SPRING AWAKENING
Book and Lyric by Steven Sater Music by Duncan Sheik
Based on the 1891 play by Frank Wedekind
Cornerstone Sponsor Ida and Jeff Rowe
Mainstage Season Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Alice and Alfred Willis Vicki and Jay Allen
Musical Numbers
Act One
Mama Who Bore Me……………………………………….……………………….…………….. Wendla
Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise)…………………………………………………………………….. Girls
All That’s Known
The Bitch of Living………………………...……………………………………………………………… Boys My Junk
Touch Me
Boys and Girls
Boys and Girls
The Word of Your Body…………………………………………………………… Wendla, Melchior
The Dark I Know Well……….………………………………………. Martha, Ilse, Boys and Girls
The Word of Your Body (Reprise 1)……………………….………………………….. Otto, Georg And Then There Were None………………………………………………………..…… Moritz, Boys
The Mirror-Blue Night
Melchior, Boys I Believe
Act Two
Boys and Girls
The Guilty Ones................................................... Wendla, Melchior, Boys and Girls
Don’t’s Do Sadness………………………………………………………………………………..….. Moritz
Blue Wind……………………………………………………………………….………………….………….. Ilse
Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind…………………………………………………………….. Moritz, Ilse
Left Behind (Part 2)…………………………….…………………………. Melchior, Boys and Girls
Totally Fucked……………………………………………….………………...Melchior, Full Company
The Word of Your Body (Reprise 2)……………..………. Hanchen, Ernst, Boys and Girls Whispering
Wendla
Those You’ve Known…………………………………………………… Moritz, Wendla, Melchior
The Song of Purple Summer……………………………………………………. Ilse, Full Company
SPRING AWAKENING
Book and Lyric by Steven Sater Music by Duncan Sheik
Based on the 1891 play by Frank Wedekind
CAST
BAND
CAST
ANTHONY CHAVERS
is a NYC-based singer and actor, thrilled to make his Clear Space Theatre debut as Melchior in Spring Awakening. Recent credits include Adam in Saw the Musical: The Unauthorized Parody (National Tour), Gabe in Medea: A Musical Comedy (OffBroadway), and the ensemble of Follies: The Revival Concert at Carnegie Hall. A proud graduate of Wagner College Theatre, Anthony is excited for this journey. Follow along! @anthony.chavers
MARIA PALLETE
is a Madrid-born, NYC-based actress and singer. Proud NYFA Musical Theatre alumni. She has played roles such as Maria in West Side Story, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Liesl in The Sound of Music at Lincoln Center’s Golden Night. She is thrilled to bring Wendla to life in Spring Awakening and is grateful to her friends and family for their unwavering love and support. Follow her journey on instagram @mariapalletee
HENRY BEDDOE
is thrilled to be making his Clear Space Theatre debut telling this powerful story! He is a proud alumni of Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where he recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some favorite past credits include Percy Jackson (The Lightning Thief), Emmett Forrest (Legally Blonde), Cornelius Hackl (Hello, Dolly!), and Clay Gephardt (Only Hope). @henry.beddoe
NADJA TOMASZEWSKI
is thrilled and grateful to be making her Clear Space Theatre Company debut. Previous DC are theatre credits include Olney Theatre Center: Waitress (Ensemble, Jenna u/s), NextStop Theatre Company: Ride the Cyclone (Ocean - Helen Hayes Award Nomination for Outstanding Production Musical); Monumental Theatre Company: Spring Awakening (Thea, Ilse u/s & Adult Female u/s - Helen Hayes Award Nominations for Outstanding Ensemble Musical and Outstanding Production Musical). Regional credits: Scranton Shakespeare Festival: Next to Normal (Diana), Gypsy (June), Titus Andronicus (Lavinia). Education: BM in Musical Theatre from The Catholic University of America. Instagram: @nadja.tomaszewski. Website: nadjatomaszewski.com
MICHAEL RICCIARDONE
is an actor/director based in NYC/CT. Select regional credits: Unchained Melodies at Seven Angels Theatre (New England Premiere), Cry-Baby (Baldwin) & Into the (Jack) at Roxy Regional Theatre, Jersey Boys (Bob Crewe) at Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre, Hairspray (Link) at Priscilla Beach Theatre, Pippin (Lewis) at The College Light Opera Company. Select directing credits: 25th Annual…Spelling (Thomaston Opera House), Heathers (GetUp Stage Co.), To the Fairest (NY Theater Festival). Associate Director @ J2 Spotlight Off-Broadway - The Baker’s Wife, A Class Act. KCACTF SDC Directing Finalist. BFA Musical Theater Western CT State University. @michaelricciardone. www.michaelricciardone.net
AZARIA OGLESBY
just off of her Helen Hayes nominated performance as Esmeralda (The Hunchback... Dame), Azaria is thrilled to be making her Clear Space debut! Favorite credits include Deena (Dreamgirls), Dorothy (The Wiz), and Marta (Company). She thanks her wonderful friends and family for their endless support no matter where this dream takes her. MJH, shows come and go, but you are constant; thank you. Be kind. azariaoglesby.com
CAST
RECE POPE
feels honored to perform alongside everyone in this cast after just finishing Oklahoma! Rece has previously done shows with Possum Point Players in Georgetown (Something Rotten), the Smyrna Opera House (Chicago, Matilda), and the Second Street Players in Milford (Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Music Man). When not on stage, Rece can be found either performing with the Kent Chamber Choir in Dover or being the best dang cashier anyone has ever seen at the Milford Redner’s.
THEO BOYD
Theo is thrilled to be back at Clear Space Theatre. Previous Clear Space credits include Oklahoma!, White Christmas, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. A New Hampshire native, Theo grew up performing at the Palace Theatre, and later graduated from AMDA’s Integrated Conservatory Program in NYC. Much love to my family, friends, and extremely talented castmates! Instagram: Theoboyd_
ZACH NAAR
is thrilled to be back at Clear Space after appearing in White Christmas, Sweeney Todd, My Fair Lady, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and stage managing The Mousetrap and Oklahoma! He is a sophomore Elementary Education major at Delaware Tech. When not on stage, he is teaching Preschool at Delaware Tech’s Child Development Center. Favorite credits include Matilda (Agatha Trunchbull) and Radium Girls (Edward Markley), Ragtime, and The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric). Thanks to his family and friends for their endless love and support.
JULIA GRAVIET
is 19 years old and from Rehoboth Beach. She has been performing for over 11 years, with favorite roles including Sandy in Grease (Cape Theatre), Ariel in The Little Mermaid (Clear Space Spotlight), Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress (Cape Theatre), Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Milton Theatre), and Ado Annie in Oklahoma! (Clear Space Theatre) Julia is so happy to be part of this wonderful cast telling this thrilling story and looks forward to pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Long Island University Post starting fall 2025. Enjoy the show! @juliagrav on Instagram
KAELYN ENNIS
is so excited to be in her first show at Clear Space Theatre! She is so thankful for the opportunity to play the role of Thea in this production of Spring Awakening! Kaelyn studied theatre AMDA and has continued to pursue an acting career. She moved to Delaware last year in June, and has loved every bit of her time here!
AMANDA ARIS
although originally from Baltimore, MD, has been a DE transplant for over 10 years. She is always ecstatic to find a new place on the stage with her Clear Space family. A few favorite credits include Estella Scrooge (Estella), The Lightning Thief (Sally), Carrie (Miss Gardner), Into The Woods (Stepmother), Heathers (Ms. Fleming), Mary Poppins (Bird Lady/Brill), and Fun Home (Helen). Amanda has been performing from a young age, yet she is still finding herself and the courage to create. Thank you to those who encourage and love her, always in all ways.
CAST
LORRAINE LEAVEL
is thrilled to be returning to the Clear Space stage, having been a part of the company for over a decade. She received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. She teaches drama at the Southern Delaware School of the Arts. Favorite roles include White Christmas (Betty Haynes), Mamma Mia (Rosie), Carrie (Margaret White), Hello Dolly! (Dolly), Sweeny Todd (Mrs. Lovett), Ragtime (Mother), Into The Woods (Witch and Bakers Wife), A Little Night Music (Charlotte), and Seussical (Gertrude). Lorraine also enjoys costuming (a skill she learned from her grandma) and running the summer theatre camp at Possum Point Players.
RICK NAZZARO
Past Clear Space credits include Gypsy (Tulsa), The Rocky Horror Show (Narrator), The Music Man (Marcellus), Mamma Mia! (Bill), A Christmas Story (The Old Man), Clue (Colonel Mustard), Kiss Me Kate (Gangster), La Cage Aux Folles (Francis), Spelling Bee, A Streetcar Named Desire (Mitch), Elf (Walter), Misery, Young Frankenstein (Igor), Estella Scrooge, The Mousetrap (Det. Trotter), Rock of Ages (Dennis), Dial M for Murder, and Oklahoma!. He is honored to be in another fantastic season.
EMILY SWETT
is excited to be back in her sixth production at Clear Space. Favorite credits include Company (Marta) at Possum Point Players, Leonce und Lena (Lena) at James Madison University, and Oklahoma! (Laurey) at Clear Space. Emily received her Bachelor of Music from James Madison University. Thanks to her friends and family for all their support.
KERINNE WALLS
received her BFA in Acting from Towson University. She served as Theatre Education Director at the Milton Theatre and will begin teaching the middle school Shakespeare Summer Intensive at the Lewes Public Library. Some of her favorite on stage appearances include Hamlet (Hamlet) and Carmilla (Captain Martin), both of which won her the Kennedy Center ACTF award for Classical Acting. When not on stage or behind the scenes, she's working as a paraprofessional in a specialneeds classroom at Georgetown Elementary School.
SPRING AWAKENING
is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Music Theatre International.
CREATIVE TEAM
DAVID BUTTON (Director) is the Artistic Director of Clear Space Theatre and teaches as a member of the Arts Institute faculty, founding the Spotlight on Young Performers program and co-founding the Summer Acting and Musical Theatre Summer Stock Intensives. He received his B.A. in Theatre with a focus on Acting and Directing from DeSales University. David has worked regionally with the Main Street Theatre, City Theatre, the Chojinyobiko Theater Group, The Milton Theatre, and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. He directed last season’s The Mousetrap, My Fair Lady, Jersey Boys, The Prom, and Sweeney Todd.
BEN BOGEN (Choreographer) saw Spring Awakening with his dad 16 years ago on tour as a teenager and his life was never the same. Credits include Frozen on Broadway (Olaf & Duke Weselton u/s), national tour & Off Broadway companies of Jersey Boys (Frankie Valli alternate, Joe Pesci, asst. dance captain), and the national tours of Wicked, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (asst. dance captain). TV: Pose on FX (series finale). Other credits: Hartford Stage, ACT of CT, Pittsburgh CLO, North Carolina Theatre, Center REP, and The Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Choreography/directing credits: Jersey Boys at Sierra REP. Training: BFA University of Michigan. This summer he will be play Charlie Wilcox in The Inheritance at Roundhouse Theatre. Many thanks to David for this opportunity, Raj, and Melo! For dad. @benmbogen
JIM WEBER (Musical Director) has had an active and varied career performing music for over 25 years. Trained at Westminster Choir College, Weber conducted a highly successful High School choral program for 12 years. He has been the choral contractor for both MidAmerica Productions and DCINY for concerts in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and others. Weber made his Carnegie Hall vocal solo debut in 2001, and his conducting debut in 2005. An active composer, his pieces have been recorded and performed by choirs at Westminster Choir College, among many others. On faculty at Rider University, Weber teaches classes in musical theatre and coaches students privately.
JOSH GETKA (Set Designer) has been involved in multiple facets of Clear Space Theatre Company productions that include, appearing on stage in Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), Damn Yankees (Ensemble) and Other Desert Cities (Trip) and as a musician “in the loft” for The Bodyguard, Jersey Boys, and White Christmas as well as with various theatre companies throughout Delaware and New Jersey. His most recent scenic set designs include Estella Scrooge, The Mousetrap, and Sweeney Todd and set construction for My Fair Lady, Rock of Ages, The Prom, and Jersey Boys.
CHRISTOPHER DECKER (Costume Designer, Properties) is always excited to be a part of another Clear Space production after designing and creating the costumes for Beetlejuice, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, The Spongebob Musical, Victor/Victoria, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Damn Yankees, Shrek, and Matilda. He has also assisted and created pieces for shows like Seussical, Guys and Dolls, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. He hopes you enjoy the creativity coming to life on stage. He is an Irene Ryan nominee for his work in the Toby’s Dinner Theater production of Jersey Boys.
BRENDAN SMITH (Lighting Designer) has worked with Clear Space as the Lighting Designer since 2014, for which he has received multiple awards. He is mostly self-taught in the craft and refined his skills designing shows for the Dance Conservatory, Kent County Theatre Guild, Dover High School, The Schwartz Center, and Clear Space. He has two adoring sons, Jackson and Harrison.
Wishing the best to Clear Space for another successful season! Rick Tedrick, Shawn Wright, and Hunter
Clear Space Theatre Company
Leadership
DAVID BUTTON (Artistic Director)
is the Artistic Director of Clear Space Theatre and teaches as a member of the Arts Institute faculty, founding multiple classes including the Spotlight on Young Performers program and co-founding the Summer Acting and Musical Theatre Summer Stock Intensives. He received his B.A. in Theatre with a focus on Acting and Directing from DeSales University. David has worked regionally with the Main Street Theatre, City Theatre, the Chojinyobiko Theater Group, The Milton Theatre, and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. He directed last season's The Mousetrap, My Fair Lady, Jersey Boys, The Prom, and Sweeney Todd. Past directing credits include: Carrie, Fun Home, Into The Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Next To Normal, Clue, Misery, Baskerville, Steel Magnolias, The Odd Couple, Heathers, Mamma Mia!, Priscilla, The Wedding Singer, Cabaret, La Cage Aux Folles, Seussical, A Chorus Line, The Full Monty, Little Shop Of Horrors, Spelling Bee, Kinky Boots, Ghost, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat, The Spongebob Musical, Footloose, The Rocky Horror Show, and many more.
JOE GFALLER (Managing Director)
joined Clear Space Theatre Company as Managing Director in late 2023. A seasoned performing arts professional, Joe has held leadership positions, as well as roles in marketing, development, and community engagement with such varied organizations as the Alliance Theater, the American Repertory Theater, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, 7 Stages, and Metro Theater Company. As a consultant, he has worked with the National Blues Museum, the documentary Flint: The Poisoning of an American City, the Utah Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He has taught arts management in Webster University’s MFA arts leadership program and has taught acting at Berry College. His resume as a stage director includes over two dozen productions, including regional premieres by Caryl Churchill, David Mamet, Peter Sinn Nachtreib, and Addae Moon. He is currently a member of the 2025 Longwood Foundation Catalysts Together cohort, and was a member of the Leadership St. Louis Class of 2013 and the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2006. He is thrilled to have relocated to the Rehoboth Beach area to become part of the team at Clear Space.
STAFF
David Button Artistic Director
Candice Jewell
Company Manager
Justin Jewell
Production Manager
Christopher Decker
Resident Costume Designer
Lorraine Leavel
Resident Costume Designer
Brendan Smith
Resident Lighting Designer
Joe Gfaller Managing Director
Lara Bellistri Box Office Manager
Jadine Pilotti Patron Stewardship Manager
Evan Hrivnak
Digital Marketing Manager
Kirk Schneck House Manager
Clear Space Theatre Company
Clear Space Theatre Company, a 501(c)3 cultural organization founded in 2004, is committed to teaching, producing and presenting the performing arts. The term “clear space” refers to a focus on the process, knowledge, and humanity of arts performance: the idea that we find ourselves in what appears on the stage. Our Mission is to create memorable experiences that unite and enrich our community through live theatre and arts-based learning. Our Vision is to be a beacon for artistic endeavors of integrity and risk, inspiring joy across a diverse audience.
Board Of Directors
Megan Nehrbas, Chair Joe Sterner, Vice Chair
Laura Howard, Secretary
Jess Bain
Chris Beagle
John Cullen
Mat Hastings
Mike Moreland
Alfred Willis, Treasurer
Richard J. Perry, Jr.
Ida Rowe
Brent Shoemaker
Lisa Schlosser
Mindi Moore Tunnell
The Producers Circle serves as ambassadors for Clear Space Theatre Company to deepen its engagement within the community and to steward critical existing relationships in support of the organization. If you are interested in serving, please contact co-chairs Liz Leshine or Alice Willis or Managing Director Joe Gfaller.
Producers Circle
Liz Leshine
Ida and Jeff Rowe
Peter Keeble
Peter Pizzolongo
Linda Wolf
Mary Beth McDonough
Alice and Alfred Willis
Mary Jo Tarallo
Carl Schloegel
Judy Rayner
Richard Gamble
Mary Kay Ryan, Founder
