THE DREXEL UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS
PRESENTS
Book by Allan Knee
Music by Jason Howland
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
STARRING:
Aiden Abiuso, Spencer Gordon, Mia Hernandez, Avi James, Declan Joyce, Fintan McNamara, Serena Pearl, Emmett Portnoy, Molly Sample, Maya Seipel, Shea Smith, Jia Weingard, Sabrina Winford
STAGE MANAGER
Frankie LaBelle
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Nick Anselmo
COSTUME DESIGNER
Asaki Kuruma
CHOREOGRAPY CONSULTANT
Devon Sinclair
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Dahlia Ufberg
Little Women
ASST STAGE MANAGER
Andrey Yip
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Paul Jerue
SCENIC DESIGNER
Meghan Jones
ASST SCENIC DESIGN
Alexa Boyes
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Eitan Barkat
DIRECTION BY Esther M. Cohen
ASST STAGE MANAGER
Esme Mohatt
ASST PRODUCTION MANAGER
Sophia Hannah LIGHTING DESIGNER
Aly Doughtery
PROPS MASTER
Amanda Hatch
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ava Jade Dandrea
ASST DIRECTOR/ FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
Ben Robare
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Chris Totora SOUND DESIGNER
Chris Sannino
STAGE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
Melody Wong
RUN CREW/PA
Harang Kang
MUSICAL DIRECTION BY Owen Robbins
Little Women is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www mtishows com
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Asst Technical Director
Rick Connor
Light Board Op
Nikola Zvonik
A2
Justin Williams
Asst Prop Master/ Scenic Artist
Rachel Burton
Wardrobe/Run Crew
Fell Gutierez
CREW
Master Electrician
Jaon Adam
Sound Mixer
Allie Bilger
Costume Shop Asst
Rachel McLaughlin
Asst Prop Master
Kiara Thompson
Wardrobe/Run Crew
Grace Weachter
Production Technician
Heekyung Kim
Master Carpenter
Kayla Donaldson
Asst Sound Mixer
Anael Brodski
Costume Shop Asst
Bella Metzer
Asst Scenic Artist
Meg Youngblood
Follow Spot
Irina Scaduto-Mendola
Audio Supervisor
Will Lazar
Asst Master Electrician
Audrey Ling
Wardrobe Supervisor
John Hazlett
Asst Scenic Artist
Catherine Greim
Follow Spot
Rhea Balajkumar
Production Technician
Asif Jamil
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The land on which Drexel University stands and upon which we gather is part of the traditional territory of the Lenape called “Lenapehoking” (pronunciation: Lun-nah-payho-king). It is here that the people called the 'grandfather tribe' and the 'peacemakers' have lived their lives, spoken their language, and held their ceremonies for thousands of years. Indeed, Lenape is translated as “real or original person.” During the colonial and early federal period, many were removed west and north, but some also remain in their homeland. The Lenape were subjected to 250 years of colonization that included cultural suppression and erasure, forced removal from this land and continue to experience systemic discrimination and marginalization
Acknowledging this history, our opportunity to be on this land, and the Lenape tribe's continued presence, is consistent with Drexel University’s mission We openly recognize the Lenape tribe as the original inhabitants of eastern Pennsylvania, as well as their continuing presence and relationship with their territory We acknowledge the Lenape people as the Indigenous stewards of their homelands as well as the spiritual keepers of the Lenape Sipu, or Delaware River, and Drexel University does hereby commit to actively supporting our Lenape community members in whatever way we are able, helping to maintain the Indigenous cultural identity of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and southern New York We hope that, by recognizing this Indigenous history, it will inspire you to think about your place on this land, and engage in efforts to promote a community that values strengthening of Indigenous communities, here and elsewhere
WELCOME FROM THE DEPARTMENT
We are excited to have you join us for this powerful musical adaptation of the American classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, which premiered on Broadway in 2005. It seemed like the perfect way to end our season and celebrate the 250 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. We are thrilled to have Esther M Cohen return to direct and bring this amazing story of a loving family of sisters in Civil War America to life Esther last directed our Fall 2024 production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time th
As with all of our productions, this show is the result of the hard work of many more students and professional artists than you see onstage. More than 88 students work on all aspects of our productions under the mentorship of our incredible Production Manager Paul Jerue and our Mandell Technical Director Chris Totora. These students represent more than 35 different majors from across the entire University, and in the spirit of collaboration and creativity, they bring together their diverse backgrounds, skills, and passions to create first-class theatrical productions. Our skilled students participate in building the scenery and props, assisting the professional director and designers, running/programming the lights and sound, creating marketing materials, and managing front of house and all the administrative elements that go into putting on a production of this scale.
This show closes out Drexel Theatre Program’s 2025-26 mainstage season, but we hope you will join us for our Theatre Showcase Performances on Saturday, June 6 when we present the Director’s Lab – 6 original plays written by students from Drexel’s Page-ToStage class, developed under the mentorship of Theatre Faculty member Bill Fennelly, Screenwriting/Playwriting Faculty member Savannah Reich, and directed and acted by Drexel students. You really need to check out the talent and creativity of these students and then stay for a performance from our Advanced Improv Ensemble. More information about these and future Theatre Program and all Department of Performing Arts events can be found on our website at www drexel edu/performingarts Be sure to follow us on social media (@drexeltheatreprogram). We are thrilled to have you with us for today’s performance and look forward to seeing you again soon! th
With warm regard,
Nick Anselmo Theatre Program Director
Dr. Miriam Giguere Department Head
Department of Performing Arts
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Nearly 10 years ago, I had the chance to interview the off-Broadway cast of Hadestown at New York Theatre Workshop. Hadestown is a now worldrenowned folk musical retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. This myth, and its tragic ending, is well-known across the West and has been retold for thousands of years, including for the past 7 years on Broadway.
So naturally, I asked the cast: why tell this story again? Christopher Sullivan, the actor playing Hermes, had a simple answer:
"Because every time you retell a story you’re at a different point in your life. And the people watching it are at a different point in their lives. And so, you learn something different from it every time."
Which brings us to Little Women: a well-known story, told and retold countless times in the form of a BBC mini-series, an opera, 5 films, and yes, a musical. I first encountered this story rather late in life, with the 2019 Greta Gerwig film adaptation, and I've been inexplicably hooked ever since.
I believe this story has such staying power because it illustrates a truth that spans generations: no matter where our ambitions take us or how far we stray from home, as Beth says onstage, "We'll always have each other."
Whether it's your first time with Little Women or you've heard this story too many times to count, I hope it brings you both new and timeless lessons for this phase of your life.
With love,
Esther M. Cohen
CAST
Shea Smith
Mia Hernandez
Aiden Abiuso
Maya Seipel
Sabrina Winford
Jia Weingard
Serena Pearl
Fintan McNamara
Declan Joyce
Molly Sample
Spencer Gordon Avi James
Emmett Portnoy
Photographed by Gabby Rodriguez
CAST
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Music by Jason Howard
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Book by Allan Knee Directed by Esther M. Cohen
ORCHESTRA:
SPECIAL THANKS
Ellie Ebby, Devon Sinclair, Melanie Julian, Caroline Leipf, Liv Shoup, Chris Totora, Luke Abruzzo and Music Program, Dr Miriam Giguere, Lauren Tracy & Paul Jerue
ACT I MUSICAL NUMBERS
OVERTURE..............................................................................................Orchestra
AN OPERATIC TRAGED.......................................Jo, Clarissa, Braxton, Rodrigo
BETTER................................................................................................................Jo
OUR FINEST DREAMS..........................................................Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy
HERE ALONE ................................................... .......................................Marmee
COULD YOU .......................................................... ......................Aunt March, Jo
DELIGHTED......................................................... ............Marmee, Meg, Jo, Beth
TAKE A CHANCE ON ME..................................... ....................................Laurie
TAKE A CHANCE ON ME (TRANSITION)..............................................Laurie
BETTER (REPRISE) ..................................................... .....................................Jo
OFF TO MASSECHUSETTS....................................................Beth, Mr. Laurence FIVER FOREVER........................................................Jo, Laurie, Amy, Meg, Beth
MORE THAN I AM......................................................................Mr. Brooke, Meg
TAKE A CHANCE ON ME (REPRISE).......................................................Laurie
ASTONISHING....................................................................................................Jo
ACT II
IN THE WEEKLY VOLCANO PRESS................. Jo, Braxton, Clarissa, Rodrigo, ...................................................................................Hag, Troll, Knight, Rodrigo 2, ........................................................................................Mrs. Kirk, Professor Bhaer
OFF TO MASSECHUSETTS REPRISE..................Mr. Laurence, Beth, Marmiee, .......................................................................................................Meg, Mr. Brooke
HOW I AM......................................................................................Professor Bhaer
SOMETHINGS ARE MEANT TO BE.......................................................Jo, Beth THE MOST AMAZING THING.........................................................Amy, Laurie
DAYS OF PLENTY....................................................................................Marmee
THE FIRE WITHIN ME......................................................................................Jo
SMALL UMBRELLA IN THE RAIN......................................Professor Bhaer, Jo
VOLCANO (REPRISE)........................................................................................Jo
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
AIDEN ABIUSO (Laurie) is excited to be playing Laurie in this production of Little Women! He would like to thank his friends, family, and his lovely partner, Lauren, for their unending love and support Aiden would also like to thank the cast, crew, and production team for making such an incredible show!
SPENCER GORDON (Mr. Brooke) is a fourth year Communication major who is excited (and a bit sad) to be performing in his final show at Drexel. Past credits include the Mantua Theater Project, DPDT: Forever Hold Your Peace, and Spongebob Squarepants the Musical. In 2020, Spencer was a part of Sticks and Stones, a virtual benefit concert starring Joshua Colley, Audra McDonald, and George Salazar Outside of theatre, he writes, directs, and performs for Drexel Night Live, Drexel's sketch comedy club He'd like to thank his friends and family for their support, as well as the wonderful cast and production team!
MIA HERNANDEZ (Meg) is a fourth-year psychology major who is so excited to be a part of this production At Drexel she has gotten to be a part of two other main stage productions, Urinetown (2025) and She Kills Monsters (2025). She wants to thank the cast for giving her a little family her final year in the undergraduate program, and her friends and family for always being so supportive.
AVI JAMES (Rodrigo) Avi is a first year Materials science and engineering major, and is thrilled and honored to make their Drexel debut in Little Women! They’ve been in numerous semi-pro, community, and high school shows in the past, including “Karl the Giant” in Theatre 444’s Big Fish, “Pirrelli” in Theatre 444’s Sweeney Todd, and “Malvolio” in Myderse Academy’s “Twelfth Night” Outside of the theater, you may see them in Drexel’s 8 to the Bar a cappella group, the University Chorus and Chamber Singers
On their own, they also play the saxophone and crochet They would like to thank this amazing cast for accepting and supporting them Enjoy the show!
DECLAN JOYCE (Mr Lawrence) is a sophomore Film and Television major who is excited to be part of Little Women as his first Main stage Drexel Production. He can juggle, solve a Rubik's Cube and do the polka. But only one of those will appear on stage tonight.
FINTAN MCNAMARA (Professor Bhaer) is so proud to be presenting you his third starring role on the Drexel stage. Starting as a Freshman in CLUE: On Stage!, you may have also caught him as Officer Lockstock in Urinetown last year. Finn is a working professional in the Philadelphia theater scene, where you can catch his name billed under directing and acting roles alike! Keep an eye out for his entry in the 2026 Fringe Festival Love, as always, to his family "Life is muffins and jam "
SERENA PEARL (Aunt March) is grateful to be a part of such a wonderful production and work alongside phenomenal talents You may have seen her in last year’s play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” or in Drexel’s many showcases such as New Works and Advanced Improv. Serena could not be more thankful for her incredible castmates, the hardworking stage managers and crew, the brilliant director and assistant director, her friends, family, and her wonderful roommates. Serena hopes you enjoy the show as much as she loves performing it, if that’s even possible.
EMMETT PORTNOY (Braxton) is thrilled to be a part of such an outstanding group of people putting on Little Women for you tonight! Previous credits include Curious Incident (Christopher), Urinetown: The Musical (Barrel), and Treasure Island (Jim) Hailing from Austin, Texas, he trained with the ZACH PreProfessional Company and Conservatory, but he feels he has grown most as an actor here at Drexel He thanks his loving parents, sister, roommate, and improv team
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Continued
MOLLY SAMPLE (Clarissa) is an Entertainment and Arts Management freshman and is absolutely thrilled to play Clarissa in Drexel’s production of Little Women She has previously performed with the Drexel Theater Company in New Works, Mantua Theater Project, and the Drexel Players’ Dinner Theater Favorite unlisted credits include Roxie Hart (Chicago, Cranford High School) and Mrs Peacock (Clue, Cranford High School) Outside of the theater company, Molly is a member of the Campus Activities Board, Flux, and Drexel Night Live, among others. Many thanks to her family and friends, and a special thank you to Esther Cohen, Owen Robbins, Ben Robare, Frankie LaBelle and the stage management team, and everyone who worked on the show!
MAYA SEIPEL (Marmee) would like to extend endless gratitude to the phenomenally talented and generous cast and crew of Little Women, as well as to the countless individuals who have made her time in Drexel Theatre so fulfilling and unforgettable Maya graduates in June, so find her after the show if you’d like to hire her!
SHEA SMITH (Jo) is delighted to be returning to and taking their final bow on the Drexel stage with this cast and crew Some of their previous credits include Stage Managing for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the Oracle in The Lightning Thief, and “The Flagmaker, 1775” Soloist in Songs for a New World This theatre program has always been a safe haven for Shea to explore, create, express, and connect, and she cannot be more grateful for the opportunity to do so one last time. Shea would like to humbly thank their family, friends, mentors, partner, and everyone else who has made this day possible. Pinkies up, FOREVER!
JIA WEINGARD (Amy) is a rising Senior, Psychology major and Theatre minor. She is delighted to be a part of Little Women the Musical Previous credits: She Kills Monsters, Urinetown, Curious Incident , Clue (Drexel University) Love to Mom and Dad and everyone who inspires her to be astonishing
SABRINA WINFORD (Beth) is a senior criminology and justice studies student excited to showcase the beautiful story of Little Women at Drexel University. She would like to thank her fellow cast mates, her mother, and the Drexel Theatre Company.
WHO’S WHO IN THE CREW AND ARTISTIC TEAM
JEREMY ASHLEY (Violinist) is a Sophomore Computing and Security Technology major I've played violin for almost 13 years, since I was 6 years old I really enjoy playing and listening to classical music and love learning about different genres of music
RHEA BALAJIKUMAR (Spotlight) is a lighting designer with over five years of experience in technical theatre. She has worked on productions such as Radium Girls, Newsies, and The Addams Family as an A/V Captain and lighting technician. Rhea is passionate about using creative lighting to enhance storytelling and bring performances to life.
ALLISON BILGER (Sound Mixer) enjoys playing metal music and watching horror movies.
ALEXA BOYES (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a sophomore in product design with a passion for theater In her time at Drexel, she has acted in Urinetown the Musical and She Kills Monsters She is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside skilled professionals to develop her own skills and grow as a designer
BENJAMIN COOK (Bassist) is a physics major and has been playing the bass since 6th grade. He is currently on co-op at a company improving software for tracking space debris. In his free time, you'll find him at Drexel's sand volleyball courts.
WHO’S WHO CREW & ARTISTIC TEAM
ESTHER M. COHEN (Director) is a Philadelphia-based director, dramaturg, and educator She is proud to return to Drexel after directing THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME last fall She has also taught Season Selection, New Works, and Viewpoints at Drexel. Esther has assisted at The O’Neill Center, The Drama League, and Yale Rep and has worked offBroadway at Signature and Second Stage. She is currently the Artist-in-Residence with Theatre Ariel, Philadelphia's premier Jewish theatre company. She is an inaugural member of the 2019/20 Roundabout Directors Group, a member of the 2019 Williamstown Theatre Festival Directing Corps, and an alumna of the National Theater Institute and the University of Pennsylvania
ADRIANA CRISWELL (Celloist) is a senior, graduating from the music industry program looking to pursue a career in arts management She is thrilled to be participating in the Drexel Theater Program for the first time as a member of the pit orchestra
ALYSSANDRA DOCHERTY (Lighting) is a three-time Barrymore Award-winning lighting designer originally from Vernon, NJ. After graduating from DeSales University, she trained at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut before moving to Philadelphia. Drexel Theatre: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Peter and the Starcatcher, Mutant Water Babies, The Devil’s Auction. Recent Theatre: Sherlock: The Great Detective, Beautiful: The Carole King Story, Walnut Street Theatre; Here You Come Again (Goodspeed Musicals, Delaware Theatre Company); The Stinky Cheese Man , Intimate Apparel, Once On This Island, What the Constitution Means to Me (Arden Theatre Company); The Chequerboard Watch, Tuesdays With Morrie, Always Patsy Cline, Peter and the Starcatcher, Noises Off, Man of La Mancha (Delaware Theatre Company); The Flatlanders (Delaware Theatre Company, 1812 Productions); A Sherlock Carol (Westport Country Playhouse); The 39 Steps (Virginia Stage Company); Primary Trust, The Garbologists, Sweat (Philadelphia Theatre Company); The Play That Goes Wrong (1812
Productions) Additionally, she has traveled to stages in Belarus, Mexico, Bermuda, Serbia, Italy, and all across the USA with Koresh Dance Company, BalletX, SHARP Dance Company, and Brian Sanders’ JUNK Aly is a proud member of IATSE Local USA829. www.alyssandradocherty.com
KAYLA DONALDSON (Master Carpenter) fell in love with carpentry her freshman year of high school, and she joined the Drexel Theater Program as a sophomore. Five years into her career as a carpenter, she is still enjoying learning and participating as much as she can about theater.
BENJAMIN ELLIOT (Drummer) loves bringing the show to life through rhythm and energy He enjoys making music with this great group of performers and being part of the storytelling of the show He’s grateful for this experience and hopes you enjoy the performance
BLAZE FOGLE (Keyboardist) is a senior, graduating from the music industry program looking to pursue a career in arts management. She is thrilled to be participating in the Drexel Theater Program for the first time as a member of the pit orchestra.
FELL GUTIERREZ (Deck Crew) is excited to work their first show with Drexel University. They hope the audience has a great evening and enjoys the show!
ASIF JAMIL (Production Technician) is a PreJunior in digital media and virtual production. They have been working on 3D animation and game design during their time at Drexel Inspired by the incredible shows hosted by the program, they have joined the production crew This is their first ever show where they worked as a production technician Asif is grateful for this experience where they have learned so much, and is looking forward to many more to come
WHO’S WHO CREW & ARTISTIC TEAM
MEGHAN JONES (Set Designer) is elated to be returning to Drexel on Little Women Previous designs include I love you you’re perfect now change, Be More Chill, and Avenue Q Her designs can be seen throughout the Philly region with Quintessence Theatre Group, Inis Nua Theatre Co., PAC, Act II Playhouse, Lantern Theater Co., Montgomery Theater. Past highlighted designs within the region include Garbologists, Children of the Sun, LoveSong, The Hound of The Bakersvilles, The Outsider and Don’t Dress for Dinner. She also designs for DeSales University, St. Joe’s Prep, and Ursinus College. She is currently an Exhibit Designer. Meghan holds her M.F.A. in design from Temple University. Most appreciation to Drexel Faculty, Staff, and Students
HARANG KANG (Production Assistant/Run Crew) is a third-year Animation and Visual Effects major with minors in Theatre and Virtual Production She is very excited to be part of the production team for Little Women!
ASAKI KURUMA (Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager) is a multi-disciplinary artist and a costume designer who worked professionally in the tri-state area for many years. She is also the Costume Shop Manager at Drexel University. Selected costume design credits: The Mountaintop, RENT, the Lehman Trilogy (Arden Theatre Co.), Tick, Tick...Boom! (Theatre Horizon), Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (DeSales University), Meet Murasaki Shikibu... (Tiny Dynamite), Spanish Tragedy, House of Desires (Villanova Theatre), Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, The Lightning Thief, Songs for the New World (Drexel Theatre), Siluetas, Las Mujeres (Power Street Theatre Company), Death of a Driver, 72 Miles to Go , Man of God (InterAct Theatre Company), Winter's Tale, Cymbeline (Delaware Shakespeare Co ), The Taming!, Pericles (Shakespeare in Clark Park), Tiger Style! (Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists) M A - Theatre and Certificate in Nonprofit Management- Villanova University "
FRANKIE LABELLE (Stage Manager) is a 3rd year Entertainment and Arts Management student at Drexel University They have been a part of Theatre Production Scholarship for two and half years and have held a variety of positions as part of the Crew. This is their first time Stage Managing a full production at Drexel University and are excited to experience the work at this scale. Frankie would like to thank the whole Cast, Crew and Creative Team for being so incredible to work with during this whole process.
BELLA MELTZER (Costume Shop Assistant) is a Fashion Design major and Fine Arts Minor with a passion for costume design. She assisted with costumes for past productions including Clue, Urinetown, and She Kills Monsters She also has designed for Drexel's Dance Productions and the Mantua Theatre Project
ESME MOHATT (Asst Stage Manager) is thrilled to be a part of yet another Drexel show Esme is currently pursuing a dual BS/MBA in Entertainment & Arts Management at Drexel Esme has been in theater since age seven with her recent credits including Stage managing for the New Works Festival and run crew for Drexel’s mainstage play, She Kills Monsters. Esme has greatly enjoyed their time working on Little Women and thanks the cast and crew for their dedication.
BEN ROBARE (Asst. Director) is ecstatic to be making his directing debut as the Assistant Director of Little Women! Previously at Drexel, Ben has acted in She Kills Monsters, Urinetown, Curious Incident, and Clue Ben is the president of the Drexel Players and does theater whenever he can get away from his Mechanical Engineering homework Ben thanks Esther Cohen for the never-ending knowledge she gifted him during this show!
WHO’S WHO CREW & ARTISTIC TEAM
OWEN ROBBINS (Musical Director) is a Philadelphia musician, musical director, arranger, vocalist and accompanist For thirteen years, he held the position of Music Director in the Musical Theater Program at the University of the Arts, where he musically directed over 26 shows. He has worked as music director/accompanist on shows with many area theaters, including 1812 Productions, Act II Playhouse, Montgomery Theater, Walnut Street Theater, and the Arden Theatre. Owen has been accompanist and assistant director for various large choruses, allowing travel to farflung locales such as Australia, Western Europe and Oklahoma. In a previous life, he was a musical director for Kings Productions, producing shows for theme parks in the U.S. and Canada He currently teaches at Drexel University and also accompanies the Philly Pops Festival Chorus He is thrilled to be joining Esther and the entire Drexel gang on this production of Little Women Thanks to the talented cast and instrumentalists you make my job a pleasure!
CHRIS SANNINO (Sound Design) is a sound designer, composer, and engineer Based in Philadelphia PA, he is a core contributing member of the immersive performance collective Die-Cast. Recent highlights include Poor Judge (Pig Iron Theatre Co.) and Complications In Sue (Opera Philadelphia). His design work and music have been featured in part with the Wilma Theater, Theater Exile, BalletX, Theatre Horizon, Lantern Theater, Curtis Institute, New Georges, Orbiter 3, Inis Nua, and 1812 Productions amongst many others. Proud member of IATSE USA829 and the TSDCA. Check out SoundCloud com/ChrisSannino for more!
IRINA SCADUTO-MENDOLA (Tech CrewSpot) is excited to be part of Drexel's tech crew! In previous years, she has worked as scenery construction for shows like "Mean Girls" and "Anastasia" in high school She wants to thank her roommate Cam for his support and great snack recommendations
GRACE WEACHTER (Wardrobe) is a senior Film and Television Major She recently worked as puppet wrangler for She Kills Monsters (2025) assistant stage manager for Urinetown (2025), assistant costume designer for The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson (2023), costume designer for Mantua Theater Project (2024 and 2025) and student designer for Drexel Dance Ensemble: Rising as One Student Dance Work (2024). As this is her last show at Drexel, she'd like to give a special thanks to Paul, Chris and Asaki for putting up with her.
JUSTIN WILLIAMS (A2) is a sound engineer and musician specializing in drum and bass who began his live audio career in 2021 as a sound designer and A1 at Boys' Latin of Philadelphia Charter Since then, he has continued developing his skills as a freelance live audio engineer, working on productions and live events Justin made his collegiate debut as an A1 during his freshman year at Drexel University, mixing the production of Urinetown He is currently studying Music Industry at Drexel while continuing to pursue opportunities in live sound and production, while also developing his skills as a mixing engineer in studio work. Justin would like to thank God, his mom Danielle, his grandma Gilda, his brother Julian, and his family and friends for their constant support and encouragement throughout his journey.
KATIE YARRISH (Violinist) is an Entertainment and Arts Management freshman combining her love of theatre production and the violin in the pit orchestra for Little Women! She would like to thank Nick, Owen, and Paul for giving her the opportunity to perform in such an amazing show!
ANDREY YIP (Asst Stage Manager) is so excited to return the production team of a Drexel Mainstage show Andrey is a junior majoring in Entertainment and Arts Management with a concentration in performing arts Much love to my friends and family!! #WeManage!! h an amazing show!
WHO’S WHO CREW & ARTISTIC TEAM
NIKOLA ZVONIK (Light Board Op) loves all things theater They have been doing tech since middle school and is excited to put on Little Women!
MINDI DICKSTEINis an award-winning lyricist, librettist, and playwright. She wrote lyrics for the Broadway musicalLittle Women, which has had productions across the USA and around the world, most recently in Tokyo, Japan, and Manchester, England. She is the lyricist forBenny and Joon, a new musical based on the MGM film, which had its world premiere at The Old Globe, San Diego, and east coast premiere at The Paper Mill Playhouse.Benny and Joonwas developed at NAMT, Transport Group, Running Deer Musical Theater Lab, Goodspeed Johnny Mercer Colony, Theatreworks Silicon Valley, and the Rhinebeck Retreat Among her other works are TRIP (book and lyrics), commissioned by Playwrights Horizons;Toy Story - The Musical(book), Disney Creative Entertainment;Starving to Death in Midtown(a short play), Climate Change Theater Action;Beasts and Saints(book and lyrics), Boston Music Theater Project;The Existential Gourmet, Jane Chambers Award; andGuadeloupe, Westbeth Theater Center. Mindi's songs have been performed widely, most notably as part of Lincoln Center's American Songbook ("Hear and Now: Contemporary Lyricists") and at the Kennedy Center. Awards and honors include: a Jonathan Larson Grant, Massachusetts Artists and New York Foundation for the Arts playwriting fellowships, ASCAP Workshop Bernice Cohen Award, Second Stage Constance Klinsky Award, and a PEN International New Playwright Award (selected by Wendy Wasserstein) She received her MFA from New York University's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, where she was an Oscar Hammerstein Fellow
JASON HOWLAND, an honors graduate of Williams College (1993), is a Grammy Award winning producer, Emmy Award winning arranger, and Tony nominated producer He is the composer of Broadway’s 2005 TONY nominatedLittle Women - The
Musical Howland was nominated for a Tony Award in 1999 for co- producing theThe Lonesome Westby Martin McDonagh, and won an Emmy Award in 2007 for creating and composing the Christmas specialHandel's Messiah Rocksfor the Boston Pops. He is the Arranger and Music Supervisor for the smash hitBeautiful - The Carole King Musical(Broadway, West End, US National Tour, Tokyo, Australian National Tour, UK National Tour) for which he won a Grammy Award;Bonnie and Clyde,Wonderland,Jekyll & Hyde,The Civil War,The Scarlet Pimpernel, in addition to music directing the mega-hitLes Miserables, and Boy George’sTaboo. International projects as an arranger and orchestrator include Frank Wildhorn’s stage adaptation of the Japanese Anime sensationDeath Notefor HoriPro, and two new showsMata HariandThe Man Who Laughs Recent theater projects include composing and orchestrating the original score forIkiru, a new musical based on the Kurosawa film, that premiered in Tokyo, Oct 2018,Last Days of Summer(Kansas City rep), andParadise Squareat Berkeley Repertory Theater
ALLAN KNEE is the author of the playThe Man Who Was Peter Pan, which was the source for the filmFinding Neverland(starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet), which received an Academy Award nomination for best picture, and the subsequent musical, currently touring the US. He wrote the book for the Broadway musicalLittle Womenwhich premiered in Tokyo this fall, and will have a national tour in England next season. Among his other works are the four-part adaptation ofThe Scarlet Letterfor the PBS, the dance drama,Syncopation, about the passion of two workers to become ballroom champions in 1914, which was awarded for best regional play, andThe Jazz Age, which currently placed at the Playground Theatre in London His latest work,The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit(music by Andre Catrini) premiered this November at the Hope Theatre in Manchester, England Allan is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.
DEPARTMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS
DepartmentHead
Dr.MiriamGiguere
ProgramDirectors
LukeAbruzzo Music
NickAnselmo Theatre
JenniferMorley Dance
AdministrativeStaff
EllieEbby DepartmentAssistant
HannahBurke DepartmentAdministrator
CarolineLeipf MandellTheaterManagingDirector
ElishaRobinson PerformingArtsGraduateAssistant
LivShoup AudienceServicesCoordinator
LaurenTracy EnsembleProductionAssociate
ProductionStaff
PaulJerue
TheatreProductionManager/ BlackBoxTheaterTechnicalDirector
AsakiKuruma CostumeShopManager
ChrisTotora MandellTheaterTechnicalDirector
DREXEL THEATRE COMPANY MEMBERS
Aiden Abiuso.............................................................................................................Computer Science
Jason Adams.............................................................................................Computing & Security Tech
Nix Aronowitz................................................................................................................Music Industry
Josh Atkinson........................................................................................................................Psychology
Ben Bailey...........................................................................................................Behavioral Economics
Rhea Balajikumar.................................................................................................................Psychology
Eitan Barkat...........................................................................................................................Marketing
Serena Barone...............................................................................................................Communication
Allie Bilger......................................................................................................................Music Industry
Alexa Boyes.....................................................................................................................Product Design
Anael Brodski..........................................................................................Entertainment & Arts Mgmt
Piper Chen....................................................................................................Architectural Engineering
Rick Connor........................................................................................................................Architecture
Dylan Crespo.............................................................................................................Business Analytics
Connor Daniels........................................................................................................Biological Sciences
Daniel David..............................................................................................................Computer Science
Lois Divoll..........................................................................................................................Mathematics
Kayla Donaldson...................................................................................Animation and Visual Effects
Kai Doron..........................................................................................................Environmental Science
Jonah Elburn...........................................................................................Entertainment & Arts Mgmt
Erik Everitt...............................................................................Interdisciplinary Professional Studies
Sasha Gomulka......................................................................................................................Pyschology
Spencer Gordon............................................................................................................Communication
Will Groschopp...............................................................................................Still Deciding - Business
Mylo Gumbs................................................................................................Screenwriting/Playwriting
Alex Hartley................................................................................................................Film & Television
Sophia Hannah......................................................................................................................Marketing
John Hazlett..................................................................................................................Fashion Design
Hannah Herman.......................................................................................................Entrepreneurship
Cole Herrmann......................................................................................Entertainment & Arts Mgmt
Amelia Hooker...............................................................................................................Fashion Design
Avi James........................................................................................Material Science and Engineering
Abigail Insana..........................................................................................................Biological Sciences
Tessa Jones.....................................................................................................................Fashion Design
Declan Joyce...............................................................................................................Film & Television
Harang Kang..........................................................................................Animation and Visual Effects
Frankie Labelle.......................................................................................Entertainment & Arts Mgmt
Will Lazar.......................................................................................................................Music Industry
Milo Linares....................................................................................................Mechanical Engineering
Kasey Lim.......................................................................................................................Music Industry
Audrey Ling.........................................................................................................................Architecture
Sofya Lobzova....................................................................................................International Business
Sam Macris................................................................................................................Computer Science
DREXEL THEATRE COMPANY MEMBERS
Anthony Finn McNamara.........................................................................................................English
Bella Meltzer.................................................................................................................Fashion Design
Esme Mohatt..........................................................................................Entertainment & Arts Mgmt
Layan Mouhamed.....................................................................................................................Finance
Symone Patterson.........................................................................................................Music Industry
Serena Pearl.................................................................................................................Political Science
Macie Perry...........................................................................................................................Psychology
Leyna Phung.....................................................................................................................Neuroscience
Emmett Portnoy...................................................................................................................Animation
Evan Redl..............................................................................................................................Marketing
Ben Robare....................................................................................................Mechanical Engineering
Natalie Russo.................................................................................................Mechanical Engineering
Sophie Rutan.................................................................................................Mechanical Engineering
Molly Sample.........................................................................................Entertainment & Arts Mgmt
Rafi Sanchez..................................................................................................................Music Industry
Piper Santos..........................................................................................................................Economics
Irina Scaduto-Mendola...............................................................................................Product Design
Scarlett Scanlon....................................................................................Animation and Visual Effects
Maya Seipel...............................................................................................Design and Merchandising
Patrick Shelffo....................................................................................................Sociology/Economics
Avery Shope...................................................................................Electrical/Computer Engineering
Jake Simmons...............................................................................................Mechanical Engineering
Dallas Smith.....................................................................................................................................Law
Krzysztof Swieton..........................................................................................Biomedical Engineering
Kiara Thompson.....................................................................................Environmental Engineering
Dahlia Ufberg........................................................................................................................Marketing
Dylan Ugel.....................................................................................................................Music Industry
Mary Elizabeth Ulses ..............................................................................................Film & Television
Anastasiya Vasilenko...........................................................................................................Psychology
Stella Ware....................................................................................................................Music Industry
Grace Weachter........................................................................................................Film & Television
Jia Weingard........................................................................................................................Psychology
Justin Williams.............................................................................................................Music Industry
Sabrina Winford..............................................................................Criminology and Justice Studies
Katie Yarrish..........................................................................................Entertainment & Arts Mgmt
Andrey Yip..............................................................................................Entertainment & Arts Mgmt
Nikola Zvonik...................................................................................................UGLaw/Business Law
UPCOMING PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
END-OF-TERM THEATRE SHOWCASE - SPRING
June 6, 2026 | URBN Annex Black Box Theater
Director’s Lab| 7:00 PM Advanced Improv| 8:30 PM
CHAMBER STRINGS
June 2, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Mandell Theater
MEDITERRANEAN ENSEMBLE
June 3, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Mandell Theater
JAZZ ORCHESTRA
June 4, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Mandell Theater
DREXEL UNIVERSITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
June 5, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Main Auditorium
DREXEL UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHOIR
June 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Mandell Theater
ALL COLLEGE CHOIR AND CHAMBER BRASS AND WINDS
June 6, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Main Auditorium
UNIVERSITY CHORUS
June 7, 2026 | 3:00 PM | Main Auditorium
CONCERT BAND
June 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Mandell Theater
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