DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA
PRESENTS AN ACADEMIC WORLD PREMIERE
BOOK AND LYRICS BY
Eloise T. Govedare
MUSIC BY
Aleksandra M. Weil
MUSIC DIRECTION AND ARRANGEMENTS BY
Brian Cimmet
SCENIC DESIGNER
Abby Thurmon
STAGE COMBAT
Alec Barbour
DIRECTED BY Kathleen Wrinn
ORCHESTRATIONS BY Jacob Stebly
COSTUME DESIGNER
Clara Permuy
INTIMACY COORDINATOR
Kathleen Baum
CHOREOGRAPHY BY Bradley Stone
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Henry Killbourn
STAGE MANAGER
Nikky Spencer
SOUND DESIGNER
Jacqueline R. Herter
REHEARSAL STAGE MANAGER
Ashelyn Carden
CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA
Eleanor Holdridge
March 28 - April 5, 2026
SEASON SPONSOR
DRAMATURG
Nova Starling
CAST
Nikita...................................................Anna Belle Abramov
Elena..................................................................Maya Landry
Mukhina....................................................Chloe Thompson
Maxim......................................................Declan McMahon
Anton...............................................................Sam Reinhard
Fedosia................................................................Katie Wood
Oksana.....................................................Lara Adria Castro
Alisa.........................................................................Siri Jolliffe
Pavel..................................................................Peter Dessert
Vasiliy..................................................................Parker Syler
Nadya...................................................Chloe Van De Graaf
Masha..............................................................Erica Harrison
Katya...............................................................Finley Hayden
Father Ivan....................................................Robbie Mosley
ENSEMBLE
Mallika Jain Cadin, Jude Chong, Cate Gould, Robbie Mosley, Bella Torrinello, Abigail Werner
SWINGS
Reed Grayner, Clare Shannon
UNDERSTUDIES/STANDBYS
For Nikita – Lara Adria Castro For Fedosia, Oksana – Mallika Jain Cadin
For Maxim, Anton – Jude Chong
For Pussy Riot – Cate Gould
For Vasiliy – Robbie Mosley
For Elena – Bella Torrinello
For Alisa – Abigail Werner
Standby for Pavel – Reed Grayner Standby for Mukhina – Clare Shannon
ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Assistant Director: Ella Claudine Femino
Associate Choreographer: Clare Shannon
Assistant Choreographer: Katie Wood
Dance Captain: Cate Gould
Fight Captain: Jude Chong
Assistant Scenic Designer: Ren Nygaard
Assistant Costume Designer: Emma Henry
Studio Assistant Lighting Designer: Reyna Sanchez
Assistant Lighting Designer: Antoinette Garner
Assistant Stage Managers: Addison Goad, Paige Reidy
Rehearsal Pianist: Dan Williams
Hair & Makeup Coordinator: Bella Molino
Faculty Advisors to Student Designers: Rob Andrusko, Alex Jainchill, Carmen Martinez
Faculty Advisor to Stage Managers: Don Buschmann
Lighting Programmer: Tess Feldman
Light Board Operator: Sylvia Marcantel
Sound Board Operator: Bennie Shaffer
Spotlight Operators: Madison Rose Donnelly, Shayla Lopez
Deck (Run Crew): Jack Anderson, Sammy Greenberg, Declan Hall, Bella Molino, Nathan Rozenblit
Dressers (Run Crew): Finn Behrens, Mackenzie Cullen, Ray Jarboe, Sabrina McGovern, Olivia Robinson, Favian Jamar Womack
Costume Maintenance: Perry Gill, Skye Robinson
Production Assistant: Skye Robinson
SETTING
Act I: Domikov, Russia. 2012.
Act II: Domikov, Russia and Moscow, Russia. A few weeks later.
INTERMISSION
A Rebel Prayer will be performed with one fifteen-minute intermission.
SPECIAL THANKS
Special thanks to the Syracuse University Department of Drama, Eleanor Holdridge, Stuart Plymesser, Rob Andrusko, Carmen Martinez, Alex Jainchill, Jen Ballard, Erna Eno, Brian Crotty, and Sarai Ford.
SONG LIST
ACT I
Opening.........................................................................................................................Company
I Still Remember You..........................................................................................................Nikita
Call to Adventure..................................................................................Nadya, Masha, Katya
I Heard..........................................................Oksana, Alisa, Fedosia, Maxim, Anton, Pavel
Don't Be Late.................................................................................................................Mukhina
By the Book..........................................................................................................Maxim, Nikita
Za Zdorovye.........................................................................................................................Elena
Anyone Can Be Pussy Riot.............................................Nadya, Masha, Katya, Ensemble
Proud Boys...............................................................................................Pavel, Anton, Maxim
Don't Be Late (Reprise)....................................................................................................Nikita
Dear Mukhina.......................................................................Anton, Nikita, Fedosia, Maxim
He's Coming...............Mukhina, Oksana, Alisa, Fedosia, Maxim, Anton, Pavel, Nikita
A Rebel Prayer......................................................................... Nikita, Nadya, Masha, Katya
ACT II
Privet............................................................Oksana, Alisa, Fedosia, Maxim, Anton, Mukhina
A Mother Carries It All.............................................................................................................Elena
My Kalashnikov........................................................................................................................Vasiliy
He Wants You.......................................................................................................Vasiliy, Company
This Is Not Your Theater.................................................Nikita, Anton, Pussy Riot, Company
What Good Is a Theater......................................................................................................... Nikita
Give Us A Name...................................................................................................Vasiliy, Ensemble
A Nobody..............................................................................................................................Mukhina
Take Off the Mask.........................................................................Nikita, Pussy Riot, Ensemble
A Big Ship.......................................................................................................................Elena, Nikita
Finale.....................................................................................................................................Company
ORCHESTRA
Keyboard 1/Conductor: Brian Cimmet
Drums: Josh Dekaney
Keyboard 2: Tommy Iafrate
Bass: Joe Lorenz
Guitar, Mandolin, Balalaika: Drew Serafini
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Welcome to the academic world premiere of A Rebel Prayer, the first full production of this work and the first time the Syracuse University Department of Drama has premiered a new musical on its main stage. Over the past year and a half, the show has been incubated in various forms at the Department of Drama—beginning with a table-read in Fall 2024, continuing with a full-semester course (DRA 300: Workshopping New Musicals) in Spring 2025, progressing through a six-week workshop in Fall 2025, and culminating in the Spring 2026 developmental production you will see today. Each step has brought exciting growth and change through the collaboration, artistry, and dedication of the students, faculty, and the writers, Eloise Govedare (Book and Lyrics) and Aleksandra Weil (Music). Even now, the piece is still evolving, and your presence and responses are part of shaping what it will one day become. We are deeply grateful to Eloise and Aleksandra for letting us be part of their story—and to you, our audience, for joining us in this creative process.
— Kathleen Wrinn, Director
CAST
Anna Belle Abramov (she/her) (Nikita) is a senior musical theater major from St. Louis, MO. Prior credits include Logainne (Schwartzy) in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Black Box Players), Fan and Ensemble in A Christmas Carol (Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production), and Elise in Pathways (Studio Project).
Anna Belle also had the opportunity to play Nikita earlier this fall in the New Works New Voices workshop of A Rebel Prayer, an experience for which she is deeply grateful. She would like to thank her wonderful cast and crew for an unforgettable final show as a Syracuse student, as well as her incredible friends and family for their unwavering support and unconditional love.
Mallika Jain Cadin (she/her) (Ensemble, u/s: Fedosia, Oksana) is a junior musical theater major from Irvine, CA. This will be her fourth production in the Department of Drama. Her past credits include Department of Drama mainstage productions of A Walrus in the Body of a Crocodile (Carrie Bradshaw), Pippin (Swing, Co-Dance Captain, u/s: Catherine), and the Department of Drama New Works New Voices production of Magia (Crazy Joe). She is thrilled to share the stage with her talented friends, and to have worked with this incredible company. Mallika wants to thank her friends, family, and teachers for their support throughout this process. @Mallikajcadin
Lara Adria Castro (Oksana, u/s: Nikita) is a junior actorsinger from Santa Barbara, CA. Her previous credits at the Syracuse University Department of Drama consist of new works and premieres, both small scale (the world is hours, Magia) and mainstage (What the Moon Saw). Check out her website at laraadria.com! She is immensely grateful to be supported by peers and professors that contribute to her growth and inspire her creative endeavors here at Syracuse–most of all, by her mama. Te amo muito!
Jude Chong (Ensemble, Fight Captain, u/s: Maxim, Anton) is a junior musical theater major from Miami, FL. He is so amped to be a part of A Rebel Prayer! Previous credits at Syracuse include: 1 in A Walrus in the Body of a Crocodile (mainstage), Kadu in Magia (New Works New Voices), Swing in Cinderella (Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production), and Ensemble in B.F.A.! A New Musical (Black Box Players). Jude would like to thank his family, friends, and entire cast of A Rebel Prayer for making this experience so much fun! IG: @judeachong
CAST
Peter Dessert (he/him) (Pavel) is a sophomore musical theater major from Kansas City, Kansas. Prior Department of Drama credit: Haimon/Chorus in Antigonick (mainstage). Peter would like to extend his thanks to his mom, sisters, and friends for their support and love! Instagram: @ peterdessertofficial
Cate Gould (Ensemble, Dance Captain, u/s: Pussy Riot) is a junior musical theater major from Dallas, TX. Cate is grateful to have been a part of this new work since its staged reading in the Clark Theatre and is honored to take part in its mainstage production. She would like to thank her parents for supporting her in all she does and her siblings for always cheering her on. Matthew 5:16.
Reed Grayner (he/him) (Swing, Standby for Pavel) is a sophomore musical theater major from Parker, Colorado. Previous credits include: Pepe el Romano/Antonio in Bernarda Alba (Department of Drama, mainstage) and Jon in Tick Tick Boom (Black Box Players). He is very fortunate to be working on this incredible new work with such a talented and loving company!
Erica Harrison (she/her) (Masha) is a junior musical theater major from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. This is her first mainstage production at the Syracuse University Department of Drama! Her previous shows include Addy/Jordan in In Sisters We Trust or My Fucked Up American Girl Doll Play (Black Box Players), Juliana Tesman in Hedda Gabler (Department of Drama, small scale), and Sosa in Magia (New Works New Voices). She is extremely grateful for all the support from her wonderful friends, family, professors, and cast.
Finley Hayden (she/her) (Katya) is a sophomore musical theater major from Orlando, FL. Previous credits include Elena in A Rebel Prayer Workshop (Department of Drama, small scale). She is so thankful for this amazing opportunity and to the entire team for this experience.
CAST
Siri Jolliffe (Alisa) is a sophomore musical theater major at Syracuse University. This is her first mainstage show at the Department of Drama. In the fall she was a part of the small scale production of The Spitfire Grill (u/s: Percy), and after A Rebel Prayer she will be working on this year’s New Works New Voices production, Foolproof, as their reader. Siri is a proud Vermonter and is still waiting for the first production of a musical on skis. She would like to thank her parents for being so supportive of everything she has been lucky enough to pursue (I love y’all! Thank you!) and hopes that everyone enjoys A Rebel Prayer!
Maya Landry ( Elena ) is a junior musical theater major from Los Angeles, California. Prior credits include: Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night (mainstage), Ensemble in Magia (New Works New Voices), and 2/Emma in A Walrus in the Body of a Crocodile (mainstage).
Declan McMahon ( Maxim ) is a junior musical theater major from Atlanta, GA. Prior credits include: Swing in Pippin (mainstage), Octopus/Abdual/Ensemble in What the Moon Saw or “I Only Appear to be Dead” (mainstage), and Male Understudy/Ensemble in A Rebel Prayer (workshop). Declan is honored to be part of this incredible show and company, and he would like to thank his parents for all their love and support in pursuing his dreams in theater.
Robbie Mosley (he/him) ( Father Ivan, Ensemble, u/s: Vasiliy) is a sophomore musical theater major from Rockwall, TX. Previous Department of Drama credits include Swing in Bernarda Alba (mainstage) and Michael in Tick, Tick…Boom! (Black Box Players). Robbie is so grateful to his friends and family for supporting him in pursuing his dreams.
Sam Reinhard (he/him) (Anton) is a sophomore musical theater major from Edison, NJ. This is his first mainstage production at the Department of Drama and he is honored to have worked with this incredible company. He is very grateful for the love and support from his peers, instructors, friends, and family.
CAST
Clare Shannon (Associate Choreographer, Swing, Standby for Mukhina) is a junior pursuing a B.F.A. in musical theater and a minor in business from Vienna, VA. Previous collegiate credits include The Moon in What the Moon Saw, or ‘I Only Appear to Be Dead’ (mainstage), The Hello Girls: Movement Workshop (Syracuse Stage), and B.F.A.!: A New Musical (Black Box Players). Clare will also be portraying Veuve-Vielle in the Department of Drama production of Foolproof (New Works New Voices) later this semester. Endless gratitude to her family, friends, mentors, and the Department of Drama community for their unwavering support! Instagram: @itsclareshannon
Parker Syler (he/him) (Vasiliy) is a junior musical theater major from Charlotte, NC. Prior Syracuse University Department of Drama credits include Mason in the world is hours (studio project) and Head Ghoul in What The Moon Saw or “I Only Appear to be Dead” (mainstage). You can also catch him in Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical (Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production) later this spring! He would like to thank the entire creative team for their trust and dedication throughout the process.
Chloe Thompson (she/her) (Mukhina) is thrilled to be part of the academic world premiere of A Rebel Prayer! She is a junior musical theater major from Orange County, CA. Her previous credits include Older Woman in What The Moon Saw or “I Only Appear to be Dead” (mainstage), Deb Brookwaters in BFA! (Black Box Players), and Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Black Box Players). She is incredibly proud of this cast and hopes you enjoy the show!
Bella Torrinello (Ensemble, u/s: Elena) is in her junior year as a student in the musical theater department here at Syracuse University. She is honored to be a part of her second mainstage production in the Department of Drama and would like to thank her teacher and director Kathleen for the opportunity. Previous roles include Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Rizzo (Grease), Chris (Carrie), and more. Bella would also like to thank her family and friends for their love and support during her journey in the arts.
CAST
Chloe Van De Graaf (Nadya) is a sophomore musical theater major from Austin, TX. Previous credits include Nadya in A Rebel Prayer Workshop (Department of Drama, small scale). She is so honored to have been a part of the process of bringing this new work to life!
Abigail Werner (Ensemble, u/s: Alisa) is a sophomore musical theater major from Long Island, New York. She is beyond excited and grateful to be making her Syracuse University mainstage debut! Prior Department of Drama credits include Shelby Standby in The Spitfire Grill (small scale) and a dancer in What It Means to Love (Black Box Players). She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support, as well as uplift the incredible hard work of the cast, crew, pit, creative team, and production team in creating such an incredible production and experience!
Katie Wood (she/her) (Fedosia, Assistant Choreographer, Dance Captain ) is a junior musical theater major from Northern Virginia. Her prior credits include: Fedosia in A Rebel Prayer Workshop (small scale), The Little Matchgirl in What the Moon Saw (mainstage), Swing in Pippin (mainstage), and choreographer in the Drama Dance Concert (small scale). She is immensely grateful for the support of her family and the Syracuse University Department of Drama community!
ARTISTIC TEAM
Abby Thurmon (she/her) (Scenic Designer) is a junior theater design and technology major from American Canyon, CA. Other Syracuse scenic design credits include John & Jen (Black Box Players).
Clara Permuy (she/her) (Costume Designer) is a junior theater design and technology major with a concentration in costume design. Other Department of Drama costume design credits include Hedda Gabler (small scale) and In Sisters We Trust (small scale). Clara would like to thank her friends, peers, and especially her faculty for their endless support and encouragement.
ARTISTIC TEAM
Henry Killbourn (he/him) (Lighting Designer) is a senior theater design and technology major from Orinda, CA. Other Department of Drama credits include Bernarda Alba (Lighting Design) and Picnic (Co-Lighting Design). He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support.
Jacqueline R. Herter (Sound Designer) has served as resident sound designer at Syracuse Stage and Syracuse University Department of Drama since 1997. She shifted and combined theatrical design with video/film design for the 20/21 season. Herter has designed for Indiana Repertory Theatre, Studio Arena, the Wilma, Geva, Round House, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Virginia Stage, and the Hangar Theater as well as other theatres across the nation. Some favorite designs have been: Annapurna, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Next to Normal, Mary Poppins, Nine, Hairspray, The Overwhelming, Caroline, or Change, The Miracle Worker, The Wolves, The Day Room, The Christians, Radio Golf, Parade, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Red Noses, The Real Thing, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, M. Butterfly, A Raisin in the Sun, A Lesson Before Dying, Copenhagen, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Inherit the Wind, and Big River
Alec Barbour (Stage Combat) is a Syracuse, N.Y. based actor, intimacy director, fight choreographer, and playwright. He relishes the opportunity to create visceral, authentic moments of violence and intimacy that are thrilling for audiences while being safe and fun for actors. He is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, and an Intimacy Director with IDC. He received his MFA in Acting at the Hilberry Repertory Theatre at Wayne State University in Detroit. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity and SAG/ AFTRA, and he teaches acting at Syracuse University. Intimacy Direction: (For Syracuse Stage) Clyde’s, Tender Rain, Amadeus. (For SU Drama)Head over Heels, Ghost Ship, Guys and Dolls, As You Like It, Movie Night, Romeo and Juliet, Everybody, Wild Party. (For Wallbyrd Theatre Co.) Bard Bending: Fight Club, Two Gentlemen of Verona. (For Utica College) Dracula. Fight Direction: (For Syracuse Stage) Clyde’s, Tender Rain, Salt/City/Clues, Amadeus, Suzette who Set to Sea, Deathtrap, Disgraced. (SU Drama) Head over Heels, Ghost Ship, Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, As You Like It, Movie Night, Cymbeline, Sender, In Love and Warcraft, Wild Party, Kiss Me Kate. (U. of Rochester) Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. (with J. David Brimmer). (Nazareth College) Spring Awakening, Hayfever, Vinegar Tom. (Le Moyne College)Squirrels, The Play That Goes Wrong, She Kills Monsters, Macbeth in Concert, Romeo & Juliet in Concert, The Liar. (Hilberry Repertory Theatre) The Cripple of Inishmaan, Macbeth, The Mousetrap, Moon Over Buffalo. (Wayne State U.)
ARTISTIC TEAM
Arabian Nights, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, SubUrbia. (Wallbyrd Theatre Co)
Bard Bending: Fight Club!, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, Dracula.
Kathleen Baum (Intimacy Coordinator) is an actor, movement coach, intimacy choreographer, and teacher. She has worked at theaters and training programs across the U.S. and internationally in Berlin, London, Toronto, Sao Paolo, Sydney, and Melbourne, among others. She has been on faculty at Emerson College and the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and is currently on faculty in the Syracuse University Department of Drama.
Nikky Spencer (she/her) (Stage Manager) is a second-year stage management major from Dallas, TX. This will be the second time she has gotten the privilege of stage managing for the Department of Drama this year. In the fall, she stage managed The Spitfire Grill, (small scale) in the Clark Theater. Nikky would like to thank all her loved ones for their endless support as well as Don Bushman and Stuart Plymesser for offering her this opportunity to work on such an incredible production. Finally, Nikky would like to thank the cast and crew for welcoming her into the process as well as Ashelyn Carden for all her support and guidance each step of the way.
Nova Starling (they/she/he) (Dramaturg) is a sophomore theater management major from San Ramon, CA. Previous credits of theirs include the Drama Dance Concert (Assistant Stage Manager) and Magia (Dramaturg). You can catch them this summer at Syracuse Shakespeare In the Park’s productions of King Lear (Regan) and The Taming of the Shrew (Grumio).
Tess Feldman (she/her) (Lighting Programmer) is a sophomore stage management major from Westport, CT based in New York, NY.
Ella Claudine Femino (Assistant Director) is a junior theater management major with a focus in producing and directing from Long Island, New York. Other assistant directing credits include the Department of Drama production of Pippin (mainstage) and the upcoming Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production of Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical She is grateful to her friends and family for their love and support.
AUTHORS
Eloise T. Govedare (she/her) (Book and Lyrics) is a lyricist and book-writer based in New York. Her work has been performed in numerous live music venues and performance spaces including The Moore Theater, Bumbershoot Festival, and New York’s 54 Below. Her musical theater works include Group! (Passage Theatre Company World Premiere 2022), A Rebel Prayer (CATWALK Residency 2021, Portsmouth College 2018, NYU 2016/2015, Goodspeed Musicals 2015); Silueta (NJPAC Stage Exchange 2019); Goodnight Bär (NYMF/ASCAP 2019); The Chimes (Dixon Place 2015, NYU 2014). Eloise received her M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She also holds a B.A. in Comparative History of Ideas and a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Washington.
Aleksandra M. Weil (Music) is a Soviet-born, Brooklynbased composer. Her musical Group! (Passage Theatre Company) was praised as “savagely powerful” and “poignant and wry.” Other selected works include Goodnight Bär (NYMF/ ASCAP), Uprising (The Tank), Henna Leaves (The American Opera Project), and Love in the Dark (Dixon Place). Her work has been performed at Joe’s Pub, Feinstein’s/54 Below, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. She holds an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is grateful to the Syracuse University Department of Drama for nurturing A Rebel Prayer’s academic world premiere.
DIRECTOR
Kathleen Wrinn is a musical theater writer, performer, director, and member of the full-time faculty at the Department of Drama. As Assistant Professor of Musical Theater, she has taught all levels of musical theater performance and singing voice, as well as solo cabaret creation, workshopping new musicals, and collaborative musical theater writing. Wrinn is also the Founding Artistic Director of Syracuse’s New Works/New Voices initiative, which supports the development of new musicals by underrepresented writers and composers. Previous Department of Drama directing credits include Head Over Heels (mainstage, Spring 2024), the Fall 2025 workshop of A Rebel Prayer, and multiple New Works/New Voices readings. Her new musical, The Bridge (book and lyrics; music with Frances Pollock), was recently showcased at Yale University and was a 2025 New York State Council on the Arts grantee. In addition to her theatrical writing, Wrinn is co-author (with Alisa Hauser) of the upcoming book, Developing New Musicals in University Theatre Programs: A Practical Guide (Bloomsbury Publishing, Methuen Drama, 2026). www.kathleenwrinn.com
MUSIC DIRECTION AND ARRANGEMENTS
Brian Cimmet has worked as Music Director for both the Department of Drama and Syracuse Stage since 2010. He is also a member of the full-time faculty and serves as Program Coordinator for Musical Theater. Outside of Syracuse, Brian’s credits include the Broadway companies of The Drowsy Chaperone, Mary Poppins, and Grease; the Off-Broadway companies of I Love You Because (also the cast album), The Tin Pan Alley Rag, Four Towels on the Floor, and Newsical; and a lifetime of summer stock and regional theater. In an unrelated but parallel universe centered on crossword puzzles, Brian hosts a weekly podcast (Fill Me In) and an annual tournament (Lollapuzzoola), and if that sort of thing interests you, you can visit www.bemoresmarter.com to learn more.
ORCHESTRATIONS
Jacob Stebly is a New York City–based music director, pianist, and private voice teacher. Originally from Ohio, Jacob earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music. Select credits include music director for The Bodyguard, A Christmas Carol (Engeman), West Side Story (Maine State Music Theatre), The Last Five Years (Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre), Cantaré (Holland America Line), and A Grand Night for Singing (Syracuse University); associate conductor for The Little Mermaid and Matilda (Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production); associate music director for Queen of the Mist (Peak Performances), Funny Girl, White Christmas, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Tootsie (Maine State Music Theatre); and keyboard for How To Dance in Ohio (Syracuse Stage). He has music directed developmental workshops of the new musicals The Bridge, Miss Havisham’s Wedding, and Silhouettes, and is the orchestrator for A Rebel Prayer. Outside of music direction, Jacob is a shape note composer and Sacred Harp singer and one of his tunes was chosen for publication in the 2025 revision of the Sacred Harp. He is a proud member of AFM Local 802.
CHOREOGRAPHER
Bradley Stone is a performer, choreographer and educator specializing in musical theatre, dance and fitness. Her professional performance credits include the Broadway revival of Oklahoma! directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Susan Stroman; the first national tours of Pippin (Catherine/assistant dance captain) and Thoroughly Modern Millie; Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular; the
CHOREOGRAPHER
Las Vegas and Hollywood Bowl productions of Hairspray; the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Radio City Music Hall; and the world premiere of Leap of Faith at the Ahmanson Theatre. Additional credits include work with Sacramento Music Circus, Reprise! Theater Company in Los Angeles, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, St. Louis Repertory Theater and LA Opera. Her television appearances include the Today show, the Tony Awards, Late Night with David Letterman and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In addition to her performance career, Stone is an experienced teacher and choreographer who has taught master classes nationwide as a Broadway Connection instructor. She choreographs for Syracuse University Department of Drama productions and serves as a guest instructor and choreographer for several arts organizations throughout Central New York, focusing on technique, storytelling through movement, performance quality and professional preparation. Stone holds a B.A. in performing arts from Saint Mary’s College of California (L.E.A.P. Program) and an M.A. in arts administration from Le Moyne College. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
ASSISTANTS AND ASSOCIATES
Antoinette Garner (she/her) (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a sophomore stage management major from Bedford, TX and Syracuse, NY.
Addison Goad (she/her) (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman stage management major from Richmond, VA.
Emma Henry (she/her)(Assistant Costume Designer) is a sophomore Theater Design and Technology major from Long Island, NY
Ren Nygaard (he/they) (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a sophomore theater design major from Schenectady, New York.
Paige Reidy (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore in the Department of Drama at Syracuse University. Last year, she also worked on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Black Box Players).
Skye Robinson (she/her) (Production Assistant) is a freshman acting major from Phoenix, Arizona.
Reyna Sanchez (Studio Assistant Lighting Designer) is a junior theater design and technology major with a concentration in lighting design from Salinas, CA.
CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA
Eleanor Holdridge Off-Broadway productions include world premieres of Selma ’65 (LaMaMa), Steve & Idi (Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre), and Cycling Past The Matterhorn (Clurman Theatre). Regional world premieres include Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me A Soprano, David Grimm’s adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, Lauren Gunderson’s The Revolutionists (Cincinnati Playhouse), NNPN Rolling World Premieres of Lauren Gunderson’s Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley and I and You, Meg Maroshnik’s Fickle: A Fancy French Farce, and Caleen Sinnette Jennings’ Queens Girl in the World (Theatre J). She has directed twenty-four of Shakespeare’s plays, some of them multiple times. Recently she directed Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville at the Alley Theatre in Houston. Upcoming directing projects include a workshop of Ken Ludwig’s Napoleon at Pemberly and The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at the Olney Theatre in Summer 2026. She holds an MFA from Yale School of Drama.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA
Part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Syracuse University Department of Drama offers degree programs in acting, musical theater, theater design and technology, stage management, and theater management utilizing conservatory-style training in a university setting and in collaboration with Syracuse Stage. With much appreciation, the Department of Drama wishes to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Syracuse Stage staff.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA
Chair........................................................................................................................Eleanor Holdridge
Finance & Operations..........................................................................................................Erna Eno
Administrative Specialist..................................................................................................Jen Ballard
Director, VPA: NYC.................................................................................................Julia Smeliansky
Production Manager..............................................................................................Stuart Plymesser
Dean, VPA...................................................................................................................Michael S. Tick
FULL-TIME FACULTY
Christine Albright-Tufts
Robert Andrusko
Brian Cimmet
James A. Clark
Danyon Davis
Izmir Ickbal
Alex Jainchill
Rebecca Karpoff
Carly Allen
Dylinn Andrew
Alec Barbour
Kathleen Baum
Bradley Beckman
Kerry Bereza
Don Buschmann
Diane Coloton
Jed Daniels
Gretchen Darrow-Crotty
Adria Dawn
Adrianna DiRosio
Danita Emma
Kathryn Fathers
Jacob Kerzner
David Lowenstein
Celia Madeoy
Carmen Martínez
Michael McBride
Katherine McGerr
Thom Miller
Erica Murphy
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Marcus Herndon
Jacqueline R. Herter
Emily Holm
Aldo Kattón
Richard Koons
Nicholas Kowerko
Andy LiDestri
Zizi Majid
Michael McCurdy
Dela Meskienyar
Amanda Moore
Leslie Noble
Kevin O'Connor
Krystal Osborne
ACCOMPANISTS
Kerry Bereza, Abel Searor, Dan Williams
Ricky Pak
Felipe Panamá
Bradley Stone
Holly Thuma
Kathleen Wrinn
Ralph Zito
Whitney Pak
Stuart Plymesser
Mara Rich
Rebecca Schuetz
Hanni Schwarzlander
Abel Searor
Blake Segal
Randy Steffen
Katie Weber
Joseph Whelan
Joan Willard
Dan Williams
Matthew Winning
SYRACUSE STAGE STAFF
Artistic Director.............................................................................................................Robert Hupp
Managing Director.............................................................................................Carly DiFulvio Allen
Associate Artistic Director............................................................................................Melissa Crespo
Resident Playwright..............................................................................................................Kyle Bass
PRODUCTION STAFF
Director of Production Operations...........................................................................Don Buschmann
Associate Director of Production Operations.......................................................Stuart Plymesser
Student Employee.............................................................................................Nikky Spencer†
Company Manager and Production Management Associate......................................Brian Crotty
Assistant Company Manager.....................................................................................Sarai Ford
Technical Director..................................................................................................Randall Steffen
Assistant Technical Director............................................................................Rebecca Schuetz
Scene Shop Foreman...........................................................................................Michael King
Technical Assistant...................................................................................................Liz Daurio
Carpenters...............................................................................John Gamble, Brian McBurney
Student Employee................................................................................................Bailey Olson†
Student Workstudy..............................................................................................Bella Molino†
Scenic Charge Artist...................................................................................................Emily Holm
Lead Scenic Artist................................................................................................Laurel Arnold
Scenic Painter....................................................................................................Jessica Culligan
Props Supervisor............................................................................................................Mara Rich
Associate Props Supervisor...................................................................................Andrew Babb
Craftperson............................................................................................................Nora Galley
Student Employee..............................................................................................Emma Henry†
Costume Shop Manager..........................................................................Gretchen Darrow-Crotty
Assistant Costume Shop Manager.....................................................................Amanda Moore
Cutter-Drapers..............................................................................Emily King, Kathryn Rauch
First Hand.......................................................................................................Katelyn Yonkers
Stitchers.................................................................................Sidney Barmoha, Sophie Shahan
Craftsperson/Shopper..............................................................................................Wyatt Kim
Wardrobe Supervisor.........................................................................................Dylinn Andrew
Electrics and Projection Supervisor...............................................................................Jed Daniels
Associate Electrics and Projection Supervisor......................................................Andy LiDestri
Electrician/Board Operator...................................................................................Kat Larrabee
Resident Sound Designer/Audio Engineer......................................................Jacqueline R. Herter
Audio Engineer...............................................................................................Kevin O’Connor
Sound Engineer/Board Operator..........................................................................Garrett Frink
Stage Management Assistants................................................................Katie Barnes, Erin C Brett
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
General Manager....................................................................................................Michael McCurdy
Comptroller..............................................................................................Mary Kennett Morreale
Associate General Manager........................................................................................Jacob Ellison
Director of Information Management & Technology...................................Garrett Diaz-Wheeler
Director of Development.............................................................................................Ana Díaz-Diez
Development Associate.....................................................................................Candice Bermudez
Development Assistant............................................................................................Polly Gilmore†
Development Intern................................................................................................Natalie Haras†
Director of Community Engagement..................................................................Joann Maria Yarrow
Director of Education.......................................................................................................Kate Laissle
Community Engagement and Education Coordinator.....................................................Zizi Majid
Education Interns........................................................................Aliana Aspesi†, Nat Wilson†
Director of Marketing and Communications..............................................................Joanna Penalva
Audience Development Manager..............................................................................Tracey White
Creative Director, Marketing..................................................................................Brenna Merritt
Marketing Content and Publications Manager.....................................................Matthew Nerber
Graphic Designer.................................................................................................Jonathan Hudak
Marketing Intern......................................................................................................Mady Mohat†
Box Office Manager.....................................................................................Courtney Richardson
Assistant Box Office Manager.............................................................................Clari Atherlay
Show Supervisor......................................................................................................Lisa Doerle
Box Office Assistants.............................................Aliana Aspesi†, Josh Cooper†, Molly Evert†, Tess Feldman†, Ben Ferrara†, Polly Gilmore†, Skye Robinson†
Audience Services Manager.......................................................................................Luke Centore
Assistant Audience Services Manager..............................................................Bianca Stevenson
Audience Services Associates.....................................Hannah Blumenthal, Michelle Cannizzo, Khayman Clancy, Pat Condello, Roy Crosbie†, Talia Gabriel-Shenandoah, Asia Green, Mackenzie Green, Meg Pusey, Phineas Roy†, Reyna Sanchez†, Esme Schaus†
Executive Assistant............................................................................................................Judi Dixon
Sign Language Interpreters.....................................................................Brenda Brown, Sue Freeman
Open Captioning........................................................................Jacob G. Ellison, Michael McCurdy
Audio Description..........................................................Brad Beckman, Kate Laissle, Joseph Whelan
Artistic Intern..................................................................................Ella Femino†, Amanda Podhurst†
Community Services Officers............................Chris Deutschman, Stacey Emmons, Martha Farmer
Custodians........................................................................Tony Rogers, Ron Taylor, Candace Velario
†Student, Syracuse University Department of Drama.
Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm Syracuse Stage 820 E. Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210
BERNARDA ALBA
WORDS AND MUSIC BY MICHAEL JOHN LACHIUSA | BASED ON THE PLAY THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA BY FEDERICO GARCÍA LORCA | DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM CARLOS ANGULO | ASSOCIATE DIRECTION BY DIEGO ALEJANDRO GONZÁLEZ AND FELIPE PANAMÁ
MUSIC DIRECTION BY JACOB KERZNER
OCTOBER 10 - 19 | OPENING NIGHT: OCTOBER 11
ANTIGONICK
BY SOPHOKLES | A NEW VERSION BY ANNE CARSON
DIRECTED BY MATTHEW WINNING AND ERICA MURPHY
NOVEMBER 14 - 22 | OPENING NIGHT: NOVEMBER 15
PICNIC
BY WILLIAM INGE | DIRECTED BY RALPH ZITO
FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 1 | OPENING NIGHT: FEBRUARY 21
A REBEL PRAYER
BOOK AND LYRICS BY ELOISE T. GOVEDARE | MUSIC BY ALEKSANDRA M. WEIL | DIRECTED BY KATHLEEN WRINN | MUSIC DIRECTION BY BRIAN CIMMET | CHOREOGRAPHY BY BRADLEY STONE
MARCH 28 - APRIL 5 | OPENING NIGHT: MARCH 28
KENTUCKY
BY LEAH NANAKO WINKLER | DIRECTED BY MICHELLE CHAN APRIL 24 - MAY 3 | OPENING NIGHT: APRIL 25
DISNEY’S FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY KRISTEN ANDERSON LOPEZ AND ROBERT LOPEZ | BOOK BY JENNIFER LEE | BASED ON THE DISNEY FILM WRITTEN BY JENNIFER LEE | AND DIRECTED BY CHRIS BUCK AND JENNIFER LEE | ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BY DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS DIRECTED BY EMILY MALTBY | MUSIC DIRECTION BY BRIAN CIMMET | CHOREOGRAPHED BY MARJORIE FAILONI | COPRODUCED WITH SYRACUSE STAGE
MAY 13 – JUNE 21, 2026 | OPENING NIGHT: MAY 15
* Please Note: Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical is not included in the Department of Drama subscription package. However, discounts are available to Department of Drama subscribers.
Bernarda Alba is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com | Antigonick is presented by special arrangement with Paradigm Talent Agency | Picnic is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists. com) | Kentucky is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com) | Frozen is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com