MBS-Upper School Musical_2025

PRESENTS

Presents

Performing Arts

Morristown Beard School

presents

The 2024-2025 Upper School Musical

INTO THE WOODS Music and Lyrics by

STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by

JAMES LAPINE Originally Directed on Broadway by

JAMES LAPINE Orchestrations by

JONATHAN TUNICK In Dedication to Ross Hindley

PRESENTED IN THE THEATER AT FOUNDERS HALL

THE CAST (In order of appearance) NARRATOR................................................... TAYLA BELLINGHAM ’27 CINDERELLA......................................................... CAMERON WEIL ’26 JACK........................................................................... CALEB KASMIN ’28 JACK’S MOTHER......................................CHARLOTTE SUSSMAN ’25 MILKY WHITE........................................................... JACK GONYEA ’25 BAKER...................................................................... DANIEL RAIMER ’26 BAKER’S WIFE..................................................... MAYA LEVASSEUR ’26 CINDERELLA’S STEPMOTHER........................LOLA SCHLEIFER ’27 WITCH..............................................................INDIYA WEINMANN ’25 FLORINDA............................................................ AVA D’AGOSTINO ’26 LUCINDA................................................................. JULIA KAROSEN ’26 CINDERELLA’S FATHER.............................. CALLEN LEVASSEUR ’28 LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD........................... SYDNEY SAMSON ’25 CINDERELLA’S MOTHER......................................... JAMIE COFER ’28 MYSTERIOUS MAN..................................................... JAY SPENCER ’25 GRANNY...............................................................JULIANA FALZON ’26 WOLF................................................... GIUSEPPE ( JOEY) LAVIOLA ’26 CINDERELLA’S PRINCE.............................................ARI MANDEL ’26 RAPUNZEL........................................................ SIMEON WILLIAMS ’26 RAPUNZEL’S PRINCE.................................. PATRICK BIRNBAUM ’25 STEWARD...................................................................JAKE BRESLOW ’27 SLEEPING BEAUTY.......................................SAMARA TICHAUER ’28 SNOW WHITE.................................................. OLIVIA RICCIARDI ’28 GIANT.........................................................................SAMARA TICHAUER ’28 ENSEMBLE Lucas Achilarre ’26, Paige Everett ’28, Jake Greenwood ’28, Sebastian Miscia ’26, Olivia Ricciardi ’28, Emma Tofias ’27

Into the Woods will be performed with a ten minute intermission.

INTO THE WOODS Director/Choreographer............................................................ Jim Ruttman Music Director................................................................................... Alex Wise Lighting Design/Technical Director.................................Nicholas Marmo Costume Design......................................................................... Bettina Brierly Wig Design...................................................................................Derek Alfano Milky White Design...............................................................Holly Lehmann Scenic Design................................................................................. Jim Ruttman Scenic Painting and Dressing.................................................... Lauren Larco Sound Design.................................................................. Paul Fisher P ’12, ’16 Poster and Program Design.........................................................Sharon Cain Calling Stage Manager.................................................Lauren M. Grof-Tisza Costume Assistant......................Emily Knapp, Nancy Priscu, Peter Walsh Production Stage Manager.......................................................Mae Bailey ’25 Stage Managers.................................Katherine Chandler ’26, Jaya Pally ’25 Assistant Stage Manager......................................................Allison Delzo ’26 Stage Crew............................................... Nathan Chen ’28, Rohan Pally ’28 Fly Operator.......................................................................Ronnie Schreier ’26 Cow Wrangler...................................................................Lilyana Karosen ’28 Properties Crew..................................................................Sophia Sullivan ’25 Costume Crew......................................................................Allison Delzo ’26 Sound Crew..... Chris Blancuzzi ’26, Clare Patchett ’26, Nick Troiano ’25 Follow Spot Operators.................................Ben Bodack ’27, Eli Morse ’28 Lighting Crew.........Nathan Chen ’28, Jack Gonyea ’25, Ari Mandel ’26, Eli Morse ’28, David Ojo ’27 Light Board Operation............................................ Katherine Chandler ’26 Archival Video Crew............................................................. Ellis Conroy ’26 Box Office Manager............................................................... Will Spencer ’25 House Manager...........................................................................David Ojo ’27 Stage Craft Class.............. Lucas Achilarre ’26, Theo Allen McGrann ’26, Declan Drury ’27, Charlie Fernandez ’26, Cole Heck ’25, Jake Kahm ’26, Blake Sikora ’25, Marco Valastro ’25

Special Thanks Liz Morrison, Head of School Ryan Liese P ’31, Head of Upper School Boni Luna, Dean of Faculty The MBS Building and Grounds Crew Rachel Platt, Assistant to the Upper School Head Leslie Williams-Ellis Ed Whitman Taylor Jaskula ’17 Jack Collins ’16 Nick Von Hagel Chatham Community Playhouse Additional thanks to the parents/guardians of the cast and crew. Thank you for everything!

WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY (in alphabetical order)

LUCAS ACHILARRE (2026) - Ensemble - Lucas is very happy to be participating in his second high school performance.

During the fall of 2024, Lucas had his first high school role in The Matchmaker (Rudolph). This was Lucas’s first time being in a high school production. When Lucas was younger he peformed outside of school in Bye, Bye, Birdie (Conrad Birdie). When not on stage, Lucas enjoys playing hockey, participating in the Cards for Causes Club, and reading scripts in acting class. He is so excited to be a part of this incredible cast and cannot wait to see everyone break a leg out there!

MAE BAILEY (2025) - Production Stage Manager - Mae is thrilled to be a part of Into the Woods as her last high school show! Mae has been a stage manager at MBS since her freshman year, with her favorites being The Matchmaker, Legally Blonde, and Sweet Charity.

Mae is so proud of the cast and crew of Into the Woods and wants to thank the directors for their dedication to this show. Thank you for an incredible last show!

TAYLA BELLINGHAM (2027) - Narrator - Tayla is very excited to perform in her first show at MBS. She has been doing musical theatre for over 6 years, and is now taking on the role of the Narrator in this year’s production of Into the Woods. She has loved working with this cast and crew, and gives her thanks to the directors and producers of the show.

PATRICK BIRNBAUM (2025) - Rapunzel’s Prince - Patrick is currently

a senior and is super excited for his final performance at MBS. Last year, in his first MBS play Dead Man Walking, Patrick portrayed Clyde Percy, and earlier this year he portrayed Ambrose Kemper in The Matchmaker. He has also been a part of the ensemble for two musicals Sweet Charity and Be More Chill, and played Kyle in Legally Blonde last year. Patrick is excited to be a part of MBS productions and continues to rely on his family and friends for their unwavering support.

JAKE BRESLOW (2027) - Steward - is thrilled to be in the cast of

Into the Woods, his second MBS Upper School musical! Previously, he participated in the 2022 MBS Middle School production Guys & Dolls as Sky, last year’s play Dead Man Walking, as Herbie, last year’s musical, Legally Blonde, as Aaron Schultz, and the fall 2024 play as a dancer. He would like to thank Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Wise, and Mr. Marmo for staging, organizing, and making the show come together. He would also like to give thanks to his family for always supporting him, and the cast and crew of Into the Woods for their outstanding efforts in making this production a success.

KATHERINE CHANDLER (2026) - Stage Manager - Katherine is delighted to return to the role of Stage Manager for Into the Woods.

She served as the House Manager for Dead Man Walking before joining the Stage Management team for Legally Blonde and this year’s The Matchmaker. Katherine would like to thank the cast and crew for their unwavering dedication and continued hard work towards making this show possible!

JAMIE COFER (2028) - Cinderella’s Mother - is thrilled to be making

her Upper School musical debut! She is no stranger to the Founders Hall stage. She has appeared in past MBS Middle School shows: The Addams Family Jr. (Morticia), Guys and Dolls Jr. (Adelaide), and Oklahoma! Jr. (Kate). Jamie studies theater year round. She has also appeared in Legally Blonde (Pilar), The Wedding Singer (Featured Ensemble), Finding Nemo Jr. (Bloat), Legally Blonde Jr. (Elle), 101 Dalmatians Kids Jr. (Cruella de Vil), Junie B. Jones Jr. (Mrs. Scary) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Jr. (Leaf Coneybear). Jamie loves dogs and all things Disney. She appreciates Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Marmo, Mr. Wise and the entire cast and crew of Into the Woods.

AVA D’AGOSTINO (2026) - Florinda - Ava ​​ is very excited to be part of Into the Woods for her junior year at MBS. Previously, Ava has been in many MBS productions such as Oklahoma! (Laurie), Be More Chill (Ensemble), and Legally Blonde (Serena). Ava is incredibly proud of the work and dedication her castmates put in to the show. She is grateful to Mr. Ruttman and Mr. Wise for making yet another show memorable.

ALLISON DELZO (2026) - Assistant Stage Manager - Allison is delighted to be a stage manager for Into the Woods. Although it is her first time as stage manager, she has been involved with many of the productions in different ways. Allison performed in Inherit the Wind and after worked her way up from usher to stage manager for other productions. Allison gives a big thanks to the directors, crew, and cast for working so hard all the time!

PAIGE EVERETT (2028) - Ensemble - Paige is super excited for her first performance on the MBS stage! Outside of school, some of her favorite past roles include Matilda (Matilda), Annie (Miss Hannigan), and The Little Mermaid (Sebastian). When she’s not performing, she loves to play soccer, ski, and hang out with her friends. Paige would like to thank Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Wise, Mr. Marmo, and the entire cast and crew!

JULIANA FALZON (2026) - Grandmother - Juliana is thrilled to be

a part of the cast for Into the Woods! She absolutely loves theatre and is extremely excited to play the role of Granny. Juliana has been doing theatre since she was young and is very happy to continue it. In previous years, she has been in Inherit the Wind, Dead Man Walking, and The Matchmaker. She has also been on crew for Be More Chill and Legally Blonde. She wants to thank Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Marmo, and Mr. Wise for putting together the show! She also wants to say congrats to the cast and crew!

JACK GONYEA (2025) - Milky White - This is Jack’s first (and last) musical at MBS! He has participated in four plays previously and has done crew work for musicals. This year, Jack is playing the cow, Milky White. He’s excited to hop on stage for his last show, rather than sit in the balcony doing lights. Jack wishes everyone “good luck” and a “moo-tiful” show of Into The Woods.

JAKE GREENWOOD (2028) - Ensemble - Jake Greenwood is ecstatic to be part of Into the Woods. Jake has been a member of the MBS community since 6th grade and is now currently a freshman. Jake was part of the middle school musicals. Jake had roles such as Will Parker in Oklahoma! Jr., Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, and Gomez Adams in the Addam’s Family. Outside of school Jake was part of the Moulin Rouge and played the M.C. Harold Zidler. Jake also played the role of Alex in The Matchmaker in the fall. Thank you Mr. Wise, Mr. Ruttman, and Mr. Marmo for helping him through this journey.

JULIA KAROSEN (2026) - Lucinda - Julia is excited to join the cast of Into the Woods as Lucinda, one of Cinderella’s stepsisters.

During her time at MBS, she’s performed in The Matchmaker (Miss Van Huysen’s Cook), Legally Blonde (ensemble), Inherit the Wind (Mrs. Goodfellow), and Oklahoma! (Aunt Eller) among others. She would like to thank and congratulate her talented cast members and friends, Mr. Wise, Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Marmo, and the amazing crew that put this show together.

CALEB KASMIN (2028) - Jack - This is Caleb’s second performance at MBS. He recently played the role of Barnaby Tucker in The Matchmaker. Caleb is exited to continue theater for the next three years of high school. He is extremely thankful for cast and crew and all that the theater department has done for him at MBS.

GIUSEPPE (JOEY) LAVIOLA (2026) - The Wolf - Joey Laviola is

thrilled to perform his sixth show here at MBS as the wolf! His past roles were Howard from Inherit The Wind, Ensemble in Be More Chill, Mitch Poncelet in Dead Man Walking, and Malachi Stack from The Matchmaker. Joey is also a card dealer in his free time, a multilingual student (fluent in Italian!), and a tap dance extraordinaire. Watch out for the big bad Wolf!

CALLEN LEVASSEUR (2028) - Cinderella’s Father - Callen is thrilled to appear in his first Upper School Morristown Beard show! Callen has relentlessly practiced for his roles this year. He has perfected the art of standing so incredibly still that in rehearsals some people mistake him for an actual tree. He also trains to be a wolf, vigorously studying his dog movements, and bought a pet fish to prepare for his role as Cinderellas Father, caring for the fish in ways a father would. He can now empathize with the struggle of widowed fathers.

He thanks Mr. Ruttman and Mr. Wise for the opportunity to be in this years show!

MAYA LEVASSEUR (2026) - Baker’s Wife - Maya is excited to return to the stage for her third Morristown Beard School musical! In previous years at MBS, Maya has preformed in Be More Chill (Ensemble) and Legally Blonde (Pilar). She receives training at Annie’s Playhouse and MPAC (Mayo Preforming Arts Center) right here in Morristown! Maya thanks Mr. Ruttman and Mr. Wise for their endless support and she wishes good luck to everyone in the cast!

ARI MANDEL (2026) - Cinderella’s Prince - Ari is excited to join the

cast of Into the Woods at MBS. His roles include: Michael Mell in Be More Chill, Zack Mooneyham in School of Rock, Maui in Disney’s Moana Jr., Jafarin Disney’s Aladdin, and Chad in High School Musical. Ari would like to thank his family, friends, the cast and crew, Mr. Marmo, Mr. Ruttman, and Mr. Wise for their support, wisdom and kindness.

SEBASTIAN MISCIA (2026) - Ensemble - It is such a treat to see Sebastian Miscia out on the stage again. Sebastian is continuing his legacy from the previous MBS production by being a star in every aspect of the word. He has had a great time in the musical Into the Woods and the play The Matchmaker and he is so grateful to all of the theater staff. Sebastian can’t wait to continue doing theater at Morristown Beard School.

JAYA PALLY (2025) - Stage Manager - Jaya is excited for Into the Woods to be her last high school show! This is Jaya’s seventh production at MBS in the technical department and her fourth as a stage manager, previously participating in productions such as Dead Man Walking, Legally Blonde, and The Matchmaker. Jaya would like to thank Mr. Marmo, Mr. Ruttman, and the entire cast and crew for their hard work and dedication and all the theatre department has done for her during her time at MBS. DANIEL RAIMER (2026) - Baker - Daniel is honored to appear in this timeless and cautionary tale that reminds us not to take anything for granted. Past MBS credits include The Matchmaker (Cornelius Hackl), Legally Blonde (Warner), Dead Man Walking (Mr. Delacroix), Be More Chill (Jeremy), Inherit the Wind (Bert), Oklahoma! (Curly), Sweeney Todd (Toby), and Cabaret (Boy Soprano). Special thanks to Mr. Ruttman and Mr. Wise for their guidance and extraordinary dedication; to his swim coaches for accommodating rehearsal schedules; and to his family for their steadfast support. It has been a privilege to take this journey into the woods with such a talented cast!

OLIVIA RICCIARDI (2028) - Ensemble - Olivia is excited to perform

on the MBS stage as a freshman. Olivia has participated in shows outside of school, including The Little Mermaid (Scuttle and Mersister), Wizard of Oz (Ensemble), and Legally Blonde (Pilar). Olivia wants to thank her amazing cast members, crew, and directors for making her first high school musical an amazing experience!

SYDNEY SAMSON (2025) - Little Red - Sydney is so excited to be

in the cast of Into the Woods for her senior year. In previous years Sydney has been featured in Be More Chill, Dead Man Walking and Legally Blonde. Sydney appreciates the cast and crew for their hard work and wants to specifically give a special thanks to Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Wise and Mr. Marmo.

LOLA SCHLEIFER (2027) - Stepmother - Lola is so excited to perform in Into the Woods, her first ever appearance in an MBS show! Prior to MBS, Lola performed in the productions The Children of Hercules, One Third of a Nation, and The Tempest. When not on stage, she plays field hockey, sings in chorus, and is a GLOW Club leader. She is extremely proud of the entire cast and crew, and grateful to be a part of this year’s production.

JAY SPENCER (2025) - Mysterious Man - Jay is excited to perform

in their last performance at MBS: Into the Woods! They have previously performed in Sweet Charity, Inherit the Wind, Be More Chill, Dead Man Walking, Legally Blonde, and The Matchmaker. Jay is a long time Sondheim fan, and is thrilled to perform in one of his shows. Jay would like to thank Mr. Ruttman and Mr. Wise for their extensive guidance and mentorship. They are also in great debt to all in the cast and crew for their tireless support and often thankless hard work. They thank everyone for an incredible four years and memories that will last for decades to come.

CHARLOTTE SUSSMAN (2025) - Jack’s Mother - Charlotte is thrilled

to be returning to the MBS stage in Into the Woods! Previously, Charlotte has appeared in The Matchmaker as Flora Van Huysen, Legally Blonde as Enid Hoopes and more. When not performing, Charlotte can be found working on the Mariah and the Crimson Sun. She would like to thank Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Wise, Mr. Marmo, and the whole cast and crew for making this an awesome last show.

SAMARA TICHAUER (2028) - The Giant/Sleeping Beauty - Samara is thrilled to return to the MBS stage for the second time for this year’s production of Into the Woods. In the past, Samara has participated in the play The Matchmaker in which she played the role of Ermengarde. When Samara isn’t going over her lines or practicing songs, she likes to go on runs, play field hockey, and participate in the Mock Trial club! Samara would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew as well as Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Wise, and Mr. Marmo for being able to make this production happen!

EMMA TOFIAS (2027) - Ensemble - Emma is excited to perform

in her second high school musical at MBS. She has been doing musical theatre and dance since she was little. In MBS Middle School she loved playing Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. and Ado Annie in Oklahoma!. Some of her favorite roles that she has played in recent years were Evie in Descendents, Rizzo in Grease, and Tanya in Mamma Mia. She’d like to thank the director, producers, cast and crew of this show.

CAMERON WEIL (2026) - Cinderella - Cameron is thrilled to be performing in her fourth MBS production. Her previous MBS productions include Elle in Legally Blonde, Minnie in The Matchmaker, and Kate in Be More Chill. In addition, she had been a part of many of the Annie’s Playhouse productions and Kota Productions. She wants to thank the cast, crew, as well and Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Wise, and Mr. Marmo for helping to produce this show. She wishes the best of luck to everyone involved!

INDIYA WEINMANN (2025) - The Witch - Indiya Weinmann is a

senior and stars as The Witch in this year’s musical, Into the Woods.

Indiya has previously starred as Irene Molloy in The Matchmaker, Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde, Lucille Poncelet in Dead Man Walking, Rachel Brown in Inherit the Wind, and the role of Elise in the 2021 fall play, The Miser. She was part of the ensemble in Be More Chill and Sweet Charity. She has performed in many more musicals and plays and takes part in sports competitions as well.

Her interests include running, swimming, and singing. She wishes the best of luck to the cast and crew and hopes the audience enjoys the show!

SIMEON WILLIAMS (2026) - Rapunzel - Simeon is beyond overjoyed

to be able to do her first musical at MBS with an exceptionally talented cast for Into the Woods! Prior to this show, Simeon has had the privilege to be in the musicals, The Adventures of Lewis and Clark (Cassie), Oklahoma! (Gertie Cummings), The Music Man (Marian Paroo), and Annie (Miss Hannigan) as well as the plays Inherit the Wind (Elijah) and The Matchmaker (Dolly Levi). Simeon would like to thank Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Wise, and Mr. Marmo for being such amazing mentors and everyone who has made this incredible show possible. Being able to do the one thing that she loves the most with such a supportive community makes her excited for what next year’s theater program has to offer! Congrats everyone!!!

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO OUR SENIOR CAST AND CREW MEMBERS May the memories and friendships you made in Founders Hall last a lifetime!

Mae Bailey Patrick Birnbaum Jack Gonyea Jaya Pally Sydney Samson Jay Spencer Will Spencer Sophia Sullivan Charlotte Sussman Nick Troiano Indiya Weinmann

Performing Arts

Morristown Beard School

Congratulations to the cast and crew of

INTO THE WOODS The MBS Performing Arts Department Carolyn Baldacchini Andrea Deventer John Girvin Nik Marmo Jim Ruttman Alex Wise

Join us for these upcoming events in Founders Hall April 29

SPRING CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL CONCERT May 1

SPRING JAZZ AND PERCUSSION CONCERT May 9

SPRING DANCE CONCERT