SPONSORING CHURCH PARTNER

United Church of Christ Congregational

220 West 7 th St., Plainfield, NJ 07060 908-755-8658 www.uccplainfield.org [email protected] Congratulations to our sister

Our vision : “Offering sanctuary to all in the storms of life.” Sophie and the Cast of !

Sunday Morning: You have and always will be a Adult Education 9:30 a.m. Themes of Spirituality, Art, Bible and Contemporary Issues star in our eyes!

Worship Celebration & Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Our excellent music includes a gospel choir, congregational choir, jazz and guest artists—all under the skilled tutelage of Fred Fischer.

Diverse We are an Open and Affirming multicultural church with a long history of Love, diversity. We celebrate African American History Month, Puerto Rican Pride, Gay Pride and Hispanic American Heritage months. Ryan and Mary

Inclusive All who seek a church home are warmly invited to our fellowship and communion table, regardless of age, creed, cultural or ethnic background, mental or physical ability, gender expression or marital status.

Progressive Our church has stood up for justice and social change in many areas, including the closing of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, health care, community violence, and the rights of children.

Samples of Programs : Time for Children in worship Healing services Community Vacation Bible School After school tutoring Summer Camp Discovery Starfish Food Bank Support Trick or Suites—Halloween for disabled children And of course, Rainbow Experience

Church Staff: Rev. James Colvin, Pastor Rev. Sarah Colvin, Pastoral Associate Fred Fischer, Minister of Music Marian Olson, Director of Christian Education Rainbow Experience and the United Church of Christ – Congregational, Plainfield present

BYE BYE BIRDIE

Book by Michael Stewart Music by Lyrics by Originally Produced on Broadway by Edward Padula

with

Trina Bell Kristin Contrino Colleen Faede Molly Frieri Taraka Gilbert Sophie Giuliani Kelvin Gomez Randy James Hunter Erica Jackson Genese Rami-Jackson Khalila Matsumoto Leslie Merced Karina Muñoz Kristina Perez Ira Perlman Adam Patrick Reed Lou Ricco Danielle Elyse Romano K’Shawn Scott Shadai Smith Jonathan Velez Brianna Whitfield Destiny Williams Lina Zikas

Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Jeff Olson Dan Schulz Matthew Reifsteck

Choreography by Danielle, BJ Solomon Congratulations Reach for the Musical Direction by to all involved with Melissa Abbate moon, even if you Directed by miss, you will fall Scott M. Goldman among stars! Produced by special arrangement with Tams Whitmark Music Library, Inc.

Love, Funding for this production made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the

Women’s Fellowship of Mom, Dad, Jenna Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts through a grant administered by the Union County Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and the

Congregation of the United Church of Christ – Congregational of Plainfield, NJ UCCUCCUCC and Gram

CAST (in order of appearance)

Albert Peterson...... Adam Patrick Reed Rosie Alvarez...... Molly Frieri Helen ...... Lina Zikas Nancy ...... Brianna Whitfield Alice...... Sophie Giuliani Margie...... Leslie Merced Harvey Johnson...... K’Shawn Scott Penelope...... Shadai Smith Ursula Merkle...... Danielle E. Romano Kim MacAfee...... Kristin Contrino Mrs. MacAfee...... Erica Jackson Mr. MacAfee...... Lou Ricco Mae Peterson...... Karina Muñoz Conrad Birdie...... Kelvin Gomez Hugo Peabody………………………………………… Jonathan Velez Deborah Sue...... Lina Zikas First Reporter...... Taraka Gilbert Second Reporter...... Trina Bell Mayor...... Ira Perlman Mrs. Johnson...... Trina Bell Mrs. Merkle...... Taraka Gilbert Randolph MacAfee...... Randy James Hunter Gloria Rasputin...... Kristina Perez Sierra Hunter (11/5) Maude...... Ira Perlman

Teen Chorus Colleen Faede, Sophie Giuliani, Genese Rami-Jackson, Khalila Matsumoto, Leslie Merced, Shadai Smith, Brianna Whitfield, Destiny Williams, Lina Zikas

TIME AND PLACE New York and Sweet Apple, OH; 1958

ORCHESTRA Keyboard/Conductor Melissa Abbate Reed 1 Giuseppe Fusco Reed 2 Ansy Francois Guitar Kristian Motti Percussion Rodney Azagra

SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT ONE

Scene One: Office of AlMaeLou Music, New York An English Teacher Rosie

Scene Two: Sweet Apple, OH The Telephone Hour Teen Chorus

Scene Three: MacAfee Home, Sweet Apple How Lovely to Be a Woman Kim

Scene Four: Penn Station, New York Put on a Happy Face Albert, Deborah Sue, Alice, Margie A Healthy, Normal, American Boy Albert, Rosie, Reporters, Teens

Scene Five: Railroad Station, Sweet Apple One Boy Kim, Deborah Sue, Alice, Hugo Lets Settle Down Rosie

Scene Six: The Steps of City Hall Honestly Sincere Conrad and Ensemble

Scene Seven: MacAfee Home Hymn For a Sunday Evening Mr & Mrs. MacAfee, Kim, Randolph

Scene Eight: The Central Movie Theatre

Scene Nine The Central Movie Theatre One Last Kiss Conrad, Teen Chorus

There will be one fifteen minute intermission

As a courtesy to the cast and those around you, please silence all cellphones, watches, and electronic devices.

For your safety please keep the aisles clear as they are used during the production.

The use of flash photography, video, or audio recording devices is strictly prohibited by copyright law.

SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT TWO

Scene One: Kim’s Bedroom, The MacAfee Home

What Did I Ever See In Him? Kim and Rosie

Scene Two: The MacAfee Home

What Did I Ever See in Him Rosie

(Reprise)

Scene Three: The Streets of Sweet Apple

A Lot of Livin’ To Do Conrad, Kim, Ensemble

Kids Mr. & Mrs. MacAfee

Scene Four: Maude’s Roadside Retreat

Spanish Rose Rosie

Baby, Talk to Me Albert

Scene Five: Outside Maude’s Roadside Retreat

A Mother Doesn’t Matter Anymore Mae

Kids (Reprise) Mr. & Mrs. MacAfee, Randolph,

Adults

Scene Six: The Ice House

Scene Seven: Railroad Station, Sweet Apple

Rosie Rosie & Albert

ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR BYE BYE BIRDIE

Producers Scott Goldman and Ruth Sykes Stage Management Ruth Sykes Sound Operator Jonathan Rubin Production Assistants Jeff Wassen, Nasean Barlow Whitfield, Marcell Whitfield Advertising Chairperson Jessica Beltz-Mohrmann Program Layout Scott Goldman Graphic Design Sara Axelrod Bookkeeper Nellie Jung

RAINBOW EXPERIENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rev. Jim Colvin Marie Ann Perez Nellie Jung Ruth Sykes Jessical Beltz-Mohrmann Jeff Wassen

DONATIONS

Rainbow Experience is grateful to the following patrons for their generous support of our program:

Cherry Communications

Italian Village

Anne Johnson Endy and Michael Berke Endy

The Gilbert Family

Kelvin Gomez

Douglas and Joyce Reed

The Summit Animal League (and surrounding areas) P.O. Box 1446 Summit, NJ 07902-8446

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Trina Bell (Mrs. Johnson / vocal music in Teaneck. All my Reporter) studied at Eastman love to Adam, Scottt, & BJ for School of Music . She has keeping me as part of their theatre appeared in theater productions quartet. such as To Kill A Mockingbird (Calpurnia understudy), Taraka Gilbert (Mrs.Merkle / Dreamgirls, Sorry Wrong Number , Reporter) is a Plainfield resident Joseph and the Amazing who appeared in MPower’s The Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Wiz and Blues Under an Alabama Colored Museum . Sky which was presented by Dreamhouse Productions. She Kristin Contrino (Kim MacAfee) wants to thank the entire Rainbow has been involved in theater for 16 Experience cast and crew for this years. Recent credits include, The opportunity and to her family for Wedding Singer (Holly), Les their constant support. Miserables (Eponine), Seussical (Mayzie) and A Tale of Two Cities Sophie Giuliani (Alice) is delighted (ensemble) which was in London to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie and aired on PBS. Kristin is also on cast. This is her first musical and semi-pro dance teams and a she intends to do her best. She choreographer. Thanks to goes to Park Middle School in everyone for all the hard work. Scotch Plains and tries her hardest there as well. She’s danced at Colleen Faede (Ensemble) returns American Dance Studio for one to Rainbow for the 2 nd year and has year. She’s also been at the had a great experience. In addition Michelle Pawk Actors Camp. She to Leader of the Pack , she has hopes you enjoy the show. been dancing for six years. Thanks to all my family and friends for all Kelvin Gomez (Conrad Birdie) has the support. We have a great cast had an amazing journey performing and crew. with Rainbow Experience for the first time. Coming off of a national Molly Frieri (Rosie) is very excited rd tour with his ex-music group, to be in her 3 Rainbow show "D'Votion,” he feels right at home having appeared in Godspell picking up where he left off. Recent (Judas), and Leader of the Pack credits: The Producers (Max rd (Ellie Greenwich). This is her 3 Bialystock); Peter Pan (John); show playing opposite Adam after Beauty and the Beast (Beast/ recently being his Rosemary in Adam). He thanks Rainbow How to Succeed … Other credits Experience for the warm welcome include Rent, Smokey Joes Café, and also all family and friends who Cabaret and many others. Molly is have supported him throughout his a resident of Cranford and spends endeavors. her days teaching middle school LOVE LINES CAST BIOGRAPHIES

RJ - Do a great Job! -Dad RJ - Be the star you really are - Randy James Hunter ( Randolph) She wishes to thank her family for Mrs. Mack R.J. is excited to be performing with their continued support and Taraka - Good Luck! P.J. Rainbow for the first time. He has encouragement. Gilbert RJ - Be the best that you can be wanted to perform with Rainbow - Mr. Jackson since he saw his sister in the Khalila Matsumoto (Ensemble) Good Luck RJ and May God Rainbow Production of lives in Plainfield and is 13 years continue to Bless and keep you RJ - Have fun and “Break a leg” Cinderella . He was most recently old. An 8 th grade student at - Mr. G - Mrs. Bouffidis seen in Aida (ensemble). He is Maxson Middle School, she enjoys also excited to be working with singing and dancing. This is her RJ - Have fun - Love, Emma RJ - Good luck R. K.! Keep up director Scott Goldman. He thanks first time with Rainbow Experience the good work - Slo Nelson his family for all their love and and she has enjoyed herself. RJ - Best of Luck RJ., Do your support. thang! - Coach Wheeler RJ - Have fun - Love, Emma Leslie Merced (Ensemble) is a Erica Jackson (Mrs. MacAfee) dancing bumblebee that comes RJ - Do your thang aint nothin RJ - Good luck My friend - Jah This is Erica’s 1 st Rainbow from Plainfield. She has been but a chix wang – Eddie Jah Yute Experience as she is new to NJ. A dancing for ten years and is very NY native who has been a overwhelmed by the welcome of Good luck RJ - Ian, Gary, & Good Luck RJ – Eric Chan performing artist since the age of 7, the Bye Bye Birdie cast, and Stella Erica is the proud mother of Rainbow Experience. She is Genese Ramie-Jackson. She is a twelve years old and is ready to graduate of Barbizon and NPTI and continue her dreams in the now owns her own personal Performing arts. training business and belongs to a professional Christian based dance Karina Munoz (Mae Peterson) is company. Miss East Coast USA, excited to be working on her 3rd Miss Hawaiian Tropics NY, & Miss production with Rainbow. She National America are just a few of played Annie Golden last year in the titles Erica has held as a former LOTP and Cat in the Hat in beauty pageant queen. Erica loves Seussical ('07). Other favorite children, poetry, music and the roles: Chorus Leader ( Trojan arts. She wishes to thank Women ), Princess #12 ( OUAM ), everyone for their continued Josephine Strong ( Urinetown ), and support and encouragement. a lead role in Ten Percent Revue . Many thanks to Family, Friends, Genese Ramie-Jackson (Teen Cast, Crew, and my "One Boy"! To Chorus) is a native of NY, new to Scott, who I have worked with over NJ. She has been a dancer since the last 12yrs - Thank you for the tender age of 4. At 12 yrs old always giving me the chance to she now attends middle school and take a step into the spotlight. is also a member of the Girl Scouts of NJ. This is Genese’s first Kristina Perez (Gloria Rasputin) is Rainbow experience but she has 17 yrs. old and Captain of the WHS performed in many dance and Cheerleaders who is thrilled to figure skating shows since age 5. perform in her 6 th production with CAST BIOGRAPHIES LOVE LINES

Rainbow. Kristy’s trained under Lou Ricco (Mr. MacAfee) is no Genese and Erica - Have a great show Colleen, Don Lawrence of NYC, is currently stranger to the musical theater Congratulations and good luck I love you - Aunt Patty being mentored by Brenda K. Starr stage or Rainbow Experience. His to my 2 special ladies, I’m so and records with Sebastian last performance for Rainbow was proud of you. Love “Pony” Good luck RJ - Coach Fellldhun Richards of Philadelphia. Kristy is a in 2007 as Mr. Mayor in Seussical. 2-time National High School Teen Other credits include Plays-In-The- RJ - Break a leg - Mr. Williams Colleen, my best friend in the Idol finalist, a lead singer for the Park's Grease (Roger), Kean whole wide world good luck and RockNRoll Chorus and performed University's Me And My Girl Genese and Erica - break a leg looove, Meagan at the Apollo Theater in NYC. She (Hethersett), and The Fantasticks Congratulations to both my girls. thanks Alex, Scott, Annie & John, (Bellomy). Straight plays include Break a leg! Love You, Mama RJ - Best wishes for a great Mom, Jeff, Miss Ruth, and her Kean University's Tartuffe (Tartuffe) play N. Smith RNRC family for always supporting and Isn't It Romantic (Simon Good luck RJ! Break a leg! her. Blumberg). Lou was recently Miss Allen Keep singing and dancing involved in an independent film, Colleen - Love you, Dad Ira Perlman (Mayor/Maude) is Splash (Lars), which gained him Taraka - Good luck - I love you pleased to be part of this recognition on IMDb.com as a baby! :) Aunt June RJ - Best of Luck and have a production on stage, instead of his screen performer. Also, billed on great time! Mr. Woodard usual spot in the audience or Playbill.com, Lou performed in an RJ - May God bless you! Mr. volunteering. He has been on off-Broadway reading of Make Just Robinson Love you Colleen! Enjoy the stage in the past playing Father One Person Happy. He's been show - Mom Christmas in Summit Playhouse's performing for 15 years and To my two angels, Genese and Narnia . Ira would like to thank his continues to thanks to the support Erica. I Love you with all my RJ - Have fun !! - Mr. May nephew, Scott, for the opportunity of his friends and family, especially hear. Love, Titi Lisa to perform with such a talented cast his wife Marilyn, and his two Genese, you’re talented and and crew. Ira would also like to BEAUTIFUL boys, Mark and Lucas. Good luck Mr. Hunter! Break a beautiful and you make especially thank his wife, Aimee, And now...on with the show <3 leg! everyone proud. Love Mrs. G. for all of her support and encouragement. Danielle Elyse Romano (Ursula Colleen- You are a riot! Fun to RJ - Best of Luck Super Star - Merkle) After a four year hiatus be around and great sense of Ms. Young from theatre, Danielle is excited to humor. - Tree Adam Patrick Reed (Albert be making her return in Rainbow’s Erica , I pray this is a start of a Peterson) This is Adam’s second production of Bye Bye Birdie . Colleen , Break a Leg! Love you prosperous career for you. Love production Rainbow. He is thrilled Danielle has performed extensively lots - Kayla and God Bless! – Wenona to be playing opposite Molly again. throughout Hudson and Bergen Adam recently starred as J. Counties in such roles as Sr. Mary Good luck and have fun RJ! Do your thing RJ -Ms. Noble Pierrepont Finch in How to Amnesia ( Nunsense ), Sr. Robert Love, Mom & Dad Succeed in Business Without Anne (Nuncrackers ), and Sheila Taraka - Have fun on stage!! - Really Trying . Some of Adam’s Kelly ( Annie Warbucks ). Danielle Aleia favorite roles are Nathan in Guys RJ - You’re the best! - Mrs. Bedi also fronts Alternative Rock Band, and Dolls , Will Parker in Oklahoma, Five Cards Under. Special thanks Cornelius in Hello, Dolly! , and Jeff Break a leg Coll, sparkle and Dear Colleen, have a great time to her family for their unending shine - Emily on stage and be your awesome Barry in Leader of the Pack . support, especially her “One Boy”, Thanks to Molly, BJ, Scott for self! Break a leg – Love, Mandy Phillip for continuous inspiration. RJ - Best of luck - hop you have making the past 6 months exciting. We made it! a blast! - Ms. Hanchate LOVE LINES CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Shadai – Have a good show up the good work! Love Karina K'Shawn Scott (Harvey Johnson) Brianna Whitfield (Nancy) is very is from Piscataway and has been happy to be a cast member of Bye Great Job Destiny, I wish you Destiny - I am so proud of the acting and singing since 11. He Bye Birdie and returns to Rainbow rd year. She has been many more! Love, Uncle Desi wonder young lady you are graduated from Piscataway High for the 3 doing theatre since she was nine growing into, continue to follow School and appeared in Joseph..., and every show has been fun. RJ - Smartest, sweetest little your dreams. Love, Mom Robin Hood, Anything Goes and duded ever! you’re going to do Aida . He is also very active in Destiny Williams (Ensemble) great things! - Tree Lou, Erica, and Taraka - church. This is his first time doing is a 7th grade student at St. thanks for making rehearsal one a show with Rainbow. Bartholomew Academy and has Destiny - Your kind of star will to remember. You guys are just been dancing and performing since always be shining star. Love, down to earth and cool people. Shadai Smith (Penelope) is a the age of three with The American Aunty Caron Also Taraka it seems like I have resident of Plainfield and sings in Dance Studio. In addition, she has always known you. - Tree choir and dances in a praise team. performed at Walt Disney World, Yet another show together, Lou! She goes to Woodland School and Six Flags Great Adventure, and a Always a laugh and fun rides Adam - I don’t care if you’re an is ten years old. host of other events. Destiny together. Break a Leg! -Karina English teacher, a window currently holds the title of washer, or a leader of the pack - Jonathan Velez (Hugo Peabody) 2010/2011 Little Miss Union County Sophie - We wish you luck on I LOVE YOU! Love, Molly has been dancing and acting for Pre-Teen. She is thrilled to be your first show. We’re so proud three years now. He just recently working with the Rainbow of you! - Mom and Dad RJ - Good Luck - Kaz Beverly graduated from the Summer Experience. Internship Program at Broadway

Karina - This is my 2nd show Do your thang Colleenie, Dance Center in New York City. Lina Zikas (Deborah Sue / Helen) that I’m seeing you in and I because you do it great! Ilya lot Rainbow Experience is his first is thrilled to be in the cast of Bye couldn’t be more proud. Keep – Kristen community theater show. Recent Bye Birdie with Rainbow up the good work. Break a Leg!! credits include: Roger DeBris in Experience. Her previews J ♡ K Adam, Molly, Karina,& Lou – The Producers , Smee in Peter Pan , productions include Urinetown and Thanks for taking another ride and Lefou in Beauty and the Beast . Oliver . She has directed children’s Sophie - You’re the best little on the crazy train! – Scott Thanks to all the family and friends productions of Annie Jr. and sister we’ve had - Mary and for the constant love and support! Joseph… She goes to Park Middle Ryan Congrats Karina on making the School and is excited to continue show! I know you’ll do great as her musical theatre career. Danielle - BREAK A LEG!! Your always! Show ‘em what you got! Co-Star and Co-Worker, Karina Oh, and I guess I love you too? – Becca Sophie - I’m so proud of you! - Grandma To my husband Jonathan, thanks for your love and support Molly - Rosemary or Rosie – Tree there will always be wonderful music in the sound of your Good luck RJ. Love Emma-Aria! name – Adam Taraka - Let the church say Adam, Molly, RJ, Scott, Miss Amen - Rev A. Branch Ruth - Always a pleasure! Keep ARTISTIC STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

Melissa Abbate (Musical Director) Rainbow for the second time. Other A Thank You to the Rainbow Board is excited for her first show with Directing/Choreography credits Rainbow. She is a graduate of include: How to Succeed…, Leader In the winter of 1998, Rev. Jim Colvin from the United Church of NYU, and is currently the vocal of the Pack, Seussical, West Side Christ in Plainfield, and Rev. Pam Gilchrist from the First music director at Union High Story, Aida, Cats , and The Full congregational Church UCC in Westfield together conceived the School. She has been Assistant Monty . As a performer some credits concept of forming a theater group that would encompass both Musical Director for Papermill include: Annie, Show Boat, Miss communities and the surrounding area. After forming a board from Rising Star Award winning shows Saigon, Big River, and Cats . Big both churches, the Rainbow Experience was born. like Joseph..., The Wiz , and 42nd thanks to D, my everything. St ., and is the director of UHS's We achieved our mission by bringing together a diverse group of nationally recognized and award Ruth Sykes (Producer) Once individuals (age, race, culture, ability, etc.) through the vehicle of winning Swing Choir. Good luck to again Ruth is thrilled to this year to theater. Members of our communities and our partner the cast and crew, and help produce such a wonderful congregations created theater and choral works that were enriched congratulations on a great show! show for Rainbow Experience! In by the cultural diversity of the participants. previous years, Ruth has stage Scott Goldman (Director / managed and or produced most of Producer) returns to Rainbow for the Rainbow productions. One Rainbow Experience believes that the performing arts are also a the fifth consecutive year having thing never changes-she is always vehicle for bringing the cultures together in a deep meaningful previously directed Cinderella, excited about the professional understanding of our common humanity. Seussical, Godspell . and Leader of abilities of each of the directors and the Pack! He is the Executive the remarkable achievement of the In the succeeding years, the Rainbow Experience has continued to Assistant to the Artistic Director at cast Ruth has stage managed/co- create cultural bridges that ended at a common goal-to be able to George Street Playhouse and the produced everything from drama, perform, learn, and produce wonderful productions, One thing Producing Artistic Director of Stage musical productions, and opera for unique about The Rainbow Experience-all who audition are in our Presence, a theatre company the past thirteen years and feels shows! Our participants, including directors, musical directors and based in Maplewood which he that every new production is choreographer, through hard work, dedication, and love, have founded in 2001. Other credits always a new experience! produced fourteen amazing productions. It is important to note that include: How to Succeed in Everyone involved with Bye Bye lifelong friendships formed in many cases amongst the Business…, Bare, Smokey Joes Birdie has worked very hard to participants. Many have made performance their career goal and Café, How to Eat Like a Child, Bat bring you a great show and she have stated their first experiences at Rainbow as the impetus. Boy, and You’re a Good Man, thanks you for your support of Charlie Brown . Scott is the Rainbow and its mission. Ruth is Here, we would like to thank past and present performers, Executive Assistant at George an active member of The United directors, as well as past and present board members for their Street Playhouse, and a graduate Church of Christ in Plainfield and fortitude, love of community, and the presence of mind to always of Ithaca College with a Master’s of as a retired Microbiologist, now see the long view! Science in Communications and spends her days taking on Bachelor Degrees in Drama and environmental concerns. This Rainbow Experience Board members - Past and Present: Speech Communication. Many year, she would like to give a thanks to Board and Ruth for your special shout out to this fabulous support of another journey. Enjoy cast and their directors! They have Rev. Jim Colvin, Rev. Pam Gilchrist, Rev.Joy Mounts, Jessica the show! been spirited, diligent and devoted. Beltz, Sharon Warnock, Jean Dembaugh, Gabrielle DeTora, Karen You can't ask for more than Federico, Heather McNall Lang, David Lang, Phyllis Beach, Larry BJ Solomon (Choreographer) BJ that! Enjoy the show! Beach, Jeff Wassen, Nellie Jung, Jeff Olson, Marie Ann Perez, is very happy to be working with Tammy Westbook, and Ruth Sykes