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CURTAIN CALL 1 2 CURTAIN CALL BEST LIVE THEATRE – Stamford Advocate 2018

ACE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS – 2016

GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS – 2011

Voted Fairfield County’s BEST LOCAL THEATRE GROUP – Ten Years Running! In Fairfield County Weekly

Voted BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP – 2008 Through 2018 In StamfordPlus CURTAIN CALL, INC. 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905 203-329-8207

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TED YUDAIN, ESQ. CHAIR GORDON CASAGRANDE VICE CHAIR WILLIAM SQUIER SECRETARY JOHN ATKIN TREASURER

DIANE ARDITTI TERRY BLANK GEORGE BRADT DOMINICK BRIA TOM DESALVO JOANN LATORRACA THOMAS M. ORMOND JAMI SHERWOOD KEVIN THOMPSON SEYMOUR WEINSTEIN, ESQ.

LOU URSONE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PETER BARBIERI, JR. ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRIAN BIANCO EDUCATION DIRECTOR MEGAN LATTE ORMOND RESIDENT WARDROBE MANAGER GAIL YUDAIN OFFICE MANAGER LISA DIDONATO, JEFF KARWOSKY BOX OFFICE MANAGERS MEREDITH WALKER BOX OFFICE STAFF JAMIE LAJOIE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR MARC URSONE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

CURTAIN CALL 3

WELCOME FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.” – Origin unknown

While the above quote is often attributed to one of America’s most-read authors, (and long-time Connecticut resident), , its true origins are unknown. I’m pretty sure that the nuns who taught me in grade school used it as a means to inspire what has been, for me, a life-long love of reading.

Twain’s 12 novels, nearly three dozen short stories and much more, marked him as one of the most prolific American authors of his time. Twain, often noted as the father of American literature, was credited thus by Ernest Hemingway: “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called ‘Huckleberry Finn’.” That book is why we’re here today.

This Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of “Huckleberry Finn” took Broadway by storm taking home, among its seven awards, Best Book, Best Original Score and Best Musical. It appropriately concentrates on the relationship between Huck and Jim, but also includes much of this devilishly complex story, all wrapped up with ’s wonderful score. A raft ride down the Mississippi seemed like the perfect summertime ending to our season, and I hope you enjoy it.

Speaking of summer... Our 16th annual free, outdoor Shakespeare on the Green presentation — Much Ado About Nothing—will be held July 11 through 21 on the great lawn when you first enter the Sterling Farms property. Our 29th annual Summer Youth Theatre production—Matilda—will play August 1 through 10 in The Kweskin Theatre. As always, our full-day, theatre arts workshops for ages 6 through 16, will be running through mid-August (limited spaces still available).

I look forward to seeing you here over the next few months, but truly hope that, if you have never been a Flex Pass Subscriber, that you’ll consider taking advantage of our discounted ticket programs. We have a great line-up we have scheduled beginning in September. It includes three recent Broadway musicals that you won’t be able to see anywhere else. (The entire listing is on page 2.)

Thanks you for being here and enjoy, !

CURTAIN CALL 5

JUNE 7–29, 2019 | KWESKIN THEATRE Britta & Denis J. Nayden Charitable Foundation, Ltd. Presents Curtain Call’s production of BIG RIVER THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

Music and Lyrics by Book by Adapted from the novel by ROGER MILLER MARK TWAIN

Costume Design Production Stage Managers MEGAN LATTE ORMOND STACY LUPO, JAN URSONE

Lighting Design Music Direction PETER PETRINO TONY BELLOMY

Set Design Choreography PETER BARBIERI, JR. JASON SUMMERS

Director LARRY D. GABBARD

BIG RIVER is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals, a Concord Theatricals : www.rnh.com.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

CURTAIN CALL 7 8 CURTAIN CALL CAST

MARK TWAIN...... Bob Praid HUCKLEBERRY FINN...... Kevin Sell*, Sam Ruck** WIDOW DOUGLAS...... Karen Everett MISS WATSON ...... Grace Heiser JIM...... David Michael Tate*, Levy Brunette** TOM SAWYER...... Sam Ruck*, Kevin Sell** BEN ROGERS...... Jake Enman JO HARPER...... Victoria Razhanskiy SIMON...... Robert Failla DICK...... Henry Kanlian PAP FINN...... Jim Chiles JUDGE THATCHER...... James Hisey II STRANGE WOMAN...... Sara DeFelice THE KING...... Dan Travers THE DUKE...... Philip Glazer HANK...... Robert Failla ANDY...... Henry Kanlian LAFE...... Matthew McArthur A YOUNG FOOL...... Matthew Feinberg A SERVANT...... Tracey McAllister SHERIFF BELL...... Matthew McArthur MARY JANE WILKES...... Anna Hicks COUNSELOR ROBINSON...... Henry Kanlian HARVEY WILKES...... Jim Chiles SUSAN WILKES...... Katherine Atkin-Dahm JOANNA WILKES...... Ava Spinelli Mastrone ALICE...... Tracey McAllister ALICE’S DAUGHTER...... Simone Palmer AUNT SALLY PHELPS...... Libby Whitely Scherer UNCLE SILAS PHELPS...... Steven Kaplan

ENSEMBLE...... Monica Castillo, Sara DeFelice, Karen Everett, Matthew Feinberg, Eli Foodman, Brendan Garnett, Grace Heiser, James Hisey II, Steven Kaplan, Empress Makeda, Matthew McArthur, Bob Praid, Zully Ramos, Markiss Robert, Emma Sawch, Libby Whitely Scherer and Tilden Todd

* 6/7, 6/13, 6/15, 6/22, 6/23, 6/27, 6/28 ** 6/8, 6/9, 6/14, 6/16, 6/20, 6/21, 6/29

PRODUCTION STAFF

Executive Producer Lou Ursone Director Larry D. Gabbard Production Design Peter Barbieri, Jr. Costume Design Megan Latte Ormond Production Stage Managers Stacy Lupo, Jan Ursone Assistant Stage Managers Cara Kramer, Michael Kraus Sound Design Jamie LaJoie Poster Design Bob Callahan Prop Master Michael Kraus

CURTAIN CALL 9 SYNOPSIS OF SCENES/MUSICAL NUMBERS

The action takes place along the Mississippi River Valley, sometime in the 1840s.

ACT 1 Scene 1: The Widow Douglas’ home in St. Petersburg, Missouri Do You Wanna Go To Heaven...... The Company Scene 2: A Cave by the River The Boys...... Tom and the Boys Waitin’ For The Light To Shine...... Huck Scene 3: The Widow Douglas’ home Scene 4: A Cabin on the Illinois shore Guv’ment...... Pap Scene 5: The Cabin; Jackson’s Island Hand For The Hog...... Tom I, Huckleberry, Me...... Huck Scene 6: A Cabin on the Missouri shore; a Raft on the River Muddy Waters...... Jim and Huck Scene 7: On the Raft in the moonlight, approaching Cairo, Illinois The Crossing...... Slaves River In The Rain...... Huck and Jim Scene 8: On the Riverbank in Kentucky; on the Raft downriver When The Sun Goes Down In The South...... Duke, King and Huck

ACT 2 Scene 1: On the Raft in Tennessee Scene 2: In Bricktown, Arkansas The Royal Nonesuch...... Duke and The Company Scene 3: On the Raft in a nearby cove Worlds Apart...... Jim and Huck Scene 4: In Hillsboro, Arkansas; the Wilkes’ Farm near Hillsboro Arkansas...... A Young Fool How Blest We Are...... Alice’s Daughter and The Company You Oughta Be Here With Me...... Mary Jane, Susan and Joanna Scene 5: Next day at the Farm Reprise – How Blest We Are...... The Company Leavin’s Not The Only Way To Go...... Huck, Mary Jane and Jim Scene 6: The Farm; the Cemetery Scene 7: To the Shore and the Raft Reprise – Waitin’ For The Light To Shine...... Huck Scene 8: A Country Road; the Phelps Farm near Hillsboro Free At Last...... Jim and Slaves Scene 9: The Phelps Farm, that night; the Raft Scene 10: The Phelps Farm Reprise – River In The Rain...... Huck and Jim Reprise – Muddy Waters...... The Company

10 CURTAIN CALL CURTAIN CALL 11 12 CURTAIN CALL WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

KATHERINE ATKIN-DAHM (Susan Wilkes, SARA DeFELICE (Strange Woman, Ensemble) Ensemble) Katherine is proud to be working Sara is so excited to finally be back on stage! with Curtain Call again after her recent Thank you to this wonderful cast, the amazing performance as Miss Barley in A Gentleman’s production team, and as always to her family Guide to Love and Murder. She has previously and her Alex for all of their love and support. performed as Graziella in West Side Story at the Wilton Playshop, Gertie in , JAKE ENMAN (Huck’s Gang) Jake loves Teen Angel in Grease and ensemble in . acting and is grateful to be working with She would like to thank her boyfriend, Matthew such a wonderful cast in his first Curtain Feinberg, for joining her on this adventure, a Call production. Previous roles include special thank you to the cast and crew, and Mr. Sowerberry in Oliver and King Triton in she sends lots of love to her friends and family The Little Mermaid with Wilton Children’s for their support. Theater. Jake thanks his uncle for inspiring him to do theater. LEVY BRUNETTE (Jim) Levy made his Curtain Call debut playing the role of Jim KAREN EVERETT (Widow Douglas, Ensemble) Mosten in The Man Who Shot Liberty Karen is thrilled to be joining the Curtain Valance, this past fall. Levy, is currently Call cast of Big River for her first community a graduate student, studying Political theater production. In her day job, Karen is a Communications and is a singer-songwriter. busy marketing and branding consultant. After He is grateful to his family and friends for 30 years of corporate life, happy marriage, and their prayers, love and continued support. raising three great kids, she missed the smell of the greasepaint and roar of the crowd. Karen MONICA CASTILLO (Ensemble) Monica is dedicates her performance to her loving family excited to be back at Curtain Call! Fave credits: and friends who continue to believe in her. Stepp Sister in (Fairfield Center Pookies forever! Stage), Sam in Elf the Musical (Curtain Call), Rosalia in West Side Story (Wilton Playshop). ROBERT FAILLA (Huck’s Gang) Robert is Thanks to my friends and family for their love, more than excited to be back on Curtain Call’s and thanks to this amazing cast and crew for stage once again after the SYT’s 2018 show, bringing this show into my life right when Bye Bye Birdie. He has recently been part of I needed it most. productions of The Little Mermaid and the one-act play Dentity Crisis. He thanks his JIM CHILES (Pap Finn, Harvy Wilkes) Jim is family and friends for supporting what he does. delighted to return to work with the dedicated production team and the talented Big River MATTHEW FEINBERG (Young Fool ) cast. While Jim was preparing his audition Matthew is very excited to be at Curtain Call. piece for Big River, his wife admonished He has played the rolls of The Lion in The him not to disturb the new neighbor before Wiz and Radames in while attending 9:00 AM. The prior neighbors moved out Cheshire High School. He later attended after Jim started practicing his singing for Western Connecticut State University where another musical… Recently Jim was in he studied opera, voice and performance. The Beaux Stratagem—Gloss at The Town While at WCSU he was cast as Melchior in Players of New Canaan and The Taming of Amahl and the Night Visitors among other the Shrew—Gremio with a theater group operatic roles. Matthew would like to thank his in Marin County, California. Prior Curtain mom and dad for their never ending support Call roles include: A Comedy of Tenors— and encouragement. He would also like to Jacques; The Man Who Shot Liberty thank his Gram for inspiring me to pursue Valance—The Deputy; Julius Caesar— theater. Thank you to Katherine for being a Publius and Titinius; Sweet Charity— wonderful source of positivity and happiness. Herman; Scrooge the Musical—Mr. Fezziwig; I love you. As You Like It—Duke Senior.

CURTAIN CALL 13 WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

ELI FOODMAN (Huck’s Gang) Eli is excited to ANNA HICKS (Mary Jane) Anna is excited to be making his fourth appearance at the Kweskin make her Curtain Call debut! Past roles include Theatre. He has been in Shakespeare in Love Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (twice: White as John Webster, Elf as an Elf, and Superman Rabbit Theatre & Waterworks Players), Pippi as little Superman. He would like to thank the in Great American Trailer Park Musical cast and crew for making this happen for a (LCT), Tracy in (City of Fairfax fourth time! Theatre Company), and Anita in West Side Story (PVCC Theatre). BRENDAN GARNETT (Ensemble) Brendan was last seen as Noah Horse Simmons in JAMES HISEY II (Judge Thatcher, Ensemble) The Full Monty. He has a bachelor’s in Theatre Jim is thrilled to be a part of Big River. from Morgan State University. Other roles: Previously Jim was Judge Brandeis in , Billy Boy Bill in at Ridgefield Ben Westherstaff in The Secret Garden, Theatre Barn. , Black Nativity, Admiral Peary in , Sound Man in Twilight Los Angeles: 1992, In the Blood, , Henry Barrow in Bonnie Raisin: The Musical and Ragtime. Local & Clyde, Weismann in , and as Mr. credits include: West Side Story (ensemble) Guggenheim in the Musical. Thanks Wilton Playshop, Curtain Call: Superman, Curtain Call for the opportunity to be in this The Musical (ensemble), Sister Act (ensemble), wonderful musical. Thanks to my family and Damn Yankees (Mickey/Ballplayer), Boys especially Martha. Next Door (Lucian P. Smith). He would like to dedicate this performance to his Father for HENRY KANLIAN (Huck’s Gang, Counselor always giving him unconditional love and Robinson) Henry is beyond excited to be support. Continue to be my Guardian Angel. making his debut at Curtain Call as Counselor To my mother, thanks for always being my Robinson in Big River. A sophomore at Darien guidance, my voice of reason and my solid rock. High School, Henry was Constable Warren in He always believes in Philippians 4:13, I can do the DHS production of Our Town, and was in all things through Christ, who strengthens me. the Musical Theater Workshop productions of The Little Mermaid (King Triton) and Beauty PHILIP GLAZER (The Duke) Theatre: and the Beast (Beast). Henry would like to Mr. Hutchinson, Anne Hutchinson, Tutti thank everyone at Curtain Call for making this Bravi Productions (world premiere); Sir Andrew such a wonderful first production. He would Aguecheek, Twelfth Night (Lawn Chair also like to thank his family and Matthew Theatre); Jonathan, Sight Unseen (M&M Surapine for all their support. Productions); Saunders, Lend Me a Tenor (Fort Hill Players); Telephone Repairman, Barefoot STEVEN KAPLAN (Uncle Silas) Steven is in the Park (City Island Theatre Group). Film: pleased to be returning to Curtain Call where Jay in Toxic Zombie; Judge Clement, Tracks. he was last seen in Damn Yankees. He has also appeared in You Can’t Take It With You GRACE HEISER (Miss Watson) A born and and the Shakespeare on the Green production bred ‘Connecticut-er’, Grace makes her true of Julius Caesar. He has also performed at acting debut as Miss Watson in Big River. Downtown Theatre in Fiddler on Although, you may recognize her from East the Roof as well as Annie. Other performances Ridge Middle School’s Hee Haw Hayride included Our Town at Long Wharf Theatre, as ‘Chorus’ circa 2004 or in Wilton’s Hope The Square Root of Three Sisters at New Church Christmas Pageant as ‘Sheep #2’. Haven Festival of Arts and Ideas, and The She is beyond grateful for the support of Baker’s Wife and Miracle on 34th Street in her friends and family and would like to Milford, CT. Thank you to Margaret for being thank everyone involved in Big River for this so supportive. amazing opportunity.

14 CURTAIN CALL WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

EMPRESS MAKEDA (Ensemble) Actor MATTHEW McARTHUR (Harmonica, and playwright/singer-songwriter has been Banjo, Ensemble) Matthew is thrilled to be in theater for several years. She started as a part of this production. Directorial credits co-writer with a women’s theater group, Sisters include Trinity Catholic Middle School’s of Wadada, based in London. This led to many Lion King, Jr. and Peter Pan, Jr.. Past performances throughout the UK: Leroy and productions include Curtain Call’s Peter Pan Lorna, Abide My Time, The Dance, (just to (Captain Hook) and Music Man (Barbershop name a few.) She is thrilled to be a part of Big Quartet), and Trinity Catholic High School’s River with such an incredible cast. Les Misérables (Jean Valjean).

AVA SPINELLI MASTRONE (Joanna Wilkes) SIMONE PALMER (Alice’s Daughter) I’m Ava is a Junior at Westhill High School, an so grateful and excited to be a part of such a SYT board member, and is thrilled to be powerful story. I love working with Larry and performing in her first mainstage production Tony—they are beautiful souls! Previous shows at Curtain Call! Past productions include, include: Sister Act (Delores Van Cartier), Northstar Playmakers Guys and Dolls (Hot The Wounded Soul (Nicole), A Lesson Before Box dancer) Radium Girls (Mrs.Berry/ Dying (Viviane Baptiste), Little Shop of Clerk), Footloose (Urleen), A Voice In the Horrors (Urchin), Ragtime (Harlem Ensemble) Dark: A Salem Story (Sarah Nurse), 9 to 5 and Choices Gospel Musical (Takeisha) (Missy) Curtain Call’s SYT The Music Man, Oliver, Peter Pan, Pippin, and Bye Bye BOB PRAID (Mark Twain, Doctor) Bob is Birdie, and the past seven Stamford All-School delighted to be back for this 16th season with the Musicals, most recently being Willy Wonka Curtain Call family in Big River. His previous (Mrs. Bucket) and The Wizard of Oz (Glinda). shows include The Odd Couple, Pirates, Hot L Baltimore, , Twelve Angry Men, TRACEY McALLISTER (Alice, Servant, Titanic, the Musical, When We are Married, Ensemble) Tracey is excited that her first musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the is at Curtain Call. A student of T. Schreiber Forum, , Follies, Barefoot Studio since 2002, she found her . Her in the Park, City of Angels, Scrooge, the most recent stage role was (Cassandra) in Vanya Musical and . As always Bob thanks his and Sonia and Masha and Spike at Elmwood wife and family for their ongoing support. Playhouse. The role she will never forget is (Rose Maxon) in Fences at Ridgefield Theater ZULLY RAMOS (Ensemble) Zully is thrilled Barn. Also at Elmwood: A Lesson Before Dying to be in this production of Big River! Her past (Emma Glen), An American Daughter (Judith credits include Ragtime (Sarah’s Friend), Little B. Kaufman) and The Piano Lesson (Berniece). Shop of Horrors (Urchin), RENT (Seasons of Her first main stage production was Doubt Love Soloist), Gypsy (Acid Queen) in Tommy! (Mrs. Muller), thank you M.E. for being you. all here at the Kweskin Theatre, West Side To Kill A Mockingbird (Calpurnia), at the Story (Consuela) at the Wilton Playshop, Depot Theater is a role she will always cherish. Dreamgirls (Joann) with Fairfield Center Stage She has two regional commercials under her and most recently just finishing Baby! with the belt. Her film experience includes: “The Bone,” Armonk Players. Much love to Lou, Jan, Larry, “Stand Sentry,” “NOIR,” “Fire Island” and Tony and my family for their everlasting love. “Creating Karma.” Thank you, thank you L.G. Break legs and burn gels to the entire cast and for the opportunity; S.P. for being “my girl”; crew, old friends and new! cast & crew for all your support. To all those with ‘boo’, status (you know who you are) VICTORIA RAZHANSKIY (Huck’s Gang) much love. Big River is Victoria’s first Curtain Call performance. She is a freshman in Stamford’s AITE, and has been in various Stamford All School (Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka) and Rippowam productions. In her free time, she is highly invested in arts and film and can play the piano.

CURTAIN CALL 15 WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

MARKISS ROBERT (Ensemble) Markiss is KEVIN SELL (Huckeberry Finn, Tom Sawyer) thrilled to be back at Curtain Call. Past credits Kevin is thrilled to return to Curtain Call this include Tom Collins in Rent, Snoopy in You’re summer. He was last seen on stage as Race in a Good Man Charlie Brown, Mrs. Taylor Rev Newsies. Previous roles include Will Parker Hightower in Batboy, The Wiz in The Wiz. (Oklahoma!), Tulsa (Gypsy) and Robertson Ay I would like to thank Tony and Larry for this (Mary Poppins). opportunity and Lou and the Curtain Call family for always welcoming me. DAVID MICHAEL TATE (Jim) David is pleased to be back at Curtain Call. Previous SAM RUCK (Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer) Sam is appearances include To Kill A Mockingbird very excited to make his debut at Curtain Call. and an acclaimed performance as Hoke in Previous credits include Bernard in Death of a Driving Miss Daisy as well as several SOG Salesman and Billy Robbins in An American productions including the title role in Othello. Daughter at Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, David has performed a wide range of roles from New York as well as some minor, silly TV Jonathan in Arsenic and Old Lace to Lennie appearances. Sam would like to thank the cast in Of Mice and Men, and most recently as and crew for their professionalism, warmth, and Agent David Barnes in the movie The Long friendship. Sam would also like to thank his Game. By day, he is a middle school principal. family for their continued support and love. David dedicates this performance to his family, his students, and everyone who supports EMMA SAWCH (Ensemble) Emma is a senior live theater. and soon to be graduate of Westhill High School. Most recent performances include TILDEN TODD (Ensemble) Tilden’s first A Voice In the Dark: A Salem Story (Sarah theater performance was with Elmwood Good), Crimes of the Heart (Lenny), Mamma Playhouse, as Chantal in La Cage Aux Folles. Mia (Ensemble) and Bye Bye Birdie (Margie He is making his debut at Curtain Call as part Ann). Best of luck to the cast and crew! of the ensemble. He is happy to once again live out his passion performing. He is grateful for LIBBY WHITELY SCHERER (Sally, his supportive family and friends. Ensemble) Libby is thrilled to be back on the Kweskin Stage with her theater family at DAN TRAVERS (King) Dan is excited to be Curtain Call! Past productions include: Beauty appearing on the Kweskin stage for the 19th and the Beast, Rent, , The time. Past shows include Titanic, Sweeney Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd, Titanic— Todd, Annie Warbucks, The Sound of the Musical, and Noises Off. She has also Music, 42nd Street, The Goodbye Girl, performed with the Clocktower Players in …Forum, Spamalot, Fiddler on the Roof, Irvington, NY in —the Musical, 9 to 5 Les Misérables, Man of La Mancha, Follies, —the Musical, and Ragtime. She would Bonnie and Clyde, Ragtime, Tommy, Damn like to thank her family and friends for their Yankees, Sister Act, and Elf. Many thanks to continuous support throughout the years, the friends old and new at Curtain Call and my especially her husband, Adam. family. Thanks and love to Lauren. With you I’m whole. Without you I’m cold.

16 CURTAIN CALL PROTECTING THE WILDEST JUNGLES ON THE PLANET.

MAIN STREET. PRESCHOOL. THE PLAYGROUND. The environment isn’t just some far off place. It’s the lawn under our feet, the food on our plate, and the air we breathe. To learn more, go to NRDC.org. And help protect the jungle creatures in your backyard.

Because the environment is everywhere.

CURTAIN CALL 17 PRODUCTION TEAM

PETER BARBIERI, JR. (Set Design) Peter LARRY D. GABBARD (Director) Larry has been a theatre professional since 1979. He was introduced to Big River in 1985, and is our Associate Artistic Director and was the as a and Roger Miller fan was founding director of our outdoor, summer easily hooked. He is thrilled to be with this Shakespeare on the Green. Peter’s work has musical gem at Curtain Call. This past summer been seen both here and abroad. Broadway he directed the Summer Youth Theater of credits include technical direction of the Tony Curtain Call’s production of Bye Bye Birdie Award-winning revivals of Cabaret and A View with a cast of 54 teens! Other recent directing From The Bridge. Overseas, his work was seen credits include shows at Elmwood Playhouse as far as Shanghai, China and he designed the in Nyack, NY: She Loves Me, The Land of sets for the Danish production of . Peter Cockaigne, and assistant on Lesson Before directed our productions of Titanic, Twelve Dying with Kathy Gnazzo. On stage, Larry Angry Men, To Kill A Mockingbird, Macbeth, has been in Ragtime (Father), Mary Poppins The Producers, Oklahoma, A View From The (Bert), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Pilate) all at Bridge and Romeo & Juliet. For many years, Curtain Call; Other Desert Cities (Trip, Town he was a member of Rehabilitation Through the Players of New Canaan, CT); La Cage Aux Arts, a non-profit organization that works in the Folles (Albin/Zaza), An American Daughter prison system of the State of NY. He directed (Morrow), Sunday In The Park... (Franz/ their productions of Macbeth, Twelve Angry Dennis), and Albee’s The Goat, Or Who Is Men and their first musical,West Side Story Sylvia? (Billy), all at Elmwood Playhouse; in Sing Sing Prison. Peter and his wife, Julia, and Noises Off! (Garry/Roger) at Antrim live in Fairfield with their son, Peter III, and Playhouse. Larry will be directing Next Fall daughter, Miranda. in the fall at Elmwood. He is the founder/ principal of Stephen T. Mather Building Arts TONY BELLOMY (Music Director) Tony & Craftsmanship High School in NYC, a is very happy to be teamed up in life and on Career and Technical school partnered with the Big River with his husband, Larry Gabbard. National Park Service. He dedicates this show Big River is also the first musical that Tony to the memory of Kathi Green for sharing her ever saw on Broadway, way back in 1985(!), Big River cast album. so it seems that life has come full circle with this production. Thanks to Curtain Call! MICHAEL KRAUS (Assistant Stage Manager) Tony worked most recently at Curtain Call Michael is so excited to work with such a as Music Director for A Gentleman’s Guide talented cast and crew. Michael was most to Love and Murder, and last summer with recently Stage Manager for The Foreigner. He SYT’s production of Bye Bye Birdie. Other has also been an Assistant Stage Manager for recent music directing favorites include Sister Act, The Who’s Tommy, City of Angels, Ragtime, Sweet Charity, and Little Shop of Jesus Christ Superstar, Company and Bonnie Horrors (Curtain Call), She Loves Me and and Clyde. He is thankful to his wife and all (Elmwood Playhouse), and his family for their encouragement and support. The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Town Players Thank you to everyone on the Production of New Canaan). He has served as repetiteur for Team for this exciting opportunity. the Skylight Opera Theater and the Florentine Opera, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has CARA KRAMER (Assistant Stage Manager) worked as a company pianist for the Milwaukee Cara is excited to join Curtain Call with Big Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. By day, River! Previous internships include CRC Tony is Director of Operations for Gurr Johns, Productions, Samuel French, and Centenary Inc., an international appraisal and art advisory Stage Company. Favorite SM/AD credits firm headquartered in London and New York. include Manuscript, Songs For A New World, Tony would like to dedicate his performances Sherlock Holmes…Case of the Jersey Lily, of Big River to the loving memory of his dear and The Surrogate (World Premiere). BA Mother, Lois Bellomy, who is now truly free Theatre Performance/Technical Theatre, High at last. Point University.

18 CURTAIN CALL PRODUCTION TEAM

STACY LUPO (Production Stage Manager) JASON SUMMERS (Choreographer) Artistic Stacy has managed art festivals, concerts, and Director of the Westchester Sandbox Theatre theatre productions since 2008. Some of her in Mamaroneck. Recent choreography credits: favorite experiences include: Camelot, The Cats (WST), Honk Jr. (Bronxville MS), Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Clean Mamma Mia (Iona College) The Addams House. At Curtain Call, her favorites (so far) Family (Scarsdale HS), and She Loves Me include Glengarry Glen Ross, The Who’s (Elmwood Playhouse). He is truly grateful to Tommy, Sister Act, Newsies, and of course, Big Larry for bringing him on board for his first River. Stacy would like to thank her family and Curtain Call experience! friends, and everyone at the St. James Gate for their years of support JAN URSONE (Production Stage Manager) Over the past year, Jan has stage managed MEGAN LATTE ORMOND (Costume Shakespeare in Love, Mamma Mia, Hamlet, Designer) Megan is the Costume Coordinator Comedy of Tenors, Annie, Sister Act, The at Greenwich Academy and the Wardrobe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and Guess Manager here at Curtain Call. Megan would Who Is Coming To Dinner. Special thanks to like to thank Larry, Lou, and Jan for their Cara, Mike and Stacy—we make a great team!! support! Special thanks to her betrothed for Thank you to Louie for letting me have so putting up with her craziness! Xoxoxo much fun.

PETER F. PETRINO (Lighting Designer) is ORCHESTRA pleased to designing , some previous Big River Keyboard/Conductor – TONY BELLOMY productions Peter designed for Curtain Call Percussion – BRIAN CORALIAN include: Shakespeare in Love; Elf the Musical, Bass – NICK MACRI Mamma Mia, Bonnie and Clyde and Guys and Reeds – PATRICK LOMBARDO Dolls. Peter is the resident LD for Caramoor Violin – MEL PASSLER Center for Music and Art since 1996. Peter also Guitar, Mandolin – BRIAN MURPHY designs for such; theaters as: TheatreWorks New Harmonica, Milford; Sherman Playhouse, Penguin Rep. Guitar, Banjo – MATT MCARTHUR and Seven Angels Theater; Designs for dance companies: Westchester Ballet Co. and Nutmeg Ballet Co.; for television companies such as: Versus, Court TV and ESPN.

CURTAIN CALL 19 20 CURTAIN CALL CURTAIN CALL 21 22 CURTAIN CALL CURTAIN CALL 23 CONTRIBUTORS

Curtain Call gratefully acknowledges the following contributors: (Contributions as of May 15, 2019)

Guardian Angels ($25,000 and up) Anonymous Fairfield County Community Foundation

Angels ($10,000 - $24,999) Meg & George Bradt Garden Homes Fund Lapine Foundation Louis J. Casale, Jr. The George Family Charitable Foundation

Executive Producers ($5,000 - $9,990) Across the Globe Children’s Mary Bresnan General Re Corporation Foundation Fund Connecticut Commission The M.L.E. Foundation, Inc. Alexander Family Foundation On The Arts Maureen Pavia

Producers ($2,000 - $4,999) Elizabeth Ball Patricia & Robert Phillips RBC Foundation The Gulliver Family

Program Directors ($1,000 - $1,900) Anonymous Bernadette & Ed Gray In Memory of my son, Terry Blank In Celebration of Griffin Aaron Meadow The Carucci Family Handley from Dan Levine Pitney Bowes Match Angela Auz & John Delelle Maria Jacobson Gift Program Jim Duffy Robert & Lisa Kadlick Ellis & Rose, Lorraine First County Bank Foundation In Honor of George & & Anthony Rinaldi Dick & Phobe Ford Meg Bradt Nancy & Jeff Serkes Lou & Jan Ursone

Torch Bearers ($500 - $999) The Arditti Family GE Foundation Matching Jane & Kenn Prince Carol & Mike Catalano Gifts Program Meryl & Henry Silverstein Jim & Ruth Chiles Kathryn & Thomas King Sarah & Daniel Simner Dynamic Duo Charitable Trust Richard & Cornelia Marder Viking Global Foundation In Memory of Rocco Engongoro Adele Ursone & Catherine & Aldo Vitti Carol & Jim Foley George Matteson Harriet & Seymour Weinstein Suzanne & Frank Millard Anthony & Torri Zaccagnino In Memory of Edward Norcel

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Seat Warmers ($250 - $499) Anonymous Lisa Girden Barkan & Jay & Joyce Riemer Zoe, Avery & Theresa Bebon Seth Barkan Kyle & Deborah Runestad Louise Bloch Stern Merryl & Neil Hackman The Telep Family Barbara & Gary Bloom Nancy & Tom Hadden Elizabeth & Alfred Sanseverino James Butler Kristi & Bob Hardin Kevin Shea Carol & Mike Catalano Marion & Harry Hazlehurst Susan Heidere & Greg Chrzczon Candyce Hoyt Michael Simko Lynne Colatrella Juanita James & The Sload Family Allyson Cormier Dudley Williams Jacqueline & John Starks In Memory of Judge Kate & Reto Koller Barbara & Lawrence Stephens Frank D’Andrea Diane, Michael, Ryan & Judy Stewart Jean & Paul De Bartolomeo Megan Kraus Seana & Mike Turner Thomas & Angie DeSalvo Dom & Ruth Lettera In Memory of Nicholas & Arlene Dubiago Mary Logan Helen Ueberbacher Anna Zeni & Roger Dykeman Jean Marie McCormick Ranae & Richard Ursone Roberta & Wenz Eichler Anne & Victor Modugno In Memory of Charlie Valendra The Fenster Family Julie & Nicola Nunnari Patricia White Jon Garrity Harley & Stephen Osman John, Martha, Sara & David Pollard Julia Zimmerman

Great Communicators ($100 - $249) Greta Accurso Candace Caplin Sean Fieler Elvira Albert Richard & Jane Capraro Carol & Robert Fischer Ann Alford Karen & Gordon Casagrande Sean & Tracy Flynn Youse guys is da best! Caryl & George Castellion Diane Fox by Anonymous Eleanor & Harry Christensen Nancy Freedman Rosalyn Arena Lynne Colatrella The Frimmer Family Patricia Atkin Gary & Sue Conte Markian Frycz Amy, Rob, Eliza & Judith Guest & Catrinia Gandara Boone Ayala Arthur Copeland Vera Gardell Georgia, Roger & Michael & Kathryn Corbally Liliana Geldmacher Michael Bacon Cathleen & Vincent Cordaro Angela Giustino Christopher Belthoff Walter & Carole Ann Cortese Gail Gleason Kristin Winbigler & Valerie & Joe Costanzo Donna Glen & Kevin Smith Bill Berkrot Bea & Peter Crumbine Miriam Goldberg Manuel Bernardo Candace Cushing Suzanne & Jeffrey Goldman Carol Bertrum In Memory of Karen Debartolo Arlene Graffa In Honor of Lou Ursone Anthony DeFilippis Anthony Gray Barbara & Gary Bloom Heather Dennis Lawrence Greeley Ralph & Grace Bounty Martha Dombroski Carin Zakes & Peter Green Michael Breen Hon. & Mrs. John Downey Nancy & Tom Hadden Daniel Brennan Margot Draycott The Handley Family In Honor of Dom Bria from Patrick & Ellen Eagleton Patti Hayes Patrick & Kathy Cahill Kari Sweeney & Joe Efferen Vera Hershey Gitta Brunner The Elliot Family Hilary Hoffmeister Tom Burke Wendy Engel Mary Howland Regina Butler Elizabeth English Sherri Hutchinson James Cameron Bette & Joe Epstein Angela Jackson Thank You for “Shakespeare Pam Marcus & Jeff Erskine Marie & Andrew Kancir In Love” Exxon Mobil Foundation Joan Karpowich In Honor of John Capasso from In Memory of Mary Failla David, Laura & Jeff Karwosky Sachi Liebergesell Frank Fazio Faye Kay

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Great Communicators ($100 - $249) continued Rita & Whitey Keane Ken & Susie Ng Alan Sosnowitz In Honor of Barbara Keller Mondana Nikoukari Jacqueline & John Starks Andrew Killen In Honor of Izabela O’Brien Jill & Harold Stein Earle & Joan King Kevin Obryan Larry & Carol Stempel Liz Kirshner The Orans Family In Memory of Rebecca Stempel Jerry & Joan Kranz Elizabeth & Nagi Osta Ruth Stern Marnie & Scott Kruse Larry Perlman James Swann Terri & Leo Le Bel Tom & Cheryl Petrone Patrick Sweeney Dom & Ruth Lettera David Pia Gair Taar Denise LeVan Ed & Judy Pirro Brenda, Kevin & Linda Lee Lippmeier Josephine Pompa Mary Tangney Cheryl Kendall & Matthew Poulter Janet, Jessie & Joel London Nicholas Priscott Christian Tarzia Robin & Jim Madan Marietta & Kevin Pultz David Tate Sonia Malloy James Rayfield Rodney Thomas Andrea Mann Cathy Robertson Riina Tohvert Dominica Manuli Irene & John Ropicki Camille & Michael Tomasello Anne Maravic Heidi Rosecrans Anna & Anthony Truglia Tracey & Michael Marble Mary & Rodney Runestad In Honor of Barbara Salant June Marks Kathryn Ruotolo Carolyn Tyson Judyth Martinez Dolores & Peter Russell Robert Unnold Frank & Gloria Masino Sharon & Michael Sabia Jeannie & Joe Ursone Melanie Massell John & Princess Sabia In Memory of Heli Vaher In Memory of Aaron Meadow Mark Sank from Jeffrey Bianco from Kimberly Lowden Susan Sanseverino In Memory of Heli Vaher In Memory of Aaron Meadow Victor & Debbe Sauerhoff from Jonathan Wu from Ama Manasse Peggy Sauerhoff Henri Van Dam In Honor of Chloe Ryan and Karin Sawyer Jody & Samuel Van Houten Olivia Blake Simner Stephen Serafino Mary Vos Savannah Belle Miller Anne Sessa Christopher Ward Barbara Mitchell Robert Sgandurra Susan Welch Maryann Moore Lester & Elaine Sharlach Daniel Willey Diane & Paul Morello Jami Sherwood Melissa & Clay Zambo Susan Murdock Cynthia Shumate Stephen Zienowicz Paul & Laura Naclerio Andrea Simon Chris Nardi In Honor of Donna Ormond Robert Newman Timothy Smalls

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