LoomisChaffee Department of Theater & Dance

Frank Langella’s

Cyranoan adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac

Director - David McCamish Production Manager - Candice Chirgotis

Originally produced by The Roundabout Theater, New York Frank Langella’s Cyrano is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing, Inc, NYC www.broadwayplaypub.com

Cover Illustration by W. Keller Glass Photography by Rachel M. Engelke Set Illustration by Karen Sparks Mellon

1 Safeties • For the safety of the actors, please no flash photography of any kind. • The exits are located to the right of the audience and through the lobby. • Restrooms for patrons are located in the red brick building next to the NEO. • By direction of the Fire Marshal of the Town of Windsor, patrons may not occupy the aisles or the lobby during the show.

** Please note: there will be gunfire sound effects in this production.**

Courtesies • Please turn off all cellphones, smartphones, and other personal electronic devices, and refrain from using them during the performance. • Due to contractual agreements with the publisher, absolutely NO audio or video recording of this show are permitted. • Patrons who have forgotten or misplaced their tickets will be placed on the waitlist. • Please unwrap all cough drops before the show. Otherwise, no food or drink (except water) is allowed in the auditorium. • The show’s running time is 95 minutes, plus one ten-minute intermission. Gratitudes • To Jennifer McCandless, Head of Visual Arts Department who created the sculpture of Cyrano’s nose. Yes, it’s true. • To Genevieve Rela for helping us with our French accents. Merci! • To Ewen Ross for his enthusiastic pursuit with us of what might possibly be the first ever 3D-printed Cyrano nose! •To Christine Coyle for helping us get the word out. • To Chris Beckford and the Housekeeping staff for taking such good care of the NEO throughout the school year, but most especially for their attention during our performance week. • To Julia Knight, Joanna Harvey, and Marie Tanuis of the Business Office: Our vendors and our over-hires much appreciate your efforts. • To Thomas Denno Jr., Jennifer Vigneault, Robert Hansen, Richard Johnson, Dan Foley, and many more skilled and talented members of the Physical Plant for marshaling their energies with the Windsor Fire Marshal and Building Inspector, for pulling our permit for the Cyrano thrust stage, for their sage advice and counsel each season...and most especially for their recent Herculean efforts under challenging circumstances to transform our company bathroom backstage from one into two! Voila! • To Dan Corjulo, Andris Briga (and, over the summer, Keller Glass) from the IT and Audio Visual Department who replaced our “vintage” NEO sound console, and brought our communication systems back to life. • To Anna Vdovenko for her amazing photography, and for her support and generosity toward our department. • Finally, to the many parents and families whose support of our work make it all the more rewarding: THANK YOU!

2 Director's Note Frank Langella’s adaptation of the French masterpiece Cyrano de Bergerac, by Edmond Rostand, takes a unique approach to the classic tale. When I first selected this play in the spring of 2015, I started by reading three English adaptations: Burgess, Hooker and Blair. All three, while excellent and well-told translations, could not fit our time and space. Enter the fourth translation that I read: Frank Langella’s Cyrano. While Rostand’s original play had a cast of over 75 actors, our Cyrano is written for 14, and we increased the total number of actors to 24, near the capacity of the intimate NEO stage.

Langella’s Cyrano does not attempt to literally translate every event for the audience. His adaptation values clean, simple lines, expedient storytelling, and the power of unembellished words to portray the potent force of friendship, life, love, and death. Langella’s choices allow the themes of insecurity, frailty, nobility, strength, and beauty that run through each character to come through potently, visually represented in our production with red silks.

I feel thrilled to approach the work from this bare-bones approach. Even pared down, the play leaves us with beautiful imagery and words that win us—and Roxane—over. This Cyrano is compelling enough in its dialogue and rich characters to withstand a minimalist makeover. It cuts to the heart of the story: the search for identity and friendship, the pain of unrequited love, and fear of rejection for what we perceive as our physical flaws.

LC students, like Cyrano, learn to keep their noses high (in pride, not arrogance) and their spirits undaunted as they rise above and face life’s challenges. They remind us all that the worth of an individual does not stem from our physical appearances, but from our hearts, our souls, and our deeds.

Bergerac himself once said, “I may climb to no great heights, but I will climb alone.” With all due respect to Cyrano, we in the NEO choose to climb together to bring you this story.

Thank you for coming and enjoy the show.

David McCamish, Director Scenes Our story takes place in France in the 1640s, toward the end of the Thirty Years War.

Act I, Scene 1: A dimly lit theatre hall, nighttime, Paris Act I, Scene 2: Ragueneau’s Bakery, early the next morning Act I, Scene 3: Several weeks later. Roxane’s garden and balcony

Act II, Scene 1: Two months later. The front line, camp of the Gascony Cadets at the seige of Arras under command of DeGuiche Act II, Scene 2: Fourteen years later. Exterior of a convent in Paris, early fall evening

3 The Cast

Sam Cox ’16 CARBON de CASTEL JALOUX Emily Cuevo ’16 MONTFLEURY/CADET Damon D’Amico ’16 DE GUICHE Callista DeGraw ’19 PRIEST/CADET/PATRON Emily Favreau ’17 PATRON/CADET Josie Gautier ’16 MONTFLEURY/CADET Gaurang Goel ’17 MONK/CADET Sarah Gyurina ’18 ROXANE/MONTFLEURY Macon Jeffreys ’18 LE BRE Ben Kallus ’17 VICOMTE de VALVERT Preethi Kannan ’17 RAGUENEAU Tatiana Lovera ’16 ACTOR/CADET Derek Martinez ’16 CYRANO Silvia Mayo ’19 ACTOR/CADET Micaela Mesite ’19 LISE Kirsten Mossberg ’16 ROXANE/MONTFLEURY Brendan Nelson ’17 CHRISTIAN/CADET, Fight Captain Rachel Ramenda ’18 CADET/PATRON Sydney Steward ’17 MARGUERITE Kiki Szemraj ’19 MONTFLEURY/CADET Julia Thompson ’18 PATRON/CADET Olivia Thompson ’18 MONTFLEURY/CADET Ethan Twombly ’16 LE BRET, Assistant Fight Captain Andrey Vdovenko ’16 CHRISTIAN/CADET

We salute these seniors, who cumulatively have acted in or teched 59 mainstage productions at the NEO, beginning with The Comedy of Errors in the fall of 2012. Congratulations to Damon (6), Kirsten (6), Victoria (3), Andrey (5), Josie (4), Zane (4), Dani (2), Emily C. (2), Tatiana (6), Sam (2), Derek (7), and Ethan (1). Missing from photo are Jeremy (7) and Emily E. (4). Thank you all for your commitment to the Orchard Theater!

4 The Production Team Lisa Bebey Costume Designer Tate R. Burmeister Lighting Designer Candice Chirgotis Production Manager Rachel M. Engelke Playbill Editor Ken Jones Technical Director David McCamish Director, Fight Choreographer, Sound Designer Karen Sparks Mellon Set Designer Alexandra Nattrass Properties Designer, Scenic Artist Sophia Rabb Assistant Director For this Production: Susan Aziz Costume Construction Juliana Bearse Aerial Consultant Charley DeMars Assistant Technical Director Alec Drohan Scenery Construction Brooke Ferguson Hair & Makeup Supervisor Rachel Greger Costume Construction Austin Liljedahl Scenery Construction Marti Simmons Costume Construction Rachel Sinay Scenic Artist The Tech Crew

Rishi Basu ’19 Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Emily Bian ’18 Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Jeremy Brezenoff ’16 Co-Head of Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Claire Collins ’18 Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Victoria Creel ’16 Assistant Production Manager Zane Diamond ’16 Stage Manager Jet Elbualy ’18 Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Emily Esposito ’16 Co-Head of Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Dani Paul Hove ’16 Assistant Stage Manager Tatiana Lovera ’16 Assistant Costume Designer Evan McDonagh ’17 Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Mahek Pannu ’18 Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Sherly Quezada ’19 Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Ramal Rauf ’17 Assistant Stage Manager Marahyah Richardson ’19 Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter Mark Valadez ’19 Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter 5 The Cast Sam Cox ’16 (Carbon de Castel Jaloux) Sam has ingested an absurd number of chocolate croissants in his attempt to become a French captain. His immersion into Cyrano was hindered when Dean L. said he couldn’t brandish a sword in the SNUG. Nonetheless, Sam is excited to appear in this year’s fall play. He’d like to shout-out drin_t, the Warham boys, his daytime students, and tree person. Hey, Mom!

Emily Cuevo ’16 (Montfleury/Cadet) Emily is thrilled to be back in the NEO for another fall play. Her past credits include Puck/Robin Goodfellow in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When not acting, Emily can be found with LC Dance Company II. She sends big thanks to the cast and crew for making her senior fall so memorable! She hopes you enjoy the show (she tried her best not to butcher the French language).

Damon D’Amico ’16 (De Guiche) Damon is thrilled to be a part of Cyrano, and he hopes you are equally thrilled to see it. He would like to thank the cast, crew, and directors for coming together to create the world on this stage, and he is grateful to share it with such talented people. He would also like to thank his family for coming to the shows every year. Shout-out to the Flagg Guy. Hell yeah, Flagg Guy.

Callista DeGraw ’19 (Priest/Cadet/Patron) This is Callista’s first NEO production, but she has been in several musicals, including Annie, Carousel, and Fiddler on the Roof, among others. Callista has played piano since she was five, and has sung since before she can remember. She would like to thank her parents, siblings, and best friend Cam Melo for continuing to support her in everything she does.

Emily Favreau ’17 (Patron/Cadet) New to the NEO, Emily is excited to be a part of Cyrano. It only took her two years to audition! Having performed in a few middle school shows, Emily is excited to be back in a creative environment. Offstage, Emily loves to swim, run, and play water polo, and has now found a new place in her life for theater. She can’t wait to perform and hopes you enjoy the show!

Josie Gautier ’16 (Montfleury/Cadet) Josie is absolutely delighted to be a part of another NEO ensemble. In her free time, she enjoys singing with the Chamber Singers and trying her hand at painting. She would like to shout-out all of her supportive friends who encouraged her to switch full time to theatre, as it has truly transformed her life. She hopes you all enjoy the show! 6 Gaurang Goel ’17 (Monk/Cadet) A writer, debater, and Model UN aficionado, Gaurang is delighted to be in his first ever theater production (and a fantastic one at that)! He has enjoyed working with an amazing and welcoming cast. Gaurang would like to thank the directors and techies for working hard for so many hours, and the cast for creating an amazing piece of theater! Enjoy the show!

Sarah Gyurina ’18 (Roxane/Montfleury)Sarah is thrilled to be back for her second show at the NEO! Previous and favorite roles include Laurey in Oklahoma!, Wendy in Peter Pan, and Lily St. Regis in Annie. You can find Sarah performing in Dance Company II, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers. She wants to thank Mr. McCamish, Kirsten, the Seniors, Kiki and Callista, and her family for being incredible.

Macon Jeffreys ’18 (LeBre) This is Macon’s third show at the NEO, and he is thrilled to be part of Cyrano’s entourage. Previous credits include Francis Flute/Thisbe in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and farmer Eugene in Oklahoma! When not on the NEO stage, Macon enjoys singing with the Chamber Singers and playing goalie for the LC lacrosse team. Shout- out to little red balloon. He hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Ben Kallus ’17 (Vicomte de Valvert) Ben is thrilled to take part in his second NEO production! Previously, he has appeared in both Oklahoma! and Crazy for You as a cowboy. Ben is from Montgomery, NY, and started at Loomis as a new sophomore. While he is a member of Acapelicans, Chamber Singers, and Musical Revue, Ben loves being in his first non- musical performance!

Preethi Kannan ’17 (Ragueneau) Preethi is super excited for her fifth NEO show. Previous credits includeOklahoma!, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Urinetown, and The Good Person of Setzuan. Thank you cast, techies, and directors for working so hard to create a wonderful piece of theater. Shout-out to her supportive family and friends, Kunge, the shining seniors, and Moleman. Amusez-vous bien!

Tatiana Lovera ’16 (Actor/Cadet, Assistant Costume Designer) Whether onstage enduring the hardships of a cadet, or behind the scenes helping with costumes, Tatiana’s last NEO fall play has been a journey. She would like to thank her family, friends, Ms. Bebey, Mr. McCamish and Ms. Chirgotis for all of their constant support these last two months and for showing her all that theater has to offer.

7 Derek Martinez ’16 (Cyrano) Derek is humbled to be performing the title role in Cyrano, his seventh NEO show. This summer Derek studied in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He would like to thank his directors and the entire company for their guidance. Finally, he could not have done any of this without Kirsten or Sarah, who are, as Rostand writes, “La plus belle… qui soit au monde!”

Silvia Mayo ’19 (Actor/Cadet) Silvia is very excited to join the NEO this year! She’d like to thank her family for their support, as well as the cast, crew, and directors for all their positive energy and tolerance of her referencing, singing, and flute-playing of show tunes (especially those from a certain Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece that shall not be named). Seriously, though, she doesn’t know how you guys do it.

Micaela Mesite ’19 (Lise) Micaela is thrilled to be a part of Cyrano this fall. When not acting, she enjoys skiing, scuba diving and snowmobiling. Micaela cherishes the new life skills that she has learned throughout this production, such as how to PROPERLY use a broom (it only took her a hundred tries) and how to pick things up and put them down. Now, sit back and enjoy your time in Paris!

Kirsten Mossberg ’16 (Roxane/Montfleury) This show has been a mix of denial and ecstasy for Kirsten. Maybe, if she never takes off her gold shoes, they won’t let her leave. She won’t get too nose-stalgic (400 characters can’t support her rhapsodizing), but sends kisses to the show through fingertips. SO: Superfruit, NOBS2016. Where’s Derek’s water bottle? P.S. Give unto the convent, a generous sum of $$.

Brendan Nelson ’17 (Christian/Cadet, Fight Captain) Brendan is thrilled to appear in his third NEO show, after playing Will Parker in Oklahoma! and Egeus/Raven in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Comfort with wielding a sword onstage harks back to his role as Macduff in Macbeth at AOF. When not sword fighting, he enjoys playing rock guitar & jazz trombone, Viking history, and whistling while he works.

Rachel Ramenda ’18 (Cadet/Patron) Rachel is thrilled to make her NEO debut. Past roles include Marcy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Miss Hannigan in Annie, and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She thanks her friends and family, Mr. McCamish, and the cast and crew of Cyrano for being so welcoming and fun to work with! Enjoy the show!

8 Sydney Steward ’17 (Marguerite) Although this academic year has been a struggle (#junioryear) Sydney has found immense comfort and fun in the NEO. After playing volleyball for two seasons, she decided to switch from the court to the stage. Sydney also appeared in last winter’s Oklahoma! She wants to thank her family, friends, cast mates, and directors for their endless support and mentorship. Enjoy the show!

Kiki Szemraj ’19 (Montfleury/Cadet) Kiki is excited to be making her NEO debut this fall! After performing in Fiddler on the Roof, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Kiki is ecstatic to try something completely different with Cyrano. She also wishes to give a big thank you to the entire cast, crew, and her family for being so supportive!

Julia Thompson ’18 (Patron/Cadet) Julia is happy to return to the NEO after last fall’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She loves spending time with the cast on and off the stage, especially at Day Student Dinner in the SNUG. In addition to acting, Julia plays golf. Huge thanks to Mr. McCamish and the crew for their hard work. Shout-outs to her parents for being her taxi, and her best friends for their support.

Olivia Thompson ’18 (Montfleury/Cadet) This is Olivia’s third show with the NEO. She has been in many other productions including The Music Man, Into the Woods and Les Miserables. She likes to draw, act and sing in her spare time. Olivia would like to thank the cast and crew of Cyrano for all of their hard work and dedication, her family and friends, and everyone who supports her.

Ethan Twombly ’16 (Le Bret, Assistant Fight Captain) The roughly 37-trillion cells that make up Ethan are excited to finally make their NEO debut. Previous roles: Leading Player (Pippin), Crutchie (Newsies), and Munchkin (The Wizard of Oz). His hobbies range from helping kittens on Sunday mornings to teaching archery during the summer. Thanks to everyone for graciously helping him on and offstage.

Andrey Vdovenko ’16 (Christian/Cadet) Andrey is very glad to return to the NEO once again because everyone knows it is the greatest place on campus. He is very grateful to be working with such good friends and amazing teachers. You may remember him as Cladwell in Urinetown, Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Curly in Oklahoma! Andrey promises his next bio will be his best. Just wait.

9 Behind the Scenes

10 The Technical Crew

Rishi Basu ’19 (Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Rishi is a nerd. Not your ordinary nerd; rather, he is a super nerd. Rishi enjoys solving Rubik’s Cubes, playing chess, yo-yoing, proving teachers wrong, and thinking about the existence of the universe and its ever-expanding nature extending to infinity, and how we are a minute set of particles in a universe that is almost entirely empty space.

Emily Bian ’18 (Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Emily’s first dip into the fantastical world of the NEO has completely blown her away. When she isn’t busy getting paint all over herself (and others) or tripping over her own feet in the lighting booth, Emily can be found engaged in school work, Student Council, and StuActs, or snuggled in a blanket, sipping hot tea. New passion: FOUND!

Jeremy Brezenoff ’16 (Co-Head of Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Jeremy joined the NEO way back in 2012 during the production of The Comedy of Errors, and has had a proclivity for operating the sound console all throughout his career. This year, he has especially stepped up to the plate by commandeering the sound crew along with Emily. Here’s to a great show!

Claire Collins ’18 (Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Claire enjoys long walks on the beach. When she’s not melodically playing guitar, lamenting the days of yore, or cleaning the classrooms of Brush Library she is breathing. Her heart belongs to mountains and she aspires to be a nomad. Ginga-ninja by birth, and sound guy by nature, Claire somehow remains human.

Victoria Creel ’16 (Assistant Production Manager) Victoria has only been involved in the NEO since last year, but she enjoys the atmosphere more with each show. She also loves to paint with watercolors when she has free time, which is quite a rare occasion. She would like to thank Tati for getting her involved with the whole NEO adventure. She is also excited to help with the musical this winter, Young Frankenstein.

11 Zane Diamond ’16 (Stage Manager) Zane is super excited to finally stage manage a NEO show. His previous three shows in the NEO, Urinetown, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Oklahoma! have been a blast, and he has really enjoyed working with the cast and crew this fall. Having worked lights and assistant stage managed, Zane loves teching more than anything. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Jet Elbualy ’18 (Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter & Painter) Coming from New Orleans, a city that doesn’t get enough credit for being full of theater geeks like themself, Jet has a background in tech and acting. As a new sophomore, they’re excited to work their first show at the NEO! Aside from juggling shows at the NEO with horse shows at the barn, Jet also enjoys saying “y’all” and playing the cello. Enjoy!

Emily Eposito ’16 (Co-Head of Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) When not in classes or at the NEO, Emily can be found chilling with friends, eating, or cuddling with her dog Blackjack. Unless this bio is being read by a college admissions officer, in which case she can be found helping the elderly cross the street, teaching blind orphans to read, or curing cancer when she is not studying astrophysics.

Dani Paul Hove ’16 (Assistant Stage Manager) Dani has risen from a humble sound technician to a powerful and responsible assistant stage manager. True to character, he has taken no time at all to abuse said power. Still a connoisseur of walks, fine teas, and redheads, Dani now also runs a non- profit that tutors kids in South Africa (to which youcan donate at rootmathfoundation.org).

Evan McDonagh ’17 (Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Emerging on the tech scene for the first time, Evan is excited to contribute to Cyrano. He enjoys the outdoors and can often be found camping with the Backcountry Program or hiking the various trails of our campus. When not in the woods, Evan is training with his fellow LCXC harriers or deeply enjoying a piquant fiction novel.

Mahek Pannu ’18 (Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Mahek has always been involved behind-the-scenes, from robotics, an activity she has been involved in for two years, to her recently discovered interest in theater tech. In Mahek’s free time, she can be found with friends, in StuActs, and in her room studying. She also co-leads the South Asian Club. Mahek is avidly involved with spreading culture.

12 Sherly Quezada ’19 (Sound Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Sherly has already made great memories here at LC. Along with meeting the tech crew, she has gotten to experience life here on the Island with amazing students and teachers. When she’s not doing homework or playing field hockey, she loves drawing and reading. Sherly has enjoyed her time as a techie, and hopes to continue in years to come.

Ramal Rauf ’17 (Assistant Stage Manager) Ramal began teching in winter of 2014 for Oklahoma! as a member of the lighting crew. She continued her NEO work last spring by performing in Framed-in-Theater and working on the backstage crew for the Dance Revue. This year, she is one of the assistant stage managers for Cyrano and has loved every minute of it.

Marahyah Richardson ’19 (Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Marahyah, or “Richie,” is fairly new to the theater world. At Loomis, she takes both the Tech class and Acting I. In addition to the theater, Los Angeles native Richie enjoys long walks on the beach, walks to her refrigerator, and drawing. She is an Aquarius born in January, and she is single.

Mark Valadez ’19 (Lighting Crew, Scenic Carpenter, Painter) Hailing from Mexico, this is Mark’s debut in the world of Theater Tech, and he has found the work incredibly fun. A JV Cross Country runner, Mark likes trying new things; whether eating a new type of food, learning how to sail an Interlake, or studying to get his pilot’s license, he is always looking for an exciting adventure.

13 The Production Team

Lisa Bebey (Costume Designer) Lisa has worked with the student crews designing and building costumes for the past 14 years at Loomis Chaffee. She was the Costume Shop Manager at Hartford Stage for 14 years, and has also built costumes for the Long Wharf Theatre, Goodspeed Opera, Theaterworks and the Yale Repertory Theatre. Lisa recently added the role of entrepreneur to her resume by opening her online shop, FairyGodmotherForHire.com, featuring custom dress up costumes for children.

Tate R. Burmeister (Lighting Designer) Tate has worked as a designer throughout Connecticut, Minnesota, California, and New York and is enjoying her seventh season as the lighting designer at the NEO. In addition to working as a designer, Tate is the Technical Director for the Ivoryton Playhouse. In Connecticut, she has designed for Playhouse on Park, Ivoryton Playhouse, Seven Angels Theatre, Hartford Stage Education Department, Oddfellows Playhouse, Albano Ballet and others, as well as various local schools. Favorite lighting design credits include Metamorphoses (Loomis Chaffee), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Ivoryton Playhouse), Nuevo California, The Threepenny Opera (Oddfellows), and A Chorus Line (Merced, CA).

Candice Chirgotis (Production Manager) Candice became Head of the Theater & Dance Department in 2013 after a decade of working here as a teacher and as the production manager for the Norris Ely Orchard Theater. In her previous life, she was an adjunct professor of Dramatic Arts at UConn, and before that she was the Department Chair of Theater Design & Production at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. For 16 seasons Candice was—for over 100 professional theater productions—the Production Manager at Hartford Stage. She earned her master’s degree in theater at the University of Illinois. Candice considers herself incredibly fortunate to get to teach, learn, and make plays with these hardworking, talented and fun Loomis Chaffee student technicians and performers. She would like to take this opportunity to sincerely express how much she admires, appreciates, and is grateful for such creative, devoted, and generous professional theater collaborators and faculty colleagues.

14 Rachel M. Engelke (Playbill Editor) In her 16th year on the Island, Rachel is Head of the History, Philosophy, Religious Studies & Social Science Department, a resident in Palmer Dorm, and she serves as the adviser to Model UN and the Loomis Chaffee World Bulletin. A long-time friend of the NEO Theater, Rachel made her assistant directing debut in 2011 with The Boy Friend, while Cyrano is Rachel’s 24th production as playbill editor. She would like to express her sincere appreciation to everyone in the cast and crew for their cooperation and good humor as she hounded them for bios, photos, endless lists, and other minutiae.

Ken Jones (Technical Director) Ken is delighted to begin his fourth season at the NEO Theater with the fabulous Cyrano crew. Ken has directed and taught theater craft in the region since 2003, for over 75 productions with Canton MS/HS, Avon High School, Avon Summer Theatre, Theatre Guild of Simsbury, and last, but not least, The Loomis Chaffee NEO Theater. He is also Vice President of Theater Operations for Farmington Valley Stage Company in Canton. Ken writes that, “Our set experience for this show included working with layers of texture - plaster and stone, distressed wood - making new look old, and old even older. This was overlaid by several different fabrics, each with its own personality and meaning. We also brought the performance closer to the audience with the addition of the thrust stage extension.”

David McCamish ( Director) David is thrilled to direct Cyrano, his seventh show at Loomis. A Bluegrass native, David has performed and directed across the United States. This past summer, he played Bottom in ArtFarm’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, created fight choreography for Hartford Stage’s Breakdancing Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and Hamlet, taught Stage Combat at the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan University, and attended the International Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland with the aspiration of taking Loomis students to perform at the festival in the future. Last year, David received acclaim for his direction of All’s Well That Ends Well with Capital Classics and for his work with Breakdancing Shakespeare. Regionally, he has taught theatre classes for The Long Wharf Theatre, Hartford Stage Company, CCY, Wesleyan University, Hartford Performers, CREC, Manhattan Edge, and CRG Collective. He is an adjunct professor at the Hartt School and was a core faculty member at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. David has been seen in New York City at Lucille Lortel, 45th Street Playhouse, New Perspectives, @here, Manhattan Edge, Collective Unconscious, The Sandy Meisner Theatre, 23rd Street Studio and with Shakespeare’s Sister Company. He played Henry in the national tour of The Fantasticks. Locally, David has performed with Bated Breath Theatre Company, ArtFarm, Capital Classics, Oddfellows, HartBeat Ensemble, and has provided fight choreography for Loomis Chaffee, Hartford Stage, OP, Classical Magnet, GHAA and CCY. David wishes to thank his wife and family for all their support.

15 Karen Sparks Mellon (Set Designer) Sparks has been a set designer and scenic artist in the Hartford/New Haven area since 1979. This is her 19th season, and 36th production, as Loomis Chaffee’s set designer. Sparks has designed scenery for, among others, Amherst College, the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, CPTV, Lincoln Theatre, the New England Actors Theatre, the Portland Stage Company, Trinity College, and the University of Hartford. As a scenic artist, Sparks worked for the Hartford Stage Company and was a freelance painter for the Long Wharf Theatre and the Goodspeed Opera House. Other projects include backdrop design for the last G. Fox Christmas windows in downtown Hartford, interior painting for the first Banana Republic in New York City, and whitewashing the inside of a barn for the movie Funny Farm. She is currently a faculty member at The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where she was named Artist-Instructor of the Year in May 2008.

Alexandra Nattrass (Properties Designer, Scenic Artist) Alex is excited to be working on her first production at Loomis Chaffee. When she is not making props, she freelances as a costumer in Connecticut and New York. Previous theatrical jobs have included on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and many regional theaters, including Hartford Stage and the Long Wharf Theater. Alex spends her summers working in the costume shop at the Castleton Festival in Virginia. She is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Alex was voted Class Clown and Class Scientist in eighth grade.

Sophia Rabb (Assistant Director) Sophia is an English teacher and Penn Fellow. She is a graduate of Brown University, where she performed in many MainStage and student-directed plays. She has also done dramaturgical and theatre work for the Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Manhattan Theatre Club, Production Workshop, the American Repertory Theater, and the Brown Theatre Department. Sophia would like to thank David, Candice, and the performers for all of their hard work and dedication.

The New Mel Brooks Musical

YoungFebruary Frankenstein 17-20, 2016

Stay tuned to the Daily Bulletin for details about the November auditions!

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