About Starcatcher About Starcatcher
Starcatcher is an independent Jerusalem based community theatre group, committed to providing Israeli audiences high quality productions of English language musicals while involving, engaging and mentoring young artists in a supportive community setting.
Director's Note`
A sinking boat, a barbarian war, the Thunderdome, death and hell. These are just some of the terms used to describe high school in this show. Its young teenage students? Hunters, cannibals and “lip-gloss gestapo”. In short, Heathers. Since their first appearance in the 1989 cult classic film written by Daniel Waters, the term Heathers has come to represent the ultimate savage high school clique. As the original mean girls, they are everything we love and fear as adolescents, in a shiny, synchronized, color-coded package. Like many darker musicals (Sweeney Todd, Spring Awakening, Next to Normal), Heathers has a premise that sounds improbable, even insane. It is bold, violent and purposefully offensive, but is also hilarious, honest and heartfelt. It is a tragedy and a comedy, a horror film and a love story. Just like teenage life itself, it is volatile, reaching every corner of the emotional spectrum. It is also this exaggerated nature that makes Heathers the perfect candidate for a musical. Veronica Sawyer’s nightmarish journey of dark dream-fulfillment may take her on a dangerous and destructive path, but the musical ultimately promotes hope in the idea that even when everything has fallen apart, it is never too late to choose love, compassion and friendship. For more of our thoughts on this incredible show and a sneak peek into the process of creating our production, check out Making it Beautiful - A Heathers Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Heathers is a dark satire addressing sensitive topics, such as suicide, bullying, homophobia, emotional abuse and sexual assault. Seeing these issues portrayed on stage can bring up difficult feelings.
If you are feeling distressed about something you have seen tonight on stage, we encourage you to reach out to any of the relevant local numbers listed.
Suicide Hotline: *3201 (dial 1 for English)
Anxiety and Trauma victims hotline: 1800-363363
Teen Crisis Hotline: 050-HOTLINE (050-468-5463)
The LGBTQ Aguda Hotline: *2982
Special Thanks
Makeup - Shlomit Leah Kovalski, Vita
Subtitles - Yael Berg, Elianna Rosenschein
Photography & Video - Ita Arbit, Yona Kaplan, Didi Tutnauer, Noa Goldsmith
Specialty Prop - Rachel Jacobson
Transport - David Elman
Interns - Ahuvah Liebman, Nechama Morgenstern
Rehearsal Space - Tomer Belity-Dagan and the Jerusalem High School for the Arts
Administration - The Incubator with Arik, Eran, Esther, Orly and the staff And many thanks to: Aviva Weisel, Marty Weisel, Aharon Manor, Encore! Educational Theater
There will be one 15 minute intermission. No photos or recording. Also, please, no phones or texting during the showit bothers the actors and those around you. Enjoy!
About The Cast
Avital Sykora (Ms. Fleming/Veronica's Mom) is overjoyed at the opportunity to be back in an actual theater again and thrilled to be making her Starcatcher debut. Her most recent credits include Hotspur in "Henry IV" (Theater in the Rough), Dawn in "Coffee Creamer: A New Musical" (The Cameri Theater) and Amalia Balash in "She Loves Me" (J-Town Playhouse). Avital is currently working on an original song cycle with her writing partner, Udi Knebel. You can find her music on Spotify and all major music platforms.
Aya Sivan (Heather McNamara) is a singer and songwriter who is currently a third-year student at the Rimon School of Music. Having loved the show for years, she is ecstatic to be performing in "Heathers" and completely infatuated with her character, never imagining she’d be afforded the opportunity to portray her in such a fantastic production. Her first single "Buy My Way" is now available on Spotify.
Dalia Herszaft (Heather Duke) is thrilled to be making her Jerusalem debut with Starcatcher. She made aliyah in January 2021 from London, England. While living in London, she performed in many different theater productions including "Hairspray", "Grease", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "13". She is thrilled to be able to continue her passion for performing here in Jerusalem with Starcatcher, especially in a show as amazing as "Heathers"!
Daniel Fox (Jason "J.D." Dean) has been a performing member of the Jerusalem English-speaking musical theater community for the past 10 years. After a three-year break serving in the IDF Rabbinate Choir, he is excited to return to the scene playing one of his favorite roles. He is currently studying trombone at the Jerusalem Academy of Music & Dance.
David Gellman (Beleaguered Geek) has been part of the Jerusalem community theater scene since 2012. He has acted in "West Side Story", "Spelling Bee", "Hairspray", "Little Shop of Horrors", "A Chorus Line", "Rent" and "Avenue Q", and has written Hebrew translations for "Spring Awakening", "Singin’ in the Rain", "Pippin", "In the Heights" and "Chicago". In real
life he is an archaeologist in Jerusalem and father to 3 future musical theater fans.
Dolev Hayat (Kurt Kelly) is excited to join Starcatcher for the first time. He performed in the original musical “Heshbon Pashut” as Roie, the sweet outsider. Dolev strives to be on stage as much as possible, be it through musicals or playing music, and is especially excited for everyone to see what this production of "Heathers" has in store.
Dooby Harvey (Ram's Dad/Principal Gowan) works in a software company by day and illustrates the Lazy Bear cartoon strip by night. His previous credits include "Cabaret" (Cliff), "Avenue Q" (Trekkie Monster), "Beauty and the Beast" (Beast), "Little Shop of Horrors" (additional roles and puppeteer), "Oliver!" (Bill Sikes), "Guys and Dolls" (Sky Masterson), "Annie" (Warbucks) and "My Fair Lady" (Col. Pickering). Offstage: Set designer at the Beit Hillel Theater Workshop.
Gadi Zaig (Ram Sweeney) is a 23-year-old performer from New Jersey. He immigrated to Israel at 14 and studied music at the Jerusalem High School for the Arts. In addition to writing his own music and being a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, his performance background includes acapella, being in multiple bands and choirs, acting in short films and participating in various theatrical productions in the Jerusalem theater scene. He currently works as a writer and breaking news editor at The Jerusalem Post.
Kian Basinger (Preppy Stud) is exhilarated to be taking part in this show! This will be his musical theater debut and a dream come true. He was among the first in the Philippines to be trained in the Chubbuck acting technique. He attended acting workshops with NYFA Abu Dhabi and performed at EAT Dubai (Immersive Theater). He appeared in the short film "George Must Die", which won ‘Best Foreign Short Film' at the Texas Short Film Festival in 2015.
Maurane Leost (Goth Girl) is thrilled to be making her musical theater debut as part of the ensemble in Starcatcher’s "Heathers". Originally from France, where she received a formal education in the arts, including in dance, music and acting, she’s now a
first-year psychology student at Hebrew University and very excited to start her new life in Israel.
Michal Hass (Veronica Sawyer) is thrilled to join a Starcatcher production for the first time! This role has been very close to her heart ever since she performed in the ensemble of another "Heathers" production. At only 17 years of age, Michal has been actively involved in the performing arts, having taken part in various youth choirs. She performed in a production of "Matilda" and will soon also be seen in an upcoming production of "Carrie". Go Westerburg! Miri Fraenkel (Heather Chandler) has been participating in Jerusalem English-speaking theater for several years. Previous credits: "The Sound of Music" (Liesl), "Grease" (Sandy), "Carousel" (Julie), "Les Miserables" (Eponine), "My Fair Lady" (Eliza), "Aida" (title role), "A Chorus Line" (Cassie), "Oliver" (Nancy), "The Wizard of Oz" (Dorothy), "Ordinary Days" (Deb), "The Last Five Years" (Cathy) and "Chicago" (MC). Other hobbies include: CrossFit coaching and competing and a full-time job in publishing.
Netanya Mischel (Stoner Chick) is incredibly excited to be back on stage with Starcatcher. She's been involved in the Jerusalem community theater scene for a while, with some of her previous credits including: "Fiddler on the Roof" (Chava), "Pippin" (Player), "The Sound of Music" (Liesl), "Avenue Q" (Lindsay Lohan/Gary Colman) and "Little Shop of Horrors" (Ronnette). When she isn't performing, Netanya is a pediatric social worker at Hadassah Hospital.
Nuria Levy (Assistant Director/Young Republicanette) is thrilled to be back on stage and to be part of Starcatcher’s creative team for the first time. She previously appeared in "Chicago", "In the Heights", "Pippin" and "Singin’ in the Rain". When she isn’t on stage or behind the scenes, she teaches in the English Literature department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and works as a tour guide at Yad Vashem.
Omer Yavin (Assistant Director/New Wave Girl) is COLORED STOKED to be putting on this show and feels honored to be part of the creative team for the first time. She previously appeared in "Chicago"
(Ensemble), "In the Heights" (Ensemble), "Pippin" (Ensemble), "Singin’ in the Rain" (Ensemble) and Rent (Ensemble). Omer has been dancing since childhood and is currently a 10th grade homeroom teacher at Hoshen High School. She is 31 years old, a member of the Dror Israel movement and lives in a commune with her close friends.
Rachel Sofaer (Sporty Mall Rat) is thrilled to take part in her 7th Starcatcher show! After making aliyah from California 8 years ago, Rachel has been involved with the Jerusalem community theater scene both on stage and behind the scenes. Her previous roles with Starcatcher include "A Chorus Line" (Val), "Rent" (Mimi), "Spring Awakening" (Martha), "Singin’ in the Rain" (Tap Choreographer/Ensemble), "Pippin" (CoChoreographer/Player) and "Chicago" (Annie). She hopes you have BIG FUN tonight!
Raphael Sarya Serfaty (Hipster Dork) joined the Jerusalem English speaking theater community two years ago. He performed in two shows with Beit Hillel playing Mendel in "Fiddler on the Roof" (2019) and Mereb in "Aida" (2021). During this time, he finished his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and literature at Hebrew University and is now currently working on his master's degree in literature. He has also written, directed, composed and translated for theatrical projects outside Jerusalem.
Richie Mann (Producer/Big Bud Dean/Kurt’s Dad/ Veronica’s Dad/Coach Ripper) holds an MA in political science and is a lover of everything 80s. He’s stoked to be back with the Starcatcher family as we put on our 10th show! His previous credits include "Chicago" (Producer/Sergeant Fogarty), "In the Heights" (Producer/Ensemble), "Pippin" (Lewis), "Singin’ in the Rain" (Policeman/Butler), "Spring Awakening" (Otto), "Rent" (Mr. Jefferson/Pastor), "A Chorus Line" (Don Kerr), "Little Shop of Horrors" (additional roles and puppeteer) and "Hairspray" (Fender). Offstage: "Soul Doctor" (Production Manager).
Shelly Solomon (Martha Dunnstock) recently graduated from Ben Gurion High School where she studied music and psychology. She also studied at Rimon where she performed in a chorus that specializes in musical theater. Shelly was last seen on
stage in local productions of "The Breakfast Club" and "Fame". One of her all-time favorite musicals, she has wanted to be in "Heathers" ever since she first saw it. "Martha is such a unicorn, her kindness is very special to me."
About The Team
Yaeli Greenblatt (Director) is a dancer, performer, director, choreographer, teacher and academic. She is a founding member and artistic director at Starcatcher where she has directed & choreographed "Chicago", "In the Heights", "Pippin", "Singin' in the Rain", "Spring Awakening", "Rent" and "A Chorus Line". Other Musical Theater experience includes choreographer for "Little Shop of Horrors" (Jest & Starcatcher); "Grease" (Center Stage); "West Side Story", "Hairspray", "Aladdin", "The King and I", "Pirates..." (Encore!) and "Spelling Bee" (J-Town Playhouse). She has worked on original musicals with Aspaklaria, Theater Company Jerusalem, and shows by Danny Paller including "Ah Jerusalem!", "Danger", "November" and "The Geography of Night". Yaeli was trained at the Vertigo dance company workshop and holds a PhD in English Literature from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Jeff Rosenschein (Musical Director) is delighted to be working on "Heathers", his fifteenth show as pianist/ conductor and/or musical director. Prior shows: "Rent" (2009), "13", "Grease", "West Side Story", "The Last Five Years", "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", "Hairspray", "Little Shop of Horrors", "A Chorus Line", "Rent" (2015), "Spring Awakening", "Pippin", "In the Heights" and "Chicago". Jeff, a Professor of Computer Science at Hebrew University, is married to Shira, father to Chana and David, Moshe, Yair, Margalit and Elianna, and grandfather to Michael, Sammy and Rafi.
Alon Aviv (Musical Director) is programmer by day and has been active in the Jerusalem musical theater community for many years as both performer and pianist. He was recently seen on stage in "Aida" (Radames), "Chicago" (Billy Flynn), "West Side Story" (Tony) and "Singin' in the Rain" (Cosmo). He has played piano in the bands of "In the Heights",
"Pippin", "Rent" and "Hairspray". He also was the musical director of "Company". Alon is excited to be musical directing for the first time with Starcatcher and is amazed by the cast’s talent and dedication.
Danny Freedman (Choreographer) has been active in the Jerusalem English speaking theater community for over a decade. He recently co-choreographed Starcatcher’s productions of "Chicago" and "In the Heights", in which he also played the role of Graffiti Pete. Other acting roles include "Pippin" (Player), "West Side Story" (A-rab), "Grease" (Doody), "13" (Malcolm) and "Sound of Music" (Kurt). Danny studies architecture at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design.
Hallel Hanoch (Choreographer) is a veteran of Jerusalem musical theater having participated in productions over the past 15 years. As assistant choreographer, she has worked on "A Chorus Line" and "Little Shop of Horrors" and appeared on stage in "In The Heights", "Aladdin", "Hairspray", "West Side Story", "Annie", "The Wizard of Oz", "Tender Offer" and "Peter Pan". Hallel's thrilled to sail across the faculty parking lot with the cast of Heathers!
Eli Kaplan Wildmann (Set and Lighting) is a designer for theater, urban installations and tactile visual books. His paper creations reimagine books as mini theatrical experiences. On the actual stage, with Starcatcher, he has directed "Hairspray", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Rent", "Singin’ in the Rain" and "In the Heights". As a designer he has worked with countless theaters plus the Jerusalem Light Festival and Pop Up Museum TLV. He loves Jerusalem and lives here with his daughter and son. Big thanks to Candice!
Elinor Kaufman (Stage Manager) Over the past 20 years, Elinor has been involved in many theatrical productions in Jerusalem, including as an actress in "Chicago" (Mary Sunshine), "Avenue Q" (Christmas Eve) and "Mikado" (Peep Bo), a producer for "Rent" and "Singin’ in the Rain" and a director for "West Side Story" and "Spelling Bee". However, this is her first time trying her hand at stage managing and she’s excited for the new challenge! When not at the theater, Elinor works for Ramah Israel and is married to Aryeh and mother to Zev and Asher.
A Chorus Line
Singin’ in the Rain
2014 *
Benny Fain — Trumpet
Doron Frankenberg — Piano
Maayan Heymann — Trombone
Akiva Meller — Drums
Shy Oren — Bass
Daniel Sinchuk — Reeds
Bob Trachtenberg — Reeds
Jeff Rosenschein —
Piano/Conductor
Hairspray
2013 *
Alon Aviv — Piano
Lizzy Cook — Cello
Benny Fain — Trumpet
Maayan Heymann — Trombone
Lior Kaminetsky — Violin
Ben Katz — Guitar
Shy Oren — Bass
Daniel Sinchuk — Reeds
Bob Trachtenberg — Reeds
Meir Yaniger — Drums
Ariella Zeitlin-Hoffman — Violin
Jeff Rosenschein —
Piano/Conductor
Little Shop of Horrors
2013 #
Ben Katz — Guitar
Shy Oren — Bass
Meir Yaniger — Drums
Jeff Rosenschein —
Piano/Conductor
2017
Benny Fain — Trumpet
Asaf Kasimov — Drums
Esther van der Linden — Reeds
Elyashiv Shapira — Reeds
Dror Tubul — Double Bass
Haim Tukachinsky —
Piano/Conductor
Pippin
2018
Rent
2015
Alon Aviv — Piano
Ben Katz — Guitar
Ben Labi — Guitar
Akiva Meller — Drums
Shy Oren — Bass
Hadas Trainin — Bass
Jeff Rosenschein —
Piano/Conductor
Spring Awakening
2016
Sophie Fredkin — Violin
Yuval Grumer — Guitar
Ilana Kleiman — Violin
Nina Loeterman — Viola
Akiva Meller — Drums
Shy Oren — Bass
Yedidya Shaliv — Cello
Igor Tankevitch — Cello
Jeff Rosenschein —
Piano/Conductor
