It's A Wonderful life

Fall 2017

International Thespian Society

Troupe 213 Presents

From The Screenplay By: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling

Set/Lighting Designer

Directed by:

Co- Director

Tom Weaver

Peter Gambino

Sandi Makofsky

Hair/ Make-up Design

Costume Designer

Mirror Editor

Debra Faye

Noel Davis

Rick Friedman

Costume Design Assistant Bethany Campbell

Sound Advisor

Showcase/Program Photographer

Marc Warfel

Bill Kovnat Box Office Manger

House Manager

Amy Breslow

Dawn Zaleski

Please turn off all cell phones. Video recording and flash attachments to cameras are strictly prohibited in consideration with the safety of the actors.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

It’s A Wonderful Life is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts. Inc.

Good luck to the cast & crew of

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

Dr. Evan Sorokin, class of 1990 Delaware Valley Plastic Surgery.com

Theatre Supporters Marie Abbruscato Denz Eileen & Marty Strulson Christie Cooper Subway (Voorhees/Main street) Edmond Green

From the Director

Our Drama Staff makes a concerted effort to select work with pertinent and positive social messages. So after Tom graciously offered me the opportunity to direct, I set about scouring the catalogues for the perfect play to tackle the world’s problems. Well, that one hasn’t been written yet.

The original shortlist I presented in the Spring of 2017 went something like this: 1. 1984.

2. Fahrenheit 451.

3. Shakespeare’s Star Wars: The Empire Striketh Back (this is mostly a joke, but only mostly).

As he’s been since the day I met him, Tom was supportive. He encouraged me to talk to the kids, gauge interest, synthesize feedback—what a good teacher!

The troupe listened to my pitches…forcing polite smiles. It was time to try again.

Around April, a new catalogue arrived. In it I found an advert for It’s a Wonderful Life. Gaudy holiday banner. Glitter. Bells and angel wings stamped all over with reckless abandon. I swear, if the publisher could have infused the page with the scent of roasted chestnuts, it would have. Bah humbug! I wasn’t going to direct a Hallmark Card.

Even so, I couldn’t turn the page.

I teach East’s Film Appreciation course—one-part cinema history, one-part US history, one-part art class. Because of its iconic status, It’s a Wonderful Life has worked its way into regular rotation on the syllabus. During a post-viewing discussion years back, I remember a student saying, “That wasn’t so Christmasy, and why’s George scared of Pottersville? It’s just Atlantic City!”

Brilliant! Potterville does look like Atlantic City. In fact, it looks like most cities. George descends into misery because he’s so focused on how his life should go that he never appreciates the ways in which it surprises him for the better. The kindness he displays. The loyalty he possesses. The hope he finds in the darkness. These are the keys to happiness in a world that’s more Pottersville than Bedford Falls, that pushes people to define their futures by the third grade. What better social message to spread to the cast, to the crew, to the community?

I returned to the actors. I wish I could tell you that they wept, overcome with joy over the selection. Truth is, most weren’t familiar with the story—but the ones who were, sold the show. The play had more than enough parts, it was funny, it was something East had never done.

School closed. Summer happened. School opened. Auditions happened. Business as usual.

We spent our first rehearsal watching the film. As the credits rolled and each person worked to hide misty eyes, something wonderful—ahem, get it?—happened. Our Drama troupe became determined to use the show as a platform to spread goodwill. Just like the citizens of Bedford Falls, they wanted to rally around those in need.

On top of their school and extracurricular responsibilities, the troupe—independent of the adult production staff—worked to organize a fundraiser for those suffering the effects of the devastating hurricanes. If you make it to the cafeteria during intermission tonight, take a look at the gift baskets they worked to have donated. Student ushers will be collecting for the relief effort after the show. You can also support them online at http://bit.ly/2jFYo20.

It is the Drama Staff’s hope that you feel pride in our youth. These young men and women are taking initiative to embody the spirit of It’s a Wonderful Life. What else could we as teachers, we as audience members, we as a community, ask for?

-Pete Gambino

1st place winner: 2nd place winner: Spencer Levy Caitlin Cepeda Thank you so much!!

A Brief History of It’s a Wonderful Life A Note From the Dramaturge By: Jayson Borenstein

Frank Capra’s film, It’s a Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed as George and Mary Bailey was released in 1946 and was based off of the short story, The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern. Over the years, the film has become a classic. However, the film was not always considered to be as successful and popular as it is today.

Upon its release, It’s a Wonderful Life received mixed reviews and lost Liberty Pictures over $525,000 at the box office. Critics chided the story over its overly sentimental characters and optimistic themes. Many people believe that “Pottersville” is a representation of what the world is really like and “Bedford Falls” is an unrealistic place despite what the film tries to make the viewer believe. Additionally, the FBI claimed that making Lionel Barrymore’s Mr. Potter the most disliked character in the film discredited bankers and endorsed the principles of Communism.

Despite the negative reviews and criticism the film received, It’s a Wonderful Life was still nominated for five Academy Awards and received a Technical Achievement Award from the Academy for inventing a new way of simulating falling snow on a motion picture set. This new method involved a water, soap flakes, foamite, and sugar combination as opposed to the approach of painting corn flakes white, a practice that rendered on-set audio useless. Additionally, Frank Capra won the Golden Globe for Best Director. Years later, two of the film’s characters earned spots on the American Film Institute’s lists of the Top 50 Heroes and Top 50 Villains in Movie History. Mr. Potter was ranked as the sixth greatest villain of all time, and George Bailey was ranked as the ninth greatest hero of all time.

It’s a Wonderful Life grew in popularity thanks to US Copyright Law. At the time, a film’s initial copyright period lasted 28 years before requiring renewal. However, in 1974, 28 years after its initial release, It’s a Wonderful Life was not renewed and the film fell into the Public Domain. Television stations jumped at the chance to air the movie without owing royalties. This started a trend of the film being constantly aired on TV and lead to the movie becoming a family holiday classic. However, the copyright was eventually reclaimed in 1991 by the owners of the original short story, The Greatest Gift. A Supreme Court ruling stated that that the owners of original intellectual properties had the rights to any adaptations if the original creator of the adaptation died before having an opportunity to renew the copyright. This lead to the movie being more heavily protected with less TV airings.

It’s easy to see why It’s a Wonderful Life has been typically associated with Christmas, but Frank Capra wrote in his auto-biography that he made the film to show the universal message that “each man's life touches so many other lives.” Christmas just happens to be a part of the plot and the movie was marketed as a Christmas movie in an effort to earn more money at the box office. So, the next time you enjoy George Bailey’s story, try to think more about how you influence and affect the lives of those around you. Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.

Act I Scene 1: Prologue Scene 2: The Frozen River Scene 3: Gower’s Drugstore Scene 4: The Building & Loan Scene 5: Return to Gower’s Drugstore Scene 6: The Luggage Shop Scene 7: The Bailey Dining Room Scene 8: The Graduation Dance Scene 9: George and Mary’s Walk Scene 10: The Board of Directors Scene 11: Harry’s First Homecoming Scene 12: Violet on Main Scene 13: Mary’s House Scene 14: After the Wedding Scene 15: Crisis at the Building & Loan Scene 16: The Old Granville House Scene 17: Potter’s Problem and the Martinis’ New Home

Act II Scene 1: Transition to Christmas Eve Scene 2: Celebration at the Building & Loan Scene 3: Uncle Billy at the Bank Scene 4: Another Crisis at the Building & Loan Scene 5: The Baileys at Home Scene 6: Potter’s Office Scene 7: Martini’s Bar Scene 8: On the Bridge Scene 9: The Bridge House Scene 10: Nick’s Bar Scene 11: Out in the Cold Scene 12: George Bailey’s Nightmare Scene 13: Back at the Bridge Scene 14: Home

Red Cast

Cast of Characters

Nala Jackson ………...…..Frankie…………...…..

Jackson Feudtner ……...……..Jo…………...…..

Kevin Naddeo ……...……..George Bailey…….…...…..

Cassie Cuddihy ……...……..Mary Hatch Bailey……...……..

Jayson Borenstein ……...……..Mr. Potter………...…..

Jack Granite …....………..Uncle Billy………….....

Thomas Zieger ……...……..Clarence……………..

Cameron Orefice ……...……..Mrs. Bailey……………..

Spencer Levy ………...…..Ernie Bishop……………..

Jake Hoffman …...………..Bert……………..

Maureen Garafano ………….....Violet Bick………...…..

Brett Fox ……………..Mr. Gower………….....

Justin Walker ...…………..Sam Wainwright………...…..

Brett Fox ...…………..Harry Bailey……………..

Seth Treiman ...…………..Pop Bailey……………..

Hannah Lehrfeld …...………..Cousin Tilly……………..

Amanda Kahn ………...…..Cousin Eustace……………..

Harrison Smith ………...…..Mr. Martini……………..

Sade Willingham ……………..Maria Martini……………..

Jackie Cotter ………...…..Annie……………..

Seth Hornstein …...………..Mr. Carter………….....

Sade Willingham ………….....Ruth Dakin Bailey………...…..

Grace Breslow ………...…..Mrs. Hatch……………..

Haley Lopez ……………..Jane Wainwright………….....

Pete Cuddihy ...…………..Young George……………..

Kyle Edens ...…………..Young Sam……………..

Alexa Gershon …...………..Young Mary……………..

Caitlin Cepeda ……...……..Young Violet……………..

Matt McNulty ………...…..Young Harry……………..

Seth Treiman …...………..Nick……………....

Jonny Balakas ...…………..Mr. Potter’s……………..

Niyah Worthy ...……….…..Flo…………….….

Matt McNulty ………….....Rent Collector…….………..

Talena Searles-Dowdy ………...…..Secretary………...…..

Alexa Gershon ……………..Janie Bailey………...…..

Lilly MacArthur ………...…..Zuzu Bailey………….....

Pete Cuddihy ………….....Pete Bailey……………..

Jordan Jackson ...…………..Tommy Bailey……………..

Arianne Martin ...…………..Dr. Campbell……………..

Lewis Levy ...…………..Watchman……………..

Elise Baratta ……...……..Mrs. Partridge……………..

Seth Hornstein ……...……..Marty Hatch……………..

Kriswel Rivera …...………..Freddie……………..

Lewis Levy ……...……..Mickey……………..

Jessica Haya ………...…..Charlie……………..

Haley Lopez ………...…..Edna……………..

Carmen DeCosmo ………….....Tom……………..

Lewis Levy ………...…..Randall……………..

White Cast Alicia Cosenza Vincent Velasco Harrison Smith Courtney Bird Jayson Borenstein Jack Granite Thomas Zieger Elise Baratta Spencer Levy Jake Hoffman Cate Harding Brett Fox Jackson Feudtner Brett Fox Seth Treiman Hannah Lehrfeld Amanda Kahn Kevin Naddeo Sade Willingham Jackie Cotter Seth Hornstein Adiel Davis Leah Levin Arianne Martin Pete Cuddihy Kyle Edens Alexa Gershon Caitlin Cepeda Matt McNulty Seth Treiman Jonny Balakas Niyah Worthy Claire Coen Melissa Shapiro Alexa Gershon Madison Greenwald Pete Cuddihy Jordan Jackson Arianne Martin Lewis Levy Cameron Orefice Seth Hornstein Kriswel Rivera Lewis Levy Jessica Haya Sade Willingham Carmen DeCosmo Lewis Levy

Cast of Characters

Red Cast Gabrielle Matro Claire Coen Jonny Balakas Leah Levin Carmen DeCosmo Kriswel Rivera Lewis Levy Dylan Schwartz Dan Watts Jonny Balakas Justin Walker Morgan Pierce Dan Watts Morgan Pierce Lauren Meyer Jonny Balakas/Dan Watts Dylan Schwartz/Caitlin Cepeda/ Morgan Pierce

…………..Mrs. Thompson………….. ……………..Miss Davis…………….. ……………..Mr. Welch…………….. ……………..Harriet…………….. ……………..Jake…………….. ….……..Random Guy 1…………….. …………..Random Guy 2………….. …………..Photographer…………….. ……………..Sheriff…………….. ……………..Old Man…………….. ……………..Director 1…………….. ……………..Director 2…………….. ……………..Director 3…………….. ……………..Woman 1…………….. ……………..Woman 2…………….. ……………..Bouncers…………….. ……..Featured Townspeople……..

White Cast Gabrielle Matro Claire Coen Jonny Balakas Leah Levin Carmen DeCosmo Kriswel Rivera Lewis Levy Liron Algrably Dan Watts Carmen DeCosmo Justin Walker Morgan Pierce Dan Watts Morgan Pierce Lauren Meyer Jonny Balakas/Dan Watts Dylan Schwartz/Caitlin Cepeda/ Morgan Pierce

Townspeople: Lauren Abrams, Liron Algrably, Elise Baratta, Evey Bell, Zoe Benson, Grace Breslow, Caitlin Cepeda, Cynthia Cheng, Claire Coen, Alicia Cosenza, Jackie Cotter, Adiel Davis, Talena Searles-Dowdy, Kyle Edens, Jackson Feudtner, Brett Fox, Maureen Garafano, Cate Harding, Jessica Haya, Jake Hoffman, Seth Hornstein, Nala Jackson, Amanda Kahn, Hannah Lehrfeld, Leah Levin, Lewis Levy, Spencer Levy, Haley Lopez, Arianne Martin, Gabrielle Matro, Matt McNulty, Lauren Meyer, Cameron Orefice, Morgan Pierce, Kriswel Rivera, John Schultz, Dylan Schwartz, Melissa Shapiro, Vincent Velasco, Dan Watts, Justin Walker, Sade Willingham, Niyah Worthy

Student Production Staff

Stage Manager: Allison Donahue Assistant Stage Manager: Taryn Rumell Student Tech. Director: Kathryn Quay, Adam Kriesman Assistant Student Tech. Director: Kevin Stankiewicz Properties Managers: Kevin Naddeo, Jack Granite Wardrobe Manager: Sadie Donahue, Maya Williams Costume Seamstress: Erin Hurley Scenic Artist: Shani Hemo Sound Designer: Ali Armendinger Sound Engineer: Lucas Warfel, Ian McClellan Master Carpenter: Sammy Schottenfeld, Ryan O’Donnell Master Electrician: Julia Holtzman, Erin Quay Assistant Scenic Artist: Debbie Goldberg, Tori Ruth Paint Charge: Vrinda Vinod, Ilana Arougheti Makeup Coordinator: Hannah (Arri) Bicking Showcase Designer: Allison Donahue, Vince Velasco, Arianne Martin, Leah Levin Stage Manager Apprentices: Erin Butler, Jane Lipsett Assistant Master Carpenter: Lee Kotzen, Eli Vaupen Assistant Lighting Technician: Victoria Zubrzycki, Hunter Hilerio, Penina Oanona, Shaina Kramer Assistant Sound Engineer: Josie Morgan General Crew: Aviva Lerman, Alicia Cosenza, JoJo Perez, Maya Jacobs, Katelyn Mendoza, Michelle Min, Liliana Pugliesse, Celine Cevikel, Hannah Scott, Luke Consalvo, Kylie Hoysted, Sophia Borowsky, Garrett Denney, Leo Granite, Thomas Klimek, Isabella Matthews, Charlie Rosen, Nicholas Reigel, Gabi Hay, Jillian Schaeffer, Alysea Meter, Nicole Wolf, Hemma Boggi, Michelle Lin, Giana Boyer, Pete Cuddihy, Lisa Lee, Kaitlyn Plefka, Asa Williams, Matthew Mueller, Claire Coen (& Bryce!)

The Cast Biographies Alicia Cosenza (Frankie-White) A sophomore. Alicia is excited to be performing in her first fall play at East. Recent credits include: The Remarkable Incident At Carson Corners (Mrs. Caldwell), Ragtime (Woman of Harlem), and Get Bill Shakespeare Off The Stage (Phyllis). She is also a proud member of the East Music Department. Alicia cannot wait for the rest of the year!

Jackson Feudtner (Jo-Red/Sam Wainwright-White) A sophomore. Jackson is thrilled to be performing in his third Mainstage at East. Recent credits include: The Remarkable Incident At Carson Corners (Mr. Kovalesky), Circle (Eric), and Ragtime the Musical (Ensemble). He is also a proud member of East Singers and Stay Tuned.

Vincent Velasco (Jo-White) A junior. Vincent is excited to be participating in his fifth Mainstage at Cherry Hill East. Recent shows include: Ragtime (Booker T. Washington), A Cold Day in Hell (Hammurabi), and The Miracle Worker (Crone). Vincent is a member of the Thespian Society and is excited for the upcoming theatre related activities in the future.

Kevin Naddeo (George Bailey-Red/Mr. Martini-White/Properties Manager) A junior. Kevin is excited to be in his 4th Mainstage at East. Recent credits include: Ragtime (Father), The Miracle Worker (Mr. Anagnos), and Titanic (Mr. Guggenheim). Kevin also Assistant Stage Managed this year's Lab Theatre production and is a proud member of Stay Tuned and East Singers.

Harrison Smith (George Bailey-White/Mr. Martini-Red/Dance Captain) A senior. Harrison is excited about his final fall play at East. Past credits include: Ragtime (Tateh) and The Miracle Worker (Captain Keller). Harrison is a member of East Singers, Voce, and Stay Tuned. He would like to thank everyone who taught him to perform at such a high caliber.

Cassie Cuddihy (Mary Hatch Bailey-Red) A junior. Cassie is thrilled to be performing in her 5th Mainstage at East! Recent credits include The Miracle Worker (Beatrice) and Ragtime (Brigit). Cassie is also a member of East Singers, Voce, Mime Company, and Thespian Society. She would like to thank her family for all their love and support.

Courtney Bird (Mary Hatch Bailey-White) A senior. Courtney is excited to be in her final fall play at East. Recent credits include: Ragtime (Mother), The Miracle Worker (Annie Sullivan), and The Addams Family (Morticia Addams) Courtney is also a proud member of East Singers, Chansons, and Stay Tuned.

Jayson Borenstein (Mr. Potter/Dramaturge/Playbill Assistant) A junior. Jayson is thrilled to be in his fifth Mainstage at East. Recent credits include: Grease (Eugene Florczyk), Circle (The Rich Man), Lockdown (Phil), Ragtime (Grandfather), The Miracle Worker (Percy), and Titanic (Henry Etches).

Jayson is also a very proud member of Thespian Society and East Singers.

Jack Granite (Uncle Billy/Properties Manager) A junior. Jack is excited for his third fall play at Cherry Hill East! Past Credits include: Ragtime (Henry Ford), The Miracle Worker (Asylum Doctor) and Seussical (The Cat in the Hat). He is also a proud member of East Singers and Voce. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support!

Thomas Zieger (Clarence) A sophomore. Thomas is thrilled to be in the cast of his first ever fall play at East. Recent credits include: The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Dr. Caldwell), A Cold Day in Hell (Steve), and Ragtime (Policeman). He is also a proud member of Concert Choir.

Cameron Orefice (Mrs. Bailey-Red/Mrs. Partridge-White) A junior. Cameron is thrilled to be in It’s a Wonderful Life! Recent East credits include: Ragtime, The Miracle Worker, and Beauty and the Beast.

She recently finished her run as Maria in West Side Story at Moorestown Theatre Company. She is also a member of Voce and Thespian Society.

The Cast Biographies Elise Baratta (Mrs. Bailey-White/Mrs. Partridge-Red) A junior. Elise is extremely excited to be playing Mrs. Bailey in her fourth Mainstage at East. Recent credits include: School of Rock (Featured Dancer), The Lion King (Hyena/Featured Vocal), Ragtime (Houdini’s Mother/Featured Vocal). She is also a member of the Mime Company and Thespian Society.

Spencer Levy (Ernie Bishop) Spencer is excited to be in his fifth Mainstage at East. Past credits include: Ragtime (Little Boy), The Miracle Worker (Jimmie Sullivan), and Titanic (Frederick Fleet). He is also a member, of Mime Company, East Singers, and Voce. He would also like to thank his friends and family for their support.

Jake Hoffman (Bert) A junior. Jake is pumped and excited to be performing in his 5th Mainstage at East! Recent credits include: A Cold Day in Hell (Perseus), Ragtime (J.P. Morgan), The Miracle Worker (Crone), Tzirk (Misha the Bear), and Beauty and the Beast (Fishman). Jake is also a proud member of Concert Choir.

Maureen Garafano (Violet Bick-Red) A senior. Maureen is ecstatic to be in her fifth Mainstage at East. Recent credits include: Ragtime (Featured Dancer), The Miracle Worker (Martha), Lockdown (Chelsea), and Titanic (Madame Aubert). She is also a proud member of East Singers and Harmony Show Choir.

Cate Harding (Violet Bick-White) A sophomore. Cate is beyond excited to be participating in her third Mainstage at East. Cate has most recently performed in: The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Mrs.McGinnis), Lockdown (Liz), and Ragtime the Musical (Ensemble). She’s also a proud member of Chansons.

Justin Walker (Sam Wainwright-Red/Director 1) A freshman. Justin is excited to be in his first Mainstage at East after starting theater two years ago. Recent credits include West Side Story: School Edition (Riff) and Legally Blonde Jr. (Emmett). He hopes to do even more shows with East and wishes everyone the best of luck.

Seth Treiman (Pop Bailey/Nick) A junior. Seth is thrilled to be in his fifth Mainstage at East. Recent credits include Ragtime (Henry Ford) and The Miracle Worker (A Doctor). Along with Stage Managing this year’s Lab Theatre production, Seth is also a proud member of East Singers and Voce.

Hannah Lehrfeld (Cousin Tilly) A junior. Hannah can not wait to perform alongside her best friend, Amanda Kahn (Cousin Eustace), in this incredible show. Recent credits include: Almost, Maine (Glory), Ragtime (Little Girl), and The Miracle Worker (Helen Keller).

Amanda Kahn (Cousin Eustace) A junior. Amanda is excited to be in her fifth Mainstage at East.

Recent credits include Ragtime (Reporter/New Rochelle) and The Miracle Worker (Blind Girl). Along with Assistant Stage Managing Lab Theatre this year, she is a proud member of East Singers and the Belles of East.

Jackie Cotter (Annie) A junior. Jackie is thrilled to be in her fourth Mainstage at East. Recent credits include: Ragtime, Legally Blonde,The Miracle Worker, and Beauty and the Beast. Jackie is also a member of the All State Mixed Chorus 2017, Belles of East, Wind Ensemble, Thespian Society, and Mime Company.

Seth Hornstein (Mr. Carter/Marty Hatch) A freshman. Seth is very excited to be in his first Mainstage show at Cherry Hill East. Recent credits include: Sister Act (Joey) and The Lion King (Scar).

The Cast Biographies Grace Breslow (Mrs. Hatch-Red) A freshman. Grace is very excited to be in her first Mainstage production at East. Recent credits include The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Janet) and Legally Blonde Jr. (Kiki). She would like to thank the cast and crew for making her first Mainstage an incredible experience.

Leah Levin (Mrs. Hatch-White/Harriet) A junior. Leah is excited to be in her 4th Mainstage at East.

Past Credits include: Ragtime (Little Girl), The Miracle Worker (Helen Keller), Get Bill Shakespeare Off the Stage (Joan), and Beauty and the Beast (Chip). Leah is also a proud member of Thespian Society, Belles of East, and East Singers.

Arianne Martin (Jane Wainwright-White/Dr. Campbell) A junior. Arianne is excited to be in her fourth Mainstage at East. Recent credits include Ragtime (White Attorney) and Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl). She is also a proud member of East Singers and Stay Tuned.

Pete Cuddihy (Young George/Pete Bailey) A freshman. Pete is jazzed to be performing in his first Mainstage at East. Recent credits include The Remarkable Incident at Carsons Corner (Mr. Rogers), and Legally Blonde Jr. (Warner). Pete is also a member of the Mime Company. He would like to thank his family for their love and support.

Kyle Edens (Young Sam) A freshman. Kyle is very excited to be performing in his second show at East. Some shows that Kyle has been in include: The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Bill McGinnis), Aladdin Jr. (Butcher), Beauty and the Beast (Townsperson), and The Lion King Jr. (Hyena).

Alexa Gershon (Young Mary/Janie Bailey) A freshman. Alexa is super excited to perform in her first Mainstage at East! Recent credits include: School of Rock (Summer), The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Aladdin (Jasmine), and a TV pilot (Broadz Way). She is thrilled to be a part of this amazing cast!

Caitlin Cepeda (Young Violet) A freshman. Caitlin is absolutely ecstatic to be in her first Mainstage production. Recent credits include The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Alice Woodbridge) and Legally Blonde Jr. (Kate). She would like to thank the incredible cast and crew for making this an amazing experience.

Niyah Worthy (Flo) A freshman. Niyah is thrilled to be performing in her first Mainstage production at East. She is also proud a member of Vocal Workshop. She’d like to thank her family and friends for being so supportive.

Claire Coen (Rent Collector-White/Miss Davis) A freshman. Claire is absolutely ecstatic to be in her first Mainstage production at East. Previous credits include: Legally Blonde Jr. (Enid Hoopes) and The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Mrs. Rogers).

Talena Searles-Dowdy (Secretary-Red) A freshman. Talena is delighted to be in her second show at East. She has been in middle school musicals such as Aladdin Jr. (Harem Girl) and is looking forward to continuing theatre at East.

Melissa Shapiro (Secretary-White) A freshman. Melissa is so excited to take part in her first production at East! Previous credits include: Elf Jr. (Saleswoman, Featured Dancer), Legally Blonde Jr. (Vivienne Kensington), and The Lion King Jr. (Lioness).

Lilly MacArthur (Zuzu Bailey-Red) Lilly is so happy to be in a production designed by her grandfather, Tom Weaver. She has previously performed at Glassboro High School in Once on This Island (Little Timoune) and Seussical (Baby Kangaroo). She has also enjoyed multiple performing experiences with The Young Americans, Broadway Babies at MCA, Music and Dance Camp at Hope Church, and The Nutcracker at PDA. Additionally, Lilly is very active in travel soccer, baseball, basketball, dance, and church. She does all of this with the love and support of her family and friends.

The Cast Biographies Madison Greenwald (Zuzu Bailey-White) Madison is thrilled to perform in her first East theater production! A third grader at Woodcrest Elementary, she is no stranger to the stage, playing the roles of Junior Fairy in My Son Pinocchio, Jr (SOTC) and Ensemble in Mary Poppins (SOTC) and performing in a multitude of dance recitals. Madison is grateful to her family and friends for their love and support.

Jordan Jackson (Tommy Bailey) A kindergartener. Jordan is super excited to be in his second show at East! He is delighted to work with the cast once again and his past credits include: The Little Mermaid Jr. (Flounder) and Ragtime (Little Coalhouse).

Lewis Levy (Watchman/Mickey/Randall/Random Guy 2) A freshman. Lewis is excited to be in his second Mainstage at East. Recent credits include: The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Mr.McGinnis), Legally Blonde Jr. (Kyle), and Xanadu Jr. (Young Danny).

Gabrielle Matro (Mrs. Thompson) A freshman. Gaby is so excited to take part in her first Mainstage show at East! Recent shows: The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Mrs. Wright), Aladdin Jr. (Jasmine), and School of Rock (Childrens Ensemble).

Kriswel Rivera (Freddie/Random Guy 1) A senior. Kriswel is greatly excited to be in this production.

Past productions include: The Miracle Worker, Ragtime, and Lockdown. He hopes that his father is reading this- Hi Dad. Liron Algrably (Photographer-White) A freshman. Liron is very excited to make her debut in a Mainstage Production at Cherry Hill East. Recent Credits include: The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Painter), The Little Mermaid (Scuttle), and Shrek (The Wicked Witch). She is also a member of the Mime Company.

Dylan Schwartz (Photographer-Red) A freshman. Dylan is excited for his first Mainstage performance at East. Recent productions include: The Remarkable Incident of Carson Corners (Joey Rogers), Legally Blonde Jr. (Jet Blue Pilot), and more. Dylan thanks his friends, family, and cast members for this wonderful production.

Morgan Pierce (Director 2/Townsperson) A sophomore. Morgan is ecstatic to be involved in her third Mainstage performance at East. Recent credits include: The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners (Miss Frank), Ragtime (Ensemble) and The Miracle Worker (Julia).

Lauren Abrams (Townsperson) A sophomore. Lauren is thrilled to be in her 2nd show at East. Recent credits include Ragtime.

Evey Bell (Townsperson) This is Evey’s first year in public school and she is so happy it’s here at East! Evey loves to dance, act, and hang out with friends and family! Evey has been in theater for 4 years and dance for 12 and this is her 5th year on her dance team! She is so happy to be in theater at East and she loves all of her drama family!

Zoe Benson (Townsperson) A sophomore. Zoe is enjoying being part of the East Theatre Department. Recent credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Plate), Seussical (Fish), The Lion King (Hyena), and Ragtime (Person of New Rochelle). She is also grateful to be a member of Chansons and Voce.

Cynthia Cheng (Townsperson) A sophomore. Cynthia is overjoyed to be in her first Mainstage production at East. She loves the experience of being with such talented cast and crew members.

Additionally, Cynthia enjoys tutoring and is a proud member of Interacts Club. Cynthia looks forward to working on future East productions.

The Crew Biographies Allison Donahue (Stage Manager) A senior. Allison is extremely excited to be Stage Managing her third Mainstage at East. Recent credits include: Production Stage Manager of Ragtime and The Miracle Worker, and directing the one act Circle. She serves as Historian for both Thespian Society and East Singers, and is a proud member of Stay Tuned!

Jane Lipsett (Stage Manager Apprentice) A sophomore. Jane is thrilled to be helping with It’s A Wonderful Life at East! Recent credits include paint charge for The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners and General Crew for The Miracle Worker and Ragtime. Jane would like to congratulate the cast and crew on a job well done!

Kathryn Quay (Student Technical Director) A senior. Kathryn is delighted to be involved with her 7th Mainstage production at East. Recent Credits credits include Lab Theatre 2017 (Student Technical Director) and Ragtime (Emma Goldman/Master Carpenter). She's also a member of East Singers, Stay Tuned and All State Choir. She'd like to thank everyone for their support.

Shani Hemo (Scenic Artist) A junior. Shani is excited to see It’s A Wonderful Life in production, especially it being her first production without her Scenic Artist, Sam Brenner. She has been in crew since 2015 and is excited to continue with her wonderful paint girls. Shani hopes that everyone enjoys the set as much as she did painting it.

Erin Quay (Master Electrician) A senior. This is Erin’s 6th Mainstage production at East. Recent credits include Lab Theatre (Master Electrician) and Ragtime (Assistant Master Electrician). Erin is also on the Cherry Hill East Girls Swim Team and she’d like to thank her friends and family for everything.

Eli Vaupen (Assistant Master Carpenter) A junior. Eli is excited to be working on “It’s A Wonderful Life.” He has been a member of Stage Crew since freshman year. Recent credits include: The Tempest, Beauty and the Beast, The Miracle Worker, and Ragtime.

Who’s Who on the Staff Peter Gambino (Director) works as a writer and filmmaker. He received his Creative Writing MFA from Rutgers, Camden and is very proud to present his first Mainstage. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support. Special thanks to Tom and Sandy for imparting their wisdom, displaying their patience and offering their encouragement.

Tom Weaver (Producer, Set/Lighting Designer) Tom Weaver (Light and Set Designer) is in his 41st year at Cherry Hill East HS.. Mr. Weaver has designed and/or technically directed every Mainstage show since 1977. He has also enjoyed directing a number of productions: Death of a Salesman, M*A*S*H*, Inherit the Wind, You Can’t Take It With You, The Man Who Came To Dinner, To See The Stars, Romeo and Juliet, The Crucible, Fiddler on the Roof, A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, Man of La Mancha, Pippin, A Christmas Carol, Singin’ In the Rain, The Skin Of Our Teeth, Peter Pan, Flowers for Algernon, Aida, Our Town, Anything Goes, The Tempest, Beauty and the Beast, The miracle Worker and Ragtime. Mr. Weaver also created our East Lab Theater Program in 1984. Other duties include producing the East One Act Play Festival where the East Theater program has enjoyed “Best Play” honors many times in the tristate festivals and also enjoys directing the East Mime Company, now in its 40th year. He is the advisor of the East Thespian Society Troupe 213. Outside of East Mr. Weaver’s directing or set design work can be seen at Mainstage Center for the Arts. He also has enjoyed designing many shows for Voorhees Theatre Company and Glassboro High School. Mr. Weaver is known throughout the South Jersey area where he has designed and directed over 400 shows. He has also been nominated for Best Set and Lighting Design by Paper Mill’s Rising Star Award program for his work here at East and Glassboro High School. Most recently, the 2015 Fall production of The Tempest won “Best Overall Production in the state of New Jersey” at the 2015-2016 Fox Awards. “Mr. Weaver is a graduate of Rowan University (Glassboro State) with a BA degree in Speech and Theatre. He would like to say, with much love, thank you to his wife for supporting his love for theatre. Also a big hug to his children, Tom Jr., Erin and Aaron, Robert and Christine, and Caitlin. He is also the proud grandfather of Lilly, Maisie, Christopher, Charles Thomas, and Lylah. He is so very proud of Lilly for her performances in the red cast of Zuzu.

Sandi Makofski (Co-Director) I suppose you could say that performing is in Sandi’s DNA. At the ripe age of 3, her grandfather, a Vaudevillian performer, successfully taught her the soft-shoe.

It was at that moment in time that the highly energetic, overly dramatic child found her niche in life. Her passion for all things performance grew but so did her interest in working the opposite side of the audition table. She went to Montclair State University and graduated with a degree in Speech and Theater and a minor in Dance but worked her way through school choreographing shows for community and regional theaters. While the love for performance was still there, she realized that being part of the creative staff was what she loved best. The progression from choreography to directing was an organic one and she has worked as a freelance director/ choreographer for many years. It has been her great pleasure to work with such a talented cast and crew and a personal joy to work with Pete Gambino and Tom Weaver who are not only talented directors, but good friends. Thank you all for proving that it really IS a wonderful life.

Visit us: chetheatre.com

Who’s Who on the Staff Noel Davis (Costume Designer) This is Noel’s 14th year as costume designer for Cherry Hill High School East. Noel has also designed costumes for regional theaters and community theaters in the South Jersey area. Noel holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a New Jersey School Nurse Certificate. She holds a full time position as a school nurse for YALE Schools. Noel gives a big Thank You to Bethany Campbell for coming to her rescue during this endeavor.

As always, Noel would like to thank all the parent volunteers for their assistance with the big endeavor of creating costumes for It’s a Wonderful Life. She would also like to thank her husband, Don, for his love and patience while she pursues her passion of costuming.

Debra M. Faye (Make-Up Designer and Coordinator) has a B.A. in theatre from the University of Maine and a M.A. in theatre from the University of Connecticut. A theatre generalist with more than 25 years experience, Debra has worked as a theatre teacher, designer, director, actor, and make-up artist. Her teaching credentials include The Taft School in Watertown, CT; Westtown School in Westtown, PA, and the University of Connecticut at Storrs. In addition to her work on various productions here at EAST over the last five years, Debra also is the Make up Designer and Coordinator for Mainstage Center for the Arts. She has worked for various professional, regional, community, and educational theatres in the area, including the Ritz Theatre in Oakland, the Adrienne, and Walnut Street Theatres (Studio) in Philadelphia. In addition to her commercial and film work, Debra teaches workshops in stage make up for various high schools throughout the tristate area. One of her latest projects was partnering with BRUCE PRODUCTIONS and the American Cancer Society to create zombie make up for THE ZOM PROM in Wilmington, DE.

Bethany Campbell (Assistant Costume Designer) This is Bethany's third year with the Cherry Hill East theater program. She has been working as a costume designer for the past ten years with Mainstage Center for the Arts in Camden County, and has costumed dozens of shows for children, adults, and professional actors. Bethany received her Bachelor's degree in Health Science/English and Master's Degree in School Health Education with an emphasis in Counseling from Central Michigan University. She has worked in University Administration and Adult Continuing Education, but Bethany particularly enjoys the creative challenges theatrical costuming provides. Bethany has had a wonderful costuming experience here at Cherry Hill East and loves working with Noel, the student costumers, parent volunteers, the entire production staff, and the cast. She would like to thank the Cherry Hill East theater family for welcoming her to their program, and thank her family for rearranging their busy schedules so she could participate in this production.

Visit us: chetheatre.com BRAVO TO OUR LITTLE ZUZU LILLY MacARTHUR Welcome to your first East production!!!

Love Grandma and Grandpa Weaver

Acknowledgements The Director would like to thank, The Board Of Education, Central Administration, Dr. Dennis Perry, Mr. Mathew LaGrou, Dr. Matthew Covington, Ms. Rebecca Metzger, Mr. Lou Papa, Mr. Tom Storer, and Mr. C.J. Davis, , and staff for supporting the Performing Arts. The Maintenance Staff: Joe Sutton, and John Doyle. .

Secretaries: Mrs. Cecilia Eiola, Jane Abo, Mrs. Debbie Jastrow, and Johanna Scott.

The Director is personally grateful to all the parents who were gracious enough in so many ways. They have assisted in costumes, props, cooking meals for the cast and crew, giving dozens of rides to their kids and friends, so on and so forth.

Special thanks to Marc Warfel for his help with sound.

A heartfelt thank you to the talented production staff, who have shown so much patience in teaching over 100 student actors and technicians the “Art’ of good theater. A special thank you to Sandi Makofsky, and Tom Weaver for helping in so many ways to direct this wonderful play: the production value is so much better because of you. Noel Davis, your costumes are once again, brilliant. Rick Friedman, as always the MIRROR continues to be the best program in High School Theater. Deb Faye, your make-up and hair designs are so believable. And Bill Kovnat, your showcase pictures make us all look good.

A very special thank you to Peter Cuddihy and the Theater Boosters for dinners, refreshments, flowers, souvenir sales, and the box office.

Please Patronize Advertisers: When and wherever you shop, please consider these local merchants first. Their support of our young people make these things possible.

CONGRATULATIONS Shake a leg Mands We love you. Mom, Dad & All your Family  Congratulations Claire! You are a Star! Aunt Kathy Loves You! Before Uber there was Ernie! Love, Mom, Dad & Emerson!

Seth H, We’re so proud of you! Mom Mom Judie & Big Grandpop Congrats Seth H! Love Mom, Dad, Rachel and the Grandparents Jane– Congrats on managing an amazing show! Love, Annie XOXO Congratulations Kyle on your first big East production!

Kyle-Keep dancing, singing, and chasing your dreams! Love, M&P Break a leg, Kyle! We love you! Uncle Rich, Aunt Cari, S, M&C Dan W, Enjoy every minute! We are so proud of you!

Congratulations, Dan, our budding thespian!

Cherry Hill High School East Administration Principal: Dr. Dennis Perry Vice Principal: Mr. Lou Papa Vice Principal: Mr. Matthew La Grou Vice Principal: Mrs Rebecca Metzger Vice Principal: Dr. Matthew Covington Vice Principal: Mr. Tom Storer Cherry Hill Public Schools Administration Superintendent: Joseph Meloche Assistant Superintendent: Dr. Joseph Campisi Business Administration: Lynn E. Shugars Director of Pupil Services: LaCoyya Weathington Director of Curriculum: Farrah Mahan Director of Human Resources: Nancy Adrian Director of Support Operations: Farrah Mahan Public Information Officer: Barbara Wilson Director of Security: Anthony Saporito

Board of Education – Board Members President: J. Barry Dickinson Vice President: Eric Goodwin Kathy Judge Carol Matlack Lisa Saidel Jane Scarpellino Ruth Schultz Ken Tomlinson, Jr. Edward Wang, PhD

BREAK A LEG, CLAIRE COEN! We are so proud of you!

Love Always, Uncle John, Aunt Tricia, Sean, Julia, Christina & Grandma

Break—a—leg in your first plat at East. We are so proud of our favorite townsperson—Evey Bell

Love, Mom, Dad, Ashley, Janey, Riley, Hershey and Fidge.

Independent Financial Advice Www.PlanningCapital.com

Congrats to Shani and East crew and cast on another beautiful production

Claire, you light up The stage And my world.

Knock’em dead!

G’mom Denz

THE 2018-2019 Cherry Hill East PTA Executive Board Wishes all of the East Actors The Best of Luck in

“It’s a Wonderful Life!”

To Madison – our “little gingersnap”: From carousel horse, chimney sweep, Junior Fairy, & dance recitals galore, Watching you light up the stage is something we adore.

We are so proud of all that you do, Especially in your East performance as the Baileys’ Zuzu.

Love, Mommy, Daddy, and Morgan

Visit us: chetheatre.com

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!

I have been working for the Cherry Hill School District for 14 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 19th playbill being produced! It is true that time flies when you’re having fun!

Working with Tom Weaver, the cast and the crew is such a blast as well as a huge learning experience.

WHAT AN AMAZING TEAM! To my wife, Jaime of 26 years (whom I can’t thank enough for filling in at home for me while I’m creating the Mirror), sons Jordan-21, Hunter18 & Jake-18 really enjoy attending each show.

To all the graduating students, I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors! Please stop back to visit.

Mr. Weaver, 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!

Notes: