Million Dollar Quartet Playbill 2024

ACT OF CONNECTICUT Ridgefield, CT

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ACT OF CONNECTICUT Producing Director

R. Erin Craig

Artistic Director

Daniel C. Levine

Executive Director, Emeritus

Katie Diamond

presents

Book by COLIN ESCOTT and FLOYD MUTRUX Original Concept and Direction by FLOYD MUTRUX Inspired by ELVIS PRESLEY, JOHNNY CASH, JERRY LEE LEWIS, and CARL PERKINS Starring SCOTT MOREAU

ALESSANDRO GIAN VIVIANO

CHRISTOPHER WREN

NAT ZEGREE

Featuring BART SHATTO

MEGAN REINKING with

NATHAN YATES DOUGLASS Scenic Designer JOSH SMITH

Costume / Wig Designer LAUREN T. ROARK

Production Stage Manager JOHN M. ATHERLAY

MATT SPENCER Lighting Designer KIRK BOOKMAN

Music Director NAT ZEGREE

Sound Designer JEFF SHERWOOD

Technical Supervisor LARRY MORLEY

Director HUNTER FOSTER Originally developed and produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions and Northern Lights, Inc. at the Goodman Theatre, Robert Falls, Artistic Director - Roche Shulfer, Executive Director and transferred to The Apollo Theatre, Chicago, IL, 2008 Produced by the Village Theatre, Issaquah, Washington, Robb Hunt, Producer - Steve Tompkins, Artistic Director, 2007 and Seaside Music Theater, Daytona Beach, FL, Tippin Davidson, Producer - Lester Malizia, Artistic Director, 2006 MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET The Musical is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide. www.theatricalrights.com

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I “Blue Suede Shoes” ............................................... CARL, JOHNNY, JERRY LEE, ELVIS “Real Wild Child” ………………………………………..…………………..……................. JERRY LEE “Matchbox” ...................................................................................................... CARL “Who Do You Love” ........................................................................ CARL, JERRY LEE “Folsom Prison Blues” ................................................................................. JOHNNY “Fever” ........................................................................................................ DYANNE “Memories Are Made of This” .............................. ELVIS, CARL, JERRY LEE, JOHNNY “That’s Alright Mama” ..................................................................................... ELVIS “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” ............................................. JERRY LEE, CARL, ELVIS “Down by the Riverside” ........................................ JOHNNY, JERRY LEE, ELVIS, CARL “Sixteen Tons” / “My Babe” ............................................................... JOHNNY, CARL “I Shall Not Be Moved” ........................... JERRY LEE, CARL, JOHNNY, ELVIS, DYANNE

ACT II “Long Tall Sally” ................................................................................................ ELVIS “Peace in the Valley” .............................. DYANNE, JERRY LEE, CARL, ELVIS, JOHNNY “I Walk the Line” …………………………………………………………….…………...........…. JOHNNY “I Hear You Knocking” ................................................................................. DYANNE “Let’s Have a Party” ................................ CARL, ELVIS, JERRY LEE, JOHNNY, DYANNE “Great Balls of Fire” .................................................................................. JERRY LEE “Hound Dog” .............................................................................. ELVIS & ENSEMBLE “Ghost Riders in the Sky” ...................................................... JOHNNY & ENSEMBLE “See You Later Alligator” ............................................................ CARL & ENSEMBLE “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” .......................................... JERRY LEE & ENSEMBLE

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will run approximately 2 hours plus a 15 minute intermission.

Late seating and/or re-entry to the theater will be at the discretion of management.

Please silence your cellphones.

The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

Theatrical haze is used throughout this production. This is a water-based, non-toxic product.

CAST (in order of appearance) Sam Phillips .............................................................................................................................. BART SHATTO* Carl Perkins ................................................................................................................. CHRISTOPHER WREN* Johnny Cash ........................................................................................................................ SCOTT MOREAU* Jerry Lee Lewis ........................................................................................................................... NAT ZEGREE* Elvis Presley ................................................................................................. ALESSANDRO GIAN VIVIANO* Dyanne ............................................................................................................................... MEGAN REINKING* Brother Jay ...................................................................................................... NATHAN YATES DOUGLASS* Fluke ........................................................................................................................................... MATT SPENCER

UNDERSTUDIES Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.

For Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, & Sam Phillips - CHANCE MICHAEL WALL* For Jerry Lee Lewis - HUNTER SEMRAU For Dyanne - LUCY RHOADES

Time: December 4, 1956

Place: Sun Records, Memphis, Tennessee PRODUCTION NOTES

A Tuesday night shortly before Christmas, 1956. Four legends - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley - gathered at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, where they’d launched their careers. Word soon leaked out of an impromptu jam session. A newspaper man who was there wrote, “This quartet could sell a million.” Soon, they were dubbed the Million Dollar Quartet. This was their only performance, a cultural flashpoint that caught rock ‘n’ roll at the moment of creation.

Sun Records owner, Sam Phillips, discovered and produced the Million Dollar Quartet. That’s why he, together with Presley and Lewis, were amoung the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame’s charter inductees.

Perkins and Cash soon joined them. Unlike other producers at the time, Sam Phillips took an active role in recording, encouraging, and coaxing his young, untested artists to reach deep within themselves. He began by recording blues singers like B.B. King and Ike Turner. Later on, he was the first to sign Roy Orbison and Charlie Rich. In his rudimentary, one-room studio, Phillips looked for innovation, not imitation. The music he recorded transformed the cultural landscape of the twentieth century, and its reverberations are still felt today.

*Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actor and Stage Managers in the United States Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

THE CAST

SCOTT MOREAU

ALESSANDRO GIAN VIVIANO

CHRISTOPHER WREN

BART SHATTO

MEGAN REINKING

NATHAN YATES DOUGLASS

MATT SPENCER

LUCY RHOADES

HUNTER SEMRAU

NAT ZEGREE

CHANCE MICHAEL WALL

A Note From the Artistic Director:

“That night they made Rock ‘n’ Roll history” MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is a monster hit throughout North America and you are about to find out why!

It’s a simple premise, but an extraordinary one: a legendary jam session that occurred on December 4, 1956 at the famous Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee when a twist of fate brought Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins together for what would become one of the greatest impromptu meetings of musical giants in rock ‘n’ roll history. The show is a rare gem in the musical theater canon and offers a truly rare glimpse into an iconic moment in time, celebrating the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll, demonstrating the unifying power of music, and showcasing the enduring legacy of these musical pioneers.

The magic of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET lies not only in the authenticity of the music, but also in the camaraderie and spontaneity that defined this fateful day in 1956.

I am thrilled to bring this very special musical to our stage, and I truly hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

This season continues to be an audience favorite here at ACT of CT! With the success of our fall production of SUNSET BOULEVARD, our standing room only BROADWAY UNPLUGGED (with SNL’s Ana Gasteyer), the anticipation of tonight’s MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, and the upcoming (and nearly already sold-out) KINKY BOOTS - theater in Connecticut is alive and well!!!

As I often say, we consider ourselves lucky to live and work in a community where the arts are considered vital to a thriving society. I thank you for your support and patronage and it is our honor to produce such high caliber theater for you!

Now sit back, relax, and get ready for a “whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on!”

Daniel C. Levine Artistic Director, ACT of CT

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director ............................................................................................................................ HUNTER FOSTER^ Music Director ........................................................................................................................... NAT ZEGREE Scenic Designer ..................................................................................................................... JOSH SMITH+ Costume & Wig Designer ........................................................................................... LAUREN T. ROARK Lighting Designer .......................................................................................................... KIRK BOOKMAN+ Sound Designer .............................................................................................................. JEFF SHERWOOD Production Stage Manager .................................................................................. JOHN M. ATHERLAY* Assistant Stage Manager ................................................................................................ GRACE GRIFFIN Assistant Lighting Designer .................................................................................. KATIE WHITTEMORE Production Audio .......................................................................................................... AUDREY LOEWEN House Audio ........................................................................................................................ JACOB SANNER A1 / Sound Mixer / Sound Head ................................................................................. DAVIE VOELKER A2 / Guitar Tech ..................................................... MATTHEW GANDELMAN, EMERSON WACHNIK Resident Wardrobe & Wig Supervisor .................................................................... BECKY FLAHERTY Technical Supervisor ........................................................................................................ LARRY MORLEY Stage Supervisor ........................................................................................................... CONNOR IMHOFF Scenic Artist ............................................................................................................ LUCILLE MAE SLOANE Set Painters .......................................................................................... BECKY FLAHERTY, DAISY STOTT Load-in Crew ........................................................................... NATHAN BRENN, MATTHEW GILBERT, CONNOR IMHOFF, CATHERINE SARACENO, HUDSON SCHLUMBERGER Head Electrician ................................................................... ADAM LOBELSON / CHROMA DESIGNS Moving Light Programmer .............................................. TAYLOR C. JENSEN / CHROMA DESIGNS Electricians ............... EVAN BRENNER, JAKOB KELSEY, JUSTIN WALLACE / CHROMA DESIGNS Lighting Board Operator ......................................................................................... MATTHEW GILBERT Props and Set Dresser ................................................................................................ REBEKAH ACHUFF Special Event Photographer ........................................................................................... DYLAN MILLER Photographer ....................................................................................................................... JEFF BUTCHEN Archival Videographer ...................................................................................................... MATT GURREN Poster and Artwork Designer ....................................................................................... BILLY MITCHELL Playbill Designer ..................................................................................... RYAN JAMES DESIGN STUDIO Playbill Printing ................................................................................................................ KENO GRAPHICS

Piano Shell and Keyboards courtesy of Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, Maine Set and Props courtesy of Bucks County Playhouse, Bucks County, Pennsylvania Additional Lighting Equipment provided by Main Light Additional Sound Equipment provided by Masque Sound Specialty Rigging by United Staging & Rigging, LLC Costumes and Wigs provided by Sun Costumes, LLC

^Denotes member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union. +Denotes member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, of the I.A.T.S.E. *Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actor and Stage Managers in the United States

WHO’S WHO

SCOTT MOREAU (Johnny Cash) is from Litchfield, ME and holds a BFA in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University.

ACT of CT debut! Scott is pleased to reprise his role in MDQ, one he’s played more than 1,200 times. Favorites: Cash in MDQ (1st National, Ogunquit Playhouse, Paper Mill Playhouse, Harrah’s Vegas), El Gallo in Fantasticks (ArtisTree MT Festival), and Scott in Ring Of Fire (Actors’ Playhouse, Portland Stage). His Cash tribute album was recorded at Sun Studio, available for purchase in the lobby. Thanks to Erin, Hunter, and Mikey at the Collective. Love to his parents and his wife Sonia. scottmoreau.com, @ultimatejohnnycash ALESSANDRO GIAN VIVIANO (Elvis Presley) is excited to make his ACT of CT debut!

He is lucky enough to be portraying “The King’’ for the seventh time, including at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach and Berkshire Theatre Festival. Some other past regional credits include: The Age of Innocence (McCarter Theater/Hartford Stage), Christmas Carol (Hartford Stage), Five Points (Goodspeed FoNM), Sweeney Todd, 1776, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Peter Pan (Connecticut Repertory Theater). In addition, Alessandro has also been working on camera in various shorts as well as a new Amazon streamer “Sami.” Endless love to Mom, Dad, Joe, Ash, Craig, the team at Frontline Management, and Squish.

CHRISTOPHER WREN (Carl Perkins) is very excited to be making his ACT of CT debut and once again returning to the world of Million Dollar Quartet. This is his 13th time portraying Carl Perkins and his 15th production of Million Dollar Quartet overall.

Notable past productions of MDQ include the 2015-2016 national tour, Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall, and Delaware Theatre Company. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, Christopher has originated roles in several off-Broadway new works and continues to create new interactive immersive theatre as an ensemble member of Live In Theatre (NY). Select theatre credits include Hank

Williams: Lost Highway (Hank Williams), A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), The Full Monty (Reg), The Civil War (Bill McEwen) and Big River (Ben Harper). Select film/tv credits include “Billy on the Street” (truTV), “Dates from Hell” (ID), and “Subway the Series” (Web). Christopher would like to thank his mother, father and Aunt Shirley for their support that has been instrumental in all his past and current successes. @all_in_chriswren NAT ZEGREE (Music Director / Jerry Lee Lewis) is thrilled to make his ACT of CT debut! Premiering as the first regional Jerry Lee Lewis and playing over 500 performances as The Killer, he has played the role at such theatres as Ogunquit Playhouse (2015 / 2016 / 2023, two Broadwayworld awards winner), Papermill Playhouse (2017, Broadwayworld award winner), Marriott Theatre (Chicago Jeff Award winner) and many more. An accomplished composer / recording artist, he has written 3 original musicals with Eric Holmes (CBS The Good Fight) including Fly More Than You Fall, which has received sold out praise and 11 Broadwayworld awards in its pre-Broadway engagements. A multitalented showman and classically trained pianist, Nat writes and performs his own original one man shows and performs them Globally, including such New York City Venues as 54 Below, Birdland, The Cutting Room, Joes Pub, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, and more. His music can be heard on the CBS original series “The Good Fight”, and he (literally) played Mozart in the first ever production of Amadeus where Mozart plays all the music live on stage (Flat Rock Playhouse).

He helped develop, and lent his voice as a virtual singer in the Broadway hit musical Dear Evan Hansen. He is available for private event bookings and performance at bookingzegree@gmail.com and on social media @natzegree. “Thanks to Hunter, ACT of CT, Winnie, and all of you wonderful patrons!”

BART SHATTO (Sam Phillips) is proud to be making his ACT of CT debut! Bart played

WHO’S WHO

Sam at Ogunquit Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse. He is in the upcoming Broadway-bound The Ballad of Johnny and June at La Jolla Playhouse (directed by Tony Winning director Des McAnuff ). Broadway credits include: Warpaint (opposite threetime Tony winner Patti Lupone), Valjean in Les Miserables, The Civil War, Hands On A Hardbody, Quincey Morris in Dracula: The Musical. National Tours: Les Miserables, The Civil War, Cats. Vocalist for symphonic rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra (since 2002).

Regional: Papermill Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Ford’s Theatre, NorthShore Music Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Playhouse on Park, Bucks County Playhouse. TV: Chicago Fire (NBC), Chicago Med (NBC), Murphy Brown reboot (CBS). This is Bart’s 6th collaboration with Tony-nominee Hunter Foster. Thanks, Hunter, Amy, and Julia! bartshatto.com.

MEGAN REINKING (Dyanne) is excited to make her debut at ACT of CT. Broadway: HAIR (Black Boys Trio, Jeanie u/s, Hirschfeld Theatre, The Public Theatre), The People in the Picture (Dobrisch, Studio 54, Roundabout Theatre). Lestat (Palace Theatre), Dracula (Belasco Theatre). West End: HAIR (Black Boys Trio, Sheila u/s, Jeanie u/s, Gielgud Theatre). Off-Broadway: Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne Standby, New World Stages), HAIR (Black Boys Trio, Shakespeare in the Park, Delacorte Theatre), Bye Bye Birdie (City Center Encores!). Regional: The Griswolds’ Broadway Vacation (Ellen Griswold, 5th Avenue Theatre), Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne, Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall), Footloose (Ariel Moore, Sacramento Music Circus, Marriott Lincolnshire, Music Theatre of Wichita), Cinderella (Cinderella u/s, North Shore Music Theatre). Film: The Sighting (Mia). TV: Boardwalk Empire (Annabelle, HBO), Law and Order: SVU (Maggie, NBC), Perception (Ashley, TNT). Graduate of University of Michigan. Thank you to Nicolosi & Co, my supportive family, and Dan and the Bewwies! @meganreinking.

NATHAN YATES DOUGLASS (Brother Jay) is slap happy to be making his ACT of CT debut! Nathan has appeared in the MDQ

trifecta - Million Dollar Quartet, Heartbreak Hotel (now, Elvis the Musical), and MDQ Christmas. He is a NYC-based actor, musician, singer-songwriter, and producer. You can stream his solo music by searching for Nathan Yates. Gratitude to Hunter and Nat for another 4 bucks. “Love to Cat.” MATT SPENCER (Fluke) is an accomplished drummer, teacher, and lifelong student of music. He is well versed in several musical genres, including but not limited to jazz, rock, reggae, and world sounds. His eclectic taste is reflected in his studio work and live performances. Extensive knowledge of his craft enables him to offer a comprehensive range of services, including remote recordings, touring, studio work, and film/ cinematic composition. Matt holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Western Connecticut State University and can be found playing with a wide and diverse group of artists.

LUCY RHOADES (Dyanne u/s) is a New York City based actor and (non-recovering) coffee-addict. Last seen on stage as Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet at Riverside Theatre, Lucy is thrilled to carry on her MDQ streak!

Other recent credits include Jersey Boys and Grease at The Cape Playhouse, SALEM (workshop) at Goodspeed New Musicals, A Charlie Brown Christmas (tour, Palladium Times Square), Kira in Xanadu, Lois Lane in Kiss Me, Kate at The Mac-Haydn Theatre, and The Wizard of Oz and The Producers at the Palace Theatre. Thank you so much to Hunter and the whole ACT of Connecticut team for welcoming her into the family for this mammerjammin’ production! www.lucyrhoades.com, @lucyrhoades HUNTER SEMRAU (Jerry Lee u/s) is a New York based singer, actor, and musician originally from Canada. His recent credits include Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (National Tour), Million Dollar Quartet (National Tour Limited Engagement), and originating the role of DJ in the Off-Off-Broadway premiere of Goblins & Gates (Teatro LATEA).

He has spent the greater part of his life performing in musicals as well as playing

WHO’S WHO

both piano and guitar in various acoustic groups, dueling piano concerts, and rock bands. Hunter is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a BM in Musical Theatre. @huntersemrau, huntersemrau.com.

and Bucks County), The Power Of Emotion (The Public Theatre: UTR ), ...Ichabod Crane (Park Avenue Armory), Feeling (New Ohio Theatre), Lady Han and Party in the USA (Incubator Arts). www.josh-smith.com

CHANCE MICHAEL WALL (Johnny, Carl, Elvis, & Sam u/s) is thrilled to be part of this company! Originally from Georgia, Chance is a New York based actor. He has been working professionally for over a decade across the country and abroad.

Most recently, Chance created a show for Norwegian Cruise Lines called Broadway Unplugged which runs alongside Million Dollar Quartet on the Norwegian Getaway.

Favorite credits include, West Side Story (Tony), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Nice Work if You Can Get It (Jimmy Winters).

He thanks his family and his loving partner, Hailie for their love and unwavering support!

LAUREN T. ROARK (Costume / Wig Designer) is thrilled to be making her debut with ACT of CT and to be designing Million Dollar Quartet for the tenth time! Select regional credits include the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cleveland Play House, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Great Lakes Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

Lauren holds an MFA in Costume Design and Technology from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She is currently the head of graduate costume design in the Department of Theatre at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the resident costume designer for the Clarence Brown Theatre.

Lauren is a proud member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829. www.laurentroark.com

HUNTER FOSTER (Director) most recently directed The Bridges of Madison County starring Kate Baldwin and Nicholas Rodriguez.

In 2018, he was named “Director of the Year’’ by the Wall-Street Journal for his productions of The Drowsy Chaperone (Goodspeed), (Bucks County Playhouse) and the off-Broadway production of The Other Josh Cohen. Other directing credits include: Cabaret, My Fair Lady, Once, Jersey Boys, Buddy Holly, The Rocky Horror Show, Guys & Dolls, and Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. As an actor, he has performed in ten Broadway productions including the revival of Little Shop of Horrors in which he received a Tony nomination. He has also written the librettos for the off-Broadway musicals, Summer of ‘42 and Jasper in Deadland.

JOSH SMITH (Scenic Designer) is a New York-based set and lighting designer. Recent projects include: Much Ado About Nothing (St Louis Shakespeare Festival), Islander (HERE Arts), Owen Wingrave (LOTNewYork), R&J and Our Town (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Power of Emotion (Abrons Arts Center), Bear Slayer (Ars Nova), Boy at the Edge of Everything (Lincoln Center), Million Dollar Quartet (Cape Playhouse

KIRK BOOKMAN (Lighting Designer) has designed the lighting for countless New York City and regional productions over the past four decades. His favorite lighting design credits include: Lincoln Center’s 2011 production of Company directed by Lonny Price and starring Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert, and Patti LuPone. For the incomparable Charles Busch: Shanghai Moon, The Divine Sister, The Tribute Artist, Die Mommy Die, The Green Heart, and the 2020 hit production of The Confession of Lily Dare directed by Carl Andress. Broadway credits include The Gin Game with Julie Harris and Charles Durning, and The Sunshine Boys with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall. Internationally he has designed the lighting for the Hungarian National, English National Ballet and the Santiago Ballet Company all with Ivan Nagy.

JEFF SHERWOOD (Sound Designer) is an award-winning Korean American sound designer and composer, and Assistant Professor of Sound at Michigan Technological University. He has worked Off-Broadway

WHO’S WHO

including with The Public Theater, The New Group, Signature Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout Theatre Company, and others. Recent sound design credits include: The Bridges of Madison County (Bucks County Playhouse); The Wanderers (City Theatre Company); The Amish Project; (PlayMakers Reperatory Company); Take the Car (Williamstown Theatre Festival PTP). He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 IATSE andTheatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA). MFA: Purdue University, BFA: Oklahoma City University. www.SherwoodSound.com JOHN M. ATHERLAY (Production Stage Manager) ACT of CT: Sunset Boulevard.

Broadway credits include the original companies of Prelude to A Kiss, A Small Family Business, Beauty and the Beast, and Xanadu.

Also on Broadway: The Seagull (with Tyne Daly and Jon Voight) and Fela. National Tours include Pre-Broadway tour of Stardust (with Betty Buckley), Almost Like Being in Love (with Diahann Carroll), The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Young Frankenstein, Fiddler on The Roof (with Topol), The 101 Dalmatians the musical, (with 15 real dalmatians), Fela, Anything Goes, The Gershwin’s’ Porgy and Bess, Cabaret, Blithe Spirit (with Angela Lansbury), The Band’s Visit, A Soldier’s Play.

DANIEL C. LEVINE (ACT of CT Artistic Director) is a 2022 Grammy Nominee and thrilled to serve as Artistic Director of ACT of CT. Before co-founding ACT of CT in 2018 (along with Katie Diamond and Bryan Perri), Daniel appeared on Broadway and in the Broadway National Tours of: Mamma Mia!, Little Shop Of Horrors, The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar (Tony Nomination For Best Revival), Chicago, Les Miserables, and Tommy. Daniel was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical by The League of American Theaters and Producers, for his role as Cousin Kevin in Tommy. He also originated the role of Mary Sunshine in the Broadway National tour of Chicago. Daniel has worked extensively across the coun-

try and has been seen in: Oklahoma! (5th Avenue, Seattle), Next To Normal (Seven Angels Theater), Guys & Dolls (The Ordway Theater, Minneapolis), Company (5th Avenue, Seattle), Man Of La Mancha (Cleveland Playhouse), Sweet Charity (West Virginia Public), Jesus Christ Superstar (North Carolina Theater / Kansas City Starlight), Joseph…..Dreamcoat (North Shore Music Theater, Boston), and Evita (Music Theater of CT). Daniel is the creator/producer/ director of Broadway Backstage!, Dancin’ Broadway, and American Dance Spectacular! – all of which have toured throughout the U.S. He is the creator/director of Born To Dance, a multi-media production performed throughout the fleet of ships on Princess Cruise Lines, in collaboration with Stephen Schwartz. At The Ridgefield Playhouse, Daniel directed Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and An Evening With Joel Grey, and also served as the moderator and host for An Evening With The Celebrity Housewives. At ACT of CT, Daniel has directed Mamma Mia!, Evita (2018 Broadway World CT Best Director of a Musical winner), Working (which he re-conceived with Stephen Schwartz), Godspell, Snapshots, Into The Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, Guys And Dolls, The Secret Garden (2023 CT Critics Circle Award for Best Direction of a Musical winner), and Sunset Boulevard. Daniel returned to his performing roots and played “The Dentist” in ACT of CT’s production of Little Shop Of Horrors, and was also thrilled to star alongside Katie Diamond and Bryan Perri in The Last Five Years. Daniel was nominated for a Grammy Award for the cast album recording of ACT of CT’s Snapshots (now available on-demand on BroadwayHD). Daniel’s reconceived version of Working was licensed by Music Theater International and theaters around the country are now producing and presenting ACT of CT’s version of the musical. Daniel graduated Brandeis University and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

R. ERIN CRAIG (ACT of CT Producing Director) has spent her career to date de-

WHO’S WHO

veloping, mentoring, and producing new artists and works through her work as Producer, Executive Producer, General Manager, Production Manager, and Consultant for theatre, film, music, and special events for nearly 30 years. Before moving to Ridgefield and joining the Executive Leadership Team for ACT of CT in 2020, Erin was working actively as a Producer of new musicals and plays, and living and working in NYC since 1995. Current projects in development include: Austen’s Pride (Carnegie Hall 2023, The 5th Avenue Theatre 2019, ACT of CT 2019), Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting, Academy, Into the Wild, Beatsville. Select past Broadway and Off-Broadway projects include: In the Heights, High Fidelity, The Velocity of Autumn, The Evolution of Mann, Right Before I Go, Himself and Nora, Stalking the Bogeyman, The Jazz Age, Irena’s Vow, “How We Got Away With It” (film), “Easter Mysteries” (musical film). Educator and Mentor.

Houses on the Moon Theater Company, Board Member. Member NAMT. Founder of La Vie Productions (lavieproductions.com).

KATIE DIAMOND (ACT of CT Founding Executive Director, Emeritus) As a singer, actor, writer, and producer, Katie Diamond has written, produced, and/or performed in numerous musical theatre and cabaret shows over the past twenty years. Broadway and tour performing credits include: Lorraine in Jersey Boys, The Pirate Queen (understudy for Stephanie J. Block), White Christmas, and The Wedding Banquet. As a producer/ performer, Katie had the pleasure of working with Daniel C. Levine on The Who’s Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, all presented at the Ridgefield Playhouse. She has also written, produced, and performed in three cabaret shows in NYC; Secondary Characters, All Knocked Up, and Typed Out. Katie has released two solo albums, Original Passion and Down by the Riverside, and can be heard on The Pirate Queen original cast recording. A certified Music Together teacher, and lifelong advocate of arts education, Katie is thrilled that ACT is able to offer such wonderful classes for the youth

of our community. After graduating with a bachelor of music in vocal performance from New England Conservatory of Music, Katie lived and worked in Seattle before moving to NYC in 2005. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

BRYAN PERRI (ACT of CT Resident Music Supervisor) was most recently music director and conductor of Almost Famous on Broadway. He also just returned from serving as music supervisor and co-orchestrator for the world premiere of the critically acclaimed new musical, The Lonely Few at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Prior to that, Bryan music directed and conducted the Tony winning Jagged Little Pill on Broadway. Bryan’s other Broadway credits as music director include Wicked and Chaplin (for which he also provided dance and vocal arrangements). He also served as music director for the Broadway national tour of Next to Normal (starring Tony winner Alice Ripley). Off-Broadway credits include Superhero, Dogfight, and Vanities all at 2nd Stage Theater. He was music supervisor for Disney’s Freaky Friday premiering at the Signature Theater in D.C. as well as Limelight at the La Jolla Playhouse. Bryan was awarded the prestigious Craig Noel Award for Best Music Direction for his work on the pre-Broadway run of Almost Famous at San Diego’s Old Globe theater. Bryan is the music director and arranger for Aaron Tveit as well as Lauren Patten and performs with them in venues across the country, including the American Songbook series at Lincoln Center, House of Blues, Irving Plaza, and Webster Hall. He has also worked on numerous shows with his husband Daniel C. Levine (Artistic Director of ACT of CT) including Born to Dance (created in association with Stephen Schwartz and which is currently running on the Princess Cruise Line fleet). Bryan is proud to be a founding member of ACT of CT and is honored to serve as ACT of CT’s Resident Music Supervisor. At ACT of CT Bryan has music supervised Mamma Mia!, Evita, Working, Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, Nickel Mines, Godspell, Into The Woods, The Last Five Years,

WHO’S WHO

Rent, Jesus Christ Superstar, Smokey Joe’s Café, and Guys And Dolls. Bryan created ACT’s Broadway Unplugged Series, which has become an audience favorite. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award for the world premiere cast recording of Stephen Schwartz’s Snapshots. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Music from NYU in Vocal Performance, as well as an Master’s Degree in Music from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in Orchestral Conducting. Bryan firmly believes that theater matters and the arts are essential!

ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers. Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. actorsequity.org #EquityWorks STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY (SDC) is the theatrical union that unites, empowers, and protects professional Stage Directors and Choreographers throughout the United States. Its mission is to foster a national community of professional stage directors and choreographers by protecting the rights, health and livelihoods of all its Members; negotiating and enforcing employment agreements across a range of jurisdictions; facilitating the exchange of ideas, information and opportunities; and educating current and future generations about the critical role of directors and choreographers in leading the field.

ACT (A CONTEMPORARY THEATRE) OF CONNECTICUT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional theatre located in Ridgefield, CT. Founded in 2018 by Katie Diamond, Daniel C. Levine and Bryan Perri, and along with the more recent addition of R. Erin Craig, ACT of CT presents limited engagement

runs of well-known musicals, as well as world-premiere productions by the next generation of writers and composers. In addition to fully produced mainstage productions, ACT of CT’s programming also includes a New Works Series, a Broadway Unplugged Series, and an extensive theater education program. With its 182 seats and turntable stage, the theater offers an intimate, unique, and immersive theatrical experience for its patrons. Given the proximity to New York City, ACT of CT has access to top theatre talent and professionals. In just five seasons, ACT of CT has become one of the most well-known and highly respected regional theatres in the area and received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album for the cast album of their 2021 production of Stephen Schwartz’s Snapshots. ACT of CT is dedicated to inspiring, creating and nurturing a culturally diverse and equitable environment for its staff, creative teams, cast, musicians, crew members and audiences, and is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining an inclusive, discrimination-free environment.

Information and/or opinions expressed in “Who’s Who” are those of the players, not necessarily those of ACT of CT.

SPECIAL THANKS: Brian Swasey, Geof Dolan, Amanda Woodward, and The Ogunquit Playhouse; Ryan Walsh, Tom Watson, and The Bucks County Playhouse; Gayle Seay, Josh Aune, Stages St. Louis; Susan Cosentino and Ridgefield Parks and Rec; Eddie’s Pizza & Pasta; Fairfield County Bank; Jared Gelbert, James Zap and The Dapper Den Barbershop; Mary Schilling-Martin, Wigs and Whiskers; Aline Hilford, Marcia Rodriguez, and Adam Broderick Salon & Spa; Dennis J. Arcano; Kevin Callaghan; Tom Maguire and LaQuinta

by Wyndham Danbury; Tom & Tizzie Mantione; Tom & Eileen McIntyre.

NEXT UP AT ACT OF CT:

MAY 23– JUN 16 MUSIC & LYRICS BY CYNDI LAUPER BOOK BY HARVEY FIERSTEIN GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY

actofct.org 475.215.5497

HONORING

BARBARA MANNERS &

RAFFAELE GALLO

SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2024 AT 6:00PM

Visit actofct.org/gala for more information and to purchase a sponsorship.

SONG CREDITS Blue Suede Shoes (music by Carl L. Perkins; lyrics by Carl L. Perkins) © MPL Music Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Wren Music Co., o/b/o Carl Perkins Music Inc. Real Wild Child (music by John O’Keefe, John Greenan and Dave Owens; lyrics by John O’Keefe, John Greenan and Dave Owens) © MPL Music Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

Used by permission of Wren Music Co. Matchbox (music by Carl L. Perkins; lyrics by Carl L. Perkins) © MPL Music Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Wren Music Co. o/b/o Carl Perkins Music Inc. What Do You Love? (music by Ellas McDaniel; lyrics by Ellas McDaniel) © ARC Music Corp. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Folsom Prison Blues (music by John R. Cash; lyrics by John R. Cash) Published by House of Cash, Inc. Administered by Bug Music Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Fever (music by Eddie Cooley and Johnny Davenport; lyrics by Eddie Cooley and Johnny Davenport) © Carlin America Music/Windswept Pacific Music Publishing. Published by Fort Knox Music, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Memories Are Made of This (music by Terry Gilkyson, Richard Dehr and Frank Miller; lyrics by Terry Gilkyson, Richard Dehr and Frank Miller) © EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

That’s All Right (music by Arthur Crudup; lyrics by Arthur Crudup) © 1947 (renewed). Unichappell Music Inc. (BMI) and Crudup Music (BMI). All rights administered by Unichappell Music Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (music by Chuck Berry; lyrics by Chuck Berry) © Arc Music Corp. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Down by the Riverside (Traditional; arranged by Chuck Mead), © Zoilink Music. All rights administered by Coburn Music. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Sixteen Tons (music by Merle Travis; lyrics by Merle Travis) © Merle’s Girls Music. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

SONG CREDITS My Babe (music by Willie Dixon; lyrics by Willie Dixon) © Bug Music, Inc. o/b/o Hoochie Coochie Music (BMI). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Long Tall Sally (music by Robert Blackwell, Enotris Johnson and Richard Penniman; lyrics by Robert Blackwell, Enotris Johnson and Richard Penniman) © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Peace in the Valley (music by Thomas A. Dorsey; lyrics by Thomas A. Dorsey) © (renewed) 1939 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI). All rights reserved. Use by permission.

I Walk the Line (music by John R. Cash; lyrics by John R. Cash) Published by House of Cash, Inc. Administered by Bug Music Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

I Hear You Knocking (music by Dave Bartholomew and Pearl King; lyrics by Dave Bartholomew and Pearl King) © EMI Unart Catalog Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Party (music by Jessie Mae Robinson; lyrics by Jessie Mae Robinson) © MPL Music Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Great Balls of Fire (music by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer; lyrics by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer) © 1957 (renewed), Unichappell Music Inc. (BMI), Mijac Music (BMI), Chappell & Co., Inc. (ASCAP) and Mystical Light Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved on behalf of itself and Mijac Music, administered by Unichappell Music Inc. All rights reserved on behalf of itself and Mystical Light Music, administered by Chappell & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Hound Dog (music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller; lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller) Published by Song/ATV Songs LLC. Copyright 1953 Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. All rights administered by Song/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 8 Music Square West, Nashville TN 37203. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Ghost Riders (music by Stan Jones; lyrics by Stan Jones) © MPL Music Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission Edwin H. Morris & Company.

See You Later Alligator (music by Robert Guidry; lyrics by Robert Guidry) © Arc Music Corp. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On (music by Curly Williams; lyrics by Curly Williams) © 1997 N’Mani Entertainment Co. (ASCAP). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

ACT OF CT STAFF Artistic Director .............................................................................................................. DANIEL C. LEVINE Producing Director ............................................................................................................... R. ERIN CRAIG Founding Executive Director, Emeritus ................................................................... KATIE DIAMOND Resident Music Supervisor .................................................................................................. BRYAN PERRI Director of Education & Outreach ........................................................................ HEATHER HILLMAN Director of Development ................................................................................................ SHELLEY TERRY General Manager ..................................................................................................... TRACEY BRYGGMAN Company Manager ............................................................................................................. PATRICK GOSS Technical Supervisor ........................................................................................................ LARRY MORLEY Stage Supervisor ........................................................................................................... CONNOR IMHOFF House Manager ....................................................................................................... JULIE COHEN SLOMA Patron Services Representative ................................................................................... EMMA GIORGIO Resident Music Coordinator.................................................................................... DENNIS J. ARCANO Graphic Designer ............................................................................................................... PAUL WRONSKI Social Media Consultant ........................................................................................... JESSICA DE MARIA Education Coordinator ............................................................................................ CAROLYN CLINTON Office and Transportation Coordinator .............................................................................. AILIS TYRA Assistant to the Artistic Director .................................................................................... OLIVIA WALSH Office Assistants ........................................................................... NATHAN BRENN, ANYA NARDONE,

CATHERINE SARACENO, DAISY STOTT Front of House Staff .................................. NATHAN BRENN, EMMA GIORGIO, ANYA NARDONE,

MICHAEL ROSE, DAISY STOTT, AILIS TYRA, OLIVIA WALSH Payroll Coordinator ...................................................................................................... KAREN T. WERNER Bookkeeping Services ..................................................................................... ECRATCHIT NONPROFIT Accountants ........................................................................................................ REYNOLDS & ROWELLA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Katie Diamond, President Daniel C. Levine, Vice President Tizzie Mantione, Treasurer Heather Hillman, Secretary Rebecca Baglio, Kristin Beylouni, Betsy Brand, R. Erin Craig, Randy Donaldson, Mary E. Joyce, Caroline Kellen, Peggy Marconi, Jack Mehler, Larry Morley, Bryan Perri, Michael Seelbach, Rajal Young

ARTISTIC ADVISORY BOARD Susan Batten Al Blackstone Beowulf Boritt Christian Borle R. Erin Craig Mike Evariste Caite Hevner Peter Hylenski

Tom Kitt Simon Matthews Lindsay Mendez Alan Menken Christina Millar Patricia Minskoff Stephen Schwartz Frank Selvaggi

EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD Dennis J. Arcano Randy Donaldson Carina Drake Mike Evariste Cory Gillette Ivy Huff

Deborah Penn Angela Rice Rachel Ruggeri Claire Simard Jennifer Sproule

2023-2024 SEASON SPONSORS TITLE SPONSORS Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation MARQUEE SPONSORS Connecticut Office of the Arts, Diamond Properties, Anita and Nick Donofrio PRESENTING SPONSORS Anne S. Richardson Fund, HamletHub, Rudy L. Ruggles, Jr. PRODUCING SPONSORS The Borman Family Foundation, Burry Fredrik Foundation, Fairfield County Bank, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Ridgefield Station, The West Lane Inn DIRECTOR SPONSORS Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Colonial Automobile Group, Gallo Ristorante, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Heather Hillman and Jack Whalen, Karen and Todd Kipnes, Robert and Gerri Lewis, Tom and Tizzie Mantione, Patrick and Catherine Neligan, Michele and Tom Quinlen, Ridgefield Thrift Shop, Rodier Flowers, Daniela Sikora, 068 Magazine, Gary and Susie Singer SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS 109 Cheese & Wine, BMW of Ridgefield, Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe, Colonial Cleaners, The Jacullo Family, George Landegger, Joe Loonan and Linda MacDonald, M&T Charitable Foundation, Nature’s Temptations, Russ and Holly Neumann, Nissan of Yorktown Heights, Nutmeg Livery Service, Jim and Susie Perakis, RPAC Gallery, Southwest Cafe, Steinway & Sons, TerraSole Ristorante, Vine & Co., Volvo Cars Danbury

2022-2023 Donors $100,000+ Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation Diamond Properties $50,000-$99,999 CT Humanities Connecticut Office of the Arts Anita and Nick Donofrio Ridgefield Town Hall Rudy L. Ruggles, Jr. $30,000-$49,999 Anne S. Richardson Fund Bareburger - Ridgefield The Borman Family Foundation Burry Fredrik Foundation Fairfield County Bank HamletHub LaQuinta by Wyndam-Danbury Ridgefield Station The West Lane Inn $10,000-$29,999 Adam Broderick Salon & Spa Lori and John Berisford Kristin and Darren Beylouni Colabella Media Colonial Automobile Group Gallo Ristorante Liz and Steven Goldstone Sheila and Michael Gray

Heather Hillman and Jack Heather and Robert Salaga Whalen Allison and Jon Stockel Karen and Todd Kipnes TerraSole Ristorante Gerri and Robert Lewis Joyce and Gary Tomlinson Tizzie and Tom Mantione Vine & Co. National Endowment for the Volvo of Danbury Arts Elizabeth and Paul Wronski Ridgefield Thrift Shop Rajal and Jordan Young Daniela Sikora and Keitha Kinne Susie and Gary Singer $2,500-$4,999 Barker Welfare Foundation $5,000-$9,999 Bart’s Tree Service Laura and Joe Ancona Linda and Joshua Blum Rebecca and Scott Baglio Christine and Jeffrey Boris Wendy and William Beurket Betsy and Michael Brand Melissa and David Beylouni Couri Foundation, Inc. BMW of Ridgefield Sue and Bruce Cruikshank Ann and Steven Carlson Lisa Esneault Katie and William Diamond Susan Galione George F Landegger Kaye Hale Malton and Doug Emily and Jeffrey Levi Malton Joseph Loonan and Linda Jana and Sean Hogan MacDonald Mary and Christopher Joyce MLE Foundation Caroline Kellen The M&T Charitable Foundation Kristen and Robert Liesegang Nature’s Temptations Peggy and Rudy Marconi Catherine and Patrick Neligan Lauren and Russ Mika Holly and Russ Neumann Lorraine and Larry Morley Nissan of Yorktown Heights Elizabeth Murray Ellis Nutmeg Livery Karla Murtaugh Susie and Jim Perakis Danille and David Petrie Peter and Jeanne Charitable Fund Patricia and Stephen Ross Michele and Tom Quindlen Rotary Club of Ridgefield Rodier Flowers Teed & Brown

2022-2023 Donors continued The Tow Foundation Danielle and Philip Van Riper Weeks Automobile Corporation

Brenda and Dan Berta Barbara Beylouni Nancy and Gene Brandon Ellen Burns and Darwin Ellis $1,000 - $2,499 Kristen and Rick Cacciapaglia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center Lorraine and Anthony Catalano Stephanie and Andy Anderson Karen Coblens and Thomas Susan Batten and Truitt Bell Rosamilia Matt Bartelme and Kelly Moriarty Richard Conway Sandi Barry Susan Consentino Joshua Benet Elaine and Kevin Cox Sarah and Mark Blandford Shelly and Ira Joe Fisher Brandmark Studios LLC Anna Hardwick and Daniel Gwartz Dr. Gregory Brucato Jeffrey Hansen Georgia Burger Dana and Andrew Harnett Heather and Jeff Butchen Annette Hasapidis Christopher Cartelli Cheryl Helfer Tammy Conley and Roselinde Susan Herron Torres Barbara and Paige Hillery Robert and Lauri Craig Robert Iannucci Jennifer Crowl Susan Kania Dalessio Family Foundation Juliet Lambert Pratt and John Kate and Harry Dayton Pratt Susan and Antonio Fernandez Noelle and Brendan Kenny Jennifer and Christian Forsyth Barbara Manners The Fountain Inn Heidi Marcus Renee and KR Fozouni Eileen and Thomas McIntyre Elizabeth and Raffaele Gallo Kostas Mavridis, Dimitri’s Diner Kerri Glass Michele and Kyle Morehouse Madelyne Gray Polly O’Brien Morrow John Grissmer Benjamin Oko and Helen Dimos Leah and Jonathan Hayner Suzanne Rabinowitz Lenore and Robert Herbst Stephen Reynolds and Susan Wolf Sharon and Darrin Hoffner Ridgefield Library Cynthia and Todd Kemmer Margaret Rodgers Kovak Foundation Evelyn and Jeffrey Sabin Kutnick Foundation Michael Seelbach and David Trish LaRosa Stone Christine and Philip Lodewick Marisa and Timothy Schafer Erika Long David Smith Brenda McKinley Tina and Don Sturges Trish Minskoff Faye and Jerry Walton Terri and Marc Nathanson Joan and Michael Wexelbaum The New York Community Trust Dayna and Jason White Leslie and Michael Partington Marguerite and Alan Winsor Amy Piantaggini Young’s of Ridgefield Jean and James Prusko Grace Weber Jillian and Rob Rae Victoria and David Yolen Angela and Jason Rice Diana and Michael Rosella $250-$499 Kirsten Salley and Danny Butler Sue Bellion Lonnie Shapiro Suzanne Brennan Stephen Shiller Katie Burton Bellanca Smigel Rutter Mary and James Coleman Elizabeth and Andrew Smolenack Carol Dockery Rachel and Joseph Sondheimer Denise and Robert Fontenelli Nick Spofford Roland Fiorelli The Stephen & Carole Schwartz Founder’s Hall Foundation Justin Jabara Leslie and Peter Swan Carrie and Ian Lewis Synchrony Foundation Kristen Lee Tito’s Handmade Vodka Marquerite and John Mehler Chris Whitten, Fred Astaire Cornelius McMorrow and Monroe Dance Studio Alechman Amy Pal and Kevin Maney $500-$999 Mary Ellen Raab Tracy Anderson Michael Rettger

Joseph Savoia Scott Schwartz Ed Smith Martin Wagner Whip Salon $150-$249 Jim Abbott Hilary and Michael Aronow Liz and Phil Arturi Sarah Paige Bareau Danielle Beylouni Meg Campbell Christa and Jeffrey Carone Marian Dar and Richard Schlosberg Debbie Eck Niro and Ed Feliciano Amy Gewirtz Emma Hardiman Marion Hargett Richard Kalriess Richard Larson John Olson Laurie Rippon Anne and Rudy Ruggles III Kassie Seavy Adam Schwabe Joel Third Debbie Thornton Jerusha Vogel Sarah Whitton Kelly York Business Partners 109 Cheese & Wine 850 Degrees Wood Fire Pizza AG Beauty American Metal Whiskey Bobo’s Café - Ridgefield Books on the Commons, LLC Colonial Cleaners Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe De Clercq Office Group First Connecticut Home Services Katie’s Intoxikating Kakes Marty’s Motors New England Landscape Nod Hill Brewery Prospector Theater The Residence Inn - Danbury Ross Bread Shoppe Southwest Café Tusk & Cup *donors from Aug 1 2022– July 31, 2023

The Beylouni Family and The Colonial Automobile Group wish continued success to our friends at ACT.

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ROLE JLL, OF FAKIR EP,THEJC, CP

One important addition to the story that the Broadway writers made when adapting the original source material into the musical, was to introduce a new character, the Fakir. Early portions of The Secret Garden, both book and musical, INinclusion THE SECRET GARDENwas meant to pay homage take place in India and the of this character to Indian culture and traditions in a way that the 1911 novel had not.

When Serendipity Strikes a Chord, Magic Happens

Fakir is defined as a “Middle Eastern or South Asian mendicant holy man or woman”, with the term originating in early Middle Eastern cultures, but over time becoming associated with India as well, owing to established Arabian-Indian trade routes and significant Arab and Persian migration over the centuries to the Indian subcontinent.

The portrayal of the Fakir in the original Broadway production was not without controversy, with issues being raised, especially as new versions of the show have been produced, regarding the authenticity of some of the language and movement shown on stage. Vishal Vaidya, the actor who played the Fakir in the recent Los Angeles production of The Secret Garden (an ACT of CT alum, whom early ACT of CT audiences may remember as playing Potiphar in ACT of CT’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Ridgefield Playhouse) was instrumental in identifying and rectifying some of those discrepancies in that production.

BP, DCL, KD, REC

With the guidance of Vishal Vaidya and Niro Feliciano, who are acting as advisors for this production of The Secret Garden, and Monica Kapoor, who is acting as the production’s Indian movement consultant, this production of The Secret Garden strives to accurately and respectfully showcase the rich cultural traditions of its Indian setting.

Thank you ACT of CT

The role of the Fakir in this production is played by Joseph C. Townsend - a Middle Eastern American actor of Syrian descent based in New York City. Casting Mr. Townsend in the role explores the idea that Syrians (and others settling in India at that time) may have sought out specific traditions. We see the Fakir chanting in Hindi and performing Indian movements, thus representing the meeting and melding, over time, of cultures. Likewise, we see Mary Lennox, the central character in the story, observing the performance of these prayerful rituals in India, and later embracing them herself in the moors of Northern England. Just as we know, historically, how the meeting of Arab and Indian cultures came to shape traditions and customs in this region, The Secret Garden, in this way, portrays another instance of cultural exchange crossing time and place.

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Proud to support ACT of CT Congratulations to the cast, crew and staff!

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Your opinions matter and will help to shape the future of ACT of CT!