Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar

LoomisChaffee
Department of Theater & Dance
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs
Original Dances by Agnes de Mille
Director—David McCamish
Music Director—Susan Barone Chrzanowski
Choreographer—Kate Loughlin
Production Manager—Candice Chirgotis
Oklahoma! is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals: www.r&h.com
• Cover illustration & design by Patricia Cousins
• Playbill production & design by Rachel M. Engelke
• Set design sketches by Karen Sparks Mellon
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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 two guns fired onstage in Act I, and one gun fired onstage during Act II.**
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 just over 2 hours, plus one ten-minute intermission.
Gratitudes
• The Art Department, and most particularly Mark Zunino, for allowing our sound designer to nest in
the Visiting Artist’s studio apartment. Again. And again.
• All of the vocal coaches and instrumental teachers in the Music Department for nurturing the talents of the
student singers and musicians performing for you.
• Chris Beckford and the Housekeeping staff for taking such good care of our NEO.
• Mrs. Julia Knight, Joanna Harvey, and Marie Tanuis: Our vendors and our over-hires much appreciate
your efforts.
• Physical Plant Director Greg Walters for marshaling his energies with the Windsor Fire Marshal, and for
his sage advice and counsel regarding the theatrical firearms.
• Robert Hansen, Dan Foley, Abe Passardi, Tom Denno, and others from the Physical Plant who labor beside
us in the NEO making theater magic.
• IT, Dan Corjulo and Keller Glass for making all of our communications systems work.
• Anna Vdovenko for her amazing photography, for organizing so many parents to provide the tech rehearsal
snacks and the celebratory feast after Strike, and for her overwhelming support and generosity toward our
department.
• To all the many families (too numerous to name!) who donated delicious and nutritious food to sustain our
company through long rehearsals.
• Michaela Scanlon and Windswept Farm for loaning us a saddle. Watch for it in the show!
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Director's Note
Thank you for joining our theatrical community this evening and sharing a musical
experience. For many of you, this won’t be the first time you have seen this iconic musical
brought to life. Others may be experiencing it for the first time. But all of us, over the next
few days, will find ourselves humming a favorite phrase or smiling over a remembered line—
Musicals tend to do that, especially a musical like OKLAHOMA! that originally ran for an
unprecedented 2,200+ performances.
I first remember being a part of an OKLAHOMA! production in the summer of 1983. Memories
abound, from bringing a group of unknown youthful actors together to creating the unique
universe of the show. I am now full of new memories—same show,
but with a new group of actors who have brought a unique
telling of the story. OKLAHOMA! is one of the first true “American
Musicals,” where the songs and dance constantly
move the story forward. A show that, at its heart, is
about finding a place to call home, finding a place
to be part of a community, through good times and
bad. Theatre has the keen ability to create an
instant community based on a shared experience—
one that, on the surface, is ephemeral, lasting only
through the short run of the show. Underneath,
however, is the lasting memory of seeing friends,
students, daughters, and sons collaboratively sharing their
hard work and enthusiasm of an American Classic with you,
the audience. The Loomis Chaffee School’s theme this year is memory. I hope you will take away a few good
ones from our winter musical OKLAHOMA! Thank you for coming to the theater. David McCamish, Director
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The Cast
Nate Blumenthal ’17
Damon D’Amico ’16
Celine Erkey ’15
Anna Essick ’18
Miguel Esteban ’15
Josie Gautier ’16
Sarah Gyurina ’18
Joe Hinton ’16
Macon Jeffreys ’18
Ben Kallus ’17
Preethi Kannan ’17
John Kim ’15
Maggie Kudlinski ’16
Tony Lee ’15
Tatiana Lovera ’16
Ethan Lowell ’17
Derek Martinez ’16
Kirsten Mossberg ’16
Brendan Nelson ’17
Cameron Purdy ’18
Mollie Richter ’15
Laura Scanlon ’15
Sydney Steward ’17
Olivia Thompson ’18
Andrey Vdovenko ’16
Noah Yoon ’18
Sam Zikos ’17
SLIM, cowboy
JUD FRY
ELLEN, rancher
farmer
FRED, cowboy
VIRGINIA, rancher
LAUREY WILLIAMS
CORD ELAM, cowboy
EUGENE, farmer
JOE, farmer
AGGIE, rancher
ANDREW “PA” CARNES
ADO ANNIE
IKE SKIDMORE, cowboy
KATE, farmer
cowboy
ALI HAKIM
AUNT ELLER
WILL PARKER
rancher
farmer
rancher
VIVIAN, rancher
farmer
CURLY McLAIN
farmer
GERTIE CUMMINGS
Music Captain: Miguel Esteban ’15
Dance Captains: Tatiana Lovera ’16, Laura Scanlon ’15, Sam Zikos ’17
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The Production Team
Lisa Bebey
Tate R. Burmeister
Candice Chirgotis
Susan Barone Chrzanowski
Rachel M. Engelke
Ken Jones
Kate Loughlin
David McCamish
Karen Sparks Mellon
Kyle Olmstead
Sophia Rabb
Kate Saxton
Rachel Sinay
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Production Manager
Musical Director/Pit Conductor
Playbill Editor
Technical Director
Choreographer
Director
Set Designer
Sound Designer
Assistant Director
Assistant Director
Properties Designer & Charge Scenic Artist
For this Production:
Assistant Technical Director: Charley DeMars
Carpenters: Alec Drohan, John Holder, Ian Jones, Sarah Keller, Glenn Korner, Steve Mountzoures
Costume Construction: Lita Adams, Marti Simmons
Scenic Artist: Miranda Casler
The Technical Crew
Jeremy Brezenoff ’16
Cheryl Chen ’15
Victoria Creel ’16
Zane Diamond ’16
Emily Esposito ’16
Dani Hove ’16
Maddie Lapuk ’15
Doyle Lokitiyakul ’15
Max Mossberg ’18
Isabelle Raposo ’15
Ramal Rauf ’17
Charlie Weld ’16
Cherie Yin ’15
Scenery Carpenter, Audio Engineer
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Scenery Carpenter, Lighting Crew
Scenery Carpenter, Audio Engineer
Props Construction, Scenic Painter, Lighting Crew
Scenery Carpenter, Scenic Painter, Lighting Crew
Assistant Stage Manager
Scenery Carpenter, Audio Engineer
Scenery & Props Carpenter, Scenic Painter, Lighting Crew
Scenery & Props Carpenter, Scenic Painter, Lighting Crew
Hair and Makeup Assistant
Assistant Production Manager
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Musical Numbers
Act I
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’
The Surrey with the Fringe on Top
Kansas City
I Cain’t Say No Many a New Day It’s a Scandal! It’s a Outrage!
People Will Say We’re in Love
Pore Jud is Daid
Lonely Room
Out of My Dreams/Ballet
Dream Ballet
Curly
Curly, Laurey, Aunt Eller
Will, Aunt Eller, Ensemble
Laurey, Ado Annie
Laurey and Female Ensemble
Ali Hakim and Ensemble
Curly and Laurey
Curly and Jud
Jud
Laurey and Dream Figures
Full Company
10 Minute Intermission
Act II
The Farmer and the Cowman
All er Nothin’
People Will Say We’re in Love (Reprise)
Oklahoma
Finale
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Aunt Eller, Pa Carnes, Curly, Gertie, Will, Ado Annie, Laurey, Ike, Cord, and Ensemble
Will and Ado Annie, with Ellen and Kate
Curly and Laurey
Curly, Laurey, Aunt Eller, and Company
Company
Orchestra
Nancy Brown (guest)
Susan Barone Chrzanowski
Bob DePalma (guest)
Deborah Feifer ’17
Melanie Guerin (guest)
Joseph Lee ’16
Leroy Loomer (guest)
Faith Miller
Sal Ranniello (guest)
Jim Rickevicius (guest)
Josh Ryu ’18
Una Shea ’16
Rachel Shin ’18
Michael Tobin ’17
Gloria Yi ’17
Trumpet
Conductor
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Trombone
Keyboard
Double Bass
Trombone
Violin
Drums/Percussion
Guitar/Banjo
Cello
Violin
The pit orchestra comprises
Flute
Loomis Chaffee students,
Cello
faculty and lesson
Violin
instructors, as well as guest
professional musicians. Due
to space considerations in
the cozy Orchard Theater,
however, the orchestra
actually sits behind the stage
and actors rather than down
in front of the house, as is
the customary location for a
“pit” orchestra.
The wonderful music you
are hearing this evening
is, indeed, live!
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The Cast
Nate Blumenthal ’17 (Slim) This is Nate’s first year in the
NEO, and he’s thrilled to be making his debut . He is enjoying
the experience greatly and is happy he has made some new
friends. Nate’s rapper name is “Jet Polar” and he is excited
his rap career has taken off in the NEO with the help of Joe
Hinton. Shout-out to $am “Money” Zikos. Thanks mom and
dad for being studs.
Damon D’Amico Jr. ’16 (Jud Fry) Despite looking like he’s
22, Damon is only a junior and this is his fifth NEO show.
He is excited to put this show on for all of you and he’s very
proud of the cast and crew. He is very grateful that you came
to see the show. Be sure to compliment his luxurious beard.
He’d like to thank Anne Teller for having his back and the
little one for encouraging him to follow his dreams.
Celine Erkey ’15 (Ellen) Celine is excited to be on the NEO
stage one last time as Ellen the Rancher. She has been so
grateful to be able to join the NEO family for the past five
shows as a member of the Ensemble. She wishes the best
of luck to “the future of the NEO” and hopes they will find
joy along the way. S/O to Mollie for enduring four years of
auditions with her! She hopes you enjoy the show!
Anna Essick ’18 (Farmer) Anna is excited to make her
musical debut in the NEO! She has a lot of acting experience,
including Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Mulan
in Mulan. She started acting at the age of five when living
overseas, but her mom says she has been acting her entire
life! Anna would like to thank her awesome family at home
and at church! Love you guys.
Miguel Esteban ’15 (Fred) Miguel is excited to be in his
third, but last, NEO musical, with not so humble beginnings as
the dethroned King Sundeep Padamadan and ending as Fred
the Cowboy, with a stint as the mad scientist Dr. Billeaux in
between. He would like to thank his family, friends, advisor
Mr. Chaudhary, & Mr. Neary for always supporting him and
for filling the silent moments during Calculus with his laugh.
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Josie Gautier ’16 (Virginia) This is Josie’s third show in the
NEO, and her second musical. She is delighted to play the
part of Virginia and hopes that everyone will really enjoy the
show. Shout-out to the seniors for being awesome leaders,
and to Celine for being the best mom ever. She thanks her
(real) mom for driving late nights and her dad for traveling
so far to support her.
Sarah Gyurina ’18 (Laurey Williams) Sarah is thrilled
to join the NEO this winter. She adores the cast and crew
10,000,000 x and thanks the NEO family for welcoming her
with so much love. Sarah loves to sing, act, and dance and
you can find her on the stage during the Fall Showcase and
Spring Dance Revue (shout-out to Ms. Kate!) She thanks you
for coming; so sit back, relax, and enjoy the little universe.
Joe Hinton ’16 (Cord Elam) Joe is excited to be in his first
NEO production. He loves the new friends he has made, and
has enjoyed continuing to do theater. Being a sexist, rowdy,
and hungry Federal Marshal and cowboy has been interesting,
and Joe has very much embraced the rugged independence
that comes along with western America. He wants to thank
his supportive family, friends, and the directors.
Macon Jeffreys ’18 (Eugene) Macon is thrilled to be playing
the part of Eugene, the farmer who has an identity crisis and
associates himself with cowboys because he feels lonely. He
hopes you enjoy your trip to Oklahoma, where the wavin’
wheat can sure smell sweet when the wind come right behind
the rain. S/O to Celine for being the best, and to Cherie and
Doyle for being great masseuses.
Ben Kallus ’17 (Joe) Ben is thrilled to portray Joe in his
first NEO production, Oklahoma! He is a new sophomore
from Montgomery, NY, and performed in the chorus of
Crazy for You at his previous school. An avid singer, Ben is a
member of the Chamber Singers and was able to participate
in Regionals. Ben plans to keep musical theater a part of his
life throughout his Loomis career, and beyond.
Preethi Kannan ’17 (Aggie) This is Preethi’s fourth show in
the NEO. Previous productions include The Good Person of
Setzuan, Urinetown, The Musical, and A Midsummers Night’s
Dream. She would like to thank the directors, techies, and
the cast for creating a wonderful piece of theater. Shout-out
to Moleman and Mama Celine for being incredible seniors.
Enjoy the trip to Oklahoma!
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John Kim ’15 (Andrew “Pa” Carnes) Ineffectual. Imperfect.
Incandescent. Thank you for taking the time to move these
scribbles into the metaphysics of your inner reality. Acting
since his sophomore year, Oklahoma! will be his final (major)
production on the NEO stage. It has been an odd and twisting
journey for John, and he hopes his experiences translate to
you on stage (rather like the squiggles on this piece of paper).
Maggie Kudlinski ’16 (Ado Annie) Maggie is excited to
perform in her third musical here at LC! Her previous Loomis
credits include Pilar in Legally Blonde and Little Becky Two
Shoes in Urinetown, The Musical. She wants to thank Sam
Zikos for always going to dinner with her, the directors for
their hard work, and her friends and family for their support
of Maggie’s theater productions throughout the years.
Tony Lee ’15 (Ike Skidmore) Tony is excited to be part of his
first NEO production as Ike Skidmore. Tony used to think he
was too cool for the musical, but has since realized he was so
very wrong. Tony sings in the Chamber Singers and Concert
Choir. He would like to thank the rest of the production cast
and crew for a great term in NEO. Shout-out to Andrey for
being a stud.
Tatiana Lovera ’16 (Kate) Tatiana is thrilled to participate
in her fifth major NEO production! Getting in touch with her
early 20th c. personality through hundreds of whoops and
two steps, she couldn’t be happier being a part of the journey
to Oklahoma! She’d like to thank the directors for always
pushing her past her limits and for allowing her to be a part
of this production. Kirsten: I love youuuuuuuu #nobs2014
Ethan Lowell ’16 (Cowboy) Oklahoma! is Ethan’s second
show in the NEO; his first was last winter’s Urinetown, The
Musical. When not singing songs or attempting to dance, he
enjoys running cross country and track, although he definitely
also enjoys taking a break from exercise in the winter term
(although, truth be told, the theater takes as much time and
athletic energy as a varsity sport)!
Derek Martinez ’16 (Ali Hakim) Back on the boards once
again as a passionate lover, Derek Martinez revels in traveling
through Oklahoma! with his fellow actors. When not diving
into his life as a traveling salesman on stage, Martinez lives
as a dumpling connoisseur, performs random acts of chivalry,
fights the monsters under the beds of children, and travels to
worlds beyond the stars (in his fully electric Nissan® Leaf).
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Kirsten Mossberg ’16 (Aunt Eller) Lands! This has been
Kirsten’s most demanding role yet. She’s had to learn how
to churn butter, string beans, spin guns, and walk like she’s
carrying a turkey between her legs. She’d like to thank the
cast, crew, and directors for making the show a million times
better than what she expected. Also, don’t worry, Fry, I got
your back. Love you, lummies <3, except for maybe Noah.
Brendan Nelson ’17 (Will Parker) A new sophomore from
Avon, Brendan The Nelson debuted in A Midsummer Night’s
Dream as Egeus & Raven. At Avon Old Farms, he wielded
a sword as Macduff in Macbeth. It all started at age nine
in Alice in Wonderland with the CT Family Theatre. When
not roping, he enjoys playing rock guitar & jazz trombone,
studying Viking history and whistling while he works.
Cameron Purdy ’18 (Rancher) Cameron is very excited
for her first show in the NEO. After growing up watching
NEO performances, she was ecstatic when she was chosen to
join Oklahoma! She has been acting for a few years and has
been singing for a majority of her life with the CT Children’s
Choir. She loves the environment that the NEO provides, and
the cast has grown into a family for her over these months.
Mollie Richter ’15 (Farmer) It is with a heavy heart that
Mollie writes her fifth, and final, bio for the NEO Theater.
She would like to thank the directors for being super amazing
and for putting up with all of her shenanigans. Special shoutouts to Cherie for living across the hall and being awesome,
and to Celine (and sometimes John) for being her partners in
crime these past few years. Love You Guys!!!
Laura Scanlon ’15 (Rancher) Laura is excited to participate
in her second NEO musical. She performed in Urinetown,
The Musical last winter and had a lot of fun. Laura also
enjoys performing in the Fall Showcase and the Spring Dance
Revue. Laura also loves dancing in Company II and at her
home studio. She wants to thank her friends and family who
have supported and encouraged her in all of her endeavors.
Sydney Steward ’17 (Vivian) After writing her own One-Act
play, “Drops of Madness,” last year, Sydney couldn’t resist
more involvement with the NEO. Performing in her very
first musical has been a humbling, unforgettable experience.
Sydney loves the community she has been welcomed into
and wants to thank her fellow cast members, directors, family
and friends for pushing her forward. Enjoy the show!
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Olivia Thompson ’18 (Farmer) Oklahoma! is Olivia’s
second show at the NEO, after appearing in A Midsummer
Night’s Dream in the fall. She would like to thank all of her
friends who have come to see the show. Olivia would also
like to thank her family for all of their support. Lastly, she
would like to thank the cast and crew, a great group of people
who always brighten up her day! Fairy walk!
Andrey Vdovenko ’16 (Curly McLain) Andrey is happy
to be in his fourth NEO production. Recent credits include
Nick Bottom/Pyramus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and
Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown, The Musical. He’d like
to thank his parents for all the support they’ve given him and
all the cast members for being such great people to spend
winter term with. Shout out to the boys.
Noah Yoon ’18 (Farmer) Noah is excited to be in his very
first NEO show. Though a member of the Chamber Singers
and Concert Choir, Noah has only a small amount of previous
theater experience, so he feels quite lucky to be cast in this
production of Oklahoma! He looks forward to more theater
in the future. He loves the entire cast and crew very much,
except maybe Kirsten. She enjoys omelets.
Sam Zikos ’17 (Gertie Cummings) Sam is very excited to
be playing the role of Gertie Cummings in her second NEO
production. Joe Hinton and Sam have been dance partners
before, but she’d like to give him an extra-big thanks for
being her muse and inspiration through the art of dance.
She’d also like to thank Maggie for being Maggie, Nate’s
butt, and the whole creative team.
Our best wishes to these talented
thespians in the Class of 2015, who
cumulatively have performed in
or teched a total of 47 mainstage
productions at the NEO—
beginning with Metamorphoses, as
freshmen in the fall of 2011:
Miguel (3), Cheryl (6), Maddie (2),
Doyle (7), Celine (5), Tony (1),
Mollie (6), Laura (2), Isabelle (6),
Cherie (4), and John (5). Break a
leg in college (and beyond!), and
be sure to come back and visit your
Beloved Little Red Barn
on the Island.
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The Technical Crew
Jeremy Brezenoff ’16 (Scenery Carpenter, Audio Engineer)
This is Jeremy’s sixth NEO production as a sound technician/
carpenter hybrid, having joined the theater back in the fall of
2012 with Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. He’s had
a lot of fun building and engineering these production and
hopes to continue working in the theater for as long as he
can.
Cheryl Chen ’15 (Stage Manager) After her role as the
ASM for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cheryl is very
excited about stage managing her final musical in the NEO.
Although she has worked in the NEO for three years, this is
her first time doing jumping jacks, playing acting games, and
ringing a triangle during rehearsal. She would like to applaud
Cherie, Doyle, Victoria and all the wonderful technicians.
Victoria Creel ’16 (Assistant Stage Manager) This is
Victoria’s first show in the NEO as one of the stage
management team. She was a technician on the lighting
crew for the fall play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and
she looks forward to continuing to be an active member of
the backstage crew for future NEO productions. She would
thank to thank all of her fellow technicians and the cast.
Zane Diamond ’16 (Scenery Carpenter, Lighting Crew)
Since they are generally joined at the hip, Zane and Emily
wrote one bio. Here’s what you need to know: they are superpsyched to be teching another fabulous NEO production!
They both started their NEO career with Urinetown and have
teched every show since. Shout-out to their baby, Mercutio
Christopher “MC” Hammer. (See Esposito for part 2.)
Emily Esposito ’16 (Scenery Carpenter, Audio Engineer)
(Part 2. See Diamond for part 1.) In their free time they enjoy
playing hockey (shout-out to the Girls JV hawkey team),
sleeping, watching Friends and M*A*S*H, and eating food
(shout-out to whomever invented pudding). By now they’ve
both watched this show 5-9 times, and seen how good it is,
but can they see why kids love Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
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Dani Paul Hove ’16 (Props Construction, Scenic Painter,
Lighting Crew) Dani is a novice technician and former actor,
compelled to glaring silently at the crowd from backstage,
after years of glaring at them onstage. Enraptured by the
mundanity of the NEO’s tech team, he also enjoys walks
in the Meadows, rooibos tea, and redheads. And glaring at
crowds. In fact, he is likely glaring at a crowd right now.
Maddie Lapuk ’15 (Scenery Carpenter, Scenic Painter,
Lighting Crew) This is Maddie’s second show at the NEO, after this past fall’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and her
first musical. She has had a lot of fun working on the sets of
Oklahoma! and learning the lighting cues. She can’t wait to
see the show performed and wishes many broken limbs upon
the wonderful cast.
Doyle Lokitiyakul ’15 (Assistant Stage Manager) Having
performed practically every job possible in the NEO, Doyle
finally ascends to the position of ASM. While he is still
doubtful about the director’s decision to have him handle the
stage guns, he will do his best to keep the casualties to a
minimum. Doyle would like to thank his (huge) NEO family
for the unforgettable memories from the past four years.
Max Mossberg ’18 (Scenery Carpenter, Audio Engineer)
Max is not only new to the NEO Theater but Oklahoma!
is the first show that he has ever teched. After many years
of watching big sister Kirsten delight audiences with her
many talents, Max figured he’d give it a shot himself (only
backstage). Max enjoys building different set pieces and
looks forward to learning more skills in future shows.
Isabelle Raposo ’15 (Scenery & Props Carpenter, Scenic
Painter, Lighting Crew) Isabelle has frequented the NEO
since her first school day at Loomis, and Oklahoma! is –
alas – her final production. Highlights of her six mainstage
productions include ASM for The Good Person of Setzuan,
and Stage Manager for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Isabelle
is experiencing the emotions typical of a NEO senior.
Ramal Rauf ’17 (Scenery & Props Carpenter, Scenic
Painter, Lighting Crew) Ramal is a new face in the tech crew
this year, and she loves it. A day student from Rocky Hill,
CT, she loves Yearbook, SLAB (Student Library Advisory
Board), Ballroom Club, and the Amnesty International Club.
Now she can put Tech on the very long list of things that she
loves about Loomis Chaffee.
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Charlie Weld ’16 (Hair and Makeup Assistant) Charlie
is happy to have been asked by Ms. Bebey to help out
with Oklahoma!, for he loves to be back in the NEO! He
performed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream this past fall, and
now is working behind the scenes in the spacious dressing
rooms. A shout-out to Mollie for teaching him the ways of
women’s hair.
Cherie Yin ’15 (Assistant Production Manager) Returning
to the NEO for her fourth, and final, run as a techie, Cherie
is super excited and honored to be the APM for Oklahoma!
She would like to thank the cast, crew, and NEO faculty
for creating this show. Shout-outs to Mollie Richter for her
Ramen, SSS for being salty, #SUBLIME and unconditionally
supportive, and MBE for being the best therapist.
The Orchestra
Deborah Feifer ’17 (Trombone) Deborah is very excited to play in the pit for the
production of Oklahoma! This is not her first time in the NEO, as she performed in
Urinetown, the Musical last February as well. She would especially like to thank her
parents for driving her to school for rehearsals.
Joseph Lee ’16 (Double Bass) Making his NEO pit debut, Joseph has played bass for
five years and is a two-year member of both the Orchestra and Chamber Music groups.
Outside of music, Joseph is also interested in math, problem solving, and puzzles,
especially the Rubik’s Cube.
Josh Ryu ’18 (Cello) Josh is a member of the Orchestra and Chamber Music groups.
He has been playing cello for seven years. Having participated in several musicals
himself, he is excited to perform in the pit for the first time.
Una Shea ’16 (Violin) Una is happy to play with the NEO pit for the first time. A musical
theater enthusiast, she’s so excited to finally perform in a production, especially with
so many of her friends. Thanks so much to Ms. Chrz for inviting her to participate, and
good luck to all the performers!
Rachel Shin ’18 (Flute) Rachel is a new sophomore in Carter, making her NEO pit
debut. She is a member of both Chamber Music and the Concert Band. Rachel has
been playing the flute since second grade.
Michael Tobin ’17 (Cello) Michael began his musical studies on the violin, but
switched to cello after three years. He has performed in numerous chamber ensembles
and orchestras and is a member of the LC Orchestra. His teachers include Emmanuel
Feldman at New England Conservatory, Denise Djokic and Kate Kayaian at the
Killington Music Festival, and he currently studies with Katie Kennedy.
Gloria Yi ’17 (Violin) Having dreamed of playing in a musical since she was little,
Gloria is delighted to be part of the pit orchestra in her first NEO show. Currently
Co-Concertmaster of LC’s Orchestra and performing as a chamber musician, Gloria
also loves serving in her church orchestra. Gloria thanks her family and teachers for
shaping her into who she is today.
15
The Production Team
Lisa Bebey (Costume Designer) Lisa has worked with the
student crews designing and building costumes for the past
13 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 sixth 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.
Susan Barone Chrzanowski (Music Director/Pit Conductor)
Oklahoma! marks Sue’s 17th NEO winter musical and 20th
NEO production overall. Sue praises this year’s cast, crew,
and pit orchestra for bringing new life and much excitement
to a historic musical theater piece. At Loomis Chaffee, Sue
serves as Music Department Chair and Choral/Vocal Director.
A lyric soprano and active guest conductor, Sue specializes
in healthy vocal production and the changing voice. Sue
maintains a private lesson voice studio and has been featured as guest conductor
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and chairperson for various Connecticut festival choirs. Under Sue’s direction,
the Chamber Singers have been featured performers at CT state conferences.
Sue has been involved in state and eastern divisions of NAFME and ACDA. She
directed the UCONN Treblemakers Children’s Choir from 2004-2009 and the
Windsor Island Girls from 1999-2004. At LC, Sue has held the William Cosgove
Card Instructorship in Music and was a recipient of the Austin Wicke Memorial
Prize for Teaching. In addition, she was awarded The Cheshire Academy Faculty
Excellence Award, The Cheshire Academy Community Service Award for Faculty,
and the Morton Prize for Teaching.
Rachel M. Engelke (Playbill Editor) In her 15th year on the
Island, Rachel is the Interim Head of the History & 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 Oklahoma! is Rachel’s 23rd 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 assorted minutiae.
Ken Jones (Technical Director) Ken is delighted to cap
off his third season at the NEO Theater with the fabulous
Oklahoma! crew. Interesting set note is an inversion of
materials—we used rough-cut lumber and “barn board” to
create a painted backdrop and a tree, but “faked” the clapboard
siding and barn walls! Ken has directed and taught theater
craft in the Farmington Valley area since 2003, for dozens of
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 was recently appointed the Director of Operations for
Farmington Valley Stage Company. Ken lives by the credo, “Enthusiastically
share what you know, and eagerly learn what you don’t.”
Kate Loughlin (Choreographer) Kate has been the dance
teacher and choreographer at Loomis Chaffee since 2009.
She began her dance life as an Irish Step Dancer at age three,
and never looked back. Trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap,
and choreography, Kate credits her teachers and mentors with
leading her to the fulfilling career she loves. Kate earned
her BA in Dance was graduated Cum Laude by Connecticut
College in 1998. She taught at Choate Rosemary Hall for ten
years before coming to Loomis Chaffee to work with the most talented, dedicated
and hard working students in the world. There is a saying, “Do what you love,
and you’ll never work a day in your life,” and Kate gets to live that every day.
The dancers and actors at LC give Kate joy, purpose, inspiration, and happiness,
and she counts herself as one of the luckiest people in the world because of these
students. Kate hopes you enjoy this production of a musical theater classic, and
that you are transported from snowy New England to the warm, golden plains of
Oklahoma. Thank you for coming out to support our cast, and please enjoy the
show!
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David McCamish (Director) David is excited to be directing
Oklahoma! during the centennial year at Loomis Chaffee. It
is great to be working with the dedicated staff and multitalented students for his second year on the Island. A
Bluegrass native, David has performed and directed across
the U.S. Last summer he directed All’s Well that Ends Well
with Capital Classics and did the Commedia work with
Hartford Stage’s Break-Dancing-Shakespeare. Regionally,
he has taught theatre classes for the Hartford Stage Company, Long Wharf Theatre,
CCY, Wesleyan University, Hartford Performers, CREC, Manhattan Edge, and
CRG Collective. He was a core faculty member at the Greater Hartford Academy
of the Arts and an adjunct professor at the Hartt School. David has been seen in
New York City at Lucille Lortel, 45th Street Playhouse, New Perspectives, @
here, Manhattan Edge, Collective Unconscious, and the Sandy Meisner Theatre.
He played Henry in the national tour of The Fantasticks, and was recently in NYC
with Shakespeare’s Sister Company’s Virginia. David crossed boards locally with
Bated Breath Theatre Company, ArtFarm, Capital Classics, Oddfellows, HartBeat
Ensemble, and he has provided fight choreography for Loomis Chaffee, Hartford
Stage, OP, Classical Magnet, GHAA and CCY. David wishes to thank his loving
wife and family for all their support.
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 18th season, and 35th 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.
Kyle Olmstead (Sound Designer) Kyle is an active audio
engineer, bassist, and educator. He teaches more than a
dozen private bass students each week, and performs in
groups that include the Cape Ann Symphony and the Gordon
Symphony Orchestra. As an audio engineer, Kyle works as
a sound designer and production sound engineer for theaters
throughout New England. Recently, Kyle has designed sound
for productions by Central Square Theater, The Barnstormers
Theatre, Curry College, The Loomis Chaffee School, The Greater Hartford
Academy of the Arts, and Hartford Children’s Theatre that included The Glass
Menagerie, The Unexpected Guest, Moon Over Buffalo, Into the Woods, Urinetown,
The Fully Monty, Big River, It Had To Be You, Hairspray, Metamorphoses,
Anything Goes, South Pacific, The Good Person of Setzuan, and The Laramie
Project. He has also worked as an audio engineer and production sound engineer
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for the Hartford Stage. Previously, he worked under renowned sound designer
Frank Gaeta, owner of Sound For Film in Los Angeles, California. While there,
Kyle worked on films such as Twilight, Taking Chance, and Surfer, Dude, with
actors and directors that included Matthew McConaughey, Catherine Hardwicke,
Robert Pattinson, and Kristen Stewart.
Sophia Rabb (Assistant Director) Sophia is an English
teacher and Penn Fellow. She is a graduate of Brown
University, where she concentrated in English Nonfiction and
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, Kate, Kate and the performers for all of their hard work and
dedication.
Kate Saxton (Assistant Director) Kate is an English
teacher, theater aficionado, and all-around arts enthusiast.
She is a violinist/violist who has spent as much time in
the pit as she has onstage. Her credits at Yale University
include Sweeney Todd and Cosi Fan Tutte. Before coming
to Loomis, Kate taught theater classes and directed the
winter play at The Ethel Walker School. Her 2014 all-girls
production of The Importance of Being Earnest has been
called “charmingly gender confused” and “pretty okay.” Kate has greatly enjoyed
working on Oklahoma! with the remarkably talented students and production
team at Loomis. In addition to assistant director, her credits on Oklahoma! include
Ado Annie (understudy), Aunt Eller (understudy), Pa Carnes (understudy), Curly
McLain (understudy), Ali Hakim (understudy), unnamed farmer (understudy),
and—the role that she was born to play—Jud Fry (understudy). Kate would
like to thank her colleagues and the cast for creating such a beautiful show and
for allowing her to be a part of this incredible team of artists.
Rachel Sinay (Properties Designer & Charge Scenic
Artist) Rachel is currently on the faculty of the Greater
Hartford Academy of the Arts,
where she teaches classes
on
theatre
production,
props, and special effect
stage
makeup.
She
also is a freelance
scenic artist and properties artisan for
Goodspeed Musicals, Trinity College,
and Mount Holyoke College. Previous
theatrical jobs have included carpentry,
stage management, dramaturgy, props and
scenic art on Broadway, Off-Broadway and
in many regional theaters. She is a long-time
collaborator with Loomis Chaffee, and is happy
to return for her tenth season.
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Behind the Scenes
Photos by Candice Chirgotis and Rachel M. Engelke
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