Director’s Note
Welcome to the final show of this remarkable year for Poly Prep Drama. Appropriately, if not intentionally, Oliver! Jr. revisits themes boldly explored earlier this season. As in Comedy of Errors, a family reunites and rebuilds. Like Robin Hood, Oliver! Jr. exposes the evils of materialism and classism. Similar to Antigonick and The Prom, a society deprives, through action or indifference, people of their most basic rights and dignities. Oliver! Jr., despite its 19th century origins, remains painfully relevant. We still demonize the poor. We still lament the plight of “the children,” while our priorities leave them vulnerable. We express judgment when empathy is necessary. We hope for the best, and pretend not to see the worst. While Oliver! Jr. demonstrates that nefarious forces can fill our empathy gaps, it reminds us that small acts of kindness lead to hope and resolution.
Themes aside, our objective remains your joy and entertainment. Our company and crew of over 50 people have conspired to produce a fun, moving, and memorable experience. We are so fortunate to work in an environment that both expects and enables excellence. We are grateful for the support of our families and the dedication of our students. We are especially grateful for the encouragement and energy of our audiences. Please consider yourself an essential part of Poly’s Performing Arts family!
Andrew Cooper-Leary DirectorLionel Bart’s Oliver! Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
THE VIDEOTAPING OR OTHER VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
A Note from the Performing Arts Department
Although many remember the story of Oliver as including the themes of poverty, inequities, and evil, it also very much includes the ideas of kindness, perseverance, and belonging. These positive concepts are integral to the very fabric of human connection and development, and serve as a reminder to strive to be our best selves, not only for individual growth, but also for the betterment of our community. From the very moment Oliver! Jr. begins, we watch a young man speak up, stand tall, remain curious, and keep taking steps forward, even when it is most difficult–and that is inspiring. I’m proud to say our students reflected these ideas as well: extending patience in the long and grueling rehearsal hours, working together as an ensemble, and supporting each person’s growth. What they’ve built together is truly special because they didn’t give up and they didn’t leave anyone behind.
Please join me in applauding their efforts, celebrating their talent, and appreciating their commitment. We hope you’ll “Be Back Soon.”
Ashley Hacker Performing Arts Department ChairNote about Our
Theater Lighting:
Thanks to a generous gift from the late Robert Martinson ’59 in support of technical theater improvements, Technical Theatre Director, David Higham has been working with lighting technicians from Roundabout Theatre Technical Workforce Development Program to upgrade our lighting equipment. We’re currently installing 179 new LED lighting instruments, as well as a new power and distribution system that will provide not only a more professional, and flexible palette for design, but will also be significantly more energy efficient—reducing the wattage usage of every instrument by 1/4. In addition to the theater lighting, we’ll be retrofitting 60 units to LED for use in the Chapel as well.
Cast
Alessandra Lisk Oliver Twist
Tyler Chan........................................................................................................................... Fagin
Lucy Fleishhacker Nancy
Mick Waldman Artful Dodger
Alex Arniotis ........................................................................................................... Mr. Bumble
Lila Dubin Widow Corney
Bryson Sylvain ............................................................................................................ Bill Sikes
Aviva Treister .........................................................................................................................Bet
Drew Brandmeyer Mr. Brownlow
Jax Powers Wojtowicz .............................................................................. Mrs. Sowerberry
Jackson Poindexter Mr. Sowerberry
Gabby Pipitone ........................................................................................... Charlotte/Matron
Josh Lippert ..................................................................................................... Noah Claypole
Alex Mezhburd Mrs. Bedwin
Sonia Bogomolova ................................................................................. Milkmaid/Old Sally
Amina Diagne Strawberry Seller
Sameer Kalhans ................................................................................................ Knife Grinder
Anissa LeBlanc ...................................................................................................... Rose Seller
Sean Reddy Dr. Grimwig
Mikko Cabrera .......................................................................................................... Chairman
Liliana Ruiz Captain
Georgia Krasner ................................................................................................... Handwalker
Liam Rodriguez-John ..................................................................................... Charles Bates
Dayreni Llano Nipper
TOWN SQUARE
Josephine Stoehr ......................................................................................... Delivery Person
Elena Niccolai Brownlow’s Maid
Valerie Giraldo ........................................................................................................ 1st Woman
Livia Coppola ......................................................................................................... 2nd Woman
Mischa Stein 3rd Woman
Joshua Lee ................................................................................................................... First Man
LONDON BRIDGE
Lydia Colarusso 1st Lamplighter
Grant McGruder .......................................................................................... 2nd Lamplighter
Josephine Stoehr 1st Woman
Alex Pipitone .................................................................................................................. Runner
Azula Partee ............................................................................................................... 1st Police
Ella Shum 2nd Police
Eve Furst ................................................................................................... Accuser (First Man)
Production Staff
Andy Cooper-Leary Director
Maddy Wyatt .................................................................................................... Music Director
Ashley Hacker Choreographer
Kim Griffin Costume Designer
Daniel Patrick Hogan .................................................................................... Scenic Design
David Higham Lighting Design/Technical Director
Student Production
Téa Sabbagh, Amara Johansson Audition Readers
Isabelle Gerling ................................................................. “Who Will Buy” Choreography
Soleil Peña, Téa Sabbagh, Brianna Sylvain ......... “Be Back Soon” Choreography
Chris Arniotis, Oliver Balikci, Cyrus Batliboi, Lucas Betita, Mireya Grasso, Fiona Jaffe, Hugo Kotlus, Conrad Lewis, Quin Marloe, Carlyle Muldrow, Charlie Plosser................................................... Tech/Running Crew
Orchestra
Karl Saint Lucy .............................................................................................. Pianist/Arranger
Alex Wyatt ........................................................................................................................ Drums
Andrew Hall Bass
Lisa Parrott............................................................................................. Clarinet/Saxophone
Carrie Dowell Violin
Meet the Production Staff
Andy Cooper-Leary (Director) has directed over 40 plays and musicals with students ranging in grade from kindergarten through high school during his teaching career. Before coming to Poly Prep in 2022, Andy was the Performing Arts teacher at Leadership Prep Brownsville Elementary Academy. He has also taught/directed at New York area independent schools, including the Hackley School and Friends Academy. From 2009 to 2018, Andy was part of the Emmy Award-winning research team at MLB Network. He earned a degree in Drama & English from Tufts University and an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU. In between degrees, Andy trained professionally as an actor at Circle in the Square and Brandeis University.
Maddy Wyatt (Music Director) is happy to be conducting her seventh musical at Poly Prep. In addition to her work as a music educator, Ms. Wyatt is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, having toured the country as a singer/songwriter and with her band WYATT, released three albums of original music, and composed film scores and the occasional toothpaste jingle. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, her work has been featured in conjunction with the NYCLU, and can most recently be heard in the feature film Breaking Fast, now streaming across all platforms.
Ashley Hacker (Choreographer) began her endeavor as a lifelong dancer at the age of two. She continued her dance studies as an undergraduate at The College at Brockport, where she earned a BFA in Dance, and a BS in Psychology with a minor in Music. After graduation, she made the move to the Big Apple to dance, teach, and pursue her MA in Dance Education with a PreK-12 Dance Certification from New York University. Ms. Hacker continues to perform in NYC with her most recent performance at the Ailey Studio. She is also a member of, attends yearly, and presents at the National Dance Education Organization Conference, while regularly participating in arts outreach and in-reach programs in the NYC community. In addition to teaching and choreographing at Poly, Ms. Hacker is also the Performing Arts Department Chair. She is certified as a yoga teacher, a Strong Nation and Zumba instructor, and a FRC mobility specialist, using her knowledge regularly to support Poly students.
Kim Griffin (Costume Designer) has designed for theater, musicals, dance, and opera; collaboration with directors, the design team, and the actors is integral to her process from beginning to end. Kim has worked at theaters, including the Williamstown Theatre Festival, New Jersey Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars, The Ohio Light Opera, Stageworks Theatre, Boomerang Theatre Company, Opera in the Heights, and The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston. She has toured with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Legends Blue Unit and has stitched for The Met Gala, Broadway shows, and national tours. She has also designed for Theatre for Young Audiences tours, along with university and high school productions. Kim is originally from Houston, Texas and earned her BFA in Theatre Design & Technology with a minor in Music from Baylor University and an MFA in Costume Design from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. As part of the fulfillment of her master’s degree at MGSA, she studied at Rutgers Conservatory at Shakespeare’s Globe, and The School of Historical Dress in London, England.
Daniel Patrick Hogan (Scenic/Set Designer) has designed scenery, props, hair, and makeup for numerous productions. As a scenic designer, his favorite projects include Little Shop of Horrors, The Seafarer, The Pirates of Penzance, In the Heights, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and A Doll’s House. Recently, Daniel designed scenery for The Wallace Theatre’s production of Sweeney Todd. He created an immersive, multi-levelled set that placed the audience in between different locations. His design utilized existing elements of the derelict Wallace Theatre and offered a unique viewing experience for each audience member. Daniel thoroughly enjoys transforming found spaces and designing new works.
David Higham (Lighting Designer & Technical Director) is in his 32nd year at Poly, where he has been responsible for designing the lighting, sound, and scenery for over 170 productions. In addition to his work at Poly, Mr. Higham has designed lighting for productions at The Public Theatre, Lincoln Center, the Irish Arts Center, The Women’s Project, The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, and The National Shakespeare Company, among others. Mr. Higham also has worked as a lighting designer for several New York City architectural and landscape design firms.
Our Production Would Not Be Possible without the Generous Support of:
John Rankin
Interim Head of School
Michal Hershkovitz P’16, ’18
Assistant Head of School, Academics
Daniel Doughty Head of Middle School
Michael S. Robinson Head of Arts
Ashley Hacker Performing Arts Department Chair
The members of the Performing Arts faculty, the Engagement & Communications Department, the Admissions Department, the Poly Prep IT staff, the Facilities and Maintenance Department, the Security staff, the Kitchen staff, and the Middle School deans.
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Join Us for These Upcoming Performing Arts Events
Poly Conservatory Recital
Tuesday–Thursday, May 21–23, 2024
4:30 PM | MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Grades 5 & 6 Music Share
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
10:00 AM | MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Lower School Grade 4 Music and Dance Share
Thursday, May 30, 2024
5:00 PM | RICHARD PERRY THEATRE