20240301 Cozy Cabaret

March 1st & 2nd, 2024

Scenes & Musical Numbers ACT I

Hygge (Frozen: The Musical)......................................................................................................................Cast Being Alive (Company)...............................................................................................................Cristy Chory Vienna (Billy Joel).................................................................................................................................Julia Park La Vie en Rose (Edith Piaf )..................................................................................................Laura Donnelly The Life I Never Led (Sister Act: The Musical)................................................Noelle Joy Fiorentino We Can Be Kind (David Friedman)...............................................................................Shirley Bonanni Lover (Taylor Swift)..............................................................................................................Shannon O'Niell Afternoon (Alice by Heart)...........................................................Tyler Ball & Lindsay Zimmerman Times are Hard for Dreamers (Amelie: The Musical).........................................................Betsy Falk I Feel So Much Spring (A New Brain)......................................................................................................Cast - There will be a 15-minute intermission -

ACT II

The Campfire Song Song (Spongebob Squarepants).................................................Gideon Falk You've Got a Friend (Carole King/Beautiful: The Musical)...........................................................Cast As if We Never Said Goodbye (Sunset Boulevard)............................................Brittany Recupero A Soft Place to Land (Waitress)............................Dani Cantor, Maeve O'Brien & Katie Sacco Notice Me Horton (Seussical)...........................................................................Laura & Brian Shapella What I Did For Love (A Chorus Line).............................................................................Becca Begnaud I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston)..........................................................Fabiana Merscher I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher)........................................................Steve & Yvonne Montgomery What More Do I Need (Marry Me A Little)...............................................................Nicolette Adams Age of Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In (Hair)......................................................................................Cast

Cast List

Nicolette Adams Grace Albert Tyler Ball Diane Balog Becca Begnaud Bella Bonanni Shirley Bonanni Sean Brennan Dani Cantor Cristy Chory Lyla Dominick Laura Donnelly Betsy Falk Gideon Falk Noelle Joy Fiorentino Aleeza Furman Troy Gartner Fabiana Merscher Steve Montgomery Yvonne Montgomery Maeve O'Brien Shannon O'Neill Julia Park Brittany Recupero Katie Sacco Brian Shapella Katie Shapella Laura Shapella Lindsay Zimmerman

Production Team Director / Music Director / Set Design Maddie Sapp & Michael Thompkins Choreographer Natalie Starr Producer / House & Stage Manager Lisamarie Bianchi & Gabi Cherelli Accompanists Anne Donnelly (Cello) Ben Fickinger (Guitar) Sam Frenkel (Piano) Michael Mann (Cajon) Maddie Sapp (Ukulele) Tech Director / Lights & Sound Ryan Kadwill & Cassidy Butler Graphic Design Gabi Cherelli & Christine Furey Photographer John Gray Board Liaison / Concessions Kate McShane MCT 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Nicolette Adams (President) Lindsay Zimmerman (Vice President) Rebecca Yenser (Secretary) Brenda Capwell (Treasurer) - non-board Allison Baron Barb Cross John Gray Heather McElhiney Kate McShane Maddie Sapp

MEET THE CAST Nicolette Adams (What More Do I Need - Marry Me a Little) Nicolette is excited to be part of MCT's first cabaret! Nicolette has been a member of MCT since 2010, and has had the pleasure of playing such roles as Maria (Sound of Music), Fiona (Shrek the Musical), Cinderella (Into the Woods), and Rosemary (How to Succeed...), among others. She would like to thank Maddie and Michael for bringing this idea to life, and allowing her to be involved!

Grace Albert (Ensemble) Grace is excited to be back with MCT! Her last MCT appearance was in City Of Angels as Sonny. She recently appeared as Cinderellas Stepmother in Into the Woods at Viviana and was apart of Town and Country players holiday show. When she’s not on stage, she loves sewing and cosplaying.

Tyler Ball (Afternoon - Alice by Heart) Tyler is bursting with excitement to join the fantastic cast of Cozy Cabaret! For him, cozy means snuggling up by the firepit on a crisp autumn evening, soaking in the splendor of the universe all around! Most recently, you might have spotted Tyler as Monty Navarro in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at MCT. Huge shoutout to friends and family for their unwavering love and support. Here's to countless more magical moments on stage and creating beautiful music together!

MEET THE CAST Diane Balog (Ensemble) Diane is thrilled to return to the MCT stage for the first time since 2018. Since then, she has been working on committees and behind the scenes as stage crew for several productions.

She is best known by many MCT members for playing Snoopy for the Variety Club Camp Fall Festival and Holiday Lane each year, so much so that some members have taken to nicknaming her Snoopy. What does comfy mean to me?

I could name things that are comfy, but what do they have in common? I think comfy is anything that makes you feel something good in a relaxing way. It can be the memory of first falling in love, a fire on a cold night, or simply feeling like you belong.

Becca Begnaud (What I Did for Love - A Chorus Line) Becca is very excited to be a part of the Cozy Cabaret at MCT. They were previously a part of MCT’s production of Matilda as a member of the stage crew, and in Big Fish in the ensemble.

Local credits include: Players Club of Swarthmore: Puffs!

(Susie/Harry), Judy Moody (Parrot Blackbeard), and Fiddler on the Roof (Ensemble). Footlighters Theatre: A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Crachit), Once Upon a Mattress (Lady H), and West Side Story (Consuela). Colonial Playhouse: Ken Ludwig’s Three Musketeers (Sabine). Barn Playhouse: Hunchback of Notre Dame (Gargoyle/Ensemble). Tiferet Bet Israel: Wizard of Oz (Dance Captain/Ensemble). Cozy to me means a place where you feel safe, comforted and loved.

Bella Bonanni (Ensemble) Bella is excited to be back with MCT for Cozy Cabaret! She was previously seen in the youth production of Anastasia (Ensemble). Bella would like to thank the cast and crew for welcoming her, as well as her family, friends, and Potato (her dog) for all of their support. What does cozy mean to Bella?

Cozy to me means being wrapped up in a fluffy blanket with hot cocoa.

MEET THE CAST Shirley Bonanni (We Can Be Kind - David Friedman) Shirley is excited to be back with MCT for Cozy Cabaret! She was previously seen on their mainstage in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (Ensemble) and Matilda (Adult Ensemble).

Shirley would like to thank the incredibly talented and welcoming cast and crew for this wonderful experience and the opportunity to share the stage with her daughter for the first time! She is so grateful for the encouragement from her family, especially Fabian, her husband, and their children, Logan (12) and Bella (10). Also, special thanks to friends, coworkers, and vocal coach, Heidi Hayes, for all of their continued support!

What does cozy mean to Shirley? Cozy to me means warm hugs from those I love.

Sean Brennan (Ensemble) Sean is so grateful to be apart of this Cozy Cabaret! This is his third performance with MCT. He hopes you find this Cabaret as Cozy as he does!

Dani Cantor (A Soft Place to Land - Waitress) Dani is pleased as pie to be performing a song about dreams, friendship, and baked goods with the sugar and butter to her flour, Katie Sacco and Maeve O’Brien. As her surname suggests, Dani loves singing. In addition to MCT productions, she performs with the Philadelphia Chorus throughout the year.

Coziness to her is family, friends, coffee, and a cat purring in her lap cuz it loves her.

MEET THE CAST Cristy Chory (Being Alive - Company) Cristy (she/her) is a performer, director and proud theater nerd with 20 years of experience teaching children and young adults. She currently teaches at UArts and Lehigh University, and is the founder of Crescendo Coaching, a private studio dedicated to empowering performers through high-quality, inclusive, personalized performing arts training. Some favorite MCT credits include: My Fair Lady (Eliza Doolittle), The Secret Garden (Martha), and Big Fish (Jenny Hill).

Lyla Dominick (Ensemble)

Lyla is so thrilled to be participating in MTC’s Cozy Cabaret! She fell in theater at the age of 6 and has enjoyed performing since.

Whether it’s singing in a choir or performing on stage, she loves the thrill and excitement it brings her. She’s 12 years old and in 7th grade at the Spring-Ford Middle School. Past favorite credits include: Addams family Jr. (Morticia Addams), Guys and Dolls Jr. (Sarah Brown), Matilda Jr. (Miss Honey), Annie Jr. (Tessie), Lion king Jr. (Young Simba). Lyla is also a member of Spring-Ford Middle School Choir, Golds & Blues Honors Choir and Bux-Mont Choir.

When not performing, Lyla loves playing travel soccer, basketball, guitar and writing. Lyla would like to thank her vocal coach Miss Lori and past directors from shows that have given her instruction and inspiration to pursue what she loves most. She would also

Laura Donnelly (La Vie en Rose - Edith Piaf ) Laura is excited to be singing along in MCT's first cabaret! You may have seen her in past MCT shows: A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (Sibella), Matilda (Big Kid/Acrobat), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), and Evita (Eva Peron). She's excited to share her love of French by singing La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf, which is one of her favorite cozy songs. "The original French lyrics are much cozier than the English translation. If cozy isn't being snuggled up in the arms of someone you love, telling them how the world seems softer and prettier when you're together, then I'm not sure what is!"

MEET THE CAST Betsy Falk (Times are Hard for Dreamers - Amelie: The Musical) Betsy is thrilled to be back with MCT, having previously appeared as a "Big Kid" in Matilda. Betsy has been involved in theater most of her life, in diverse roles such as actor, director, choreographer, costume designer, puppet designer, and stage combat coordinator. When she is not involved in theater, she keeps herself sane through sewing, knitting, singing, and crafting. She is currently the Production Manager at Monkey Boys Productions. She would like to thank her family for their support, and the cast and production team for working together to make this a truly unique event! What does cozy mean to Betsy? Cozy means being warm and comfortable either alone or surrounded by the people you love.

Gideon Falk (The Campfire Song - Spongebob Squarepants) Gideon is so excited to be back on stage at MCT, having previously performed in the Little Kid Ensemble of Matilda. He has been taking guitar lessons for two years, but this marks his first public performance using his instrument! Gideon is in the fifth grade and enjoys legos, puzzles, and drawing. He would like to thank his guitar teacher and his brother for helping him with his audition. What does cozy mean to Gideon? Cozy means warm and comfortable.

Noelle Joy Fiorentino (The Life I Never Led - Sister Act) Noelle is pleased to return to MCT after making her debut last year as Evangeline Barley in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. Noelle was also seen this past year as Miss Sandra in All Shook Up (MMT) and Doralee in 9 to 5 (JMT). Other favorite credits include: Petra in A Little Night Music (Playcrafters of Skippack), Daniela in In the Heights (MMT), Sleeping Beauty in Disenchanted (PCS), Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein (Town & Country) and Eve in Children of Eden (ETC). Next up, catch her as Pippi in The Great American Trailer Park Musical opening next week at Spotlight Theatre. Noelle believes that "cozy" means warm hugs, fuzzy socks, sunshine and someone to count on.

Thank you to all her friends and family who have been her "cozy".

MEET THE CAST Aleeza Furman (Ensemble) Aleeza is jazzed to be cabbing it up with her MCT buddies. She jumped into community theater last year, playing ensemble roles in City of Angels and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Catch her this April as Viola in Playcrafters’ production of Twelfth Night the Musical. To Aleeza, cozy means waking up to the smell of mom’s brisket during holiday visits home.

Troy Gartner (Ensemble)

Troy Gartner is thrilled to return for another show at MCT. As a sophomore in high school, Troy commenced his tutelage with the Kim Russell Voice Studio, a privilege he continues to this day. Upon high school graduation, Troy matriculated at Millersville University, as a double major in Music Education and Voice Performance. Troy completed this nine-semester program in 2020, culminating in his graduation with two bachelor’s degrees. Afterward, Troy went back to his passion for theater and performing in multiple productions and cabarets.

Previous roles include: Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol, A-Rab in West Side Story, and Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. What does cozy mean to me? Giving or having a feeling of comfort from someone close or of sentimental value.

Fabiana Merscher (I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston)

Fabiana is thrilled to be part of the MCT Cozy Cabaret! She is 12 years old in 7th grade at Spring-Ford School District. She was recently in MCT’s Matilda as Matilda in the summer. Other credits include: Mary Poppins (Jane Banks) at The Media Theatre, Annie Jr. (Molly), Matilda Jr. (Matilda), and Guys and Dolls Jr. (Miss Adelaide) in Spring Ford intermediate school and Lion King Jr. (Adult Nala) at Genesius Theater. She has also participated in a few local vocal competitions. Fabiana wants to thank the cast and crew at MCT for this wonderful experience as well as her friends and family. Special thanks to her parents for always supporting her, and Lori, her vocal coach, for everything she teaches her! To Fabiana, cozy means sitting on the couch with a comfy blanket listening to good music.

MEET THE CAST Steve Montgomery (I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher) Steve and Yvonne have been active with MCT, on stage and backstage, for over 10 years. They stay busy volunteering locally, singing with the Norristown Chorale, cycling, kayaking, hiking and hanging out with their kids and grandchildren.

Having wonderful friends, a loving family, and each other (we got us, babe!) is as cozy as cozy can be.

Yvonne Montgomery (I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher) Steve and Yvonne have been active with MCT, on stage and backstage, for over 10 years. They stay busy volunteering locally, singing with the Norristown Chorale, cycling, kayaking, hiking and hanging out with their kids and grandchildren.

Having wonderful friends, a loving family, and each other (we got us, babe!) is as cozy as cozy can be.

Maeve O'Brien (A Soft Place to Land - Waitress) Maeve is excited to be performing in MCT's Cozy Cabaret alongside two of her wonderful friends! She was recently seen in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and Matilda, costume designed for First Date and Big Fish, and is the assistant director of Peter and the Starcatcher. To her, cozy is snuggling up with a warm blanket, and watching a favorite TV show with her cats.

MEET THE CAST Shannon O'Neill (Lover - Taylor Swift) Shannon is excited to be taking the stage for her first cabaret and show with MCT. She is a singer/songwriter, and plays piano and ukulele. Since 2020, she has been releasing music independently under her stage name Shannon Kiera. Shannon currently manages Music & Arts, a music store in Conshohocken.

When she is not writing, recording, or performing, she is at home cooking, dancing, and playing with her cats. She would like to thank her partner Eric, her mom and dad, Ryan, Tara, Kait, Carlee, and Pat for all the love and support. Lastly, a huge thanks to MCT for the opportunity.

Julia Park (Vienna - Billy Joel)

Julia is so excited to be performing in her very first MCT production!

This is her first musical performance since her time at Millersville University. Julia participated in choir and theater starting in elementary school, and continued to do so into her college career at Millersville University. She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education in May of 2021 and is currently a Pre-K teacher.

Aside from having a passion for theater, Julia loves to spend time with her family, friends, and many chihuahuas, crafting, singing, baking, and watching scary movies. Julia would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support as she dives back into the theatre world! She would also like to thank everyone involved in this production for making this such a meaningful and joyful experience! To Julia, cozy means feeling safe, comfortable, warm, and relaxed.

Brittany Recupero (As if We Never Said Goodbye (Sunset Boulevard)

Brittany is so excited to be part of MCT's first Cabaret! Previous shows at MCT and elsewhere include: First Date (Allison), Cinderella (Cinderella), Boeing, Boeing (Gabriella), and Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey). When not doing something ON stage, you can find Brittany at the Egoscue of Philadelphia clinic where she works as a Postural Alignment Therapist, or directing the Spring Musicals at St Albert the Great School. Brittany also loves spending time at home with her husband, Paul-especially now since they are about to welcome their first child together! Since this is a small farewell to performing, Brittany wants to give all her love and thanks to the MCT Cozy Cabaret production team, family and friends that have supported her through the first stage of life. Cheers to the next one! This one's for you, mama!

MEET THE CAST Katie Sacco (A Soft Place to Land - Waitress) Katie is ecstatic to be part of the cast of the Cozy Cabaret.

Previously, you might have seen her in Big Fish, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, or Matilda at MCT. She was also part of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the 24 Hour Theater Festival at Footlighters. She wants to thank the production team and her cast, especially her co-conspirators Maeve O’Brien and Dani Cantor, for all the fun. Cozy means to be home and MCT is definitely Katie’s theater home.

Brian Shapella (Notice Me Horton - Seussical) Brian likes nice people and A Cozy Cabaret is filled with them!

He's very happy to finally be performing an on-stage duet with his lovely wife, something they have never done before.

(His fault, not hers.) He likes his kids Danny and Katie too.

They inspire him to be a better person. One of those amazing humans is gracing us all with her talent tonight. Katie, you shine! Thanks to Maddie, Michael, Sam, Natalie, and all of the talented people working to make us look good on stage. Your work is so very appreciated.

Katie Shapella (Ensemble) Katie is so excited to be in Cozy Cabaret! She was most recently in Julia's Joy, a local voice competition, and is currently in her school's show, Les Miserables. She is also currently student director for her school district's middle school show. Other favorite credits include: Countess Ipolitov (Anastasia Jr.), Teen (Bye Bye Birdie), Ariel (The Little Mermaid Jr.), and Sharpay (High School Musical Jr.). Love to family and friends for the support!

MEET THE CAST Laura Shapella (Notice Me Horton - Seussical) Laura is so happy to return to one of her favorite cozy spots - the MCT stage! Favorite roles include: Miss Adelaide (Guys and Dolls), Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast), Lady Toby Belch (Twelfth Night), Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Pfeni Rosensweig (The Sisters Rosensweig), and Nancy (Pursued by a Bear). For Laura, coziness means a cup of coffee and being around her family - Brian, Katie, and Danny!

Lindsay Zimmerman (Afternoon - Alice by Heart) Lindsay is excited to be back on stage with MCT for the first time in nearly two years! She is an English as a Second Language teacher living and working in Flourtown with her husband and two children. Thanks to Tyler for letting her sing yet another song about him dying – which is honestly, the only way he will ever get away from her.

MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM Maddie Sapp (Co-Director / Music Director / Set Design) Maddie cannot wait to share this Cabaret with you! In her first time Directing, Maddie is enjoying the production side, and bringing a fun idea to life with her best pal, Michael Thompkins. She can be seen on and off stage at MCT and is proud to be a Board Member this year! Favorite roles on stage include: Magenta (The Rocky Horror Show), Fastrada (Pippin) and Alabama Lamb (Big Fish). For Maddie, the epitome of cozy is a warm chocolate chip cookie, a cup of coffee, and a good book on a rainy Sunday morning.

Natalie Starr (Choreographer) Natalie is so happy to be a part of MCT’s first cabaret! She was last seen onstage in MCT’s Matilda. Outside of theater, Natalie enjoys crochet, reading, and cuddling with her cats. She would like to thank the cast and crew for all the hard work they put into this production.

Michael Thompkins (Co-Director/Music Director) Michael is ecstatic to share this first ever MCT Cabaret experience with you! Michael is making his director and music director debut, working with incredible talent to bring coziness to the stage! Michael’s recent stage credits include: MCT’s Matilda (Miss Trunchbull), A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (Magistrate), First Date (Reggie/Stoner Guy/Aaron’s Future Son), and Big Fish (Fisherman/General Patterson) as well as Ursinus College’s production of Sweat (Brucie). Michael views the feeling of "cozy" as nestling on the couch with a good cup of coffee and a TV show (any comedy or reality TV will do!) on a Saturday morning. Most importantly, Michael is so thankful to have embarked on this journey with his friend and Cabaret partner in crime, Maddie Sapp.

Next up for MCT:

Peter & The Starcatcher May 10 - 19, 2024

Shannondell Performing Arts Theater

The Spongebob Musical July 12 - 21, 2024

Shannondell Performing Arts Theater

Also Happening at MCT !

The Cozy Cabaret Team would like to thank Variety Club's, Farm to Table Program Participants, for creating the decorations that are hung in the hallways

MCT would like to thank Variety Club for the use of the Recreation Hall to rehearse and perform A Cozy Cabaret. We appreciate their generosity and value our ongoing partnership with them.

Founded 85 years ago, Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley has a mission to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational, and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence and prepare them for life.

Check out our Cozy Concessions on sale now!

ANNUAL GIVING DONORS Friends ($20-$99) Steve Arcidiacono Linda Clark Janice and Ken Orner Supporters ($100-$499) John and Barb Cross Steve and Yvonne Montgomery Patrons ($500-$2499) John & Kathryn Gray Johnson & Johnson Deb Schrager Bill and Kate McShane You have a role at MCT. MCT is an all-volunteer non-profit 501(C)(3) theater company that has produced high quality live theater in Montgomery County for over forty years. This season, we will present three musicals, one stage play, and one youth theater production.

We create outstanding shows that entertain our audiences, provide a creative outlet to the community, and educate people of all ages about the theater arts.

Support our mission by becoming a member, becoming a patron, and telling a friend about the show you saw today. Word of mouth is the most effective way that we attract new audiences.

Our members create costumes, design sets, source props, devise lighting and sound plans, perform, manage our finances, create marketing plans, and much more. We welcome new volunteers at every skill level and would love to tell you more about how to get involved at MCT! Our patrons support our shows through ticket sales, direct donations, employer matching, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, and planned gifts. We gratefully accept cash and check donations at every performance.

To contribute online, please use this link to donate: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/become-a-mct-donor To contribute by mail, please send your donation to: MCT PO Box 26144 Collegeville, PA 19426