Heathers The Musical Teen Edition Is presented through a special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
Heathers The Musical Teen Edition Directed by Jordan Schneider Produced by Richard Mazda The Secret Theatre Show Dates: 11/9/2023 - 11/19/2023
CAST VERONICA SAWYER……….………………………….…………………………………………….……….Rosabella Procario-Soler JASON DEAN “J.D” Dean......................................................................................................................................Johnny Hamilton-Janak HEATHER CHANDLER………………..…………………..……………………………………………………..…..Mia Soleil Jacquez HEATHER MCNAMARA/OFFICER MCCORD/YOUNG REPUBLICANETTE/ENSEMBLE………..……..Liv Culver/Kelsi Tirado HEATHER DUKE………………………………………………………………………………………………...……..…Ella Fasbender RAM SWEENEY……………………………………………………………………………………………….....…..……….Baz Duarte KURT KELLY………………….……..………………………………………………………………………....…..………..Jude Martell MARTHA DUNNSTOCK/ENSEMBLE……………………………………………………………………...…Reina Celis/Diana Zorek MS. FLEMING/VERONICA’S MOM………………………………………………………………………...…………..Heather Wilkey RAM’S DAD/BIG BUD DEAN/COACH RIPPER……………………………………………….……….*Christopher Romero Wilson KURT’S DAD/VERONICA’S DAD/PRINCIPAL GOWAN……………………………………..…………………….Zen Tunsaringkra OFFICER MILNER/STONER CHICK/ENSEMBLE………………...…………………………..……………………..…Maddie Ward HIPSTER DORK/ENSEMBLE……………………………………..…………...…………………..……………….……Leon Lisowski PREPPY STUD/NEW WAVE GIRL/ENSEMBLE………………………………………………….…………………….Aine Lunsford BELEAGURED GEEK/ENSEMBLE……………………………..…………………………………..…….……………..Kira Donovan ENSEMBLE: Westerberg Students - (Spooky Kids, Jocks, Cheerleaders, Teen Party Guests, Dead Westerberg Teens) *Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org
CREW LIGHTING/DESIGN……….………………………….………………………………………….……………………….Richard Mazda SET DESIGN TEAM………………………………………………………………………………………Richard Mazda, Noah Jacquez LIGHTING DESIGN………………………………………………………………………………………..Dylan Franz, Richard Mazda CHOREOGRAPHER………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Vanessa Nifry MUSIC DIRECTOR………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Benjy Balatbat COSTUMES/PROPS…………………………………………………………………………………………………..Rianna Incatasciato
Special Thanks to Cindy & Jim of Project for Living Artists! We are grateful for your partnership! We look forward to sharing many more years and many more productions in our wonderful Secret Theatre space!
MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE
ACT TWO
Prom Or Hell? My Dead Gay Son Beautiful Part II Seventeen It’s Been Three Weeks Shine A Light Candy Store Lifeboat Fight For me Shine A Light Reprise Candy Store Playoff Kindergarten Boyfriend Yo, Girl/Meant to Be Freeze YOur Brain Dead Girl Walking Reprise Big Fun Finale (Seventeen Reprise) Dead Girl Walking Beautiful
The Me Inside of Me You’re Welcome Never Shut Up Again Our Love is God
Greetings & Salutations! WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
ROSABELLA PROCARIO-SOLER (Veronica) is a senior at the Professional Performing Arts School majoring in Musical Theatre. She has been in various productions in NYC, favorites include: Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde, Cady Heron in the Mean Girls Jr. Pilot, and Janet Van De Graaf in Drowsy Chaperone. Rosabella made her Broadway debut this year in The Shubert High School Theatre Festival at the Broadhurst Theatre. She is a member of CAT Youth Theatre in Manhattan and St. Benedict's Choir in the Bronx. Rosabella would like to thank everyone involved in Heathers, especially those behind the scenes that make it all happen!
JOHNNY HAMILTON-JANAK (J.D.) is a senior at Professional Performing Arts High School majoring in Drama. Recent credits include Secret Theatre: High School Musical (Chad Danforth), Waterwell: Fucking A (Butcher), Roe (Henry McCluskey), King John (King Philip, Prince Henry, Sound Design/Music). NYU Lamplighters: Matilda (Tommy) and Seussical (Wickersham #1). Off The Page: White Rose Devising Project. Johnny also plays jazz piano, drums, and bass; in his spare time, he writes, records, and mixes music. Thanks to my parents for supporting me. Thanks to Mr. Aja, Ms. Ude, Francisco, Jody and Vicky, and finally, our director, Jordan, for stepping up and making this show as wonderful as it is. P.S. Thanks Mia.
MIA SOLEIL JACQUEZ (Heather Chandler) is a stage and screen actor as well as a Drama Major at Professional Performing Arts HS (PPAS). Recent credits include lead roles in the PPAS production of Roe and C.O.R.E., an educational series pilot produced by Joel Bruno. Performances with The Secret Theatre, Manhattan Youth, and Waterwell include High School Musical (Gabriella); A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Present); Oliver the Musical (Nancy); Matilda, Jr. (Agatha Trunchbull); Into the Woods, Jr. (Baker’s Wife); and Runaways (Runaway). Mia would like to thank Richard Mazda and her Secret family who has supported her for the past 10 years as well as Jordan our outstanding director. Lots of love and hugs to Mom, Dad, Noah, Rianna, Rosabella, Baz, and Diana. https://www.backstage.com/u/MIAJACQUEZ P.S. Thanks Johnny
ELLA FASBENDER (Heather Duke) is a sophomore at Professional Performing Arts High School. She has been at The Secret Theatre for 5 years. Previous credits at The Secret Theatre include High School Musical: On Stage (Taylor McKessie), A Christmas Carol (Martha/Party Guest), Oliver (Charlotte/ensemble), Matilda Jr. (Big Kid Chorus), and Into the Woods Jr. (Lucinda). This Summer Ella was in the original cast of Hello, World! (Bailey). She is so excited to be doing this show and wants to thank her parents, the cast, and the crew.
LIV CULVER (Heather Macnamara/Officer McCord, Young Republicanette, Ensemble) is 15 years old and a proud Queens Native. She has been acting for 9 years and is a sophomore drama major at PPAS. Previous stage credits include Gypsy (Baby June), A Charlie Brown Christmas (Woodstock), Annie (Annie), and Oliver! (Artful Dodger) with the Secret Theatre. Mean Girls the Musical (Cady) with Wingspan Arts. King John (Arthur) with Waterwell. Thanks to her parents and best friends, Margot and Alessandra, for their continued support. Enjoy the show!
KELSI TIRADO (Heather Macnamara/Officer McCord, Young Republicanette, Ensemble) is a freshman at BSGE and a student of the Secret Theatre Academy in Queens. Previous credits include R.E.G.R.E.T. (Sofia) by McGregory Frederique, It Smells Like Springtime (NY Film Festival 2022) and musicals including Beauty and the Beast Jr., Shrek Jr. (AMT), A Charlie Brown’s Christmas, Into the Woods Jr., Matilda Jr. and High School Musical Jr. (Secret Theater). Kelsi loves performing arts, track and field, volleyball, and spending time with friends.
BAZ DUARTE (Ram Sweeney) has been in several shows at the secret theater and is so excited to be in Heathers. Previous roles include High School Musical (Zeke Baylor), A Christmas Carol (Young Scrooge), Macbeth (Banquo) and being the coolest person in the world. Hope you enjoy.
JUDE MARTELL (Kurt Kelly) is a Freshman Vocal Major at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. This is his first show with the Secret Theatre, and he is delighted to be playing the role of Kurt in Heathers! Jude's recent credits include Seussical The Musical (Horton), A Midsummer’s Night Dream, (Nick Bottom) etc. In his free time, Jude enjoys playing the guitar and swimming. He is also learning to fly planes, and would like to do so professionally. Jude would like to thank Baz Duarte for such incredible mentorship in a time crunch.
REINA CELIS (Martha Dunstock/Ensemble) is delighted to perform in HEATHERS at The Secret Theatre! Reina is a Sophomore Drama student at Fiorello LaGuardia High School. She was recently viewed in the Summer of 2023 Shakespeare in the Park production of The Tempest as well as As You Like It in the summer of 2022 at the Public Theater. You might have also seen her here at The Secret in A Christmas Carol (Belle), Matilda, Jr. (Ms. Honey), Into The Woods (Rapunzel), and Annie Jr. (Annette/Boylan Sister) at the Secret Theater. Many of her other credits include The Witch the Lion and The Wardrobe (The White Stag) at the Heights Players Theatre, and FAME! (Carmen Diaz) at Bronx Arts Middle School, where she graduated with a Major in Dance. Reina has studied Acting and Voice with Acting NY, The Secret Theatre Academy, USDAM and Barbizon. She took classes in Tap, Ballet, Contemporary and Hip Hop at the Fancy Feet Dance Studio and Ballet Academy East (BAE). A funny, creative and quirky cat ''woman'' who loves and is passionate about the power of the performing arts, she hopes everyone enjoys the show!
DIANA ZOREK (Martha Dunnstock/Ensemble) is so excited to be in her first Secret Theatre show after being a long time fan! Other credits include NYC: Into The Woods (Community Chorus) at NYCC; Arts In Action Festival at New World Stages. PPAS: Love Of The Nightingale (Hippolytus, The Captain, Male Chorus); Roe (Emily, Helen, Uma, Ensemble, Assistant Dramaturg) ; Royal Blood (Run Crew) ; King John (Assistant Director).Television: AT&T It's Not Complicated, Thor: The Dark World Promos, Every Town For Gun Safety PSA.
HEATHER WILKEY (Mrs. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom) is a professional voice over artist and singer from New Jersey working in radio commercials, health and wellness radio shows, animation, documentaries, & video games. She has studied voice with Cynthia Gibb and renowned teacher Don Lawrence. She sang in CAMI Hall and performed in The Amahl and the Night Visitors at Lincoln Center, and recently, has performed on a sound recording of Einstein, The Musical singing the role of Mileva.
*CHRISTOPHER ROMERO WILSON (Ram's Dad/Big Bud Dean/Principal Gowan) is a New York-based actor/director who has been working in theater and film for more than 25 years. He was a 2022 Broadway World Nominee for Best Performance in an Off- Broadway Play, for his portrayal of Fiorello LaGuardia in Tammany Hall at the SoHo Playhouse. Additional New York stage credits include Charles Dickens in the Secret Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol, Iago in Othello, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Professor Higgins in Pygmalion, Herod in Salome and Uncle Charley in Death of a Salesman, among others. www.ChristopherRomeroWilson.com (*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association)
ZEN TUNSARINGKRAN (he/him) (Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal Gowan) Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Zen Tunsaringkran is an artist in many fields of theatre; performance, design, marketing and management. Where he grew up, there was little to no experiences or education he may gain for a career in the niche industry. Because of this deprivation, he was led to study and pursue his passions in New York: he is currently studying in Brooklyn College after receiving his associates degree at Borough of Manhattan Community College. He is glad to be welcomed back to The Secret Theatre family, being his second production, first was with Between Us Theatre Co. for The Amish Project where he fulfilled the role as Marketing Director. Meanwhile he is performing in this glorious production of Heathers, he is also working as props master for Brooklyn College’s The Virtuous Fall of the Girls from Our Lady of Sorrows running Dec 8-12th. Though he is mainly a performer working prior in opera, he is a jack of all trades, master of some; his last notable work performing on the stage was as Napoleon in “Animal Farm The Musical” on the BMCC stage in November 2022. "
MADDIE WARD (Officer Milner/Stoner Chick/Ensemble) is a 10th grader from Queens. Previous credits include: Oliver! (Mrs. Sowerberry), High School Musical (Kratnoff), Gypsy (Young LA), A Charlie Brown Christmas (Woodstock), Matilda Jr (Moms Chorus), and The Knights of Doom (Danny), all at the Secret Theatre. Maddie would like to extend thanks to her amazing castmates!
AINE LUNSFORD (Preppy Stud/New Wave Girl/Ensemble) is a high school sophomore at The Brooklyn Latin School. Previous credits include Oliver! The Musical and Matilda Jr. , both at The Secret Theater.
LEON LISOWSKI (Hipster Dork, Ensemble) has been a "Professional Heathers Movie Fanatic" for over a year now. It's been a dream come true of his to be able to work with such a talented cast on his favorite production no less.
KIRA DONOVAN (Beleaguered Geek/Ensemble) is 15 years old and a sophomore at the Brooklyn Latin School. This is Kira’s first show at the Secret and she is thrilled to be part of the Heathers cast! Recent credits include Spongebob the Musical (Perch Perkins), The Hypochondriac (Louisa) and High School Musical 2 (Ensemble). Kira would like to thank her parents and friends for their support as well as the Secret for this opportunity.
ABOUT OUR DIRECTOR, PRODUCER & CREW
JORDAN SCHNEIDER [Director] is (color me) stoked to have been brought on to this amazing production and work with such an incredibly talented cast, creative team, and crew! Heathers is a show that is very near and dear to Jordan’s heart as it was the last time he performed onstage before the (dun-dun-duh) pandemic. Jordan is currently in process of pursuing his MSEd in Theatre Education from City College and hopes to fulfill his dream of becoming a high school theater teacher/director as he loves nothing more than helping young artists project their voices, express their creativity, and find a community to belong to. Enjoy the show!
RICHARD MAZDA [Producer/Set & Lighting Design] is a writer, director, producer, actor, singer, filmmaker and musician. Most recently Richard was seen as Fagin in OIiver! and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Some favorite roles as an actor: Prospero, Shylock, Richard III, Gloucester, Pirate Pete. As a Director: Oliver!, A Christmas Carol, Hair, Othello, MacBeth, Ghosts, & 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. Mazda is also an Award winning writer of several hits including Billboard R&B #1 How Long for which he was given a A.S.C.A.P award, and is a published playwright with over 7 Grand Guignol plays, and numerous Children’s theatre plays. Film roles include Harry Potter, Love Actually and Batman Begins. TV Bad Girls [ITV UK] and Eastenders [BBC UK]
BENJY BALATBAT [MUSIC DIRECTOR] is an actor, pianist, and music director based in Manhattan. He has music directed shows for the Gallery Players, Narrows Community Theater, and Baruch College. Benjy has also worked as a ballet pianist for the National Dance Institute and Gibney Dance and a musical theater accompanist for HB Studios and Broadway Imagined Workshops. He has studied acting at HB Studios and performed in A Foray in Innocence at the New York Theater Festival. Instagram: @bnejy
NOAH JACQUEZ [ASSISTANT, SET DESIGN] is an artist currently completing his Associates Degree at BMCC. Noah spent a year at the Joe Kubert school where he studied illustration. You may have seen Noah working the Secret Theatre box office a few times but this is the first time he’s worked on a set. Noah would like to Thank Richard Mazda and the Secret team for this opportunity.
RIANNA INCATASCIATO [ASSISTANT COSTUMER & PROP MASTER] is a local artist with expertise in multimedia illustration and certain fiber arts. She is currently working towards her Associates degree in Sociology, but also enjoys selling her handmade garments and jewelry to friends, family, or other local artists. Rianna has been working with the Secret for over a year as Box Office Representative and Prop Assistant. She is absolutely thrilled to be working with Richard Mazda as Assistant Costumer and Prop Master on this production of Heathers.
A NOTE ABOUT THE SECRET THEATRE The Secret Theatre is an Off-Off-Broadway theatre that was started in 2007 by Richard Mazda a writer, director producer, actor, singer, filmmaker, and musician who settled in Queens after leaving his home in the U.K. Recognizing the importance of the arts to the development of children and communities, Richard established the theatre at the Long Island City Arts Center where it thrived up until 2022. Much like the rest of us, Richard suffered the economic effects of the global pandemic and had no choice but to close the doors of the theatre’s LIC home shortly after quarantine was mandated. With kids learning from home and being restricted from engaging with their peers, the need for the Secret Theatre was more important than ever so Richard switched to an online only platform and was able to continue to provide classes in acting, music, and dance to his students. In June 2021 Richard partnered with Project for Living Artists to obtain a new space and the Secret Theatre planted new roots in Woodside. In addition, Richard was able to secure space in Sunnyside for the Secret Theatre Academy for kids and teens ages 4-17. The Academy continues to offer group and individual classes in Acting, Musical Theatre, and dance as well as holiday and summer camps. Since its physical re-opening in 2021, the Secret Theatre has presented adult and children’s shows including Oliver the Musical, Matilda, Jr., High School Musical and, Into the Woods, Jr. The theatre also hosted its annual Queens One Act Festival in 2022 which brought talent from all over the US and a boost to the Woodside economy! In addition, the Secret continues to present Princess Particular and Pirate Pete’s Parrot, the longest running children’s shows in Queens! We are proud of our little theatre, but we are most proud of the relationships fostered by it. A home away from home, the Secret theatre has created an environment that promotes socialization, camaraderie, and long-lasting friendships on and off stage. We need Secret to continue this work, however, the current economy is hurting us. A decrease in enrollments for camps and classes has made it almost impossible to get the funds we need to continue our wonderful productions.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SECRET ACADEMY AND THE SECRET THEATRE, VISIT www.secrettheatre.com
Theatre: 38-02 61st Street, Woodside, NY 11377 Academy: 50-12 Skillman Ave, Queens, NY 11377