PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS
Presents
“WEST SIDE STORY”
Based on a Conception of JEROME ROBBINS
Book by ARTHUR
LAURENTS
Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS
Originally Produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince By Arrangement with Roger L. Stevens
Scenic Design KYLE SANTOPADRE
Costume Design JOANNE PENROSE
Sound Design ACIR
Music Director KARA LEIGH
Lighting Design DAVID HEGUY
Properties RYAN ALGER
Production Stage Manager JESSICA PAUL
Production Manager FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
Director / Choreographer NICOLE CEBALLOS
WEST SIDE STORY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Season Sponsors: The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates; World Subaru
Show Sponsor: Dr. Bari Ceka
THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
West Side Story has been called “the greatest musical ever conceived.” With a book by Arthur Laurents, score by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and based on a play by William Shakespeare; it’s a who’s who of musical theatre royalty. With its themes of love striving to rise above hatred, fear of immigrants, the devastating effects of poverty, societal apathy, prejudice, and the toxicity of racism, it was groundbreaking in 1957 and its lessons remain relevant to this day. We tend to over-romanticize the 1950s, especially in musical theatre. The post-war era was especially challenging for the urban poor (especially in New York City) as the returning GIs flush with government money flocked to the everexpanding suburbs which lead to the great urban blight. Huge government projects led by Robert Moses displaced thousands as they ripped down tenements for Mayor LaGuardia’s “Slum Clearance” initiative to build highways, parks, zoos, and civic buildings including Lincoln Center. On top of the challenging economic conditions, millions of immigrants including displaced refugees from Europe, Puerto Rico, and Mexico were flooding into the city hoping for a better life in “the land of opportunity.” Couple this with the rabid political environment spurred on by the cold war and fear of communists everywhere – xenophobia was commonplace in the 1950s. Hatred was passed down like a family heirloom as people who were most likely immigrants, just a generation or two back, struggled to hold on to any scraps of their own “American dream.” This is the era Bernstein, Laurents, and Sondheim are depicting in West Side Story. Each time we take a fresh look at this brutal period in our history we’re reminded that we still have work to do before we (in Sondheim’s words) “find a new way of living.”
Enjoy the show.
James
Managing Artistic Director
Phoenix Productions at the Count Basie Center
The Jets
Action ............................................................................................................... MICHAEL DALY
Anybodys .....................................................................................................MARISSA DeVEAU
A-Rab ...................................................................................................... ANTHONY NARDULLI
Baby John ANTHONY FERRIGNO
Big Deal ANTONIO JOSEPH FAGLIARONE
Clarice ......................................................................................................................EVA BURNS
Debbie ....................................................................................................... LILIANA ZERTUCHE
Diesel ..................................................................................................... GEORGE ILIOPOULOS
Graziella MIA AVENOSO
Hotsie .............................................................................................................. ALEXIS TURNER
Minnie ............................................................................................................... JULIA MONSEY
Pauline ...................................................................................................... KENDALL THORNER
Riff JOEY MAHER
Snowboy COLTEN CARUSO
Tony....................................................................................................................... RYAN DEAHL
Velma ................................................................................................................ CLAIRE HUMES
The Sharks
Anita ................................................................................. DAGMAR MARSHALL-MICHELSON
Anxious ................................................................................................................. JAVIER COSS
Bernardo CARLOS ALLEN REYES
Chino .................................................................... RAMSES YAHIR MARTINEZ MONDRAGÓN
Consuela ..........................................................................................................LINA BUKHMAN
Estella ................................................................................................................IRLEY VALLEJO
Francisca GABRIELLA STEWART
Indio GABRIEL ANGEL VALLE
Juano .............................................................................................. LUCAS RIZZUTO-CANERO
Luis .................................................................................................................. JAIDEN CORTES
Maria ............................................................................................ AMANDA PAIGE PHILIPSON
Margarita ISABELLA SISO
Nibbles .................................................................................................... JEREMIAH REODICA
Pepe .................................................................................................... ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO
Rosalia......................................................................................................... MARIA GUERRERO
Teresita RACHEL ELIZABETH ROSARIO
Shark Girl AVA LUISA ESTRADA
The Adults
Doc JIM MORRIS
Glad Hand........................................................................................................ KYLE KENNEDY
Krupke ................................................................................................................. BRUNO SILVA
Lt. Schrank .................................................................................................... GREG SCHWEERS
UNDERSTUDIES
For Anita - RACHEL ELIZABETH ROSARIO; For Bernardo - JAIDEN CORTES; For Maria - MARIA GUERRERO; For Riff - MICHAEL DALY; Jet Swings - ANTONIO JOSEPH FAGLIARONE & COLTEN CARUSO.
Production Manager ...................................................................... FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
Director / Choreographer ......................................................................... NICOLE CEBALLOS
Music Director ....................................................................................................... KARA LEIGH
Assistant Director JAMES MARHOLD
Assistant Choreographer NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT
Fight Choreographer CHRIS HARRISON
Technical Director / Lead Carpenter ....................................................... KYLE SANTOPADRE
Scenic Design ............................................................................................ KYLE SANTOPADRE
Lighting Design .................................................................................................. DAVID HEGUY
Costume Design .........................................................................................JOANNE PENROSE
Properties ............................................................................................................. RYAN ALGER
Sound Design / Engineer ACIR
Scenic Charge ASHLEY CUSACK
Production Stage Manager ................................................................................JESSICA PAUL
Assistant Production Manager ................................................................... OLIVIA GRAUSAM
Assistant Stage Manager .................................................................................... LORIEN BIBB
Production Assistant ................................................................................... MAGGIE SURGUY
Count Basie Center Intern ................................................ AMYA ASHANTI JOHNSON-ASHE
Carpenters.................................................................... AEDAN BUTTOR, JOSEPH ESPOSITO
Scenic Crew EVALISE ABREU, JESSICA COGAN, ADRIELLA GONCALVES, SUNISA GONCALVES
Sound Crew / A2 ......................................................................................... EDDIE DONOHUE
Managing Artistic Director ......................................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM
Special Thanks .....................................COUNT BASIE CENTER MARKETING DEPARTMENT, DIANE DiYANNI, MAURER PRODUCTIONS, JOHN POSADA, DENNIS TOLENTINO
THE ORCHESTRA
Conductor.............................................................................................................. KARA LEIGH
Keyboard ................................................................................................. TERESA GOTANGCO
Reed 1........................................................................................................ ERICH LAMPMANN
Reed 2......................................................................................................... TRISTAN SHAFRAN
Reed 3............................................................................................................ HEIDI PETERSON
Reed 4.................................................................................................................. ALEX LEMMA
Reed 5 MITCHELL MARTIN
Trumpet 1 ......................................................................................................... DUSTIN CIANO
Trumpet 2 SEAN HACK
Trombone .............................................................................................................. KYLE JAKIER
Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Banjo) JOSH SIEGL
Bass (Electric, Acoustic) ..................................................................ANDREW ROSCISZEWSKI
Violin 1 NICOLE SCORESONE
Violin 2 .......................................................................................................... ANDREW OLENIK
Violin 3 ALEX DADON-OGRODNIK
Cello ........................................................................................................................ KEVIN MAA
Drums JAMES MACK
Percussion .............................................................................................................LUKE SHORT
Synthesizer DANIEL MULLENS
Synthesizer
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
SCENE 1: The Neighborhood
ACT 1
“Prologue” The Sharks and The Jets
“Jet Song” ............................................................................................ Riff and The Jets
SCENE 2: Outside Doc’s Drugstore
“Something’s Coming” Tony
SCENE 3: Bridal Shop
SCENE 4: The Gym
“Dance at the Gym” ................................................................................. Full Company
“Maria” ..................................................................................................................... Tony
SCENE 5: Alleyways
“Tonight” .................................................................................................Tony and Maria
“America” .................................................................. Anita, Rosalia and The Shark Girls
SCENE 6: Doc’s Drugstore
“Cool” ...................................................................................Riff, The Jet Boys and Girls
SCENE 7: Bridal Shop
“One Hand, One Heart” ........................................................................Tony and Maria
SCENE 8: The Neighborhood
“Tonight” (Quintet).......... Riff, Bernardo, The Jets, The Sharks, Anita, Tony and Maria
SCENE 9: Under the Highway
“The Rumble”
Riff, Bernardo, Tony, The Jets and The Sharks
West Side Story will be performed with one 15 minute intermission.
SCENE 1: Maria’s Bedroom
ACT 2
“I Feel Pretty”......................................................... Maria, Rosalia, Consuela, Francisca “Somewhere” Tony, Maria and Company
SCENE 2: The Neighborhood
“Gee, Officer Krupke” Action and The Jets
SCENE 3: Maria’s Bedroom
“A Boy Like That”/ “I Have a Love” ....................................................Maria and Anita
SCENE 4: Doc’s Drugstore
SCENE 5: The Cellar
SCENE 6: The Neighborhood
Warning: Please be aware that West Side Story contains gunshots, adult situations, strong language including ethnic slurs, simulated violence, smoking, and theatrical haze.
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
The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates - Jon & Jade D’Agostino
World Subaru - Joe & Nicole Wajda
WEST SIDE STORY Show Sponsor: Dr. Bari Ceka
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, Christine Bevacqua, The Boyko Family, Jane Cybulski, William & Ann Emery, 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
MIA AVENOSO (Graziella)
is so honored to be a part of this amazing cast. Mia would like to thank her mother for pushing her to audition for the show being the day of the audition her tummy hurt, was in NYC, and had her spring concert the next morning. She also thanks her friends and family for dealing with her endless talk about this show for the past 2 months, and the cast and crew for tolerating Mia’s craziness throughout the process.
LINA BUKHMAN (Consuela)
is an actress and dancer based in New York. She has trained at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Visceral Dance Chicago and most recently with The Verdon Fosse Legacy. Recent credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Fiddler), The Sound of Music (Liesl), Rock Of Ages (Sherrie), No Exit (Bellboy), and West Side Story x5 (Teresita, Velma, Anybodys)! She would like to thank her friends, family, and girlfriend for their support. She also wants to thank this extraordinary cast and crew for this amazing opportunity!
EVA BURNS (Clarice)
is excited to be back on the Basie stage! Eva is a recent graduate from Drew University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Media & Communications and a Minor in Studio Art. Eva also performed with her college dance team, The Rangerettes. Her past credits include: A Chorus Line (Shelia), Newsies, Legally Blonde (Serena), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Eva would like to thank her Phoenix Family for yet another wonderful experience!
COLTEN CARUSO (Snowboy, Jet Swing) is so honored to be a part of this production. He is a rising senior at Middletown High School North in the Arts Academy. Favorite past credits include: The Wag (Band Dancer; Off Broadway), The Little Mermaid (Sebastian; Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts), The Nutcracker (Snow King; Dance Mixx Studio), Young Frankenstein (The Hermit/ Victor Von Frankenstein; MHSN). Many thanks and love to the entire cast, production team, and his family and friends!
JAIDEN CORTES
(Luis, u/s Bernardo) is very excited to perform with this amazing cast of West Side Story! Before Phoenix, he has performed as Zach in A Chorus Line, Emcee in Cabaret, and Billy Flynn in Chicago. He is also currently attending Marymount Manhattan College where he will be playing Hanschen in Spring Awakening in the fall! Lastly, Jaiden would like to say thank you to his family and cast members for their endless support and kindness during this process.
JAVIER COSS (Anxious) is very excited and grateful to be able to work with Phoenix Productions as it is his second show here. He would like to thank all of his friends and family for believing in him and pushing him to go further. Special thanks to the cast, crew and the production team to be able to make this all possible. He cannot wait to be able to tell this beautiful story with everyone! MAMBO! @ javi_coss_
MICHAEL DALY
(Action, u/s Riff)
has pursued theatre for 6 years now, and has performed in over 5 musical productions in New Jersey. He’s showcased his 10+ years of competitive gymnastics training in many of his recent performances, and is excited to do more acrobatics and stunts in West Side Story. Michael just graduated from Montclair State University this past May, and also writes and records original music for streaming on multiple platforms as a pianist and pop vocalist.
RYAN DEAHL (Tony) is incredibly grateful to be making his Phoenix Productions debut in West Side Story. Recent credits include: The Last Five Years (Jamie) and Mamma Mia! (Sky). He is humbled by the talent of the cast and creatives, and thanks them for being a pleasure to work with. Ryan would also like to thank friends and family for their support. Most importantly, he’d like to thank you for supporting the local arts. Enjoy the show! @ryandeahl
MARISSA DeVEAU (Anybodys) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix Productions debut! Onstage credits include: Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Yonah (Children of Eden), Kate Mullins (Titanic), concerts with The Philadelphia Orchestra and NY Philharmonic. Music Direction: Tuck Everlasting, Mary Poppins, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Elf, The Flame. Marissa holds a B.M. in Music Education from Westminster Choir College and works as a teaching artist throughout NYC and NJ. Thank you for supporting the arts!
ANTONIO JOSEPH FAGLIARONE
(Big Deal, Jet Swing)
resides in Middletown, New Jersey and will be making his Phoenix Productions debut in West Side Story. He is very excited for this experience and is appreciative of everybody in the cast and production team for making this experience possible. Community Credits: Legally Blonde (Aaron/Dance Ensemble), Rock of Ages (Franz), The Crucible (Ezekiel Cheever) Matilda (Ensemble/Sergei) Educational Credits: A Chorus Line (Mike), Chicago (Ensemble) Into the Woods (Wolf/ Cinderella’s Prince).
ANTHONY FERRIGNO
(Baby John) is excited to return to the Basie stage in his 4th Phoenix show! Past credits include: All Shook Up (Chad; Villagers Theatre) and Newsies (Romeo; Phoenix Productions). Anthony just graduated this past winter from Montclair State University with a degree in Business Administration. He loves performing and hopes to make a career out of it one day! He thanks his family and friends for supporting him in what he loves to do!
MARIA GUERRERO
(Rosalia, u/s Maria) is thrilled to return to Phoenix Productions in her favorite show! She was recently seen in In the Heights (Carla; Phoenix Productions), Mamma Mia! (Donna; Red Bank Regional High School) & West Side Story (Maria; Howell PALTC). She will be studying Theatre at Marymount Manhattan College in the fall. Maria would like to thank the production team and cast for an amazing time this summer! @mariaguerrero2_
CLAIRE HUMES (Velma)
is a rising junior at Red Bank Regional High School and she is so excited to be in West Side Story! This will be her second show with Phoenix, her first being The Music Man (Teen Dance Ensemble) last summer. The most recent show she took part in was Mamma Mia! (Lisa; Red Bank Regional High School). Outside of theatre, Claire plays volleyball.
GEORGE ILIOPOULOS (Diesel)
is delighted to make his Phoenix Productions debut in West Side Story. George, a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, returns to the stage after taking time away from performing to pursue his career in medicine. When he’s not performing, George is an Urgent Care Physician Assistant. George is thankful for the fabulous cast/crew and sends his love and gratitude to his supportive husband, family, and friends that have rooted for him during his journey back to the stage.
KYLE KENNEDY (Glad Hand)
is thrilled to be in his 11th Phoenix Productions show! He was recently in The Prom as Sheldon this past May. 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 West Side Story, friends, and family for their constant love and support.
JOEY MAHER (Riff)
is overjoyed to be part of Phoenix this summer. Since last year he has been assisting RBC Performing Arts with productions such as The Addams Family and Anything Goes. Joey has been performing since a young age and has his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Rider University. Recent credits include: Spring Awakening (Melchior), A Chorus Line (Mike), and Cinderella (Prince Topher). @joey_maher
DAGMAR MARSHALL-MICHELSON (Anita)
is elated to be back on the Count Basie stage. Recently graduating from The New School, she is thrilled to be performing this timeless piece. Past credits include: RENT (Mimi Marquez), In the Heights (Nina), and others. She would like to thank the cast and crew for their beautiful talent and hard work. To her friends, new and old, thank you for supporting her journey every step of the way. To her partner for pushing and supporting her in the best ways. This show is for her familia, to be raised by strong, beautiful, and amazing Puerto Rican women is truly an honor. Te amo mucho!
JULIA MONSEY (Minnie) is beyond grateful to return for her third show in a row at Phoenix. She was previously seen in the Ensemble and served as Dance Captain for Phoenix’s The Prom and Ragtime. A St. Louis native, she grew up performing with St. Louis Ballet and made her professional musical theatre debut in Nine at New Line Theater. She now resides in NYC where she has performed works such as Fosse’s “Rich Man’s Frug.” As always, cheers to the Monsey cult <3
JIM MORRIS (Doc) is making his debut with Phoenix Productions! Jim has made several appearances in the New Jersey/ Pennsylvania area. Previous credits include: Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson; Town and Country Players), Deathtrap (Sidney Bruhl; Town and Country Players), Something Rotten! (Brother Jeremiah; MPO ON STAGE), Once (Da; Playful Productions), Spring Awakening (Adult Men; Kelsey Theater), Tartuffe (Orgon; Pinnworth Productions), Footloose (Reverend Moore; Playhouse 22) and most recently Bright Star (Daddy Cane; MPO ON STAGE).
ANTHONY NARDULLI (A-Rab) is so excited to be returning to the Count Basie stage for the 6th time with Phoenix Productions. Past credits include: The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow; Phoenix Productions) and A Chorus Line (Don; Marymount Manhattan College). Anthony is a rising sophomore in Marymount Manhattan College’s BFA Musical Theatre program. Anthony wants to thank this spectacular cast and team for this amazing journey. Break legs and kick face! Instagram: @anthonynardulli
AMANDA PAIGE PHILIPSON (Maria)
está agradecida y emocionada por la oportunidad de contar esta hermosa historia junto a un grupo tan talentoso. Está estudiando economía en NYU y ha regresado de un semestre increíble en Madrid, España. Recientemente interpretó a Ana Campos en Law and Order SVU y en la serie How I Got Here, pudo viajar por México reconectándose con sus raíces. Ha ganado dos Basie Awards y su próxima aventura es conquistar el maratón de London.
JEREMIAH REODICA (Nibbles)
is delighted to make his debut with Phoenix Productions! His past performances include: 9 to 5 (Featured Ensemble), The Addams Family (Mal), and She Loves Me (Georg Nowack). His last time on stage was 3 years ago at the ICCA’s with Rutgers’ Casual Harmony A Cappella Group. Jeremiah loves to elicit emotions that are exclusive to performing on stage. He’d like to thank his parents and friends who love to watch him perform!
CARLOS ALLEN REYES (Bernardo)
is stoked to be back at the Basie. He was last seen as Benny in In the Heights. OffBroadway: Mike and Mindy’s WWJ (Scott Orensten; The Players Theatre). Favorite roles include: Paul in A Chorus Line (Baayork Lee) and Thenardier in Les Misérables (Zi Alikhan) both at Pace University. Carlos would like to thank his family, friends, especially best friends Leana and Zach. He is managed by Bobbie and Deborah at The Entertainment Group. Pace MT alum! @carlos.a.reyes
LUCAS RIZZUTO-CANERO (Juano)
is thrilled to finally hit the Basie stage in his first production as Juano in Phoenix Productions’ West Side Story. Coming off his Basie Award win as Best Lead Actor in a Male Identified Role in a Musical, he is so excited to be back on stage! Lucas is currently a junior in high school, and has a burning passion for theatre. Lucas would like to thank his high school director, Linda Walling; his family and friends.
RACHEL ELIZABETH ROSARIO (Teresita, u/s Anita)
ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO (Pepe)
is beyond excited to be returning to the Basie stage as Pepe; Lieutenant of The Sharks! To be able to perform this majestic work of art and represent not only Los Boricuas, but all Latinx performers in theaters is something that Ariel is humbled and blessed to be able to do, especially with Phoenix! Thank you to mi tiburones, The Jets, and the entire crew for a wonderful show! ¡Oye, Javi, ponle fuego, vamos!
GREG SCHWEERS
(Lt. Schrank)
is a Phoenix veteran and returns to the Basie stage after appearing in Guys and Dolls here last year. Phoenix credits include: Walter Hobbs in Elf and FDR in Annie. Greg co-starred opposite television icon Joyce DeWitt (of Three’s Company fame) in an original comedy in 2022. John Adams in 1776, Moonface in Anything Goes, Sergeant Toomey in Biloxi Blues and the father in NYC off Broadway comedy, Daddy Issues, are additional favorites. Greg has appeared in several commercials and television shows including Law and Order SVU, The Cars That Made America, The Perfect Murder and The Food That Built America, to name a few.
BRUNO SILVA (Krupke) is making his Phoenix Productions debut and his return to the stage after a 20 year hiatus from performing. He would like to thank the entire cast and crew for welcoming him into the Phoenix family. He also would like to thank his amazing wife, Dana, for her unending love and support. Don’t worry Eleanor, daddy will grow his beard back! Enjoy the show!
ISABELLA SISO (Margarita)
is so excited to be a part of Phoenix Productions’ West Side Story representing her Puerto Rican heritage! She recently graduated from New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. Isabella would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her throughout her artistic journey.
is overjoyed to be a part of this beautiful show and lovely cast! Rachel is currently a senior at the College of Staten Island and also a substitute/music teacher. Filled with gratitude to have her family, friends, and teachers supporting her and to be representing her boricua people in West Side Story! This show has taught her so much and she will carry it with her throughout her dance journey… Psalm 118:6
GABRIELLA STEWART (Francisca)
is a recent Franklin High graduate and is thrilled to debut with Phoenix Productions. Her Franklin credits include: Chicago (Roxie), Once on This Island (Ti Moune), Bad Seed (Rhoda), and much more! She’s pursuing a MT BFA at Howard University in the fall. She has trained with UCLA’s theater program and NYCDA summer intensives, and is a dance teacher. Gabby gives a huge thanks to the West Side Story cast and crew for all the memories! IG: @gabceli
KENDALL THORNER
(Pauline)
is thrilled to have been cast as a Jet Girl in Phoenix Productions’ West Side Story! She’ll be attending NYU Tisch School of the Arts in the fall and would like to thank everyone who has supported her, especially James, Jo, Jenn, Justin, Natalie and Jarrod. She will bring all the wonderful experiences she has had at Phoenix Productions along with her on her journey. She also congratulates the cast and crew on such a wonderful show. She hopes you enjoy it as much as she does performing in it!
ALEXIS TURNER
(Hotsie)
has a love for singing, dancing, and acting, and continues to bring passion, energy, and emotion to every role. Her past shows include: Shrek, Hairspray, and Elf. Offstage, she likes to spend time with friends and family, going to concerts, traveling the world, taking walks on the beach, and listening to music. These experiences enhance her performances and allow her to bring even more authenticity and depth to every character she portrays.
GABRIEL ANGEL VALLE
(Indio)
is honored to be playing Indio in this production of West Side Story. Gabriel is grateful to be playing someone of their own culture. Also, to be a plus size person in a dance heavy show, they hope to inspire those out there that they can do whatever they put their mind to. Gabriel would like to thank their family, friends, and all involved with Phoenix Productions for all of their support. MAMBO! @gabrielangelvalle
IRLEY VALLEJO (Estella) is excited to return to the Basie Stage with this dream team of a cast, production team, and stage hands! Her most recent credits include: The Prom (Shelby), Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Girl, Dancer), Carmela Full of Wishes (Carmela), Something Like a Fairytale (Butterfly, Dance Captain), and In the Heights (Yolanda). She would like to give a huge thank you to God, Bernie, Ayden, Mom, Dad and all those who support her. Somehow, Someday, Somewhere. @elita2496 irleyvallejo.com
RAMSES YAHIR
MARTINEZ MONDRAGÓN (Chino)
Hey! Meet Ramses! He believes that every opportunity life gives you, you have to embrace, learn from it, and most importantly HAVE FUN!
LILIANA ZERTUCHE (Debbie)
is a freshman at Henry Hudson Regional High School. She loves performing and even when not in a show she tries to keep up practice in acting and dance classes. She has previously showcased her passion in: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy; HHRS), Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie; HHRS), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Ensemble; HHRS). She cannot wait for everyone to see her performance as a Jets Girl in West Side Story
FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ (Production Manager) 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 on stage and behind the scenes, most recently performing as Mrs. Green in May’s production of The Prom. Fran would like to thank her family, Stew, Sydney and Jason for their never-ending support and encouragement.
NICOLE CEBALLOS (Director / Choreographer) is thrilled to be back at Phoenix after recently choreographing Jesus Christ Superstar. Additional Directing credits include: A Chorus Line, The Producers, and Hairspray. Choreography credits include: Annie, The King and I, Gypsy, Beauty and The Beast, Evita, Over Here, Pirates of Penzance, Grease, Crazy for You and Anything Goes. Nicole was the resident choreographer for Artspower National Touring Theater for 14 years. Shows include: The Rainbow Fish, Madeline, Harry the Dirty Dog, Monster Who Ate My Peas and Chicken Dance. Nicole would like to thank the amazing cast, crew and production team and her family TJ, Gray, Harrison, Milan and Mimi!
KARA LEIGH (Music Director) is a proud and versatile Filipina American Music Director with extensive background in performance and music direction. She is a well-known music director all throughout New Jersey. Her work extends to our neighbors in New York and Pennsylvania. She has been performing and music directing for over 10 years. Dedicated to sharing the passion and love of both the technical and expressive aspects of music. She is excited to be working closely and creatively with West Side Story Director, Nicole Ceballos, and this outstanding cast.
RYAN ALGER (Properties)
Design debut! Ryan is a graduate from Rider University, where she received a B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Technical Theatre and a minor in Dance. She also likes long walks on the beach. Recent credits include: The Prom (Assistant Stage Manager, Phoenix Productions), Ragtime (Assistant Stage Manager, Phoenix Productions), and Always... Patsy Cline (Assistant Stage Manager, Asbury Park Theater Company).
LORIEN BIBB (Assistant Stage Manager) is so excited to be working with the West Side Story team for her third show as an ASM at Phoenix. She is currently attending Marymount Manhattan College pursuing a BFA in Production and Stage Management. She wants to thank her family and friends for always supporting her and for coming to see the shows she is working on. Break a leg to the cast and crew!
NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT (Assistant Choreographer) is very excited to be assisting in putting together this iconic show! She is a local choreographer, performer, and educator from Long Branch, NJ. Her credits as a choreographer include: Once on This Island, In the Heights, Avenue Q, The Addams Family Musical, and Ragtime. She is also a teaching artist for the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts. A special thank you to the production team, her husband Jarrod, and her family and friends for their continuous love and support. She dedicates her work to her mom, Susan Hayes-Stasio.
AMYA ASHANTI JOHNSON-ASHE (Count Basie Center Intern) is a junior Professional Theatre major at North Carolina A&T State University and is a native of Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Previous credits include: An Evening of Shorts: On Love; Seven Guitars (Vera Dotson); Divorced: A Dramatic Short Play (Cheryl); The Soul of Christmas (Vocalist); and Dreamgirls (Effie White). After graduating college, Amya aspires to have a career on Broadway, TV/Film, and as a vocalist!
JAMES MARHOLD (Assistant Director) has been with Phoenix Productions as a performer and Producer for 35 years. He was most recently seen on stage in the role of “Father” in Ragtime. Recent production credits include: In the Heights, Once on This Island, Spring Awakening and Elf. James is excited to work with the team for West Side Story. As always, James thanks Kathy and Patrick for their love and support!
JESSICA PAUL (Production Stage Manager) has felt so lucky to collaborate with many talented and skilled artists during this production! She has been working with Phoenix since spring 2023, participating in various roles backstage. Currently studying Stage Management at Rutgers University, she continues to be involved with local theatre in Monmouth County. She’d like to thank her parents (and Rook Coffee) for their support. As well as Olivia and Fran for their guidance throughout the process. Much love <3
JOANNE PENROSE (Costume Design) is a retired FACS middle school teacher and is happy to have more time to work with Phoenix Productions. She has costumed many shows in her 12 years with Phoenix, some of her favorites are: Damn Yankees, Spamalot, 1776, The Music Man, The Prom and of course, West Side Story. She would like to send love to Jenny, Jim, Jamie, Susan and Patrick for their support. Enjoy the show!!!
KYLE SANTOPADRE
(Scenic Design / Technical Director)
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!
MAGGIE SURGUY (Production Assistant) is honored to be a part of her very first show at Phoenix. She has had an amazing time getting to know the cast, crew, and staff and is grateful for the learning opportunity. She will be entering her senior year at Marlboro High School, where she is the Stage Manager and Chair of Community Outreach on the Executive Board. Enjoy the show!
jpascua@kpedgestone.com
