Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis Book by Joe Tracz
Based on the Novel by Ned Vizzini
March 1, 3, 4 7:30 PM 2 3:30 PM
The Theater at Founders Hall
Presents
DYLAN and ARI
We could not be more thrilled to see your skills in Be More Chill. We love you guys!
Mom, Dad and Spencer
Performing Arts
Morristown Beard School
presents The 2022-2023 Upper School Musical
BE MORE CHILL
Music and Lyrics by JOE ICONIS
Book by JOE TRACZ
Based on the Novel by NED VIZZINI
Directed and Choreographed by JIM RUTTMAN
PRESENTED IN THE THEATER AT FOUNDERS HALL
The world premiere production of Be More Chill was commissioned and originally produced by Two River Theater Company in Red Bank, NJ John Dias, Artistic Director / Michael Hurst, Managing Director
This work was supported by a Theatre Commissioning and Production Initiative grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Orchestrations and Arrangements by Charlie Rosen
“High school is hell,” Michael, one of our characters, sings mid-Act 1 of Be More Chill. Even at a place like MBS, where we care deeply about the emotional needs of our students, high school can still be a challenging time. We spend our teenage years working through issues of identity and asking ourselves difficult questions that we often cannot answer comfortably: Who am I? How do I fit in? What is the best way to handle a conflict between friends? Should I drink at the big party? How do I ask someone on a date? What is my sexual orientation?
Even though its plot is based in outlandish science fiction, Be More Chill is about characters grappling with these very real questions. Throughout the story, these fictional high school students try to figure out who they are, often by attempting to become someone other than themselves, whether by acting in a school play, dressing up for Halloween, or, as in the case of our protagonist, Jeremy, by taking a pill that implants a supercomputer into his brain.
Be More Chill has given our students more than a chance to hold up a mirror to their lives; it has provided them, in the safe space of a theater, the opportunity to work through these issues alongside the characters they are portraying. We are so thankful to be at a school supportive enough of the educational power of the arts to allow the students to have this experience. Our cast and crew have been working tirelessly to bring this show to you tonight. Please enjoy!
—Jim RuttmanA NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
THE CAST
(In order of appearance)
JEREMY HEERE .......................................................... DANIEL RAIMER
MR. HEERE ...................................................................... ADIN KASMIN
JAKE DILLINGER ..................................... SALVATORE D’AGOSTINO
CHLOE VALENTINE ............................................... KAITLIN BROWN
BROOKE LOHST ........................................................CAMERON WEIL
RICH GORANSKI ................................................... HENRY D’ANDREA
CHRISTINE CANIGULA .......................................... MAGGIE AHERN
JENNA ROLAN................................................................... MAYA BHIDE
MICHAEL MELL ............................................................... ARI MANDEL
MR. REYES .................................................................. DYLAN MANDEL
SCARY STOCKBOY ........................................ JONATHAN SPENCER
THE SQUIP ..................................................................... ALANA SMITH
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, MALL PATRONS, OTHERS: Jack Bailey, Paige Benton, Patrick Birnbaum, Kaitlin Blount, Ava D’Agostino, Hannah Everett, Bridget Ewing, Juliette Joubran, Julia Karosen, Maya LeVasseur, Joey Laviola, Egbefe Omonzane, Marlee Ryan, Sydney Samson, Jonathan Spencer, Charlotte Sussman, Indiya Weinmann
Be More Chill will be performed with a ten-minute intermission
BE MORE CHILL
Director/Choreographer ........................................................... Jim Ruttman
Music Director ................................................................................ Ben Krauss
Lighting Design/Technical Director ............................... Nicholas Marmo
Set Design ...................................................................................... Jim Ruttman
Costume Design........................................................................ Bettina Brierly
Sound Design .................................................................................. Paul Fisher
Projection Designers ..................................... Paul Fisher, Nicholas Marmo
Poster and Program Design ....................................................... Sharon Cain
Costume Assistant ......................................................................... Peter Walsh
Stage Managers ................................................... Mae Bailey, Abigail Ewing, Jonah Tinkelman
Calling Stage Manager ................................................ Lauren M. Grof-Tisza
Deck Crew .............................. Mae Bailey, Andi Bergman, Clare Patchett
Sound Crew ..........................Kayla Ruggiero, Kevin Tone, Chris Yermack
Light Board Operator ............................................................... Abigail Ewing
Projections Operator .......................................................... Jonah Tinkelman
Follow Spot Operators........................ Peter Buchanan, Noah Gehrmann, Jack Gonyea, Tyler Pottratz
Props Crew ............................................................ Jaya Pally, Sophia Sullivan
Archival Video............................................................. Lousia Marks-Sergent
Box Office Assistant Manager ...................................... Katherine Chandler
House Manager .......................................................................... Juliana Falzon
Ushers ................................ Chris Blancuzzi, Allison Delzo, Sarah D’mello, Simeon Williams
Be More Chill is presented by arrangement with Concord
Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
Special Thanks
Liz Morrison, Head of School
Ryan Liese, Head of Upper School
The MBS Building and Grounds Crew
Rachel Platt and Barbara Napholtz
The Red Oaks School
The Barn Theatre
West Orange High School
Morris Township Fire Department
Additional thanks to cast and crew parents for everything they do!
BE MORE CHILL
Time: Now
Place: Suburban New Jersey
ACT I
“More Than Survive” .......................................... Jeremy, Michael, Ensemble
“I Love Play Rehearsal” ..................................................................... Christine
“More Than Survive” (Reprise) ........................................................... .Jeremy
“The Squip Song”.................................................................... Rich, Ensemble
“Two Player Game” ................................................................Jeremy, Michael
“Be More Chill”............................................... The Squip, Jeremy, Ensemble
“Do You Wanna Ride?” ........................................................... Brooke, Chloe
“Be More Chill Part 2” .................................. The Squip, Jeremy, Ensemble
“More Than Survive” (Reprise) .................... Jeremy, The Squip, Ensemble
“A Guy That I’d Kinda Be Into” .................................. Christine, Ensemble
“Upgrade” .............. Brooke, Jeremy, The Squip, Jake, Chrstine, Ensemble
ACT II
“Halloween” ........................................................................................ Ensemble
“Do You Wanna Hang” .......................................................................... Chloe
“Michael in the Bathroom” ................................................................. Michael
“A Guy That I’d Kinda Be Into” (Reprise) ...................... Christine, Jeremy
“The Smartphone Hour (Rich Set a Fire) Jenna, Chloe, Brooke, Ensemble
“The Pitiful Children” ................................................. The Squip, Ensemble
“The Pants Song” ............................................................... Mr. Heer, Michael
“Voices in My Head” ...........................................................Jeremy, Ensemble
Musicians
Keyboard 1/Conductor: Ben Krauss;
Reeds/Keyboard 2: Jeff Schiller; Trumpet: Tim Wendt,
Guitar: Carol Hamersma; Bass: Jim Donica; Drums: Rick Donato
WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY (in alphabetical order)
MAGGIE AHERN (2023) - Christine - is thrilled to be joining the cast of Be More Chill. This is Maggie’s sixth show with MBS and has been featured in shows like Inherit the Wind and Sweet Charity. Be More Chill is one of Maggie’s favorite musicals and they couldn’t be more excited to be portraying Christine. They would like to thank their family and friends for supporting them through their theatrical journey. Break a leg to the cast and crew!
JACK BAILEY (2024) - Ensemble - This is Jack’s third show at Morristown Beard, but he has been involved in the performing arts since he became a student here. He has been tap dancing since he was admitted to the school in seventh grade. He has gone on to pursue different aspects of the performing arts, doing stage management in last year’s production of The Miser, performing in Sweet Charity, last year’s spring musical, and Inherit the Wind, this year’s play. He is very proud of the cast and crew for putting together such an amazing show and he is excited to continue doing theater!
MAE BAILEY (2025) - Stage Manager - is so excited to be a part of Be More Chill! Mae is a sophomore at Morristown Beard School and has been a part of the school since the sixth grade. She has stage managed the last three shows at MBS: Sweet Charity, Inherit the Wind, and Be More Chill. Mae is so excited to be involved with this show and looks forward to doing more shows in the future.
PAIGE BENTON (2025) - Ensemble - is so happy to be performing in this production of Be More Chill. This will be her first musical since Covid. Be More Chill was one of the first musicals she ever listened to and to be performing it is a dream come true. Previous shows include Frozen, Urinetown and many others. Enjoy the show!
MAYA BHIDE (2023) - Jenna - is excited to be joining Be More Chill as Jenna. Maya was seen last year in Sweet Charity as Helene, and in Sweeney Todd, and Cabaret before. She has also performed in the productions Fiddler On the Roof and Honk! Jr. Maya has taken piano and singing lessons since she was six years old. She has also participated in chorus, tap dancing and acting at MBS. Maya would like to thank her parents and vocal coach/ mentor for always supporting her for her love of music.
PATRICK BIRNBAUM (2025) - Ensemble - is a second year student at MBS and is excited to be a part of the Be More Chill production. He was an ensemble member in the Addams Family and Sweet Charity and was to be Simon in 13 (unfortunately canceled due to Covid). Patrick has also been in multiple productions at MPAC, and participates in many school sports, including track and field during the, along with baseball in the spring. His family are his biggest supporters and have guided him every step of the way.
KAITLIN BROWN (2024) - Chloe - is thrilled to perform as “Chloe” in her fifth Morristown Beard show. Kaitlin has been in Sweeney Todd her freshman year as “Lucy Barker/Beggar Woman”, and “Charity” in Sweet Charity. She has also performed in two fall plays as ensemble. Kaitlin is part of the Morristown Performing Arts Center Company where she performs for numerous people with a group of kids aged 11-21. Kaitlin has been performing since a very young age starting at “Players Theatre” in New York City. She is so excited to be part of this amazing show and she wishes everyone good luck!
AVA D’AGOSTINO (2026) - Ensemble - is very excited for her first upper school musical at MBS. In the last year, she has attended Annie’s Playhouse for singing and acting. As well as taught gymnastics, singing, and acting there. After skipping the middle school productions due to Covid, in her eighth grade year, she was a part of the middle school musical Oklahoma, in which she played Laurie Williams. She is very excited about being a part of the upper school play this year, and cannot wait to see the upcoming plays and musicals in the future.
SALVATORE D’AGOSTINO (2023) - Jake - is super excited to end my senior year by participating in this production of Be More Chill. He have been a part of shows in Morristown Beard since the 6th grade, making this his twelfth show. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for putting on this spectacular show.
HENRY D’ANDREA (2024) - Rich - is thrilled to be performing in this production! Henry was previously seen in Inherit the Wind, Sweet Charity, The Miser, Sweeney Todd, and Mother Courage As a Middle School student, Henry performed in Honk! Jr., The Phantom Tollbooth Jr., and was cast as Timon in The Lion King Jr. Thanks to his family for their support, and good luck to his fellow cast and crew!
HANNAH EVERETT (2023) - Ensemble - is thrilled to be performing in her sixth MBS production! She has previously performed in Sweeney Todd, Inherit the Wind, and Sweet Charity, among other shows. Hannah can not believe this is her final performance at Morristown Beard and she is so glad that she was able to be involved in this amazing production. Congratulations to all of the cast and crew!
ABIGAIL EWING (2024) - Stage Manager - looks forward to returning to the stage crew as one of the stage managers for Be More Chill. In the past, Abby worked in the crew for Sweeney Todd, and she was a stage manager for The Miser, Sweet Charity, and Inherit the Wind. Abby would like to thank the directors, the cast, and crew of Be More Chill. Break a leg!
BRIDGET EWING (2024) - Ensemble - is excited to return to the MBS stage in Be More Chill! Bridget has previously participated in the productions Mother Courage, Sweeney Todd, The Miser, Sweet Charity, and Inherit the Wind at MBS. When not on stage, Bridget enjoys basketball, lotus club, and singing in chorus. Bridget thanks the directors, crew, and the rest of the cast for their hard work, break a leg!
JULIETTE JOUBRAN (2024) - Ensemble - is thrilled to be a part of her third production at MBS! Since her freshman year, she has been a part of the MBS choir program, and has participated in both Sweeney Todd and Sweet Charity. She has also sung a number of times at all-school meeting, and other MBS events. Juliette would like to thank the amazing cast and crew, and wishes everyone a great show!
JULIA KAROSEN (2026) - Ensemble - is a freshman and can’t wait for her first high school musical. She was last seen in Inherit the Wind as Mrs. Goodfellow (the shopkeeper). In middle school, she was an ensemble member in Freaky Friday and played Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. Julia wants to thank and wish the best of luck to the rest of the Be More Chill cast.
ADIN KASMIN (2024) - Mr. Here - This is Adin’s sixth performance in the upper school. Adin was most recently seen as the Mayor in this fall’s Inherit the Wind. Adin is also a member of the upper school jazz band. Outside of school, Adin is involved in many other arts including playing piano and guitar, songwriting, and filmmaking. He is very excited for this performance and thanks the cast, crew and his family for their enthusiastic support.
JOEY LAVIOLA (2026) - Howard - is thrilled to be performing in his first musical at MBS. While Joey is new to the stage, he has been performing as a close-up magician for many years, and delights at shuffling cards and performing tricks. Thank you to the entire cast and crew!
MAYA LEVASSEUR (2026) - Ensemble - is excited to make her debut in her first Morristown Beard School musical! Maya has participated in multiple shows outside of school including, Legally Blonde (offbroadway) with Polaris Productions, numerous productions with Annie’s Playhouse, and she is apart of Morristown Performing Arts Center Company. She receives training at Annie’s Playhouse and MPAC (Mayo Preforming Arts Center) right here in Morristown! Maya thanks Jim and Mr. Krauss for their endless support and she wishes good luck to everyone in the cast
ARI MANDEL (2026) - Michael - is excited to make his Morristown Beard debut as Michael in Be More Chill. Ari has been singing and playing guitar for seven years. Previous roles include: Zack in School of Rock (MPAC), Maui in Disney’s Moana Jr., Jafar in Disney’s Aladdin, and Chad in High School Musical. Ari would like to thank his family, friends, cast and crew, Mr. Krauss, Mr. Rutman and Mr. Marmo for their support, wisdom and kindness.
DYLAN MANDEL (2023) - Mr. Reyes - is grateful and thrilled to return to the MBS stage for Be More Chill! This is his third and final performance in Founders Hall, recently seen as Reverend Jeremiah Brown in Inherit the Wind and Manfred and others in last year’s musical, Sweet Charity. Previous roles include: Aladdin in Aladdin, Michael Banks in Mary Poppins, Flounder in The Little Mermaid, and more. Dylan has studied acting at UCLA, Acting Out, Performers Theater Workshop, MTCA, and more. Outside of the theater, he has spent many years learning at NJ Film School, enjoying and falling in love with all aspects of filmmaking. Dylan is beyond proud of everyone’s hard work, and wishes the best of luck to everyone. He sends his thanks to his family and friends, the cast and crew, and Jim, Ben, and Nik for always supporting him and giving him memories to last a lifetime.
EGBEFE OMONZANE (2023) - Ensemble - is happy to finally be in an Upper School theater production. She was previously seen on the stage of Founder’s Hall in Honk! Jr. and Schoolhouse Rock as a middle school student. In addition to performing, Egbefe is a member of the track team, and serves as president for the MBS Student Government Association.
DANIEL RAIMER (2026) - Jeremy - is honored to share the stage with this talented cast in his most edgy and modern musical ever performed at MBS. Favorite roles include Inherit the Wind (Bert), Oklahoma (Curly), and Sweeney Todd (Toby). Special thanks to Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Krauss, and Mr. Marmo for placing their faith in him; to his swim coaches for accommodating rehearsal schedules; to Dayna for her sage advice; and to his family for their steadfast love and support while putting up with his nightly shower serenades and chauffeuring demands. It is his sincere hope that all who see the show laugh so hard that their faces hurt!
MARLEE RYAN (2024) - Ensemble - is very excited to be a part of her third musical production at MBS! During her time at MBS, Marlee has participated in the performing arts through both the choir and dance programs. She has also participated in the winter musicals, being a part of the ensemble in Sweeney Todd, and a Dance Hall Hostess in Sweet Charity—a featured group that won a Papermill Rising Star Award in 2022! She wishes the amazing cast and crew a wonderful show, and an exciting experience for all!
SYDNEY SAMSON (2025) - Ensemble - is thrilled to part of the cast of Be More Chill at Morristown Beard School. She thanks the Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Krauss, and Mr. Marmo for their hard work, with a special thank you and congratulations to the rest of the cast and crew!
ALANA SMITH (2023) - The Squip - is thrilled to be performing this March in Be More Chill. She was previously seen in Mother Courage, Cabaret, and Sweet Charity as Mama Brubeck, a role for which she was nominated for a Papermill Rising star Award. Congratulations to everyone involved in this production!
JONATHAN SPENCER (2025) - Ensemble - is excited to feature in his third theatrical performance Be More Chill. He previously worked on the crew for the production of The Miser (fall of 2021), made his debut performance in the musical Sweet Charity (spring of 2022), and performed as “Dunlap” in Inherit the Wind. Jonathan is humbled to be among such a fantastic cast of fun and interesting people. He would like to thank his family, friends, Ben, Jim, and Mr. Marmo for their invaluable contributions and support throughout all the shows he’s been a part of.
CHARLOTTE SUSSMAN (2025) - Ensemble - is excited to be performing on the MBS stage for the fourth time. Previously, they appeared in Inherit the Wind as Mrs. Bannister, Sweet Charity as Ensemble, and The Miser as Dame Claude. Charlotte would like to thank Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Krauss, and Mr. Marmo, along with the entire cast and crew, for all their hard work and dedication.
JONAH TINKELMAN (2024) - Stage Manager - is thrilled to be working on this production of Be More Chill. Jonah served as assistant director this fall on Inherit the Wind, and recently directed a short scene from Hamlet, which was performed for students and faculty this February. Jonah has been a stage manager and an actor in the past. He is grateful to everyone who has helped him in his theater career and thanks the incredible actors, stage managers, and other production staff for working with him on this incredible production.
CAMERON WEIL (2026) - Brooke - is thrilled to be making her debut as Brooke in her first Morristown Beard musical! Cameron has been in many productions with Annies playhouse, was the lead in many shows at Far Hills Country Day School, and she was also in Madeline’s Christmas off Broadway. Her biggest inspiration is her older sister, Cooper, who participated in almost all of the Morristown Beard shows during her time here. Cameron is so thankful for all of the support from Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Krauss, as well as all of the cast and crew! She wishes luck to the cast and is so proud of all the work everyone has put in!
INDIYA WEINMANN (2025) - Rachel Brown - is excited to present Be More Chill. Indiya loves theater, running, as well as singing. She has participated in previous shows at Morristown Beard as Rachel in Inherit the Wind, a Dance Hall Hostess in Sweet Charity, and Elise in The Miser. She wishes the cast good luck and hopes the audience enjoys the show!
ALYSSA WOODEN (2025) - Stage Manager - is extremely excited to be part of the Be More Chill team. In addition to stage managing, Alyssa sings in the chorus, and dances outside of school.
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO OUR SENIOR CAST AND CREW MEMBERS
May the memories and friendships you made in Founders Hall last a lifetime!
Maggie Ahern
Maya Bhide
Salvatore D’Agostino
Hannah Everett
Dylan Mandel
Egbefe Omonzane
Alana Smith
Camila Zamora
Congratulations to DANIEL RAIMER and to the entire cast and crew of Be More Chill!
Daniel, only you could take a role like this and blend humor and humility with earnestness and warmth.
We are in awe of your talent and we admire your dedication to all that you do!
DeNiro has nothing over you— you are our hero!
Love,
Your forever fans—Mom, Dad, and Jake
KAITLIN
Your passion and enthusiasm for the performing arts is inspiring!
We are in awe as we watch you rehearse morning, noon and night and it fills our hearts with joy to see you do what you love!
Congratulations to the entire, incredible, cast and crew of Be More Chill, each and everyone of you is a Star!
Shine On!
“Smiley face, lipstick, kitty paw.”
Love Mom and Dad
Dear MAYA
You are the sunshine of our lives and we are so proud of you.
We are particularly excited to watch your performance in Be More Chill!
Love you, Mom, Dad and Dada
Congratulations to CAMERON
And the entire cast of Be More Chill!
Cameron, you light up the stage and we are beyond proud of you!
Love, Mom, Dad, Emma, Cooper, Georgie, & Hank
MAYA
We love you so much and are so excited to see you in your first high school performance!
Good luck to you and the rest of the cast and crew!
Love, Mom, Callen and Hazel
HANNAH
Congratulations on an amazing performance! We are beyond proud of you and all of your accomplishments.
Watching you on the MBS stage for the last 3 years has been a joy. You continuously put your heart and soul into all you do. We cannot wait to see what the future has in store for our bright star.
And congratulations to the entire cast/crewof Be More Chill for an outstanding performance and for their dedication to the arts.
Love,
Mom, Dad, Charlie and Paige
We are so proud of you
Can’t wait to enjoy the show!
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew!
Love, Your Family!
DYLAN MANDEL
You’ve always made us very proud and your glow on stage can be seen up in the balcony.
Thank you, and thanks to all of the MBS seniors for gracing the stage and giving us years of entertainment and joy.
Hoping that y’all break your legs in whatever paths your lives follow.
LOVE—LOVE—LOVE, Bubbles n’ YAYA Mandel
INDIYA
Congratulations to MARLEE
And the cast and crew of Be More Chill, The Ryans
ARI MANDEL
Even the Angels up in Heaven stop whatever they’re doing to listen when you sing.
BE “MUCH” MORE CHILL, and get Michael out of that bathroom.
BREAK A LEG, LOVE—LOVE—LOVE
Bubbles n’ YAYA Mandel
DYLAN
No one is more chill than you on stage!
You portray any part with confidence and professionalism. We have extremely enjoyed watching you shine - with the rest of the MBS casts - and proudly look forward to seeing you perform in future productions.
Love you on and off stage, Gma and Gpa
PAIGE
We are so proud of the funny, kind, passionate person you are- break a leg-
We love you-
Mom and Dad
ARI
Your amazing voice sends chills as we proudly enjoy each of your accomplishments on stage.
No matter the part, you exude confidence and poise. Looking forward to 3 more years of glowing productions with your MBS cast.
Love you on and off stage, Gma and Gpa
Best wishes to the Cast and Crew of Be More Chill! JOEY!
Ti vogliamo bene!
From Mom, Dad, Alex
And the whole cast & crew from the Sussman Family
And the entire cast and crew of Be More Chill!
We are so proud of your passion, dedication, and hard work.
Watching you on stage is an absolute joy!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Luke & Ethan
CHARLOTTE
Congratulations to
Congratulations HENRY
Performing Arts
Morristown Beard School
The MBS Performing Arts Department
Andrea Deventer
Ben Krauss
John Girvin
David Gold, Chair
Nik Marmo
Jim Ruttman
Congratulations to the cast and crew of BE MORE CHILL
SALVATORE
We cannot believe that we are enjoying your last performance at MBS, but we have savored every moment and each amazing show. You make us proud beyond words and we cannot wait to see you in your next chapter as you continue this journey!
Your hard work and determination in everything you do are a constant inspiration.
Congratulations on being part of this incredible show!
With all of our love, Mom and Dad
AVA
Congratulations to ADIN
KASMIN
on your role as the underestimated and unrelenting Dad
And to the entire cast and crew of Be More Chill congratulations on another outstanding performance
A special acknowledgment to JIM RUTTMAN for making a difference through your vision and dedication
Ten hut!
Love, Mom, Dad, Sam, & Caleb
MAGGIE AHERN
You have brought Christine to life on stage and just like her, no one is more excited about theater than you! It has been a joy watching you grow as a performer through your time at MBS, taking advantage of every opportunity, big and small.
We can’t wait to see your next chapter unfold.
Love, Mom, Dad, and Michael
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Be More Chill and many thanks to Mr. Krauss, Mr. Ruttman, and Mr. Marmo for always lifting your students to their highest potential.
Performing Arts
Morristown Beard School
Join us for these upcoming events in Founders Hall
May 2
SPRING CHORAL AND STRING
ENSEMBLE CONCERT
May 4
SPRING JAZZ AND PERCUSSION CONCERT
May 12
SPRING DANCE CONCERT
May 25
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL