The Matchmaker_MBS Fall Play 2024

Presents

by Thorton Wilder

“The Matchmaker” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

November 13, 15, 16 - 7:00 PM November 14 - 3:30 PM The Theater at Founders Hall

Performing Arts

Morristown Beard School

presents

The 2024-2025 Fall Play

THE MATCHMAKER By

THORTON WILDER Directed by

JIM RUTTMAN

PRESENTED IN THE THEATER AT FOUNDERS HALL

THE CAST (In order of appearance)

HORACE VANDERGELDER................................................... JAY SPENCER CORNELIUS HACKL.......................................................... DANIEL RAIMER BARNABY TUCKER...............................................................CALEB KASMIN MALACHI STACK.................................................................... JOEY LAVIOLA AMBROSE KEMPER................................................... PATRICK BIRNBAUM JOE SCANLON.............................................................................OLIVER BLUM RUDOLF............................................................................. LUCAS ACHILARRE AUGUST........................................................................... NOAH SHIDLOVSKY CABMAN....................................................................................... JACK GONYEA MRS. LEVI........................................................................... SIMEON WILLIAMS MISS FLORA VAN HUYSEN............................ CHARLOTTE SUSSMAN MRS. MALLOY...............................................................INDIYA WEINMANN MINNIE FAY............................................................................ CAMERON WEIL ERMENGARDE..............................................................SAMARA TICHAUER GERTRUDE........................................................................... JULIANA FALZON MISS VAN HUYSEN’S COOK.......................................... JULIA KAROSEN ALEX..................................................................................... JAKE GREENWOOD PATRONS OF HARMONIA GARDENS Madison Blount, Jake Breslow, Ava Rabines, Emerson Reinhardt, Ava D’Agostino, Jamie Cofer, Alli Spencer, Sebastian Miscia The Matchmaker will be performed with a ten minute intermission

THE MATCHMAKER Director/Choreographer............................................................ Jim Ruttman Lighting Design/Technical Director.................................Nicholas Marmo Costume Design......................................................................... Bettina Brierly Wig Design...................................................................................Derek Alfano Scenic Design................................................................................. Jim Ruttman Sound Design....................................................................................Paul Fisher Poster and Program Design.........................................................Sharon Cain Costume Assistant................................................Nancy Priscu, Peter Walsh Associate Choreographer....................................................... Ava D’Agostino Associate Choreographer................................................Emerson Reinhardt Production Stage Manager..............................................................Mae Bailey Stage Managers.............................................. Katherine Chandler, Jaya Pally Deck Manager......................................................................................Jaya Pally Stage Crew.................................. Nathan Chen, Eli Morse, Sophia Sullivan Properties Crew.................................................Ben Bodak, Lilyana Karosen Sound Crew.......................Chris Blancuzzi, Clare Patchett, Nick Troiano Lighting Crew.............................Nathan Chen, Jack Gonyea, Ari Mandel, Eli Morse, David Ojo Light Board Operation................................................... Katherine Chandler Archival Video Crew....................................................................Ellis Conroy Box Office Manager............................................................Allison Delzo Box Office Crew....................................................................... David Ojo House Manager.................................................................... Will Spencer

Special Thanks Liz Morrison, Head of School Ryan Liese, Head of Upper School Boni Luna, Dean of Faculty The MBS Building and Grounds Crew Rachel Platt, Assistant to the Upper School Head Lauren Larco, Set Building Extra Special Thanks to Chatham Community Playhouse and Nicholas Von Hagel To the parents/guardians of the cast and crew, thank you for everything they do!

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

LUCAS ACHILARRE (2026) - Rudolf - is very happy to be in his first

high school play. In previous years, Lucas has supported both the MBS musicals and plays. When Lucas was younger he performed outside of school in Bye, Bye, Birdie (Conrad Birdie). When not on stage, Lucas enjoys lacrosse, the cards for causes club, and reading scripts in acting class. He is so excited to be a part of this incredible cast and can’t to see everyone break a leg out there!

MAE BAILEY (2025) - Production Stage Manager - is ecstatic about

stage managing The Matchmaker as her 5th show at MBS! Mae has been a part of technical theater since freshman year and has stagemanaged Sweet Charity, Inherit the Wind, Be More Chill, Legally Blonde, and The Matchmaker. Outside of MBS, Mae directs shows for a student-led, non-profit theater company called Theater Leadership for Change. Mae wants to thank the directors, cast, and crew for their effort in putting on such an amazing show!

PATRICK BIRNBAUM (2025) - Ambrose Kemper - is a current senior and is super excited for his second and final play at MBS. Last year, In his first MBS play, Dead Man Walking, Patrick portrayed Clyde Percy.

He has also been a part of the ensemble for two musicals Sweet Charity and Be More Chill, and recently played Kyle in Legally Blonde.

Patrick is excited to continue being a part of MBS productions and continues to rely on his family and friends for their unwavering support.

MADISON BLOUNT (2028) - Dancer - is thrilled to be making her stage

debut as a freshman. Inspired by her older sister’s performances in various plays, she was eager to explore the world of theater herself.

In her free time, Madison enjoys taking dance classes in jazz, tap, and ballet. She also loves listening to music and building with Legos, combining her creativity with her passion for the arts.

OLIVER BLUM (2026) - Joe Scanlon - is a junior at Morristown Beard

and thrilled to be performing in his third show, The Matchmaker.

Previously, he took on multiple roles in Dead Man Walking and Legally Blonde, and he is excited to bring new energy to this production.

Oliver thanks his cast, crew, and directors for their support and looks forward to sharing this experience with the audience.

JAKE BRESLOW (2027) - Dancer - is thrilled to participate in his second MBS Upper School play. Previously, he had participated in the 2022 MBS Middle School production Guys & Dolls as Sky, last year’s play, Dead Man Walking, as Herbie, and last year’s musical, Legally Blonde, as Aaron Schultz. He would like to thank Mr. Ruttman 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 The Matchmaker for their outstanding efforts in making this production a success.

KATHERINE CHANDLER (2026) - Stage Manager - is overjoyed to be a stage manager for The Matchmaker! Previously, she has worked on MBS productions of Be More Chill, Dead Man Walking, and Legally Blonde. Outside of Founders Hall she enjoys reading, hiking, and tutoring, as well as playing trivia with friends and family.

She is immensely proud of the cast and her fellow crew and would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.

JAMIE COFER (2028) - Dancer - is excited to be in her first high school show! Jamie has performed in Guys and Dolls Jr. (Adelaide), Addams Family Jr. (Morticia), Finding Nemo Jr. (Bloat), Legally Blonde (Pilar), Wedding Singer (Ensemble), The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear), and Annie Jr (Duffy). Jamie would like to thank her fellow cast and crew who made this show possible. Thank you for an awesome show!

AVA D’AGOSTINO (2026) - Dancer - is excited to be a part of the fall play of The Matchmaker for her junior year! Ava has been a participant in many of MBS’s productions such as Oklahoma!

(Laurey), Inherit the Wind (Melinda), Be More Chill (Ensemble), and Legally Blonde (Serena). She is excited to be dancing with so many talented students and friends. She sends love and thanks to all of the people who make the show possible!

JULIANA FALZON (2026) - Gertrude - Juliana is excited to be a part of The Matchmaker! She has performd in Inherit the Wind, Dead Man Walking, and many other shows. She has also been on crew for both Be More Chill and Legally Blonde. She is so proud of all the other cast and crew members who have worked extremely hard!

Break a leg and have an amazing show!

JACK GONYEA (2025) - Cabman - is pretty excited to be at his final performance at MBS! Jack’s acted in for all four high school shows, The Miser (Anselme), Inherit the Wind (Meeker), and Dead Man Walking (Sgt. Belivau/Man 1). He’s also been doing stage crew for the musicals, which was pretty fun. He’s excited to be doing one last show, and hopes ya’ll have a fun time watching.

JAKE GREENWOOD (2028) - Alex - is ecstatic to be part of The

Matchmaker. Jake has been a member of the MBS community since 6th grade and is now currently a freshman. In middle school, Jake was part of the middle school musicals. Jake had roles such as Will Parker in Oklahoma, 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. This year Jake is taking on the role of Alex in The Matchmaker. Thank you Mr. Wise, Jim Ruttman, and Mr. Marmo for helping him through this journey. Let’s do this, Jake!!!

JULIA KAROSEN (2026) - Miss Van Huysen’s Cook - is excited

to join the cast of The Matchmaker. During her time at MBS, she’s performed in Legally Blonde (ensemble), Inherit the Wind (Mrs. Goodfellow), Oklahoma (Aunt Eller) among others. She wants to thank her cast members, the director, and crew that helped make this show so incredible!

CALEB KASMIN (2028) - Barnaby Tucker - is thrilled to be making

his debut in Founders Hall. Prior to attending MBS, he participated in a variety of theater productions. His favorite appearances include Midsummer Nights Dream (Oberon) and Into the Woods (Jack). He is enrolled in chorus at MBS, and has been attending classes at NJ Film School and Montclair Film for the past 4 years. Caleb is grateful to his family, friends, cast, crew, and directors for their support and encouragement.

JOEY LAVIOLA (2026) - Malachi Stack - is thrilled to perform his

fifth show at MBS, this time as Malachi Stack. His past roles include Howard in Inherit The Wind, Ensemble in Be More Chill, Mitch Poncelet in Dead Man Walking, and Nikos in Legally Blonde. Joey is also a card shark, chess lover, and multilingual student!

SEBASTIAN MISCIA (2026) - Dancer - is incredibly excited for this

year’s fall play, The Matchmaker. Sebastian has been dancing from a very young age and put all of his effort and time into shaping his body into peak physical condition. The battle wasn’t just physical however, since he also had to over-come the mental struggles that come with being such a skilled and talented dancer. This is Sebastian’s first high school production, although he did participate in the 8th grade musical, Oklahoma. Even at such a young age Sebastian’s talent was incredibly clear and his physicality and instincts shined through.

Sebastian would like to thank his gym membership and mother for his gifted skills.

JAYA PALLY (2025) - Stage Manager - is thrilled to be a stage manager for The Matchmaker! In previous years, Jaya has worked in the stage crew for The Miser, Inherit the Wind, Be More Chill, Dead Man Walking, and Legally Blonde. When not backstage, Jaya enjoys playing the viola, writing for the Crimson Sun and reading.

Jaya wishes to thank the directors, cast and fellow crew for all their hard work and dedication. Break a leg!

AVA RABINES (2028) - Dancer - Ava is eager for her first MBS fall play! This is her first year as a part of the Crimson community, and she loves being involved in many different activities. In addition to The Matchmaker, Ava enjoys playing volleyball and basketball, playing in the orchestra, and being involved in many community service clubs.

She would like to thank the entire cast, crew, and faculty for working extremely hard to make this show come to life!

DANIEL RAIMER (2026) - Cornelius Hackl- is excited to appear in

this hilarious production with such a talented cast. Past MBS credits include 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, a talented director and stagecraft wizard, for his patience and dedication; his XC coaches for accommodating rehearsal schedules; and his family for their steadfast support. He also gives credit to this character for showing him that a well-lived life must contain a healthy dose of adventure.

EMERSON REINHARDT (2026) - Dancer - is incredibly excited to be a part of The Matchmaker this year. Last year she participated in her first MBS production, Legally Blonde, and had lot of fun meeting and engaging with new people. She is a part of the MBS dance ensemble and enjoys dancing, singing, and acting. Emerson cannot wait to continue her journey at MBS and continue to be in several more productions. She wants to thank her fellow cast members, all of the crew, Mr. Marmo, Mr. Wise, Mr. Ruttman and so many other incredible people that made this show possible. Enjoy the show!

NOAH SHIDLOVSKY (2028) - August - can’t wait to make his MBS upper school acting debut in The Matchmaker. Noah has been in the middle school’s performances of Guys and Dolls (Harry), and Addams Family (Fester). Outside of MBS, Noah has been in shows like Lost in Yonkers (Arty) and Camp Rock (Andy). When he isn’t acting Noah enjoys playing sports, and playing guitar. He wants to wish good luck to all his cast mates and hopes everyone has an excellent show.

ALLI SPENCER (2028) - Dancer - is a passionate freshman ensemble

dancer in The Matchmaker this Fall. She attended French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, a theater camp where she deepened her love for dance and performance, for three enjoyable years.

Specializing in theater dance, she particularly enjoys bringing stories to life through movement, and is excited to continue her journey in the world of theater and dance. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and experience in both theater and dance make her an invaluable part of the MBS community.

JAY SPENCER (2025) - Horace Vandergelder - is thrilled to be a part

of The Matchmaker! In previous years, Jay has performed in Legally Blonde, Dead Man Walking, Be More Chill, Inherit the Wind, and, their theatrical debut, Sweet Charity. They are so proud of their fellow cast members, as well as the crew members who make the show work behind the scenes. They also want to thank Jim, Ben, Mr. Marmo, and Mr. Wise who have all been incredibly supportive and invested in their theatrical career. Thank you all for an amazing show!

CHARLOTTE SUSSMAN (2025) - Miss Flora Van Huysen - is excited to return to the Founders Stage in The Matchmaker! Charlotte has previously participated in productions such as Legally Blonde, Dead Man Walking, Be More Chill, and more. When she’s not performing, Charlotte can be found working on the Crimson Sun, the Mariah, and the Standard Candle, or participating in Mock Trial. Charlotte would like to thank the directors, crew, and cast for all their hard work!

SAMARA TICHAUER (2028) - Ermengarde - is delighted to be able to make her debut in the Morristown Beard Theater program as Ermengarde, Mr. Vandergelder’s Niece. Samara wants to thank her parents for shuttling her to every rehearsal and her cast members for creating a supportive and warm environment.

CAMERON WEIL (2026) - Minnie Fay - is thrilled to be performing in

her third MBS production, and her first fall play! Cameron has done theater her entire life and has loved every minute of it. She played Elle Woods in last year’s production of Legally Blonde, as well as Brooke in last year’s production of Be More Chill. She has also been a part of many Annie’s Playhouse productions as well as playing Kate in Koda Productions’ Madeline’s Christmas. She is inspired by her older sisters who have also been involved in theater for most of their lives. Her middle sister, Cooper Weil, was a part of all of the theater productions during her time at MBS. Cameron is thankful for all of the support from Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Marmo, the cast and crew, as well as her family and friends. She wishes the best of luck to everyone involved, and is so proud of all the hard work everyone has put in!

SIMEON WILLIAMS (2026) - Mrs. Levi - cannot even put into words how truly ecstatic she is to be a part of this year’s fall play, The Matchmaker. During her time at MBS, she performed in the fall play her freshman year, Inherit the Wind (Elijah). Before her time at MBS, she had the joy of being involved in various other companies’ productions which include, The Adventures of Lewis and Clark (Cassie), Oklahoma (Gertie Cummings), The Music Man (Marian Paroo), and Annie (Miss Hannigan). She also extends an immense amount of gratitude towards the incredible cast/friends and to Mr. Ruttman, Mr. Marmo, and Mr. Wise for being such amazing mentors and allowing her to come back to this school year strong and to do what she loves!

INDIYA WEINMANN (2025) - Mrs. Malloy - is a senior and stars as Irene Molloy in this year’s fall play, The Matchmaker. Indiya has previously starred as Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde, Lucille Poncelet in Dead Man Walking, Rachel Brown in the 2022 fall play, Inherit the Wind, and the role of Elise in the 2021 fall play, The Miser.

In past musicals, she has performed in 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!

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 Jay Spencer Will Spencer Sophia Sullivan Charlotte Sussman Nick Troiano Indiya Weinmann

Performing Arts

Morristown Beard School

Congratulations to the cast and crew of

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

Performing Arts

Morristown Beard School

Join us for these upcoming events in Founders Hall December 6

WINTER DANCE CONCERT December 12

WINTER JAZZ AND PERCUSSION CONCERT December 17

WINTER CHORAL AND STRING ENSEMBLE CONCERT