Phoenix Productions Presents: Ragtime: The Musical - March 1-3 - 2024

Community Theatre at the

Count Basie Center for the Arts

March 1, 2 & 3 2024

Sponsored by

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS Presents RAGTIME

Book by TERRENCE MCNALLY

Music by STEPHEN FLAHERTY

Based on the novel “RAGTIME”

By E. L. Doctorow

Lyrics by LYNN AHRENS

Original orchestrations by William David Brohn

Additional orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg

Scenic Design

Ashley Cusack

Costume Design

Gabe Bagdazian

Technical Director

Kyle Santopadre

Production Manager

Fran Centofante Katz

Choreographer

Natalie Hayes-Scott

Lighting Design Kyle Santopadre

Sound Design ACIR

Production Stage Manager Stephanie Schoppe

Assistant Director Jarrod Scott

Music Director Teddy Kernizan Director

Darrell L. Willis RAGTIME

Season Sponsors:

Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft; The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates; World Subaru

Production Sponsors:

Declarations, Inc.; Fitz and the P.E.A.; The Haack Family

A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Ragtime: The Musical is one of those rare moments in Musical Theatre that offers up a slice of life, a moment in the American experience. The author has set this piece at a very particular moment in our history because it represents a nexus of opportunity, growth, potential, and promise, all the things that the “American Dream” stands for. It is also set in a very particular place, sometimes called the “crossroads of the world.” The time and place are essential to the story, especially since this is not the first musical set around the turn of the last century. Musicals exploring the dawning of a new age, set near the turn of the last century include Newsies, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, The Music Man and Hello, Dolly!. All great shows, but they only illuminate one facet of the American experience (or British experience in the case of My Fair Lady). Ragtime examines what it is to be an American from three different perspectives – the established white upper class, the newly arrived immigrant population, and the newly freed black citizens looking to participate in the full potential of American opportunity. The time is a mere 40 years after the Civil War and the very start of the Great Migration. We see the glimmer of the Harlem Renaissance beginning to take shape. There are factories blossoming up, offering new products for people to enjoy, and work for the burgeoning population – but at what expense? Ragtime teaches us that in 1906, the American Dream is a myth for some and a fantasy for others, and the reality of the American experience is more complex in a nation ripe with possibilities yet rotten with stigma, biases, and systemic oppression. How far we’ve come since 1906 and how little we’ve moved.

Enjoy the show.

James Managing Artistic Director Phoenix Productions at the Count Basie Center

Phoenix Productions would like to thank our dedicated cast, staff and volunteers that worked so hard to make our Ragtime show a success.

If you’d like information about auditioning for a future show, please visit our website at:

www.PhoenixRedBank.com/auditions

Joe Wajda, Executive Manager & Phoenix Operations Co-Chair

THE CAST

Coalhouse Walker, Jr. .......................................................................................DUANE BANKS

Sarah ........................................................................................................................AVA JONES

Mother MICHELLE ELAINE LUCEY

Father ......................................................................................................... JAMES MARHOLD

Younger Brother ......................................................................................... SEAN DICKINSON

Little Boy ........................................................................................................ KEEGAN HAACK

Grandfather ............................................................................................. HOWARD SMITH, JR.

Tateh JOHN C. SHORT

Little Girl......................................................................... PERSEPHONE “PERSY” ARCEMENT

Booker T. Washington JO-LEO CARNEY-WATERTON

Emma Goldman ........................................................................................... LEANNE DeCAMP

Evelyn Nesbit ...............................................................................................

FELICIA RUSSELL

Sarah’s Friend DAISHA DAVIS

Harry Houdini .................................................................................................. DANIEL MUCHA

J.P. Morgan ALEX DUBINSKY

Henry Ford .....................................................................................................

DENNIS DaPRILE

Willie Conklin ................................................................................................... HUDSON EDER

Young Coalhouse Walker, Jr........................................................................ PHARAOH JONES

The Ensemble

JONES ALMEIDA, LORETTA BOYLE, CHLOE CARONE, JESSICA COGAN, DANIELLE HUBEN COHEN, DENNIS DaPRILE, DAISHA DAVIS, ALEX DUBINSKY, MARK EDELSTEIN, HUDSON EDER, TRAVIS GASTON, DESIREE GIBSON, ANDREW W. JACOBS, KYLE KENNEDY, QUALÉ LEWIS, McKAELA MAE, AMANDA MARINO, CARMEN MATARAZZO, BETHANY MIRANDA, JULIA MONSEY, JORDAN MORGAN, DANIEL MUCHA, AMANDA MUNICE, GAVIN POWERS, CAMRYN RAGLAND, NASIR ROPER, RACHEL ELIZABETH ROSARIO, ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO, JAKOB SCHULER, QUINCY SOUTHERLAND, JONATHAN STANLEY, HANNAH STONE-CALABRIA, KRISTIAN THAXTON, JNEY UPLINGER, ANTHONY VIERA

Dance Captains

JULIA MONSEY, QUINCY SOUTHERLAND

UNDERSTUDIES

For Coalhouse Walker, Jr. and Booker T. Washington - JONATHAN STANLEY; For Sarah - DAISHA DAVIS; For Mother - DANIELLE HUBEN COHEN; For Younger Brother - GAVIN POWERS; For Little Boy - ANDREW W. JACOBS; For Tateh and Harry Houdini - ALEX DUBINSKY; For Little Girl - CHLOE CARONE; For Emma Goldman - JESSICA COGAN; For Evelyn Nesbit - JULIA MONSEY; For Henry Ford - DANIEL MUCHA; For Sarah’s Friend - McKAELA MAE

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Director........................................................................................................ DARRELL L. WILLIS

Production Manager FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ

Assistant Director ........................................................................................... JARROD SCOTT

Music Director ............................................................................................. TEDDY KERNIZAN

Choreographer NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT

Technical Director ..................................................................................... KYLE SANTOPADRE

Costume Design ......................................................................................... GABE BAGDAZIAN

Scenic Design ................................................................................................ ASHLEY CUSACK

Lighting Design KYLE SANTOPADRE

Sound Design / Engineer .................................................................................................. ACIR

Properties ................................................................................................................ JO WYMER

Wig Design ROXANNE COHEN

Scenic Charge ............................................................................................... ASHLEY CUSACK

Fight Coordinator ....................................................................................... CHRIS HARRISON

Production Stage Manager STEPHANIE SCHOPPE

Assistant Stage Manager .................................................................................... RYAN ALGER

Assistant Production Manager ................................................................... OLIVIA GRAUSAM

Assistant Properties ................................................................................ LAUREN FRIEDMAN

Dramaturge ................................................................................................... DREW ELDRIDGE

Costume Crew ................................... MARY CARONE, JOANNE PENROSE, ELLEN SHORT

Scenic Crew ......................ERICH ARCEMENT, PERSEPHONE ARCEMENT, TODD CARONE, SEAN DICKINSON, FIONA FEBBO, KIMBERLY GELFAND, DIEGO GOEZ, SHAYNE HELUK, ISABELLA, KIPP KOENIG, JESSICA PAUL, FELICIA RUSSELL, JAKOB SCHULER

Managing Artistic Director JAMES GRAUSAM

Special Thanks .....................................COUNT BASIE CENTER MARKETING DEPARTMENT, DIANE DiYANNI, MAURER PRODUCTIONS, RARITAN BAY GUITARS

THE ORCHESTRA

Conductor.................................................................................................... TEDDY KERNIZAN

Keyboard 1............................................................................................................. MIKE GILCH

Keyboard 2 FRANÇOIS SUHR

Drums .................................................................................................... EMMANUEL SOLENA

Bass ...................................................................................................ANDREW ROSCISZEWSKI

Guitar JAIRO CAMPO

Violin ............................................................................................................ TANYA PETERSON

Reed ................................................................................................................. ALYSSA GINDER

Trumpet JOE MOSELLO

Trombone ....................................................................................................... OSCAR MENDEZ

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

SoVonna Day-Goins (Co-Chair)

Sarah Bradley

Jerry Conaty

Natalie Hayes-Scott

Tom Hessman

Nancy Karpf

Joe Wajda (Co-Chair)

Fran Centofante Katz

Maria Maher

Jim Marhold

Justin Christopher Odon Adam Philipson

Izzy Sackowitz

Jarrod Scott

Dennis Tolentino

Fran Turner

Jon Vena

Darrell L. Willis

Count Basie Center for the Arts, a not for profit organization

Count Basie Center Executive Committee of the Board

Jeremy Grunin Chairperson

Stephen Cutler Treasurer

Robin Klein Governance Officer

Stuart Alderoty

Mitch Ansell

Alison Banks-Moore

Tom Bernard

Sarah Bradley

Michael Bruno

Heather Burke

James M. Cadet

Puja Choudhry

Jerry Conaty

Michael Parent Co-Vice Chairperson

SoVonna Day-Goins Co-Secretary

Claudia Dulac Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Maggie Riker Co-Vice Chairperson

Maria Maher Co-Secretary

Adam Philipson President & Chief Executive Officer, Ex Officio

Count Basie Center Board of Trustees

Craig Cummings

Mollie Giamanco

Lauren Goldfarb

Delisha Grant

Yvonne Grayson

Jason Jurgens

Steve Kaiman

Nancy Karpf

Marshall Knopf

Mario Monello

Mark Rohl

Peter T. Roselle

Matthew J. Saker

Dr. Perry Scaranni

Carol Stillwell

Fran Turner

Joe Wajda

Tom Widener

Darrell Lawrence Willis

Kaye Wise

Edward J. Zipprich

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT 1

PROLOGUE

“Ragtime”.......................................................................................................... Full Cast

SCENE 1: Dock in New York Harbor

“Goodbye, My Love” Mother

“Journey On” .............................................................................. Father, Tateh, Mother

SCENE 2: A Vaudeville Theatre, New York City

“Crime of the Century” ......................................................... Evelyn Nesbit, Ensemble

SCENE 3: Mother’s Garden, New Rochelle

“What Kind of Woman” Mother

SCENE 4: Ellis Island / Lower East Side

“A Shtetl Iz Amereke” Tateh, Little Girl, Immigrant Ensemble

“Success” ............................... J.P. Morgan, Tateh, Harry Houdini, Immigrant Ensemble

SCENE 5: The Tempo Club, Harlem / Henry Ford Assembly Line

“Gettin’ Ready Rag” Coalhouse, Harlem Ensemble

“Henry Ford” ........................................................... Henry Ford, Coalhouse, Ensemble

SCENE 6: Railroad Station, New Rochelle

“Nothing Like the City” ........................................ Mother, Tateh, Little Girl, Little Boy

SCENE 7: Emerald Isle Firehouse

SCENE 8: Mother’s House, New Rochelle

“Your Daddy’s Son” ............................................................................................... Sarah

“New Music” ............... Father, Younger Brother, Mother, Coalhouse, Sarah, Ensemble

SCENE 9: A Hillside Above New Rochelle

“Wheels of a Dream” ......................................................................... Coalhouse, Sarah

SCENE 10: A Union Hall in New York City / Lawrence, MA / Train

“The Night That Goldman Spoke” ...... Younger Brother, Emma, Immigrant Ensemble

“Gliding” .................................................................................................................Tateh

SCENE 11: New Rochelle / New York City

“Justice” ....................................................................................... Coalhouse, Ensemble

“President” Sarah, Ensemble

“Till Reach That Day” ....................................................................................... Full Cast

RAGTIME will be performed with one 15 minute intermission.

Warning: Please be aware that Ragtime contains gun shot sounds, strobe lighting, and theatrical smoke.

The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, tablets, beepers, and watches. The use of cell phones in the theater is prohibited.

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT 2

SCENE 1: The Streets of New Rochelle / Mother’s House

“Coalhouse’s Soliloquy” ................................................................................ Coalhouse

“Coalhouse Demands” ..................................................................................... Full Cast

SCENE 2: The Polo Grounds

“What a Game!” ....................................................... Father, Little Boy, Male Ensemble

SCENE 3: Mother’s House, New Rochelle

“Atlantic City”.................................................................. Evelyn Nesbit, Harry Houdini

“New Music (Reprise)” ......................................................................................... Father

SCENE 4: Atlantic City Boardwalk

“Atlantic City (Part II)” .................................. Evelyn Nesbit, Harry Houdini, Ensemble

“Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.” Baron Ashkenazy

“Our Children” ....................................................................... Mother, Baron Ashkenazy

SCENE 5: Harlem / Coalhouse’s Hideout

“Sarah Brown Eyes” Coalhouse, Sarah

“He Wanted to Say” .............. Emma, Younger Brother, Coalhouse, Coalhouse’s Gang

SCENE 6: The Beach, Atlantic City

“Back to Before” Mother

SCENE 7: The Morgan Library, New York City

“Look What You’ve Done” ........ Booker T. Washington, Coalhouse, Harlem Ensemble

“Make Them Hear You” Coalhouse

EPILOGUE:

“Ragtime” / “Wheels of a Dream” .................................................................. Full Cast

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS THANKS OUR 2023/2024 SPONSORS & DONORS

2023/2024 SEASON SPONSORS

Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft

The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates - Jon & Jade D’Agostino World Subaru - Joe & Nicole Wajda

RAGTIME Production Sponsors: Declarations, Inc.; Fitz and the P.E.A.; The Haack Family

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS

2023/2024 SEASON DONORS

ANGEL LEVEL: $1000-$1999

Joseph Ercolino/Charles Schwab

RISING STAR LEVEL: $500-$999

Kimberly Gelfand, Diane Tresente

PATRON LEVEL: $250-$499

Amy Adamo

FAN LEVEL: Up to $249

Stephanie Ackerman, Joyce Barnett, Susan Barschow, Alfred Bevaqua, Nancy Cavaliere, Elaine Donovan, Ellen Easton, William & Judith Fraser, Eric Klings, Rita LaBrecque, Donna Pinamonte, Red Bank Smiles, Charles Rodman, Barbara Saake, George Weiss

STARS ON PHOENIX’S “WALK OF DREAMS”

Todd Aikens, Andrea Andrews Zawadzky, Matthew Blankley, Grace Brancato, Brothers Commercial Brokerage, The Brown Family, Chloe Carone, Erin O’Malley Chiaravalloti, Sarah Coleman, Liz & Randy Cooper, Sophie Creed, The Cullen Family, The D’Agostino Family, Mike & Betty Ann Dalberg, Bobby Davis, Lily DelPresto, In Memory of Mildred & Patrick DeLuca, Tina & Mike DeVito, Denise DiBona DDS, The Dobbs Family, Hudson Eder & Jo Wymer Music Studios, Joe Ercolino & Melvin Polisher, FILCO Red Bank, Immediate Care Medical Walk-In & CEO Sal Cannizzaro, In Memory of Jakob Franke, Bob Fuller, Carmen Gemellaro, Kayla Goins, Jennifer Grasso, James Grausam, Anthony Greco, Keegan Robert Haack, Holly Hankins & Family, Don & Lois Heirman, Thomas K. Hessman, Taylor Nicole Kaplan, Nancy Karpf, Fran Centofante Katz, Sydney & Jason Katz, Zoe & Molly Kenney, George & Kelly Kerrick, The Kinneman Family, The LaRue Family, James, Kathleen & Patrick Marhold, The Martini Family, In Loving Memory of Pat Mercandetti, The Monteleone Family, Jillian Mueller, Scott Naef, The Nodes Family, Don Olah Hair/Wigs, Alexa Origlio, Christine Paccillo, Wayne, Daniel & Marisa Peck, The Pennington Family, Joanne Penrose, Red Oak Mortgage, The Regan Family, Remember Jones, Lily Grace Riddle, Kara Robertelli, Harper Robinson, The Robinson Family, The Scherzo Family, Haley & Chris Schmalbach, Thomas Scove, The Sheftel Family, Carl Sterling Smith, Jack & Joyce Sica, The Stefanelli Family, The Thorner Family, Mary Jo Tort-Bergeron, Carol Wade, The Wagar Family, Ellen & Michael Walsh, Amanda Winter, Lindsay Wood, Chip & Ilda Wood, World Subaru

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

PERSEPHONE “PERSY” ARCEMENT (Little Girl)

is extremely excited for her debut show with Phoenix Productions! She has played roles in The Wizard of Oz JR. (Dorothy) and Disney’s Frozen JR. (Young Anna) amongst many others. She aspires to one day be on Broadway. Persy is an avid singer and songwriter. Performing has become a big part of Persy’s life and she can’t wait to continue working with Phoenix Productions.

JONES ALMEIDA

(Ensemble)

is thrilled to be making his Count Basie debut along with this amazing and talented cast!! Past musical theatre credits include: Guys and Dolls (Mission Band / Crap Shooter), SpongeBob the Musical (Ensemble), Seussical (Who Ensemble), The Addams Family (Pugsley), and Oklahoma! (Fred)!! He is a junior at Holmdel High School and would love for you to come see him in Little Women the Musical as Mr. John Brooks, March 14-16 at Holmdel H.S @7!! He is so happy to be part of his first Phoenix Production and loves everything about it!! He hopes you enjoy the show!!!!

DUANE BANKS

(Coalhouse Walker, Jr.)

is so excited to join this stellar cast of Ragtime! Duane is a NYC/NJ Based Performer. Off Broadway: Two Gentlemen of Verona, Little Princess. Local/Regional: Ragtime, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Once on This Island, In the Heights, Les Miserables. TV/Film: Sandy and Source. He also serves as the Co-Founder of the Inspired Tomorrow. Instagram: @_duanebanks

LORETTA BOYLE (Ensemble) has been seen in previous Phoenix productions such as Gypsy (Mama Rose), Elf (Deb), and A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Future). Additional favorite roles include: Guys and Dolls (Adelaide, The Spring Lake Theatre and Algonquin Arts Theatre), Steel Magnolias (M’Lynn, Algonquin), The King and I (Lady Thiang, Spring Lake), 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (Marcy Park, Spring Lake). Loretta would like to thank the wonderful production team for putting this show together and conveying this important message. She is grateful to have a voice in it. Loretta is currently a seventh grade teacher in Toms River.

JO-LEO CARNEY-WATERTON

(Booker T. Washington)

is a native of Newark, NJ, and a devotee of theater, always eager to act or sing. He has appeared in performances with the Dunbar Repertory Company and performed in the Georgetown Midnight Festival of Shakespeare, A Soldier’s Play, Jitney, and Ma Rainy’s Black Bottom at the Algonquin Theatre. He can next be seen performing in Phoenix Productions’ Jesus Christ Superstar.

CHLOE CARONE

(Ensemble / Little Girl u/s) is grateful to be returning to the Basie to “journey on” in her 3rd Phoenix show! Past credits include: The Polar Express (Ensemble, Axelrod), A Christmas Carol (Ensemble, Phoenix Productions), and The Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League Munchkin, Phoenix Productions). Chloe would like to thank her loving family, her vocal instructors, Marissa DeVeau and Justin Odon, and the Phoenix Productions staff and cast for their endless support. She will light up the stage like “the days are gently tinted... lavender pink, lemon and lime.”

JESSICA COGAN

(Ensemble / Emma Goldman u/s)

Recent roles: The Music Man (Mrs. Paroo, Phoenix Productions). Occupation: Administrative Supervisor, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, Rutgers. Avocations: kitten foster (MCSPCA), gardening, set painting (Phoenix Productions). Gratitude to James, the creative / production teams, cast, crew, and orchestra for this profoundly meaningful and joyous experience. Deepest love to Pat, Kevin, Miranda, and Declan for their support. Dedicated to my Opa who immigrated 100 years ago on the S.S. Reliance and was processed through Ellis Island.

DANIELLE HUBEN COHEN

(Ensemble / Mother u/s)

Phoenix debut! Favorite productions include: Into the Woods (Rapunzel, Broadway), George M! (Josie, offBroadway), Royal Caribbean Cruises (lead singer), Grease (Patty Simcox, National Tour), Crazy For You (Polly, New London Barn Playhouse). Wagner College Theatre alumni. Dani is also a registered nurse and dance fitness instructor. “Thanks to Adam and Nate for their support. This one’s for my little fisherman!” ‘He’ll travel with head held high. Just as far as his heart can go. And he will ride on the wheels of a dream.’

DENNIS DaPRILE (Henry Ford / Ensemble)

Ragtime is Dennis’ Phoenix debut and he’s ecstatic to collaborate with this stellar cast. A Monmouth U. and William Esper Studios alum, he passionately champions new plays, contributing to over 100 as an actor and director, often juggling both roles. Offstage, Dennis thrives as a local real estate agent. Big shout-out to his amazing family and friends and the ever-supportive George for lighting up his theatrical journey! Instagram: @dennisdowntheshore

DAISHA DAVIS

(Sarah’s Friend / Ensemble / Sarah u/s) is so excited to be back on the Count Basie stage! She recently played Asaka in Phoenix’s Once on This Island. Daisha is a Kean University graduate (B.A. Theatre) and a Performing Arts Teacher in her hometown of Newark. Daisha has been seen on stages all throughout NY/NJ. Favorite credits include: Dreamgirls (Lorrell), Avenue Q (Gary Coleman), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), Children of Eden (Eve), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), Shrek the Musical (Dragon). Daisha would like to thank her friends, family, and fellow cast members for all their love and support!

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

LEANNE DeCAMP (Emma Goldman)

is beyond grateful to be portraying the incredibly brave and rebellious Emma Goldman. How she lived her life and what she fought for was truly amazing for the time that she lived in. While studying Drama at NYU, Leanne actually lived close to Union Square! Emma’s vision and what she stood for still echo today. Hear her, as well as all the poignant messages in this beautiful piece of theatre, and may you be inspired to always stand up for what is right. “We Cannot Rest!”

SEAN DICKINSON (Younger Brother)

is more than honored to be a part of this extraordinary piece of work and to be playing a role with “young” in the name. Favorite credits include: A Chorus Line (Don, PIP), The Sound of Music (Rolf, AAT), Amadeus (Venticelli, AAT), Disney’s Newsies (Davey, Kelsey) and Road Show (Hollis, NENA). Immense thanks and love to this incredibly generous cast and production staff and to my wonderful friends and family. This is counting blessings.

ALEX DUBINSKY

(J.P. Morgan / Ensemble / Tateh u/s / Harry Houdini u/s)

is delighted to be a part of his 8th Phoenix show! Past credits include: The Bridges of Madison County (Robert Kincaid), Something Rotten! (Nostradamus), The Wizard of Oz (Uncle Henry / Guard), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Pilot / Chef Louis), Into the Woods (Wolf / Rapunzel’s Prince), The Drowsy Chaperone (Man in Chair), Dog Sees God (CB), 1776 (Roger Sherman). Alex is a proud member of The Actor’s Project NYC and has performed OffBroadway with them twice! Love to Amanda and family for their continued support! Instagram: @alexdubinsky91

MARK EDELSTEIN

(Ensemble)

is thrilled to be returning to Phoenix for his 3rd production. His credits include: Dogfight (Bernstein, Main Street), Spring Awakening (Melchior, The Rose Nagelberg Theatre), Footloose (Reverend Shaw, The John Cullum Theatre), and Legally Blonde the Musical (Warner, Miles Square). Mark holds a B.S. in Music Education and is a music teacher. He’d love to thank his friends, family, his boyfriend, and the incredible company of Ragtime. Break legs!

HUDSON EDER (Willie Conklin / Ensemble)

is thrilled and honored to be part of Ragtime: The Musical, his 9th show with Phoenix. Past Phoenix credits include: Evil Dead The Musical (Scotty), Guys and Dolls (Lt. Brannigan), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Jehan Frollo), Joseph...Dreamcoat (Issachar). He has also done background extra work for TV shows such as Power Book III: Raising Kanan (Starz), and City on Fire (Apple TV+). Hudson would like to thank his family, friends, fellow castmates, and mentors for their love and support.

TRAVIS GASTON (Ensemble)

is optimistic to seize the stage once again, as this is his 1st show back after getting knee surgery. This will be Travis’ 3rd show at Phoenix, as he was previously in The Music Man (Teen Dance Ensemble). Travis is so excited to be a part of such an excellent production team once again. Travis would like to give thanks to not only the production team for giving him this opportunity but also God for letting him seize this moment.

DESIREE GIBSON (Ensemble)

This is Desiree’s 2nd show with Phoenix and her very 1st time involved in a production of Ragtime. She is pleased to be with a new team with some familiar faces, as well as being thankful to be able to showcase a new style of musical theatre than she is normally used to. As always she would like to thank her family (Phoenix family included) for all the love and support!

KEEGAN HAACK (Little Boy)

is thrilled to return to the Count Basie Stage in his 5th Phoenix Production. Some of his favorite roles include: The Music Man (Winthrop), A Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim), Mary Poppins (Michael) and Disney’s Newsies JR. (Jack). When not on stage, Keegan enjoys making people laugh, singing, and spending time with his amazing family! He thanks the creative team for this incredible opportunity and fellow cast and crew members for another fantastic experience! “Warn the Duke!”

ANDREW W. JACOBS (Ensemble / Little Boy u/s) is honored to be back for his 2nd show with Phoenix Productions! Past credits include: The Music Man (Boys Ensemble, Phoenix Productions), A Christmas Story, The Musical (Randy, Algonquin Arts Theatre). Andrew is part of the Papermill Playhouse Children’s Theater On Tour group for 2024 in Finding Nemo (Nemo). Andrew lives in Westfield, NJ, and is 11 years old. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting his love of theatre.

AVA JONES (Sarah) is a Chicago raised and NYC based actress in her senior year at NYU studying Drama. She was recently seen in Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown, Phoenix Productions) and And Then There Were None (General Mackenzie, LSTFI). Ava loves the water, afrobeats and dancing almost as much as she loves spending her time with the kind people at Phoenix. She is immensely grateful for her family’s infinite support and encouragement of her passions.

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

KYLE KENNEDY (Ensemble)

is thrilled to be in his 9th Phoenix Productions show! He was recently in The Addams Family this past November. Kyle is a high school English teacher at Long Branch High School and an adjunct professor at Montclair State University. Kyle wishes to thank the production team of Ragtime, friends and family for their constant love and support.

QUALÉ LEWIS (Ensemble)

is delighted to return to the Basie stage. She is a Queens, NY native that began her dancing career at 3 yrs old with Sherry Russo Dance. Qualé is excited to join the Phoenix Productions family. She has performed in productions with Dunbar Repertory Company (Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, Black Nativity). When Qualé is not performing on stage or choreographing for and performing in competitions, she enjoys crafting and traveling. She’d like to thank you for supporting the arts.

MICHELLE ELAINE LUCEY (Mother)

was last seen as Alice Beineke in Phoenix’s The Addams Family here at the Basie. Phoenix credits include: The Music Man (Marian), School of Rock (Rosalie), Guys and Dolls and The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble). She studied theatre at IRSC and enjoys playing guitar, baking, and amateur long-distance running. Additional credits include: Something Rotten! (Bea, MPO), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa), Man of la Mancha (Aldonza), The Fantasticks (Luisa) and Chicago (Velma). May this show stay with you.

McKAELA MAE (Ensemble / Sarah’s Friend u/s)

From age 2, McKaela has known she wanted to be a singer. By 9, she had elevated her dream and desired to become a triple threat. McKaela’s love for theatre has unleashed the magic she shares with many on and off stage. No stranger to Phoenix Productions, having performed in OOTI and In the Heights, she is excited to perform in her all-time favorite, Ragtime Recent/Favorite credits include: All Shook Up (Colonia HS) and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Plays in the Park). She is also an active member of the International Thespian Society.

JAMES MARHOLD (Father)

is happy to be back on the Phoenix / Basie stage with this wonderful cast and production team. A longtime Phoenix performer, James was most recently seen in Elf (Santa), The Wedding Singer (Bum), Joseph/ Dreamcoat (Jacob / Potiphar), Disney’s Newsies (Roosevelt / Wiesel). Additional credits include: 1776 (Adams), Camelot (King Arthur), The Music Man (Harold Hill), Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely). Thanks to his wife Kathy and son Patrick for their love and support.

AMANDA MARINO (Ensemble)

is thrilled to be part of Ragtime. Previous Phoenix credits include: American Idiot, Evil Dead The Musical, and The Wedding Singer. Amanda works for A+E Television Networks. She recently wrote / directed / produced her first short film, “That’s When the Music Died.” Follow @thatswhenthemusicdied for updates. Amanda thanks her supportive mom, family and friends. She also thanks the whole production team for such a wonderful experience. She hopes the cast and crew break a leg!

CARMEN MATARAZZO (Ensemble)

is making his Phoenix Productions debut! Past credits include: Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg), Almost Maine (Male Actor), Mary Poppins (Robertson Ay), Clue: On Stage (Professor Plum), Spring Awakening (Ernst). He’s very grateful to have met and worked with everyone involved and would like to thank them for sharing this experience, along with his family and friends who never fail to support him.

BETHANY MIRANDA (Ensemble)

is elated to be in her 2nd show with Phoenix Productions, after just being seen in The Addams Family (Ancestor and Alice u/s). Favorite credits include: Matilda the Musical (Miss Honey), Avenue Q (Bad Idea Bear), Something Rotten! (Bea), 42nd Street (Dorothy Brock), Kinky Boots (Trish). Aside from being on stage, Bethany is an elementary school ABA teacher and sings in a wedding band.

JULIA MONSEY

(Ensemble / Evelyn Nesbit u/s / Dance Captain) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut in Ragtime! A St. Louis native, she grew up performing with and was eventually promoted to a trainee for St. Louis Ballet. She was last seen in St. Louis in New Line Theater’s production of Nine. She graduated from Steps on Broadway’s Conservatory where she performed in rep pieces such as Fosse’s “Rich Man’s Frug” and Mosley’s “Rain on Your Head.” Shoutout to her Monsey cult (family) for being her biggest cheerleaders.

JORDAN MORGAN (Ensemble)

This is Jordan’s 2nd time working with Phoenix Productions. She was previously cast in Once on This Island (Ensemble) performed at the Count Basie. Jordan is extremely excited to be working with Phoenix Productions once again and blessed to get to experience the amazing talent surrounding her.

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

DANIEL MUCHA

(Harry Houdini / Ensemble / Henry Ford u/s)

is thrilled to be back with Phoenix and honored to be performing at the legendary Count Basie Center for the Arts! Dan was last seen in Elf The Musical here with Phoenix! Previous credits: Matilda the Musical (Ensemble), Scrooge! The Musical (Topper), Crazy For You (Junior), Mame (Ito), A Christmas Story, The Musical (Restaurant Owner), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ching Ho), Honk! (Drake), Anything Goes (Ship’s Purser). He currently works at the Kelsey Theatre in West Windsor, NJ. Thanks to Darrell, Jarrod, Teddy, Nat, Steph, Olivia, Ryan, Fran, Dennis, James and everyone at Phoenix for this extraordinary opportunity! “Break those chains...with all you possess!”

AMANDA MUNICE

(Ensemble)

Ragtime marks the 30th Phoenix Production that Amanda has been part of (as a performer and backstage) since her first show here in 1991! It’s her favorite musical and she’s honored to be part of telling this story. As the Music and Art teacher at Cambridge Park Elementary School in Matawan and the owner of CoastalMelodies.com, she loves inspiring young children through the arts. Love and gratitude to Mom, Dad, Justin and Mariella always.

GAVIN POWERS

(Ensemble / Younger Brother u/s) is pleased to be making his Phoenix debut in Ragtime. Gavin is a junior at Point Pleasant Beach High School where he has recently served as the student director in the fall drama. Gavin has appeared in Cinderella (Algonquin), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Disney’s Newsies (both BCCT’s productions). He would like to thank his friends and family for their support, the Phoenix staff for this amazing opportunity, and everyone who has attended this incredible production.

CAMRYN RAGLAND (Ensemble)

is excited to be a part of her 3rd show with Phoenix Productions and to work with such an incredible cast and creative team on this beautiful presentation of Ragtime. Her favorite roles include: Once on This Island (Storyteller, Phoenix Productions), The Addams Family (Flapper Ancestor, Phoenix Productions), SpongeBob the Musical (The Mayor, Ritz Theatre Co.) and The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion, MMA). She thanks her family for supporting her.

NASIR ROPER (Ensemble)

Born and raised in Newark, I fell in love with the arts at a very young age. I studied at Arts High School as a vocal major. I’m stoked to be making my debut. Credits include: Runaways (Player 4 / Ensemble) 13 (Eddie), Scottsboro Boys (Eugene), Spring Awakening (Male Swing / Ensemble), Heathers (Ram / Ensemble), Seussical (Horton), Once on This Island (TonTon Julian), High School Musical (Chad), The Music Man (Ensemble), Ragtime (Sarah’s Friend / Ensemble).

RACHEL ELIZABETH ROSARIO (Ensemble)

is delighted that Ragtime is her 1st show with Phoenix Productions! Rachel is currently a senior at The College of Staten Island studying English Writing, as well as training at Broadway Dance Center. I am so grateful to my parents, teachers and loved ones who have supported me throughout the years! And I thank God for all the blessings and opportunities in my life... Psalm 46:5 <3

FELICIA RUSSELL (Evelyn Nesbit)

is overjoyed to return home to Phoenix! She was last seen here in 2012’s production of Ragtime as Little Girl. Now 23, she’s elated to graduate to Evelyn. Additional credits include: The Bridges of Madison County (Marian), Little Women (Beth), You Can’t Take It with You (Alice), and The Diary of Anne Frank (Miep.) Thanks to the cast and crew, and, of course, her family and friends for their immense support. Wheeeee!

ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO (Ensemble)

is so ecstatic to be returning to the Basie stage with Phoenix! Previous credits include: ln the Heights (Usnavi De La Vega, Defining Moments), Disney’s Newsies (Romeo, CDC), and West Side Story (Bernardo u/s, SummerStages). Ariel would love to thank Mark, Ava, Julia, Quincey, Travis, Anthony and the whole cast for keeping him sane during the production! Enjoy the show! See you back here in 2 weeks!

JAKOB SCHULER (Ensemble)

is excited you’re here for his 5th Phoenix Productions musical! Jakob studied theater in college and was previously seen in The Addams Family with Phoenix as the Soldier Ancestor! Jakob is so thankful for being in a show where everyone can join together as one! Thanks to his friends and family for their love and support, and, of course, the best cast and crew I’ve ever worked with! Enjoy the show! <3

JOHN C. SHORT (Tateh)

is thrilled to be making his Phoenix debut with this show, this production team and this stellar cast. Previous credits include: Pippin (Pippin, Park Players), Elf (Macy’s Santa, Algonquin Arts Theater), Avenue Q (Trekkie Monster, Algonquin Arts Theater), Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick, Hudson Shakespeare). All my love to my parents, family and friends for their support, and to Elisabeth for everything.

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

HOWARD SMITH, JR.

(Grandfather)

is proud to return to Phoenix Productions and the Count Basie Center where he began his community theatre journey eleven years ago in The Music Man Howard is thrilled to work with such a professional cast and production team. After weeks of rehearsals, I still get chills listening to the voices and watching this important and inspiring story unfold. I hope everyone leaves the theater with a resolve to love their neighbor more.

QUINCY SOUTHERLAND

(Ensemble / Dance Captain)

Quincy‘s journey with Phoenix has been a wild one! From dancing on the streets In the Heights, back to the Newsies Strike, to the prohibition period to do some Nice Work..., to Iowa to support a counterfeit Music Man! Now Quincy travels back in time again to 1904 to sing and dance to what people call Ragtime! Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy the Show! Want to follow more of Quincy’s journey’s, find him on any social media @QuincyDances

JONATHAN STANLEY

(Ensemble / Coalhouse Walker, Jr. u/s / Booker T. Washington u/s)

is a professional scientist from East Windsor, NJ, and is excited to be back on the Count Basie stage in one of his favorite shows. Stage credits include: Peter Pan, Footloose, In the Heights, Children of Eden, The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver and, most recently, Phoenix Productions’ Once on This Island. He thanks his family, especially his mother, for being his biggest supporter.

HANNAH STONE-CALABRIA

(Ensemble)

is thrilled to take part in her 2nd Phoenix Productions show, Ragtime! Hannah made her Phoenix debut in Guys and Dolls. She could not wait to join another fabulous Phoenix Productions cast. Hannah, an attorney by day, can’t thank her husband, Matt, and family enough for encouraging her to do the things that make her happy. She thanks the cast and production team of Ragtime for making this such a rewarding experience.

KRISTIAN THAXTON (Ensemble)

is 15 years old and a sophomore at Piscataway H.S. He’s a member of the Performing Arts Academy and is proud to be on the Boys’ Tennis team. Performances: Camp, A New Musical, (Chas, OffBroadway production, Theatre Row), Disney’s Aladdin (Marlboro M.S), Disney’s Newsies (Romeo) and Les Misérables (Gavroche, Basie Award, Mater Dei Prep HS), Housewives of Monmouth County, (Barack, Cabaret for Life), Chinese New Year in NY, Self (Sesame Street / China Channel CCTV14 production). Kristian is grateful to Phoenix Productions for this opportunity.

JNEY UPLINGER (Ensemble)

is excited to perform a 2nd time in Ragtime with Phoenix. She studied under Juilliard professor Donald Read, was chosen to perform with Carnegie Hall’s City Wide Arts and recorded classical to contemporary worship. Jney is currently a teacher for Music Together, worship leader at Grace Church, and a wife and mother of four. Credits include: Carousel (Nettie Fowler), Smokey Joe’s Café (Brenda), Dreamgirls (Charlene) and Hairspray (The Dynamites).

ANTHONY VIERA (Ensemble)

is thrilled to be back on the Count Basie stage. Recent roles include: Once on This Island (Armand / Monsieur Beauxome), Rent (Benny), Evil Dead The Musical (Ed). Anthony made his production team debut in 2023 as Assistant Director in The Music Man and will be back on the other side of the table as Production Assistant this spring in Phoenix’s The Prom. This and everything I do is for you, Nan <3. Much Love.

Joe Wajda, Executive Manager & Phoenix Operations Co-Chair

WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM

DARRELL L. WILLIS (Director)

is the founder (April 1987-Present) and producing Artistic Director of the Dunbar Repertory Company. He holds a B.A. Degree in Theater Arts from Susquehanna University and a M.A. Degree in Theater Studies from Montclair State University. Mr. Willis has produced and directed over 100 plays and musicals in his 52 year theater career.

FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ (Production Manager)

is thrilled to be back at the helm after serving as Production Manager for Guys and Dolls and A Christmas Carol last season. Fran started with Phoenix Productions in the cast of Peter Pan back in 1997 and since then has been a part of all aspects of the organization both on stage and behind the scenes. When not at the theater, Fran enjoys baking cookies and watching football. Fran would like to thank her Asst. PM, Olivia, and the entire production team, cast and crew for their hard work, talent and dedication. And as always, thanks to Stew, Sydney and Jason for their love and support.

NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT (Choreographer)

is super excited to be back again choreographing her third show this season! She started working with Phoenix Productions in 2020, and is a teaching artist for the Basie Academy. A special thank you to the production team, this beautiful cast, her husband Jarrod, and her family and friends for their continuous support. She dedicates her work to her mom, Susan Hayes-Stasio.

TEDDY KERNIZAN (Music Director)

is excited to be returning to Phoenix Productions as Music Director. He is a pianist, conductor, and educator from Mount Holly, NJ. Previous Music Director and Keyboard credits include: School of Rock, The Wizard of Oz, Guy and Dolls, Once on This Island, and In the Heights (Count Basie Center); Anything Goes, Gypsy, SpongeBob the Musical and Cinderella (Spring Lake Community Theatre); The Addams Family and Avenue Q (Axelrod Theatre). Teddy would like to thank the AMAZING Production Team here, this talented cast, and a special thank you to his supportive parents and 3 sons for all of their love and support.

JARROD SCOTT (Assistant Director)

is proud to be the Assistant Director and part of the team presenting Ragtime. Jarrod is a private vocal coach, arts educator for The Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts, and music teacher in various school districts in NJ. Previous directorial credits include: Once on This Island and Runaways. Jarrod is a world-touring vocalist, entertainer, songwriter, and musician. With the belief that the love for the craft shrinks the spaces created between us all, he would like to thank his wife, team, incredibly gifted cast, and Dunkin’.

RYAN ALGER (Assistant Stage Manager)

is thrilled to be back for her 2nd show with Phoenix Productions! Recent credits include: Always, Patsy Cline (Asbury Park Theatre Company), The Who’s Rock Album TOMMY starring Remember Jones (Axelrod Arts), and Evil Dead The Musical (Phoenix Productions). Thank you to the Phoenix family for always being so kind and welcoming. (Hi M&D!)

GABE BAGDAZIAN (Costume Design)

is a New York based costume designer who has been working in the theatrical costuming field since 2017. Gabe is a graduate of Boston University’s Costume Design MFA program, and has designed and built costumes for regional theaters in California, Massachusetts, and New York, Off Broadway, and the featured milliner of The Kentucky Derby. Gabe is also a full time in-house designer at TDF Costume Collection in NYC.

ASHLEY CUSACK (Scenic Design / Scenic Charge)

is a freelance designer and artist throughout the tristate area. She holds her MFA in Set Design from Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts. Since 2007, Ashley has worked in the Phoenix shop mixing paint, building and dreaming up set pieces to fill the Basie stage. Favorite past Phoenix designs include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Once on This Island, Elf, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. When not designing for the stage, she is busy starting new home projects and keeping up with her six year old daughter’s imagination.

KYLE SANTOPADRE

(Technical Director / Lighting Design)

has a BA in Theatre with a Design concentration from Rowan University. After college, Kyle worked for Royal Caribbean as Technical Stage Staff on board the Oasis of the Seas (CATS, Frozen In Time, Come Fly With Me, Oasis of Dreams). He is currently the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for The Count Basie Center for the Arts. Past designs include: Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, The Wizard of Oz (Phoenix Productions), Hello, Dolly! (Capital Productions) and Noises Off (Raritan High School). Many thanks to a wonderful production team!

STEPHANIE SCHOPPE (Production Stage Manager)

is excited to PSM her third Phoenix show. PSM at Phoenix: The Addams Family and A Christmas Carol. ASM at Phoenix: Elf The Musical and The Wedding Singer. Additional Stage Management/ Assistant Stage Manager credits include productions with Dunbar Repertory Company in Middletown (The Chef, August Wilson’s Jitney) and Plays-in-the-Park in Edison (Something Rotten!, Cinderella). Thank you for supporting community theatre in New Jersey!

JO WYMER (Properties)

is a Navy Veteran, a 2x AMA award winner & a 2x Grammy nominee for her original music written for TV & film. Recent credits include: The Bikinis (Karla, Asbury Park Theater Company), and In the Heights (Abuela Claudia, Music Mountain Theater). Phoenix credits: Guys and Dolls and Evil Dead The Musical (Production Stage Manager), The Wizard of Oz (Assistant Stage Manager), Mamma Mia! (Rosie Mulligan), Every Wednesday Night (Teresa / Gloria Genovese), In the Heights (Abuela Claudia), and Evita (Juana Duarte / Aristocrat). She‘s a 2023 NJACT Perry Award nominee and Phoenix Award winner for Outstanding Stage Management in Phoenix Productions’ 2023 presentation of Guys and Dolls. Love to her family and her Phoenix family. @jowymermusic

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