WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE presents
Our 205th Production
ABOUT “sister act” Sister Act is based on the hit 1992 film comedy, starring Whoopi Goldberg. The stage version of “Sister Act” was written by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner who are famous for producing and writing for the successful American sitcom, Cheers. They set about developing a stage version of “Sister Act,” tweaking some characters, but managing to retain some of the much-loved caricatures from the film. The team was completed by lyricist Glenn Slater and Oscar and Tonywinning composer Alan Menken, famous for his Disney scores. Menken didn’t feel the original songs from the film would fit in a musical theatre context, so decided to write a brand new score from a different angle. His score was inspired by 1970s music. As a result, the setting was changed from Reno and San Francisco in the ’90s (the original setting of the movie) to Philadelphia in the ’70s. Alan Menken explained, “The concept was ’70s music. It had its own distinctive tone; I remember it very well. After the earnest ’60s it was kind of party time. Disco and psychedelic soul and funk and all these styles became the perfect antithesis to the convent and the cloistered life of the nuns. I had already worked a lot in rhythm & blues and Motown with “Little Shop.” I wanted to move this to a place that was fresh and new for me.” After having a very successful regional pre-
miere in 2006 in Pasadena, California, Sister Act opened in the West End at the London Palladium in June, 2009. Following a year-long search, 24-year-old actress Patina Miller was cast as Deloris, Whoopi Goldberg joined the cast as the Mother Superior for a limited run. It ran for more than a year & closed on October 30, 2010. After the West End production closed, the show went through many revisions by new book writer Douglas Carter Beane. Sister Act opened in New York at the Broadway Theatre on April 20, 2011. Patina Miller reprised her role, making her Broadway debut and co-starring with Victoria Clark. It closed on August of 2012 after 561 performances. The Broadway production was nominated for five 2011 Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards including for Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical (Miller) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Victoria Clark). This musical is a story of love and self-discovery. Its underlying theme encouraging the pursuit of dreams, as well as finding a source of strength in faith. The final song, “Spread the Love,” encourages us to join hands, find common ground and love each other. Goodness wins and in this day and age, we really need an injection of joy. I bet we leave the theatre happier, with more faith in life and an extra kick in our steps. – PIA HAAS
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
PERSONAL SAFETY & COMFORT Please note exits in theatre. Exits are indicated by illuminated “EXIT” signs. For the safety, comfort and enjoyment of yourself and others, please remain seated during the performance. In the unlikely necessity of evacuation, an announcement will be made over the public address system. Westchester Broadway Theatre is completely equipped with automatic sprinkler and smoke detector systems which cover all areas of the theatre. In the event of power failure, a separately powered, totally independent, battery-run lighting system is activated. Should you or one of your party experience illness or unusual discomfort, please notify a service person or management immediately. CAMERAS, RECORDERS The use of cameras and tape recorders during the performance is strictly prohibited by New York State copyright laws. CELL PHONES, BEEPERS Out of courtesy to the performers and everyone in the audience, please refrain from using cell phones and electronic devices in the theatre. Please be sure to turn off the audible features of these devices when in the theatre. GRATUITY Our guests have asked for an approximation of the food portion of the ticket for purposes of determining service gratuity which is not included in the ticket price. An amount equal to one-half of your ticket price should be considered as the dinner portion. Our staff has enjoyed serving you and hopes that our service has been to your satisfaction.
BOB FUNKING and BILL STUTLER, Executive Producers lisa tiso, Producer PRESENT
MUSIC by
LYRICS BY
ALAN MENKEN GLENN SLATER
ADDITIONAL BOOK MATERIAL
BOOK BY
CHERI STEINKELLNER & BILL STEINKELLNER
DOUGLAS CARTER BEANE
JOSEPH HOWARD DOUG BESTERMAN VOCAL AND INCIDENTAL MUSIC ARRANGEMENTS BY MICHAEL KOSARIN DANCE MUSIC ARRANGEMENTS BY MARK HUMMEL
BASED ON THE TOUCHSTONE MOTION PICTURE “SISTER ACT” WRITTEN BY ORCHESTRATIONS BY
STARRING
ZURI WASHINGTON
ALSO STARRING
PHILIP MICHAEL BASKERVILLE LANI CORSON JAYSON ELLIOTT KEN JENNINGS KATELYN LAURIA Jason Long SANDY ROSENBERG CORBEN WILLIAMS DANNY WILFRED WITH
Melanie BURG Joanna Noelle Caruso KEVIN CURTIS SINCÉE J DANIELS HANNAH EAKIN HÉCTOR FLORES JR KEYONNA KNIGHT JOSÉ PLAZA STEFANIE SABLE JESSI ST GEORGE T. SHYVONNE STEWART KAREN WEBB And MARY JO McCONNELL as Mother Superior Musical Direction by
BOB BRAY
Set Design by costumes by lighting by sound design by
steve loftus heather carey WIG/HAIR DESIGN BY
GERARD KELLY
PROPERTIES by
GRUMPY’S PROPS
andrew gmoser mark zuckerman
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
VICTOR LUKAS
DUANE MCDEVITT
Associate DIRECTOR/choreographer
RHONDA MILLER
Directed and Choreographed by
DONNA DRAKE
Produced on Broadway by Whoopi Goldberg & Stage Entertainment in association with The Shubert Organization and Disney Theatrical Productions Originally Production Developed in Association with Peter Schneider & Michael Reno and Produced by Stage Entertainment Sister Act is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com APRIL 5 – JULY 1, 2018
CAST (Cast In Order of Appearance)
Deloris Van Cartier.............................................................................................. ZURI WASHINGTON* Michelle........................................................................................................................ STEFANIE Sable* Tina................................................................................................................ T. Shyvonne Stewart Curtis Jackson........................................................................... PHILIP MICHAEL BASKERVILLE* Joey............................................................................................................................... Jayson Elliott* Pablo........................................................................................................................................ Jason Long TJ................................................................................................................................CorBen Williams Eddie Souther............................................................................................................ Danny WilFREd* Mother Superior............................................................................................Mary Jo McConnell* Monsignor O’Hara........................................................................................................ Ken Jennings* Mary Robert......................................................................................................................Lani Corson* Mary Patrick.............................................................................................................. Katelyn Lauria Mary Lazarus........................................................................................................Sandy Rosenberg* Ensemble...........................................................Melanie Burg, Joanna Noelle Caruso*, KEVIN CURTIS*, SincÉe J Daniels*, Hannah Eakin*, HÉctor Flores Jr*, José Plaza, STEFANIE Sable*, Jessi St George, T. Shyvonne Stewart, KAREN WEBB Non Performing Swing........................................................................Keyonna Knight Dance Captain............................................................................................... Lani Corson* Rehearsal Assistant Stage Manager.................................................. AMANDA STUART*
Understudies
Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance. For Deloris – T. Shyvonne Stewart; for Mother Superior – Karen Webb; for Curtis – Sincée J Daniels*; for Mary Roberts – Stefanie Sable*; for Mary Patrick – Hannah Eakin*; for Eddie & TJ – Kevin Curtis*; for Pablo – Héctor Flores Jr*; for Joey & Monsignor – José Plaza; for Mary Lazarus - JOANNA NOELLE CARUSO*. * Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the only professional union for Actors and Stage Managers.
we are live
Westchester Broadway Theatre employs musicians from the American Federation of Musicians. Musicians perform from a location backstage.
Please be advised that strobe and flashing lights, as well as gunshot effects, are used in this production.
A b o u T
OU R
S E R V I C E
Westchester Broadway Theatre takes pride in our leisurely cocktail and dining service, which takes you from the moment you enter the theatre until the start of the performance. If you desire a faster pace to your service, please let your servers know, and they will accommodate your special needs.
Guests of the Westchester Broadway Theatre are encouraged to dress to impress, but formal dress is not necessary. A Proud Sponsor of WBT
WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
Official Bank of WBT 3
scenes & musical numbers – ACT ONE –
Take Me to Heaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deloris, Michelle, Tina Fabulous, Baby!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deloris, Michelle, Tina Here Within These Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mother Superior, Deloris It’s Good to Be a Nun . . . . . . . . . . . . Deloris, Mary Patrick, Mary Robert, Mary Lazarus, Nuns When I Find My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Curtis, Joey, Pablo, TJ I Could Be That Guy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eddie, Bums Raise Your Voice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deloris, Mary Patrick, Mary Robert, Mary Lazarus, Nuns Take Me to Heaven (reprise). . . . . . . . Deloris, Mary Patrick, Mary Robert, Mary Lazarus, Nuns
– intermission –
– ACT TWO – Sunday Morning Fever. . . . . Deloris, Mother Superior, Monsignor O’Hara, Eddie, Mary Patrick, Mary Robert, Mary Lazarus, Nuns, Workers Lady in the Long Black Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joey, Pablo, TJ Haven’t Got a Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mother Superior Bless Our Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deloris, Mary Patrick, Mary Robert, Mary Lazarus, Nuns The Life I Never Led. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Robert Fabulous, Baby! (reprise). . . . . . . . . Deloris, Eddie, Nuns, Fantasy Dancers Sister Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deloris When I Find My Baby (reprise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Curtis The Life I Never Led (reprise). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Robert Sister Act (reprise). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deloris, Mary Patrick, Mary Robert, Mary Lazarus, Nuns Spread the Love Around. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Company – musicians – Bob Bray. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Musical Director/Keyboards John Bowen. . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Musical Director/Keyboards James Mack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percussion Jordan Janez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bass Brian Uhl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trumpet Steven Bleifuss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trombone Wayne Tice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reed Von Ann Stutler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Musical Contractor
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WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO ZURI WASHINGTON (Deloris Van Cartier) is a Bronx native who is beyond excited to make her WBT debut in one of her favorite roles! She starred in the National Tours of Bring It On: The Musical as Danielle and Memphis as Felicia Farrell. Other credits include: Dreamgirls (Deena) and Bat Out of Hell which is now enjoying a run in the UK before hopefully making it’s way back across the pond to the US. Proud AEA girl. IG: @zuriwithafringeontop
MARY JO McCONNELL (Mother Superior) National Tours: The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), All Shook Up, Sister Act. Off-Broadway: Soap Star, Menopause, the Musical (original cast). Regional highlights: Freaky Friday, Convenience, Forbidden Broadway & Sunday in the Park with George. TV: Pan Am, Masters of Sex, One Life to Live. Co-wrote & produced the short film TRUMPED. MFA, American Conservatory Theater. Her longest running engagement to date is three years in the US Army Nurse Corps in the role of Captain. www.maryjomcconnell.com
PHILIP MICHAEL BASKERVILLE (Curtis Jackson) WBT Debut. Returns to the role of Curtis Jackson, having performed the role at Walnut Street, Riverside, and TBTS. He has also been seen in Memphis (Delray Farrell); Miss Saigon (John Thomas). Broadway: Cats (‘Tugger/Macavity); The Producers (O’Houllihan); Dreamgirls (Concert). Broadway Tours: Sunset Boulevard (1’st Nat’l), Miss Saigon (1’st Nat’l), Ragtime (1’st Nat’l); A Chorus Line, Jesus Christ Superstar (European Co.). Regional: Man Of La Mancha, Oklahoma!, Les WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
Miserables, Evita, The Who’s Tommy, Sweeney Todd, Jekyll & Hyde, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, The Color Purple (World Premiere).
LANI CORSON (Mary Robert; Dance Captain) is so excited to be making her WBT debut in this heavenly show! Recent credits include: Mayzie, Seussical (CFRT), Glinda/Aunt Em, The Wizard of Oz (Syracuse Stage), Ariel, The Little Mermaid (CFRT) and Godspell (Arkansas Rep). BFA Syracuse University. When Lani isn’t on stage you can find her in the air, performing as an aerialist and/or teaching at Aerial Arts NYC. Thank you to Donna and Rhonda for this opportunity and as always, all my love to Ken. www.lanicorson.com
JAYSON ELLIOTT (Joey) is grateful to return to WBT where he has been seen in The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion), Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely Johnson), The Full Monty (Dave Bukatinsky), numerous holiday shows, and as The Big Bopper in The Night the Music Lived - A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. Other favorites include Sister Act (Joey), The Music Man (Marcellus Washburn), Avenue Q (Brian), 25th... Spelling Bee (William Barfee), and The Buddy Holly Story (The Big Bopper). Jay spent the better part of the past 2 years as The Genie in Aladdin with Disney Cruise Line. Thank you Lisa, Donna, WBT fam! Love to Karen!
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WHO’S WHO KEN JENNINGS (Monsignor O’Hara) Broadway: Sweeney Todd (winner Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor and Theatre World Award), Urinetown, Sideshow, Grand Hotel, London Assurance, Present Laughter, All God’s Chillun’ Got Wings. Film, TV: Ed, Hack, Third Watch, White Irish Drinkers. Off-Broadway: Finian’s Rainbow, The Field, Christmas Carol. Regional Theatre: Othello, Merchant of Venice, A Funny Thing Happened, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady. Many other Off-Broadway, regional theatre, film, TV credits. Played the Wizard in Wizard of Oz at Westchester Broadway and happy to be back.
SANDY ROSENBERG (Mary Lazarus) is thrilled to return to WBT for a fourth time after appearing as Flo Manero in Saturday Night Fever last year. Broadway/NYC credits: The Scarlet Pimpernel (original cast), Mamma Mia!, Candide, The Golden Land, Not That Jewish. Tours: Les Miserables, Jekyll and Hyde.Regional: Young Frankenstein (Frau Blucher), The Drowsy Chaperone (Mrs. Tottendale), Funny Girl (Mrs. Strakosh), Mary Poppins (Bird Woman/Miss Andrew), The Wedding Singer (Grandma Rosie), Nunsense (Mother Superior). Love my Sid.
KATELYN LAURIA (Mary Patrick) is excited to rock it out in the Westchester Broadway Theatre’s Nunnery. She is a graduate from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Previous credit include Hunchback of Notre Dame Madame/ Gargoyle, Jekyll and Hyde Nellie, The Bikinis’ Karla, The Days of 98 Show Belle Davenport, Sweeney Todd Mrs, Lovett, Oklahoma Gertie and A Christmas Carol Mrs, Fezziwig. She would like to thank her Cast, Friends and Family for their support. www.Katelynlauria.com
CORBEN WILLIAMS (TJ) from North Pole, Alaska is a graduate of New York Film Academy. Some of his favorite shows he’s performed in; Frozen ‘A Musical Spectacular’, Carousel, Chess, Once Upon a Mattress, and Beauty and the Beast. And on his newest project of Sister Act, looks forward to the work ahead with Donna Drake, the team, and cast.’
JASON LONG (Pablo) is absolutely thrilled to be making his WBT debut! Other regional credits include: Anything Goes (Billy), Kiss Me Kate (Hortensio/ Ralph), and West Side Story (Chino). He recently traveled the Mediterranean and Baltics as a principal vocalist for Viking Cruise Lines. He’d like to send love to his family and his beloved fiancé for always being there for him! Hartt’14
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DANNY Wilfred (Eddie Souther) is thrilled to be making his debut at Westchester Broadway Theatre. Regional: Assassins (Charles Guiteau) Theater 2020; Cabaret (Emcee), A Funny Thing... Forum (Lycus) Highlands Playhouse; Sister Act (Eddie Souther) Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Shrek (Donkey) Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center; A Chorus Line (Richie Walters) John W. Engeman Theater. Tour: Flashdance (C.C., North America/New Zealand), How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Papa Who u/s), A Christmas Story (Ensemble). BFA Musical Theater, University of Michigan. GO BLUE! Twitter/Instagram: @wannydilfred WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO MELANIE BURG (Ensemble) is thrilled to join this sisterhood! NYC/ Regional credits include: Big River (WBT), Tarzan, Hunchback of Notre Dame (White Plains Performing Arts Center), Marvelous Wonderettes (Lake Ontario Playhouse), Chautauqua! (Public Theater), Cruel Shoes (NYMF), #Lovestory (Fringe-NYC). Nat’l Tour: Scooby Doo Live (Velma). Disney Cruise Line: Toy Story: The Musical. Pace MT Alum. Spreading the love around to her friends, family and fiancée!
Joanna Noelle Caruso (Ensemble) is delighted to be making her WBT debut! Graduate of Pace University’s School of Performing Arts in NYC and a proud Jersey Girl! Regional credits include Seussical (Bird Girl), Rock of Ages (Connie), Cats (Silabub), and Anything Goes (Virtue). In addition to her stage work, Caruso has also appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers and on the runways of New York Fashion week. Follow her on Instagram @jboogieonthetrack.
KEVIN CURTIS (Ensemble) Off-Broadway: Invisible Thread, Second Stage; Daniella Uses Dirty Words, Abingdon Theatre Company. National Tour: A Chorus Line. Regional: Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Carol, Denver Center; Witness Uganda, ART; A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, TUTS Houston; A Chorus Line, Hairspray, The Student Prince, Pittsburgh CLO; Hairspray, High School Musical, North Shore Music Theatre; Sister Act, Stages St. Louis. TV/ Film: Take Care, Newlyweeds, “Live from Lincoln Center: Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch.” Proud graduate of AMDA NY and The Baltimore School for the Arts. Special thanks to TKO! Insta @KevinTCurtis WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
SINCÉE J DANIELS (Ensemble) Originally from Houston, TX, Sincée now calls New York City home. After studying at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy he performed all over the world on cruise lines like Princess, Celebrity and NCL. Favorite theatre credits include understudying Simba in the Toronto production of The Lion King, André in Ain’t Misbehavin and Adrian in Smokey Joe’s Café. Film and TV includes I Love You, Daddy, Bull, Master of None and The Good Fight. Thanks to Momma Daniels, ATB Talent, Westchester Broadway Theatre and my beautiful Husband, Joshua Keith! “Spread the Love Around” www.sinceejdaniels.com
HANNAH EAKIN (Ensemble) is so excited to be making her WBT debut! Past credits include Mary Poppins, The Bridges of Madison County, Les Miserables, Elf (The Arkansas Repertory Theatre); Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy Selden), Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), Tarzan (Jane), Hello, Dolly! (Irene Molloy), and Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel) (The Barn Theatre). She is a proud graduate of Oklahoma City University. Many thanks to Donna, Rhonda, Mama, Daddy, and Sam.
HéCTOR FLORES JR (Ensemble) is excited to be making his WBT debut. Previous credits include Sister Act (Pablo), Altar Boyz (Juan), Ghost (Willie Lopez), In The Heights (Piragua Guy), West Side Story (Bernardo). Héctor placed top 6 in several categories at the Fred Astaire Ballroom World Championships in Las Vegas and performs with the Boy Band, Larger Than Life. You can follow his shenanigans on Instagram:@ HectorFloresJr35. 7
WHO’S WHO
“Z” Travel & Leisure Walking & Bus Tours
Live Musical Coach Bus Tour Full Day of live music as we travel throughout Manhattan.
Our Actors Equity singer will perform on the bus as we discover New York and hear great voices. Along the way learn about NY from licensed guides!
• Historical Broadway Musical review! • Cultural • Anecdotal humor • Themed • Neighborhoods For Individuals, Seniors, Corporations, Schools, Family Outings & Groups of Any Size For more information Email us at: marscot@att.net Call us at: (914) 633-6658 Catch us on the web at: www.ztravelandleisure.com Pick up at local locations!
KEYONNA KNIGHT (Non performing Swing) is very excited to be working at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. She recently got off of an eightmonth world cruise as a lead singer working for Norwegian Cruise Lines. She’d like to thank her grandparents, mother, fiancé and The Price Group Agency! www.keyonnaknight.com
JOSÉ PLAZA (Ensemble) Regional: ZM (Mr.Hutt) Goodspeed Opera House. Sweeney Todd (Adolfo Pirelli) MacHaydn. Hair (Margaret Mead), Elephant & Piggie: We’re in a Play (Gerald) Playhouse on Park. James and the Giant Peach (Earthworm), Cinderella a Fairy’s Tale (Herald the Harold) Summer Theatre of New Canaan. La Cage Aux Folles (Chantal) Tamima Productions. Gracias mami! Por todo!
“The Most Unique Theatre Experience and Entertaining Tour” Numerous stops on & off bus, lunch stop & minimal walking!
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WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO STEFANIE SABLE (Ensemble) National Tour: Seussical (Bird Girl/Mrs. Mayor). Regional: Fame (Serena), The Music Man (Alma Hix), Shrek Jr. (Mama Bear/Dragon), Young Frankenstein, Sister Act, (Maine State Music Theatre). Love and thanks to family, friends, M, D, J-Man, Trev, and the entire Sister Act team. Special love and gratitude to the divine Donna Drake and Rhonda Miller. www.stefaniesable.com
T. SHYVONNE STEWART (Ensemble) is a navy brat, but considers Dallas to be home. Credits: AIDA Cruises, Kennedy Center Honors, Christmas in Washington. She has degrees from Spelman College, The George Washington University, and Georgetown University. Big thanks to my family, friends, God, and Westchester Broadway Theatre. tshyvonnestewart.com
Jessi St George (Ensemble) is delighted to be making her WBT debut, and be back in the convent, having last performed in Sister Act at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island. Other favorite credits include Little Sally (Urinetown), Cinderella (Into the Woods) and Rosamund (The Robber Bridegroom). Much love and gratitude to friends, family, and husband Kevin for their love and support.
KAREN WEBB (Ensemble) is loving being back on the WBT stage after spending this past year performing aboard the Disney Fantasy with Disney Cruise Line. Other WBT shows include: Show Boat, Mary Poppins, Kiss Me Kate, George M!, Singin’ in the Rain, Jekyll & Hyde, and Nine. Much love to my family and friends, Jay, Lisa, the amazing crew, and YOU for supporting live theatre. Enjoy the show!
Special Notices
Set Construction & Installation Scene Works, Ossining, NY Extra Special Lighting Equipment by SILENT G PRODUCTIONS, Yorktown Heights, NY Assistant Lighting Designer Kevin Gleason Assistant to Costume Designer Amanda Crout Carmona Special Thanks: Alexandria Bush WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
DONNA DRAKE (Director/Choreographer) Broadway credits: Original production of A Chorus Line, Sophisticated Ladies, Woman of the Year, The Wind in the Willows, 5678-Dance, It’s So Nice to Be Civilized and the original production of The 1940s Radio Hour. She directed 4 Broadway Concerts of Nothing Like A Dame for BC/EFA and a new show currently running off Broadway at Theatre Row, Addy & Uno. Awards: an Emmy nomination, 4 Drama Desk Nominations, A Mac Award Nomination, A Theatre World Award and an Off Broadway Alliance Nomination. She choreographed Catherine Zeta Jones for the American Film Institute Awards, 2009 and The AFI 2011 honoring Morgan Freeman and starring Betty White. She directed the children’s show; John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean. OffBroadway, National & International tours. TV credits: Julie’s Greenroom, starring Julie Andrews, Monica’s Mixing Bowl, Disney’s Johnny & the Sprites, and ABC TV’s Dear Alex & Annie. She is currently teaching acting at Pace University. DonnaDrakedirector.com 9
WHO’S WHO BOB BRAY (Musical Director) has played keyboards on Broadway for more than 25 shows starting with Aspects of Love and most recently Hello Dolly with Bette Midler. Favorites along the way include Ragtime, Assassins, Seussical, Annie Get Your Gun (Bernadette, Reba) and Jersey Boys. He was the MD/conductor for Mamma Mia at Mandalay Bay in Vegas and also conducted it on Broadway. He also conducted the 1st national tour of Show Boat starring Len Cariou and Cloris Leachman directed by Hal Prince and Damn Yankees with Jerry Lewis. Previous productions at WBT include A Chorus Line, Good News, City of Angels, Grand Hotel and Phantom.
Donna Drake (The First Company of A Chorus Line) on productions of Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Cats and Anything Goes for the resurgence of Music Theater North, currently known as Community Performance Series in Upstate New York. She choreographed Mary Poppins and Sister Act for Arkansas Rep. Rhonda is an Associate Professor at Pace University School of Performing Arts in New York City’s School of Performing Arts, where she created and directs the unique Commercial Dance program. In addition, she was the first Choreographer to be inducted into the Oklahoma City University Hall of Honor.
RHONDA MILLER (Associate Director/ Choreographer) founded and co-owned L.A.’s premier dance facility, The Edge. A leader for many years of the successful convention business, L.A. DanceForce, Rhonda has been one of the most sought-after choreographer-dance instructors in the U.S. dance industry. Splitting her time between New York City and Los Angeles, Rhonda’s innovative work caught the eye of Broadway Director/ Choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray) with whom she has worked for several years on the renowned, annual event, Broadway Bares. Among Rhonda’s New York City stage credits are Nothing Like A Dame at New York City’s Marquis Theater, featuring a piece starring Tiler Peck of New York City Ballet, ABC Daytime Salutes Broadway at Town Hall, Les Enfants de Paris (now known as 5th Republic), Austentatious, starring Stephanie D’Abruzzo. Gemini the Musical, starring Linda Hart and Have a Nice Life starring Emily Skinner and, Kevin Carolan. She was the recipient of Outstanding Choreography Award of the New York Musical Theater Festival’s production of Common Grounds and has choreographed over 30 musicals at regional theaters around the country. Rhonda’s television credits include the American Film Institute Awards with Catherine Zeta- Jones, two series for HBO, The Boys and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, multiple episodes of General Hospital ABC, Days of Our Lives for NBC and several episodes of Young and the Restless for CBS. Her energetic work has also been seen in commercials and Industrials for such Fortune 500 companies as Apple, Chrysler, Toys R Us, Warner Brothers and ExxonMobil. She conceived, directed and choreographed Cinematastic for Princess Cruise Lines, Broadway Nights for Celebrity Cruise Lines and directed the Nickelodeon Up Fronts. And is proudly in development of the theatrical project, 5th District. Recently, she collaborated with director
STEVE LOFTUS (Set Designer) has been one of our resident designers since Kiss Me, Kate in 2002. Some of his favorites at WBT include Gypsy, Phantom, Aida, Miss Saigon and In the Heights. As a set designer, Steve has provided scenery for many regional theaters, colleges and high schools around the Tri-state area. As well as a few tours and special events at Lincoln Center. Steve is also the owner of Scene Works Inc., a fully serviced scene shop providing all aspects of scenic design and fabrication based out of Ossining, NY. He is most proud to be a father to Elias and Aubrey.
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HEATHER CAREY (Costume Designer) has designed costumes for theater, dance, tv & film, designing off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, and regionally. Recent projects include off-Broadway’s The Snowy Day directed by Julia Beardsley O’Brien, The Loading Dock Theatre’s The Dudleys: A Family Game, and Marathon: Series A with Ensemble Studio Theatre. She has assisted on a variety of projects ranging from live television to opera, Broadway to feature films. She received her MFA in Costume Design from Brandeis University. www.heatherjcarey.com ANDREW GMOSER (Lighting Designer) has lit all of our mainstage productions since 1990. Over the years he has created the sets and/ or lighting for a multitude of productions throughout Westchester and beyond, and is a proud recipient of the Cab Calloway Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Performing
THE VIDEOTAPING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW AND AN ACTIONABLE FEDERAL OFFENSE WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO Arts in Westchester. Andrew loves his job designing lighting for all levels of theatre, from high school programs through professional Broadwaycaliber productions. For over thirty years he was set and lighting designer (and from time to time, director) for Asbury Summer Theatre, and is beginning his 25th season with the MacHaydn Theatre in upstate New York. Through his company, Silent G Productions, Andrew provides theatrical lighting design, equipment, and consultation for live theatre, dance, and concerts. Andrew’s best and most important production is with his lovely wife, Catherine: their nineteen year old twins, Thomas and Elizabeth! MARK ZUCKERMAN (Sound Designer) has been the co-sound designer for 5 years at WBT where he previously served as the sound engineer for 5 years. He has worked throughout the tri-state area designing and running sound for theatres and concert venues. A few of his favorite shows include: Jekyll & Hyde, Phantom, and Hairspray. Mark would like to thank his family and Erin for their support. MarkSZuckerman.com VICTOR LUKAS (Production Stage Manager/ Properties) is happy to be home after spending many years touring the country and having played in every state. Broadway and Equity National Tours include: Bring Back Birdie, Oh Brother, Joe’s...Coat, Cats, Teddy And Alice, One Night Stand, Woman Of The Year w/ Lauren Bacall, the Twyla Tharp/Billy Joel musical Movin’ Out, Cy Coleman’s Welcome To The Club and Barnum, Star of Indiana’s Blast!, Blood Brothers with Petula Clark, Carole King and Shaun & David Cassidy, and Disney’s Aida. For the WBT he has stage managed many shows including the acclaimed Aida and Little Shop of Horrors, both directed by Patricia Wilcox; Richard Stafford’s Gypsy with Karen Mason; and Jonathan Stahl’s Nine. OffBroadway shows include Annie Warbucks, Travels With My Aunt, Tuesday’s With Morrie, and Joan Of Arc with Glenn Close. Favorite gig – Touring with Petula Clark on her 2008 concert tour of England and Wales. Victor also runs “Grumpy’s Props,” a prop rental shop in Carmel NY. Grumpy’s Props also specializes in home & commercial decorating for holidays & theme parties. Visit us online at www.grumpysprops.com. VON ANN STUTLER (Musical Contractor) Since the inception of the theatre 44 years ago, Von Ann has been responsible for putting together the excellent musicians which make up our orchestra. Each show has unique instrumentation requirements. Von Ann, in consultation WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
with the musical director, determines the makeup and particular talented personnel to fulfill the show’s requirements. Von Ann is a musician having training in clarinet, piano and harp. She was a voice major at Michigan State University. She has raised 5 children and is the proud grandmother of 7 (four girls and 3 boys). Alan Menken (Music) His music and lyrics have become an integral part of the fabric of our lives since his first works were produced nearly 40 years ago. His stage musicals include God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy, Real Life Funnies, Little Shop of Horrors, Kicks, The Dream on Royal Street, Beauty and The Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Newsies, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and A Bronx Tale. Song and score credits for film musicals include The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast (Animated), Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, The Shaggy Dog, Home on the Range, Enchanted, Tangled, Mirror Mirror and Beauty and the Beast (Live Action). Individual songs for film include Rocky V - “The Measure of a Man,” Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - “My Christmas Tree,” Life With Mikey - “Cold Enough to Snow,” Noel - “Winter Light,” Captain America: First Avenger - “Star Spangled Man” and Sausage Party - “The Great Beyond.” Television credits include writing songs for Sesame Street, the ABC mini-series Lincoln, a musical episode of The Neighbors, the ABC series Galavant and the Disney Channel’s Tangled: The Series. His chart topping songs have included “Beauty and the Beast”, “A Whole New World”, “Colors of the Wind” and “Go the Distance”. Winner of the 2012 Tony and Drama Desk awards for his score for Newsies, he has won more Academy Awards than any other living individual, including eight Oscars® with 4 for Best Score and 4 for Best Song; 11 Grammy® Awards (including Song of the Year for “A Whole New World”); 7 Golden Globes; London’s Evening Standard Award; the Olivier Award; the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award. Other notable achievements include induction as a Member (2008) in the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame followed by receiving the lifetime achievement acknowledgement of the Johnny Mercer Award (2017); Billboard’s number one single (“A Whole New World”) and number one album (Pocahontas). In 2001 he received the distinction of being named a Disney Legend. Awarded two doctorates in Fine Arts from New York University and the North Carolina School of the Arts. In 2010 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 11
WHO’S WHO Recent live concert appearances include the Hollywood Bowl, Segerstrom Center and the Royal Albert Hall. Glenn Slater (Lyrics) co-created Disney’s 2010 worldwide smash Tangled (2011 Grammy Winner, 2010 Oscar and Golden Globe nominee), as well as the Broadway and international hit musicals Sister Act (2011 Tony nominee - Best Score) and The Little Mermaid (2008 Tony nominee - Best Score, Grammy nominee - Best Cast Album), and, most recently School of Rock (2015). With longtime collaborator Alan Menken, he is Executive Producer and Lyricist for the ABC-TV musical comedy series Galavant, and has also written songs for the Disney animated film Home On The Range (2004) and the Broadway musical Leap of Faith (Tony nominee - Best Musical, 2012). In the West End, Glenn provided both book and lyrics for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies (2010 Olivier nominee - Best Musical), the sequel to Phantom of the Opera. Other work includes an Emmy-nominated song for the ABCTV comedy The Neighbors (2013), and the stage revue Newyorkers at The Manhattan Theatre Club (Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations). Glenn is the recipient of the prestigious Kleban Award for Lyrics, the ASCAP/ Richard Rogers New Horizons Award, and the Jonathan Larson Award. He is an alumnus of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, and a member of both ASCAP and the Dramatists’ Guild. Cheri Steinkellner (Author) has won four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, The People s Choice, BAFTA, Writers Guild Award, Parents Choice and TV-Land Legend Awards, for writing and producing Cheers (recently named one of the Top 10 Best Written Comedies in TV history), and The Jeffersons, Facts of Life, Family Ties and Who’s The Boss, and for creating the acclaimed Disney animated Saturday morning TV series and feature film, Teacher s Pet. A 2011 Tony-nominee for Sister Act (with husband Bill Steinkellner, Alan Menken and Glenn Slater); Cheri has also written Princesses (with Bill, David Zippel and Matthew Wilder); and book and lyrics for Mosaic (with Georgia Stitt), and Jailbirds on Broadway (with Bill and Jeff Rizzo). Other stage includes Our Place, and Instaplay - L.A. s original - and longest-running - improvised musical-comedy. An Indy Award winner and Ovation nominee for Hello! My Baby, Cheri currently teaches writing at Stanford and UCSB and directs youth theatre in beautiful Santa Barbara, where she and Bill raised their three favorite children/writers/ artists: Kit, Teddy, and Emma.
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Bill Steinkellner (Author) Awardwinning television and screen writer: Cheers and Disney’s Teacher’s Pet (Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAS, Writers Guild and People’s Choice Awards). Book writer (with wife, Cherri): Sister Act the Musical (London Palladium, Hamburg, Broadway 2011), Princesses (Goodspeed, 5th Avenue). Writer/director (with Paul Reubens): the original Pee-wee Herman Show (Groundlings, Roxy Theatre, HBO). Creator/director: Instaplay, L.A.’s first all-improvised musical-comedy. Author: the L.A. Times bestseller Postcards From the Moon. Douglas Carter Beane (Additional Book Material) Broadway play The Little Dog Laughed received the GLAAD media award for best play, and was also nominated for a Tony for best new play. His other works include As Bees In Honey Drown (Outer Critics Circle John Gassner Award), Music From A Sparkling Planet and The Country Club. He wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of his play Advice From A Caterpillar which won Aspen Comedy Festival’s best feature. His film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar was produced by Steven Spielberg, was the number one film in America for a month and is now a television favorite. The Big Time, Beane’s first musical, received rave reviews last year and his next musical, a stage adaptation of the film The Bandwagon is slated to open on Broadway later this season. Fascinated by non-traditional forms of theater, Beane has written the revues, White Lies and Mondo Drama and this season a live theatrical soap opera, The Cartells. As artistic director of the New York theater company Drama Dept. he produced over forty productions, including acclaimed revivals of As Thousands Cheer, June Moon and The Torchbearers and world premiere works by Paul Rudnick, David Sedaris and Wendy Wasserstein. His new play, Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost, Too will open next season in New York and he is currently developing a television series for producer Lorne Michaels. He resides in New York City with his partner, composer Lewis Flinn and their son, Cooper. LISA TISO (Producer) has been with WBT since 1979 when she began as a buffet girl. Having worked in nearly every department, and since 1991 has worked on our shows as Associate Producer or Producer. An avid Yankee fan, Lisa lives in Ardsley with her daughter Carmen and their dog Stevie.
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BOB FUNKING AND BILL STUTLER (Owners/Executive 42 YEARS OF Producers) On July MUSICALS 9, 2018, the BROADWAY Westchester Broadway BRATING AND FINE DINING Theatre will celebrate its th 44 Anniversary, as well as the 28th Anniversary in this specifically designed, state of the art theatre. Bill and Bob, 2004 inductees into the “Westchester County Business Hall of Fame,” pioneered the Dinner Theatre concept in Westchester when they opened An Evening Dinner Theatre on July 9, 1974. Having designed and built An Evening from the ground up as a theatre that serves dinner and lunch, they established their operation as a cultural mainstay in the tri-state area. The Westchester Broadway Theatre is the only year round theatre in Westchester where Broadway performers, directors and designers gather to create the best in Musical Theatre. (They have produced more shows than most Broadway producers. Sister Act, we are proud to say, is their 205th Production!) The Westchester Broadway Theatre is the longest running, 52 week a year Equity theatre in the State of New York. Each show is produced exclusively for the theatre and each is approached in the same manner as Broadway Productions: casting Broadway performers at auditions in New York City, and hiring the creative staff (Directors, Choreographers, Musical Directors, Set, Costume and Lighting Designers). On the dark nights of the musicals, Bill and Bob have presented over 900 Monday and Tuesday night specials and, in 1997, inaugurated the Gold Star Series of Concerts presenting Jackie Mason to a sold-out house. Other great performers in the Gold Star series have been Tom Jones, George Carlin, Paul Anka, Wayne Newton, and Harry Belafonte. With the continued support of the people of the tri-state area, we pledge to continue to present the best in theatre and dining. rd
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Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
One Broadway Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523 Box Office (914) 592-2222 Business Office (914) 592-2268 www.BroadwayTheatre.com ADMINISTRATION Bill Stutler - President Bob Funking - Vice President / Treasurer Lisa Tiso - Producer / Company Manager Jeffrey Lifrieri - Assistant Treasurer / HR Manager Janet Schwartz - Internal Auditor Arlene Tiso - Bookkeeper Pia Haas - Press / Public Relations Director Steve Calleran - House Manager Tarah Vega - House Manager Susan Katz - House Manager BOX OFFICE Ron Schlichting - Box Office Manager GROUP SALES Heidi Giarlo - Manager (914) 592-2225 Jessica Tucci - Group Sales Coordinator (914) 592-2225 Patrick McGillicuddy - (914) 592-2225 Helen DeLago - (203) 637-9393 Joanie Varela - (646) 385-2936 LUXURY BOXES/GROUP SALES Ginny Baisi - (914) 592-8730 KITCHEN Tony Dinis - Chef Peter McClung - Dining Room Manager STAGE CREW Automation - Aaron Cassese Deck - Seth Crosby and Bunny Kole Props - Cailey Harwood-Smith Deck Audio - Gustav Bodor Sound Engineer - Casey Palumbo Light Board Op - Marcus Jackson Spot Operator - Nick Grasso Spot Operator - Matt Rush Wardobe - Rana Attia and Colleen Till ALL PERSONS SEEKING ADMISSION MUST HAVE A TICKET, including children of any age. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BRINGING A CHILD to the theatre, feel free to contact the Box Office with any questions regarding the content of the show. Although opinions on appropriate viewing may differ, we will do our best to answer your questions regarding language, violence and adult situations.
Program Design by Ferguson Marketing President: Raymond Ferguson Art Director: Christine Fiedler Sarasin 175 North Main Street, Branford, CT 06405 (203) 488 5262 Produced For Westchester Broadway Theatre By Today Media Custom Communications 2 Clinton Avenue, Rye, NY 10580 (914) 345 0601 Ext.117 13