educational firms. Daniel is a commissioner for Ridgefield’s Conservation Commission, where he plays an active role in maintaining Ridgefield’s Open Spaces. He graduated Brandeis University and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Daniel directed ACT’s critically successful production of EVITA, for which he won the 2018 Broadway World CT Best Director of a Musical Award. 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!”.

Chip Abbott (Choreographer) is a director, choreographer, and dancer based out of New York City. Chip made his Broadway debut in ON THE TOWN and was assistant choreographer, dance captain and swing to the Emmy Award winning Joshua Bergasse (Tony Nominee 2015 for ON THE TOWN). As a director Chip created the IAAPA Brass Ring Award-winning “Dance, Dance, Dance, Heartbeat” at Hershey Park (Best Theatrical Production Worldwide). He has also directed numerous shows for HersheyPark and Azamara Club Cruises in addition to choreographing for Step One Dance Company on Holland America Line. He was assistant director/ choreographer to Tony Yazbeck on the YoungArts Gala 2017 and recently assisted Josh Bergasse with “Bernstein at 100” starring Misty Copeland at Wolf Trap with the National Symphony Orchestra, and at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Chip was associate choreographer of ON THE TOWN at San Francisco Symphony. He was most recently seen as a performer in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY on Broadway. 1st national tours: R+H’s CINDERELLA, JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT dir. by Andy Blankenbuehler. NYC theatre: THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. TV/Film: “The Tony Awards” on CBS, “Today Show”, Avon’s “Boss Life,” British Vogue, and MAC Cosmetics. He is a member of guest faculty at Steps and Broadway Dance Center in New York City and has taught master classes in schools across the country including Oklahoma City University, Point Park University, the Boston Conservatory, and University of Central Oklahoma. Keep an eye out for Chip in the New Line Cinema film Isn’t It Romantic?! starring Rebel Wilson coming to theaters Feb 14 2019. www.chipabbott.com IG: @chipstergram

WHO'S WHO

Bryan Perri (Resident Music Supervisor) is both thrilled and honored to be a founding member and resident music supervisor of ACT of Connecticut, which brings the vital art form of professional theater to Ridgefield. Along with his husband Daniel C Levine and executive producer Katie Diamond, he is honored to be a part of Ridgefield’s vibrant artistic community. Bryan recently finished a five year run as music director and conductor of the Broadway production of WICKED. He is currently music director for SUPERHERO, having its world premiere Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater. He is also very excited to be music director for the Broadway-bound JAGGED LITTLE PILL, which premiered this spring at The American Repertory Theater (the ART) in Boston. Other credits as Music Director include: CHAPLIN (Broadway), DOGFIGHT, VANITIES - both Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater, Disney's FREAKY FRIDAY (musical supervisor, Signature Theater) and can be heard on each show’s respective cast albums. He was also Music Director for the first national tours of NEXT TO NORMAL, and ALTAR BOYZ as well as BORN TO DANCE (Arranger, Orchestrator and Music Director) -a new show premiering on Princess Cruises in association with Stephen Schwartz. Bryan also serves as Music Director and arranger for Lindsay Mendez as well as Aaron Tveit who recently performed at the American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center. In Ridgefield, he has Music Directed concerts of THE WHO’S TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, JOSEPH..DREAMCOAT, as well as evenings with Stephen Schwartz and Joel Grey. Thank you to all the residents of Ridgefield who believe that theater and the arts matter!

Dan Pardo (Music Director) is happy to be sharing the ACT stage with his wife, actor/musician Chrissy Pardo. Broadway: AMAZING GRACE (Nederlander). Off-Broadway: THE OFFICE! A MUSICAL PARODY (Jerry Orbach), FOUND (Atlantic), SOOT AND SPIT (New Ohio), ROTHSCHILD AND SONS (York), and SKIPPYJON JONES: SNOW WHAT?! (Lucille Lortel). Other NYC credits include numerous workshop productions and concerts, including COME FROM AWAY at NAMT and STEPCHILD at LPAC. Dan's regional favorites include FUN HOME at the Weston Playhouse, COMPANY at Barrington Stage, and HOW TO SUCCEED... at the 5th Avenue Theatre, plus his 20+ shows at Goodspeed Musicals. Dan been producing a weekly web series, Pardo's Turn, since early June.

Jack Mehler (Scenic and Lighting Designer) is proud to be a founding board member of ACT of CT. He designed Scenery and Lighting for MAMMA MIA! and EVITA, receiving BroadwayWorld Connecticut 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) award for his work on (IM)PULSE; and IRNE nominations for A CHRISTMAS CAROL, NINE and CAMELOT, all at North Shore Music Theatre. Other theatre includes Manhattan Theatre Club, Paper Mill Playhouse, Seattle Rep, Walnut Street. Dance work includes Alvin Ailey, Ballet Memphis, Ballet Met, Houston Ballet, Joffrey, Lar Lubovitch, San Francisco Ballet, Donald Byrd/ Spectrum.

Brenda Phelps (Costume Designer) has worked in the professional costume industry for the past twenty years. She studied theater at The University of Georgia and completed a Master's in Costume Design at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has worked with both costumes and wigs at the Georgia Shakespeare Festival, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Broadway Bares, and numerous Off-Broadway productions. After working at Barbara Matera Limited on over 100 Broadway shows, as well as film, television, and ballet projects, and occasionally assisting Broadway designers, she now enjoys teaching Costume Technology and supervising the Costume Shop at WCSU. Brenda is thrilled to be back at ACT, having also designed the award-winning costumes for EVITA.

WHO'S WHO

John Salutz (Sound Designer) is a New York-based lighting and sound designer working in theatre, dance, and live performance. 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, Via Brooklyn, Two Headed Rep, Atlantic Acting School, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, as well as regionally at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, the Connecticut Ballet, Argyle Theatre, Southeastern Regional Ballet Association, Centenary Stage Co., Southeast Alabama Dance Co., and the Hartt School (Univ. of Hartford). Additional information can be found at: www.johnsalutzdesigns.com

Caite Hevner (Media Designer) NYC-based scenic and projection designer. Collaborations with Daniel C. Levine include BORN TO DANCE, currently on Princess Cruises. Broadway: IN TRANSIT. Selected Off-Broadway: COLLECTIVE RAGE, MCC; DERREN BROWN: SECRET, Atlantic Theater Company; DISCORD, Primary Stages; UGLY LIES THE BONE, Roundabout; TAIL! SPIN!, Lynn Redgrave Theater; MY MOTHER HAS 4 NOSES, The Duke; BAGHDADDY, St. Luke’s Theatre; TRIASSIC PARQ, Soho Playhouse; ORWELL IN AMERICA, 59E59; THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL and PARADE, Manhattan Concert Productions/Lincoln Center. Select Regional: Guthrie, Seattle 5th Avenue, Kennedy Center’s Broadway Center Stage, Alley, Arena, McCarter, Williamstown, Alliance, Alabama Shakespeare, Baltimore Center Stage, Cleveland Play House, Dallas Theater Center, Pasadena Playhouse, Long Wharf. www.caitedesign.com

Liz Printz (Wig Designer, Hair & Makeup Supervisor) Emmy nominated Hairstylist of “The Wiz Live!” Wig designer for Off-Broadway production of BROBOT. Wig designer credits include North Carolina Theatre, Barrington Stage, Theatre Raleigh, Notre Dame University, Central City Opera Festival. Associate Wig design credits include HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD (Broadway), HAMILTON (Broadway), ON YOUR FEET (Broadway), SIDE SHOW (RevivalBroadway), ELEPHANT MAN (Revival- Broadway), BEAUTIFUL (Broadway and First National tour), and MOTOWN (Non-Equity Tour). Producer of Short film Sunshine and feature film THORP. Graduate of Univ of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Annie Jacobs (Production Manager/Technical Director) Annie is joining 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 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.

Michael Seelbach (Production Stage Manager) is so excited to be a part of the ACT family. Michael has been performing on and off Broadway for 20 years, in shows like FOOTLOOSE, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and the original cast of Broadway’s smash hit WICKED. In addition to Stage Managing, Michael continues to perform, and sings regularly with the Broadway Inspirational Voices gospel ensemble.

Theresa S. Carroll (Assistant Stage Manager) is a graduate from Western Connecticut State University’s Theatre Management Program. Including WORKING some of Theresa's recent credits include: EASTBOUND (PSM) at the NY Theatre Barn, NYC, HOW THE WESTONS WON (PSM) at Out of The Box Theatrics, NYC, RIPCORD (PSM) at Seven Angels Theatre, CT. Previous credits include: 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.

WHO'S WHO

Katie Diamond (Executive Director) As a singer, actor, writer, and producer, Katie Diamond has written, produced, and/or performed in numerous musical theatre and cabaret shows over the past twenty years. Broadway and tour performing credits include: Lorraine in JERSEY BOYS, THE PIRATE QUEEN (understudy for Stephanie J. Block), WHITE CHRISTMAS, and THE WEDDING BANQUET. As a producer/performer, Katie has had the pleasure of working with Daniel C. Levine on THE WHO’S TOMMY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, all presented at the Ridgefield Playhouse. She has also written, produced, and performed in three cabaret shows in NYC; SECONDARY CHARACTERS, ALL KNOCKED UP, and TYPED OUT. Katie has released two solo albums, Original Passion and Down by the Riverside, and can be heard on THE PIRATE QUEEN original cast recording. A certified Music Together teacher, and lifelong advocate of arts education, Katie is thrilled the 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.

Stephen Schwartz (music & lyrics, adaptation) wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit WICKED, and has also contributed music and/or lyrics to GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, THE BAKER’S WIFE, RAGS, and CHILDREN OF EDEN. For film, he collaborated with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s POCAHONTAS, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME and ENCHANTED and wrote the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature THE PRINCE OF EGYPT. A book about his career, “Defying Gravity,” has been released by Applause Books. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies.

Nina Faso (adaptation) made her directorial debut with Peter Ustinov's, THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER AND HIS WIFE. Following a stint with the improvisational comedy group: The Committee, she became one of the creators of GODSPELL and directed most major productions of the show in America and Europe. She then took THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW from Los Angeles to Broadway. She co-adapted and co-directed the musical, WORKING based on Studs Terkel's book, for the Goodman Theater in Chicago and for Broadway. She co-wrote the teleplay for WORKING for the PBS series AMERICAN PLAYHOUSE. She is the author and director of the children's television special, THE FABLE COMPANY, and the co-producer and co-director of a short film called SING FOR YOUR LIFE. Among her other directing credits are the musicals JUST ONCE and IS IT JUST ME, OR IS IT HOT IN HERE? which enjoyed long runs in New York and Los Angeles, respectively.

Gordon Greenberg (book revisions) is a writer, director and producer living in New York and, occasionally, Los Angeles. He recently directed and revised Studs Terkel's WORKING in an acclaimed new production for Broadway In Chicago, developed with Stephen Schwartz and Lin Manuel Miranda. It had an extended engagement at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower, after productions at the Old Globe and Asolo Theatres. He directed the new national tour of GUYS & DOLLS, the Off-Broadway revival of JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL... (Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Award noms), BAND GEEKS! (also co-writer recipient of NEA and NAMT grants for production at Goodspeed), Disney’s BELIEVE (created with Kirsten Childs Disney Creative Entertainment), PIRATES! (OR GILBERT AND SULLIVAN PLUNDER'D (created with Nell Benjamin - Huntington, Goodspeed, Paper Mill), the Lortel nominated best Off-Broadway musical 2010 WE THE PEOPLE (Theatreworks USA, Lortel Theatre), 33 Variations (Capital Rep), FLOYD COLLINS (Signature), HAPPY DAYS (First National Tour, Bob Boyett Theatricals; Paper Mill, Goodspeed, redeveloped with Garry Marshall), Theory of Three (by Alexandra Cunningham, NY Stage & Film), 1776 (Paper Mill), Citizens Band: THE PANIC IS ON (Spiegeltent, NY), THE BAKER'S WIFE (revised and reworked with Joe Stein and Stephen Schwartz for Goodspeed and Paper Mill Playhouse), O. HENRY S LOVERS (Goodspeed), CAM JANSEN Jansen (by Larry O Keefe & Nell Benjamin, Lambs Theatre), the National Tour of PETER PAN (Big League), The Broadway Divas tours of the U.S., Canada and Brazil and numerous television commercials. Current projects include PIRATES! (OR GILBERT AND SULLIVAN PLUNDER'D Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

(MUNI 2012), THE HAPPY ELF (by Harry Connick, Jr.), THE EMMA WOODHOUSE SINGLE GIRLS GUIDE (Book Writer), YENTL (revision with Jill Sobule, Asolo Rep.), STARS OF DAVID (with Charles Busch, Tom Kitt, William Finn, Marvin Hamlisch etc. for Daryl Roth Productions), BEN FOLDS PROJECT (The Producing Office), JACQUES BREL... (West End, London 2012), GUYS & DOLLS (West End, London, 2013/14) and creating a new tv pilot based on marching bands. Born in Texas and raised in New York, Greenberg performed in his first Broadway show at age 12. He attended Stanford University and NYU Film School before joining J. Walter Thompson Worldwide for a stint as a producer/director of commercials. He then moved back into theatre -- first performing on Broadway and on television and soon directing and writing. He is also deeply involved in arts education and is Co-Director of Broadway s largest education program, comprised of Broadway Teachers Workshop, Broadway Student Summit, Broadway Dance Summit and the Broadway Online Learning Center - all in conjunction with Music Theatre International and Jujamcyn Theatres. He is a member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society and the Lincoln Center Directors Lab.

Craig Carnelia (song contributions) wrote the score for the Broadway musical, IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? and the Off-Broadway musical, THREE POSTCARDS, (at Playwrights Horizons). Also Off-Broadway, he has had a collection of his songs entitled NOTES presented at the Manhattan Theatre Club and contributed single songs to THE NO FRILLS REVUE, DIAMONDS and A...MY NAME IS STILL ALICE. Honors include a Tony nomination for WORKING, a "Best Plays" citation for THREE POSTCARDS, the 1996 Johnny Mercer Award, and the prestigious Kleban Award for distinguished lyric writing.

James Taylor (song contributions) More than 50 years since his 1968 debut album was released, James Taylor’s warm baritone, introspective lyrics and unique guitar playing still blaze a path to which young musicians aspire. He has sold over 100 million albums throughout his career and has earned 40 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards, multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame. His songs have had a profound influence on songwriters and music lovers from all walks of life: “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “Something in the Way She Moves,” “Mexico,” “Shower the People,” “Your Smiling Face,” “Carolina In My Mind,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” “You Can Close Your Eyes,” “Walking Man,” “Never Die Young,” “Shed a Little Light,” “Copperline,” “Enough to be On Your Way,” “Caroline I See You,” and many more. In 2011, Taylor was honored with a Carnegie Hall Perspectives series, which consisted of four concert evenings presented by Carnegie Hall and featuring Taylor and personally selected musical guests. In 2012, he was awarded the distinguished Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government and in 2011, was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama. Both medals are their Nation’s highest honors for artistic excellence recognizing “outstanding achievements and support of the arts.” In November 2015, Taylor was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor. In December of 2016 Taylor received the Kennedy Center Honors, which are presented annually to individuals who have enriched American culture by distinguished achievement in the performing arts.

Mary Rodgers (song contributions) Rodgers’ credits as a composer began with the Broadway production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS in 1959 and continued with HOT SPOT, THE MAD SHOW, WORKING, THE GRIFFIN AND THE MINOR CANON, and scores for the Bil Baird Marionettes and Theatreworks/ USA. Her musicals have also been celebrated in a revue, “Hey, Love.” She is a popular author of fiction for young people, most notably the 1972 novel Freaky Friday, which was made into a Disney Studios motion picture (with a screenplay by Rodgers), a Theatre Works/USA musical (composed by Rodgers) and an ABC TV remake. Mary Rodgers is Chairman of the Board of the Juilliard School, on the Board of ASCAP, and on the Council of the Dramatists Guild.

WHO'S WHO

Micki Grant (song contributions) An extensive period of collaboration with director Vinnette Carroll at the Urban Arts Corps Theatre resulted in nine musical productions, the most successful of which were the Broadway musicals DON’T BOTHER ME, I CAN’T COPE, in which Grant also starred, and YOUR ARMS ARE TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD. The multi-award winning & COPE garnered the Grammy Award for its cast show album and five Tony nominations, including best musical among others. Her musical based on the life of George Washington Carver, DON’T UNDERESTIMATE A NUT, premiered at Omaha s Theatre for Young People in 1994, and for JACQUES BREL BLUES (with Andre Ernotte and Elliot Tiber) she supplied the English lyrics for twenty of Brel's Songs. She was composer/lyricist for J.E. Franklin's PRODIGAL SISTER, contributed to four musical revues based on the oral histories of hospital workers, contributed additional lyrics to Broadway's EUBIE and has written songs for educational TV's Infinity Factory. She enjoys writing special material for club singers, and one of her several commercial jingles has won her a two off-Award. Grant's body of work has been celebrated in two Off-Broadway musical retrospectives. Multi-talented, Ms. Grant has performed on and off Broadway and in theatres around the country. For the national tour of HAVING OUR SAY, she won the HELEN HAYES AWARD for her portrayal of Sadie Delany. Some of her numerous other awards include the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, NAACP Image and OBIE. A practicing, published poet, she loves her job!

Susan Birkenhead (song contributions) received a Tony Nomination, a Grammy nomination, and a Drama Desk Award for her lyrics for JELLY’S LAST JAM. She was nominated for a Drama Desk for TRIUMPH OF LOVE. She was one of the writers nominated for a Tony Award for WORKING, and won an Outer Critics Circle award for WHAT ABOUT LUV? She wrote additional lyrics for HIGH SOCIETY, with a book by Arthur Kopit and a score by Cole Porter. She wrote lyrics for PIECES OF EIGHT with Jule Styne and Michael Stewart, FANNY HACKABOUT JONES with Erica Jong and Lucy Simon, and was one of the contributors to A, MY NAME IS ALICE. She wrote THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY’S with Charles Strouse and Evan Hunter, and has just finished MOONSTRUCK, with John Patrick Shanley and Henry Krieger. She and Mr. Krieger are also currently at work on two new projects. Ms. Birkenhead is a member of the Dramatists Guild Council, Treasurer of the Dramatists Guild Fund, and a member of the Musical Theater Council of the Manhattan Theater Club.

Lin-Manuel Miranda (song contributions) is an award-winning composer, lyricist, and performer, as well as a 2015 MacArthur Foundation Award recipient. His most recent musical, HAMILTON with book, music and lyrics by Mr. Miranda, in addition to him playing the title role - opened on Broadway in 2015. HAMILTON was awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Drama and.received a record-breaking 16 Tony nominations - winning 11 Tonys including Best Musical and Best Book and Best Score for Mr. Miranda. The Original Broadway Cast Recording of HAMILTON won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Both Mr. Miranda and HAMILTON won the 2016 Drama League Awards for Distinguished Performance and Outstanding Production of a Musical, respectively. For its Off-Broadway sold-out run at the Public Theater, HAMILTON received a record-breaking 10 Lortel Awards, as well as 3 Outer Critic Circle Awards, 8 Drama Desk Awards, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best New Musical, and an OBIE for Best New American Play. Hamilton is the 2015 recipient of the the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History. Mr. Miranda’s first Broadway musical, IN THE HEIGHTS, received four 2008 Tony Awards (including Best Orchestrations, Best Choreography and Best Musical), with Miranda receiving a Tony Award for Best Score, as well as a nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Off-Broadway, IN THE HEIGHTS received 9 Drama Desk Nominations (including Best Music, Best Lyrics) and an award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance. IN THE HEIGHTS also won the Lucille Lortel Award and Outer Critic's Circle Award for Best Musical. Additionally, Mr. Miranda received an Obie Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics for the show. IN THE HEIGHTS also took home a 2009 Grammy Award for its Original Broadway Cast Album and was recognized as a Finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. In 2016, Miranda received the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music for the Original London production of IN THE HEIGHTS. Mr. Miranda is the co-composer (with Tom Kitt), and co-lyricist (with Amanda Green) of Broadway’s BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL (2013 Tony Nom., Best Musical, 2013 Drama Desk Nom., Best Lyrics in a Musical). The original Broadway

WHO'S WHO

cast recording was released by Sh-K-Boom Records in 2012. Additionally, he contributed new songs to the revival of Stephen Schwartz' WORKING and worked with Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim on Spanish translations for the 2009 Broadway Revival of WEST SIDE STORY. In 2014, Mr. Miranda received an Emmy Award with Tom Kitt for their song, “Bigger” from the 67th Annual Tony Awards telecast.

Binder Casting (Casting) Founded by Jay Binder, CSA in 1984. Binder has cast over 80 Broadway productions, dozens of National Tours, several off-Broadway 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, amongothers. 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. 12–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 of Connecticut (A Contemporary Theatre) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 premier Equity regional theatre that opened in June 2018. Led by Executive Director Katie Diamond and Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine, this contemporary theater strives to be the regional destination theatergoers choose. ACT of Connecticut presents limited engagement runs of well-known Broadway plays and musicals, as well as world premiere plays and musicals by the next generation of writers and composers. In addition to fully produced, main stage productions, the producers have launched the Theatre Education program starting with The Conservatory, a series for middle and high school students. ACT of Connecticut is proud to join the many renowned local arts organizations to make Ridgefield a true arts destination for Fairfield County and all of New England.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

2018-2019 Season Sponsors

Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation

Anonymous

The Bishop Family

Diamond Properties

Goldstone Family Foundation

Heather Hillman and Jack Whalen

Town Vibe

Diamond Sponsors

The Bennett Family

Fairfield County Bank

Hamlet Hub

Richard and Lori Jabara

Rose Gold Sponsors

Wendy and Bill Beurket

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa

Val and Greg Jensen

Robert and Gerri Lewis

Frank Selvaggi and Bill Shea

Gold Sponsors

Bareburger

Gallo Ristorante

M&T Bank

Whip Salon

Silver Sponsors

Alpha Romeo of Danbury

Maserati of Danbury

Russ and Holly Neumann

PepsiCo

Taylor-Zemo Foundation

The Breede Family

ACT of Connecticut Board of Directors

Katie Diamond, President

Daniel C. Levine, Vice President

Heather Hillman, Secretary

Bill Diamond, Treasurer

Truitt Bell â–ª Kristin Beylouni â–ª Betsy

Brand â–ª Mary E. Joyce

Caroline Kellen â–ª Jack Mehler â–ª Christina Millar

â–ª Trish Minskoff

Larry Morley â–ª Bryan Perri â–ª Michael Seelbach

Frank Selvaggi â–ª Bill Shea

ACT of Connecticut Artistic Advisory Board

Susan Batten â–ª Al Blackstone â–ª Christian Borle

Beowulf Boritt â–ª Caite Hevner â–ª Lindsay Mendez

Alan Menken â–ª Stephen Schwartz

ACT of Connecticut Founding Donors

Anonymous

Rebecca and Scott Baglio

The Bishop Family

The Breede Family

Diamond Properties

Heather Hillman and Jack Whalen

Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation

Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation

Thank you to our Business Partners

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa â–ª Alpha Romeo of Danbury

Bareburger â–ª Berkshire Broadcasting â–ª Brew & Co. Bruce Bennett Nissan â–ª Dimitri's Diner

Fairfield County Bank â–ª Hamlet Hub â–ª The Hideaway

would like to express our deep gratitude to the

Anna-Maria and

Stephen Kellen Foundation for their continued dedication to our mission.

Thank you for your support!

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