sign in sign up
<<
Home , Cameron Mackintosh, Lauren Kennedy, Mary Poppins (musical), Paper Mill Playhouse

Bernards Township Parks & Recreation Presents a Trilogy Repertory Production 2015

Executive Producer: LORRIE LANE

Bernards Township Parks and Recreation/Trilogy Repertory production of Disney and ’s A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and Walt Disney Films Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman Book by New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by and Anthony Drew Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh

Costumes by: Beverly Webb & Marylea Schmidt Stage Manager: Marilyn Gamba Set Construction Chiefs: Bruce Lawrence, Jerry Moses

Properties: Eileen McSweeney, Danielle McGuire Set Decoration: 1 Beverly Webb Lights: Troy DeLorenzo Sound: Tony Asch

Original London and Broadway Production Credits:

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher

Co-Choreographer Lighting Design Howard Harrison

Scenic and Costume Design

Co-Direction and Choreography

Directed by

Flying by Foy

2015 Plays in the Park Sponsors This program is made possible, in part, by funds from the State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the County Cul- tural and Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program.

2

Summer, 2015

Dear Residents and Friends of the Community,

Good evening and welcome to the Bernards Township Department of Parks and Recreation’s 28th season of Plays in the Park.

So many of you enjoy and look forward to the plays year after year. I am excited that the Township brings this tradition free to the public for all to enjoy. Bernards Township proudly sponsors this event and substantially subsidizes the budget because we recognize the importance of keeping performing arts alive. It is truly wonderful that these productions are here, under the stars, in Pleasant Valley Park.

July is Parks and Recreation Month. Bernards Township offers many opportunities to enjoy family outings such as Plays In The Park. Please join us as we celebrate… details may be found on page 23 of this playbill. You can stay current on all our special events by visiting our website at www.bernrads.org. There you will find information on the wide variety of programs we offer.

Now sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

See you in the parks,

Jennifer Gander

Director, Parks and Recreation

3

To the Cast and Crew of Mary Poppins,

In a very real way, we were all raised by Mary Poppins. She belonged to all of us. I was born four years after the film first premiered at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Cali- fornia. But the motion picture and the songs my father and uncle ("The ") wrote for it, always loomed large in my family's psyche. To us the 1960s, were "The Poppins Years" and it was in the wake of all that, that I came into this world.

When I was a boy, Disney Studios would only re-release a movie in theaters every years. So the first time I ever saw Mary Poppins was as a 16mm print, loaned to my father by the studio. As the film was first introduced to me, the loud mechanics of the film projector were part of the soundscape as were the three, ten minute breaks while projector reels were changed. Then there were the Thanksgiving and Christmas Network TV presentations of Pop- pins. In those days the film could only be accessed on special occasions. Of course with the advent of Home Video Mary Poppins quickly became a perennial best selling title. Suddenly it had a place in most Americans' homes and was a familiar old friend.

In 2004, forty years after the film's premiere, Cameron Macintosh and Disney's Thomas Schu- macher collaborated on the stage production of Poppins which opened first in London, Eng- land and then, two years later on Broadway. Now there are many productions in different cites and countries across the globe. Something special occurs when a show is produced and actors are called in to inhabit roles. For weeks, sometimes months, the actors "become" the very characters they portray. "If you want to understand someone, walk a mile in their shoes", the expression goes. Well, isn't that exactly what actors do? The identification with different characters becomes suddenly active rather than passive. Participating in this produc- tion has, no doubt, been no less transformative for some of the people involved with it.

It's true with any show, but especially so with this one. That's because the characters in Mary Poppins have so much to offer us. In "Let's Go Fly A Kite", Mr. and Mrs. Banks teach us that family is paramount. In "Chim Chim Cher-ee", Bert, the chimney sweep demonstrates that magic resides in the mundane (You just need to know where to look for it) and in her song, "", Mary Poppins tutors us in the merits of giving charity. Interestingly this last example is a theme that had never been explored in either a film or stage musical prior to Mary Poppins in 1964.

As the song goes, " of Walking With Giants" and in the case of this produc- tion, through the actions of its participants, that dream has certainly come true. I congratulate the entire production on a job well done. Sincerely,

Robert J. Sherman

4

CAST (In order of appearance)

Bert…………………………………………………….…………..…….Alan Scott George Banks……………………………………………………..Joe Schmidt Winifred Banks………………………………………...Danielle MacMath Jane Banks……………………………………………..……….Zoe Considine Michael Banks……………………………………..………...Danielle Becht Katie Nana………………………………………………...…..Rhonda Pisano Policeman…………………………………………………………...Bruce Plath Miss Lark………………………………………..……...Donna Lee Donelan Admiral Boom……………………………………………………..Hank Barre Mrs. Brill…………………………………………………………...Laurie Wood Robertson Ay…………………………………….………..Todd Bennington Mary Poppins……………………………………..…..….Samantha Ferrara Park Keeper…………………………………………..………....Frank Skokan Neleus…………………………………………………....…………….Will Roper Bank Chairman……………………………………..……..…..Chuck Pisano Miss Smythe…………………………………………………..…...Emily Vaias Von Hussler…………………………………………………..….Tom Donelan Northbrook………………………………………………..……...Peter Curley Bird Woman……………………………………….....Joanna Hoty Russell Mrs. Corry………………………………………..…………….Kathy Mierisch Fannie………………………………………………..…………...Corin Pankow …………………………………………………..…………...Sophie Dewil Valentine………………………………………………..………...Samuel Cline Teddy Bear………………………………………………….….Jack Broderick Doll……………………………………………………..……....Sophia Donelan Princess Doll………………………………………………...Emma Peterson Miss Andrew……………………………………..…..Joanna Hoty Russell

5

CAST (continued)

ENSEMBLE Tom Blanchard Katie Regner Sophie Blanchard Peyton Kennedy Max Rodriguez Claire Dempsey Ileana McCabe Micaela Sands Allison Hewitt Germaine McGrath Ed Schroeder Mia Hewitt Caroline McKenna Hannah Usadi Caitlin Iannella Susan Peterson Hannah Wasserman Melissa Johnson Clarissa Po Chloe Yu

Jolly Holiday Dancers Tom Blanchard, Sophie Blanchard, Peter Curley, Claire Dempsey, Sophie Dewil, Tom Donelan, Corin Pankow, Jack Broderick, Peyton Kennedy,

Hannah Wassserman, Sam Cline, Caroline McKenna Dancers Featured Dancers: Corin Pankow and Hannah Wasserman Jack Broderick, Sophie Dewil, Claire Dempsey, Donna Lee Donelan, Sophia Donelan, Tom Donelan, Allison Hewitt, Peyton Kennedy, Ileana McCabe, Caroline McKenna, Clarissa Po, Katie Regnar, Will Roper, Emily Vaias

ORCHESTRA Conductor - John Birckhead Keyboards: Bruce De La Cruz, Aedan McEvoy Reed 1 (Piccolo & Flute) - Ashlen Udell Reed 2 (Oboe & English Horn) - Marisa Minogue Reed 3 (Bb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Eb Clarinet) - Nicole D'Angelo Trumpet - George Nimmo Trombone - Joseph Ramalho French Horn - Nathaniel Udell Violin - Lillian Usadi Percussion - Charlie DiGangi, Wesley Ostrander

6

Scenes and Musical Numbers

ACT I

Cherry Tree Lane, The Home of the Banks Family Prologue ...... ……..Bert Precision and Order ...... George, Winifred, Mrs. Brill, Robertson Ay The Perfect ...... Jane and Michael Banks The Nursery Practically Perfect ...... Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael The Park ...... Bert, Jane, Michael, Mary Poppins, Neleus, Ensemble The Parlor Let’s Hope She Will Stay ...... George, Winifred, Jane, Michael The Kitchen ………………………………………………....Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, Mrs. Brill Robertson Ay, Winifred The Bank Precision and Order ...... Clerks, Chairman, Bankers, Von Hussler, Northbrook A Man Has Dreams ...... George The Cathedral Steps Feed The Birds ...... Bird Woman, Mary Poppins, Ensemble Mrs. Corry’s Shop Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious . …………………………………………………Mary Poppins, Bert, Jane Michael, Mrs. Corry, Customers The Park Twists and Turns ...... Bert The Nursery Playing the Game ...... Mary Poppins, Valentine, Princess Doll Ballerina, Teddy Bear, Toys The Roof Chim Chim Cher-ee…………………………………………………………………………….....Bert, Mary Poppins

Intermission 7

Scenes and Musical Numbers

ACT II

The Parlor Cherry Tree Lane ...... Mrs. Brill, Robertson Ay, Jane, Michael Winifred, George Brimstone and Treacle ...... Miss Andrew The Park Let’s Go Fly A Kite ...... Bert, Park Keeper, Michael Jane, Ensemble, Mary Poppins Good For Nothing/Being Mrs. Banks ...... George, Winifred The Parlor Brimstone and Treacle, Part 2 ...... Miss Andrew, Mary Poppins The Nursery Practically Perfect (Reprise) ...... Jane, Michael, Mary Poppins The Rooftops Step In Time ...... Bert, Michael, Jane, Sweeps, Mary Poppins Down the Chimney ...... Bert, Sweeps The Parlor A Man Has Dreams/Spoonful of Sugar ...... George, Bert The Nursery Anything Can Happen ...... Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, Winifred Cathedral Steps and the Bank Feed The Birds (Reprise) ...... Bird Woman Precision and Order (Reprise) ...... Chairman, Bankers, Clerks The Park and the Heaven Anything Can Happen, Part 2 ...... Mary Poppins, Bert, Neleus Mrs. Corry, Ensemble The Nursery A Spoonful of Sugar (Reprise) ...... Mary Poppins

8

Our Thanks to:

Jennifer Gander, Sean O’Grady and the staff at Bernards Township Recreation & Parks for their continued assistance and support

Dan Callahan and Bernards Township grounds crew for their perpetual help

Fabric Yard for the fabric for the carpet bag

Soup Shoppe for catering lunch for the crew

Raiser Contracting for all their help

Saint James Church and Liberty Corner Fire Company for rehearsal space

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services for their contribution

Tim and Mary from Flying by Foy for their kindness and professionalism

Ned Nelson for the use of his ladder

The Rodriguez Family for their most generous support

Annie’s Cosmetics for their assistance with makeup

Special thanks to Beverly Webb for once again making the trek across the country to help create the magic on stage– we couldn’t do it without her!

Trilogy Repertory wishes to acknowledge the generous support of our friends and partners at Fellowship Senior Living in making this production possible. Together we are moving forward with a multi-purpose thea- ter space which will serve many functions for the residents of Fellowship Village and provide live theater in the Somerset Hills.

Trilogy Repertory also wants to thank Raiser Contracting for their recent professional upgrade of our costume and prop facilities at the Ross Farm. Trilogy maintains a costume, scenery and prop headquarters at this location by agreement with Somerset County which allows us to produce our shows and provide costumes and services for local schools, other theater companies, Bernards Township and Somerset County. 9

PRODUCTION STAFF

Executive Producer………………………………………………………...……..…..Lorrie Lane

Director…………………………………………………………………………………..…..Jaye Barre

Musical Director……………………………………………………………………John Birckhead

Choreographer……………………………………………………………………………..Alan Scott

Dance Captains……………………………………..Corin Pankow, Hannah Wasserman

Stage Manager……………………………………………………………………..Marilyn Gamba

Flying Technicians…………...Chris Winans, Michael Wolff, Chris Wolff, Max Yu

Costumes……………………………………………..…..Beverly Webb, Marylea Schmidt, Aunt Beatrice

Costume Crew …………………………………………………Vincent Esoldi, Mary Wegen, Sharon Lawton, Gina Schwenck

Properties………………………………….………Eileen McSweeney, Danielle McGuire

Make up……………………………………………………………………………………….Annie Sun

Lights…………………………………………………………………………………..Troy DeLorenzo

Sound…………………………………………………………………………………………..Tony Asch

Set Decoration………………………………………………………………………..Beverly Webb

Set Construction Chiefs…………………………………..Bruce Lawrence, Jerry Moses

Set Construction…………………………Hank Barre, Kevin Dodds, Marilyn Gamba, Beverly Webb, Danielle McGuire, Erin Taylor, Carlos Rodriquez, Max Rodriquez, Max Yu, Matt Marino, Bill Schmidt, Scott Rahner, Elizabeth Dreitlein, Veronica Sokira, Tom Blanchard, Evan Kupch, Allison Hewitt, Mark Hewitt, Mia Hewitt

Backdrop Painters……………..Marilyn Gamba, Barbara Gordon, Beverly Webb

Stage Crew……………………………………….……….Emma Dewil, Elizabeth Dreitlein, Evan Kupch, Danielle McGuire, Scott Rahner, Veronica Sokira, , Erin Taylor, Chris Winans, Christopher Wolff, Michael Wolff, Max Yu

Concessions…………………………….Danielle Dewil, Andrea Adams, Mindy Lynch

Graphic Design…………………………………………...……………………….Cathy Mondoro

10

WHO’S WHO Production

Lorrie Lane (Producer) has produced/directed plays for Trilogy Repertory and Plays in the Park since 1992. At Bernardsville Middle School, she created the drama, forensics, and improv programs, which gar- nered numerous awards and championships over a twenty-five year period. Lorrie currently volunteers at the PaperMill and Shakespeare Theaters of New Jersey and is a long-time evaluator for the PaperMill's Rising Star Program

Jaye Barre (Director) has directed productions for Plays in the Park for many years as well as Ridge High School and other local schools. Recent projects include The Little Mermaid, , , The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Titanic, Oklahoma, Music Man and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Her on stage credits in Plays in the Park include a pirate in Pirates of Penzance, and Mrs Bumbell in Oliver. Jaye has worn every hat possible for Trilogy and other theater groups. She is the artistic director for Heritage Trail, serves on the Bernards Township Charter Day Committee and is the township representative to the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Jaye also served on the Bernards Township 250th Anniversary Task Force.

John Birckhead (Musical Director) is honored to be making his community theater music directing debut with Trilogy Repertory! He graduated from TCNJ in 2006 with a BA in music education as a piano major and trombone minor and his Masters in Music Education from Boston University in 2009. For the past 9 years John has served as a music teacher at Central Middle School in Long Hill Township. Over his tenure there he has run 6th grade choir, 7/8 choir, 6th grade band, 7/8 band, jazz ensemble, and general music grades 6-8. He served for 8 years as the theater arts director, teaching both the acting and music for Central's annual musical. He has guest conducted for the Morris Union Jointure Commission's honor 5/6 band and their honor jazz ensemble. He has performed in several Trilogy productions including Seussical, , The Music Man, H.M.S. Pinafore, and many more. He has had so much fun working with this phenomenal cast and amazing pit orchestra, and hopes to have the opportunity to do it again!

Marilyn Gamba (Stage Manager) has been working with Trilogy and Plays in the Park for many years and has filled in for more actors in rehearsal than she cares to remember. She prefers to remain backstage directing operations during the real performances. “Places everybody”.

Eileen McSweeney (Properties) has worked backstage in Trilogy Productions for several years, most recently as Properties and Costumes Manager in Inherit The Wind, A Midsummer’s Night' Dream, and You Can't Take It With You. She also travels with the Trilogy Children's Participation Theater each winter.

Beverly Webb (Set Decorator, Costume Manager) is thrilled to once again travel from Southern California to work on the creative side of this comedy tonight under all climatic conditions. Bev has been involved with Plays in the Park for many, many years both on the stage and backstage. What a way to spend your summer vacation and rack up the frequent flyer miles!

Alan Michael Scott (Choreographer) is thrilled to be returning to the Trilogy Repertory stage (and working with Jaye and Marilyn again, as well as Joe Schmidt) after playing the role of Billy Crocker in , as well as Will Parker in Oklahoma. Since then, he has worked as a Standup Comedian, as well as behind the scenes in several TV and film productions, such as Royal Pains, Damages, Everybody’s Fine, and My Super-Ex Girlfriend. Alan wants to thank the dance captains, Hanna and Corey for their incredible work, and his amazing children, Jared and Victoria, for their patience and understanding at rehearsals.

11

WHO’S WHO Cast

Hank Barre (Admiral Boom) is happy to once again be on the PVP stage where he has acted, produced and directed with Trilogy for many years. He has appeared in a variety of roles from King Lear to Grandpa in You Can't Take It With You on our stage. Roles at other area theaters include Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Summit Playhouse), Matthew Brady in Inherit the Wind (Chatham Playhouse) and many others. He thanks both the new and old friends in this cast and crew for their hard work, talent and positive spirit. He reminds you everyone is welcome to get involved with Trilogy Repertory on stage, backstage and as part of an all volunteer, not for profit organization serving the Somerset Hills in many ways.

Danielle Becht (Michael Banks) began her career singing in church at age 2, and has been performing in community, regional, and Off-Broadway workshop productions since the age of 7. Favorite past roles include: Oliver! (Oliver, Fagin’s Gang), Annie (Annie, Kate), Music Behind the Magic (Chip/Michael Banks/ Flounder), People Garden (Amanda), Winnie the Pooh Kids (Owl), Willie Wonka (Charlie), Finding Nemo (Nemo), Jr. (Jack), the premier performance of The Little Drummer Boy of Bethlehem (Lead Angel and Featured Soloist), and Godspell (Gilmer). She has been thrilled to share the stage during various benefits and performances with , Kenny Rogers, Dave Koz, and Christopher Cross. When not performing in the theatre, she is busy playing travel soccer, playing in the handbell choir, and performing with the FMS Select Chorus and Broadway Youth Ensemble. Danielle is writing an original screenplay which she plans to develop into a musical! She has so many people to thank for their help including Thommie Retter, Laura Luc, Darius Frowner (voice coach), Beth Vecchio (voice teacher), Cathy Roy and Justin Anthony Long (MPAC), Christin Kennedy (dance teacher), and past directors/great supporters Stan Barber, Dani Van Kampen, and Ray Gelpke. Danielle dedicates her performances to her “Angel Director” Debbie Kirsch, who she knows is watching from the best seat in the house and is shedding a few tears (as she did whenever any of her “kids” performed).

Todd Bennington (Robertson Ay) is happy to be back on the Trilogy stage. Past acting credits with Trilogy include The Music Man (Charlie Cowell), Oliver (Mr. Sowerberry), Kiss Me Kate (Stagehand), Peter Pan (Cecco), and Seussical (Who). Other acting credits include The Addams Family (Mal Beineke), Wedding Secrets (Dan Thompson), The Fox on the Fairway (Dickie Bell), Dial M For Murder (Max Halliday), Clue (Professor Plum), Footloose (Coach Dunbar), A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), And Then There Were None (Philip Lombard), One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Cheswick), and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Narrator / CJ Scruggs). Todd has also directed several plays including Play It Again, Sam, , Treasure Island, and most recently, Brighton Beach Memoirs. When not on stage or behind it, Todd is a World Language teacher in the New Providence School District. He dedicates these performances of Mary Poppins to his Aunt Annette.

12

WHO’S WHO Cast, continued

Sophia Blanchard (Ensemble) at just thirteen has graced the stage many times. She is starting 8th grade this fall at Central Middle School in Millington, and participates in the school chorus that once again won 1st place in their state competition! Sophia has been cast in her school productions of The Little Mermaid (Mersister) and Jr. Some favorites credits include, The Hundred Dresses (Ensemble) and newly cast in the Jungle Book at The Summit Playhouse, Down the Rabbit Hole (Alice) at The PaperMill Playhouse. The list goes on and on since she has been studying musical theater since she was four. Her passion is endless and she feels so fortunate to have an amazing cast surrounding her.

Tom Blanchard (Toy Soldier, Ensemble) has been acting since seventh grade. He has done numerous shows with Jaye Barre and will continue for as long as he can. He was in the Ridge High School production of The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon as well as many previous productions with the Ridge Drama Club. He is a member of the Ridge Ski Team as well as a few other school activities.

Jack Broderick (Teddy Bear/Ensemble) is thrilled to be tapping again with the cast of Mary Poppins! Recent credits include Jojo in Seussical at Bernards High and Tom Sawyer in Tom Sawyer with Hexagon Players. Thank you to Jaye, John, and Alan. Special thanks to the audience. Thank you for supporting the arts and enjoy the show.

Samuel Cline (Valentine) is making his Plays in the Park debut this year, and made his theatrical debut late 2014. He has been in very few productions so far, but has headlined in both The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon and Bye Bye Birdie. He has also appeared in a small performance with Trilogy Repertory earlier this year; Sleeping Beauty. He is leaving at the end of this summer to become a Freshman at Wheaton College, where he hopes to participate in further productions. Finally, he hopes that you will enjoy the show!

Zoe Considine (Jane Banks) is a freshman at Bernards High School and is thrilled to be a part of this Trilogy Repertory production, and the opportunity to work with Jaye Barre and an amazing cast and crew. Zoe has gone full circle having started with Community Theater with Hexagon Players as Annie when she was 11. Since then, she has been on Broadway and Off Broadway as well as many TV and film projects, recently singing "Somewhere In Ohio" from at 54 Below for the label Broadway Records. She can relate to the character even more since spending...... "Summer In Basking Ridge" !

Peter Curley (John Northbrook, Ensemble) is delighted to be back on stage with Trilogy Repertory for another summer production. Previous credits with Trilogy include Twelfth Night, Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, You Can't take it with You, Macbeth, Midsummer Night's Dream, Inherit the Wind, King Lear, and Play On. Break Legs to an amazing cast and crew!

Claire Dempsey (Ensemble) is very excited to perform in her first production with Trilogy Repertory. Previous theatre credits include Adelaide in and Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Most recently she was in the ensemble for Urinetown the Musical.

Sophie Dewil (Annie/Ensemble) is no stranger to Plays in the Park She has enjoyed every show from Oliver onward and was last scene in Thoroughly Modern Millie. She attends Vassar and will be a junior in the fall. She'd like to thank her mother (working on concessions) and sister (working on stage crew) for joining her on this production.

13

WHO’S WHO Cast, continued

Donna Lee Donelan (Miss Lark) is happy to return to the Pleasant Valley Park stage in her first production with Trilogy, having also appeared in Footloose with LONJ. This spring, she directed The Music Man at Villa Walsh Academy, and has appeared in several LONJ productions including The Gondoliers, Amahl and the Night Visitors. By day, Donna Lee teaches French in the Parsippany School District.

Sophia Grace Donelan (Doll) is thrilled to perform in her first Trilogy production. She’s no stranger to Pleasant Valley Park having appeared in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Rita) and Footloose with Light Opera of NJ. Recent credits include (Mother Abbess), Dear Edwina (Fairy Fork Mother), Wizard of Oz (Barrister), (Little TiMoune), and others. She also appeared in Pirates of Penzance with NYGASP/Music with Masters in NYC. She has also performed with the NJSMA Youth Choir, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s Junior Corps, Light Opera of NJ, and Take Flight Dance Studio. Sophia recently received the Outstanding Performing Arts Award at Memorial Junior School in Whippany. Sophia has been a voice student of Stan Dunn since 2013, and will be freshman at Villa Walsh Academy.

Tom Donelan (Von Hussler) is happy to return to Pleasant Valley Park stage with Trilogy, having last appeared as Rev. Shaw Moore in Footloose with Light Opera of New Jersey. Last summer, he toiled behind the scenes as Scenic Designer for Thoroughly Modern Millie. Tom is a long-standing member of LONJ having appeared in The Gondoliers (Antonio), The Mikado (Pish Tush), (Samuel), Amahl and the Night Visitors (King Melchoir, King Kaspar). He also serves on the LONJ Board of Directors and co-founded their outreach ensemble, Savoy Faire. Tom’s been a member of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players professional repertory company since 1996. He’s having a blast tapping on stage his wife, Donna Lee, and daughter, Sophia.

Samantha Ferrara (Mary Poppins) graduated from Westminster Choir College of Rider University this past December with a degree in Music Education and a minor in . Her last appearance on the Pleasant Valley Park stage was as Ariel in Light Opera of New Jersey's Footloose. Samantha has performed in a variety of venues, from Carnegie Hall, NJPAC, and the Kimmel Center to the Talemakers stage at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT. A voice student of Lauran Corson, she was most recently seen in The Hunchback of Notre Dame at as part of the onstage chorus. Thank you to Jaye, John and Alan for helping Mary Poppins fly off the page and across the stage!

Allison Hewitt (Ensemble) is fifteen years old and has been dancing for thirteen of those years. Although this is her first show with Plays in the Park she has been very active in helping with the productions as her parents have been in prior shows. She has also participated in Amahl and the Night Visitors with Light Opera of New Jersey twice and has been in almost all of her school plays.

Mia Kissil Hewitt (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of Mary Poppins, and loves being on stage with her daughter, Allison! Mia previously appeared in Trilogy’s productions of ...Forum and Spamalot. She also performs with Light Opera of New Jersey, sings with Harmonium Choral Society and Music in the Somerset Hills, and is a voice student with Lauran Fulton Corson. By day she runs the Center for Race and Ethnicity at Rutgers University. She lives in Bernardsville with her family, consisting of husband (Mark), two daughters (Allison and Rachel), and a nervous dog (Trixie).

14

WHO’S WHO Cast, continued

Joanna Hoty Russell (Bird Woman/Miss Andrew) is a performer and stage director both on and off “the stage”! Favorite roles include Muzzy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Domina (A Funny Thing Happened…..), Vi Moore (Footloose), The Child (L‘Enfant et les Sortileges), Hänsel (Hänsel & Gretel), and Ruth (The Pirates of Penzance). Future directing projects include The True Story of Cinderella and Amahl & the Night Visitors for Light Opera of NJ. Joanna serves as Music Director of The Larks, a volunteer singing group (Junior League of Summit), and additionally, teaches private voice in Murray Hill and is the Alto Soloist for St. Peter’s Church in Essex Fells, NJ.

Caitlin Iannella (Ensemble) is going to be a senior this fall at Watchung Hills Regional High School where she is involved with plays, musicals, chorus, and marching band. Caitlin plays the piccolo. And is taking vocal lessons and piano lessons this summer. This is her first year being involved with the "Plays in the Park" as part of the ensemble. She is very happy to be a part of Mary Poppins and cannot wait for opening night. Caitlin wishes everyone good luck!

Melissa Johnson (Ensemble) just graduated from 8th grade at William Annin Middle School. Melissa has been in Free To Be You And Me, Cats, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Godspell , Beauty and the Beast Jr, The Little Mermaid Jr., Willy Wonka Jr., and Mary Poppins. She sings with the choir at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church and chorus and select choir at school, and an A Capella group. Melissa would like to thank her parents and siblings, friends, her church, Mrs. Dial, Bob, Jaye, Marion, and Mrs. Weniger. Have a magical evening and enjoy the show!

Lauren Kennedy (Ensemble) is happy to be making her Trilogy debut in the park. She will be entering the 6th grade at William Annin this year. She recently appeared as Lilly St. Regis in Annie at Liberty Corner School. She was also in Peter Pan for LCS and several shows with the Hoboken Children’s Theater Company including Les Miserables where she was seen as the young Cossette. She thanks all the cast and crew of Mary Poppins and her family and friends!

Peyton Kennedy (Ensemble) is a senior at Ridge High School and is thrilled to be in her first Trilogy musical! She was elected Drama Club president for the coming year and has appeared in Ridge productions of Bye Bye Birdie, The Robber Bridegroom and . Favorite past shows include, The Bad Seed, 13, Urinetown, Les Miserables The Little Princess and Beauty and the Beast with the Hoboken Children’s Theater Company, The Theater Company at Delbarton and The Attic Ensemble. She has studied and the MAYO, NJPAC and Paper Mill Playhouse, She is a proud member of the Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir and enjoys touring with them. She gives her love and appreciation to her family, friends, cast and crew!

15

WHO’S WHO Cast, continued

Danielle MacMath (Winifred Banks) is happy to be back on the Trilogy stage after being a Laker Girl in Spamalot in 2013. Danielle is a recent graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ, where she earned her B.A. in Literature and Theatre Arts (Musical Theatre concentration). At FDU, she had the opportunity to perform in The Crucible (Mary Warren), Much Ado About Nothing (Ursula), Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Georgeanne), and Oklahoma! (Gertie), among others. In the fall she will return to FDU to complete her M.A. in Education. Danielle would like to thank Jaye for this wonderful opportunity, the cast and crew for a fun experience, and her family and friends for their constant support. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleMacMath for news on future shows!

McCabe, Ileana (Ensemble) has been performing in theatre since 2010 and has recently stage managed productions of Footloose and Brighten Beach Memoirs. Ileana wishes everyone to break legs and she hopes to see you over the roof tops! Have a jolly holiday with the cast of Mary Poppins! She also wants to thank her mom, dad and brother for being practically perfect with support!

Germaine McGrath (Ensemble) has participated for many years in community theater, singing in shows by Rogers & Hammerstein, also , The Merry Widow, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie Get Your Gun, The King & I. She worked as an extra at Paper Mill Playhouse in To Kill a Mockingbird and and has spent several summers with Trilogy in Shakespeare plays, Inherit the Wind and ...Forum. She was in Annie and Oliver! with Hexagon. Germaine is happy to be returning to the park in Mary Poppins.

Caroline McKenna (Ensemble, Dancer) is a 2015 Ridge High School graduate. She has performed in numerous shows; some of her favorite roles include Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn in The Music Man, Lucy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Phyllis in 42nd Street, and Grizabella in Cats. Over the years, she has participated in many Trilogy Repertory shows. While at Ridge, she was cast in the Broadway 2015 and 2014 as a singing soloist, performed in numerous showcases as a member of the dance program and proud to be part of the Ridge A Capella Choir, Chorale and Concert Choir. Since 2006, she has attended Annie’s Playhouse, a performing arts school taking voice lessons, acting, piano and dance. Caroline is excited to continue her performing arts training at Muhlenberg College this fall. She would like to thank her family, friends, Jaye, John and Marilyn for always supporting her. Break a leg to the cast ofMary Poppins!

Kathy Mierisch (Mrs. Corry) is delighted to be making her third appearance with Trilogy Repertory, the last two being Inherit the Wind (Mrs. Brady) and You Can't Take it With You (Mrs. Miriam Kirby). She has performed at community theaters throughout northern NJ. Thanks to Jaye for the opportunity and to Ar- thur for his support of my love of music and theater. Break a leg cast, crew and musicians!

Corin Pankow (Fannie, Dancer) is so excited to be a part of her fourth Plays In the Park production. Other performances where Corin has appeared include: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Panacea); Cabaret (Kit Kat Klub dancer); Sound of Music (Liesel); Schoolhouse Rock (voice soloist); Music Man (River City teenager); Wishes and Dreams (ballet soloist); and Annie (orphan). She is currently a rising sophomore at Penn State University where she is studying broadcast journalism. Corin would like to thank Jaye Barre and this amazing and talented cast for sharing another wonderful Plays in the Park experience.

16

WHO’S WHO Cast, continued

Emma Peterson (Ensemble, Doll) is thrilled to return to the Trilogy Repertory stage! She has previously appeared in several of Trilogy Children’s Participation shows, including The Tale of Sleeping Beauty (the Queen), Cinderella, Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), and The Wizard of Oz (Glinda), and was in Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has also appeared onstage with Light Opera of New Jersey, New Providence High School and The College of New Jersey. She graduated TCNJ in December of 2014 with a degree in Music Education. She has sung in Carnegie Hall, The Rose Theater at Lincoln Center, and in the onstage choir for The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Emma would like to thank her father, sister, and friend Gigi for supporting her, and her mother for diving in and taking on this jolly holiday together!

Susan Peterson (Ensemble) was last seen on stage many, many years ago as a member of a travelling comedy troupe, but has been very active behind the scenes of productions for Trilogy Repertory Company, Light Opera of New Jersey and New Providence High School. For over a decade, she directed plays starring young people at Allen W. Roberts School and the Recreation Department in New Providence. As a member of the Continuo Arts Foundation Civic Chorale, Susan has sung in Carnegie Hall, and was a member of the onstage choir of the at the Paper Mill Playhouse. By day, she is the Director of Operations of the Wharton Music Center/New Jersey Youth Symphony, where she has produced countless concerts in venues including NJPAC and Carnegie Hall. She is thrilled to be on the stage with so many friends old and new.

Chuck Pisano (Bank Chairman) has been involved with Trilogy for several years starting with Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution as well as Winter Children’s Theater productions of A Tale of Sleeping Beauty and The Wizard of Oz. This is Chuck’s third Plays in the Park show having previously done Oliver and Footloose, both times with his wife Rhonda.

Rhonda Pisano (Katie Nana) always wanted to be in a show so at age 39 she got up her nerve and débuted in with Plays in the Park. Since then, she appeared in Seussical the Musical, Oliver, Music Man, and Footloose, all in the Park. She is happy to be playing Katie Nana, performing in the ensemble and glad to share this moment with such a wonderful cast, including her husband Chuck.

Bruce Plath (Ensemble, Policeman) has made a return to the theater after a 20 year hiatus since high school, playing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He worked as assistant director at Von E. Mauger Middle School on Cinderella and Treasure Island, then stepped back into the spotlight last year in Treasure Island with the Somerset Valley Players. This performance of Mary Poppins is his first with Trilogy and he has enjoyed every minute of it, despite all the torture of singing in the tenor range. He dedicates this performance not only to his family who has supported him throughout all the craziness he made them endure, but also to the students he worked with in the musicals at Mauger Middle School.

Clarissa Po (Ensemble) is thrilled to be participating in Mary Poppins! She has always had a love for the theatre and has been involved in many of her school productions. Previous roles include: Ensemble in Seussical: The Musical, Taylor in High School Musical, White Rabbit in Alice in , and Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians. She has training in ballet, tap, hip-hop, and modern dance. Clarissa has been a member of New Jersey Youth Chorus and the Mayo Performing Arts Company. She is also a member of Dance Cen- ter of New Jersey's Repertory Dancers.

17

WHO’S WHO Cast, continued

Katie Regner (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on stage after a 6 year hiatus. Her most recent roles include the ensembles of , Bye Bye Birdie and Titanic with theaters throughout NJ. By day, Katie is part of Verizon’s Employee Communications team and resides in Chester with her husband TJ. She would like to thank her family for their support, and Lil for telling her about this fantastic group!

Max Rodriguez (Messenger, Ensemble) has loved theater and performing ever since he saw his first show at the age of 3. He has been in Frosty the Snowman (Hocus Pocus, 2014) and Velveteen Rabbit (Alex, 2013) for JAM Theater Company at RoxPac; (Mr. Pinky Jr., 2014) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (children’s choir, 2013) at MPAC in Morristown; and The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion, 2014). He is 11 years old and going into William Annin Middle School next semester and takes acting and voice lessons at Mayo PAC (MPAC) in Morristown. Max would love to thank Jaye and Marilyn and the amazing cast & crew of Mary Poppins; his family and friends for their love and support; Jenn Crane Turner, Cathy Roy, and Katie Robertson at MPAC; and his awesome teachers at Oak Street for always being there and encouraging him to pursue his passion. Enjoy the show!!

Will Roper (Neleus/Ensemble) is making his debut with Trilogy and is happy to be putting on his tap shoes again. He attends New Providence High School and is very active in the music program. He plays in the school band and was recently seen in How To Succeed. Micaela Sands (Ensemble) is very excited to be performing in her first Trilogy show. She played Jane in the Albrook School production of Mary Poppins this past spring and has been seen in Willy Wonka, Fabulous Fable Factory and Charlotte's Web. She studied acting at the Barrow Group in . She hopes to attend the Lee Strasburg Institute in the fall. Micaela dedicates this play to her family for supporting her in her acting endeavors.

Joseph Schmidt (Mr. Banks) is thrilled to be returning to the Trilogy stage after a 6 year absence. Joe was last seen at Trilogy on the other side of the stage as the director of the musical Oliver! Some of Joe’s favorite roles have included Henry Etches (Titanic), Harold Hill (The Music Man), Cowardly Lion (Wizard of Oz), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), Vandergelder (Hello Dolly!), Finch (H2$), Mr. Applegate (), Oscar (The Odd Couple), Hucklebee (The Fantasticks), Billis (South Pacific), and The Baker (Into the Woods). Thanks go out to his amazing family and this incredible cast and crew for making his return to the stage so enjoyable!

Ed Schroeder (Ensemble) is a long time member of Trilogy and a former member of the Board of Directors. He is happy to be back on the Trilogy stage once again. Some previous shows include Inherit the Wind, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and a variety of Shakespeare productions.

Alan Michael Scott (Bert) is thrilled to be returning to the Trilogy Repertory stage (and working with Jaye and Marilyn again, as well as Joe Schmidt) after playing the role of Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, as well as Will Parker in Oklahoma. Since then, he has worked as a standup comedian, as well as behind the scenes in several TV and film productions, such as Royal Pains, Damages, Everybody’s Fine, and My Super- Ex Girlfriend. For any fans of The Onion News Network (www.TheOnion.com), he can be seen as Evan Tegart in the news clip, Brain-Dead Teen... To Be Euthanized. Alan wants to thank the dance captains, Hanna and Corey for their incredible work, and his amazing children, Jared and Victoria, for their patience and understanding at rehearsals.

18

WHO’S WHO Cast, continued

Frank Skokan (Park Keeper) is happy to appear in the park again with Trilogy, where he was Mr. Bumble in Oliver, Mayor Shin in The Music Man, Gangster 2 in Kiss Me Kate, and the Bo'sun/Captain in HMS Pinafore. Also for fun he has appeared as Pooh Bah In The Mikado with Montclair Operetta, Zuniga in Carmen with Stony Hill Players, the Captain in Pinafore and Consul in Trial by Jury with Ridgewood G&S, and numerous productions with LONJ (formerly Ridge Light Opera). Professionally, he worked off Broadway at The Public and American Place Theatres, as a principle baritone with The NY Gilbert and Sullivan Players, in stock at The New London Barn Playhouse and Hershey Park, and recently as guest artist at Sussex County College as the Sergeant in the Pirates of Penzance, and at Morris County College as the Wazir in Kismet. Currently he appears daily as a sales consultant at Raymour and Flannigan. He thanks the wonderful cast and crew of Mary Poppins, and wife Adrienne, and daughters Lindsay and Hannah for their love and support.

Hannah Usadi (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in a production with such talented actors. She only once before in her life worked with such talent during her fifth grade play Beauty and the Beast where she played the role of Cogsworth the clock. At home, she loves to draw, play the violin, and admire her backyard garden. She would like to thank everyone who helped to make the production such a success!

Emily Vaias (Miss Smythe/Ensemble) has been a member of Trilogy for over ten years. Her role in Mary Poppins follows ensemble roles in Seussical, Music Man,, Forum, Spamalot and roles for Ridge Light Opera and Ridge High School. Emily is currently studying at Bennington College and feels lucky to be able to be a part of such a wonderful cast while she is home for the summer.

Hanna Wasserman (Ensemble) is super excited to be back on the stage, after taking a break to go backstage for a number of years. This is her first show with Trilogy and she couldn’t be happier to tackle some of those awesome dance numbers. Hanna is a graduate of Boston University and is also able to pursue her love of theater full time as she spends her days at the State Theatre. Enjoy!

Laurie Wood (Mrs Brill) is thrilled to be back on the Trilogy stage. Previous roles for Trilogy include Alice Beane (Titanic), The Sour Kangaroo (Seussical), Mrs. Sowerberry (Oliver) and Ethel (Footloose). She is excited to once again be sharing the stage with Todd. When not performing on stage, Laurie is a middle school computer teacher and owner of That’s Adormable, instant dorm and bedroom décor. www.thatsadormable.com

Chloe Yu (Ensemble) is sixteen years old and a rising junior at Newark Academy. She has performed with the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey’s Junior and Senior Corps for six years. She is also a co-president of her high school’s a cappella group, a member of the dance team, and has performed in the annual school musical for four years. Recently, Chloe has featured in A Tale of Sleeping Beauty, Urinetown: The Musical, and The Merchant of Venice. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and Jaye, Marilyn, and John for this wonderful experience.

19

School Daze The Mikado Damn Yankees South Pacific Peter Pan The Music Man Titanic Kiss Me, Kate Guys & Dolls H.M.S. Pinafore Bye Bye Birdie Into The Woods Oliver Anything Goes The Pirates of Penzance Music Man Kismet Seussical, The Musical Footloose Oklahoma The Fantasticks A Funny Thing… Forum Spamalot Thoroughly Modern Millie

Twelfth Night The Tempest Taming of the Shrew A Midsummer Night’s Dream Scapino As You Like It The Taming of the Shrew Romeo and Juliet You Can’t Take It With You The Compleat Works of Much Ado About Nothing Macbeth WLLM SHKSPR (abridged) The Merry Wives of Windsor A Midsummer’s Night Dream Cyrano deBergerac Twelfth Night Inherit the Wind Comedy of Errors King Lear

20

Trilogy Repertory Board of Directors

President……………………………………………………………………………Jaye Barre

Vice President………………………………………………………..……..William Schmidt

Treasurer / Theater Development ………………………………………....….Hank Barre

Secretary……………………………………………...………………………Andrea Adams

Lisa Gunn Becker, Troy DeLorenzo, Marion Drew,

Matt Marino, Laurie Wood, Chris Winans

We welcome the support of our community. Be sure to “like” us on Facebook!

Please consider joining us as a member Trilogy Repertory provides area residents with by simply mailing a membership fee rewarding opportunities to participate in all with your contact information to the aspects of theater performances, production and address below. Membership is just $5, appreciation. Our purpose is to nurture and but of course, donations of any amount to celebrate artistic expression through the are greatly appreciated! Trilogy Repertory experience of live theater.. PO Box 199, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Costume and Prop Rental!

Trilogy offers a vast array of costumes and props, available to rent for school events, theater productions, or historical reenactment. Contact Jaye Barre for more information:

Phone: 908-217-2714 E-mail: [email protected]

21

Bernards Township Department of Parks & Recreation

Director………………………………...………………………………….. ..Jennifer Gander

Assistant Director…………...………………………………………..……....Sean O’Grady

Recreation Program Manager…………………………………...………Chris Zimmerman

Office Assistant………….………………………………………...…………...Ruth Cucinell

Administrative Assistant………………………………….…...…………..… Kelly Kellaway

Administrative Assistant…………………………….………………...….... Linda McArthur

Bernards Township Committee Recreation, Parks & Pathways

Mayor………………………..… John Malay Advisory Committee Deputy Mayor………………..Carol Bianchi Anna Scanniello Committeeman……………John Carpenter Charles Cunion Committeewoman……... Carolyn Gaziano David Wain Committeeman………...… Thomas Russo Deborah King Edward Nelson Ian Hughes (Alt.) James Baldassare, Jr. Jim Milito John Coelho (Alt.) John Malay (Twp. Committee Liaison) Michael Conley Victor Hatala

22

23