PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS Presents
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
Book by JOSEPH STEIN
Music by JERRY BOCK
Produced on the New York Stage by Harold Prince
Lyrics by SHELDON HARNICK
Original New York Stage Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS
“Original choreography reproduced by James Grausam” “Mr. Robbins’ Original Direction reproduced by James Grausam”
Scenic Designer / Technical Director KYLE SANTOPADRE
Lighting Designer EMILY LOVELL
Costume Designer JOANNE PENROSE Properties JAMES GRAUSAM
Production Stage Manager DENNIS TOLENTINO
Music Director TOM O’BRIEN
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Is presented through special arrangement with
Production Manager ANTHONY VIERA
Director / Choreographer JAMES GRAUSAM
Season Sponsors: Circle Subaru
Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft
The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates
A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Tradition – (noun from the Latin trado meaning “to deliver”). We all think of “traditions” as the practices, beliefs, customs, and habits passed down from generation to generation. They are delivered to us in childhood and shape the way we think, feel, and interact with the world. They provide a framework of the people we become. Traditions are usually comforting and most of the time fill us with personal pride and provide a connection to our ancestors. Traditions also bring us together in social groups and provide stability in difficult times. We all have many traditions we hold dear, including family recipes, religious practices, holiday rituals, even how we welcome and name new members of our family – is anyone a Junior or named after an ancestor? These practices are precious and personal, yet they can also be constricting.
As the director of this production and a performer who has so much history with this piece, my favorite part of this multiple Tony Award winning show is the challenges our hero, Tevye, faces when deciding what traditions to hold on to and what traditions can be altered – and which cannot be set aside no matter the consequences. It’s a provocative thought – holding on too tightly to our traditions whether familial, religious, or ethnic can also cause us problems because sometimes holding on means we cannot move forward in the face of social evolution.
I’m proud to work here at the Count Basie Center where we celebrate everyone’s traditions, and we encourage those traditions to thrive, illuminate, and unite our community. Our Count Basie Gospel Choir and our collaboration with Calpulli Mexican Dance Theatre provide opportunities for our community to explore, develop, and share unique cultural art forms. Of course, we here at Phoenix Productions have our own traditions. For 38 years we’ve proudly offered our community the ability to explore the stories that make us human through the power of performance.
L’chaim and enjoy the show.
James
Managing Artistic Director
Phoenix Productions at the Count Basie Center for the Arts
COURTYARD
RED BANK LINCROFT
THE CAST
Tevye, the dairyman ......................................................................................... JOHN GRIFFIN
Golde, his wife ............................................................................................AMANDA MUNICE
Tzeitel, his daughter .................................................................................. MARIA HEITMANN
Hodel, his daughter EMERSON GRANATA
Chava, his daughter .................................................................................... RACHEL ROSARIO
Shprintze, his daughter NINA CELESTE MONTELEONE
Bielke, his daughter .....................................................................
MILAN AURELIA CEBALLOS
Motel Kamzoil, a tailor JOSEPH DAVID BRYANT
Perchik, a student .....................................................................MATTHEW ABRAHAM BASEN
Fyedka, a young man ...................................................................................... HUDSON EDER
Lazar Wolf, a butcher .......................................................................................... ARJAY LEWIS Yente, a matchmaker .....................................................................................JESSICA COGAN
Grandma Tzeitel, Golde’s Grandmother / Moriel ........................MARISA JEAN GIACHETTI
Fruma-Sarah, Lazar Wolf’s first wife / Liora ...........................................................ZOE SEITZ
The Fiddler DANIEL CANCEL
Mendel, the Rabbi’s son ......................................................................... MICHAEL ABRAMOV Label, a blacksmith MARTIN CORDERO
Bluma ..............................................................................................................REBECCA CONN
Avram, a bookseller DARREN DeANGELO
Mordcha, an innkeeper ....................................................................................FRANK FAVATA
Yitzuk ............................................................................................................ SEAN FERGUSON
Surcha / Clarinet Player...........................................................................KIMBERLY GELFAND
Rabbi ............................................................................................................... MARK GELFAND
Moishe JACOB GERBMAN
Nachum, a beggar .............................................................................................PHILIP HICKEY
Anya RYLEE HIGGINS
Hershel............................................................................................................. KYLE KENNEDY
Yussel, a hatter DANIEL LAVIE-HOROVITZ
Berille ............................................................................................ JULIA NEVE MONTELEONE
Rifka .............................................................................................. MARGARET MONTELEONE
Sasha / Shloime ............................................................................................. RAUL ORTEGA III
Sima ........................................................................................................... KATE PONTORIERO
Ivan / Villager ............................................................................................... TIMMY SANTANA
Scacha ................................................................................................................ KIM SARNOSKI
Constable
BRUNO SILVA
Shaindel, Motel’s mother ............................................................................... DENI SOBOTKA
Boris / Villager ANDREW VIELMA-HALL
Mirala ...........................................................................................................ANTJE WEYMANN
Yeshiva Boys BENJAMIN CASSANO, KEEGAN HAACK
UNDERSTUDIES
For Tevye - ARJAY LEWIS; for Golde - JESSICA COGAN; for Tzeitel - REBECCA CONN; for Hodel and Chava - RYLEE HIGGINS; for Shprintze and Bielke - JULIA NEVE MONTELEONE; for Motel - MICHAEL ABRAMOV; for Perchik - SEAN FERGUSON; for Lazar Wolf - FRANK FAVATA; for Yente - DENI SOBOTKA.
DANCE CAPTAIN DANIEL CANCEL
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager / Assistant Director................................................... ANTHONY VIERA
Director / Choreographer ........................................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM
Music Director .................................................................................................... TOM O’BRIEN
Production Stage Manager ................................................................... DENNIS TOLENTINO
Scenic Designer / Technical Director ....................................................... KYLE SANTOPADRE
Lighting Designer .............................................................................................. EMILY LOVELL
Costume Designer .....................................................................................JOANNE PENROSE
Properties ..................................................................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM
Scenic Charge ASHLEY CUSACK
Sound Designer TOM HESSMAN
Sound Engineer ZACK TENETY - ACIR
Assistant Stage Managers EMILY COCCOVIZZO, DYLAN SHEPPARD, JO WYMER
Assistant Choreographer DANIEL CANCEL
Stage Crew ......................................................................
Audition Monitors
MARISSA DeVEAU, JACK HADDEN, MANNY JEAN-PIERRE, KEIRA SULLIVAN
ISABELLA COMO, JESSICA PAUL, STEPHANIE SCHOPPE, MAGGIE SURGUY
Costume Crew DONA COFFEY, STEPHANIE FOZZOLARI, ROSA JUAREZ, ELLEN SHORT
Scenic Crew ......... ERIC BRÁS, JESSICA COGAN, LAUREN FRIEDMAN, SIERRA FRIEDMAN, MARIA HEITMANN, PHILIP HICKEY, PAT KAY, AMANDA MUNICE, STEPHANIE SCHOPPE, LISA SIKO, BRUNO SILVA, LINDSAY PAIGE SPITZER
Managing Artistic Director ........................................................................ JAMES GRAUSAM
Special Thanks ........COUNT BASIE CENTER MARKETING DEPARTMENT, DIANE DiYANNI, JOHN MAURER, JOHN POSADA
THE ORCHESTRA
Conductor........................................................................................................... TOM O’BRIEN
Accordion ...................................................................................................... BARBARA KLEMP
Bass ANDREW ROSCISZEWSKI
Cello ..................................................................................................................... CATY BUTLER
Guitar ..................................................................................................................... MEG DOYLE
Horn
TRISH GIANGIULIO
Percussion ................................................................................................................ JAY MACK
Keyboard ............................................................................................................... KARA LEIGH
Reed 1 (Flute, Piccolo)
HEIDI PETERSON
Reed 2 (Clarinet) ..................................................................................... JEAN ANNE GOULD
Reed 3 (Bass Clarinet, Clarinet) ................................................................ TRISTAN SHAFRAN
Reed 4 (Bassoon) .................................................................................... LAURA HOLLANDER
Reed 5 (English Horn, Oboe)
MICHAEL WITSBERGER
Trombone ............................................................................................................ PAUL MORRIS
Trumpet 1 ............................................................................................................... SEAN HACK
Trumpet 2 JOE MOSELLO
Trumpet 3 ........................................................................................................ LAURA NEVILLE
Viola ......................................................................................................... RACHEL O’CONNOR
Violin A ..................................................................................................... NICOLE SCORSONE
Violin B
ALEX OGRODNIK
Violin C .............................................................................................................. KATHY VIKSNE
WARNING: THIS PERFORMANCE UTILIZES STROBE LIGHTING AND THEATRICAL HAZE
The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, tablets, beepers, and watches. The use of cell phones in the theater is prohibited.
PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
SoVonna Day-Goins (Co-Chair)
Sarah Bradley
Jerry Conaty
Natalie Hayes-Scott
Tom Hessman
Nancy Karpf
Joe Wajda (Co-Chair)
Fran Centofante Katz
Maria Maher
James Marhold
Adam Philipson
Izzy Sackowitz
Jarrod Scott
Dennis Tolentino
Fran Turner
Jon Vena
Anthony Viera
Darrell L. Willis
Count Basie Center for the Arts, a not for profit organization
Count Basie Center Executive Committee of the Board
Jeremy Grunin Chairperson
Jerry Conaty Treasurer
Robin Klein Governance Officer
Stuart Alderoty
Mitch Ansell
Alison Banks-Moore
Tom Bernard
Sarah Bradley
Michael Bruno
Heather Burke
Craig Cummings
Stephen Cutler
Maria Maher Co-Vice Chairperson
SoVonna Day-Goins Co-Secretary
Claudia Dulac Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Count Basie Center Board of Trustees
Lauren Goldfarb
Carlina Jessen
Jason Jurgens
Steve Kaiman
Nancy Karpf
Marshall Knopf
Kathryn Lissy
Mario Monello
Michael Parent
Cathy Pugliese-Sivo
Mark Rohl
Maggie Riker Co-Vice Chairperson
Delisha Grant Co-Secretary
Philipson
Peter T. Roselle
Matthew J. Saker
Dr. Perry Scaranni
Carol Stillwell
Fran Turner
Joe Wajda
Tom Widener
Darrell Lawrence Willis
Kaye Wise
Edward J. Zipprich
SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT 1
PROLOGUE
“Tradition” ........................................................................................................ Company
SCENE 1: Interior of Tevye’s House
“Matchmaker” .............................................................................. Hodel, Chava, Tzeitel
SCENE 2: Exterior of Tevye’s House
“If I Were a Rich Man” .......................................................................................... Tevye
SCENE 3: Interior of Tevye’s House
“Sabbath Prayer” ..............................................................Tevye, Golde, and Company
SCENE 4: The Inn
“To Life” ................................................................ Tevye, Lazar Wolf, Fyedka, and Men
SCENE 5: Street Outside the Inn
SCENE 6: Exterior of Tevye’s House
“Perchik & Hodel Dance”............................................................................... Orchestra
“Tevye’s Monologue” ............................................................................................ Tevye
“Miracle of Miracles” ............................................................................................ Motel
SCENE 7: Tevye’s Bedroom
“The Dream” .................. Grandma Tzeitel, Tevye, Fruma-Sarah, Golde, and Company
SCENE 8: Village Street and Motel’s Tailor Shop
SCENE 9: Tevye’s Yard
“Sunrise, Sunset” ..................................... Tevye, Golde, Perchik, Hodel, and Company
SCENE 10: Tevye’s Yard
“Wedding Dance”
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF WILL BE PERFORMED WITH ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION.
ACT 2
SCENE 1: Exterior of Tevye’s House
“Now I Have Everything” .................................................................
“Tevye’s Rebuttal” .................................................................................................
“Do You Love Me?” .............................................................................
SCENE 2: Village Street
“The Rumor” ......................................................................................................
SCENE 3: Exterior of Railroad Station
“Far From The Home I Love” ...............................................................................
SCENE 4: Village Street
SCENE 5: Motel’s Tailor Shop
SCENE 6: Somewhere on the Outskirts of the Village
“Chava Sequence” .........................................................................
SCENE 7: The Barn
“Anatevka”.........................................................................................................
SCENE 8: Exterior of Tevye’s House
THE PLACE: ANATEVKA, A Small Village in Russia; THE TIME: 1905, on the Eve of the Russian Revolutionary Period
2025/2026 SEASON SPONSORS
Circle Subaru - Joe & Nicole Wajda
Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft
The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates - Jon & Jade D’Agostino
PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS 2025/2026 SEASON DONORS
RISING STAR LEVEL: $500-$999
Chris Adamo, Joseph Ercolino, John Jackson, Stephanie Malewski, Diane Tresente
PATRON LEVEL: $250-$499
Dennis Tolentino
FAN LEVEL: Up to $249
Dianne C. Asay, In memory of Al Bevacqua, Barbara Saake, Jayne Cybulski, Elizabeth Dean, Judith & William Fraser, Kenneth Groeschel, Gloria Gross, Debra Marsh, Anthony Petrizzo, Carol Petscavage, Donna Pinamonti, Albert Reher
STARS ON PHOENIX’S “WALK OF DREAMS”
Todd Aikens, Andrea Andrews Zawadzky, Matthew Blankley, Grace Brancato, Brothers Commercial Brokerage, The Brown Family, Chloe Carone, Erin O’Malley Chiaravalloti, Sarah Coleman, Liz & Randy Cooper, Sophie Creed, The Cullen Family, The D’Agostino Family, Mike & Betty Ann Dalberg, Bobby Davis, Lily DelPresto, In Memory of Mildred & Patrick DeLuca, Tina & Mike DeVito, Denise DiBona DDS, The Dobbs Family, Hudson Eder & Jo Wymer Music Studios, Joe Ercolino & Melvin Polisher, FILCO Red Bank, Immediate Care Medical Walk-In & CEO Sal Cannizzaro, In Memory of Jakob Franke, Bob Fuller, Carmen Gemellaro, Kayla Goins, Jennifer Grasso, James Grausam, Anthony Greco, Keegan Robert Haack, Holly Hankins & Family, Don & Lois Heirman, Thomas K. Hessman, Taylor Nicole Kaplan, Nancy Karpf, Fran Centofante Katz, Sydney & Jason Katz, Zoe & Molly Kenney, George & Kelly Kerrick, The Kinneman Family, The LaRue Family, James, Kathleen & Patrick Marhold, The Martini Family, In Loving Memory of Pat Mercandetti, The Monteleone Family, Jillian Mueller, Scott Naef, The Nodes Family, Don Olah Hair/Wigs, Alexa Origlio, Christine Paccillo, Wayne, Daniel & Marisa Peck, The Pennington Family, Joanne Penrose, Red Oak Mortgage, The Regan Family, Remember Jones, Lily Grace Riddle, Kara Robertelli, Harper Robinson, The Robinson Family, The Scherzo Family, Haley & Chris Schmalbach, Thomas Scove, The Sheftel Family, Carl Sterling Smith, Jack & Joyce Sica, The Stefanelli Family, The Thorner Family, Mary Jo Tort-Bergeron, Carol Wade, The Wagar Family, Ellen & Michael Walsh, Amanda Winter, Lindsay Wood, Chip & Ilda Wood, World Subaru
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
MICHAEL ABRAMOV (Mendel, u/s Motel)
is thrilled to return to the Count Basie Center stage in his 2nd show with Phoenix Productions! He is honored to draw upon his Russian-Jewish heritage to bring this timeless story to life. Favorite credits include: Seussical (The Cat in the Hat, Spotlight Players), Into the Woods (Jack, MAC Players), Disney’s Mary Poppins (Robertson Ay, Phoenix Productions) and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Scuttle, Pixie Dust Players). Special thank you and much love to his unconditional supporters from the sidelines.
MATTHEW ABRAHAM BASEN (Perchik)
is a New Jersey native returning from a theatrical run in Houston, TX. Matthew is honored to make his Phoenix Productions debut. Matthew is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist who is currently focusing on acting and production. Recent credits include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Maurice; Main Street Theater), Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Rowley; Main Street Theater), The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Director/Producer; The Callback Theatre), Dracula (Arthur Holmwood; Zoom Shakespeare Productions). Matthew would like to thank his mother for instilling a life-long love for theatre.
JOSEPH DAVID BRYANT (Motel Kamzoil) is thrilled to return to Fiddler on the Roof after playing Mendel last year. A proud NJbased actor, Joey loves bringing stories to life onstage and is eager to keep growing in his craft. Credits include: Peter and the Starcatcher (Smee, Phoenix Productions, Oklahoma! (Curly, Kelsey Theatre), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Simeon, Algonquin Arts), Guys and Dolls (Benny Southstreet, Middletown Arts Center). Joey is grateful to his family, friends, and the Phoenix community for their support. Most of all, he feels blessed to perform alongside his girlfriend, Maria— his Tzeitel and true “miracle of miracles.” Contact: j.bryantnj@gmail.com | IG: @joeydbryant
DANIEL CANCEL
(The Fiddler / Assistant Choreographer / Dance Captain) is excited to be back on the Count Basie Center stage with Phoenix Productions for the 4th time. He is a BFA Graduate in Acting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Previous shows include: Kinky Boots (Angel), RENT (Angel Dumott Schunard), Something Rotten! (Nigel), The Drowsy Chaperone (George), Disney’s Newsies (Davey), In the Heights (Usnavi), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour). He would love to thank his mom and stepdad for being amazing supporters in his career endeavors.
BENJAMIN CASSANO (Yeshiva Boy) is excited to be in his 2nd Phoenix production! No matter if he is rehearsing his scenes or supporting the other cast members, he loves being a part of this magical company! At only 9 years old, he’s been in several musical theatre shows with his latest role as Young Shrek. He wants to thank James, Dennis, Tom, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew who work tirelessly to make this experience unforgettable! He would also like to thank his AMAZING support system for always believing in him.
MILAN AURELIA CEBALLOS (Bielke)
is very excited to be performing in Fiddler on the Roof. She is 11 and this will be her 6th show. Credits: Joseph… Dreamcoat (Kids Ensemble, Phoenix Productions), Disney’s Moana JR. (Pua), Disney’s Frozen JR. (Young Anna), Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. (Violet), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Chip). Milan thanks her cast and family for the support! Good luck to the cast and crew of Fiddler on the Roof!
JESSICA COGAN (Yente, u/s Golde)
is thoroughly enjoying this full circle experience. She last visited Anatevka 34 years ago when she played Hodel. Credits: Nine (Guido’s Mother, Playhouse 22), Disney’s Mary Poppins (Miss Andrew, Phoenix), Into the Woods (Jack’s Mother, MAC Players), Oklahoma! (Aunt Eller, Premier Theatre Company), Ragtime (Ensemble, Phoenix), The Music Man (Mrs. Paroo, Phoenix). Jessica has lived a 35-year career in the arts in various capacities, spending the last 25 at MGSA-Rutgers. When not performing, she fosters kittens, gardens, and paints sets. Deepest gratitude to her Phoenix family, husband, kids, and friends for their unwavering support.
REBECCA CONN (Bluma, u/s Tzeitel)
is absolutely honored to be in her 2nd Phoenix show (School of Rock)! Other credits include: Annie (Ensemble, Spring Lake), Pirates of Penzance (Isabel, NENAproductions), and most importantly, Fiddler on the Roof JR. (Mama Ensemble, Ann Mullen Middle School, 2009). At 11 years old, she did not fully grasp the importance of Fiddler on the Roof or her own Jewish heritage, but she is blessed to return to Anatevka with a deeper appreciation of this beautiful story. Rebecca is employed as a data analyst, and when not performing, she enjoys reading, doing pushups, and petting her award-winning cat, Babe.
MARTIN CORDERO (Label)
is honored and thrilled to be a part of this musical. He was recently seen in Kinky Boots at the Count Basie Center. Special thanks to the production team and cast for your continued support. To my family & friends, thank you for your countless support. I would like to dedicate my performance to the newest addition to my United Nation Family, Frankie Guinals-Ratz. Mazel Tov!!!
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
DARREN DeANGELO
(Avram)
is so blessed and privileged to be a part of this absolutely iconic production in this historic venue for his 8th Phoenix production!! Thank you to the entire production team and amazing cast for such a rewarding experience!! Prior Phoenix credits: Disney’s Mary Poppins (Admiral Boom), The Music Man (Ewart Dunlop/Quartet), Guys and Dolls (Arvide), A Christmas Carol (Charity Man), The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Choir), and 1776 (George Read).
HUDSON EDER
(Fyedka)
is thrilled to be performing on the Count Basie Center stage in his 10th show with Phoenix. Past Phoenix credits include: Evita (Juan Peron), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Jehan Frollo), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Issachar), Young Frankenstein (Ziggy), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Ensemble), Every Wednesday Night (Paulie), Evil Dead The Musical (Scott), Guys and Dolls (Lt. Brannigan, u/s Sky), Ragtime (Willie Conklin). Hudson has also done TV background work: Power: Book 3 - Raising Kanan (Starz), City on Fire (Apple TV+). Hudson would like to thank his family, friends, mentors, and fellow castmates for their support. TO LIFE!
FRANK FAVATA
(Mordcha, u/s Lazar Wolf)
is making his Phoenix Productions debut and is very excited to be part of this great production. Frank is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC. Some of Frank’s favorite roles include: Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye, Theater League of Clifton), The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion, Rhino Theater), …Forum (Hysterium, interACT Theatre), Guys and Dolls (Harry the Horse, The Bergen County Players). Frank would like to thank the cast and crew for an amazing job on this show and, of course, his beautiful wife for all her love and support.
SEAN FERGUSON
(Yitzuk, u/s Perchik)
is very excited to return for a 2nd Phoenix show. Favorite credits include: Kinky Boots (Ensemble, Phoenix Productions) SpongeBob (Plankton, Middletown Arts Center), Something Rotten! (Nigel, Premier Theatre). When not on stage, he spends time working at Wawa, going to the gym, and practicing the fine art of mixology. Performing in Fiddler on the Roof has been a great pleasure and he thanks everyone for coming to see it. Contact: seanferguson3@gmail.com | IG: @seanf000
KIMBERLY GELFAND
(Surcha / Clarinet Player)
is delighted to be back on the Count Basie Center stage in one of her favorite shows, and alongside her Dad! Prior Phoenix credits: The Wedding Singer, The Wizard of Oz, School of Rock, A Christmas Carol. Endless thanks to James, Tom, Anthony, Jo, and the entire creative/ production teams. Kimberly dedicates her performance to her late Baba (Clara) who introduced her to Fiddler on the Roof (two videotapes!) and who instilled in her a pride in her own family’s Jewish/Russian heritage and traditions!
MARK GELFAND (Rabbi)
is excited to return to the stage after a long absence along with his daughter Kimberly and a great cast and production crew. Previous credits include: Guys and Dolls (Big Jule, WO TUTS), Damn Yankees (Welch, WO TUTS); Annie (Drake, JCC Metrowest), Carousel (Starkeeper, WO TUTS), The Music Man (Constable, Cranford Repertory), You Can’t Take It With You (Mr. Kirby, WO TUTS). He is a retired trial lawyer working parttime as a civil case arbitrator. He loves traveling with Amy and has been to all 50 states and 67 countries and loves live sports, rock concerts, and his grandson Jesse.
JACOB GERBMAN (Moishe)
is delighted to join the cast of Fiddler on the Roof. Recent credits include: Rock of Ages (Hertz Klineman, Brookdale Performing Arts Center), Barbecue (James T, Hofstra University Drama and Dance Department). He is currently being trained for Vocal and Acting performance at The Prep: Professional Performance Prep in Little Silver, NJ, and was recently seen in the independent film Stuck in the City (Cap Gun Productions). Local to the area, he is currently living in his hometown of Fair Haven and is ecstatic to be working with Phoenix Productions for the first time.
MARISA JEAN GIACHETTI
(Grandma Tzeitel / Moriel)
is thrilled to be making her Count Basie Center debut with Phoenix! Returning to Anatevka, she’s grateful to the entire Phoenix village. Marisa recently made her Off-Broadway debut: Label•less, a new musical by Drew & Lea Lachey (Theatre Row). Credits include: Disposable Bodies (Sam, The Tank), It’s About Time (Abbie, Queens Theatre), Through the Sunken Lands (Artemis, Playwrights’ Center & The Kennedy Center), Fiddler on the Roof (Algonquin Arts), Song Slam Cabaret (Imagination Stage), Feisty Disabled Artists Cabaret (Joe’s Pub). A proud Jersey girl, she loves adaptive surfing and her pup, Matza. Marisa thanks her family and friends for their unwavering support. L’chaim!
EMERSON GRANATA (Hodel)
is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut in Fiddler on the Roof. Favorite credits include: Hairspray (Amber, Middletown Arts Center), Disney’s Newsies (Katherine, Spotlight Players), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle, Holmdel Theatre Guild). A current sophomore at Holmdel High School, she participates in the school’s productions and choirs while also volunteering at the middle and elementary schools assisting with their productions. She is so grateful for this wonderful opportunity and wants to thank her incredible cast, production team, family, and friends for making it all possible.
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
JOHN GRIFFIN (Tevye)
is happy to be making his Phoenix debut, and he thanks James for the opportunity. As Tevye is such an iconic girl dad, being a girl dad himself, John dedicates his performance to his own daughter, Bethany. Favorite credits include: Nine (Guido, Playhouse 22), Les Misérables (Valjean, In the Wings), The Fantasticks (El Gallo, Ghostlight Productions), Kiss Me, Kate (Fred, Spotlight Theatre), Assassins (Booth, Hemlock Theatre), Waiting for Godot (Estragon, Sundog Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew (Petruchio, Seaview Playwrights Theatre). By day: RN/Nurse Manager in NYC. Love to Nikki and Bethany. “Our old ways were once new.”~Tevye
KEEGAN HAACK (Yeshiva Boy)
is thrilled to return to the Count Basie stage in his 7th Phoenix production. His favorite roles include: Ragtime (Little Boy), where he was honored to win the 2024 NJACT Perry Award for Youth Actor in a Musical; The Music Man (Winthrop); A Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim); Disney’s Mary Poppins (Michael); Disney’s Newsies, JR. (Jack). Keegan is an 8th grader in Holmdel who enjoys making people laugh, singing, and spending time with his wonderful family! He thanks the creative team for this incredible opportunity and fellow cast and crew members for yet another fantastic experience! “To Life!!”
MARIA HEITMANN (she/her) (Tzeitel)
is excited to come back to Anatevka after playing Golde nearly a decade ago! A theatre artist in NYC|DC|NJ, Maria is a Director at Nu Sass Productions in DC. Phoenix Credits: Peter… Starcatcher (Black Stache), Disney’s Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins). Others include: Joseph… Dreamcoat (The Narrator, Algonquin Arts), Oklahoma! (Laurey Williams, Premier Theatre), 1776 (Martha Jefferson, Algonquin Arts), The Taming of the Shrew (Katherina, OCCRTC), and DC’s Monologue Madness Champion. Maria thanks her family, friends, and all at Phoenix. Extra love to Joey, her Motel and “matchless match.” For Opa. VCL. Contact: missheitmann@gmail.com | IG: @heitmannmaria
PHILIP HICKEY (Nachum)
is ecstatic to be part of his first show with Phoenix Productions after recently working behind-the-scenes for Phoenix as a member of the run crew for Legally Blonde and Kinky Boots. Philip is eager to share his passion for storytelling on the Count Basie stage! He would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support as well as give a special word of appreciation to Jo Wymer for all of her mentoring and inspiration!
RYLEE HIGGINS (Anya, u/s Hodel and Chava) is so excited to be making her Phoenix Productions and Count Basie Center debut in Fiddler on the Roof! MHSN Theater credits include: Little Women (Amy), Pippin (Featured Ensemble), Young Frankenstein (Ensemble). Rylee would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support! She would also like to give a huge thank you to the amazing cast and crew for a wonderful experience!
KYLE KENNEDY (Hershel)
is thrilled to be in his 13th Phoenix Productions show! He was most recently in The Wizard of Oz as a Crow and in the Dance Ensemble this past summer (Algonquin Arts Theatre). Favorite Phoenix shows/roles include: The Prom (Sheldon) and Disney’s Mary Poppins (Northbrook/Park Keeper). Kyle is a high school English teacher at Long Branch High School and an adjunct professor at Montclair State University. Kyle wishes to thank James, the entire production team of Fiddler on the Roof, as well as his friends and family for their constant love and support.
DANIEL LAVIE-HOROVITZ (Yussel)
is so excited to be making his Phoenix Productions debut! Favorite credits include: Disney’s Newsies (Weisel/ Mr. Jacobi/Gov. Roosevelt/Newsie, Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts), Something Rotten! (Shylock, Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts), Chicago (The Judge/Ensemble, Communications High School). As an NYC native, Fiddler on the Roof was the first show that Daniel ever saw on Broadway, and he is thrilled to be returning to it now! He would like to thank the wonderful cast, crew, and production staff, as well as his friends and family!
ARJAY LEWIS (Lazar Wolf, u/s Tevye) began his career as a street-performer doing magic in Times Square, where he was hired for the Broadway musical Barnum. He appeared at the White House in 1982 for President Reagan. He spent the next decade in Atlantic City making appearances at every casino. Arjay played the lead and co-wrote a multi-award-winning short film, Down In Flames. From 2016-2018 he played the Magic Maker in the Princess Cruises hit show Magic To Do. He is the author of 22 novels and the winner of over 55 book awards. www.arjaylewis.com
NINA CELESTE MONTELEONE (Shprintze)
is 10 years old and grateful to be back at Phoenix in this beloved musical. Favorite past credits: Seussical (JoJo, Premier Theatre), Disney’s Moana JR. (Moana, APAA), The Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League, Phoenix). Nina performed with Dionne Warwick (Bell Theater) and before the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular (APAA, Radio City Music Hall) last December. She thanks her family for supporting and encouraging her, especially her Dad. Nina gets to share this experience with her mom and sister which has been a ‘miracle of miracles’! Special thanks to James, Dennis, Jo, Anthony, Tom, and Joanne for bringing this production to life. Matchmaker, Matchmaker, thank you for matching me with such a talented cast. Break a leg everyone!
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
MARGARET MONTELEONE
(Rifka)
is blessed to be part of her favorite musical, having performed it 3x with decades in between. No stranger to being a ‘mama’, Margaret was last seen in A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit, Phoenix) and has been in countless shows the last 30 years. Mazel Tov to her daughters, Julia and Nina, who she is incredibly proud of and honored to be sharing the stage with. Special thanks to their ‘papa’ and her hubby Michael, and to her entire family for their love and support to make this hobby possible - it takes a village each day. Thank you to James for making this a full circle experience under his care and creative vision. Break a leg to this talented cast and production team, Anthony, Dennis, Jo, Joanne, and Tom who have been awe inspiring throughout the process.
JULIA NEVE MONTELEONE
(Berille, u/s Shprintze and Bielke) is thrilled to be back at Phoenix in this timeless show! She is in 8th grade and loves musical theatre. Julia dances at ADA and plays the piano, guitar, and softball. Past credits include: Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. (Soloist, APAA at Bell Theater), Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. (Cheshire Cat), Moana JR. (Maui), Seussical JR. (Gertrude), Scrooge! (Cratchit child/Turkey girl/Urchin), Beware the Forest ballet (Academy of Dance of Arts). Julia performed with Dionne Warwick (Bell Theater) and before the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular (APAA, Radio City Music Hall) last December. Julia thanks her family and friends who are so supportive. Special thanks to James, Tom, Anthony, Dennis, Jo, Joanne, and the amazing cast and crew for making this a meaningful theatre process. She is so grateful to experience this production with her mom and younger sister Nina. Mazel Tov everyone!
AMANDA MUNICE
(Golde)
is delighted to be returning to the Count Basie Center stage - and to Anatevkawith this amazing cast and production team. This is a full circle moment for her since she played Hodel with Phoenix in both the ‘97 and ‘02 productions of Fiddler on the Roof! Recent Phoenix credits include: Kinky Boots (Pat) and Disney’s Mary Poppins (Mrs. Brill). This performance is dedicated to the memory of her Nana and Granddaddy who introduced her to live theatre and filled her heart with loving traditions. Love and thanks to Justin, Mariella, mom, dad, and her “besties!” L’chaim!
RAUL ORTEGA III (Sasha / Shloime)
is a former member of all three choirs at Kean University and the Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir. Raul has extensive vocal and choral experience. Other notable credits include: Selling Kabul (u/s Taroon/ Jawid, Premiere Stage), Animal Farm (Napoleon), In the Heights (Usnavi, PACT), Once on This Island (Armand), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Joseph), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth). Production credits include: Parade, An Octoroon, Sunday in the Park with George, The Curious Incident..., The Seagull
KATE PONTORIERO (Sima)
is an 8th grader at W.R. Satz in Holmdel and is excited to perform in her 1st Phoenix production! Favorite past credits include: Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. (Alice), Shrek The Musical (Teen Fiona), Disney’s Newsies (Les), Disney’s Frozen JR. (Anna). Kate has performed at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and alongside Dionne Warwick (NJ Arts Icon Gala). Kate is a student of 5 Melody Music and a member of their Broadway Bound productions. Kate thanks her family for their love and support and the amazing cast and directors for making Fiddler on the Roof such a wonderful experience!
RACHEL ROSARIO
(Chava)
is ecstatic that Fiddler on the Roof is her 4th show with Phoenix Productions! Previous credits include: Disney’s Mary Poppins, West Side Story, and Ragtime. She would like to say thanks to Mom, Dad, Mia, and Jordan for being an integral part of her theatre journey thus far. And thanks to God for this beautiful craft you have brought into my life. Proverbs 16:9
TIMMY SANTANA
(Ivan / Villager)
is thrilled to be back with Phoenix after 2023’s The Music Man (Teen Dancer). Past credits include: Hands On A Hard Body (Jesus Pena, NENAproductions), The Diviners (Buddy Layman, Dragonfly Arts Center), School of Rock JR. (Ned Schneebly, Spotlight Players), It Shoulda Been You (Waiter, Matawan Regional HS). BFA from AMDA College of the Performing Arts, LA. Timmy thanks his family for their love and support of him being a performer; James and the rest of the team for giving him another opportunity to be a part of the Basie stage; the cast for making this show so much fun and enjoyable.
KIM SARNOSKI (Scacha)
is thrilled to return for her 13th Phoenix show. It is a pleasure to return to where her Phoenix journey started as Fiddler on the Roof was her 1st show with Phoenix back in 2007. Thanks to the cast and crew; her favorite director, James; her family; friends; and her fiancé, George. In one week, Kim will be stepping into the role of a lifetime, when she becomes a wife! As always, for mom and Bill.
ZOE SEITZ
(Fruma-Sarah / Liora)
is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut in Fiddler on the Roof. Zoe is a recent graduate from Emerson College with a BFA in Comedic Arts. Past roles include: Shrek The Musical (Princess Fiona, Pivot Theatre Co.), Bring It On: The Musical (Bridgette, Howell High School), Hairspray (Tracy Turnblad, Howell PALTC). Thank you to my beautiful friends, family, and those I love so much for supporting me always. Mazel Tov to the whole Fiddler on the Roof cast and crew. WE DID IT! IG: Zoeseitz
BRUNO SILVA (Constable) is thrilled to be back on the Count Basie Center stage with Phoenix Productions with this very talented cast and crew. He was last seen in West Side Story as Officer Krupke here at Phoenix. When not on stage, he enjoys playing with his daughter or riding one of his many Harleys. Many thanks to James and Anthony for this opportunity and his wonderful wife and daughter for their support. Enjoy the show!
DENI SOBOTKA (Shaindel, u/s Yente) is proud to be a new member of The Phoenix Family! Working alongside such an amazing production team and multitalented actors is a dream come true. Thank you, James, for believing in me. Favorite roles include: Bye Bye Birdie (Mae Peterson), My Fair Lady (Mrs. Higgins), Disney’s Mary Poppins (Mrs. Brill), You Can’t Take It with You (Mrs. Kirby) at Spring Lake Theater; Pippin (Berthe), The Secret Garden (Mrs. Medlock) at NENAproductions; Fiddler on the Roof (Yente), Scrooge (Mrs. Fezziwig), Into the Woods (Granny/Giant) at Premier Theatre. Love to Dave, Kids and the best Grands.
ANDREW VIELMA-HALL (Boris / Villager) is thrilled to be back on the Count Basie Center stage in his 2nd show with Phoenix. He previously was a member of the Dance Ensemble in Disney’s Mary Poppins. Thank you to James, Anthony, Dennis, Tom, and the full Fiddler on the Roof crew for the opportunity to be a part of this timeless yet timely story of tradition and change. Thank you to my friends and family for your on-going love and support, particularly my husband, Rich, for encouraging me to follow my passions and to make the most out of life. L’chaim!
ANTJE WEYMANN (Mirala)
is thrilled to return to the Count Basie Center stage and her 11th performance with Phoenix Productions. Audiences might remember her from 3 productions of The Sound of Music (Baroness, Frau Schmidt, Sister Margaretta), Cinderella (The Queen), and The Music Man (Mrs. Squires). Recent credits include: Lend Me a Tenor (Julia), Moon over Buffalo (Charlotte), Letters to Sala (Ala Gertner), Plaza Suite (Karen), Almost, Maine (Hope). Many thanks to her talented and lovely cast and crew members. A very big shout out to James and Tom. So happy to be back!
WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM
ANTHONY VIERA
(Production Manager / Assistant Director)
is honored to return to Fiddler on the Roof 18 years after performing in Phoenix’s 2007 staging — his 1st Phoenix show — under the direction of James Grausam. Working alongside James on this production has been a full-circle and unforgettable experience. Production credits include: The Music Man (Assistant Director); Production/Associate Production Manager on The Prom, Disney’s Mary Poppins, and The Color Purple (2025 Perry Award Outstanding Musical Nominee). Anthony has acted in numerous Phoenix and regional productions, most recently, Kinky Boots (Don; Phoenix Award). He is grateful to the Fiddler on the Roof cast, crew, and creative team for making this return to Anatevka so meaningful. This and everything I do is for you, Nan <3
JAMES GRAUSAM (Director / Choreographer / Properties / Managing Artistic Director) has directed several productions for Phoenix at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, including: Fiddler on the Roof, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Who’s Tommy, The 30th Anniversary Gala Concert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Songs for a New World, Smokey Joe’s Café, Spring Awakening, Elf The Musical, Putting It Together, Evil Dead The Musical, Green Day’s American Idiot, The Music Man, Bat Boy: The Musical, and Kinky Boots. He continues to direct and perform other places as time allows. As always, for Olivia.
TOM O’BRIEN (Music Director) is incredibly proud of every member of this team and feels honored to have been a part of it. For nearly 15 years, Tom has served as the Choir Director and organist at St. Benedict Church in Holmdel. He was the Music Director, bassist, and keyboardist for the well-loved Jersey shore band Brian Kirk and the Jirks from 2017-2023. Some of his favorite MD credits: City of Angels, Godspell, Seussical, A Chorus Line, Little Shop of Horrors, and Pirates of Penzance. Along with his wife, Vanessa, he runs 5 Melody Music. He thanks his family for their support.
EMILY COCCOVIZZO (Assistant Stage Manager)
is excited to be back at Phoenix! She recently graduated from Loyola University Maryland where she studied Theatre, Forensic Science, and History. Her past credits include: Legally Blonde (Assistant Stage Manager, Phoenix), Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (Stage Manager), Noises Off (Assistant Director), Co-Directing and Producing an original play in Ireland, and RENT (Assistant Stage Manager, Iron Crow Theatre and its transfer to the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick PAC). Emily is grateful to the Phoenix team for this opportunity and congratulates the entire cast and crew!
ASHLEY CUSACK (Scenic Charge)
is a freelance designer and artist throughout the tri-state area. She holds her MFA in Set Design from Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts. Since 2007, Ashley has worked in the Phoenix shop mixing paint, building and dreaming up set pieces to fill the Basie stage. Favorite past Phoenix designs include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Once on This Island, Elf The Musical, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. When not designing for the stage, she is busy starting new home projects and keeping up with her 8 year old daughter’s imagination.
MARISSA DeVEAU (Stage Crew)
thought she was taking a break before her next Phoenix show… but here she is. Credits: Stage Management: Kinky Boots, Disney’s Mary Poppins. Music Direction: Tuck Everlasting, Disney’s Mary Poppins, Elf The Musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Choreography: Elf The Musical, Disney’s Mary Poppins. Acting: West Side Story (Anybodys), Disney’s Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Legally Blonde (Kate), Children of Eden (Yonah), Titanic (Kate Mullins), concerts with The Philadelphia Orchestra and NY Philharmonic. Marissa (B.M. - Music Education, Westminster Choir College) works as a teaching artist throughout NYC and NJ. Thank you for supporting the arts! 143, Jess
JACK HADDEN (Stage Crew) is excited to return to Phoenix Productions after working on Evil Dead The Musical in 2023. Jack has also worked with Asbury Park Theater Company.
TOM HESSMAN (Sound Designer) is a lifelong theatergoer and spent 15 years on the media crew for Staples Players (Westport, CT) before moving to the NJ theatre scene where Tom loves volunteering in various capacities. Tom had a brief walk-on role in Phoenix’s 2019 production of Young Frankenstein, and Phoenix hasn’t been able to get rid of him since! Favorite credits include: Kinky Boots, Bat Boy: The Musical, The Prom, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Doll’s House, Green Day’s American Idiot, and Evil Dead The Musical. Tom would like to thank James, this amazing production team, his incredible friends, and his wonderful sister Kat. TomHessman.com
MANNY JEAN-PIERRE (Stage Crew)
is excited to work on this show with this amazing company. His stage management journey started in 2023 with Rumors and Les Misérables (Neptune HS) and has skyrocketed to things he did not even know were possible. He also stage manages at the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy (Holmdel). This is his 2nd show with Phoenix. Manny thanks the amazing cast and crew who came together to put on this amazing show and especially Phoenix Productions for giving him this opportunity! Now, sit back and get ready for your journey to Anatevka! Enjoy!
EMILY LOVELL (Lighting Designer) has been working professionally as a lighting designer for 10 years, starting her career at The Strand Theater in Lakewood. She has gone from theater to concerts (Asbury Lanes) to corporate events (Bentley Meeker) and finally, to the Count Basie Center for the Arts and The Vogel, where she is currently the Lighting Designer and Assistant Production Manager. This will be her 4th Phoenix show as Lighting Designer (Guys and Dolls, RENT, Bat Boy: The Musical.) She first designed Fiddler on the Roof back in high school in 2010 and always looks forward to bringing the sunrise and sunset to the stage.
JOANNE PENROSE (Costume Designer) is a retired FACS middle school teacher and loves spending her time costuming for Phoenix. Favorite productions include: Damn Yankees, Spamalot, Elf The Musical, The Wedding Singer, and of course, Fiddler on the Roof will be added to the list!!! Enjoy the show!
WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM
KYLE SANTOPADRE
(Scenic Designer / Technical Director) has a BA in Theatre with a Design concentration from Rowan University. He is the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Past scenic designs include: West Side Story, In the Heights, Guys and Dolls (Phoenix Productions); Noises Off (Raritan HS); Hello, Dolly! (Capital Productions). Many thanks to a wonderful production team!
DYLAN SHEPPARD (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be back with Phoenix! They recently graduated from Muhlenberg College (Music and Theatre double major). Recent credits include: Blue Stockings (Assistant Director, Muhlenberg); The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Co-Director, Berg Immersive); I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Assistant Stage Manager; Asbury Park Theater Company); The Music Man and In the Heights (Production Assistant, Phoenix). Dylan is looking to pursue directing professionally. They would like to thank James and Dennis for this opportunity. The collaboration, creativity, and dedication that each person brings to this production has made the experience truly special.
KEIRA SULLIVAN (Stage Crew) is thrilled to be part of the stage crew for Fiddler on the Roof, marking her 2nd production behind the scenes after working on Legally Blonde. A proud alumna of Manalapan High School, Keira spent four years there as both an actress and Head of Paint, where she developed a passion for all aspects of theatre production. Her dedication, creativity, and experience on and off stage continue to shine as she supports this show from behind the curtain.
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DENNIS TOLENTINO (Production Stage Manager) has been with Phoenix since 2018 when he performed in In the Heights (Kevin Rosario) and has stage managed and performed in multiple productions since. A 2x NJACT Perry Award winning Stage Manager (including The Wizard of Oz for Phoenix), Dennis is a 1st generation FilipinoAmerican and graduated from Georgetown University. He spends his days working for McMaster-Carr Supply. Thank you to the cast and crew, his family and friends, and to you for supporting the arts!
JO WYMER (Assistant Stage Manager)
Vocologist, Navy Veteran, 2x AMA award winner, 2x Grammy nominee for her original music for TV & Film, Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts Teaching Artist. Phoenix credits: The Prom, Evil Dead The Musical, & Guys and Dolls (Production Stage Manager); Ragtime & Once on This Island (Properties); In the Heights (Associate Production Manager, 2023); The Wizard of Oz (Assistant Stage Manager/Flight Supervisor). Phoenix acting credits: Mamma Mia! (Rosie Mulligan), In the Heights (Abuela Claudia, 2018), Evita (Juana Duarte/Aristocrat). 2023 NJACT Perry Award Nominee / Phoenix Award winner - Outstanding Stage Management (Guys and Dolls), Phoenix Award winner - Outstanding Properties (Ragtime). Active member of the Stage Managers’ Association (@SMSofUSA). Private coaching @jowymermusic or www.jowymermusicstudios.com Love to Dan and Hudson. Gratitude to James and Dennis.
