Phoenix Productions Presents: The Wizard of Oz - April 29, 30 & May 1 - 2022

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS THE COUNT BASIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

COUNT BASIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

AprilJuly 29 –2021 May 1, 2022 Sponsored by Sponsored by

Short Term Rentals

YEARS

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS Presents

THE WIZARD OF OZ

By L. Frank Baum With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg Background Music by Herbert Stothart Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard Orchestration by Larry Wilcox Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Makeup Design CJ CARTER

Sound Design JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ODON

Costume Design MEGHAN REEVES

Lighting Design KYLE SANTOPADRE

Scenic Design KYLE TOTH

Production Stage Manager DENNIS TOLENTINO

Choreographer ELISE KLINGER

Music Director JASON NERI Director JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ODON Flying Effects provided by ZFX

THE WIZARD OF OZ is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK www.tamswitmark.com

Season Sponsors:

The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates; Red Oak Mortgage; World Subaru

Show Sponsors:

1812 Marketing; AMDS Radiology; The Coleman Family; Elite Specialty Care; NJ Short Term Rentals

Proud Sponsors of

Phoenix Productions

A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR On March 13, 2020, I taped a sign to the door that simply said, “Auditions for Wizard of Oz are postponed.

Stay safe.” Who knew it would be over two years before we would all travel over the rainbow together?

But here we are, finally finishing off our 2020 season and boldly stepping into a new era for the company.

Next season we will be offering 5 mainstage productions, 2 shows in The Vogel, and celebrating our 34th season - and the biggest news is this summer we will officially become part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. After such a tumultuous period, our Phoenix is rising again. We are transforming, growing, and doubling down on our commitment to the entire community.

As you know, much of tonight’s story takes place in the mythical land of Oz. But the production itself is taking place on land once known as “Lenapehoking,” the traditional territory of the Algonquin-speaking Lenni-Lenape Native Americans. Acknowledging this history is part of the our dedication to ensuring that equity, diversity and inclusion are paramount to the Basie Center’s mission and programming.

The moral of The Wizard of Oz, as Dorothy states near the end of the show, really resonates with me. “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard, because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.” For years Phoenix has been my home, and home to so many performers, musicians, dancers, artists, technicians, and theatre lovers. Of course, Phoenix’s home has been the Count Basie Center for more than 30 years. Each time Phoenix takes the stage here at “the Basie”, it feels like a homecoming. Each time the doors open and our season subscribers and patrons take their seats, it feels like a family reunion. I’m so excited about what the future of Phoenix will look like. With more theatrical opportunities each season, a commitment to deliver an exceptional experience with every show, and a fierce dedication to engage more people from all backgrounds on both sides of the footlights - and to be blessed to be able to do all this here, at the Count Basie Center, all I can say is, “There’s no place like home.”

Enjoy the show.

James Grausam Managing Artistic Director Phoenix Productions

Phoenix Productions, Inc. would like to thank our dedicated cast and staff that worked so hard to make our The Wizard of Oz show a success.

THE THE CAST CAST

THE GIRLS: Dorothy Gale............................................................................... EMILY GRACE PELLECCHIA Wendla………………………………………….….....................................

Sarah Coleman Aunt Em (Glinda, the Good Witch of the North)...........................................

SARA MASON Martha………………………………………….…....................................

Nadia Jewel Vito Uncle Henry (Emerald City Guard). . ............................................................

ALEX DUBINSKY Thea……………………………………................…................................. Jess D’Agostino Zeke (Cowardly Lion)............................................................ CHRISTOPHER SCHMALBACH Anna……………………………………................….......................................

Riley Martin Hickory (Tinman)........................................................................................... DAN PETERSON Ilse……………………………………................….......................................

Milena Makse Hunk (Scarecrow)................................................................................. ANTHONY NARDULLI

THEAlmira BOYS:Gulch (The Wicked Witch of the West)............................... LEANNE DeCAMP Miss Melchior………………………………………….…..........................................

JoeySHIVERS Maher Professor Chester Marvel (The Wizard of Oz)....................................... BELLAMY Moritz………………………………………….….................................................. CJJEMIMA Carter Toto......................................................................................................................ASA

Nikko (Commander of the Monkeys).......................................................JAKE Griffin FREDERICKS Hänschen / Rupert……………………………………................….................

Cole

Winkie DARREN DeANGELO Ernst /General.....................................................................................

Reinhold……………………………………................…...................

Jayson Dixon

Ensemble....................................

KAYLA BROWN, NORA COLLARD, DARREN DeANGELO, Georg / Dieter……………………………………................….....................

Israel Orengo

WILL EINBINDER, JAKE FREDERICKS, LAUREN Otto / Ulbrecht……………………………………................…................

Chad FRIEDMAN, Fruscione KIMBERLY GELFAND, SYDNEY KATZ, MICHELLE ELAINE LUCEY,

Adult Women……………………………………...............................…......

Love Ruddell JENNA MOSCHELLA, CONNOR NASPO, JAZMYNN PEREZ, Adult Men…………………………………….............................…......

Michael McEntee MIA PORTELLI, COURTNEY RAVELO, HALEY SCHMALBACH, COOPER STAHL, MATTHEW TOBIO, CAROLEE WAGNER

Munchkin Mayor........................................................................................... CHARLIE COSTA

the ORCHESTRA

Munchkin Coroner.........................................................................................KYLIE FERLAND

Conductor / Keyboard 1………………………………………….…...................

Jason Neri Munchkin Barrister...........................................................................................

JADE TROTTE Drums / Percussion……………………………………................…....................

Mack Munchkin Ensemble.......................................................CRICKET BAILEY, CHLOEJay CARONE,

Bass……………………………………................…........................................

ChrisIFANTIS, Lough SIERRA FRIEDMAN, KEEGAN HAACK, DAISY SOPHIA LeBLANC, ELLA MANGANO, MARIE McBURNIE, Guitar 1………………………………………….…..........................................

Paul Heaney SARA MENDEZ, NINA CELESTE MONTELEONE, CHASE MURISON, Guitar 2……………………………………................…...........................

Ben Samuelson FARAH RAMJOHN, RAINA RAMJOHN, JULIA WESTBY Cello……………………………………................…......................................

Patty Gonski Violin……………………………………................…................................ Katie von Braun UNDERSTUDIES Viola……………………………………................….................................

Ryu Mitsuhashi For Dorothy - HALEY SCHMALBACH; For Aunt Em (Glinda) - MICHELLE ELAINE LUCEY; For Uncle Henry (Guard) and Professor Marvel (Wizard of Oz) - DARREN DeANGELO; For Zeke (Lion) - MATTHEW TOBIO; For Hickory and Hunk (Scarecrow) - WILLlanguage, EINBINDER Warning: This(Tinman) show contains adult content, explicit For Miss Gulch (Wicked Witch)and andstrobe Nikko light - LAUREN FRIEDMAN; and the use of gunshot effects.

DANCE CAPTAINS WILL EINBINDER (Adults & Munchkins); HALEY SCHMALBACH (Adults); SYDNEY KATZ (Munchkins)

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THE PRODUCTION TEAM Director.............................................................................JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ODON Choreographer...........................................................................................ELISE KLINGER Music Director................................................................................................JASON NERI Technical Director/Lighting Design..................................................KYLE SANTOPADRE Scenic Design...................................................................................................KYLE TOTH Sound Design....................................................................JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ODON Costume Design....................................................................................MEGHAN REEVES Makeup Design................................................................................................ CJ CARTER Wig Design..........................................................................................ROXANNE COHEN Properties / Production Assistant............................................................... ERIN GERITY Master Carpenter / Assistant Technical Director........................................FRANK BELL Scenic Charge..........................................................................................ERIKA BORRERO Production Manager.............................................................. FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ Assistant Production Manager............................................................... TOM HESSMAN Production Stage Manager.............................................................DENNIS TOLENTINO Assistant Stage Manager................................................................................ JO WYMER Choreographer’s Assistant..................................................................................EMILY YI Run Crew.................................. ELLIE CONOVER, HUDSON EDER, MICHELLE FISHKIN, JASON KATZ, DANIELLE LIROV, ANGEL MARTINEZ, CASEY OKAMOTO Props Running Crew Chief................................................................MARISA PROCOPIO Sound Board Operator................................................................................ZACH VIVINO Sound Crew............................................................. EVELYN KAMBEROV, SYDNEY POST Scenic Crew............................. DARCY BAGNASCO, SEAN BAILEY, CONNIE CARONE, DECLAN COGAN, JESSICA COGAN, MIKE COSTA, MICHELLE FISHKIN, JASON KATZ, SYDNEY KATZ, KRISTIN LeBLANC, JOHN LINDENTHAL, MICHELLE ELAINE LUCEY, TOREY MANGANO, ANGEL MARTINEZ, BEN MASON, SARA MASON, EMMA MENDEZ, ERIKA MENDEZ, KATIE MURISON, MELISSA MURRAY, MARC PAALVAST, MICHAEL TUCKER Costume Crew.................................................. STEPHANIE FAZZOLARI, MARY FEOLA, JOHN LINDENTHAL, NICHOLAS VELAZQUEZ Makeup Crew..........................................................OLIVIA GRAUSAM, KATIE MURISON Managing / Artistic Director............................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM Special Thanks.................................................................................... A. CASOLA FARMS, LESLIE BARLOW - BARLOW’S GARDEN CENTER, NICOLE CEBALLOS – FOUNDATIONS PERFORMING ARTS, DONA COFFEY, ASHLEY CUSACK, MARILYN DICKHOLD, DIANE DiYANNI, CATHERINE HAACK, KAT ROSS KLINE, MAURER PRODUCTIONS ONSTAGE, JOANNE PENROSE, HALEY SCHMALBACH

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PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS BOARD OF TRUSTEES PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS, INC STAFF

Justine Coleman Marc Goldberg Tom Martini Managing / Artistic Director …….....................…........................

James Jerry Conaty Fran Katz Mark Grausam Regan, Jr. Box Office Manager …….....................….........................................…

Lauren Quint Jon D’Agostino Brian LaRue Joe Wajda Education Coordinator …….....................…...................................… Diane DiYanni SoVonna Day-Goins Jim Marhold Business Administrator …….....................…...................................… Cindy Coffey Box Office Staff …….....................…................................................… Claire Healey Bookkeeper …….....................…..................................................… Jaclyn Colaizzo

If you’d like information about auditioning for a future show, please visit our website at: www.PhoenixRedBank.com/auditions

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Andrea Zawadzky Brian LaRue Fran Katz Jerry Conaty

Jim Marhold Joe Wajda Jon D’Agostino Justine Coleman

Marc Goldberg Mark Regan, Jr. SoVonna Day-Goins Tom Martini

Phoenix Productions would like to thank the Count Basie Center for the Arts’ Marketing, Operations, and Production staff.

If you’d like information about auditioning for a future show, please visit our website at: www.PhoenixRedBank.com/auditions

This program is made possible in part by funds from Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.

THE ORCHESTRA Conductor / Piano..........................................................................................JASON NERI Keyboard........................................................................................................KARA LEIGH Drums / Percussion........................................................................................... JAY MACK Bass........................................................................................... ANDREW ROSCISZEWSKI Flute / Piccolo................................................................................. CRISPIAN FORDHAM Reed 1 ........................................................................................... DREW WIERZBOWSKI Reed 2.........................................................................................................YU NISHIYAMA Reed 3.....................................................................................................HEIDI PETERSON Horn 1................................................................................................. ALEX MASTRANDO Horn 2.................................................................................................... KYLE ANDERSON Trumpet 1................................................................................................... JOE MOSELLO Trumpet 2...............................................................................................KYLE SKRIVANEK Trombone.....................................................................................................PAUL MORRIS Violin.......................................................................................................... SAMUEL GRAY Violin 2.................................................................................................................MIMI PAK Viola............................................................................................................. ALEX DADON Cello.......................................................................................................... PATTY GONSKY

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. The taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited.

Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, beepers, and watches.

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I “Opening”................................................................................................................ Orchestra “Over the Rainbow”................................................................................................... Dorothy

“The Cyclone”.......................................................................................................... Orchestra “Munchkinland” & “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead”.................................Glinda, Dorothy,

and Munchkins

“Yellow Brick Road”............................................................................................... Munchkins

“If I Only Had a Brain”......................................................... Scarecrow, Dorothy, and Crows “We’re Off to See the Wizard” (Duet)............................................. Dorothy and Scarecrow “If I Only Had a Heart” **...........................................................Tinman, Dorothy, and Trees

“We’re Off to See the Wizard” (Trio).................................Dorothy, Tinman, and Scarecrow

“If I Only Had the Nerve”..........................................Lion, Dorothy, Tinman, and Scarecrow “We’re Off to See the Wizard” (Quartet)................. Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, and Lion

“Poppies” .....................................Glinda, Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, and Ensemble

ACT II “Entr’acte” & “Optimistic Voices”................................................ Orchestra with Ensemble “The Merry Old Land of Oz”............................... Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, Guard,

and Ozians

“If I Were King of the Forest”............................Lion with Dorothy, Tinman, and Scarecrow

“March of the Winkies”...............................................................................................Winkies “Jitterbug”............................................... Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, and Jitterbugs “Winkies March (Reprise)” & “Over the Rainbow (Reprise)”................................ Dorothy,

Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, and Winkies

“Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead (Reprise)” ..............................................................Winkies “Finale Act Two”...................................................................................................... Orchestra “Bows” .....................................................................................................................Company (THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION.) ** Tinman choreography by Dan Peterson

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS THANKS OUR 2021/2022 SPONSORS & DONORS

2021/2022 SEASON SPONSORS

The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates - Jon & Jade D’Agostino Red Oak Mortgage - Brian & Sarah LaRue World Subaru - Joe & Nicole Wajda

THE WIZARD OF OZ SPONSORS Platinum Sponsor: The Coleman Family

Gold Sponsors: 1812 Marketing; Elite Specialty Care; NJ Short Term Rentals Silver Sponsor: AMDS Radiology

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS 2021/2022 DONORS BENEFACTOR LEVEL: $2000+

John & Justine Coleman, Jon & Jade D’Agostino, Ms. Nancy Robin Karpf

ANGEL LEVEL: $1,000-$1,999

Bari Ceka, Thomas Hessman, Adriene Makstein, The Mallach Family, Adam Philipson & The Count Basie Center for the Arts, Wayne & Susan Relyea

RISING STAR LEVEL: $500-$999 The Brustein Family, Remember Jones

PATRON LEVEL: $250-$499

The Bedenko Schmidt Family, Bob Giangrasso & Bob Frankel, Patrice Simonetti, The Velho Family

FAN LEVEL: $50-$249

Priscilla Aikman, Mark Apostolou, Joyce Barnett, Scott Barnett, Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Baumann, Alfred A. Bevacqua & Marie L. Bevacqua, August J. Culbert, Susan D. Culbert, In Memory of Barbara DePinto, Beverly Kuo-Hamition, David Labue, Brian LaRue, Elizabeth Legregin, Local Bicycle Shop LLC, Richard & Rosemarie Mondello, Wayne & Margaret Nodes, Donna Pinamonte, Mr. Richard Scott, Lourdes Tolentino, Maria Tomassone, Eileen Zamerovsky

STARS ON PHOENIX’S “WALK OF DREAMS”

Todd Aikens, Andrea Andrews Zawadzky, Matthew Blankley, Grace Brancato, Brothers Commercial Brokerage, The Brown Family, 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, 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, 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, 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, Lily Grace Riddle, Kara Robertelli, Harper Robinson, The Robinson Family, The Scherzo Family, 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

PRESENTS

2022 Summer INTENSIVE

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 JR. JULY 11TH - 29th

ANNOUNCING SOON! AUGUST 1ST - 19th

MUSICAL THEATRE ENSEMBLE MONDAYS • JULY 11TH - AUGUST 15th

Ages 7-17 Students get a fun filled summer session learning theatre from some of New Jersey’s best!

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER PhoenixRedBank.com/risingstaracademy or call 732.747.0014

Phoenix Performing Arts Center • 59 Chestnut Steet, Red Bank

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS CONTINUES TO THANK OUR 2020 SPONSORS & DONORS

2020 SEASON SPONSORS

The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates - Jon & Jade D’Agostino Red Oak Mortgage - Brian & Sarah LaRue World Subaru - Joe & Nicole Wajda

2020 SHOW SPONSORS

NJ Short Term Rentals; 1812 Marketing; AMDS Imaging; Personal Enhancement Center; Declarations, Inc.; Elite Specialty Care; Manning, Caliendo & Thomson - Attorneys at Law; RMS Title and Appraisal; HFA - Certified Public Accountants + Advisors; Golden Pear Funding; Immediate Care 2020 BENEFACTOR LEVEL: $2,000+ The Coleman Family, Brian & Sarah LaRue, The Goins Family, Thomas Hessman, Leonard August, Donald N. Heirman, Ivy Marketing Corp, Demolition Music 2020 ANGEL LEVEL: $1,000-$1,999 Randy & Liz Cooper, Wayne & Susan Relyea, Starr & Melvin Koplow, NY Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, Joseph Stefanelli, Joseph Heap, The Mallach Family, Konstantine Fotiou, Kenneth Thomson, The Oldroyd Family, Andrew Cooper, Daniel Savino 2020 RISING STAR LEVEL: $500-$999 Joseph Ercolino, Gloria Gross, Marc Goldberg, Jaclyn Mercandetti, Anthony & Janet Scherzo 2020 PATRON LEVEL: $250-$499 William & Judith Fraser, Jerome Perlongo, Anthony Petrizzo, Mr. & Mrs. John Tier, Mrs. Diane Tresente, Daniel W. Wilen, Sterling & Ilda Wood, Lauren Brancato, Wendy Dobbs, Casey Okamoto, Joanne Penrose, The Grand Roberts Family, Drs. Abrams Piazza & Julewicz, Alan Stewart, The Robinson Family, Kiley Escamilla

2020 FAN LEVEL: $50-$249

Kathleen Gallardo, Lauren Quint, James Burke, Phyllis Gottlieb, Bob & Rita Labreque, Danny Farris, Justin Christopher Odon, Kara Sadiang-abay, Ron Simone, Arthur Schaefer, Carolyn McCarthy, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schipani, Janet Zoccoli, Heather Long, Heather Powell, Frank & Joannne Bucchieri, Allan & Grace Dizengoff, John E. Kinney, Jad Kiwit, Kathleen Phillips, Susan Springberg, Cheryl Mangiacapra, Mafalda Cavanaugh, Denise Centofante, Sarah Coleman, Mary Pat Hessman, Cassandra Jones, Victoria Lee, Audrey Oldoerp, Todd Roman, Anne Still, John & Barbara Young, Kelly Brodin, Lori Esparra, Elizabeth Flynn, Marcy Ryan, Ellen Hartnett, Susan Moskowitz, Dennis Tolentino, Janet Fair, Joan Wolff, Anita Annunziata, Lois & Mark Berkowitz, Thomas Chillemi, Kathy Lou Colmorgen, Ronald S. Danielson, Ralph Imperatrice, Caroline Incorvaia, Joyce Kaiser, Barbara Kehoe, William Kinneman, Donna Klejmont, Kevin Lopyan, Debra Manning, Gail Messineo, Brian Peters, Donna Pinamonti, Mark Rothstein, Barbara Saake, Stephen Sansevere, Carmen Schofield, Mr. Richard Scott, Richard Strabel, Alisa Vandenbrouck, Joyce Barnett, Catherine Larsen, Carol Petscavage, Cheryl Ratel, Ellen Easton, Lisa Hamilton, Barbara Shallit, Richard & Rosemarie Mondello, Stacey Bruno, Ashley Bruno, Meredith Buchholtz, Liz Burns, Mahy Churylo, Jessica Cogan Ost, Kristen Creed, Dana Deliso, Alicia Dishon, Susan Fisher, Jaimie Gigerian, Kathleen Hessman, Michele Katz, Mike Kozy, Sarah Middough, Jina Nam, Joanne Nosuchinsky, Mark Regan, Marissa Risi, Cheryl Stauffer, Jessica Vitalo, Elizabeth Walunas, Melissa Widmeier, Drew Wilfrid, Andrea Zawadzky, James Marhold, Robert Altobelli, Marie Costa, John Lane, Larry Thorner, Irene Arak, Frances Crocco, Terrence Garrett, Patti Riddle, George Weiss, Maria Randazza, Steven Green, Cynthia Kwiatkowski, Chester Przyblko, Paul Lucido, Amy & Chris Adamo, Priscilla Aikman, Alfred A. Bevacqua Jr. & Marie L. Bevacqua, Joseph Cybulski, Ronald Duchaine, Richard & Judith Famulare, Elizabeth Kerr, Thomas & Alice LaBue, Margie Marino, John J. Nemecek & Philip A. Kliewe, Katherine Smith, Diane Ferwerda, Theresa & Kenneth Groeschel, Andrew Kerstein, NJ Short Term Rentals - Fran & Stew Katz, Donna Tactikos, Mrs. Carol Wade, Jess DeLucia, Ron Autenrieth, John Paolella, Claire Puglise, Karen Bonaccorsi, Cynthia Bresan, Nick Centofante, Dona & Dennis Coffey, Michael Dalberg, Leanne DeCamp, The Klings Family, Remember Jones, Teri Katz, Kelly Kerrick, Andrew Macirowski, Sara Mason, Lennie Mormino, Deborah Pedretti, Derek & Sandra Riddle, Robert Sammond, Jo Wymer, Glenn Babus, Scott Barnett, Kimberly Gozsa, Blanca Merced, Carol Norberg, Charles Romano, Robert Schwartz, Steven Gimbelman, The Kreitz Family, Ralph Palma ,Mark Vecchio, Clark Kielian, Jennifer & David LaBue, Charles W. Rodman, Daniel & Robin Collins, Andy & Donna Diamant, Bob Giangrasso & Bob Frankel, Adrienne Schiraldi, John Lacognata, Nancy Cavaliere, The Burgess Family, Patrice Simonetti, Wayne & Margaret Nodes, Mario Galardo, Eric Harper, Jeremy Leighty, Michael Walton, Autumn Allocco, Joseph Miglionico, Marcy Ryan, Paul Lucido, Walter Weeks, Anne Still, Elizabeth Milcarek, Terrence Garrett, Melanie Wonderlin, Vincent Notobartolo, Xerxes Oshidar, James Incorvaia, Margaret Monteleone

2020 SINGLE TICKET & SUBSCRIPTION DONORS

Marilyn Baker, Karen & Richard Barber, Larry & Alison Black, Margaret Brady, Edward & Dorothy Carlton, Jan Cavalli, Jerry Conaty, Regina Criscione, Particia Kenndy, Lorraine Nigro, Matt Lobosco, Peter & Melissa Neczesny, Catherine Tarpey, Red Bank Girls, Priscilla Aikman, Reformed Church of Middletown, Mona & Robert Ascher, Nicholas & Gloria Bandarenko, Alfred A. Bevacqua, Jr. & Marie L. Bevacqua, Michele & Geraldine Ciampoli, Kathy Lou Colmorgen, Carol Conk & Debbie McNamara, James & Deborah Cook, Liz & Randy Cooper, Fran & Chuck Crocco, Lyn Davis & Eileen Szatkowski, The Goins Family, Ronald Duchaine, Lisa A Ebeling, Janet Fair, Bob Giangrasso & Bob Frankel, Morris Goldman, Mary Gorczynski, Carol Ann Kern & Barbara Kolb, Marjory Hopper, Howe Family, Marcia Howe, Greg & Michele Johnson, Kathleen Kapps, Fran & Stu Katz, William & Virginia Kinneman, The Klings Family, Thomas & Alice LaBue, Charles P. Lada, Teri Lawrence, Jo Ann Kreidler, Kevin & Carolyn McCarthy, Carol & Brad Newcomb, The Pinamonti Family, Irene Plitz, Jill Polhemus, Louis Quimi, Wayne & Susan Relyea, Danielle Rucinski & John Adams, Stephen Sansevere, Louis & Heather Soto, Shirley Sullivan, Nancy Salmeri, Rose Chimenti, Eve Feldman, John & Bobbi Tier, Carol Wade, Gail Williams, Jan Winckowski, Patricia Eberhardt, Bernadette Blomquist, Robert & Gail Zeevalk, Holli Zimmerman, Susan & David Brown, Mary & Gary Rachko, Phyllis & Sam Schussler, Chris McKeever, Barbara Miller, Jean Gillon, Ann Wright, Ida Corragio, Mary Schwartz, Scott & Lucille Soper, Robert Randall, Sandy Seckendorf, Judy Shaw, Barb Skelly, Gene & Louisa Gorzelnik, Pam Tanis, Randy Bartel, Diana Scongmello, Rosanne DiMambro, Mr. & Mrs. William Thompson, Richard & Karen Barber, Lois & Mark Berkowitz, Karen Dolan, Joseph Ercolino, Bob Fuller, Kenneth & Theresa Groeschel, Nancy Kourides, Michael Lasko, Mr. Richard Scott, Assumpta Zweig

106 Union Ave., Lakehurst NJ, 08733 www.RMSTA.com

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST CRICKET BAILEY (Munchkin City Mother) is thrilled to be in her first Phoenix show! Past credits include Annie (Daddy Warbucks) and A Charlie Brown Christmas (Lucy). When not singing or dancing, you can find her in the pool or on the field hockey field. Special thanks to the production staff, family, and friends for their continued support.

KAYLA BROWN (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in her first Phoenix show!

Past credits include: Annie (Lily St. Regis), We Will Rock You (Scaramouche), and Beauty and the Beast (Wardrobe). Kayla is a freshman at Howell High School attending the FPAC: Music, Video, Production program where she writes and produces music. She would like to thank the cast and production staff for an incredible show in addition to her family and friends for their endless support.

CHLOE CARONE (Lullaby League Munchkin) is 7 years old and is so excited for her Phoenix debut on the Count Basie stage! Her interest in the theater soared after seeing Wicked on Broadway at age 4. She would like to thank her loving family, including her mom, dad, sister Charlotte, Yia Yia, Pop Pop, grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as her voice coach, Loretta Boyle, Red House Music and Rehearsal Studio, Center for Dance Arts, Dance for Joy, and the Phoenix team, for their encouragement and support. Chloe is thrilled for her theatrical journey to begin on the yellow brick road!

NORA COLLARD (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut!

Past credits include Bye Bye Birdie (Rose), Damn Yankees (Meg), Frozen Jr. (Kristoff), Aladdin Jr. (Jasmine), Mary Poppins Jr. (Mary Poppins), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Annie Jr. (Miss Hannigan), Shrek Jr. (Fiona), and Peter Pan Jr. (Wendy). Nora is a vocal major at the RBR Visual Performing Arts Academy. She has two brothers, one sister and a “little dog”, Penny.

Nora is grateful to be part of this fantastic cast and crew!

CHARLIE COSTA (Munchkin Mayor) is thrilled to be making his debut with Phoenix Productions, and has loved being included in this amazing theater community! His past roles with the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts include Moana Jr. (Ocean Ancestor), A Seussified Christmas Carol (Scrooge), and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Mr. Beaver).

Charlie loves to sing, play piano, and play Roblox with his friends. Break a leg to the entire Oz cast and crew!

DARREN DeANGELO (Ensemble / Winkie General / Guard and Wizard u/s) is privileged to be returning to the Basie stage for his 3rd Phoenix production. Prior credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Choir) & 1776 (George Read). Thanks to the production team and amazing cast for making this another special experience, and my family and friends for their love and support.

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LEANNE DeCAMP (Miss Almira Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West) is very grateful to be in her 4th Phoenix production and thrilled to be “flying high” as an iconic villain! She was most recently seen as the feisty Grandma Rosie in Phoenix’s The Wedding Singer. At age 9, Leanne’s first role was Baby June in Gypsy where she sang “Let Me Entertain You”, which became the song of her soul and the theme of her life’s work. A graduate of NYU Tisch SOA, favorite roles include: West Side Story (Graziella; International Tour), Damn Yankees (Lola), Sweeney Todd (The Beggar Woman), The Sound of Music (Maria), and Three Sisters (Natasha). A big “Bravo!” and thank you to the entire production team, cast, and staff that make Phoenix such a supportive and unique community theater.

ALEX DUBINSKY (Uncle Henry / Emerald City Guard) is so excited to be in his fifth Phoenix show! Phoenix credits: 1776 (Roger Sherman), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Choir), Smokey Joe’s Café (Fred), and The Wedding Singer (Ricky). Other credits include: The Drowsy Chaperone (Man in Chair), Dog Sees God (CB), and The Fantasticks (Bellomy). Alex is also a member of The Actor’s Project NYC, and has performed OffBroadway with them twice. Thanks to Justin and everyone for the opportunity! Love to Amanda and my family for the continued support! @alexdubinsky91 WILL EINBINDER (Ensemble / Dance Captain / Scarecrow and Tinman u/s) is thrilled to be in his second Phoenix show! Past productions include: A Chorus Line (Mark), Bring it On (Randall) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius). He’s currently a high school senior that will be attending Marymount Manhattan College as a BFA Musical Theater major this fall. Special thank you to the cast, crew, and the production team for this amazing opportunity.

KYLIE FERLAND (Munchkin Coroner) is 10 years old and in the 5th grade. Past credits include: Annie (Annie), Aladdin Jr. (Omar), Moana Jr. (Pua), PsyKidz (Kyla), and The Lion King Jr. (Young Nala). Many thanks to her coaches at The Prep where she studies Voice and Acting. Sending thanks to her family and friends for their unconditional support. Big thanks to everyone at Phoenix Productions for this opportunity. To the entire cast and crew...Break A Leg! JAKE FREDERICKS (Ensemble / Nikko) is thrilled to be taking the stage in The Wizard of Oz with this great cast! Jake attends Red Bank Regional High School as a Theater Arts major. They have been baking for eight years and also enjoy reading and playing instruments. They recently appeared in Elf (Teen Elf) with Phoenix Productions. Thanks to their family, friends, coaches, teachers, and the team for helping them fly over the rainbow.

LAUREN FRIEDMAN (Ensemble / Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch and Nikko u/s) is grateful to be back on stage with Phoenix again. Recent credits include: Xanadu (Calliope), The Wedding Singer (Angie), Elf (Sara/Saleswoman), Waiting for Schlotsky (Emma), and Funny Girl (Mrs. Brice). When not performing, she teaches preschool and loves to bake, especially when it involves chocolate and peanut butter. Many thanks to the production team for including her in this amazing cast, and much love to Lex, Ani, Sierra, and Liam.

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SIERRA FRIEDMAN (Munchkin, Winkie) is so happy to be back on stage with Phoenix! She was previously seen in Elf, and also just played the role of Gabriella in her middle school’s production of High School Musical.

Aside from theater and dance, Sierra plays guitar and violin, and also loves all kinds of art, especially painting. She thanks her parents, siblings, dog, and two kittens for being her biggest fans.

KIMBERLY GELFAND (Ensemble) is excited to be back with Phoenix Productions after recently appearing in The Wedding Singer (Dance Ensemble). Other favorite credits include: Newsies (Finch), Peter and the Starcatcher (Mrs. Bumbrake), and Footloose (Ethel McCormick), all with AfterWork Theater. Special thanks to the entire production team for this fantastic opportunity and love to her parents, family, and friends for their support.

KEEGAN HAACK (Lollipop Guild Munchkin) is thrilled to be returning to the Count Basie stage with Phoenix for his second main stage production.

Some of his favorite credits include: Elf (Charlie), Aladdin Jr. (Jafar), and Seussical Jr. (The Cat in the Hat). When not on stage, Keegan enjoys reading and making people laugh. He would like to thank Justin, the entire production team, and his family for their continued support.

DAISY IFANTIS (Munchkin City Mother) is over the rainbow to be in her very first Phoenix show! Previous Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts credits include: Willy Wonka Jr. (Veruca Salt), Moana Jr. (Hei-hei), and Aladdin Jr. (Iago); and Scrooge (Premier Theatre Company). Daisy is in the 4th grade at Saint Leo the Great. She enjoys reading, playing tennis, and her favorite vacation place is Disney World. Daisy’s family is so grateful to Phoenix for giving Daisy the chance to take part in this spectacular show.

They can’t wait to see what this incredible cast and crew brings to the stage!

ASA JEMIMA (Toto) is excited to be making her Phoenix debut as Toto!

Past credits include: Legally Blonde (Bruiser), The Wizard of Oz (Toto), Gypsy (Chowsie), and a cameo with The Sharpe Family Singers on TikTok. Asa Jemima is also a therapy dog and resides in Marlton, NJ with her mom and sister, Olive.

SYDNEY KATZ (Ensemble / Dance Captain) is a sophomore at Marlboro HS and is so excited to be a part of her third Phoenix show after performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2019 and The Wedding Singer last February. Favorite roles: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy), Hairspray Jr. (Tracy Turnblad), and Steel Magnolias (Shelby). She would like to thank this unstoppable cast and production team for such an amazing experience and sticking with her down the yellow brick road!

SOPHIA LeBLANC (Lullaby League Munchkin) is super excited to be in her first Phoenix Productions musical as a munchkin and part of the Lullaby League! Sophia recently appeared in Highland Park Youth Theatre Company’s Annie Jr. (Duffy). Sophia can be found riding waves, enjoying bike rides, or singing just about anywhere! Sophia would like to thank Aunt Faith for her vocal lessons and always encouraging her, and Phoenix Productions for a life-changing experience!

MICHELLE ELAINE LUCEY (Ensemble / Aunt Em/Glinda u/s) is grateful to be a part of Phoenix Productions’ The Wizard of Oz. Past credits include: The Fantasticks (Luisa), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza), Ragtime (Mother), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa Peretti), and Chicago (Velma Kelly). Michelle has an AA degree in Musical Theater from Indian River State College. For fun, she enjoys long distance running, playing guitar, and baking. She would like to thank her family for supporting her.

ELLA MANGANO (Munchkin Fiddler) is honored to be performing in The Wizard of Oz. Ella lives in Hazlet where she is a 6th grader at Cove Road School. Ella has appeared in Scrooge: The Musical, All Together Now, and has sung in several virtual events in the area the past two years. She loves playing piano, singing, and spending time with her two dogs and cat.

SARA MASON (Aunt Em / Glinda) is fulfilling a childhood dream playing Glinda! Past Phoenix Productions include: Shrek (Gingy), Annie (Lily St. Regis), and most recently, Stephen Sondheim’s Putting It Together. Thank you to this unbelievably talented cast and crew for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! (Did she mention that she gets to fly!?!?) Special shout-out to Scott, Charlie, Benjamin and the rest of Sara’s “crew” for helping out so that Mommy gets to do what she loves; love you guys!

MARIE McBURNIE (Munchkin) has watched The Wizard of Oz since turning 3. She is so excited to be in this production, marking her 8th show!

She is a 9-year-old twin who attends Saint Mary School. She is on the dance team at EIMDC and the spring travel basketball team for Jersey Shore Elite. She loves singing, gymnastics, jazz, hip-hop and acro, but she loves her family, grandparents, and St. Bernard even more!

SARA MENDEZ (Munchkin) is over the rainbow excited about this production of The Wizard of Oz! Highlighted credits include: Annie (Molly) at the MAC, The Addams Family (Ancestor), and Into the Woods Jr. (Jack) at Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts. Sara has also been actively dancing, singing and acting in several ensemble parts as she grows her acting career. Sara resides in Middletown, and most recently starred as “Young Anna” in Thompson Middle School’s production of Frozen Jr. in a performance worth melting for.

NINA CELESTE MONTELEONE (Lullaby League Munchkin) is seven years old and excited to be in her second Phoenix show. She is in 2nd grade at St. Leo the Great school, attends dance at Foundations Performing Arts and loves outer space! Nina has made new friends in Oz and thanks her loving family, friends, teachers, and talented cast for helping her follow the rainbow to the Count Basie Center for the Arts.

JENNA MOSCHELLA (Ensemble) is beyond excited to be making her Phoenix debut! Jenna’s favorite credits include: Sunset Boulevard (Mary), her Kelsey Award-nominated performance in Zorro (Lead Flamenco Singer, Featured Flamenco Dancer), and the Perry Award-nominated show White Christmas (Mrs. Snoring Man, Dance Ensemble). This show is dedicated to her Grandma Dorothy over the rainbow!

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CHASE MURISON (Lollipop Guild Munchkin) is beyond proud of his onstage debut with Phoenix Productions! He is passionate in everything he commits to and is so excited to be a part of the wonderful world of Oz! Shout out to this amazing and talented crew!

ANTHONY NARDULLI (Hunk / Scarecrow) is a senior at Sayreville War Memorial High School and is so excited to be in another Phoenix production! Anthony will be going to Marymount Manhattan College to major in Musical Theater! He was previously in Phoenix Productions’ A Chorus Line (Larry/Male Swing) and Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Michael). Anthony wants to thank this amazing cast for all of their support and making this such an amazing production!

CONNOR NASPO (Ensemble) is so excited to be part of the cast of The Wizard of Oz! He is a Freshman Level 1 actor in the FPAC Academy at Howell High School. Connor has appeared in Young Frankenstein, The Lion King, Hairspray, Once an Angel, and Frozen. He wants to give a big thanks to his parents and the amazing cast and crew, and a special thanks to Jo Wymer for working 1:1 with his voice.

EMILY GRACE PELLECCHIA (Dorothy Gale) is thrilled to be in her first Phoenix production! Past credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Cinderella (Ella), and Frozen (Anna) (yes, she’s trying to play every Disney princess ever written). Most recently, she played Carolyn in The Bridges of Madison County alongside Tony nominee Kate Baldwin at Axelrod PAC. She would like to thank her amazing family and friends for their endless support! She loves you guys!

JAZMYNN PEREZ (Ensemble) is extremely excited to be part of her first production with Phoenix! She is a proud alum of NYU Tisch where she got her BFA in Drama this past spring and is represented by Frontier Booking International Talent Agency. Some favorite past credits include: Ordinary Days (Claire), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Grease (Sandy & Rizzo), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy). She’s thankful for everyone who made this production happen and hopes you all enjoy your time over the rainbow!

DAN PETERSON (Hickory / Tinman) is a member of SAG-AFTRA. He is a member of the faculty at Academy of Dance Arts, New York City Performing Arts Centre, Dancer’s Pointe, and Phoenix’s Rising Star Academy. Favorite past Phoenix credits include: Nice Work If You Can Get It (Cookie McGee), Seussical (Cat in the Hat), Spamalot (Historian/ Not Dead Fred/etc.), The Wizard of Oz (Hunk/Scarecrow), The Producers (Leo Bloom), 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), Crazy for You (Bobby Child), and Singin’ in the Rain (Cosmo Brown). Other favorite credits include: Biloxi Blues (Eugene Morris Jerome), Broadway Bound (Eugene Morris Jerome), Twelfth Night (Feste and Sir Andrew Aguecheek), As You Like It (Touchstone), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), and The Comedy of Errors (Dromio of Syracuse).

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MIA PORTELLI (Ensemble) is thrilled to be in her first performance at The Count Basie Center for the Arts with this incredible cast. Some previous credits include The Lion King Jr. (Young Simba), Moana Jr. (Moana), Aladdin Jr. (Jasmine), and Frozen Jr. (Anna). Mia will be attending RBR as a freshman next year as a VPA Vocal major. Mia would like to thank Justin Christopher Odon for his incredible direction in The Wizard of Oz and previous shows, Bobby Cronin and Andrew Widger at The Prep in NJ for being the vocal dream team, and her family and friends for always supporting her.

FARAH RAMJOHN (Munchkin) is excited to be playing a Munchkin. This is Farah’s third show with Phoenix, having previously been in Moana Jr. (Ensemble) and Aladdin Jr. (Ensemble), and is grateful to Justin for his dedication and direction throughout. Farah recently played Audrey in Axelrod’s Descendants. When Farah isn’t spending her time in the theater, she enjoys creating art, experimenting with science projects, and spending quality time with family and friends.

RAINA RAMJOHN (Munchkin) is excited to be playing a Munchkin in Phoenix Productions’ much anticipated The Wizard of Oz! This is Raina’s third show with Phoenix, having previously been in Moana Jr. (Ensemble) and Aladdin Jr. (Ensemble), and is grateful to Justin for his dedication and direction throughout. When Raina isn’t spending her time in the theater, she enjoys playing soccer and spending quality time with her family and friends.

COURTNEY RAVELO (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of her third Phoenix production! She graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Creative Writing and Theater. She recently had her original play Euphoria accepted at NY Summerfest, a production she directed, cast, and produced herself. Ravelo is thrilled to be attending the MFA Acting program at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles this fall.

CHRISTOPHER SCHMALBACH (Zeke / Cowardly Lion) is excited to be stepping into this dream role with Phoenix Productions. Past roles include: Four Weddings and an Elvis (Fist), Seussical (General Genghis Khan Schmitz), Newsies (Wiesel), Disaster! (Dr. Ted Scheider), and West Side Story (Officer Krupke). Chris cannot thank his wife Haley enough for her love, support, and encouragement for this transformation into the Cowardly Lion.

HALEY SCHMALBACH (Ensemble / Dance Captain / Dorothy u/s) is excited to be back on stage with Phoenix Productions! She was last seen on the Count Basie stage in Elf (Jovie). Other favorite roles include: 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer; Kelsey Theatre) and Disaster! (Sister Mary; Kelsey Theatre). Haley is so happy to return to a show that has captivated her since childhood. But most of all, she is thrilled to share the stage with her loving husband, Chris!

BELLAMY SHIVERS (Professor Marvel / The Wizard of Oz) is honored to be cast as Professor Marvel and The Wizard of Oz. Bellamy is a private telecommunications consultant, Chairman of the Diaconate Ministry at his church, and lives in Neptune with his wife of 43 years. Bellamy has appeared in A Raisin in the Sun, Camp Logan, and Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson). He is best known for his role as Sgt. Waters in A Soldier’s Play.

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COOPER STAHL (Ensemble) is excited to be in his first show with Phoenix!

A few of his previous credits include: The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke), Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth), and Shrek (Captain of the Guards)! He wants to thank everyone who has supported him throughout this journey!

MATTHEW TOBIO (Ensemble / Zeke/Lion u/s) is excited to be making his Phoenix Productions debut with the wonderful cast of The Wizard of Oz! Past credits include: Beauty and the Beast (LeFou), Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Hairspray (Edna Turnblad), and Shrek the Musical (Shrek).

He is currently working towards a degree in Theater. Matthew would like to dedicate this performance to his Grandma Fedora, who was always his biggest fan.

JADE TROTTE (Munchkin Barrister) is “over the rainbow” excited to be back on the Basie stage in The Wizard of Oz. Most recent credits include: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (White Witch) and Elf (Ensemble / Girl at Macy’s). Favorite past credits include: Aladdin Jr. (Genie), Legally Blonde Jr. (Brooke Wyndham), Seussical Jr. (Jo-Jo), and Matilda Jr. (Lavender). When not on stage, Jade continues to work on her craft and loves hanging with friends, singing instead of homework, and pranking her parents. A huge thank you to Justin, James, and everyone at Phoenix!

Special high-five to dT. Now let’s “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”!

CAROLEE WAGNER (Ensemble) is so excited to be performing in her first Phoenix production. She is a recent graduate from Elon University, as an Education major and Dance minor. She has many years of experience, with her favorite credits including Into the Woods (Little Red Ridinghood) and The Sound of Music (Brigitta). Carolee would like to thank the production team and cast for the warm welcome and wonderful experience!

JULIA WESTBY (Lollipop Guild Munchkin) is thrilled to perform in her first mainstage show with Phoenix Productions! Julia has performed in several shows with Phoenix’s Rising Star Academy including Moana Jr. (Hei Hei) and Aladdin Jr. (Isir). She has also performed with KOTA Productions in Annie (Kate) and Dance Divas Nutcracker (Macy). Julia would like to thank her family and friends for their support and her instructors at The Prep, where she trains in voice and acting. Many thanks to Justin Christopher Odon and the entire Phoenix Productions team for this wonderful opportunity. Julia is represented by Take 3 Talent Agency.

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WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ODON (Director & Sound Design) is “Over the Rainbow” to be making his mainstage directorial debut for Phoenix Productions! To Justin, Phoenix is his home away from home. Having been part of the Phoenix Family since 2015 as just a volunteer in the shop and backstage, he is so proud of the journey he has taken to become a director for Phoenix. When not working on Phoenix’s mainstage productions, he is a teaching artist for the Phoenix Rising Star Academy and directs the junior productions for the academy. Alongside being a teaching artist for Phoenix, he is also a teaching artist for the Count Basie Academy of the Arts. Justin has a large theater background that includes directing/choreographing, set design, lighting design, sound design, stage management, and producing. A few show credits include Mamma Mia!, In the Heights, Once On This Island, Cabaret, Songs For A New World, A Chorus Line, and Disney’s Descendants: The Musical.

He is also the founder and artistic director of two theater companies, Theatre@Home and Junior Theatre Productions. Justin would like to thank his family for all of their support. He would like to give a special thanks to his mentor and role model, James Grausam, for helping him on his journey becoming a successful director. Justin would like to dedicate this show to his late grandparents, Rene & Remy. @justinchris95 ELISE KLINGER (Choreographer) is a graduate of the High School of Performing Arts in New York City, and has received training from Joffrey Ballet, Luigi, Phil Black, Martha Graham School of Contemporary, and The Alvin Ailey School. She has performed at venues such as Jacob’s Pillow, New York City Center, and Snug Harbor Cultural Center. She has owned a lucrative dance school for thirty years and has been rewarded with the success of her students, some of whom received scholarships to Juilliard, Martha Graham, and Alvin Ailey. Elise Klinger has also held the top ten percent of students accepted to The High School of Performing Arts in New York City. She has choreographed numerous musicals as well; some of her favorites are Godspell, Evita, and Carousel. Several students have worked on Broadway as well as on regional tours. Her latest piece was seen at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey with the band Foreigner. Elise enjoys teaching a variety of students and styles; she currently works with competitive gymnastic teams, aspiring actors, singers, and dancers. Elise is ecstatic to be part of such an esteemed community.

JASON NERI (Music Director) is thrilled to be back with Phoenix after music directing Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Spring Awakening, and Putting It Together. He works extensively in the tri-state area as a Music/Vocal Director and Accompanist. Favorite past productions include: Ragtime (Barrymore Nominated for Outstanding Music Direction), The Last Five Years, Godspell (Barrymore Nominated for Outstanding Music Direction and Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical), John & Jen, Rock of Ages, Heathers: The Musical, Bonnie & Clyde, Tick Tick… Boom!, RENT, Tommy, Evil Dead the Musical, Baby, Song of Singapore, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Be here now!

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WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM ERIKA BORRERO (Scenic Charge) is an interior design coordinator and student of the arts with a love for thoughtfully curated environments, whether for clients or for the stage. She has previously painted scenic sets for productions of The Pirates of Penzance and Oklahoma! This is Erika’s first time acting as scenic charge and she has truly enjoyed working with this collaborative production team. A big thank you to Phoenix Productions for such a warm welcome, to all the volunteers who helped bring Oz to life, and to Kyle for being such a great mentor and fellow artist.

ERIN GERITY (Properties / Production Assistant) is thrilled to be a part of her first Phoenix show! Aside from participating in elementary school drama club, she had never stepped foot into the world of theater prior to this production of The Wizard of Oz, but was welcomed with open arms by the cast and crew. A recent graduate of Temple University, Erin has a background in video production and media studies, and is no stranger to working with props. She’s had a blast seeing this show progress from concept art to a full-fledged musical, all thanks to our wonderful and talented cast and crew!

TOM HESSMAN (Assistant Production Manager) is a lifelong theatergoer, and spent 15 years on the media crew for Staples Players (Westport, CT) before fully transitioning to the New Jersey community theater scene. In addition to seeing shows all around NJ, Tom loves volunteering at Phoenix in various capacities. Tom had a brief walkon role in Phoenix’s 2019 production of Young Frankenstein as one of the hangmen, and Phoenix hasn’t been able to get rid of him since!

Past credits include Smokey Joe’s Cafe and Spring Awakening. Tom also serves as a manager and board member for the virtual theater company Theatre@Home, and serves as a board member at Exit 82 Theatre (Toms River, NJ). Tom would like to thank Fran, James, and the rest of his Phoenix family for this amazing opportunity! He dedicates the show to the memory of his grandmother, Dorothy. Twitter: @tkh16 FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ (Production Manager) is proud to be leading this amazing production team and talented group of actors down the yellow brick road to see the Wizard. Fran started with Phoenix Productions in the cast of Peter Pan back in 1995 and has been a part of all aspects of the organization both on stage and behind the scenes.

Fran currently serves as Secretary of the organization and Chair of the fundraising team. She would like to thank her family for their endless support and a special thanks to all of the volunteers who helped on this production. It really does take a village and we are so grateful for everyone!

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WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM MEGHAN REEVES (Costume Design) is an Assistant Professor of Fashion and Costume at Centenary University. Before becoming a professor with Centenary, she worked in the NJ public school system for 12 years as a fashion design teacher and department supervisor. She has also been a freelance costume designer for several years working with many theaters across the state of NJ. During the pandemic she started a YouTube channel called Meghan Grace DIY to help people in isolation learn how to sew. Her favorite shows include The Addams Family, Anything Goes, and Sweeney Todd.

KYLE SANTOPADRE (Technical Director & Lighting Design) has a BA in Theater with a Design concentration from Rowan University. After college, Kyle worked for Royal Caribbean as Technical Stage Staff on board the Oasis of the Seas (CATS, Frozen In Time, Come Fly With Me, Oasis of Dreams). He is currently the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for The Count Basie Center for the Arts. Some past designs include: Spring Awakening (Phoenix Productions), Hello, Dolly!

(Capital Productions), A Chorus Line (Phoenix Productions), and Noises Off (Raritan High School). Many thanks to a wonderful production team!

DENNIS TOLENTINO (Production Stage Manager) has stage managed over 10 Phoenix productions since 2018. He is an NJACT Perry Award winning stage manager (Memphis; PinnWorth Productions) and nominated actor (A Few Good Men; Playhouse 22). Other stage credits include: In the Heights (Kevin Rosario) and Mamma Mia! (Harry Bright).

A 1st generation Filipino-American, Dennis grew up in Bloomfield and Old Bridge and now lives in Manalapan. Dennis graduated from Georgetown University (Marketing/International Business double major, Theater minor) and spends his days working for McMaster-Carr Supply. Thanks to you, the audience, for supporting live theater!

KYLE TOTH (Scenic Design) is designing for Phoenix Productions for the first time. Design credits include Into the Woods, Evita, The Pirates of Penzance, and Oklahoma! Kyle has painted scenic art for numerous Phoenix productions, including Young Frankenstein, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Newsies, Mamma Mia!, and Elf. Kyle is an architectural and landscape architectural historian for a cultural resource management consulting group. Thanks to James, Justin, and the team, and to Erika for once more helping to paint a world.

JO WYMER (Assistant Stage Manager) is honored to be part of this production team under the tutelage of Dennis Tolentino. Jo is a 2x AMA award winner & 2x Grammy nominee for her original music written for TV & film. Recent credits: International touring cast of In The Heights (Abuela Claudia). Phoenix Productions credits: Mamma Mia! (Rosie Mulligan), Every Wednesday Night (Teresa/Gloria Genovese), In The Heights (Abuela Claudia), Evita (Juana Duarte/Aristocrat).

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SEASON 2022/23 J U LY 22, 23, 24 • 2022

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A Christmas Carol FE BR UARY 17, 18, 19 • 2023

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