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International Thespian Society Troupe 213 Presents
Books and Lyrics by Howard Ashman Music by Alan Menken Based on the film by Roger Corman Screenplay by Charles Griffith Originally Produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director) Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization
Director & Editor Pete Gambino
Choreography & Director Sandi Makofsky
Vocal Direction Heather Lockart
Orchestra Conductor Tim Keleher
Tech Director & Editor Chris Miller
Sound Design Mark Warfel
Costumes Noel Davis
Properties Manager Heather Vaughn
Playbill Rick Friedman
Please turn off all cell phones. With consideration to the safety of the actors, video recording and flash photography are strictly prohibited. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Little Shop of Horrors is produced by special arrangement with Music Theater International.
From the Director: One of the steadfast rules of improv acting is to “Never Say No.” If your scene partner suddenly notices an imaginary bowl of mustard atop your head, be careful not to let it spill. When parts of the stage become lava, sprint to the safe spots before you melt. After the zipper of your human disguise is spotted and you’ve been exposed as an Alien spy, better think fast before Mulder and Scully arrive. The point here is not -- jeez, the guy writing this letter is weird -- but that the best actors listen. They support each other. They feed off their given circumstances. The result? Well, you’re about to see it.
It’s been 399 days since the second weekend of Legally Blonde was cancelled. Believe me, in no way am I equating the chaos that has since ensued across the globe with the disappointment of an early curtain -- but it is worth mentioning that our students have been awaiting another chance at an audience. It’s part of the return to normal we’re all still waiting for. And I stress: still waiting since this production was Abby Normal for sure. Yet despite the various challenges, and fluid scenarios, and unforeseen circumstances, our Toupe never said, “No.” They adapted. They forged ahead. They remained flexible. Once again, a heartfelt thank you is due to Dr. Perry and the Cherry Hill East Administration for their continued efforts on our behalf. Our students are tenacious, but Troupe 213 also thrives because our school values Arts education and the positive community that these programs build. Those of you who collect the mugs our Theater Boosters sell know that a recognizable line is often printed on the back of each. This year, we ultimately went with “Feed Me!” because how could you not for Little Shop? -- BUT -- our troupe was so determined to produce a high quality product that our quote could have easily been, “How else can I help?” since that’s all I heard from the kids for ten weeks. Cherry Hill East students produced a full-blown musical during a global pandemic--I mean, Broadway isn’t even reopened yet! And one day, when they are reminiscing on this experience, maybe even sipping coffee from their “Feed Me!” mugs, I hope they cite Little Shop as a time they felt capable of anything. A time that saw the seeds of confidence, grit, and ingenuity sprout and take root within the adults they would soon become. Get it? ‘Cause Little Shop is about plants? And seeds grow plants? It’s like a metaphor... Oh, just go with it! --Pete Gambino Spring 2021
Little Shop of Horrors Orchestra All members of our orchestra are Cherry Hill East Students Keyboard Christopher Shin Matthew Matro Dominic Scott
Drums Max Venuti Percussion Sarah Adams Tiernan Dautle Emma Hildebrand Nicholas Reigel
Guitar Emily Chau Charles Bove Bass Jonathan Caldes Patrick Kelly
Place & Time Skid Row. The twenty-first day of the month of September, in an early year of a decade not too long before our own.
ACT I Prologue (Little Shop of Horrors) Skid Row (Downtown) Da-Doo Grow for Me Ya Never Know Somewhere That’s Green Closed for Renovation Dentist Mushnik and Son Feed Me (Git it) Now (It’s Just the Gas)
ACT II Call Back in the Morning Suddenly Seymour Suppertime The Meek Shall Inherit Sominex/Suppertime (Reprise) Somewhere That’s Green (Reprise) Finale (Don’t Feed the Plants)
Theatre Supporters The Phillips-Savis Family Karen & Adam Missler The Torrissi Family Jane & John Phillips Jessica Maisuria Pintu Maisuria
The troupe was invited to share something about the experience of producing Little Shop of Horrors. Excerpts from select responses appear below. ***Spoiler: Art Education works!*** “This year has taught all of us about the benefits of putting in your all,” Carlotta Vingelli (Actor, 10th grade) “While filming our show is certainly unconventional, it’s a solid and brand new way of delivering our craft to an audience. Above all, I hope our show inspires young artists to strive for success,” Claire Coen (Crew, 12th grade) “Throughout this experience we have all learned the art of flexibility which has been something that this pandemic has really brought new meaning to,” Madeline Reddy (Actor, 10th grade) “From the very beginning we were told that it was unknown whether our efforts would become the show we envisioned...Throughout all the confusion the cast and crew has held strong and still continued to throw in their best efforts,” Ainsley Hoystead, (Crew, 11th grade) “The show itself was so much fun to work on and be apart of. This cast continued to demonstrate drive and hard work throughout the entire process, despite the difficult circumstances,” Asha Maisuria (Actor, 10th grade)
“Due to the current COVID-19 guidelines, we were limited with what we could do at rehearsals, and how we could perform. The actors and musicians in the pit had to learn how to record the music separately, like they do in movies. We also had to work on acting with our bodies, rather than depending on facial expressions due to our masks. That being said, I feel that we have done an incredible job of putting on a performance that we are all super proud of,” Alexa Gershon (Actor, 12th grade) “I hope that after seeing the play, they know that even in the worst of times, there are still ways to focus on the good in the situation. Helping make sets for the show has been a good way for me to take my mind off of the craziness that's been going on,” Becky Lerman (Crew, 9th grade) “This whole process even gave us the experience of what it could be like filming a movie when we recorded. I thought that was a very cool upside. I hope the audiences like it and enjoy what we did differently with the show at East,” Lily Tewfik (Actor, 9th grade)
“I think this experience was a blessing in disguise, allowing us all to work with a different art medium and present our work in a new way,” Brooke Warren (Actor, 10th grade) “East theatre has always been known to be an escape from the stressors of the outside world for our audiences, and I truly believe Little Shop will be no different. With so many events being canceled or postponed it is incredible that a practically full scale musical has been produced with such care and attention,” Peter Slattery (Actor, 12th grade) “Filming the show was a new experience for me, and I’m glad to have done it with the group of people that were involved in it, who made me feel welcome in Troupe 213,” Anthony Torrissi (Actor, grade 10) “As a very active member of East theatre for all of my four years, I can easily say Little Shop was the show that had the most obstacles to overcome... From safety restrictions to production restrictions this show was nearly impossible to put together. However, we came together as a collective family and put on a show that we should all be extremely proud of,” Pete Cuddihy (Actor, 12th Grade)
Cast of Characters
Student Production Staff Stage Managers: Caitlin Cepeda, Gaby Matro Assistant Student Stage Manager: Ainsley Hoysted Stage Manager Apprentice: Rebecca Sabath Student Technical Directors: Garrett Denney, Dylan Butler Master Carpenters: Hemma Boggi, Leo Granite Scenic Artist: Madeline Baer Master Electrician: Garrett Denney Lighting Technician: Nick Reigel Properties Managers: Liz Armstrong, Angela Bruno Costume Seamstresses: Melissa Shapiro, Megan Liu, Shira Wiess Adult Costume Crew: Noreen Cunningham, Helia Gambino, Sue Walton, Bethany Campbell Video Recording: Claire Coen, Emmanuel Halcomb, Garrett Denney, Hemma Boggi Showcase Designer: Carlee Bystrycki Publicity Manager: Daniel Pipersburgh Playbill and Ad Sales: Lewis Levy Dramaturgy: Dylan Schwartz, Peter Slattery Graphic Artist: Shivani Hirata-Chandran Set Photography: Hemma Boggi Company Managers: Carlee Bystrycki, Alexa Gershon, Justin Walker Dance Captains: Seth Hornstein, Talena Searles-Dowdy Assistant Dance Captain: Julia Boehning Plant Wrangler: Dylan Butler General Crew: Becky Lerman, Cooper Baran, Dayna Wolfson, Elizabeth Hamner, Emily Whitson, Kyle Lehrfeld, Lauren Meyer, Liz Armstrong, Sarah Whitson, Shivani Hirata, Tori Katz
The Cast Biographies Peter Slattery (Mr.Mushnick White/Red) is extremely thankful for his past four years in East Theatre. Playing memorable roles such as Olin Britt in Music Man, Lazar Wolf in Fiddler, and Jack Warner in SAH. He would like to especially thank Mr. Gambino and Sandy for their hard work and dedication! Anthony Torrissi (Seymour/Red Cast) is in his 1st year at CHE. Seymour, the Red Cast’s lead role, is not his 1st acting credit. Past shows include Bye Bye Birdie and HS Musical. On joining the CHE theatre program, he was cast in the 2020 production of Clue. Anthony anticipates more fun and excitement with the CHE theatre team. Abigail Peters (Ensemble/White cast) a Senior, is thrilled to be a part of her 7th and final Mainstage production at East! Her credits include: Carson's Corners, The Music Man, One Acts, The Man Who Came To Dinner, Fiddler, Shakespeare In Hollywood, Legally Blonde, and Clue. Carlotta Vingelli (Chiffon/Red Cast) a Sophomore at East, a member of Chansons and Stay Tuned, and she is very exited to be in her 4th main stage at East! Working on this show was such a wonderful experience and she has truly made so many memories to be cherished forever. Maddie Reddy (Audrey/Red Cast) a Sophomore. is thrilled to be playing the role of Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors! Previous credits at East include Legally Blonde (Margot) and The Bully Plays (Stacy). She is also a proud member of Stay Tuned, Chansons, and Publicity Manager of East Musicians on Call. Asha Maisuria (White Cast Chiffon) is a Sophomore in Stay Tuned and Chansons. This is her 4th main stage at East and it has been a very fun experience. She would like to congratulate everyone involved on their hard work and talent to produce such an amazing show! Charlie Bove (Audrey II Puppeteer) a Junior, is proud to be in his 6th Mainstage production at East, previous roles include Yussel in Fidler on the Roof, Dick Powell in Shakespeare in Hollywood, Carlos in Legally Blonde, and Mr. Green in Clue. Charlie is also a proud member of the Cherry Hill East Jazz Band. Max Missler (Red Cast Ensemble) Currently a member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale. Past performances include Aladdin and The Lion King with Rosa Middle School. Gavin Gershon (Red Cast Featured Ensemble) is excited to be in his first mainstage musical at East. He is also in mime company and on the tennis team. Credits include Clue (commercial ensemble), Footloose (Ren McCormack), and Magic of Musicals (Hamilton). He wishes best of luck to the cast and crew! Benjamin Derman (customer, ensemble): Benji is thrilled to be part of his first main stage production at Cherry Hill East! Recent credits include Footloose, Magic of Musicals and Annie Jr. Benji is thankful to the cast, crew and everyone participating for a great show! Aiyanna DeFreitas (Both Casts) interviewer and featured ensemble, this is my first show and I want to thank everyone for helping make this experience so great and wonderful! Daniel Pipersburgh (Audrey II Voice/Both casts) is super excited to preform for his last Mainstage as the voice of Audrey II. His recent credits include; Clue (Colonel Mustard), Legally Blonde (Professor Callahan). He would like to thank his family and Gamz and Sandi for an amazing 4 years in the Theater Department.
The Cast Biographies Alexa Gershon (Audrey - Red Cast) is a senior and is also a member of East Singers, Mime Company, and Voce. Recent credits include Clue (Miss Scarlet), Legally Blonde (Serena), and Shakespeare in Hollywood (Lydia). She is thrilled to be a part of this incredible cast in her final East mainstage! Kami Edens (Featured Ensemble, Red Cast) - a Freshman, Kami is also a member of Vocal Workshop. Past credits include Annie (Molly), Seussical Jr. (Mayzie), Elf Jr. (Sarah), and Legally Blonde Jr. (Delta Nu). Congrats to the cast & crew! Justin Walker (Seymour Krelborn/White Cast) a senior. Justin is excited to be part of Little Shop of Horrors, his last mainstage at East. Recent credit include Mr. Green (Clue). He would like to thank all his friends and everyone that made this show possible and as amazing, and wishes everyone the best of luck. Pete Cuddihy, (Orin/Both Casts) a senior. Pete is jazzed to be performing his eigth and final Mainstage production at Cherry Hill East. He is a proud member of SGA, the Track team, SSHS, Stay Tuned, and Thespian Society. Pete can not believe his time at East is coming to a close but he is thankful for it all. McKenzie Taylor (Crystal/Red Cast) a senior. She has worked so hard with others on this show and is very excited for everyone to see it. This is her very first production but definitely not her last. Enjoy the show! Kyle Edens (Skip Snip/Both Casts) a Senior. Is very excited to be performing in his last show at East. Kyle is a proud member of East Singers and Stay Tuned, and is a Vice President on the Thespian Board. Some of Kyle’s credits include: Shakespeare in Hollywood (Puck), Clue (Mr. Boddy), and Shrek (Shrek).
The Crew Biographies Caitlin Cepeda (Stage Manager) Credits include Clue (Stage Manager) and Legally Blonde (Asst. Stage Manager). is a member of Thespian Society (President) and Stay Tuned (Officer). She would like to thank everyone responsible for making Little Shop happen. Her gratitude for the cast, crew, and staff is immeasurable. Gaby Matro (Stage Manager): a Senior, Gaby is excited to take part in her final mainstage at East! She has previously worked as an SM on Clue, Legally Blonde, and Shakespeare in Hollywood. She is also a member of East Singers and the Mime Company. Congrats to everyone involved in Little Shop!
Join us for the One Act Play Festival All original student films!! Mark your calendars for May 21st
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Who’s Who on the Staff Pete Gambino
(Director) has worked in the Cherry Hill Drama Department since 2008. He earned his MFA in Creative Writing from Rutgers University, Camden. His hobbies include reading, crossword puzzles, and listening to heavy metal. In October of 2020, his play Poe Re-Deranged was released as an audio program by The Eagle Theater. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support as well as his production staff for their dedication and commitment. He sends special thanks to Mr. Tamer Tewfik for volunteering his time and expertise on this production of Little Shop of Horrors! A special and deeply heartfelt thank you goes out to Sandi Makofsky for her wisdom, endless patience, and sense of humor.
Sandi Makofsky (Co-Director/Choreographer) has been working in theater for as long as she can remember. While earning her BA in Speech and Theater/Dance at Montclair State University, she found that her true love wasn’t actually for performing but for working on the other side of the casting table. She has worked as a waitress, a clown, a telephone surveyor, a price checker, a preschool teacher, a dance teacher, a caterer, owned a performing arts studio, owned a dessert catering business and has choreographed and directed shows from professional children’s theater to industry films, showcases and readings in NYC, colleges, high schools, regional and community theater. She is presently the Resident Director at Voorhees Theatre Company in Voorhees. She landed here at East many moons ago and is eternally grateful to be working alongside the talented Mr. Gambino and Ms. Lockart, as well as with the wildly talented students in the theater department. A special thanks to Mr. Keleher and the remarkable students in our pit band. The fact that we have been able to live up to our new motto, “Cherry Hill East Theater ~ Anyplace, Anytime, Anywhere~ ” is a crowning achievement and one that will continue to bring pride for years to come. Thank you ALL!!!
Heather Vaughn (Properties Manager) joined the teaching staff at East in Fall 2017 and teaches English and public speaking. A native of Northwest Indiana, Heather graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1992 with a BS in Education and speech/ theatre, English and music certification. She brings with her a varied background from her past teaching positions in: Moorestown, New Jersey; San Antonio, Texas; Fairfax, Virginia; and Plymouth, Indiana where she taught music, English, speech and theatre. She has directed numerous public school musicals and plays, working with musicians and actors of all ages. For 15 years, Heather was principal administrative director of Bar Harbor Brass Week, a brass camp co-founded by her and her husband. In 2014, Heather returned to the high school stage as Technical Director and Fall Play Director at Haddonfield Memorial High School, and stepped down from duties there in May, 2019, after her 15th and final show. Little Shop of Horrors is Heather’s fifth production at East.
Heather Lockart (Vocal Director) is thrilled to be involved with Little Shop of Horrors. Prior to this year, Mrs. Lockart vocal directed Legally Blonde for East, which is nominated for best overall musical at the 2021 Montclair University Theater Night Awards. She also worked on Clue, Man of La Mancha, Pippin, and Fiddler on the Roof with Troupe 213. She is one of two full-time vocal directors at Cherry Hill East where she conducts several choirs including Vocal Workshop, Concert Choir, Chansons, and Stay Tuned. "Lock" looks forward to the day where we can all return to the stage but is excited for the unique opportunity to present a thrilling musical-movie. Hope you all enjoy!
Who’s Who on the Staff Timothy Keleher
(Orchestra Director) Magna cum Laude University of the Arts. Conducting Fellow, Juilliard Conductors Workshop 2011. Formerly principal trumpet Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. Music Administrator for the Opera Company of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Singers. Free-lance solo and ensemble trumpet jazz/commercial and classical performances throughout the Delaware Valley. He performed with jazz piano legend Sam Dockery and main showroom performances at Harrah’s, the Tropicana, the Hilton, Showboat casinos and House of Blues in Atlantic City with headliners that have included the Four Tops, the Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Diahann Carroll, Eddie Holman, Peter Cetera, as well as comedians Bob Newhart, Don Rickles. Instrumental/AP Music Theory teacher at Cherry Hill East. East ensembles earn competitive awards around the region. Under his leadership the Cherry Hill High School East Symphony Orchestra made their New York City debut at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center in December 2009 and returned for two additional performances since. In 2013, the East Symphony Orchestra won a New Jersey state-wide orchestra festival which included opening in concert with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, and February 2020 the Symphony Orchestra performed at the Presidents Day Orchestra Festival at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. In June 2019, the Symphony orchestra was invited to perform at the Viennese Masters Orchestra Invitational making their debut at Carnegie Hall, New York City.
Noel Davis
(Costume Designer) Has been the Costume Designer for Cherry Hill East for 16 years. Noel enjoys working students teaching them sewing and designing skills. Noel has a BSN in nursing. She is a school nurse at Y.A.L.E. School working with students with autism.
Chris Miller
(Tech Director) has been TD and set/lighting designer for West for the past 4 years and is excited to be working with the awesome staff and kids from East this year! His professional credits include various shows from The Eagle Theater , Ritz Theater, Broadway Theater of Pitman, Kelsey Theater , Iron Crow Theater in Baltimore and Candlelight Theater in Delaware. He also enjoys working with various education institutions in both High School and University settings. Cherry Hill High School East Administration Principal: Dr. Dennis Perry Vice Principal: Mr. Lou Papa Vice Principal: Mr. Ted Beatty Vice Principal: Mr. Aaron Edwards Vice Principal: Dr. Matthew Covington Vice Principal: Mr. George Zografos Cherry Hill Public Schools Administration Superintendent: Dr. Joseph Meloche Business Administration: Lynn E. Shugars Director of Pupil Services: LaCoyya Weathington Director of Curriculum: Farrah Mahan Director of Human Resources: Nancy Adrian Director of Security: Anthony Saporito Public Information Officer: Barbara Wilson
Board of Education – Board Members Laurie Neary - Board President Kimberly Friddell - Board Vice President Rosy Arroyo Carol A. Matlack Corrien Elmore-Stratton Ben Ovadia Ruth Schultz Miriam Stern Sally Tong
Acknowledgements Tamer Tewfik and SQ Productions for volunteering your expertise. Dr. Dennis Perry Mr. Ted Beatty CHE Custodial Staff Tom Weaver Carli Keesler CHE Secretarial Staff Dr. Joseph Meloche Mr. Peter Cuddihy Greg Murphy Envision Set Design
CHE Theater Boosters CHE Music Boosters Dr. Lynn Shugars Deanna Denisar Kieran Schwarz CH Board of Ed Costume Volunteers Dr. Farrah Mahan Mr. Aaron Edwards CJ Davis
All parents of cast members Please Patronize Advertisers: When and wherever you shop, please consider these local merchants first. Their support of young people make these things possible.
CONGRATULATIONS
Asha We are so proud of you! Congrats as Chiffon!!! Anthony Always follow your dreams Anthony Break a leg Benji Continue to do what u do so well we are proud of u ♥G&P Congrats to the entire cast & crew from The Derman Family! Anthony-I’m so excited for your play! Your acting is awesome! Ava Tone-You were born for this! We are so proud! Love Mom & Dad! Way to go Max! We are so proud of you! Mom, Dad and Alex You are awesome Max! We loved the show! Grammy and Pop Congratulations Gaby on an amazing job stage managing! Congratulations Lewis on an amazing performance! Elena, We are proud of you! Break a leg! Love, Mom, Dad & Katie All the best to the cast and crew of Little Shop! The Suarezs Great job Elena! We love you! Aunt Claire and Uncle Joe Elena have fun in Little Shop! Love, PopPop Nan Aunt Julie Break a leg, not literally. I guess… To Antny Love, Erin We love you Anthony! Love your cousins Cam, Aly, Bobby and G Very Proud of you Antny! Can’t wait to see you kill it
Cherry Hill East’s production of GYPSY in March of 1978 marked the inception of “The Thespian Mirror” as the program magazine for productions at Cherry Hill School East produced by the International Thespian Society. The name is borrowed from the historical document discovered while researching in Theatre History classes. First published in 1805, the original was a critical journal by a young aspiring actor, John Howard Payne, who from the age of 14 and or the next 20 years became well known as a performer, playwright, and critic. He wrote 50-60 plays during his career. Of these, the best known include BRUTUS (1818) and CHARLES II (1824). He holds the prestigious position in history as America’s first internationally successful dramatist. Our program title seems fitting then as young aspiring actors before you tonight strive for the success which Payne proved possible even as a child prodigy and since we subscribe to Aristotle’s philosophy that good theatre must truly “mirror” our existence. We proudly celebrate 39 years of MIRROR as the program magazine for our mainstage productions. We thank our advertisers for making this what it is today!
MIRROR EDITOR
Rick D. Friedman I have been working for the Cherry Hill School District for 19 years and enjoy every second. I am the technology coordinator for Cherry Hill East H.S. I manage the servers and computers in the entire school. Also, I interact with the teachers, staff and students on a daily basis. I am always trying to determine a more proactive way to use technology more efficiently in the school. I am so excited that this is my 22th playbill being produced! It is true that time flies when you’re having fun! Working with the Mr. Gambino, the cast and the crew is such a blast as well as a huge learning experience. WHAT AN AMAZING TEAM! A huge THANK YOU goes out to my Donna Lee for all of your love & support over the past few months! 831 forever and a day♥♥♥! To all the graduating students, I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors! Please stop back to visit. Mr. Gambino, it is truly a pleasure to work side by side with you and the students year after year! I look forward to many more years working with East’s AWESOME Thespian Society!