Playbill - Loomis Chaffee

LoomisChaffee
Department of Theater & Dance
the new mel brooks musical
Young
Frankenstein
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Original Direction & Choreography by Susan Stroman
Director—David McCamish
Music Director—Susan Barone Chrzanowski
Choreographer—Kate Loughlin
Assistant Director—Kate Saxton
Production Manager—Candice Chirgotis
Young Frankenstein is presented through special arrangement with
Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.MTIShows.com
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin
Cover illustration & design by W. Keller Glass
Photography by Rachel M. Engelke
Set design sketches by Karen Sparks Mellon
1
Safeties
• For the safety of the actors, please no flash photography of any kind.
• The exits are located to the right of the audience and through the lobby.
• Restrooms for patrons are located in the red brick building next to the NEO.
• By direction of the Fire Marshal of the Town of Windsor, patrons may not occupy the aisles or the lobby
during the show.
** Please note: there will be strobe lighting effects in this production**
Courtesies
• Please turn off all cellphones, smartphones, and other personal electronic devices, and refrain from
using them during the performance. • Due to contractual agreements with the publisher, absolutely NO audio or video recordings 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 2 hours, plus one ten-minute intermission.
Gratitudes
• The Art Department, and most particularly Mark Zunino, for allowing our sound designer to reside
in the Visiting Artist’s studio apartment.
• Christine Coyle for helping us get the word out.
• 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 throughout the school
year, but most especially for their extra attention during our performance week.
• Mrs. Julia Knight, Joanna Harvey, and Marie Tanuis: Our vendors and our over-hires much appreciate
your efforts.
• Sarah Weinstein for bringing our faculty & staff NEO ticket reservations system into the 21st century.
• Lance Hall, Bob Hansen, Dan Foley, Abe Passardi, Tom Denno, Rich Johnson, and others too numerous
to name from the Physical Plant who labor beside us in the NEO making theater magic.
• IT, Dan Corjulo and Andris Briga for their assistance getting the new NEO mixing board up and running.
• New Britain High School for the books in the study.
• Anna Vdovenko for her amazing photography, and for her generosity.
• Finally, to the many parents and families whose support of our work make it all the more rewarding:
THANK YOU!
2
Director's Note
It is exhilarating to bring this ‘monster’ of a-zany musical to life at the NEO. Putting
together any show is fraught with difficulties, so many pieces to fit into the puzzle of
telling a story. And, large musical comedy productions always offer a challenge for
small theaters; pulling off a musical comedy of this size in the NEO comes with its own
set of unique challenges. I am exceptionally proud to say our Loomis Chaffee student
performers, musicians, and technicians, over 50 in number, rose to the challenge. The
Loomis students met each obstacle with teamwork and enthusiasm as they bolted into
musical comedy.
The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein, is a 21st century American musical
theatre comedy. It is based on the 1974 movie Young Frankenstein, which parodies
the 1930’s horror film genre of Frankenstein movies, themselves loosely based on the
1823 book by Mary Shelley. Brooks’s unique take on the characters and story creates
a world for our LC ensemble to build a hilarious universe full of horror tropes of old.
If you are a fan of the original film Young Frankenstein, you will find the stage
version stays fairly true to the movie with a few surprises and some amazing singing
and dancing. If you loved the film, I hope you will not think too ‘gravely’ at our
interpretation. If you know nothing about the show or haven’t seen our production,
well, we hope to ‘spark’ your funny bone and ‘dig-up’ more than one laugh. Oh, and if
you have never seen the movie, take a rainy day and treat yourself. No musical is the result of one individual and this is especially true for our production. Our show would simply not be possible without the dedicated effort, creative talent,
and numerous hours put in by our designers, builders, musicians, musical directors,
assistant directors and, most importantly, our Loomis Chaffee students who truly bring
Young Frankenstein to life! Thank you for coming to the theatre and enjoy the show! Director, David McCamish
3
The Cast
Jacy Case ’18
Emily Cuevo ’16
Damon D’Amico ’16
Callista DeGraw ’18
Abby Forrester ’18
Derrick Garcia ’17
Josie Gautier ’16
Joe Hinton ’16
Macon Jeffreys ’18
Ben Kallus ’17
Preethi Kannan ’17
Tatiana Lovera ’16
Silvia Mayo ’19
Matthew McCamish
Kirsten Mossberg ’16
Ryan Natcharian ’19
Brendan Nelson ’17
Cameron Purdy ’18
Rachel Ramenda ’18
Melissa Scanlon ’19
Blaine Stevens ’18
Sydney Steward ’17
Kiki Szemraj ’19
Julia Thompson ’18
Olivia Thompson ’18
Andrey Vdovenko ’16
Noah Yoon ’18
Ensemble
Ensemble/Elizabeth’s Entourage
The Monster
Frau Blücher
Ensemble
Ensemble
Ensemble/Elizabeth’s Entourage
Inspector Hans Kemp
Ensemble/Werewolf
Victor von Frankenstein/Elizabeth’s Entourage/Understudy for Frederick
Ensemble/Elizabeth’s Entourage
Ensemble/Elizabeth’s Entourage
Ensemble
Shoe Shine Boy
Inga
Ensemble
Igor
Ensemble
Ensemble
Mummy/Ensemble
Elizabeth Benning
The Hermit/Ensemble
Ensemble
Ensemble
Ensemble/Ziggy
Frederick Frankenstein
Ensemble/Dracula/Understudy for Victor von Frankenstein
Music Captains: Kirsten Mossberg ’16 and Noah Yoon ’18
Dance Captains: Emily Cuevo’16 and Tatiana Lovera ’16
Note: On Thursday, February 18, the part of Frederick Frankenstein will be played by Ben Kallus and
the part of Victor von Frankenstein will be played by Noah Yoon.
4
The Production Team
Lisa Bebey
Tate R. Burmeister
Candice Chirgotis
Susan Barone Chrzanowski
Rachel M. Engelke
Ken Jones
Kate Loughlin
Derek Martinez ’16
David McCamish
Karen Sparks Mellon
Alexandra Nattrass
Kyle Olmstead
Kate Saxton
For this Production:
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Production Manager
Musical Director/Pit Conductor
Playbill Editor
Technical Director
Choreographer
Student Assistant Director
Director
Set Designer
Properties Designer/Scenic Artist
Sound Designer
Assistant Director
Assistant Technical Director: Charley DeMars
Carpenters: Alec Drohan, Sarah Keller, Austin Liljedahl
Costume Construction: Lita Adams, Marti Simmons
Hair & Makeup Supervisor: Lauren Godburn
Scenic Artist: Kacey Skurja
Wardrobe Supervisor: Marti Simmons
The Technical Crew
Rishi Basu ’19
Emily Bian ’18
Jeremy Brezenoff ’16
Haley Cass ’18
Claire Collins ’18
Victoria Creel ’16
Zane Diamond ’16
Jet Elbualy ’18
Emily Esposito ’16
Dani Hove ’16
Yousif Husain ’16
Tatiana Lovera ’16
Evan McDonagh ’17
Mahek Pannu ’18
Sherly Quezada ’19
Ramal Rauf ’17
Marahyah Richardson ’19
Ethan Twombly ’16
Mark Valadez ’19
Technician/Sound Crew
Technician/Follow Spot Operator
Technician/Co-Head of Sound Crew
Technician/Lighting Crew
Technician/Sound Crew
Assistant Production Manager
Technician/Head of Lighting Crew
Technician/Follow Spot Operator
Technician/Co-Head of Sound Crew
Stage Manager
Technician/Lighting Crew
Assistant Costume Designer
Technician/Lighting Crew
Assistant Stage Manager
Technician/Sound Crew
Assistant Stage Manager
Technician/Follow Spot Operator
Technician/Lighting Crew
Technician/Follow Spot Operator
5
Musical Numbers
Act I
Prelude
(There’s Nothing Like) The Brain
Please Don’t Touch Me
Together Again for the First Time
Roll in the Hay Join the Family Business
He Vas My Boyfriend
Life, Life
He Vas My Boyfriend (Reprise)
Welcome to Transylvania
Transylvania Mania
Orchestra
Frederick Frankenstein, Medical Students
Elizabeth Benning, Frederick Frankenstein, Passengers
Igor and Frederick Frankenstein
Inga, Frederick Frankenstein, Igor
Frederick Frankenstein, Dr. Victor von Frankenstein,
Ghosts of Frankenstein Ancestors
Frau Blücher
Frederick Frankenstein, Igor, Inga, Frau Blücher, Ensemble
Frau Blücher
Inspector Kemp, Ziggy, Villagers
Igor, Frederick Frankenstein, Inga, Inspector Kemp, Villagers
10 Minute Intermission
Act II
Entr’acte He’s Loose
Listen to Your Heart
Surprise
Please Send Me Someone
Please Send Me Someone (Reprise)
Puttin’ on the Ritz
He’s Loose (Reprise)
Deep Love
Frederick’s Soliloquy
Deep Love (Reprise)
Finale Ultimo
Orchestra
Inspector Kemp, Villagers
Inga
Elizabeth Benning, Elizabeth’s Entourage, Igor, Frau Blücher
The Hermit
The Hermit
Frederick Frankenstein, The Monster, Inga, Igor, Ensemble
Inspector Kemp, Villagers
Elizabeth Benning
Frederick Frankenstein
The Monster, Villagers
Full Company
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” Words and music by Irving Berlin© 1928, 1929 by Irving Berlin (ASCAP) ©Renewed
6
Orchestra
Madden Aleia ’16
Susan Barone Chrzanowski
Bob DePalma (guest)
Andrew Donshik ’18
Deborah Feifer ’17
Molly Forrester ’19
Melanie Guerin (guest)
Jim Kleiner (guest)
Leroy Loomer (guest)
Rosie Park ’18
Sal Ranniello (guest)
Pete Roe (guest)
Riley Smith ’18
Gloria Yi ’17
Keyboard II
Conductor
Reed III
Keyboard II/Bass
Trombone
Clarinet
Keyboard I
Reed I
Trombone
Violin
Drums/Percussion
Trumpet I
Trumpet II
Violin
The pit orchestra comprises
Loomis Chaffee students,
faculty and lesson
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!
7
The Cast
Jacy Case ’18 (Ensemble) Jacy is thrilled to be a part of the
NEO this year. She has participated in many shows outside
of school, as well as the student-written plays last spring.
Jacy had an amazing time learning how to tap dance and
discovering more about the stage. She would like to thank
her Mum, Dad + little brother for supporting her and the cast,
crew + directors for sharing this wonderful show with her.
Emily Cuevo ’16 (Vanna Blanca/Passenger/Mad Scientist/
Villager/Tasha) Never in her four years at LC did Emily think
that she’d be dancing, acting, AND singing. Her experiences
in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Cyrano have lured her
to return to the NEO for one last show. Thanks to everyone
who warmly welcomed her into the NEO family and for all
of the memories. And remember to always Cuev the Wave.
Damon D’Amico ’16 (The Monster) Damon is excited
to bring you into this world of comedy and horror in his
last NEO musical. He thanks his family for consistently
supporting him and coming to see him perform, his friends
for keeping him sane through this process, and the cast, crew,
and directors for making this show one he will never forget.
Damon hopes you enjoy the show!
Callista DeGraw ’18 (Frau Blucher) Callista is so excited to
be in her second NEO show, Young Frankenstein! She’s been
acting and singing in musicals since she was young, and she
can’t wait to add this show to her list. As a new sophomore at
Loomis, she appreciates how welcoming the NEO has been
to her. Also special thanks to her family, and as always, her
best friends Cam Melo and Hayley Balogh.
Abby Forrester ’19 (Student/Mad Scientist/Villager) Abby
is very excited to be in her first NEO production! She has
participated in sports such as figure skating, cross country, and
dance during her Loomis career, but being in this production
is one of the best new things she has ever done. She wants
to thank the whole cast and crew for making this experience
possible and for welcoming her to the NEO family!
8
Derrick Garcia ’17 (Student/Villager) Derrick is excited to
be performing in his first Loomis Chaffee musical. He has
enjoyed forming new friendships, learning the struggles of
being an actor, and experiencing the joys of performing. He
wants to thank his family and friends for supporting him, and
he is excited to continue performing for Loomis in various
outlets.
Josie Gautier ’16 (Masha/Passenger/Student/Mad Scientist/
Villager) With a heavy heart, Josie is ready to take the stage
for her last NEO production. She would like to thank all
of the cast and crew for making this show such a positive
experience and for allowing her to be her best self on and off
the stage. Thank you to everyone for coming to support the
show! Enjoy!
Joe Hinton ’16 (Inspector Hans Kemp) Joe is excited to be
back in the NEO. After a wild experience as Cord Elam in
Oklahoma! Joe looks forward to continuing his renditions
of law enforcement agents as Inspector Hans Kemp. Joe
has always felt it was his calling to kill monsters, except for
vampires. He thanks his friends, family, and everybody in the
NEO for making his last two winters quite interesting.
Macon Jeffreys ’18 (Mr. Hilltop/Werewolf/Passenger/
Villager) This is Macon’s fourth show in the NEO. Some of
his previous roles include Le Bre in this past fall’s production
of Cyrano and Francis Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
last year. He is excited to be playing a plethora of small roles
that should make people laugh throughout this show. Please
enjoy your trip to Transylvania; watch out for Therewolves!!!
Ben Kallus ’17 (Victor von Frankenstein/ Elizabeth’s
Entourage/ Understudy for Frederick) Ben is thrilled to be
playing the role of Old Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein.
From Montgomery, NY, Ben came to Loomis as a new
sophomore, and this is his third NEO show. When he’s not in
the theater, Ben lives in room 34 in Batchelder Hall, and you
can schedule a meeting with him most any day of the week.
Preethi Kannan ’17 (Student/Steward/Villager/Sasha) This
is Preethi’s 6th show in the NEO. Her previous credits include
Cyrano, Oklahoma!, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This
winter she’s discovered that she doesn’t have a future in tap
dancing, but she has fulfilled her dream of being in a kickline.
Special shout-outs to the female basses, the Entourage, and
the shining seniors. Enjoy the world of Frankenstein!
9
Tatiana Lovera ’16 (Mad Scientist/Student/Assistant
Costume Designer) Whether acting on stage, studying madly,
or helping with costumes, Tatiana has enjoyed her last NEO
winter musical. She would like to thank her family, friends,
Ms. Bebey, Mr. McCamish, and Ms. Chirgotis for all their
constant support these last two months and for showing her
all that theater has to offer.
Silvia Mayo ’19 (Student/Villager) Silvia is very excited
to return to the NEO after Cyrano (Actor/Cadet) in the fall.
She’d like to thank Mr. McCamish for the push-ups, Ms. Kate
for the curl-ups, and everyone else for inflicting torturous
pain during warm-ups! A member of both Concert Band and
Choir, Silvia can’t wait to come back to the NEO next year
for her sophomore season!
Matthew McCamish (Shoe Shine Boy) Matthew literally
knows almost every line of this show by heart. When he’s
not acting, he enjoys watching movies, reading about history,
writing stories, ‘Tiger-Ninja,’ light-sabre battles, and ‘picka-path’ books. He is totally into the history of the Alamo.
Matthew would like to thank his parents for letting him take
part in his second show at the NEO.
Kirsten Mossberg ’16 (Inga) This is Kirsten’s 7th, and final,
NEO bio. She won’t split it into Parts 1 & 2 because she hates
franchises. She feared her final role wouldn’t transcend her
frosh debut as Elle’s Mom, but don’t worry; this is the first
show in which McCamish has asked her to “tone it down five
notches.” She lauds her directors, cast & seniors completing
their swan songs. Tati gets all the limes. Roll Credits.
Ryan Natcharian ’19 (Student/Villager/Grandfather
Mordechai) Ryan is so glad to be part of Young Frankenstein!
This is his first Loomis show, and he is thrilled to start his
acting career in the NEO. At Renbrook, he played the parts
of Mr. Bundles in Annie and Snoopy in You’re a Good Man,
Charlie Brown. While off stage, Ryan likes to play video
games and Dungeons and Dragons and read fantasy fiction.
Brendan Nelson ’17 (Igor) Brendan, from Avon, CT, in
his 4th production at the NEO, appreciates having played
Christian in Cyrano, Will Parker in Oklahoma!, Egeus/Raven
in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macduff in Macbeth (at
AOF). A renaissance man, he enjoys playing metal guitar &
jazz trombone and studying Viking history. Skål og Sláinta!
Óró sé do bheatha abhaile.
10
Cameron Purdy ’18 (Student/Steward/Villager) From
surviving Ms. Kate’s warm-ups to goofing off in the green
room to bursting into show tunes randomly around campus,
Cameron is thrilled to partake in her second musical on the
NEO stage. She would like to thank her parents for their
endless support and all of you for coming. She hopes that her
head shot doesn’t look bad.
Rachel Ramenda ’18 (Steward/Horse/Villager/Student)
Rachel is thrilled to tap her way into her first NEO musical!
Past favorite roles include Marcy in The 25th Annual Putnam
County Spelling Bee, Miss Hannigan in Annie, and Dorothy
in The Wizard of Oz. Rachel would like to thank her friends
(especially Pedro Guapo), family, cast-mates, and everyone
who made this monster of a show possible. Chalujnik!
Melissa Scanlon ’19 (Student/Villager/Ghost/Mummy) A
dancer since the age of two, a Dance Company 2 member,
and a new voice student, Melissa is excited to be in her first
NEO production! She was able to combine her new love of
singing and acting with her longtime love of dancing, while
forming relationships with the cast, tech crew, and directors
along the way. She thanks everyone who has supported her.
Blaine Stevens ’18 (Elizabeth) Blaine is psyched to perform
in her first of what she hopes will be many NEO productions
with the superb cast of Young Frankenstein. Big hugs to
Mom, Dad, and Colby for supporting her, her best friends for
making her laugh, and her Richmond fam for showing that
it’s possible for a dorm to be a home. Thanks to the entire
cast and crew for a phenomenal production. Enjoy the show!
Sydney Steward ’17 (The Hermit) Welcome! Sydney had a
blast putting together Young Frankenstein. This is her fifth
NEO show. After taking on the no-nonsense Marguerite
in Cyrano, Sydney was ready to embody the Hermit. She
wants to thank her family, friends, cast mates, and teachers
for supporting her theater endeavors (Shout out to Mahek
#Iloveyoumychild). Enjoy the show!
Kiki Szemraj ’19 (Villager/Student) Kiki is excited to be
acting in the NEO this winter! After performing in The Lion,
The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and
Cyrano (Montfleury/Cadet) she is ecstatic to try something
new with Young Frankenstein. She also wishes to give a
big thank you to the entire cast, the crew, and her family for
being so supportive!
11
Julia Thompson ’18 (Student/Villager/Steward) Julia is so
excited to be in her 3rd NEO show, but first musical, at LC.
Previous credits: Cyrano, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Willy
Wonka, and Seussical the Musical. She hopes you enjoy the
show + burst into laughter when necessary. Special thx to her
supportive family + to Mr. McCamish, Ms. Kate & Ms. Chrz
for their hard work making this spooktacular! All aboard!
Olivia Thompson ’18 (Ziggy/Student) Olivia is so excited
that you have come to see the show! She has been in many
different shows in the past, including A Midsummer Night’s
Dream, Oklahoma!, and Cyrano. She would like to thank
her family and friends for supporting her. Special thanks to
Mom, Dad, Caroline, Grace, mama nugget, Julia, and Rachel
for making her laugh.
Andrey Vdovenko ’16 (Frederick Frankenstein) This is the
first show for which Andrey has written his own bio. Hey,
there’s a first time for everything, right? Usually his mom
writes it (and sometimes Ms. Engelke). He thanks them
for all of their hard work. Thank you to everyone who has
helped him on his theater journey; he could never have done
it without your support.
Noah Yoon ’18 (Dracula/Ensemble/Understudy for Victor
von Frankenstein) Noah is a day student from Wethersfield,
CT. Outside of the NEO, he is a pianist and a music consultant,
and a member of both the Chamber Singers and Concert
Choir. Last winter Noah appeared as a farmer in Oklahoma!,
so being cast as Dracula is quite a step up. He looks forward
to more NEO productions in the future.
Our best wishes to these talented
thespians in the Class of 2016, who
cumulatively have performed in
or teched a total of 52 mainstage
productions at the NEO—beginning
with The Comedy of Errors, as
freshmen in the fall of 2012:
Victoria (4), Emily C. (3), Tatiana (7),
Josie (5), Dani (3), Kirsten (7),
Andrey (6), Damon (7), Derek (all 8!),
and Joe (2). In addition, we salute
some of our technicians not pictured:
Yousif (1), Ethan (2), Emily E. (5), Zane
(5), and Jeremy (all 8!). Break a leg
in college (and beyond!), and be sure
to come back and visit your beloved
Little Red Barn on the Island.
12
The Technical Crew
Rishi Basu ’19 (Technician/Sound Crew) Rishi Basu, 14,
active one hour ago, 6’7” and super muscular. Rishi likes
computer science, biology, recreational mathematics, regular
mathematics, classical music, and, of course, working out
those abs. Rishi dislikes sunshine, the Thai alphabet, the
English alphabet, castrametation, psephology, and people
who correct his grammar. Wow, what a loser.
Emily Bian ’18 (Technician/Follow Spot Operator) Emily
is excited to lord over the lights in her 2nd show. Introduced
to theatre tech only this fall, she immediately fell in love
with the fabulous crew whose warmth contrasts with the cold
outside. In her free time, she can be found longingly staring
in the direction of the rink, awaiting the time she can join her
compadres on ice (go LCJVGH!).
Jeremy Brezenoff ’16 (Technician/Co-Head of Sound Crew)
With his eighth and final main stage production at the NEO,
Jeremy has come full circle in his theatrical career at Loomis.
He’s not only mixing the sounds with his co-star Emily, but
he’s also handing his skills to the next generation of techies.
He wishes all the best to the actors and salutes everyone who
will help keep the spirit of the theater alive.
Haley Cass ’18 (Technician/Lighting Crew) Hailing from
Chapel Hill, NC, Haley is a new sophomore to Loomis
Chaffee this year, and a resident of Richmond Hall. She is
very excited to work as a technician on Young Frankenstein!
This is Haley’s first year involved in theater, and she’s
especially hyped to dive into the world of tech! Haley is a
Scorpio and enjoys sleeping.
Claire Collins ’18 (Technician/Sound Crew) Claire, from
Richmond Hall by way of Darien, CT, enjoys long walks
on the beach. When she’s not melodically playing guitar
or lamenting the days of yore, she is breathing. Her heart
belongs to the mountains, and she aspires to be a nomad.
Ginga-ninja by birth, sound guy by nature, Claire somehow
remains human.
Victoria Creel ’16 (Assistant Production Manager) This is
Victoria’s fourth show in the NEO. In her junior year, she
joined the lighting crew for the fall play and, ever since,
she has gotten more and more interested in theatre. She has
learned things from basic construction to ticket management,
and she has enjoyed every minute of the experience. Besides
theatre, Victoria also loves to draw and paint.
13
Zane Diamond ’16 (Technician/Head of Lighting Crew)
Props. Sets. Sound. Lighting. Long ago, the four techies
lived in together harmony. Then everything changed when
the rainwater attacked. Only a senior, master of all four
elements, could stop them. But when the world needed them
most, they vanished. Three months later, Zane is back for his
4th show (on lighting). I believe Zane can light the stage.
Jet Elbualy ’18 (Technician/Follow Spot Operator) From the
bayou of New Orleans to the bustling metropolis of Windsor,
Jet has always been involved in the world of theater, running
lights, writing scripts, doing stage makeup, and learning to
operate power tools at the ripe age of ten. When not fighting
the patriarchy, Jet can be found doing makeup, playing their
cello, piano, ukulele, or harmonica, and falling off horses.
Emily Esposito ’16 (Technician/Co-Head of Sound Crew)
Emily has so many people to thank for her time in the NEO.
To the actors, y’all are the bomb. To the adults, sorry she
was late and thanks for letting her use a saw. To her parents,
look she still has all her limbs. To the techlings, don’t blow
anything up til she gets back. To Dani, Jeremy, and Zane,
thanks for being the best friends in the world.
Dani Paul Hove ’16 (Stage Manager) Nearing the end of his
NEO career, Dani has enjoyed his time as Stage Manager,
making sure to indulge in his share of power abuse. He
still runs a non-profit out of South Africa called Root
Mathematics Foundation (to which you can still donate).
Dani has a profound lack of faith in his successors, but also
wishes them the best.
Yousif Husain ’16 (Technician/Lighting Crew) Hobbies:
beatboxing, watching TV shows, socializing. How he got
into theatre: he was interested in theatre/acting; many actors
were good friends of his, including his best friend, Brendan
Nelson; he promised a new friend to join tech; he needed a
new kind of adventure in his life, and he found it! A native of
Bahrain, this is Yousif’s NEO debut.
Evan McDonagh ’17 (Technician/Lighting Crew) Ever
nostalgic, Evan has returned for another round of theater
tech for this winter’s musical. From the whispering pines on
an alpine Vermontese slope or the slish-shlop of ice fishing,
Evan embraces the cold. When not traipsing through the
snow cover, this junior might be devouring a book or two on
the couch while sipping hot chocolate.
14
Mahek Pannu ’18 (Assistant Stage Manager) This is
Mahek’s first year as an assistant stage manager, on the
road to stage manager some day. So far she has successfully
accomplished annoying Ramal and Dani. She also spends
her time participating in various clubs, struggling with her
mess of hair, singing all musical pieces during tech labs, and
trying to be social.
Sherly Quezada ’19 (Technician/Sound Crew) Winter:
2001. The world was ready for a new Chosen One, and so
on December 24th, a human of pure awesomeness was born.
Their name was Sherly, and they were the perfect candidate
for the LC Theater Tech School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Their skills with the soundboard and paint were pretty ok.
Their eyebrows were on fleek. Sherly is also modest.
Ramal Rauf ’17 (Assistant Stage Manager) The NEO has
quickly become Ramal’s favorite place on campus since
becoming a part of the Tech Crew for Oklahoma! during her
sophomore year and joining Stage Management for Cyrano
this past fall. She has loved every second with the cast and
crew of Young Frankenstein, and she hopes to continue her
wonderful time at the NEO in future productions.
Marahyah Richardson ’19 (Technician/Follow Spot
Operator) Do you feel that presence? Hear that sound?
Someone’s lurking in the shadows of the NEO. Watching.
Waiting. Scared? Well don’t be. It’s only Richie! Richie is
a light techie who lurks the shadows looking for love and
innocent victims. Nothing big. So enjoy the show. Richie is
watching.
Ethan Twombly ’16 (Technician/Lighting Crew) The
roughly 37 trillion cells that make up Ethan are excited to
work on his first show as a techie. Previous credits: Cyrano,
Pippin, Newsies, and The Wizard of Oz. His hobbies range
from helping kittens on Sunday mornings to teaching archery
during the summer. Thanks to everyone for graciously
helping him on and off-stage.
Mark Valadez ’19 (Technician/Follow Spot Operator) This
is the second tech experience for this Mexican, and he has
found it incredibly fun to work on the show. He is also a
player on the JV Hockey team. Mark likes trying new things
whenever he has the opportunity. Whether he is eating a new
type of food or studying over the summer to get his pilot’s
license, he is always looking for an exciting adventure.
15
The Production Team
Lisa Bebey (Costume Designer) Lisa has worked with the
student crews designing and building costumes for the past
14 years at Loomis Chaffee. She was the Costume Shop
Manager at Hartford Stage for 14 years, and has also built
costumes for the Long Wharf Theatre, Goodspeed Opera,
Theaterworks and the Yale Repertory Theatre. Lisa recently
added the role of entrepreneur to her resume by opening her
online shop, FairyGodmotherForHire.com, featuring custom
dress up costumes for children.
Tate R. Burmeister (Lighting Designer) Tate has worked as a
designer throughout Connecticut, Minnesota, California, and
New York and is enjoying her seventh season as the lighting
designer at the NEO. In addition to working as a designer,
Tate is the Technical Director for the Ivoryton Playhouse.
In Connecticut, she has designed for Playhouse on Park,
Ivoryton Playhouse, Seven Angels Theatre, Hartford Stage
Education Department, Oddfellows Playhouse, Albano
Ballet and others, as well as various local schools. Favorite lighting design credits
include Metamorphoses (Loomis Chaffee), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dream Coat (Ivoryton Playhouse), Nuevo California, The Threepenny Opera
(Oddfellows), and A Chorus Line (Merced, CA).
Candice Chirgotis (Production Manager) Candice became
Head of the Theater & Dance Department in 2013 after a
decade of working here as a teacher and as the production
manager for the Norris Ely Orchard Theater. In her previous
life, she was an adjunct professor of Dramatic Arts at UConn,
and before that she was the Department Chair of Theater
Design & Production at the Greater Hartford Academy of the
Arts. For 16 seasons Candice was—for over 100 professional
theater productions—the Production Manager at Hartford Stage. She earned her
master’s degree in theater at the University of Illinois. Candice considers herself
incredibly fortunate to get to teach, learn, and make plays with these hardworking,
talented and fun Loomis Chaffee student technicians and performers. She
would like to take this opportunity to sincerely express how much she admires,
appreciates, and is grateful for such creative, devoted, and generous professional
theater collaborators and faculty colleagues.
Susan Barone Chrzanowski (Music Director/Pit
Conductor) Young Frankenstein marks Sue’s 18th NEO
winter musical and 21st NEO production overall. Sue praises
this year’s cast, crew, and pit orchestra for bringing to life
the thrilling musical theater piece Young Frankenstein. At
Loomis Chaffee, Sue serves as Music Department Chair
and Choral/Vocal Director. An active guest clinician, Sue
16
specializes in healthy vocal production and the changing voice. In the voice studio,
on the stage, and in the choral ensemble, Sue emphasizes a whole person, mindful
approach to singing and performing. Under Sue’s direction, the LC Chamber
Singers were featured performers at CT state conferences. In addition to serving
as guest conductor and chairperson of various CT music festivals, Sue has been
involved in state and eastern divisions of NAFME and ACDA, and she served as
director of UCONN Treblemakers Children’s Choir and co-director of the Windsor
Island Girls. 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. Sue hopes you enjoy all the music in g sharp minor, the meter
changes every 12 measures, and the very spooky sounds emanating from the
NEO “pit”—she certainly does!
Rachel M. Engelke (Playbill Editor) In her 16th year on the
Island, Rachel is Head of the History, Philosophy, Religious
Studies & Social Science Department, a resident in Palmer
Dorm, and she serves as the adviser to Model UN and the
Loomis Chaffee World Bulletin. A long-time friend of the
NEO Theater, Rachel made her assistant directing debut
in 2011 with The Boy Friend, while Young Frankenstein is
Rachel’s 25th production as playbill editor. She would like
to express her sincere appreciation to everyone in the cast and crew for their
cooperation and good humor as she hounded them for bios, photos, endless lists,
and other minutiae.
Ken Jones (Technical Director) Ken is delighted to work
in his fourth season at the NEO Theater with the fabulous
Young Frankenstein crew. Ken has directed and taught
theater craft in the region since 2003, for over 75 productions
with Canton MS/HS, Avon High School, Avon Summer
Theatre, Theatre Guild of Simsbury, and last, but not least,
The Loomis Chaffee NEO Theater. He is also Vice President
of Theater Operations for Farmington Valley Stage Company
in Canton.
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.
17
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. Thank you for coming out to support our cast and crew, and please enjoy
the show!
Derek Martinez ’16 (Student Assistant Director) For
his eighth, and final, NEO mainstage production, Derek
is grateful for the opportunity to step off the boards and
learn the art of directing for Young Frankenstein. Recent
productions include this fall’s Cyrano and last spring’s
Oklahoma! He would like to thank Mr. McCamish for his
remarkable guidance and commitment, Ms. Chirgotis for her
unwavering support… and Kirsten, for her heart of passion
and adventure.
David McCamish (Director) David is thrilled to
direct Young Frankenstein, his eighth show at Loomis. A
Bluegrass native, David has performed and directed
across the United States. This past summer, he played
Bottom in ArtFarm’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, created
fight choreography for Hartford Stage’s Breakdancing
Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and Hamlet, taught
Stage Combat at the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan
University, and attended the International Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland
with the aspiration of taking Loomis students to perform at the festival in the
future. In 2014, David received acclaim for his direction of All’s Well That Ends
Well with Capital Classics and for his work with Breakdancing Shakespeare.
Regionally, he has taught theatre classes for The Long Wharf Theatre, Hartford
Stage Company, CCY, Wesleyan University, Hartford Performers, CREC,
Manhattan Edge, and CRG Collective. He is an adjunct professor at the Hartt
School and was a core faculty member at the Greater Hartford Academy of
the Arts. David has been seen in New York City at Lucille Lortel, 45th Street
Playhouse, New Perspectives, @here, Manhattan Edge, Collective Unconscious,
The Sandy Meisner Theatre, 23rd Street Studio and with Shakespeare’s Sister
Company. He played Henry in the national tour of The Fantasticks. Locally, David
has performed with Bated Breath Theatre Company, ArtFarm, Capital Classics,
Oddfellows, HartBeat Ensemble, and has provided fight choreography for Loomis
Chaffee, Hartford Stage, OP, Classical Magnet, GHAA and CCY. David wishes to
thank his wife and family for all their support.
Karen Sparks Mellon (Set Designer) Sparks has been a set
designer and scenic artist in the Hartford/New Haven area
since 1979. This is her 19th season, and 37th 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
18
artist, Sparks worked for the Hartford Stage Company and was a freelance painter
for the Long Wharf Theatre and the Goodspeed Opera House. Other projects
include backdrop design for the last G. Fox Christmas windows in downtown
Hartford, interior painting for the first Banana Republic in New York City, and
whitewashing the inside of a barn for the movie Funny Farm. She is currently
a faculty member at The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where she was
named Artist-Instructor of the Year in May 2008.
Alexandra Nattrass (Properties Designer/Scenic Artist)
Alex is excited to be working on her second production at
Loomis Chaffee. When she is not making props, she freelances
as a costumer in Connecticut and New York. Previous
theatrical jobs have included on Broadway, Off-Broadway,
and many regional theaters, including Hartford Stage and the
Long Wharf Theater. Alex spends her summers working in
the costume shop at the Castleton Festival in Virginia. She is
an alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and The Greater
Hartford Academy of the Arts. Alex was voted Class Clown and Class Scientist in
eighth grade.
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. He has also worked as an
audio engineer and production sound engineer 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.
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 on stage. Her credits at Yale University include Sweeney
Todd and Cosi Fan Tutte. This is Kate’s second NEO
production, and she feels incredibly privileged to work
with such professional young people and such youthful
professionals. Many thanks to the talented directors and
production team for making this show possible and to the amazing, talented cast
for making it all worthwhile.
19
The Orchestra
Madden Aleia ’16 (Keyboard II) After a
two-year hiatus, Madden is peripherally
back in the NEO playing the synthesizer,
which is like a piano but different. She’d
like to thank Ms. Chrz, the cast, and
especially Josie for keeping her updated
on all the NEO drama! In lieu of flowers,
Madden would like you to #FeeltheBern
Andrew Donshik ’18 (Keyboard III/Bass) Andrew is very excited to
debut in the pit for the production of Young Frankenstein. He studied classical
piano for six years before switching to jazz study. He is involved in four music
groups at Loomis, and would like to thank Mrs. Chrz for letting him know about
this opportunity.
Deborah Feifer ’17 (Trombone) Deborah is extremely excited to be joining the
NEO for her third year, having performed in Urinetown and Oklahoma! in the
past. She enjoys working with everyone in the NEO, and would like to thank her
parents for their support and for always making sure she was where she needed to
be. To the performers, break a leg, and to the audience, enjoy the show!
Molly Forrester ’19 (Clarinet) Molly is very excited for her first year in the pit
orchestra. She has played the clarinet since 4th grade and is a member of Chamber
Music and Concert Band. Molly would like to thank her clarinet teacher for
helping her succeed.
Rosie Park ’18 (Violin) Rosie first started playing violin in fifth grade. Her passion
in music led her to join the pit orchestra this year. This is her first time playing
for a musical and she is extremely excited to see how the show unfolds! Her
hobbies include playing violin, playing badminton, making origami, snacking,
and napping.
Riley Smith ’18 (Trumpet) Riley is very
excited to play in the pit for her first time.
She is a member of the Concert Band and
the Jazz Band. Riley has been playing
the trumpet for seven years, and she has
traveled to New Orleans with a Big Band
Orchestra.
Gloria Yi ’17 (Violin) Her love for music
ever growing, Gloria is thrilled to perform again in the pit orchestra. Even when
she is learning to be a graceful swan in ballet and is crafting complex sentences
in other languages, music is always an integral part of her life. Gloria gives many,
many thanks to her family, friends, and teachers for helping her find her path.
20