Cast & Artistic Staff Bios

CAST

Haven Burton (she/her) (Terry, Hawkins) is thrilled a to be a part of this truly remarkable show and back on stage for the first time since the shutdown. I want to thank you, the audience, for coming back to the theatre. Sharing stories makes the world a better, more empathetic place. Thank you for sharing this story with us. Representation matters. I want to dedicate this performance to my son, Hudson, who is brave and kind and courageous. He has taught me to challenge my thinking and the world that was not designed for him. He was designed to change it. I hope you take our story with you and leave our theatre curious, kind, and willing to challenge the world around you. Beyond that, if you are interested in what my theatre credits are, you can google me. I have had the pleasure of performing in many wonderful shows, with the cream of the crop on Broadway.

Darlesia Cearcy (she/ her) (Johanna). Award nominee recently appeared as Diana in Next to Normal at Westport Country Playhouse for which she is nominated as Best Actress in a Musical by Connecticut Critics Circle Awards. She was last seen on Broadway as Erzulie: Goddess of Love in the Tony Award winning revival of Once on this Island. She appeared as an original cast member and performed as Lottie Gee in Audra McDonald’s stead in the amazing Broadway musical Shuffle Along. She has performed on Broadway as Nettie in The Color Purple, Sarah in Ragtime for which she received a Helen Hayes nomination, and The Goodbye Girl. She won the BTF award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical for Nina Simone: Four Women at The Berkshire Theatre Group. Her television credits include: guest star on High Fidelity, Madame Secretary, FBI, House of Cards, Elementary, Law & Order: SVU and Nurse Jackie. Upcoming: the episodic The Watcher (Netflix). Urvisionhousse.com

Desmond Edwards (he/ him) (Remy) is a recent graduate of Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida. He joined theatre his sophomore year of high school as sound designer, composing orchestral pieces for his school’s plays before becoming an actor his junior year. His favorite roles include Audrey Two from his school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. Desmond is ecstatic to be a part of How to Dance in Ohio as his first professional production. He is grateful for the Ohio team for welcoming him with open arms and helping him grow into a young adult. He gives a special thanks to his family for supporting him as he begins his career as an actor and musician. @dedwards0502

Carlos L. Encinias (he/ him) (Kurt, Rick, u/s Dr. Emilio Amigo) is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a proud New Yorker since 2000. Broadway: Les Misera-

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bles (Fueilly), Mamma Mia! (u/s Eddie/Father A), Good Vibrations (u/s Jan/Class President), and Scandalous (Ramon) starring Carolee Carmello. Off-Broadway: Altar Boyz (Juan/ Abe/Mark). Regional: Barrington Stage world-premiere, A Crossing (Arturo); Olney, Miss You Like Hell (Manuel); Papermill Playhouse, A Christmas Story (u/s Santa); Phoenix Theatre, Evita (Che); Westport Playhouse, Man of La Mancha (Padre); Sundance, Cinderella (Prince). Thank you BLOC! Para mi familia, amigos y mis queridos: Joe, Luca and Marco! For more info, www.carlosLencinias.com.

Amelia Fei (she/her) (Caroline) is an actress and voice over artist from Taiwan, who is having butterflies to rejoin the dance party with her Ohio family! Some of her credits include The King and I (u/s Lady Thiang), Julius Caesar (Cassius, Cinna), and Avenue Q (Christmas Eve). So much love for my parents, and beyond grateful for my HTDIO family for listening and taking care of everyone while telling this beautiful and important story. ameliafei.com @amelia_bedeliafei

Nick Gaswirth (he/him) (Michael, Derrick). Broadway: Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812; A Christmas Story: The Musical. Tour: Wicked, A Christmas Story. Regional: I Am Harvey Milk/I Am Anne Hutchinson (Lincoln Center/Strathmore), Secondhand Lions (Seattle 5th Ave), James and the Giant Peach (Goodspeed), Yeast Nation (FringeNYC), The Gig (NYMF), Minnie’s Boys (York Theatre), The Full Monty (Westchester Broadway), Candide (Arden), A Year With Frog and Toad (Arden). Nick has a B.F.A. from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and is a proud member of AEA. Hi Jammers, hi Bumbles. www.nickgaswirth.com.

Wilson Jermaine Heredia

(he/him) (Dr. Emilio Amigo) is excited and thankful to be in the wonderful cast of How to Dance in Ohio and celebrates the experience of live theatre again. He is best known for winning the 1996 Tony Award for the role of Angel, Drama Desk and Obie, for best featured actor in the musical RENT. He also garnered an Olivier nomination when he reprised the role in London. He reprised the role again in the 2005 film. He returned to Broadway in La Cage Aux Folles opposite Harvey Fierstein. He recently played the role of Dan in Next to Normal at the Westport Country Playhouse directed by Marcos Santana. Films include Flawless, with Robert De Niro and Philip Seymour Hoffman and Rainbow Bridge Motel. He’s featured in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s Tick Tick Boom for Netflix. TV: he has guest starred in Banshee, Blind Spot, Without a Trace, and Law & Order:

CAST

SVU. He thanks his wife, family, and extended family for their undying support. Instagram@wilsonjermaineheredia Twitter@wilsonjheredia_Facebook Wilson J. Heredia

Melina Kalomas (Amy, Shauna). Theatre: Madame Giry in Phantom of the Opera (World Tour); Les Miserables, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, Camelot (US National Tours); Little Edie - alternate in Grey Gardens (The Ahmanson, Los Angeles), Mary Zimmerman’s Arabian Nights (Berkeley Rep/Kansas City Rep), Franca Naccarelli in The Light In The Piazza (South Coast Repertory), Zhivago (LaJolla Playhouse), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Musical Theatre West), Beauty and the Beast (3D Theatricals), A Man of No Importance (Lillian Theatre).Television/Film: As The World Turns (CBS), Grimm (NBC); The Last Man. Training: Carnegie Mellon School of Drama (B.F.A. acting and musical theatre). My love and thanks always to my Family, Edward Sayegh and HT.

Madison Kopec (she/ her) (Marideth) is so grateful to be working with this incredible group of people on this project. She would like to thank the team, her family, friends, and her green-cheeked conure, Buddy, for their love and support. Liam Pearce (he/him) (Drew) is thrilled to be in this beautiful production of How to Dance in Ohio. Prior to his arrival in Syracuse, he spent the summer at the Muny in St. Louis performing in their production of Legally Blonde! Other credits include If/ Then, Amelie, and Spring Awakening. How to Dance in Ohio is extremely important for representation amongst the ASD community and has helped Liam find parts of himself and his own unique traits of his autism that he had not uncovered before. B.F.A. in musical theatre from Pace University. Special thanks to all of his closest friends for their unwavering support and their ability to make him feel anything is possible. @liam.pearce

Marina Pires (she/her) (Ashley Amigo) is a Brazilian-born singer, actor, and songwriter based in New York’s Hudson Valley. Syracuse Stage debut! It’s been a dream come true to originate a role alongside such a progressive and nurturing team. Past credits include: Conchita Anna in the Tropics (Barrington Stage) Gloria Estefan On Your Feet! (Broadway First National Tour and The MUNY), Vanessa In The Heights (Dallas Theatre Center), Evita (Asolo Rep), PHISH (Madison Square Garden), The Witch Into The Woods (Holy City Light Opera). As a songwriter, Marina’s lyrics have been featured in the Off-Broadway musical A NeverEnding Line and on Broadway Re-

CAST

cords’ Songs by an Immigrant with Jaime Lozano. She performs her music across the country with her folk band The Heartstrings Project, and throughout NYC at 54 Below, Rockwood Music Hall, Joe’s Pub, and Lincoln Center. Love to Lev, Dave, and the family. IG: @marinampires

Imani Russell (they/them) (Mel, Dance Captain) is a Black+Boricua queer+ trans+disabled multihyphenate artist from Crown Heights (unceded Lenape land). Trained in classical music, musical theatre, and acting, Imani has a B.A. in drama from Vassar College and an M.A. in musical theatre from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Imani has performed off-Broadway, most recently in the Trans Entertainment Guild’s production of The Civility of Albert Cashier (The Player’s Theatre) and has also performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In addition to the stage, Imani is an emerging voice actor. They also write music under the name NANí and recently released a two-song EP titled “sweetbitter creature.” Imani believes in and creates in pursuit of Black queer+trans power and safety, indigenous sovereignty, and art as an act of love and community. //www.imanirussell.com

Conor Tague (he/him) (Tommy) is extremely excited to be part of How to Dance in Ohio, a world premiere musical. A graduate of the Professional Conservatory of Musical Theatre at New York Film Academy, credits include his television role as Cody Hill on Law & Order: SVU, William Barfée in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, King Charles in Pippin, Underling in The Drowsy Chaperone, as well as multiple fundraising concerts and cabarets with EPIC Players and ActionPlay organizations. Conor credits his success to the creative, nurturing, and talented people he has had the opportunity to learn from, and wishes to thank his friends and family for their loving support in helping him chase his dream. https://www.conortague.com

Ashley Wool (she/her) (Jessica) is a New York native and a graduate of SUNY Geneseo. Favorite regional credits include: Company (Amy), Xanadu (Kira/Clio), The Addams Family (Wednesday; OnStage Critics Award nominee). Like her character, Ashley is a huge fan of anything cinnamon raisin; she also loves writing, baking, and everything rose gold. Love and thanks to the cast, crew, and creative team, and everyone who appreciates diverse perspectives, human connections, authentic representation, and compelling storytelling. #HoldMySword www.ashleywool.com

Elana Babbitt (she/her) (u/s Amy/Johanna/Terry) is a senior musical theatre major from Malvern, PA. Recent Syracuse University Department of Drama credits include Announcer/Referee in As You Like It

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(mainstage), Maggie/Danica understudy in Miss Havisham’s Wedding (workshop), Mary-Ann understudy in The Bridge (workshop), female swing in Songs for a New World (studio project), and Tamsin in Antigone: As Presented by the Girls of St Catherine’s (sophomore project). She also had the opportunity to study at Shakespeare’s Globe last year with Syracuse University’s study abroad program. She is thrilled to be working on her first professional production telling this incredibly important story!

Nicole Fazia (they/she) (u/s Jessica/Caroline/Mel/ Marideth) Grateful to be a part of this production. New York: FIAF, FringeNYC, Theater for the New City, NYU. Regional: Playhouse on Park, Shakesperience Productions, Synecdoche Works. Film/TV: CNN, Project Girl series, Travel Channel.

Corinne Ferrer (u/s Ashley Amigo) is so excited to be making her Syracuse Stage debut. Corinne, originally from Miami, FL, is a senior B.F.A. acting major at Syracuse University. Corinne has recently been in As You Like It (Bronco’s Agent/Martext), She Kills Monsters (Lilith), and Shout! The Mod Musical (Red Girl). You can catch her as Nelly Fail in Failure: A Love Story this fall on the Department of Drama Mainstage. Corinne would like to thank all the wonderful talented people involved in this project for welcoming her into this special piece!

Imri Leshed (they/them) (u/s Drew/Tommy/Remy) is a recent graduate of Syracuse University’s B.F.A. musical theatre program, from Ithaca, NY. As an autistic theatre artist, Imri could not be more proud and grateful to be a part of this unprecedented production and to be telling this story at Syracuse Stage. Credits include: A Christmas Carol (Hangar Theatre), Death of a Salesman (Barackentheater Wust in Germany), Next to Normal, A Grand Night for Singing, A Chorus Line (Syracuse University Department of Drama). So much love and gratitude for this phenomenal team and cast, my family, friends, and P3! @imrileshed | imrileshed.com

Zach Simpson (he/ him) (u/s Kurt/Michael) is thrilled to be making his Syracuse Stage debut with How to Dance in Ohio! Zach has performed with the Syracuse University Department of Drama in last year’s studio production of Miss Havishams Wedding (Matthew) and the mainstage production of As You Like It (Adam). He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support.

ARTISTIC STAFF

Robert Brill (Scenic Designer). For Syracuse Stage: Thoughts of A Colored Man. Broadway credits include Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (Tony nomination), Thoughts of A Colored Man, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Assassins (Tony nomination), set and club design for the critically acclaimed revival of Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls (Tony nomination), Design for Living,A Streetcar Named Desire,One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Buried Child, and many others. Brill’s credits include the upcoming Broadway revival of Fosse’s Dancin’, Frozen (Disney California), as well as numerous opera world-premieres, including Moby-Dick, Cold Mountain, Everest, Doubt, and The Manchurian Candidate. He has designed for the Whitney Museum of American Art, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Radio City Music Hall, The Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, Minnesota Opera, Dallas Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Old Globe, the Guthrie Theater, Center Theatre Group, McCarter Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse where he has served as an artist in residence. Brill is a founding member of Sledgehammer Theatre, a recipient of the Michael Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration, and professor of scenic design at University of California San Diego. robertbrilldesign.com Sarafina Bush (she/her) (Costume Designer) Broadway: For Colored Girls… (Tony Award nominee), Pass Over. Off-Broadway: To My Girls (2nd Stage), Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Obie Award: Playwrights Horizons), Broadway Bounty Hunter (Greenwich House), Plot Points, Pass Over (LCT3). Regional: Afterwords (5th Avenue), Life After (Goodman Theatre), Nina Simone: Four Women (Berkshire Theatre Group), Slow Food (Geva Theatre), Cry It Out and The Royale (Kitchen Theatre Company). Education: B.A., Adelphi University.

Bradley King (he/him) (Lighting Designer) is a lighting designer based in NYC. On Broadway: Flying Over Sunset (Tony nomination, Drama Desk Award), Hadestown (Tony, Drama Desk Awards), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Tony, Drama Desk Awards), Bernhardt/ Hamlet. Recent Off-Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors (West Side Theater), Endlings (NYTW), Evita (Encores!), Alice By Heart (MCC), Apologia (Roundabout). Regional: shows for ART, Berkeley Rep, The Old Globe, The Guthrie, and many others. Upcoming: new musicals The Karate Kid, Goddess, Lempicka, Water For Elephants. Proud USA 829 member. On the web at bradleykingld.com

Connor Wang (he/him) (Sound Designer) is an Asian American sound designer and audio engineer based in Chicago. His recent work includes the launch event for Disney+ in the Middle East (Dubai Opera), Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live (Natio-

ARTISTIC STAFF

nal Tour), An Evening with Amber Iman & An Evening with Ali Stroker (Minetta Lane), and Singing In The Train (McCarter Theatre Center). Broadway assistant design credits: Hadestown (2019 Tony Award for Sound Design of a Musical) and The Cher Show. Regional/Touring assistant design credits: Hamilton (US Touring Companies), Hadestown (National Tour and Korea), The Devil Wears Prada (Chicago), and Tina-The Tina Turner Musical (National Tour). Connor is currently a mix engineer for Disney’s premier A Cappella group, DCappella, and The Disney Princess Concert.

Scott Rowen (Production Stage Manager). Broadway: Hamilton (original company), On The Town, Annie, The Velocity of Autumn, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Billy Elliot, Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer, Lestat. Los Angeles: Hamilton. Chicago: Hamilton, Gotta Dance. Off-Broadway: Joan of Arc: Into the Fire, Dry Powder, Here Lies Love, Manahatta, See What I Wanna See (The Public); The Night Alive (Atlantic). Scott holds a B.A. in History from Harvard University.

Laura Jane Collins (she/her) (Assistant Stage Manager). Syracuse Stage credits include: Matilda The Musical, Somewhere Over the Border, The Play That Goes Wrong, I and You, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, Talley’s Folly, Amadeus, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Elf The Musical, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime, Next to Normal, The Magic Play, Stupid F***ing Bird, Chinglish, Scorched, and The Boys Next Door. Regional credits include: Footloose, 42nd Street, Grease, South Pacific, Anne of Green Gables: A New Folk Rock Musical, Ghost (The Rev, formerly Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival); The Foreigner, Third, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Around the World in 80 Days (Hangar Theatre). LJ is a graduate of the stage management program in the Syracuse University Department of Drama.

Stewart/Whitley (Casting). Duncan Stewart CSA and Benton Whitley CSA. Broadway/NY: Paradise Square, Hadestown (Artios Award), Chicago the Musical, Rock of Ages, Lightning Thief, Great Comet of 1812, Elf, On the Town, Pippin, La Cage aux Folles, Radio City Christmas Spectacular. TV/Film: Netflix, 20th Century Fox, NBC, Lionsgate, Disney Channel. West End/U.K.: Hadestown, Thriller Live, Menier Chocolate Factory. Tours: Hadestown, Hairspray, Waitress, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland, Into the Woods, We Will Rock You. Regional: A.R.T., Berkeley Rep, Alley, Bay Street, For The Record, TUTS, Hollywood Bowl, McCarter, Signature, RCCL. Follow: @stewartwhitley and stewartwhitley.com.

Rebecca Leifman (she/her) (Director of Community Engagement, CO/ LAB) is thrilled to be on the Ohio team! She is a co-founder and the executive director of CO/LAB Theater Group - a nonprofit organization that

ARTISTIC STAFF

offers individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theatre arts. In addition, she is a teaching artist for CO/LAB, the treasurer and a steering committee member for the Museum, Arts, and Culture Access Consortium, and was a TEDxBroadway speaker in 2020. She has previously worked at The Keswell School and was a direct service provider for two individuals with disabilities. Becky has a variety of professional experience at arts organizations; she founded Two Lights Theatre Company (Chicago) in 2007 and worked for The Acting Company and The Play Company in their respective development departments. She has independently consulted with SUMMERTIME Gallery, the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, and multiple budding nonprofits. Becky has a B.F.A. from Syracuse University and is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt (she/her) (ASD Creative Consultant) is honored to be part of the team as the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Creative Consultant! She is a writer, actress, public speaker, and advocate for disability/autism representation in the entertainment industry. Currently, she’s a freelance writer on a popular children’s TV show. In May, she finished a year-long internship with the Nickelodeon Live Action Casting team. Ava became immersed in the entertainment industry through consulting with studios such as Disney and Netflix on authentic onscreen portrayals of disability. Ava reviews scripts, discusses disability tropes, and writes casting calls. As a public speaker, Ava shares her lived experiences as a Chinese, Jewish, transracial adoptee with a single mom. Fun fact: She grew up in Columbus, Ohio! During her senior year at Sarah Lawrence College (class of 2020), Ava was chosen to be a Ruderman Family Foundation Inclusion Ambassador. During that time, she brought her passion for accessibility in the arts, creating the college’s first sensory friendly performance of Head Over Heels. Additionally, she organized and moderated a panel of NYC professionals (how she met Becky Leifman) to discuss entertainment inclusion practices with students and faculty. (Sensory friendly performances are accessible to people with sensory sensitivities such as those with autism or PTSD). Ava is determined to educate and influence the entertainment industry, creating stories at the intersections of DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility).

Mary McGowan (she/her) (Associate Director) is a freelance producer, director, actor, and arts administrator based in Brooklyn, NY. Mary currently serves as the seasonal ticketing manager for the Tony Awards and company manager for the American Modern Opera Company (AMOC). Other credits include: NY PopsUp (artistic coordinator), American Repertory Theater at Harvard University (special assistant to artistic director Diane Paulus and assistant director, ExtraOrdinary,

ARTISTIC STAFF

1776), Broadway Podcast Network (line producer, Rolling Calls), Chautauqua Theatre Company (teaching artist, Young Playwrights’ Project), Little Island (associate director, Eastman), New York City Center (assistant director, Evita), MasterVoices (associate director, Icarus). B.F.A. from Syracuse University.

Nicole D’Angelo (they/she) (Music Assistant) is a music director, actor, and multi-instrumentalist. Nicole is a music director on staff at French Woods Festival and the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan. She also freelances at schools and theatres across New Jersey and New York City. A recovering classical musician, they majored in piano and bass clarinet at Montclair State University before pursuing musical theatre full time. Recently Nicole had the honor of music directing/supervising the offBroadway premiere of The Civility of Albert Cashier, which was one of the first all-trans productions ever performed in NYC, and is thrilled to be back with the Ohio team after music assisting their June workshop! Nicole is proudly Autistic and a passionate advocate for authentic representation and equitable hiring of disabled performers on stage and screen. She lives in Montclair, NJ, with her kitten Whizzer. IG: @nicole.m.dangelo

Sarah Parker (she/her) (Associate Choreographer) was most recently seen as Mob Leader in the 50th Anniversary National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Broadway: Fiddler on the Roof (2015 revival). Dance: Camille A. Brown and Dancers. TV: Jesus Christ Superstar LIVE on NBC, Harlem, Mozart in the Jungle, Modern Love, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Late Night with Stephen Colbert, the Tony Awards. Movement creator, improvisation teacher, and writer. Thanks to Mayte for bringing me into this beautiful production! @sfp9589

Kat C. Zhou (Associate Lighting Designer) is an NYC-based lighting designer with a passion for new work. Her designs have been seen at theatres such as Irish Repertory Theatre, WP Pipeline Festival, Gloucester Stage Company, Odyssey Opera, Speakeasy Stage, and Company ONE. Recent projects as an assistant/associate include As You Like It (Shakespeare in the Park), The Karate Kid (STAGE St. Louis), Mr. Saturday Night (Broadway), and Clue (Paper Mill Playhouse). She holds an M.F.A. in lighting design from Boston University and an A.B. in mathematics from Harvard College. More info: katzhoudesign.com

Martín Lara Avila (Associate Costume Designer) is a New York based stylist and designer. Credits include: Little Shop of Horrors (Off-Broadway), We’re Here (HBO - Emmy), Spongebob: The Musical (Nickelodeon/Broadway/ Chicago), Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Playwrights Horizons), Be More Chill (Broadway/Signature Theatre), among others. @martinlara

CREATIVE TEAM

Jacob Yandura (he/him) (Music) and Rebekah Greer Melocik (she/ her) (Book and Lyrics) are a New York City-based songwriting team. Jacob and Rebekah are thrilled to debut their musical adaptation of the 2015 Peabody Award-winning documentary How to Dance in Ohio at Syracuse Stage (supported by the Prince Fellowship and the Shubert Organization’s Artistic Circle). Their other projects include The Last Queen of Canaan (book by Harrison David Rivers), The Coup, and Wringer, a commission by New York City Children’s Theater, based on the novel by Jerry Spinelli (Off-Broadway; New York City Center Stage II; directed by Stephen Brackett). Recognitions include: SPACE on Ryder Farm residency, Jonathan Larson Grant finalists, NAMT Festival of New Musicals (The Last Queen of Canaan), Ars Nova’s UNCHARTED residency (The Coup), the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals, the York Theatre’s NEO residency, the Yale Institute for Music Theatre (The Last Queen of Canaan), the Dramatists Guild fellowship, the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project, Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, Cap21’s Writers Residency, and Ars Nova’s ANT Fest. Jacob holds a B.A. in music composition from Kenyon College. Rebekah holds a B.A. in poetry from University of Southern California. They each earned an M.F.A from New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program in 2011.

DIRECTOR

Sammi Cannold (she/ her) is a director who is one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 in Hollywood & Entertainment, class of 2019, and has worked on and off Broadway as well as for CBS, ABC, Nickelodeon, Paramount+, Cirque du Soleil, and TikTok -- and at venues such as The Kennedy Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Lincoln Center. Recent theatre credits include Evita (New York City Center), Endlings (NYTW, A.R.T.), Ragtime on Ellis Island, Violet on a moving bus (A.R.T.), and Allegory (La Jolla Playhouse WOW). Recently, Sammi’s first documentary feature film premiered at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre and was released worldwide on AppleTV. Upcoming projects include several musicals, feature films, and an opera. Sammi has also served as an artistic fellow at the A.R.T., a member of Cirque du Soleil’s Creative Cognoscenti, and a Sundance Institute fellow. Outside of her work in the arts, Sammi serves as chief of staff for Human First Coalition, an organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. Sammi holds a B. A. from Stanford University and an M.A. from Harvard University. www.sammicannold.com. @sammi.cannold

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Lily Ling is a Chinese Canadian music director, conductor, pianist, and educator. She was the first female music director for Hamilton and also the first person of East Asian descent to conduct the production on Broadway. Most recently, Lily served as music director and conductor for the world premiere of Bruce (Seattle Rep) and as the vocal music coordinator for the Netflix movie adaptation of 13: The Musical. Other theatrical credits include music director and conductor for the 20th anniversary Off-Broadway revival of john & jen, associate music director and vocal coach for the Chinese language premiere of The Lion King, music supervisor for the Chinese premiere of A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder, along with numerous productions in Toronto including the Canadian premieres of Kinky Boots, The Light In The Piazza, Parade, High Fidelity, Jerry Springer: The Opera, and Reefer Madness. Lily is currently pursuing an EdD in music and music education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

MUSIC SUPERVISOR

Matt Gallagher Broadway: High Fidelity, Legally Blonde, Pal Joey, 9 to 5, Jesus Christ Superstar, Newsies, Hands on a Hardbody, Doctor Zhivago, Hamilton (Associate Music Supervisor, North American companies). With Yandura & Melocik: The Last Queen of Canaan (Northern Stage), Feral (York), The Coup (Ars Nova), Wringer (City Center), We Believe in Love. Syracuse: The House on Mango Street (composer). Much love to my fellow collaborators and to my greatest sources of strength, Alexis and Nora. mattgallaghermd.com

CHOREOGRAPHER

Mayte Natalio (she/her) is from Queens, New York, by way of Dominican parents. She attended the LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. from SUNY Purchase. As a movement-based performer, she has had an eclectic and genre crossing career. Theatre choreography credits include The Winter’s Tale (DTC/ Public Works), Runaways (NYU) Into The Woods (Barrington Stage Company), Measure for Measure (The Public Theater/Mobile Unit), Love in Hate Nation (Two River Theater), Hair (The Old Globe), La Hora Santa written, directed, and choreographed by Mayte for Ars Nova’s Vision Residency and Kiss My Aztec (Hartford Stage). Mayte is a cofounder of the immersive events production company MinuteZero.

P3 PRODUCTIONS

P3 Productions is a Tony Awardwinning producing team led by Ben Holtzman (he/him), Sammy Lopez (he/him), and Fiona Howe Rudin (she/her). P3 is dedicated to building productions from the ground level to uplift new voices and communities. Current projects in development include How to Dance in Ohio (World Premiere: Syracuse Stage 2022), Gun & Powder (World Premiere: Signature Theatre 2020), Midsummer, Bradical, and two additional projects in development with award-winning artists John Leguizamo and Shakina Nayfack. Other Co-Producer/Investor credits include Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!, A Christmas Carol, Be More Chill, The Kite Runner, A Strange Loop (with A Choir Full Productions) on Broadway and Orlando in London’s West End. Holtzman and Lopez are proud graduates of Syracuse University. Jeremy Wein (Associate Producer) is based in New York City. Jeremy’s producing credits includeVenus In Fur(Pico Playhouse), AJ Holmes: Yeah, But Not Right Now (SoHo Playhouse), Open Mike Eagle: Anime, Trauma, Divorce (Live-Stream)(Dynasty Typewriter)Kevin McDonald: ALIVE (Theatre Row, Dynasty Typewriter), Godspell (2011 Broadway revival) Faux Snow (Thespis Theater Festival), Take Me Home (Incubator Arts Project) and the 2012 documentary The Bitter Buddha. Jeremy is the artistic director of Play-PerView, a digital initiative founded to raise money for COVID-19 impacted organizations during the lockdown, which raised over half a million dollars through 60 play readings and television reunion events. He also founded and ran the New York City Podcast Festival, from 2013-2018. He is a proud autistic producer and thanks the team for their support and love during this process.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Robert Hupp is in his seventh season as artistic director of Syracuse Stage. He recently directed The Play That Goes Wrong, Eureka Day, Annapurna, Talley’s Folly, Amadeus, Noises Off, Next to Normal, and The Three Musketeers for Stage. Prior to coming to central New York, Robert spent seventeen seasons as the producing artistic director of Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock. He directed over 30 productions for Arkansas Rep ranging from Hamlet to Les Miserables to The Grapes of Wrath. In New York City, Robert directed the American premieres of Glyn Maxwell’s The Lifeblood and Wolfpit for the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble. He also served for nine seasons as the artistic director of the Obie Award-winning Jean Cocteau Repertory. At the Cocteau, Robert’s directing credits include works by Buchner, Wilder, Cocteau, Shaw, Wedekind and the premieres of the Bentley/Milhaud version of Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children, Seamus Heaney’s The Cure at Troy, and Eduardo de Filippo’s Napoli Millionaria. He has

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

held faculty positions at Pennsylvania’s Dickinson College and, in Arkansas, at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Hendrix College. Robert served as vice president of the Board of Directors of the Theatre Communications Group and has served on funding panels for the New York State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, the Theatre Communications Group, the New Jersey State Council of the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. While in Arkansas, Robert was named both Non-Profit Executive of the Year by the Arkansas Business Publishing Group, and Individual Artist of the Year by the Arkansas Arts Council. He and his wife Clea ride herd over a blended family of five children, one dog, and two cats.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jill A. Anderson has served as managing director of Syracuse Stage since 2016. Jill is responsible for Stage’s $7.5 million operating budget and has oversight of fundraising, marketing, and operational matters within the organization. Prior to joining Stage, Jill spent a decade as general manager at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT. During her tenure, the O’Neill completed a $7 million capital campaign and campus expansion, doubled its operating budget, and was honored with a 2015 National Medal of Arts and the 2010 Regional Theatre Tony Award. Under the O’Neill’s aegis, Jill also developed the Baltic Playwrights Conference, an annual international new play development retreat held in Hiiumaa, Estonia. Previously, Jill spent five years in the production office at Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage, after working as a stage manager in Minnesota, New Mexico, and Massachusetts. In addition to her work at Stage, Jill is an instructor in the Theater Management program of the Syracuse University Department of Drama, building on her work with high school and college students elsewhere, including at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Jill was recognized as part of the Central New York Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” awards in 2017 and has served on numerous municipal and non-profit boards. Jill is delighted to call Central New York home, but will always be a proud cheesehead, originally hailing from Marshfield, Wisconsin.

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Melissa Crespo is a director of new plays, musicals, and opera. She can’t wait to direct this season’s co-production with Hartford Stage of Espejos: Clean by Christine Quintana, followed by the Off-Broadway world premiere of Bees and Honey by Guadalís del Carmen at MCC Theater. As a playwright, her play Egress, cowritten with Sarah Saltwick, received the Roe Green Award at Cleveland Playhouse and has since been produced by Amphibian Stage, Salt Lake Acting Company, and Theatreworks Hartford. Fellowships and residencies include: Time Warner Fellow (WP Theatre), Usual Suspect (NYTW), The Director’s Project (Drama League), Van Lier Directing Fellow (Second Stage Theatre), and the Allen Lee Hughes Directing Fellow (Arena Stage). Melissa received her M.F.A. in directing from The New School for Drama. She is a founding editor of 3Views on Theater and was featured in the 2020 Broadway Women’s Fund “Women to Watch on Broadway”.

RESIDENT PLAYWRIGHT

Kyle Bass is the author of Possessing Harriet, commissioned by the Onondaga Historical Association, which premiered at Syracuse Stage in 2018, was subsequently produced at Franklin Stage Company, and will be produced at the East Lynne Theater Company later this year. Possessing Harrietwill be published this month by Standing Stone Books. Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country, is a one-man show on James Baldwin, commissioned by Syracuse Stage, which streamed nationally in 2021. His libretto for Libba Cotten: Here This Day, a new opera based on the life of American folk music legend Libba Cotten, was commissioned by The Society for New Music and premiered in 2021. Through a NYSCA Individual Artist Grant, Kyle is currently under commission by Franklin Stage company for a new play titled Wakeman & Toliver. His drama Tender Rain (selected by Edward Albee for the Great Plains Theater Conference) will receive its world premiere in Syracuse Stage’s 22/23 season. His other full-length plays include Bleecker Street, Baldwin vs. Buckley: The Faith of Our Fathers, which has been presented at Cornell University, Colgate University, the University of Delaware, and at Syracuse University, and Separated, a documentary theatre piece about the student military veterans at Syracuse University, which was presented at Syracuse Stage and the Paley Center in New York City. With National Medal of Arts recipient Ping Chong, Kyle is the co-author of Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo, which premiered at Syracuse Stage and was subsequently produced at La MaMa Experimental Theatre in New York City. He has also written for Noh theatre under commission by Theatre Nohgaku. He is the co-author of the original screen-