MARCH 6, 7,8 2020 music by Direction by DARNELL JOHN KANDER PATRICK lyrics by MORRIS Musical FRED EBB Direction by MAYUMI book by JOE GRIFFIE MASTEROFF Choreography by Based on the MORGAN play by John CHRISTINA Van Druten THOMAS and stories by Christopher Isherwood WELCOME
Welcome to the middle production of our Senior Company’s Fifth Anniversary Season. It is not new for OVATIONS to bring shows to our young people that relate to what is actually going on in their lives. Cabaret is a musical that not only gives us a glimpse at the past but as a cautionary tale of what can happen when we allow fear and hatred to lead the masses. Cabaret once again allows OVATIONS students to be able to explore mature material in a safe space allowing them to have very open and frank conversations that for young people are often skirted around or all together ignored. During our process we’ve been able to discuss and explore some of the more mature and complicated themes found in the material; 1920’s Berlin and its sexual revolution, fear and hate mongering, propaganda and it’s conse- quenes, the rise of the Nazi party and much more. When we looked back at these historical events in which Cabaret is based upon, the students felt that a lot of the bad stuff that happened in the show leading up to the Holocuast were similar to things happen- ing in the world today in 2020; in the US and elsewhere in the world. The students “ The world is a collectively decided that this was not just dangerous place to a time capsule but instead a reminder and warning should we allow similar things to live; not because of happen again! It is their hope, and mine, that our audiences will listen to this story the people who are and not fall silent when witnessing the evil, but because of same injustices to those around us. When students are being threatened and the people who don’t punished for speaking out for what is right, do anything about it.” OVATIONS takes seriously the responsibility to provide a safe place where young people Albert Einstein can hone their voice and actually be heard. It is a strange reality we live in that our soci- ety thinks of young people as children until the age of 18 when magically they are adults. This show, especially in the current polarizing society, continually challenges me about how I treat and communicate with young people. Our hope for this production is that our com- munity leaves understanding that young people are hungry for knowledge- thirsty to be a part of our society- and desperate to stand up for inequality. Unlike the characters in the script, our students are living in a time and a society where the access to knowledge and availability to have open conversations about tough subjects is available and happening. Students are able to peacefully protest and make heard their thoughts and feelings on in- justices they see happening around them. Our kids are empowered to speak out, question and seek understanding and put into action their efforts to leave this earth a little better than they found it. I am thankful to know that I have students who are truly thinking about the future and how their story will affect others for many years to come. Make sure to check out our website at www.OVATIONStheatre.com for information our upcoming auditions for Ragtime and our Summer Teen intensive production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and much more. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show. - Darnell Patrick Morris, Founder & Producing Artistic Director Student Production Note
At our time at OVATIONS, we as students and actors are expected to look closely at our productions and find the underlying themes behind our songs, dances, and lines. Although our production of Cabaret has it’s fair share of glitz and glamour, we found that these very assets to our show are the tip of the iceberg to this time period and behind the excitement displays dark and haunting topics that forces the audience to look within themselves. Taking place in 1930’s Berlin, the audience finds themselves in the Kit Kat Club, an exciting and seductive club. Weaving through the Club’s number of performances, a series of stories displays the truth behind the fun numbers and how it is so easy to be distracted when those just like us are in need. As the numbers progressively give the audience more and more hints about the dark truth of 1930’s Europe, the audience soon realizes minority communities just like them includ- ing jewish, LGBT, and impoverished communities are drastically controlled and changed by the power of intolerance. In the rehearsal process, we compared and contrasted a series of similar events between then and now and realized though our story takes place decades ago, we as teenagers can’t live complacently in the Kit Kat Club. When we see those in need around us, it is stronger to stand up for human justice, rather than living in fear of being different. In our rehearsal process, we are challenged to speak our mind on these topics within the show because at OVATIONS, it truly is a collaborative process between our artistic staff and us actors. Though our numbers require high energy and fun character choic- es, we worked to understand why and how each number moves the story along. In the infamous and shocking number, “If you could see her through my eyes,” the audience watches a hilarious number about the Emcee and his proclaimed love for all things, a monkey. Throughout the number, the Emcee attempts to convince the audience the monkey is worthy of his love because she performs a series of valuable actions including reading music and refraining from drinking. Once the audience least expects it, the Em- cee compares the monkey to a jewish woman and the audience realizes they have been laughing at the dehumanization of an entire demographic. It’s this number, and so many just like it, that throws the audience for a loop and makes them question how easily they can be distracted from the jarring truth of Berlin. At OVATIONS, we strive to connect our art to current events and hope the audience will take away the message that being a bystander is just as cruel as being a perpetrator. When watching Cabaret, the audience came to the realization that they aren’t complete- ly at fault for the horrific events of the second world war, but contributed to it’s cultural tolerance because they were overpowered by a much greater force, fear. We hope when leaving the theatre, the audience knows they have a voice and can truly make a differ- ence as long as they speak up for what it is right, even when they feel the whole world is doubting them in the process.
-Jordan Kelberg Cast List
Double Cast Breakdown & Performance Schedule
RED CAST BLUE CAST
EMCEE Jack Rosenberg Ian Coursey SALLY BOWLES Raina Weinberg Mia Ehrlich CLIFF BRADSHAW PG Ruff Alexander Finch FRAULEIN SCHNEIDER Eva Salins Danielle Carter HERR SCHULTZ Sam Salem Ari Hovis-Afflerbach ERNST LUDWIG Austin Rose Danny Seligman TWO LADIES PERFORMERS Max Miller & Mikayla Reich Angelo Harrington & Jordan Kelberg
RED CAST: Friday, March 6 at 7:30 and Saturday, March 7 at 2:00pm BLUE CAST: Saturday, March 7 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 8 at 1:00pm
FRIDAY 3/6 SATURDAY 3/7 SATURDAY 3/7 SUNDAY 3/8 @2pm @7:30pm FRAULEIN KOST* Lilly McKinnon Eliana Posin Starr Ruben Kendyl Morrison CHILD SOPRANO SOLOIST Ronan Mailhot Sadie Schulman Liam Darnell Cece Tello
The Following Roles Perform at All Four Performance
MAX...... Alex Levy SAILOR 2...... Miles Carr GORILLA...... Grace Corbett RUDY...... Alex Levy
THE KIT KAT GIRLS ROSIE...... Jordan Kelberg LULU...... Zoe Ferguson FRENCHIE...... Isabela McDonald TEXAS...... River Isleib FRIZTZIE...... Kassidy Kepner HELGA...... Mikayla Reich
THE KIT KAT BOYS BOBBY...... Angelo Harrington VICTOR...... Miles Carr HANS...... Cole Chalfant HERMAN...... Alex Levy
KIT KAT ENSEMBLE Peyton Aronow, Connor Boland, Grace Corbett, Olivia Gilbert, Blakey Massey, & Jordan Zamoiski
UNDERSTUDIES: Peyton Aronow (Fraulein Kost), Jordan Kelberg (Sally Bowles), Eliana Posin (Fraulein Schneider) and Matthew Rubin (Emcee) Production Staff
Producing Artistic Director...... Darnell Patrick Morris Managing Director...... Morgan Fannon Associate Artistic Director...... Theresa Cunningham Artistic Associate/Music Director...... Mayumi Griffie Choreographer...... Morgan Christina Thomas Dance Captains...... Angelo Harrington, Isabela McDonald & Mikayla Reich Stage Manager...... Jenna Ballard Light Design...... Alex Davis Sound Design...... Isaac Craig Scenic Design/Master Carpenter...... James Raymond Scenic Paint Charge...... Jordan Stocksdale Set Builders...... Renan Auricchio, Sammy Jungwirth, Cayden Raff, Matthew Rubin, Toly Yarup Student Interns...... Sammy Jungwirth, Matthew Rubin, Cayman Raff, Toly Yarup Costume Design...... Darnell Patrick Morris Videographer...... Joel Richon Season Photographert...... Traci J Brooks of Lock & Company Season Graphic Designer...... Jim Gallagher / Drama Queen Graphics
Special Thanks to JCC Kreeger Staff, WVU Theatre department, Ginger of Gene’s Costumes
Pit
Conductor/Drums...... Mayumi Baker Griffie Keyboard...... Connor Crotzer Bass...... John Marc Diner Trumpet...... Paul Weiss Trombone...... Melissa Bayliss Reeds...... Rose Weich Violin...... Alexis Chang
Musical Numbers
ACT 1
Willkommen...... Emcee & Company
So What...... Fraulein Schneider
Don’t Tell Mama...... Sally Bowles & Kit Kit Girls
Mein Herr...... Sally Bowles & Kit Kat Ensemble
Perfectly Marvelous ...... Sally Bowles & Cliff Bradshaw
Two Ladies ...... Emcee & Two Ladies Performers
It Couldn’t Please Me More...... Fraulein Schneider & Herr Schultz
Tomorrow Belongs to Me...... Child Soprano Soloist
Maybe This TIme...... Sally Bowles
Money...... Emcee and Company
Married...... Fraulein Schneider, Herr Schultz & Fraulein Kost
Reprise: Tomorrow Belongs to Me...... Fraulein Kost, Ernst & Company
There will be a brief 15 minute intermission
ACT 2
Entr-Acte/ Kick Line...... Emcee & Kit Kat Girls
Reprise: Married...... Fraulein Schneider & Herr Schultz
If You Could See Her...... Emcee & Gorilla
What Would You Do...... Fraulein Schneider
I Don’t Care Much...... Emcee
Cabaret...... Sally Bowles
Finale...... Cliff Bradshaw & Company Production Bios
Darnell Patrick Morris (Director & Producing Artistic Director) Founder & Producing Artistic Director of OVATIONS, has been a Director, Choreographer and Theatre Educator in the Washington, DC area for the past decade. His students have been seen on Broadway, as well as many local professional stages including Signature Theatre, Arena Stage, Olney Theatre Centre, ATMTC, Wooly Mammoth and Ford’s Theatre. Select Directing Credits – OVATIONS: Matilda, Spring Awakening, Next To Normal, Hair, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors, Mary Poppins Jr, Les Miserables: School Edition, Carrie, Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR, The Addams Family Young@Part, Parade, Heathers, Hairspray JR, Sunday in The Park With George, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR, Spring Awakening, Rent, Into The Woods JR, Sweeney Todd and Seussical JR. Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre: In The Heights, Into the Woods, Avenue Q, Hairspray, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Stillpointe Theatre: Caroline or Change. Kensington Arts Theatre: Les Miserables, Ragtime, Jekyll & Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show. Awards: 2018 Ruby Griffith Award for In The Heights, City Paper 2015 Best Musical: Caroline, Or Change, 2014 Ruby Griffith Award for Les Miserables, 2013 Ruby Griffith Award for Avenue Q, 2012 Ruby Griffith Award for Hairspray, 2011 Ruby Griffith Award for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 2009 Ruby Griffith Award for Pippin, 2014 WATCH Awards for Best Choreography and Best Musical for Ragtime, 2014 Best Community Theatre Production of a Musical in DC on broadwayworld.com. In 2017 Darnell was selected as one of 6 up-and-coming DC area directors to participate in Signature Theatre’s Musical Theatre Young Directors’ Workshop. In 2017 Mr.Morris was chosen as one of 6 up-and-coming DC area directors to participate in Signature Theatre’s Musical Theatre Young Directors’ Workshop. Theresa Cunningham (Associate Artistic Director) has taught theatre with varied populations: public and private school students, residential psychiatric patients, homeless families, incarcerated teenage girls, “at-risk” youth, preschoolers, and the elderly. Baltimore-born Theresa Cunningham is an actor, singer, pianist, poet, playwright, musical director and teacher. She attended Syracuse University where she studied musical theatre. She moved to Atlanta to perform and teach, before moving back to the DMV in 2012. Select DC area roles include: Arena Stage: Nina Simone: Four Women(Sarah); Round House Theatre: School Girls or the African Mean Girls Play (Headmistress Francis), Caroline or Change(Washing Machine); Imagination Stage: Wiley and the Hairy Man(Mama); Stillpointe Theatre: Caroline or Change(Caroline); Compass Rose Theatre: A Raisin in the Sun(Lena); Olney Theatre Center: Once On This Island(Asaka); Riverside Center: Ain’t Misbehavin’(Armelia); Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Les Miserables(Mme. Thenardier). Theresa won the 2013 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical for her portrayal of Sofia in Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s production of The Color Purple. Mayumi Baker Griffie (Associate Music Director) has studied and performed music for over 30 years and music directed shows for over 15 years and loves every minute of it. One of her great pleasures in life is composing, creating, and sharing that appreciation of music. She has had the pleasure performing many wonderful pieces with the UM Symphonic Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Maryland Jazz Band. Music director credits include: Sunday in the Park with George and Sweeney Todd with OVATIONS; 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Ragtime with Howard Community College; A Year with Frog and Toad, Wizard of Oz with KAT 2nd Stage; Rocky Horror Show, Jekyll & Hyde (co-nominated for Outstanding Musical Direction) Ragtime (won WATCH award for Outstanding Musical Direction) with Kensington Art Theatre; And the World Goes Round, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat, High School Musical, High School Musical 2, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Annie, Grease, My Fair Lady, A Year with Frog and Toad, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street with Academy of the Holy Cross. Performance credits: In the Heights (Daniella), Into the woods (Florinda) and Hairspray (Cindy Watkins/Dynamite) with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre; Seussical with GAC (Sour Kangaroo); Rent with Kensington Arts Theatre (ensemble) and with Laurel Mill Playhouse (ensemble/Joann understudy performed). Director credits: Footloose with Academy of the Holy Cross Summer Stock Productions, Annie with KAT 2nd Stage. She thanks to this cast for making this an invigorating experience, to Darnell for the chance to perfect her craft, and as always, she is thankful to her husband, Daniel, for supporting her and being by her side for better or worse...and the silly. Production Bios
Morgan Thomas (Choreographer) is thrilled to be back after choreographing SPRING AWAKENING this past fall. This season Morgan also returns to OVATIONS as the Choreographer for STANDING_O Performance Ensemble. Morgan is a licensed attorney in Maryland who moonlights as a performer and teaching artist. She has been dancing for 24 years and was trained in the disciplines of ballet, tap, jazz, modern and African dance. After four years on Severna Park’s Dance Company, Morgan took a new course during her undergraduate career at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) by joining the Cheerleading Team. She served as the Team Captain her last two years. Additionally, Morgan was a member of the UMBC hip-hop dance competition team, Major Definition. She is currently a dance company member with Dance & Bmore, a creative movement collective, in Baltimore, Maryland. Favorite past performances include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, All Shook Up, The Wedding Singer, In The Heights, Parade and her favorite role to date was as Julian Marx in Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre’s production of Bullets Over Broadway (2018).
James Raymond (Resident Scenic Designer) Earned his M.F.A. in Scenic Design and Technology as a graduate teaching assistant at West Virginia University this past May. He received his B.A. in Theater Technology and Design at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA in 2013. He has had many opportunities to work with all ages in both educational and professional theater settings. James worked in Steamboat Springs, Colorado the summer of 2013 as the Scenic Designer at the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp. He also worked as the scenic artist for The Linny Fowler WillPower Tour’s production ofMacbeth, along with scenic designer, six-time Emmy award winning Production Designer of Sesame Street, Bob Phillips. James had the opportunity to work with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, which is a professional Equity Lort C theatre company for two seasons. Last summer at West Virginia Public Theatre, he set designed You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and was the scenic artist for the past two seasons. Past credits: Three Sisters (set design, WVU), In The Heights (set design, ASGT), The Pirates Of Penzance (set design, WVU) The Trojan Women (set design, WVU), The Arabian Nights (set design, WVU), White Christmas (set design, LMP), Comedy of Errors (set design, LMP), Chess (set design, KAT), Underground (set design, Perry M.), Failure: A Love Story (set design, Perry M.), I Love A Piano (set design, DSU), 39 Steps (scenic artist intern, PSF) starring Steve Burns (Blues Clues), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (set design, LMP), Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party (set design/ Oscar, LMP), 45 Seconds From Broadway (set design, LMP), No Exit (set design, Highwood Theatre), Sweeney Todd (props intern, PSF) starring Dee Roscioli (Wicked) and many others. www.jamesvraymond.com
Cast Bios
Peyton Aronow (Kit Kat Ensemble, Fraulein Kost u/s), a junior at Sherwood High School, is excited to perform in her 7th show with OVATIONS! Past performance include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (OVATIONS), Cosette in Les Misérables (OVATIONS), Tracy in Hairspray (OVATIONS & ATMTC), Belle in Beauty & the Beast (Blake Stage Company), Ensemble roles include Parade, The Wild Party and Hair (OVATIONS). Peyton takes voice with Josh Konick. “A huge THANKS to OVATIONS for all of the FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES, to OVATIONS Senior Company for their support and friendships and to my family for always supporting this dream!”
Connor Boland (Kit Kat Ensemble) is a senior at Walter Johnson High School, and is thrilled to be a late addition to his first show with OVATIONS. Past credits include Mr. Jan Dussel in the Diary of Anne Frank, James Wilson in 1776, and Norman Cornell in Star-Spangled Girl (Walter Johnston S*T*A*G*E). He’d like to thank his mother, father, and friends: particularly fellow castmate Austin Rose, who helped provide him with this opportunity.
Danielle Carter (Fraulein Schneider), a junior at Richard Montgomery HS, is super excited to be in this amazing show! Selected credits include: Jeanie in Hair, Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Grandma in The Addams Family, Prudy in Hairspray (OVATIONS), Penny in Hairspray, Rona in Spelling Bee (JWMS) and ensemble in The Little Mermaid and Roseseller in Oliver! (RMHS). She is so thankful for everyone’s support and hopes they enjoy the show (especially the pineapple song)!
Miles Carr (Victor), a senior at Walter Johnson high school school, has been in past OVATIONS productions such as Brad in Hairspray JR, Donkey in Shrek JR, Yonkers in Gypsy, and ensemble in Little Shop of Horrors, Ensemble in Hair, & Ensemble in Spring Awakening is ecstatic to participate in his 6th OVATIONS show. Miles Carr is in the Music Honor Society, a student choreographer for the show choir as well as Vice President of Chorus at Walter Johnson high school show choir. Apart from acting he runs Cross country and Track at Walter Johnson High School.
Cole Chalfant (Hans), is a senior at Georgetown Preparatory School. He is super excited to be doing another show with OVATIONS THEATRE. Past credits include- OVATIONS THEATRE: Herr Steifel in Spring Awakening, Hubert in Hair, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Thenardier in Les Misérables, Oscar in The Wild Party, Angie in Gypsy, Detective Starnes in Parade, Kurt’s Dad in Heathers the Musical, Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical Jr., Wilbur in Hairspray Jr., Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Horton in Seussical Jr.; ST. JANE DE CHANTAL: Scuttle in The Little Mermaid Jr. Cole is thrilled to perform in this show, and he would like to thank Darnell, his family, friends, and all the people who came to see the show. Cast Bios
Grace Corbett (Gorilla), a sophomore at Walt Whitman High School, is euphoric to be in her sixth show with OVATIONS! Selected credits include: Flotsam in The Little Mermaid Jr.(OVATIONS THEATRE), Cinderella in Game of Tiaras (Pyle Middle School), Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins Jr. (OVATIONS THEATRE), Ensemble in Hair (OVATIONS THEATRE), and Frau Bergman in Spring Awakening (OVATIONS THEATRE). Grace studies voice with Simon Diesenhaus. She would like to thank the OVATIONS Team, Darnell, and all of her friends and family for their continued support.
Ian Coursey (Emcee) is thrilled to be performing in this incredible show! He is a senior at Good Counsel High School and is going to be pursuing musical theatre in college! This is Ian’s fifth show with OVATIONS, past roles include Moritz (Spring Awakening), Gabe (Next To Normal), George Berger (Hair), and Jean Valjean (Les Misérables). Ian is also a part of the Young Artists of America and the Good Counsel Theatre Company with past roles including Frank Abagnale Jr (Catch Me If You Can), Leo Frank (Parade), Tate’s (Ragtime), Jean Valjean (Les Misérables), and Evan Goldman (13) along with many others! Ian would like to thank his vocal coach Rolando Sanz for the opportunities he has given him and for the life changing training he has received! He would also like to thank Darnell for the opportunity to create meaningful art with the people he loves in a safe and caring environment. Finally he would like to thank his friends, family, and staff of OVATIONS for their endless support and love!
Liam Darnell (Soprano Soloist) is a 7th grader at Pyle Middle School. Past performances include Bruce in Matilda (OVATIONS), Michael Banks in Mary Poppins, Jr. (OVATIONS), Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Jr. (OVATIONS), Young Simba in The Lion King, Jr. (Theater Unlimited DC), Benedict in Much Ado About Nothing (Imperial Shakespeare Presents), and Young Arthur in Excalibur: The Story of Young King Arthur (Pyle Middle School). In his free time, Liam enjoys playing piano and writing stories. Liam would like to thank the entire OVATIONS production team for their guidance and encouragement, and his family for their constant support. Enjoy the show!
Mia Ehrlich (Sally), a senior at River Hill High School, is extremely excited and thankful to be in another main stage production with OVATIONS, and in another amazing show. Past roles include Wendla (Spring Awakening), Patrice (13), Roxie Hart (Chicago), Doctor Madden (Next to Normal), and Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables). She wants to thank Darnell and the OVATIONS team for this amazing experience.
Zoe Ferguson (Lulu), and eighth grader at Bullis School is ecstatic to participate in this riveting and compelling musical. Past performances include Doreen in Haispray (Adventure Theatre), Lesgles in Les Misérables (Adventure Theatre), and many other roles at Ballet Petite. She is a member of ATMTC’s Pre-Professional program, where she takes dance with Tony Thomas, and receives voice lessons from Josh Konick. Cast Bios
Alexander Finch (Cliff), a junior at Walter Johnson High School, is enthused to be involved in Cabaret. Past performances include Peter Pan in Peter and the Starcatcher, Mr. Frank in Anne Frank, Neville in The Waves, Jimmy in Almost Maine, and The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. Olivia Gilbert (Kit Kat Ensemble) is a junior at Sandy Spring Friends School. She is so excited to be in this amazing show. Some of her past roles include: Leading Player in Pippin, Louisa in The Sound of Music (SSFS), Tribe Member in Hair, Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors, Ensemble in Gypsy, Dragon in Shrek JR., Motormouth in Hairspray JR., Belle in Beauty and the Beast JR., the Witch in Into the Woods JR., Sour Kangaroo in Seussical JR. (OVATIONS), Humpty Dumpty in Shrek the Musical (KAT Jr), and Little Inez in Hairspray JR. (BRAVO Productions). In addition to performing, Olivia is on her school’s quiz bowl team and loves to play her ukulele. She wants to thank her friends and family for their never ending support! Angelo Harrington II (Three Ladies Performer, Bobby, Dance Captain), a senior at Reservoir High School, is so excited to be a part of this beautiful show. Past performances include Chairman/Sapsea in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Reservoir High School), Crutchie in Newsies (Reservoir High School), Brett in 13 The Musical (Young Artists of America), Christopher Boone in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Reservoir High School), and Melchior in Spring Awakening (OVATIONS THEATRE). Angelo takes voice lessons with Montel Butler. Angelo would like to thank Darnell and the team at OVATIONS for giving him such an amazing opportunity and his family/friends for their endless support. River Isleib (Texas) has been honored to be part of this Cabaret cast. She is a freshman at Walt Whitman High School, and has studied dance/performance since early childhood, at such schools as the Washington School of Ballet, Adventure Theater, and others. She has appeared onstage over fifty times, most recently in various dance & singing roles for Adventure Theatre’s end-of-year ‘Spotlight’. River takes voice with Deborah Benner, and enjoys video-gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, Escape Rooms, and creative baking. Jordan Kelberg (Three Ladies Performer, Rosie, Sally Bowles U/S) is a junior at Walter Johnson High School. Recent OVATIONS productions include Spring Awakening, HAIR, and Little Shop of Horrors. Past Imagination Stage productions include Zombie Prom (Romana), Bye Bye Birdie (Conrad Birdie), Once Upon A Mattress (Wizard), Big Fish (Witch Ensemble/Featured Dancer), and The Addams Family (Ancestor). At NBMS Jordan played the Genie in Aladdin Jr., Pumbaa in The Lion King, and was choreographer/Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid. Jordan is a graduate of the Musical Theatre Conservatory at Imagination Stage and is a member of the Young Artists of America. Jordan takes vocal lessons at La Mezzo Voice Studio with the incredible Laquavia Alston. Jordan will cherish this experience and all of the memories made with her amazingly talented Cabaret cast mates and artistic staff. Cast Bios
Kassidy Kepner (Fritzie) is a sophomore at Rockville High School and is very excited to be apart of this production of Cabaret. Past performances include Rosalia in West Side Story (Rockville HS), Young Louise in Gypsy (OVATIONS THEATRE), Core dancer in Spring Awakening (OVATIONS THEATRE),Ensemble in Hairspray (Blake Stage Co.) and Ensemble in Hair (OVATIONS THEATRE) Kassidy takes voice lessons with Mollie Weikert. She would like to thank all of her family and friends for supporting her. Ari Hovis-Afflerbach (Herr Schultz), a junior at the Lab School of Washington, is excited to be in his first performance at OVATIONS THEATRE. Past performances include Sammy in The Wedding Singer (Highwood Theatre), the D’Ysquith family in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Highwood Theatre), Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing (Lab School), and Henry in Play On! (Highwood Theatre). He is a member of the Gay-Straight Alliance at his school. He takes voice with Meghan McCall. Alexander Levy (Max, Kit Kat Ensemble) is a junior at Rockville High School and so excited to be part of yet another OVATIONS production. Past Credits include IQ in Hairspray (Blake Summer Institute), Chorus Boy and Photographer in Gypsy (OVATIONS), Gaston (Blake Stage Institute), Ensemble in Spamalot and Gee-Tar in West Side Story (Rockville High School), and so many more. He recently was Lester in Panic Broadcast of 1938 at Rockville High School and is currently Sketch in Hairspray at RHS. Alex would like to thank his friends and family for helping him do this production. He would also like to thank Darnell, Mayumi, and Teresa for helping him make sure he was able to put on the best performance possible. Blakely Massey (Kit Kat Ensemble) is a freshman at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. She is very excited to be in her second OVATIONS show. She is an apprentice for the Academy for the Fine Arts with the Advanced Theatre Studies focus in Frederick County. You may have seen her as Fraulein Knuppeldick in Spring Awakening (OVATIONS), Dragon in Shrek the Musical Jr. (MET), Oaken in Frozen Jr. (BISFA Summer Intensive), or Alice in Through the Looking Glass (Urbana Middle School). She wants to thank you for coming to the show and thank her friends and family for their constant love and support! Ronan Mailhot (Soprano Soloist), a 6th grader at McLean School, who recently appeared as Miss Trunchbull in OVATIONS production of Matilda! Past performances include The Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz (OVATIONS), Michael Banks in Mary Poppins (OVATIONS), Gavroche in Les Misérables (OVATIONS), Young Ebenezer in A Christmas Carol (Walter Johnson S*T*A*G*E*) and the ensemble for Mary Poppins (Walter Johnson S*T*A*G*E*). “Thanks, Mom, Dad and Brigid!” Isabela McDonald (Frenchie, Dance Captain), a senior at Walt Whitman High School, is overjoyed to be part of this enchanting, spunky, and compelling musical. Past performances include Featured Dancer in On the Town (Whitman Drama), Player with Fire/Featured Dancer in Pippin (Whitman Drama), Young Donna/Featured Dancer in Mamma Mia (The Free Theatre), and a Featured Dancer in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Whitman Drama). Isabela competed on the Elite Dance Company Team at Candace Sheppard Dance Academy for 10 years and now takes classes at City Dance. She also takes voice with Tory Wood.
Cast Bios
Lilly McKinnon (Fraulein Kost), a senior at The Academy Of The Holy Cross, is thrilled to be in this production of Cabaret! Selected credits include Ilsa in Spring Awakening, Diana in Next To Normal, Fantine in Les Misérables, Chris in Carrie,Tessie Tura in Gypsy,Essie in Parade,Tracy in Hairspray, Heather Duke in Heathers, (OVATIONS). A huge thank you to Jeff and Jouli Webb, Darnell, Theresa, and all friends and family who came to see Cabaret! Max Miller (Three Ladies Performer, Kit Kat Ensemble), a freshman at Walt Whitman HS, is thrilled to be back after appearing as Otto in Spring Awakening. Past performances include Gabe in First Date (Stagedoor Manor), Dean in All Shook Up (Pyle Middle School), Robin Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Pyle Middle School), and, not as a brag or anything, Traveling Salesman #7 in Music Man Jr. (Pyle Middle School). Max was a member of Imagination Stage Musical Theater Conservatory and Pre Professional Company at Adventure Theater. He goes to Stagedoor Manor. He takes voice lessons with Deborah Benner. Kendyl Rose Morrison (Fraulein Kost), a senior at Oakdale High School is elated to be a part of another OVATIONS show. Past performances with OVATIONS include Spring Awakening (Melitta), HAIR (1000 Year Old Monk), Little Shop of Horrors (Ensemble), and Les Misérables (Ensemble). Kendyl studies voice with Polly Baldridge and enjoys playing the ukulele and the drums. A huge thank you to Darnell and the artistic team for this amazing opportunity and to my friends and family for their love and support. Eliana Posin (Fraulein Kost, Fraulein Schneider U/S) is a sophomore at Walt Whitman High school. She debuted with OVATIONS this past fall as Frau Bessel/Schmidt in Spring Awakening. She’s trained in workshop academies such as Pre- Professional Broadway Program with ATMTC and has performed in several youth musical theatre productions. She loves to tap dancing and is currently a member of the Jam Youth Project. Mikayla Reich (Two Ladies Performer, Helga, Dance Captain), a 10th grader at Richard Montgomery High School, is thrilled to be part of this production of Cabaret! Select past performances include: OVATIONS THEATRE: Spring Awakening (Core Dancer); Hair! (Tribe); Little Shop (Ensemble); Les Misérables (Ensemble); The Wild Party (Ensemble); The Addams Family (Wednesday); Hairspray Jr. (Brenda); Seussical Jr.(Bird Girl). MTPC OF BALLET PETITE Legally Blonde Jr. (Margot); The Little Mermaid Jr. (Flotsam). Mikayla studies voice with Jeff and Jouli Webb and dance at Impact. Mikayla would like to thank the entire OVATIONS production team for this opportunity, and her family and friends for their love and support! Cast Bios
Austin Rose (Ernst), a senior at Walter Johnson High School, is thrilled to be a part of this powerful, highly impactful musical after appearing as Hanschen in OVATION’s production of Spring Awakening. Past performances include Eddie Flagrante in Zombie Prom (Imagination Stage) and Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet (Walter Johnson S.T.A.G.E.). Austin is a member of both the Madrigals Chamber Choir and Pop Fly Show Choir at Walter Johnson High School as well as three different acapella groups. Austin is additionally a member of the Tryka Film Coalition at Imagination Stage. Austin takes voice with Laquavia Alston at LaMezzo Studios. “I’d like to take the time to thank my amazing network of friends and family for supporting me through my performing arts career!” Jack Rosenberg (Emcee), a senior at Poolesville HS, is stoked to be in Cabaret! Past roles with OVATIONS include Melchior (Spring Awakening), Dan (Next to Normal), Claude (Hair), Mr. Mushnik (Little Shop), Javert (Les Misérables), Tommy Ross (Carrie), Sam (The Wild Party), Tulsa (Gypsy), Leo Frank (Parade), JD (Heathers), Louis/ Spot (Sunday), Corny Collins (Hairspray), Lumiere (Beauty & The Beast), Tobias Ragg (Sweeney Todd), Cat (Seussical), and Peter Pan (Shrek). Jack studies voice with J-High and J-Low Webb. He would like to thank Darnell, Mayumi, Morgan, and Theresa. Starr Ruben (Fraulein Kost) is a senior at Walter Johnson excited to be in her fifth OVATIONS production. She was recently seen as Ilse in Spring Awakening, Mrs. Luce in Little Shop of Horrors, and ensemble in Hair and Les Misérables (OVATIONS), Tracy in Hairspray and Rusty in Footloose (Blake High School). Starr takes Voice with Alison Leadbetter-hines. Enjoy the show! Paul Ruff (Cliff), a senior at Gonzaga College High School, is so excited to be in another amazing OVATIONS production. Favorite past credits include Mr. Mayor in Seussical, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Link Larkin in Hairspray, Blind Man in Les Misérables, ensemble in Hair, and Otto in Spring Awakening (OVATIONS), Rolf in The Sound Of Music, Chief Tiger Bamboo in Peter Pan (BRAVO Productions). Paul would like to thank Lilly Mckinnon for being the best manager imaginable and all friends and family who came to see him in Cabaret! Sam Salem (Her Schultz), a junior at Quince Orchard High School, feels fortunate to work with this cast and crew again. Past performances, all produced by OVATIONS Theatre include Spring Awakening, Next to Normal, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, Les Misérables, Carrie, The Wild Party, Gypsy, Parade, Heathers, Hairspray, Sunday in the Park with George, Spring Awakening and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Last, but not least, The Wizard of Oz (KAT JR) where it all began. A huge thank you to Theresa, Val, Mayumi and Darnell for all their help, love and support even when he is a pain in their tuchas. Eva Salins (Schneider), is a senior at James Hubert Blake High School. OVATIONS credits include Spring Awakening (Anna), Hair (Chrissy), Little Shop of Horrors (Mrs. Mushnik), Les Misérables (Ensemble), The Wild Party (Featured Dancer), Gypsy (Ensemble), Parade (Essie), Hairspray Jr. (Lou Ann/ Dance Captain), Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Into the Woods Jr. (Baker’s Wife), Suessical Jr. (Gertrude), Shrek Jr. (Teen Fiona). Eva is the sound manager for the Blake High School Stage Company with credits including Company and Little Women. She loves all aspects of theater on and off the stage. She thanks her friends and family for their support! Cast Bios
Sadie Schulman (Soprano Soloist) is a 6th grader at The Washington Episcopal School. She is thrilled to have joined the OVATIONS Theatre Senior Company for this production after appearing in their Junior Company as Miss Honey in Matilda in January. Past performances include: Mary Poppins (Jane), The Addams Family as (Pugsley), Hairspray as (a cootie cutie, fan girl, and daughter soloist) Beauty and the Beast (Madame D’Arque) OVATIONS Theatre, Aladdin (Iago) Ballet Petite Performing Arts, and Cinderella (The Herald) in Ballet Petite Performing Arts. Sadie also studies voice with Stan Dunn. Danny Seligman (Ernst), a Junior at Winston Churchill High School is ecstatic to be a part of the incredible cast of this show! Past performances include Hanschen in Spring Awakening (OVATIONS Theatre) Warner in Legally Blonde (Winston Churchill High school) Lord Pinkleton in Cinderella (Winston Churchill High School). Additionally, Danny has taken part in several shows at Young Artists of America and enjoys writing and composing for the stage. He would like to thank his incredible voice teacher Lisa Carrier Baker, his supportive Dad and Pug, and Darnell, Theresa, Mia Ehrlich and the entire OVATIONS team for a great show! Cecilia Tello (Soprano Soloist), a 6th grader at Thomas Pyle Middle School, is so excited to participate in OVATIONS Senior Company’s production of Cabaret! Past performances include: Ms. Phelps in Matilda (OVATIONS), Carter in How to Escape the Sky (Imagination Stage Speak out on Stage Conservatory), Charli in The Pencil is Mightier (Imagination Stage Speak out on Stage Conservatory), Manal in Aladdin (Imagination Stage), Maleficent inSleeping Beauty (Adventure Theatre), Mayor in RATS! (Imagination Stage), Captain Smollet in Treasure Island (Imagination Stage), Ensemble for Mary Poppins (Imagination Stage), Queen in Cinderella (Adventure Theatre). Cecilia is a member of the STANDING_O Performance Ensemble with OVATIONS and the Roundling Improv Troupe with Roundhouse Theatre. She takes voice lessons with Gori Voice Studio and dance (including jazz, hip hop, tap, modern and ballet) at Joy of Motion. She would like to thank Darnell for his fabulous direction and everybody who made this musical possible. Enjoy the show! Raina Weinberg (Sally Bowles) is a sophomore at Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS). She is beyond thrilled to take on this iconic role. Other credits include Thea in Spring Awakening, Mazeppa in Gypsy, Velma in Hairspray, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Mayzie in Seussical (OVATIONS). She has also portrayed Polly in The Boyfriend (SSFS), as well as Donna in Mamma Mia, and Rizzo in Grease (Fernwood Stage). Raina is an expert archer, filmmaker, and plays the banjo. “Shout out to Darnell and our unbelievable Cabaret production team and casts, and thank you so much to my voice teachers, Jeff and Jouli Webb! XOXO” Jordyn Zamoiski (Kit Kat Ensemble), an 8th grader at Julius West Middle School is thrilled to be part of this musical. Her past performances include: Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda (OVATIONS), Ensemble in Little Shop of Horrors (OVATIONS Theatre), Gavroche in Les Misérables (OVATIONS Theatre), Grandma in The Addams Family (OVATIONS Theatre), Prudy in Hairspray Jr. (OVATIONS Theatre), Babette in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (OVATIONS Theatre), Cat in the Hat in Seussical Jr. (OVATIONS Theatre), Fawn Fairy/Antina Mermaid in Peter Pan Jr. (Bravo Productions), Frau Schmidt in Sound of Music Jr. (Bravo Productions), and ensemble roles in Cinderella Jr., Annie Jr. (Bravo Productions) and in Mary Poppins (Wootton High School). “Many thanks to my family and friends for all of your love and support!!”
Kendyl, we love watching you perform. We are so proud of you! Break legs! Love, Mom and Dad
So proud of you Max and we love watching you evolve as an actor, dancer, and singer. Keep brining your light and passion to everything you do! mom, dad, mark, chica & freedom Dear Kassidy, Keep smiling, keep shining, keep aiming for your dreams and your goals will be achieved. You are truly amazing! Love, Mom, Dad, Kyle, Kristen & G’ma Kathy Mikayla – We are so proud of you! Keep shining up there! We love you! Xo – Mom, Dad, Simon Jack, you have been preparing to be the Emcee for years now! Break a leg! Love, Mom, Dad, Sam, and Franklin Congratulations, Raina! You are a perfectly marvelous Sally Bowles. We love you and are so proud! Break legs to the entire cast, crew and production team of this important and timely show. XO, The Weinbergs Jordyn- You’re Our Shining Star! Jordyn- Your Dreams Will You’re Our Shining Star! Your Dreams Will Take You Very Take You Very Far! Far! We Love You! xoxoxo We Love You! Mommy, Daddy, & Jake xoxoxo Mommy, Daddy, & Jake Jordan, Congratulations Liam and the cast and crew All the odds are in your favor. of Cabaret! We can’t wait to see what life has in store for you. We are so proud of you! Love your biggest fans, Love, Mom, Dad, Cameron, Mom, Dad and Madeline and Spencer ANNIVE ANNIVE H RS H RS T A T A IF R IF R F F Y Y S S S S N N E E O A O A I I S S T T O O A A V N V N O O 2 2 9 9 0 1 0 1 51 4 2 0 51 4 2 0 ANNIVE ANNIVE H RS H RS T A T A IF R IF R F F Y Y S S S S N N E E O A O A I I S S T T O O A A V N V N O O 2 2 9 9 0 1 0 1 1 4 2 0 1 4 2 0 N 5 AN IVE H RS T A IF F R Y S S N E O A I S ENGAGE, T O A V N O 2 9 0 1 INSPIRE, AND 1 4 2 0 EMPOWER 2019-2020 Season Spring Awakening SENIOR COMPANY December 6, 7 & 8, 2019 Matilda JUNIOR COMPANY January 17, 18 & 19, 2020 Cabaret (1998 Revival Version) SENIOR COMPANY March 6, 7 & 8, 2020 Frozen Jr JUNIOR COMPANY April 24, 25 & 26, 2020 Into The Woods Jr STANDING_O May 16, 2020 Ragtime SENIOR COMPANY June 12, 13 & 14, 2020 OVATIONS THEATRE offers inspiring and thought-provoking educational and performance opportunities for young musical theatre artists. Our learning environment supports creativity and open-mindedness, dedication and focus, individual expression, and ensemble teamwork. Along with singing, dancing, and acting, our young people build confidence, problem-solving skills, and strong friendships. They gain the fundamentals they need to blossom on-stage and off as they work together to create memorable—and magical—experiences for themselves and their audiences. OUR MISSION ovationstheatre.com