November 15, 16 & 17 2024
Community Theatre at the
Presents
THE COLOR PURPLE
BASED UPON THE NOVEL WRITTEN BY ALICE WALKER AND THE WARNER BROS./AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT MOTION PICTURE
Book by MARSHA NORMAN
Music and Lyrics by BRENDA RUSSELL ALLEE WILLIS STEPHEN BRAY
“THE COLOR PURPLE was produced on Broadway at the Broadway Theater by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman and Quincy Jones. The world premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE was produced by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia.”
Scenic Designer ASHLEY CUSACK
Costume Designer GABE BAGDAZIAN
Production Stage Manager DENNIS TOLENTINO
Music Director
Lighting Designer KYLE SANTOPADRE
Technical Director KYLE SANTOPADRE
Production Manager FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
MICHAEL GILCH Choreographer
Director
JARROD SCOTT
NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT
THE COLOR PURPLE is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
Season Sponsors: Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft; The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates; World Subaru
THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Alice Walker writes in The Color Purple, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” This epic story of female empowerment has been a beacon since the novel debuted in the early ‘80s, earned the Pulitzer, and was brought to the screen by none other than Steven Spielberg.
In 2005 the first Broadway production made a huge impact, but the 2009 revival captured all the awards with its stunning simplicity and storytelling focus. The Color Purple is all about the story. The story of Celie, and her journey to find her own truth and reclaim her power. It is a story we should all hear – not just hear but listen and heed. Because it’s real. It illuminates so many social, cultural, and personal issues that were so prevalent when the story takes place in 1910, and the 1980s when the novel debuted, and are still relevant today.
My greatest honor working at the Count Basie Center as the Artistic Director of Phoenix Productions is in our organization’s ability to create a space for these stories to be told. My greatest job satisfaction comes from creating opportunities for amazingly talented people to make this kind of powerful theatre. My greatest joy is in watching the story shine.
If you or someone you know is in a toxic or dangerous place and doesn’t know who to turn to, I strongly encourage you to check out 180nj.org. And please know that everyone here at the Count Basie Center is glad you’re here.
Enjoy the show.
James
Managing Artistic Director
Phoenix Productions at the Count Basie Center for the Arts
Celie .................................................................................................................. ERICA WILKINS
Nettie DAISHA DAVIS
Pa .......................................................................................... JO-LEO W. CARNEY-WATERTON
Mister.................................................................................................... GREGINALD SPENCER
Harpo .....................................................................................................................KYLE JAVON
Sofia TAHPHANESE “TAHPHI” BRASWELL
Shug Avery MISSA THOMPSON
Squeak ......................................................................................................... JANNETTE FISHER
Preacher................................................................................................. KIRK JASEN LAMBERT
Buster ............................................................................................................. TRAVIS GASTON
Chief JASÓN WELLS
Grady .............................................................................................................. TRAVIS GASTON
Bobby ............................................................................................... QUINCY SOUTHERLAND
Adam......................................................................................................... KYLENSKY MIRACLE
Olivia CHANTEL AMISSAH
Church Ladies .......................................................................................JULIA ARNOLD-BOULE ERICKA DAVIS
MIMI B. FRANCIS
JASMINE PLANTT
MONA PLANTT
THAÏS SHERELL
Ensemble CHANTEL AMISSAH ESTHER FOSU TRAVIS GASTON
KIRK JASEN LAMBERT
QUALÉ LEWIS
McKAELA MAYE KYLENSKY MIRACLE
QUINCY SOUTHERLAND
JASÓN WELLS
UNDERSTUDIES
For Celie - CHANTEL AMISSAH; For Nettie - ESTHER FOSU; For Mister - KIRK JASEN LAMBERT; For Harpo - JASÓN WELLS; For Sofia - JULIA ARNOLD-BOULE; For Shug Avery - ERICKA DAVIS; For Squeak - McKAELA MAYE.
. DANCE CAPTAINS
McKAELA MAYE, QUINCY SOUTHERLAND
.
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
Director JARROD SCOTT
Choreographer.................................................................................... NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT
Music Director ................................................................................................ MICHAEL GILCH
Fight Choreographer ................................................................................... CHRIS HARRISON
Technical Director ..................................................................................... KYLE SANTOPADRE
Scenic Designer............................................................................................. ASHLEY CUSACK
Lighting Designer ..................................................................................... KYLE SANTOPADRE
Costume Designer GABE BAGDAZIAN
Hair and Make-Up Designer JANNETTE FISHER
Properties ..................................................................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM
Sound Designer.............................................................................. FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
Sound Engineer.................................................................................................................. ACIR
Scenic Charge ................................................................................................ ASHLEY CUSACK
Production Stage Manager .................................................................... DENNIS TOLENTINO
Associate Production Manager ANTHONY VIERA
Assistant Stage Managers ISABELLA COMO, TODD ROMAN
Production Assistants .................................................... ASHLEY FABIEN, ARTY SMARGIASSI
Carpenters............................................................................................................... ZACK BLISS
Costume Crew ................................................. STEPHANIE FAZZOLARI, JOANNE PENROSE
Scenic Crew ........................................ JESSICA COGAN, DONNA HUNT, DANA JILL MALEY
Managing Artistic Director ......................................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM
Special Thanks .....................................COUNT BASIE CENTER MARKETING DEPARTMENT, JESSICA COGAN, DIANE DiYANNI, OLIVIA GRAUSAM, HAHN FILMS, TOM HESSMAN, JOHN POSADA
Conductor / Keyboard 1 ............................................................................... MICHAEL GILCH
Keyboard 2................................................................................................. TERESA GOTANCO
Reed 1........................................................................................................... ERIC LAMPMANN
Reed 2............................................................................................................. TESSA O’BOYLE
Trumpet .................................................................................................................. SEAN HACK
Guitar RAY SUHY
Bass ......................................................................................................................... MIKE PARISI
Drums AARON ALLEN
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
ACT 1
“Opening” ......................................................................... Celie, Nettie, Preacher, Company
“Somebody Gonna Love You” ............................................................ Celie, Nettie, Women
“Our Prayer” ..................................................................................... Nettie, Celie, Mister, Pa
“That Fine Mister” ........................................................................................... Church Ladies
“Big Dog” ................................................................................................... Mister, Celie, Men
“Mister-Nettie / Lily of the Field” ......................................................... Mister, Nettie, Celie
“Sofia” ................................................................................................................. Sofia, Harpo
“Dear God-Sofia” ............................................................................................................ Celie
“A Tree Named Sofia” ..................................................................................... Church Ladies “Hell No!” ......................................................................................................... Sofia, Women
“Brown Betty” ....................................................................................... Harpo, Squeak, Men
“Shug Avery Comin’ to Town” .........................................................Mister, Celie, Company
“All We Got to Say” ........................................................................................ Church Ladies “Dear God-Shug” .................................................................................................. Celie, Shug “Too Beautiful for Words” ............................................................................................. Shug “Push Da Button” ..........................................................................................Shug, Company
“Uh-Oh” .................................................................... Mister, Sofia, Harpo, Squeak, Company
“What About Love?” ............................................................................................ Celie, Shug
The Color Purple will be performed with one 15-minute intermission.
ACT 2
“Africa / We Walk Away” ......................................................Nettie, Celie, Chief, Company
“The Color Purple” ......................................................................................................... Shug
“It’s Easter Sunday” ..................................................................................................... Nettie
“End Easter Dinner” ....................................................................................................... Celie
“Mister Song” ............................................................................................................... Mister
“In Miss Celie’s Pants” ................................................................ Celie, Shug, Sofia, Women
“Any Little Thing” ............................................................................................... Harpo, Sofia
“What About Love?” (Reprise)...................................................................................... Celie
“I’m Here” ....................................................................................................................... Celie
“The Color Purple” (Reprise) ........................................................................Celie, Company
SETTING
The story takes place in Georgia between 1909 and 1949.
WARNING: THIS PERFORMANCE UTILIZES STROBE EFFECTS AND CONTAINS PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AND ADULT LANGUAGE AND CONTENT.
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.
2024/2025 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
PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS 2024/2025 SEASON DONORS
RISING STAR LEVEL: $500-$999
Professor Chris Adamo, Joseph Ercolino, Maryann Larkin, The Thorner Family, Diane Tresente
FAN LEVEL: Up to $249
Dianne Asay, In memory of Al Bevacqua, The Boyko Family, Jane Cybulski, William & Ann Emery, Judith & William Fraser, Gloria Friedman, Kenneth Groeschel, Rita LaBrecque, Leanne Lasko, Bridgette Markuson, Carolyn McCarthy, The Mele/Declarations Family, Nancy Merkel - In memory of Marie Elizabeth Corke, Donna Pinamonti, The Press Family, The Rainone Family, Barbara Saake, Richard Scott
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
JULIA ARNOLD-BOULE
(Church Lady, u/s Sofia)
is a senior Theatre major at the Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Her theatre credits include: Chicago (Matron “Mama” Morton), High School Musical (Ensemble), The Old Man and The Old Moon (Perry), and 42nd Street (Student Director). Julia is filled with gratitude to be a part of this production and wants to thank the cast, crew, friends, and family for all their support shown through this journey. Hope you enjoy the show!
CHANTEL AMISSAH
(Olivia, Ensemble, u/s Celie)
is elated to be a part of The Color Purple for her first of many with Phoenix Productions. She’s looking forward to expanding her acting range and broadening her horizons. Before starting her undergraduate studies, she participated in some high school productions (The Firehouse Project and The Drowsy Chaperone). During her time at Rutgers University, she actively engaged in various theatrical endeavors, collaborating with both the Cabaret Theater and the Livingston Theater Company. At Playhouse 22, she performed in Check Please (Hannah) and Memphis (Trio Girls/ Ensemble). Chantel is honored to be telling this story alongside such a brilliant cast and hopes this story of love, endurance, hope, and faith resonates with audience members.
TAHPHANESE “TAHPHI” BRASWELL
(Sofia)
is a Southern California native who fell in love with the full spectrum of creative and performing arts at an early age. She has taught creative and performing arts in several NJ schools where she has written, directed, and choreographed many original productions. She is the co-founder of HeArt Beyond Words, a creative and performing arts initiative that provides a creative platform and outlet for individuals who may find it difficult to verbally express themselves. She is so excited and beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing production alongside a phenomenal group of artists. She is forever humbled and extremely grateful for every opportunity to cultivate her craft and do what she loves most.
JO-LEO W. CARNEY-WATERTON (Pa)
is a son and native of Newark, New Jersey, who is pleased and thankful to be in yet another show. He was previously seen alongside an all-star lineup of vocalists and performers in Ragtime and Jesus Christ Superstar with Phoenix. He also previously appeared alongside a magnificent group of actors in A Soldier’s Play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Jitney, and soon, Two Trains Running, all with the illustrious Dunbar Repertory Company. He would like to thank, unreservedly, his family, especially his mother, for continuing to encourage his gifts, his vocal coach Jonathan Rose, Darrell Willis, Mark Henderson, and the amazing Phoenix team.
DAISHA DAVIS (Nettie)
is so excited to return to the Count Basie stage! She recently played the role of Sarah’s Friend in Ragtime with Phoenix Productions. Daisha is a B.A. Theatre graduate from Kean University and a Performing Arts teacher in her hometown of Newark, NJ. Daisha has been seen on stages all throughout NY/NJ. Some of her favorite credits include: Memphis (Felicia), Avenue Q (Gary Coleman), Once on This Island (Asaka), Children of Eden (Eve), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo) and many more! Daisha would like to thank her friends, family and fellow cast members for all their love and support.
ERICKA DAVIS
(Church Lady, u/s Shug Avery) is excited to be making her Phoenix Productions debut at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Ericka is a professional singer who performs at church, weddings, and special events. She recently starred as Felicia Farrell in Memphis and continues to pursue her passion for the stage. Theatrical credits include: Memphis (Choir Soloist/Felicia Farrell u/s), Sweet Charity (Helene), Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Ragtime (Ensemble), Smokey Joe’s Café (Brenda Braxton), Hairspray (Lead Dynamite). Ericka is so honored to be a part of this great production! Thank you to this amazing dream team! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show because we are discovering The Color Purple!
JANNETTE FISHER
(Squeak, Hair & Make-up Designer)
is thrilled to be in Phoenix Productions’ The Color Purple. This will now be her 2nd production with the company, and she is so excited to continue to create a future with Phoenix! Recent credits include: HAIR (Dionne), Head Over Heels (Mopsa), and RENT (Mimi). As a recent client with Kreative Agency, she hopes to explore and expand on her skill set and opportunities. Thank you to the cast and crew for sharing your grace, love and talent.
ESTHER FOSU
(Ensemble, u/s Nettie) is thrilled to return to Phoenix in her second production with the company. You may have seen her in The Prom (Kaylee) this past May. Esther, a lifelong theater learner, is a university student and enjoys writing and traveling off the stage. She’d like to thank the creative team for trusting her to help tell this incredible story and everyone responsible for bringing this magic to the stage!
MIMI B. FRANCIS (Church Lady)
is joyful to be a part of the amazing TCP cast. Last seen in Phoenix’s Once on This Island, Mimi’s other credits include: A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre), Sweat (Cynthia), Fences (Rose), Death of a Salesman (Linda Lohman), Having Our Say (Sadie Delany), In the Heights (Abuela Claudia), Into the Woods (Witch), Nine (Saraghina), etc. Directing credits include: School Girls: The African Mean Girls Play, Sweat, and in January 2025, American Son. Classically trained, Mimi has performed in NYC, LA, San Diego and NJ. Off the stage, Mimi is an educator and jewelry artisan. Grateful for family and friends on this artistic journey.
TRAVIS GASTON (Buster, Grady, Ensemble) is an ensemble member/dancer, he is so excited to do such an amazing, powerful show such as this one with so much talent and such a beautiful story to tell. Travis is optimistic as he just recently graduated high school and is ready to pursue his career in theatre and can’t wait to one day perform on the Broadway stage next. Travis wants to thank not only his family for their support, but also God for keeping him going and for giving him these amazing opportunities to keep his love for theatre and his talent alive.
KYLE JAVON (Harpo) is excited to take on the role of Harpo in The Color Purple. You may have recently seen him play Collins in RENT at the Count Basie. He also starred in The Mountaintop (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jersey Shore Arts Center). Kyle was in Beautiful (Drifter; Titusville Playhouse, Florida, and The Kelsey Theatre, New Jersey) and starred in Dreamgirls (Curtis, Roxy Regional Theatre, Tennessee). Home state of New Jersey credits include: ShBoom! Life Could Be a Dream (Duke, Greater Ocean City Theatre), Into the Woods (Wolf, Algonquin Arts Theatre), and Shrek (Donkey, Middletown Arts Center). He was a 2022 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Award nominee (Shrek, Donkey). Kyle was also a 2024 NJACT Perry Award nominee for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Beautiful).
KIRK JASEN LAMBERT
(Preacher, Ensemble, u/s Mister) is excited to be back with Phoenix Productions after performing the role of Agwe in Once on This Island. Kirk graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a B.A degree in Theatre Studies. Kirk continues to strive toward a professional career in theatre, film, and television. He is overwhelmed with gratitude and joy to be sharing the stage with a phenomenal cast under the guidance of an amazing creative team.
QUALÉ LEWIS (Ensemble) is a Queens, NY, native that began her dancing career with Sherry Russo Dance. She continued her dance development in upstate NY and acting at her alma mater, Rider University. Qualé is excited to perform again with Phoenix Productions. Stage credits include: Ragtime, Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, Black Nativity. When Qualé is not performing on stage or choreographing for and performing in competitions, she enjoys modeling, crafting, and traveling. She’d like to thank her family, friends, and you for supporting the arts.
McKAELA MAYE
(Ensemble, u/s Squeak, co-Dance Captain)
From age two, 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, McKaela has performed in Once on This Island, In the Heights, and Ragtime. She is excited to perform in her all-time favorite, The Color Purple. 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.
KYLENSKY MIRACLE
(Adam, Ensemble)
is a sophomore at Monmouth University majoring in Economics & Finance with a double major in Musical Theatre. This is his first time with Phoenix Productions and community theatre as a whole. He has previously played in Rock of Ages (Stacee Jaxx; Ocean Township High School), Pippin (Charlemagne; Monmouth University) and …Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney, Monmouth University). Kylensky is very excited to take this journey in his performance career with Phoenix!
JASMINE PLANTT
(Church Lady)
is so grateful to be back at the Basie! She was last seen on stage for Once on this Island (Storyteller/Mama u/s; Phoenix Productions). She is so excited to be a church lady and stomp-clap to the beat! Thank you to the Scotts’ for this opportunity. She hopes you enjoy the show and know that no one can tell you what you are. Be kind...Be you.. and SHOW them WHO you are. Thank you to family and friends for all their support.
MONA PLANTT
(Church Lady)
is making her Count Basie debut. She’s happy to share the stage with her daughter Jasmine in this wonderful production. Mona has traveled overseas singing with various gospel artists. With her comedic style and acting abilities, she is so grateful to share the stage with this wonderful cast and crew of The Color Purple. Thank you Jarrod, Natalie and Fran. Some of her future projects include studio recordings and her “book.” She thanks all of her friends and family for their continued love and support. “You ain’t see nothing yet!!”
THAÏS SHERELL
(Church Lady)
Thanks to JC my MVP for this fabulous opportunity to perform with Phoenix Productions again. Shout out to my fam, the amazing cast, crew, team, and of course, each of you wonderful people who chose to support the production with your presence. Sending love because you matter. Stay connected @TSJheart.
QUINCY SOUTHERLAND
(Bobby, Ensemble, co-Dance Captain)
Quincy‘s journey with Phoenix has been a wild one! From dancing to what the people called Ragtime, to the Newsies strike, to the prohibition period to do some Nice Work…, to Iowa to support a counterfeit Music Man, to on the streets In the Heights and journeying back to New York to sing and dance about RENT! Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy The Color Purple! Want to follow more of Quincy’s journey’s, find him on any social media. @Quincy.Southerland
GREGINALD SPENCER
(Mister)
A singer, songwriter, international entertainer & recording artist, actor, music director, mentor, and talent consultant, Greginald is best known for his energetic personality and powerfully soulful vocals. Greginald was born and raised in the heart of south Mississippi in the small town of Collins. He now resides in NYC, where he works as an independent entertainer and talent consultant performing all over the world, e.g. USA, Japan, France, and Germany. Spencer was the first ever winner of Apollo Live, a nationally syndicated revival of the historic talent competition at the world famous Apollo Theater. The show aired on BET, with iconic industry greats, Gladys Knight, Doug E. Fresh, and Michael Bivins as contestant mentors/judges. Greginald has since become the “Set It Off Man” of Amateur Night at the legendary theater where he kicks off the show with a twenty-minute scripted performance to warm up the crowd and contestants weekly.
MISSA THOMPSON (Shug Avery)
hails from Cleveland, OH. She has been performing since childhood, starring as familiar favorites like Dorothy (The Wiz, All-City Productions) and Irene Paige (Bubbling Brown Sugar; All-City Productions) and singing all over her home city with her own band. When not performing, Missa is a bookworm, content creator and devoted catmom. A serious vegan foodie, she tries out recipes on all her friends. She is also an avid fitness enthusiast who loves teaching classes at her local gym.
JASÓN WELLS
(Chief, Ensemble, u/s Harpo) is a singer/dancer/actor/choreographer from New Jersey and is a Montclair State Musical Theatre Alum ‘22. Some of his most recent on stage credits include: Beetlejuice (Norwegian Viva), Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, and World of Dance. He is extremely grateful to perform on the Basie stage with such an amazing cast, sharing this amazing story!
ERICA WILKINS
(Celie)
was born & raised in New Haven, CT, and made her acting debut as the lead in the hit stage play Torn Between the Two (Shante Johnson; JohnMarshall Presents). Erica also played a supporting role in the play The Girl I Carried (Adult Hope) and in the hit stage play Blood Bond (Kim; Family Man Entertainment). Erica has been a background singer in the gospel community for over 23 years behind prominent gospel artists such as Deon Kipping and J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise. Erica has attended the New Haven Academy for Performing Arts under the tutelage of Lara Morton. Erica has released her debut single “Rainbows” this month. All glory to God for the things he has done. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
(Production Manager, Sound Designer)
is extremely proud to be leading this talented cast and production team. Fran started with Phoenix Productions in the cast of Peter Pan back in 1997. Since then, Fran has been a part of all aspects of the organization, both onstage and behind the scenes, most recently performing as Mrs. Green in May’s production of The Prom and Production Manager of July’s West Side Story. Fran would like to thank her family, Stew, Sydney and Jason for their never-ending support and encouragement.
JARROD SCOTT (Director)
is proud to be the Director and part of the team presenting The Color Purple. 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: The Mountaintop, The Addams Family, 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’.
NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT (Choreographer) is thrilled to be back at the Basie after making her directorial debut with RENT. She began her journey with Phoenix Productions as a teaching artist and performer (Sheila, A Chorus Line). She also choreographed many of Phoenix’s main stage productions (Ragtime, The Addams Family, In the Heights, and Once on This Island). 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, and sister, Kim Clark.
MICHAEL GILCH (Music Director, Conductor) is a versatile Asbury Park-based musician, composer, and arranger. He has played in Broadway pits, Village jazz clubs, and conducted pit orchestras in many NYC/ NJ regional theaters and universities. He is delighted to MD and conduct his 2nd show with Phoenix Productions after The Prom. Thanks to James for the opportunity and Jarrod and Natalie for the creativity.
GABE BAGDAZIAN (Costume Designer) 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.
ISABELLA COMO (Assistant Stage Manager) is currently a freshman at Middlesex College studying design and production. Her credits include: Two River Theater’s Much Ado About Nothing (Assistant Stage Manager), Romeo and Juliet (Assistant Stage Manager), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Directing Assistant), Phoenix Productions’ In the Heights (Assistant Stage Manager), Phoenix Productions’ RENT (Assistant Stage Manager) and more. She is so excited to be back with Phoenix this season! Additionally, she’d like to thank her family and friends for all their support!
ASHLEY CUSACK (Scenic Designer, Scenic Charge) is a freelance designer and artist throughout the tri-state 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 seven year old daughter’s imagination.
ASHLEY FABIEN (Production Assistant) is so excited to be a part of this team. She’s been dancing, acting and singing since she was 5 years old and has a deep love for the theater and the arts. This is her first production with Phoenix and she’s so excited to be on this side of the stage this time around. Some of her favorite credits include: The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy, The Alpha NYC) and The Church on Fire (Eva, ALI Pictures). She would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her endeavors! Break a leg TCP cast.
TODD ROMAN (Assistant Stage Manager) is happy to be working with Phoenix again!!! ASM: HAIR (Phoenix), A Chorus Line and Dreamgirls (Axelrod). On stage at Phoenix, Todd has been seen in Elf, Mamma Mia!, Young Frankenstein, Spamalot and Hunchback... (King Louis). Regional credits: West Side Story (Diesel), Billy Elliot, A Chorus Line (4x), 42nd Street, Rocky Horror, Cabaret, Joseph… Recent favorites: Hello, Dolly!, On The Town (Prof. Figment/Ensemble), Something Rotten! (u/s Nigel Bottom), Mary Poppins, Avenue Q (Choreographer). Many thanks to James, Fran, & Dennis for having me back! Much love to Mom, Dad, Grandma, etc.
KYLE SANTOPADRE
(Technical Director, Lighting Designer) has a BA in Theatre with a Design concentration from Rowan University. He is the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for The Count Basie Center for the Arts. Past scenic designs include: In the Heights (Phoenix Productions), Guys & Dolls (Phoenix Productions), Noises Off (Raritan HS) and Hello Dolly! (Capital Productions). Many thanks to a wonderful production team!
ARTY SMARGIASSI (Production Assistant) is a senior at Freehold Township HS and is ecstatic to be a part of their first show with Phoenix Productions. This will be their tenth show, and they have worked on shows such as Almost, Maine; Bye Bye Birdie; and Puffs! as a Production Head and Stage Manager. Arty is incredibly grateful for everyone who is a part of making this show! They would also love to thank their whole family for all of their support!
DENNIS TOLENTINO (Production Stage Manager) is excited to be stage managing his 17th Phoenix production. Dennis has been with Phoenix since 2018 when he performed in In the Heights (Kevin Rosario). A 2x NJACT Perry Award winning Stage Manager (including The Wizard of Oz for Phoenix), Dennis is a 1st generation Filipino-American and graduated from Georgetown University. He spends his days working for McMaster-Carr Supply. Thank you to the cast and crew (especially the ASM and PA team), his family and friends, and to you for supporting the arts!
ANTHONY VIERA (Associate Production Manager) is thrilled to be back with his Phoenix friends. Phoenix production credits include: The Music Man (Assistant Director, July 2023), The Prom (Assistant Production Manager, May 2024). Recent acting credits: RENT (Ensemble - Mr. Jefferson, Police, Pastor, u/s Benny), The Prom (Tom Hawkins), Once on This Island (Armand/ Monsieur Beauxhomme, u/s Daniel), Evil Dead The Musical (Ed Gently), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Beast). This, and everything I do, is for you, Nan.
JAMES GRAUSAM
(Managing Artistic Director, Properties) has directed several productions for Phoenix at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, including: Fiddler on the Roof, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, The 30th Anniversary Gala Concert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Songs for a New World, Smokey Joe’s Café, Spring Awakening, Elf, Putting It Together, Evil Dead The Musical, American Idiot, The Music Man, and Bat Boy: The Musical. He continues to direct and perform other places as time allows. As always, for Olivia.
jpascua@kpedgestone.com
Support the Count Basie Center and become a member today!
