A Christmas Carol Program

WHERE THE ARTS TAKE CENTER STAGE

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The

The Slutzker Family Foundation is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for the 50th Anniversary Season, celebrating 50 years of incredible storytelling in the Central New York community.

Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1917, Lillian Slutzker was a survivor. After fleeing Nazi control for England, she met her husband at a USO dance and later returned to his hometown of Rome, New York.

She dedicated her life to bettering her community. The Foundation’s purpose is to carry on her incredible legacy and fulfill her passion for Judaism, education, the arts, and enriching the community.

LETTER FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

DEAR FRIENDS,

Welcome to A Christmas Carol ! Thank you for making Syracuse Stage a part of your holiday tradition. We’re very glad you’re here.

With this production of A Christmas Carol, we celebrate our ongoing partnership with the Syracuse University Department of Drama. Our annual co-production greatly benefits us both, but most of all, it benefits our wonderful patrons like you. The partnership allows us to produce large scale, familyfriendly plays and musicals to engage and entertain everyone in Central New York. In this production you’ll see fantastic actors from across the country, seasoned pros from the Drama faculty, and what I consider to be the best trained young actors you’ll find anywhere in the U.S. Combined with a second-to-none creative team led by returning Stage favorites – Melissa Rain Anderson (Disney’s The Little Mermaid) and our dynamic pals from 2 Ring Circus – we strive to create theatrical experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in our neck of the woods.

This production of Dickens’ classic marks the ninth time Syracuse Stage has mounted A Christmas Carol. That makes it our most produced play. We thought it fitting, as we celebrate our

50th season, to feature this timeless tale for you now. We hope you enjoy the show just as much as we enjoyed creating it.

From everyone at Syracuse Stage, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a healthy and happy New Year!

With warmest regards,

Robert Hupp Artistic Director

 ROBERT HUPP.

PHOTO: BRENNA MERRITT.

50th ANNIVERSARY

SEIZE PLAY THE

2023/2024 SEASON

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

By Heidi Schreck

Directed by Melissa Crespo

SEPT 13 - OCT 1, 2023

A Wholly Impactful and Timely Theatre Experience

Boundary-breaking show traces the relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Hilarious, hopeful, and honest!

“Every American should see this play!” – The Seattle Times

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL

By Lanie Robertson

Musical Arrangements by Danny Holgate

Directed by Jade King Carroll

OCT 18 - NOV 5, 2023

Experience the Soulful Music of Billie Holiday

An intimate look at Billie Holiday’s life story told through the songs that made her famous.

“The richest jazz singing in town.” – The New York Times

CLYDE’S

By Lynn Nottage | Directed by Chip Miller | Co-produced with Portland Center Stage

JAN 31 - FEB 18, 2024

Feel Good Comic-Drama Takes a Shot at Redemption

This masterful and delicious new ‘dramedy’ has it all – wit, heart, snappy dialogue, big surprises, and the search for the perfect sandwich – deeply felt, quirky, and urgent.

"An absolutely thrilling experience. Laugh-out-loud funny!" – The Hollywood Reporter

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By Charles Dickens | Adapted by Richard Hellesen and David de Berry with music

orchestration by Gregg Coffin

Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson | Circus and Phantom Staging by 2 Ring Circus | CoProduced with the Syracuse University Department of Drama

NOV 24 – DEC 31, 2023

The Greatest Ghost Story Ever Told!

Shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of Mr. Scrooge and his journey to redemption. Share the season with the people you love!

“A beautiful, timeless message of generosity’s triumph over greed.” – Chicago Tribune

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

By Agatha Christie

Adapted by Ken Ludwig

Directed by Robert Hupp

MAR 13 - 31, 2024

From the Undisputed Queen of Crime

Wherever famed detective Poirot goes, murder is never far behind! An avalanche stops the famed Orient Express, and Poirot must solve the on-board murder before the killer strikes again!

“Glamourous and enthralling from

ONCE

Book by Enda Walsh | Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová | Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney

Directed by Melissa Crespo

MAY 1 - 19, 2024

Award-Winning Emotionally Captivating Musical

The exuberant spirit of a lively pub session meets an out-of-theordinary love story in this irresistible musical based on the beloved indie film. Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

“Hearts soar and music shimmers

DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA

PRODUCITON OF

BY

Charles Dickens

ADAPTED BY

Richard Hellesen and David de Berry

DIRECTED BY

Melissa Rain Anderson

MUSIC DIRECTION BY Brian Cimmet

SCENIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Powers

CHOREOGRAPHED BY

Andrea Leigh-Smith

COSTUME DESIGNER

David Kay Mickelsen

WIG DESIGNER Ryan Moller

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER Stuart Plymesser*

Robert Hupp

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz

SOUND DESIGNER

Jacqueline R. Herter

ORCHESTRATIONS BY Gregg Coffin DIALECT COACH Blake Segal

ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR Abel Searor

Artistic Director Jill A. Anderson Managing Director

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SEASON SPONSORS

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Bianca Mercado-Boller*

CASTING Bass/Valle Casting

Melissa Crespo Associate Artistic Director Kyle Bass Resident Playwright

CIRCUS AND PHANTOM STAGING BY 2 Ring Circus SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

Ralph Zito Chair, Department of Drama

PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL SPONSOR

COMMUNITY PARTNER

mark calendars your

SUMMER @ SYRACUSE STAGE RETURNS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING GRADES 3 – 8!

Make friends. Build confidence. Express yourself.

With an emphasis on musical theatre, acting, movement, and storytelling, students will learn from professional artists, get a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre-making process, and feel the thrill of creating and performing in their own original showcase. No experience necessary. Space is limited.

Grades 3 – 5: July 29 – August 9

Grades 6 – 8: August 12 – August 23

Registration opens January 14!

SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

CAST

(in alphabetical order)

Annabelle Abramov†..............Londoner, Flaring Links, Fan, Fezziwig Child, Clown, Want

Mayde Anastasio.........................................................Londoner, Flaring Links, Fan, Want

Jaemon Anthony Crosby†.................................................................Fred, Phantom, Parent

Joshua Dean*..........................................Lamplighter, Phantom, Circus Performer, Clown

Gwendalyn Rose Díaz†.....................................Street Singer, Misses Fezziwig, Sister-in-law

Jaala Ellis....................................................................Belinda, School Boy, Fezziwig Child

Kaala Ellis...................................................................Belinda, School Boy, Fezziwig Child

Max Elmer........................................................Edward, Flaring Links, Ebenezer the Child

Ben Franklin*............................Labourer, School Teacher, Older Belle's Husband, Topper

Mackenzie Furlett†................................Maid 2, Phantom, Parent, Toy Seller, Charwoman

Ahitana García.................................................................Rich Girl, Upper Class Daughter

Sam Gregory*..........................................................................................Ebenezer Scrooge

Lydia Hall†......................................................................Beggar Child, School Boy, Clown

JoJo Harper-McNeal.........................................Edward, Flaring Links, Ebenezer the Child

Kevin Ilardi†.....................................................................Labourer, Suitor, Clown, Debtor

Milo Ladd........................................................................................Tiny Tim, School Boy

Morgan Lewis†..........................................................Maid 1, Misses Fezziwig, Party Guest

Thomas Locke†.................................................Labourer, Phantom, Parent, Suitor, Clown

David Lowenstein*...First Subscription Gentleman, Mr. Fezziwig, Upper Class Man, Old Joe

Madison Manning†........................................................Phantom, Belle, Clown, Londoner

Ayana Momoki*......................................Lamplighter, Phantom, Circus Performer, Clown

Morgan Perry†.........................................................................Martha, Parent, Party Guest

Erick Pinnick*..............Second Subscription Gentleman, The Ghost of Christmas Present

Hayden Poe†...........................................Labourer, Phantom, Parent, Suitor, Wreath Seller

Oliver Potorac..................................................................................Tiny Tim, School Boy

Jim Poulos*........................................................................................Bob Cratchit, Fiddler

James Ragen†.....................................................................Labourer 2, Dick Wilkins, Peter

Austin Rose†.......Labourer 1, Ebenezer the Apprentice, Ebenezer the Young Man, Party Guest

Malachy Ruddy.............Turkey Boy, Flaring Links, School Boy, Fezziwig Child, Ignorance

Erin Ryan Byrnes........................................................Belinda, School Boy, Fezziwig Child

Anthony Schmidt.........Turkey Boy, Flaring Links, School Boy, Fezziwig Child, Ignorance

Chloe Smith†...............................................Fred's Wife, Maid 3, Parent, Narrator, Debtor

Katy Tang*......................................................Mrs. Cratchit, The Ghost of Christmas Past

Tatum Taylor...................................................................Rich Girl, Upper Class Daughter

John Tufts*................................The Ghost of Jacob Marley, Londoner, Undertaker's Man

Rileigh Very†.................................................Phantom, Misses Fezziwig, Clown, Londoner

EJ Zimmerman*....................Londoner, Mrs. Fezziwig, Upper Class Woman, Mrs. Dilber

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The Scenic, Costume, Lighting, and Sound Designers in LORT theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE. The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union. A Christmas Carol is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. †Student, Syracuse University Department of Drama.

UNDERSTUDIES/SWINGS

Understudies never substitute for the listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of performance.

For Beggar Child – Annabelle Abramov†; For Labourer, School Teacher, Older Belle's Husband, Topper – Nathan Ayotte†; For Street Singer, Misses Fezziwig, Sister-in-law, Fred's Wife, Maid 3, Parent, Narrator, Debtor – Emily CastilloLangley†; For Londoner, Mrs. Fezziwig, Upper Class Woman, Mrs. Dilber, Maid 2, Phantom, Parent, Toy Seller, Charwoman – Ally Ebert†; For Labourer 2, Dick Wilkins, Peter, Parent, Suitor, Wreath Seller – Connor English†; For Marley, Undertakers Man, Londoner, Ghost of Christmas Present, Second Subscription Gentleman, First Subscription Gentleman, Mr. Fezziwig, Upper Class Man, Old Joe – Ben Franklin*; For Preshow Labourer, Bob Cratchit, Fiddler – Kevin Ilardi†; For Martha, Parent, Party Guest, Phantom, Misses Fezziwig, Clown, Londoner –Sydney Kamel†; For Preshow Labourer, Fred, Phantom, Parent – Thomas Locke†; For Ebenezer Scrooge – David Lowenstein*; For Labourer 1, Ebenezer the Apprentice, Ebenezer the Young Man, Party Guest – Hayden Poe†; For Labourer, Phantom, Parent, Suitor, Clown, Debtor – Ethan Shavelson†; For Preshow Lamplighter, Phantom, Circus Performer, Clown – Rileigh Very†; For Maid 1, Misses Fezziwig, Party Guest, Phantom, Belle, Clown, Londoner – Malaika Wanjiku†; For Mrs. Cratchit, The Ghost of Christmas Past – EJ Zimmerman*

ADDITIONAL CREDITS

Intimacy Director: Melissa Crespo.

Dance Captains: Joshua Dean, Rileigh Very†

Student Assistant Director and Dramaturg: Samantha Harnick†

Assistant Lighting Designer: Diana Herrera

Student Assistant Sound Designer: Jay Korter†

Student Assistant Scenic Designer: Alexis Wilner†

1st Production Assistant: Erin C Brett

2nd Production Assistant: Em Piraino

Stage Management Intern: Dassi Cohen

Young Actor Supervisors: Shauna Ashley, AnnaRae Martin

Wardrobe & Wig Supervisor: Dylinn Andrew

Wardrobe: Travis Miller, Chloe Schnell, Emelina White

Electrician/Board Op: Travis Burt

Spotlight Operators: Basil Allen, Alex Malli

Assistant Audio Engineer/A1: Kevin O’Connor

Sound Assistant/A2: Garrett Frink

Deck Crew: Samantha Burton, Andrew Fiacco, Chris Green, Jackson Merante, Caitlin Radziewski, Jakob Sanchez

SONG LIST

ACT ONE

Prologue: First Refrain.....................................................................Company

The Labourers' Carol...................................Streetsinger, Maids, Beggar Child

Song of the Spirits: Second Refrain..................................................Ensemble

Melodrame: Schoolboys...................................................................Ensemble

Merry Christmas Round..................................................................Ensemble

Home at Christmastide.............................................Fan, Ebenezer the Child

Fezziwig's Carol.......................Mr. Fezziwig, Mrs. Fezziwig, Young Ebenezer, Belle, Dick Wilkins, Fiddler, Ensemble

Nightmare: Third Refrain................................................................Ensemble

ACT TWO

Wassail...............................................................Christmas Present, Ensemble

The Londoners' Carol.....Fred, Fred's Wife, Fred's Sister-in-Law, Topper, Ensemble

The Toast.........Fred, Fred's Wife, Fred's Sister-in-Law, Topper, Bob Cratchit, Mrs. Cratchit, Martha, Belinda, Edward, Peter, Tiny Tim

Yet to Come: Fourth Refrain............................................................Ensemble

Streetsinger: Fifth Refrain.............................................................Streetsinger

Finale: Sixth Refrain........................................................................Company

SPECIAL THANKS

Special thanks to Claudia Quesada.

TAKING PHOTOS IN THE THEATRE

Audience members may take photos in the theatre before and after the performance and during intermission. If you post photos on social media or elsewhere, you must credit the production's director and designers by including the names below.

Please note: Photos are strictly prohibited during the performance. Photos of the stage are not permitted if an actor is present. Video and audio recording is not permitted at any time in the theatre.

Photo credit: The Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production of A Christmas Carol | Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson | Scenic Design by Kimberly Powers | Costume Design by David Kay Michaelson | Lighting Design by Lonnie Alcaraz | Sound Design by Jacqueline R. Herter | Wig Design by Ryan Moller

CELEBRATING

YOU’VE GOT TO LOVE THE ART FORM.

James A. (Jim) Clark has had a long career as an arts administrator and academic. At Syracuse Stage he served as managing director from 1976 to 1992, then as producing director from 1992 to 2006. He was chair of the Department of Drama from 1992 to 2006 and has since served in the College of Visual and Performing Arts as associate dean for assessment and accreditation and as associate dean for academic affairs. He has developed and still oversees an undergraduate program in theatre administration.

After so many years working behind the scenes, managing the unglamorous areas of finance and facilities, politics and personnel, contracts and complaints, what skills have sustained him, what are the rewards?

“What do I tell prospective students who are interested in our administration program?” he asks. “I tell them, first and foremost, you’ve got to love the art form.”

Having been so instrumental in Stage’s success for so many of the company’s 50 years, we asked Jim to share some memories of his time at Stage (just as we invite all our patrons to share their memories by recording them in our booth in the lobby). Below are a few of his recollections, edited for clarity and length. As might be expected, they offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes.

 JIM CLARK ADDRESSES DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA STUDENTS IN THE STORCH THEATRE.

PHOTO: MICHAEL DAVIS.

What do I tell prospective students who are interested in our administration program?

“ ”

I tell them, first and foremost, you’ve got to love the art form.

- JIM CLARK

BAD HOUSING

We were doing That Championship Season (1977/1978), with Bill Putch directing, and I remember him coming to a board meeting. This is back when we were struggling with actor housing. The actors were provided apartments along East Genesee Street not too far from the theatre that were still vacant after SU students moved in. They were not great apartments. Bill came to one of our Board meetings to talk about theatre. During his conversation with the Board, he gently admonished us for the actor housing here, saying, “you know, you have these actors coming up here. These are men in their 40s, right, and they are coming from New York, and they live in homes that are comfortable,

et cetera, and you expose them to this poor quality of housing.” I remember after that there was a sudden and serious look at what we were doing with actor housing.

JEAN STAPLETON

One I remember so well was The ShowOff (1983/1984). Getting that phone call on a Wednesday morning that Bill Putch [the show’s director] had gotten up early that morning, 5:30 or 6:00. He was walking around. He wasn’t feeling well, and he hailed a taxicab—how he found a taxicab, I have no idea—and took himself up to the University Hospital and subsequently died that morning. The hospital called [artistic director] Arthur [Storch] because Bill had

1983

“ ”

I remember just all of us, everybody, everywhere in the theatre, and she came out she said, ‘you know, my husband was a theatre producer. He would never cancel the show if he could help it in any way, shape, or form. And we are not going to cancel a single performance in honor of my husband, Bill Putch.’

- JIM CLARK

told them who he was and where he was working. They called Arthur and Arthur gets Jean [Jean Stapleton, Putch’s wife who was starring in the play]. They went up. I don’t know if they made it to the room before he passed away. And we had sold out the show. There was not a single ticket to be had because she was who she was. And I thought well, you know, that’s it. I’m not saying that to say I was disappointed. I just knew that it was done. How could she go on with that show because in The Show-Off, in the play, her character’s husband dies of a heart attack in the second act. But then Jean came in that afternoon. I remember just all of us, everybody, everywhere in the theatre, and she came out she said, “you know, my husband was a theatre producer. He would never cancel

the show if he could help it in any way, shape, or form. And we are not going to cancel a single performance in honor of my husband, Bill Putch.”And she went on that night. She played Thanksgiving Day, we had a preview that day. And she played the opening on Friday night. On her day off, she flew back to Pennsylvania, and they buried her husband. She came back on the next day, a Tuesday, and was the keynote speaker at the Guild luncheon and played the whole run. Of course, everybody who came to see the show knew. So, it was a different experience. You admired that woman up there. It was a comedy with Orson Bean but in act two when they announced that her husband has died, her character’s husband has died, it wasn’t the same.

 JOHN NEWTON, LLOYD BRASS, ORSON BEAN, AND JEAN STAPLETON IN THE SHOW-OFF DIRECTOR: WILLIAM H. PUTCH. PHOTO: SUSAN PIPER KUBLICK.

1987

 MATTHEW KIMBROUGH AND ALEXANDRA NEIL IN OF MICE AND MEN. DIRECTOR: ARTHUR STORCH. PHOTO: LAWRENCE MASON, JR.

“

We met with the actor the next day and Arthur was so good. He said to the actor, ‘I made a mistake. I cast you. It was my mistake, but we can’t go on.’ We paid him for the full amount that he was owed, and he left that day. Then Arthur asked an actor playing a supporting role if he would take over George. We got a local guy to play that smaller role. And by opening we had a play.

- JIM CLARK

”A TOUGH DECISION

I remember this because I think this set Stage apart. We did Of Mice and Men (1986/1987) and Arthur cast the son of a famous playwright in the role of George. I never went to rehearsals; it just wasn’t part of my job. But I remember about a

week in, I was walking down the hallway, and I said, “so how’s it going?” Arthur said, “I may have made a mistake. I may not have cast the right person.” This actor was a television and movie actor and didn’t have much stage experience. So, he said, “I’m going ride it out, we’ll see.” And then the week of opening: I think it was a Tues-

day night, he asked me if I would come for the for the dress rehearsal. Would I come down and tell him what I think? I said, sure. He never asked me that. And so, George comes on in the play. And it just . . . George pushes that act. He’s the compelling force in that play. And the play just sat there. And at intermission, Arthur says, “What do you think?” I said, “nothing’s happening on stage; he knows the lines, but it’s just not there.” He says, “I know.” So, Arthur made the decision that night. We met with the actor the next day and Arthur was so good. He said to the actor, “I made a mistake. I cast you. It was my mistake, but we can’t go on.” We paid him for the full amount that he was owed, and he left that day. Then Arthur asked an actor playing a supporting role if he would take over George. We got a local guy to play that smaller role. And by opening we had a play. I remember thinking, here’s an artistic director, who is willing to make that decision. He knows if he doesn’t, there are going to be how many thousands of people coming to see that play and thinking, you know, Steinbeck wasn’t a very good playwright, and it wasn’t a very good story. It would have cast a pall over everybody’s experience because of Arthur’s mistake. So, he made that hard decision. And I’m thinking, how many artistic directors around the country would just try to get through because the actor worked hard. It wasn’t a matter of him sloughing off or not doing his job or anything like that. It just wasn’t working. I’ve always admired Arthur for that decision, because it was an artistic decision. That was hard. And that show went on tour. So, our reputation was at stake.

CYRANO DE BERGERAC

We did a beautiful production of Cyrano de Bergerac with John Cullum in season 11. The story was adapted by Emily Frankel (John’s wife). The following year, we sent the production on a national tour with Columbia Artists as our booking company. Before the tour went out, we re-mounted the set and rehearsed the show in Syracuse. Once rehearsals were over, the truck for the tour . . . an 18-wheeler . . . pulled up at the back of the theatre to load the scenery, props, and costumes. The doors opened and half the truck was filled with the lighting package. There was not enough room for the scenery as well. We literally had to call our trucking company and add a second truck, a second driver, which added $10,000 a week to the tour expenses. My memory was that I got phone calls all through the run of that tour, late at night, early in the morning, this had gone wrong, that had gone wrong. They showed up in Boston to load in at the Shubert Theater, but the only time we could do it was on Easter Sunday. And I got a call saying, you know, Easter Sunday with IATSE [stagehands union], it’s golden time. It’s three times the salary per hour because they’re working on an Easter Sunday! It cost us about a million dollars for the tour. I think we brought it in $1,010,000. We made a profit of $10,000 for the year. A very small amount for all of the staff people who worried about the production for the 50 weeks it travelled the country.

50 CELEBRATING

TO NEVERLAND AND BEYOND

In November of 2000, when Amanda Butterbaugh as Peter Pan flew through Wendy Darling’s bedroom window in search of a truant shadow, a twinkling of real magic arrived at Syracuse Stage. Peter Pan was the first of the holiday co-productions between Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama. It was the first in a series of shows now stretching 23 seasons up to and including the current production of A Christmas Carol. Many of the shows in the series have been among the most popular and successful productions in Syracuse Stage’s history, generating record box office revenue and bringing to the theatre new audiences including, significantly, children of all ages. One might say Peter Pan cast a long (and magical) shadow over holiday seasons to come.

Until 2000, Stage had produced very few musicals and the reason was simple. Musicals, with their large casts, orchestras, elaborate sets, and voluminous costume plots are expensive. However much Stage’s leadership wanted to fill the theatre with the cheerful sounds of big book shows, cost proved an insurmountable killjoy, until longtime Stage general manager Diana Coles hit upon a solution. Instead of producing the holiday show under Stage’s standard LORT (League of Resident Theatres) contract, Coles proposed adopting a contractual model established by the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA), which would allow Stage to cast fewer Equity actors

2000

“ ”

“My point of view about choreographing, which really helps me in that area, is that it is not about the steps, but how the steps are character driven. How do people behave and how can I explore that in movement, not just architecturally, but in terms of their emotional and spiritual qualities and who they are at the moment.

- ANTHONY SALATINO

 AMANDA BUTTERBAUGH AS PETER AND RODNEY SCOTT HUDSON AS CAPTAIN HOOK IN PETER PAN DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY ANTHONY SALATINO. MUSIC DIRECTION BY DIANNE ADAMS MCDOWELL. PHOTO: DOUGLAS WONDERS.

and more students from the Department of Drama. After some negotiations to address the pesky devils in the details, Actors' Equity agreed to the switch specifically for Stage’s holiday productions. It was off to Neverland.

In addition to the benefits accorded to Stage by producing a big book musical like Peter Pan, the co-pro created welcomed opportunities for the Department of Drama. As former producing director and Department of Drama chair Jim Clark recalls, faculty had long been trying to find the means to give students the chance to experience the demands and rewards of working on fully supported large scale shows. Partnering with Syracuse Stage fulfilled that goal in multiple ways. Students would work in a professional environ-

ment and share the rehearsal process and performance with experienced directors, actors, choreographers, musicians, designers, and stage managers. Moreover, students would have the opportunity to play significant roles, even leads, in the co-pros. This aspect of the Stage/Drama relationship is unique among undergraduate training programs and continues to distinguish the Department of Drama from other programs around the country. Therefore, given the perceived potential at the time Peter Pan took flight, it made perfect sense to turn to faculty member Anthony (Tony) Salatino to direct and choreograph this inaugural coproduction.

Before joining the Drama faculty in the 1978, Salatino had an extensive ca-

2009

“ ”

I try to look at what psychologically is going on with this person at this moment—at this moment. At the same time, you look at the person who is creating the role. Where are they emotionally? People can only produce what they’ve experienced, so with young people, you have to create a kind of experience for them that may closely relate to what they already know.

- ANTHONY SALATINO

reer as a dancer and choreographer, having performed throughout the U.S. and Europe with numerous companies. He had been the artistic director of the Fort Worth and Hartford Ballet companies and had conceived and directed original work in the Department of Drama. He had also run the University’s summer college program for more than 20 years. His experience with professionals and students positioned him perfectly to guide Peter Pan . Joining Salatino on the creative team was the multitalented Dianne Adams McDowell, a composer, lyricist, arranger, and musical director and winner of numerous A.S.C.A.P. awards with credits ranging from Broadway to television to Radio City Music Hall. Together, McDowell and Salatino formed the creative partnership at the heart of the early co-pros

and helped establish the high quality of performance that continues to define the holiday productions. Through the years they also developed a close personal friendship. Having learned that their families came from the same region of Italy, they refer to each other as Calabrian brother and sister.

From the outset, Salatino recently explained, he was focused on the artistic merit of the production and the educational possibilities for the students. Unlike casting a production out of New York where he might hand select the most talented singers and dancers, he had to work with performers of varying technical ability and creativity. “One of the goals is to make everybody look good,” he said. “My point of view about choreographing, which really helps me

 ANTHONY SALATINO, AISLING HALPIN, MARY KATE MORRISSEY, AND SARAH SHAHINIAN IN RHEARSAL FOR LITTLE WOMEN. PHOTO: MICHAEL DAVIS.

2002

“

I always found the students to be a complete joy to work with. They were energized, they were super talented, and smart, and they did their homework.

”

- DIANNE ADAMS MCDOWELL

in that area, is that it is not about the steps, but how the steps are character driven. How do people behave and how can I explore that in movement, not just architecturally, but in terms of their emotional and spiritual qualities

and who they are at the moment. I may do a movement, and then see someone else do it, and there may be awkwardness about the interpretation, but it’s interesting, so I develop that. I try to look at what psychologically is going

 ENSEMBLE IN WEST SIDE STORY. DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY ANTHONY SALATINO. MUSIC DIRECTION BY DIANNE ADAMS MCDOWELL. PHOTO: ALEX OTTAVIANO.

on with this person at this moment— at this moment. At the same time, you look at the person who is creating the role. Where are they emotionally? People can only produce what they’ve experienced, so with young people, you have to create a kind of experience for them that may closely relate to what they already know.”

Salatino’s confidence in the students was shared by McDowell, who said she never had any apprehension about the students’ ability to perform at a very high level. “I always found the students to be a complete joy to work with,” she said. “They were energized, they were super talented, and smart, and they did their homework.” Prior to the official start of rehearsals for Peter Pan, McDowell and Salatino worked with the students in a special musical theatre class to prepare them for the task ahead. It was important to Salatino that the students become part of the creative structure. The work in that class led to the creation of an original dance unique to the Stage/Drama production. Developed with percussionist Jimmy Johns, the dance was a kind of ceremony performed with sticks and led by Tiger Lily. “The whole company became a percussion instrument,” McDowell said. She and Salatino point to this dance as a personal highlight of the experience.

In the seasons that followed, Salatino and McDowell would work together on numerous shows. In addition to Peter Pan, they include Oliver!, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, Big River, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Lit-

tle Women, and several productions of A Christmas Carol, nine of the first ten holiday co-pros. Each has also contributed to other Stage productions with McDowell’s work spanning the tenure of three artistic directors (Tazewell Thompson, Robert Moss, and Tim Bond) and Salatino contributing to a total of 28 shows as director, choreographer, fight director, or movement coordinator. McDowell said that over time, she and Salatino could practically “read each other’s minds” in rehearsal. “We really just gelled and both of us would say that during the process was the most exciting part of our working together,” she explained. “It was like there were sparks in the room.”

“She’s my kindred spirit,” said Salatino. “She’s an amazing woman. She is not only masterful in what she knows about music, but she’s spiritual as well and approaches things the way I do. That draws us together. She has strong ideas. She tries to capture the innermost person in whatever she does. There’s never a moment when she is not totally immersed in what she is doing.”

The introduction of the holiday co-pro in 2000 was a transformative event for Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama. Students, alumni, faculty, professionals, and audiences have benefitted from the outstanding work for more than two decades. So many talented artists have continued the tradition and all deserve recognition. Those early sparks continue to light up the stage each holiday season.

–Joseph Whelan

DICKENS IN SYRACUSE

The current version of A Christmas Carol marks the ninth production of the play in Syracuse Stage’s history. As we celebrate the holidays and the 50th anniversary of Syracuse Stage, we dipped into the archive to revisit some writings of Carols past. The article below about Charles Dickens’ visit to Syracuse in 1868 originally appeared in StageView, November/December, 1992, in connection with A Christmas Carol, adapted by Gerardine Clark and directed by William S. Morris. It was written by then public relations coordinator Barbara Haas.

In early March of 1868, Syracuse prepared to receive a visit from Charles Dickens. The brass doorplates—and spittoons— were polished, and the best rooms reserved at the Syracuse House, next to the Erie Canal on the site now occupied by the ONBank building. The menu for Mr. Dickens’ table was printed in French. Long in advance, most of the 1500 seats at the Weiting Opera Hall across South Salina Street were sold out, even at the steep price of $2.00 a ticket (it only cost 50 cents to see a notable tragedian of the day playing Hamlet). Dickens’ appearance was part of a lucrative half year tour of America, during which he averaged four one-night stands a week. Invariably his program included selections from everyone’s favorite—A Christmas Carol.

MARGARET GILLIES.

I am here in a most wonderful out-of-the-world place, which looks as if it had begun to be built yesterday, and were going to be knocked together with a nail or two the day after to-morrow.

“ ”

- CHARLES DICKENS

Despite all their preparations, there was nothing Syracusans could do to change the dreary dampness of late winter. “I am here in a most wonderful out-of-theworld place,” he wrote to a friend in England, “which looks as if it had begun to be built yesterday, and were going to be knocked together with a nail or two the day after to-morrow. I am in the worst

inn that was ever seen, and outside is a thaw that places the whole country under water. In the public rooms downstairs, a number of men (speechless) are sitting in rocking-chairs, with their feet against the window-frames, staring out at window and spitting dolefully at intervals.”

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the that time, Dickens described as “surprisingly bad, quite a triumph in that way . . . We were afraid to go to bed last night [Dickens was travelling with his manager], the rooms were so close and sour . . .”

The cuisine was even worse. “We had a buffalo for supper, and an old pig for breakfast, and we are going to have I don’t know what for dinner at six.” The fractured French of the menu described the main dish as “Paettie de Shay.” Writes Dickens, “I asked the Irish waiter what this dish was, and he said, ‘It is the name the steward giv’ to oyster patties—the Frinch name.”

Many prominent citizens sent up their calling cards to the distinguished guest, but Mr. Dickens managed to avoid all the local inhabitants except for the twelveyear-old bellboy, Willie. In later life, Willie, subsequently Col. William J. Thornby, was fond of telling how he showed Mr. Dickens to his room, admonished him to “turn off the gas when you are going to sleep. I know you’re smart enough to turn off the gas. But a farmer fellow from Pompey Hill came in here a while ago and blew it out and went to bed. We had a time getting him out in the morning. He never got up himself.”

Lest we get a complex about Dickens’ reaction to Syracuse, we should note that he was increasingly ill at the time and had little positive to report about any phase of his American tour other than his income. Just a month after his Syracuse visit, he had to be helped onto the stage. Against doctors’ orders he kept going, unwilling to disappoint the throngs of people awaiting his visit.

Dickens’ public performances were called “readings,” but the term does

scant justice to the inspired improvisations upon the text with which Dickens moved audiences to laughter and tears. With his flair for the theatrical, he impersonated each of his characters in body and voice. We can get some idea of the power of his performance from the effect he had some months earlier on one Mr. Fairbanks, the owner of a factory in Vermont who had travelled with his wife to Boston to hear the celebrated novelist. When they got back to their hotel, Mrs. Fairbanks noticed that her husband was unusually silent and pensive. Finally he told her, “I feel that after listening to Mr. Dickens’ reading of A Christmas Carol tonight I should break the custom we have hitherto observed of opening the works on Christmas Day.” From that day forth, he not only closed the works on Christmas day, but sent each factory hand home with a turkey. Like the converted Scrooge, he had become the “the founder of the feast.”

It was the power of A Christmas Carol to open up the hearts of listeners and readers, just as the spirits do to Scrooge, that helped bring about the revival of the Christmas celebration.

Yes, revival. The surprising fact is that in late eighteenth century England and America, the holiday had fallen into neglect. Between 1790 and 1835, there were 20 years when the London Times made not one single reference to Christmas! Yet here was a festivity that had been celebrated in baronial halls throughout the English countryside well into the eighteenth century. It had been the one time of the year when the Lord of the manor burned the Yule log in the great fireplace, hired a fiddler, and hosted a party for the workers on his lands.

In the late eighteenth century, however, tens of thousands of people left the English countryside to seek work in the burgeoning factory towns. A consequence of this vast demographic switch was the loss of local traditions, concurrent with nostalgic interest in the good old days of “Merrie Olde England.” One of the most popular of these nostalgic books was an idealized description of a traditional Christmas celebration by an American, Washington Irving [Old Christmas from 1820].

In A Christmas Carol, Dickens achieved a remarkable reversal: rather than reminiscing about the good old days, he re-

vitalized Christmas traditions to fit the lives of the London middle class. People seized his heartwarming tale as if it were exactly what they were waiting for. It’s no accident that the first known Christmas card appeared in 1843, the same year as A Christmas Carol. The printed text of Dickens’ tale went through many editions, and within months of publication there were half a dozen different dramatized adaptations. But no form of the work was more influential in re-establishing Christmas as the major festivity we know today than Dickens’ own inspired readings.

–Barbara Haas

THE INSPIRATION FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Versions of the note below appeared in the programs for productions of Gerardine Clark’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol in 1997 (directed by Charles Karchmer) and 2006 (directed by Rodney Hudson).

Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol during a few weeks in 1843. He lit upon the idea while traveling to Manchester to speak on behalf of the Manchester Athenaeum, an institution dedicated to providing education and recreation for the laboring men and women of that city. Dickens had long been concerned with the plight of the neglected poor, especially children, and he was horrified by the conditions he found in the so-called ragged schools of the time. After a visit to one such school, the Saffron Hill School, Dickens reported: “I have very seldom seen, in all the strange and dreadful things I have seen in London and elsewhere, anything so shocking as the dire neglect of soul and body exhibited in these children.”

In going to Manchester, Dickens hoped to raise funds for the Athenaeum. In his speech, he emphasized the critical need for educating the poor and labeled ignorance “the most prolific parent of misery and crime.” Indeed, it was estimated that in London of the 1840s, there were more than 100,000 children of the poor who never attended a school of any kind, not even

WANT. ILLUSTRATED

IGNORANCE AND

Side by side with Crime, Disease, and Misery in England, Ignorance is always brooding, and is always certain to be found.

“ ”

a ragged school. Dickens feared these legions of “doomed childhood” would rise up one day and destroy civilization, unless they received some instruction, preferably of a practical kind, and some alleviation of their want. As he wrote at the time: “Side by side with Crime, Disease, and Misery in England, Ignorance is always brooding, and is always certain to be found.”

This was the seed that rooted itself in Dickens’ imagination and quickly became A Christmas Carol. He borrowed the form from an episode in his first

novel The Pickwick Papers in which the character Gabriel Grub undergoes a Scrooge-like, Christmas Eve conversion. Other characters he pilfered from Martin Chuzzlewit, a novel he was already working on when he started A Christmas Carol . In a story he filled with ghosts, Dickens was most haunted by the twin specters he found forever lurking “under the dry arches of bridges and viaducts; under porticoes; sheds and carts; in sawpits; on staircases”— Ignorance and Want.

–Joseph Whelan

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Annabelle Abramov (Londoner, Flaring Links, Fan, Fezziwig Child, Clown, Want, u/s: Beggar Child) is thrilled to be making her Syracuse Stage debut in A Christmas Carol. Annabelle's favorite past roles include: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Ado Annie in Oklahoma!, and Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly! Annabelle is a sophomore studying for her BFA in musical theater at Syracuse University's School of Visual and Preforming Arts. Annabelle thanks her mom, dad, sister, grandparents, and friends for all of their love and support.

Mayde Anastasio (Londoner, Flaring Links, Fan, Want) is excited to be performing in her first show at Syracuse Stage! She discovered her love of theater through Syracuse Children’s Theatre, and some of her favorite shows and roles include Moana, Jr. (Moana), Mary Poppins, Jr. (Jane), Seussical Kids (Jojo), Beauty and the Beast (LeFou) and Lion King, Jr. (Rafiki). Mayde loves lacrosse, crocheting, dancing, being a young entrepreneur and Sephora. She is grateful for her family and friends for their unwavering love and support.

Nathan Ayotte (u/s: Labourer, School Teacher, Older Belle's Husband, Topper) is so excited to make his professional debut at Syracuse Stage in this year’s production of A Christmas Carol ! Nathan is currently a sophomore musical theater major in the Syracuse University Department of Drama and is so thankful for this opportunity! Many thanks to Melissa and the entire cast and crew for their support and guidance. He sends all his love to his family and friends for their unwavering support.

Emily Castillo-Langley (she/her) (u/s: Street Singer, Misses Fezziwig, Sister-in-law, Fred's Wife, Maid 3, Parent, Narrator, Debtor) is a junior musical theater major at Syracuse University from Denton, Texas. She has recently been seen in the Syracuse Stage production of What the Constitution Means to Me as The Student, Ensemble/Swing in The REV Theatre Co’s production of EVITA, and as Vanessa/Moms in the Department of Drama’s production of Dance Nation. Her other favorite credits include Little Women (Beth) and Bright Star (Lucy). She wants to thank her family for always cheering her on and hopes you enjoy the show! Instagram: @emilyclangley

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Jaemon Anthony Crosby ( Fred, Phantom, Parent ) is currently a senior at Syracuse University from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is an acting major in the actor/ singer track. Jaemon is overjoyed to have the opportunity to work with Syracuse Stage again after having worked with them twice his sophomore year in The Play That Goes Wrong (Inspector/Chris US), and Matilda The Musical (Ensemble). He feels bittersweet as he is ending his Syracuse University acting career the same way it began, with the Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production. His Department of Drama credits include Cymbeline (Guiderius), Myth of the Mountain (Tom), and you may have seen him this season in the Department of Drama production of Guys and Dolls as Arvide. He would like to thank his friends and most of all his family for being who they are. He could not have done any of this without them. He hopes this show touches the hearts of all who see it, just as it has done for him. Instagram: @jcros1214

Joshua Dean ( Lamplighter, Phantom, Circus Performer, Clown, Dance Captain) is jubilant to be back at Stage for the 50th Anniversary season. He has performed circus work for Syracuse Stage, PCPA, Geva, Arkansas Rep, Fulton, Hartford Stage, Alabama Shakespeare, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line, and many more. He is a coowner of Aerial Arts NYC and loves cinnamon candy. Thanks to Melissa and Bob for continuing to let him fly.

Gwendalyn Rose D íaz ( Street Singer, Misses Fezziwig, Sister-in-law) is extremely honored to be making her second appearance in a Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production with A Christmas Carol ! Originally from Houston, TX, she is now a junior BFA musical theater major in the Syracuse University Department of Drama and a nutrition minor in Syracuse University's Falk College. Some of her recent credits include: u/s Ashlee in Dance Nation (Syracuse University Department of Drama), u/s Ariel, u/s Flounder, and Swing in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Syracuse Stage), and Pipe in Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Department of Drama Studio Project). Gwendalyn would like to thank everyone at Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama for believing in her to uphold this opportunity and sends lots of love to her friends and family for their endless support. Enjoy the show and happy holidays! Keep up with her on Instagram: @gwendalynrosediaz

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Ally Ebert (she/her) (u/s: Londoner, Mrs. Fezziwig, Upper Class Woman, Mrs. Dilber, Maid 2, Phantom, Parent, Toy Seller, Charwoman) is honored to be making her Syracuse Stage debut! She is a current senior musical theater major at Syracuse University from Ridgewood, NJ. Her recent credits include Dance Captain/Ensemble in Guys and Dolls for the Department of Drama, State Fair Girl in The Bridges of Madison County and Ensemble in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Redhouse Arts Center. Shout out to all her friends and family and all of swing nation! As the late Queen Lizzie once said, “Happy Christmas!” All the love. IG: @ally8ebert

Jaala Ellis (Belinda, School Boy, Fezziwig Child) is a 5th grader at JDMS, and is so grateful to be making her Syracuse Stage debut with her identical twin sister Kaala in A Christmas Carol. Jaala is a singer with Syracuse Youth Choir. She is a purple belt at Karate John’s Martial Arts. Jaala’s favorite roles include: Madama Butterfly (Trouble/Sorrow) with the Syracuse Opera, and The Big One Oh!, Jr. (Swampy), Annie Jr. (Lily St. Regis), and Seussical Jr. (Mayzie La Bird) with Syracuse Children’s Theatre. Jaala has performed in commercial and print ads through TMT Agency. Thank you to Mom and Dad for your love and support. Joey and Buddy, “you are the best brothers”!

Kaala Ellis (Belinda, School Boy, Fezziwig Child) is a 5th grader at JDMS, and is ecstatic to be making her Syracuse stage debut in A Christmas Carol, with her identical twin sister, Jaala. Kaala has been performing since age three with Syracuse Children’s Theatre. This Summer she placed 6th in the NYS Fair Talent Showcase. Favorite roles include: Madama Butterfly (Trouble/ Sorrow) with Syracuse Opera; Mary Poppins Jr. (Jane), The Big One Oh!, Jr. (Vince Champagne) and Shrek Jr. (Young Fiona) with Syracuse Children’s Theatre. Kaala has been seen in local commercials and print ads and is represented by TMT Agency. Kaala is very honored, having been recently cast as "Young Libba Cotten" in the Society for New Music's January '24 production of the opera Libba Cotten at Jazz Central. Love hugs & kisses to her brothers Buddy, Joseph, Mom and Dad.

Max Elmer (Edward, Flaring Links, Ebenezer the Child) is a fourth grader at Cherry Road Elementary School. He is very excited to make his live theater debut at Syracuse Stage! His most recent acting experience includes playing Ziggy the artist on seasons two and three of WCNY’s Emmy-nominated TV show, Reading Buddies. Max loves baseball, video games, reading, pizza, and hanging out with his friends. He’d like to thank his mom and dad for supporting him in all of his endeavors. Max would also like to thank Dott for her encouragement, musical wisdom, and talented mom! And to his little brother Henry, “Hi, buddy!”

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Connor English (he/him) (u/s: Labourer 2, Dick Wilkins, Peter, Parent, Suitor, Wreath Seller) is a sophomore musical theater major from Highlands Ranch (Denver), CO. He previously appeared in Guys and Dolls (Department of Drama, mainstage). He is honored to be working with this incredible company. He is very grateful for the love and support from his peers, instructors, friends, and family.

Ben Franklin (Labourer, School Teacher, Older Belle’s Husband, Topper, u/s: Marley, Undertaker's Man, Londoner, Ghost of Christmas Present, Second Subscription Gentleman, First Subscription Gentleman, Mr. Fezziwig, Upper Class Man, Old Joe) is thrilled to return to Syracuse Stage after co-creating and appearing in The Wizard of Oz and last year’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid ! Founding member of 2 Ring Circus. Favorite productions and roles include: Seussical (The Cat In The Hat at CFRT), Godspell (Arkansas Rep), The Ghosts of Versailles (LA Opera), My Fair Lady w/ Kelsey Grammar and Brian Dennehy (Lincoln Center/NY Philharmonic), The Music Man w/ Shirley Jones and Patrick Cassidy (Bushnell Theatre), and the film version of The Producers, among many others. Special thanks to Bob Hupp and Michael McCurdy for the incredible opportunities and collaborations over the years. www.iambenfranklin.com

Mackenzie Furlett (Maid 2, Phantom, Parent, Toy Seller, Charwoman) is so excited to be making her professional debut here at Syracuse Stage, and what better time than the holiday season! Originally from Vernon Hills, IL, a Chicago suburb, Mackenzie is currently a senior musical theater major in the Syracuse University Department of Drama with a minor in Educational Studies. She has recently worked on Department of Drama productions Guys and Dolls (mainstage), Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical (mainstage), H*llo K*tty Syndrome (studio project), and Miss Havisham’s Wedding (New Works New Voices), as well as spending her last two summers as a performer at Six Flags Great America. When not performing, you can most likely find her crocheting, listening to music, or participating in her SU acapella group, Groovestand. Mack is so grateful for the relationship between Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama for providing her the opportunity to work with such an amazing company! This experience has been lovely for her and she can’t wait for you to see all the incredibly hard work this company has put into this production. She’d also like to thank her family and friends, as well as her fellow peers and instructors, for all their love and support! Enjoy the show and happy holidays! Feel free to follow @mackenzie.furlett and/or @mackenziefurlettcreative for more

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Ahitana Garcia (Rich Girl, Upper Class Daughter) I am 11 years old. I immigrated here to the United States from my hometown in Havana, Cuba. The first school I ever went to was Seymour dual language academy. I first went there when I was four years old (Pre-K) and left when I was six years old (first grade). The school I go to now is Syracuse Academy Of Science (SAS), I am in sixth grade. I speak Spanish and English. I started doing ballet when I was seven. When I was 10, I joined a theater group and did shows and dances with them at festivals, parties, etc. And now I’m here at Syracuse Stage.

Sam Gregory (Ebenezer Scrooge) is making his debut with Syracuse Stage. He spent most of the last 18 years in Denver appearing in 50 productions at the Denver Center Theater Company. Other regional Theater Credits include: multiple seasons for the Alabama, California, and Colorado Shakespeare Festivals. He has also appeared at the Seattle Repertory Theatre Company, the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Company, the Cleveland Play House, the San Jose Repertory Theatre Company, the American Players Theater, the Eureka Theater Company, the George Street Playhouse, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center: New Playwrights Festival, the Chautauqua Theatre Company, TheatreWorks, and Two River Theater. Next up, Sam will direct a production of The Mousetrap in Colorado before relocating to New York City.

Lydia Hall (Beggar Child, School Boy, Clown) is a sophomore musical theater major making her professional debut with Syracuse Stage. Reading A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve was a family tradition in Lydia’s home, and she is grateful for the opportunity to take this classic tale to the stage. Lydia has been performing for over ten years; notable past performances include Les Miserables (Cosette), The Addams Family (Wednesday) Hello, Dolly! (Ermengarde), Matilda (Miss Honey), and Fiddler On The Roof (Hodel). Lydia’s film credits include My Imaginary Friend (Riley) and Holding On (Samantha Glendale) which was nominated for Best Drama and Best Original Score by the All American High School Film Festival in New York City. Lydia has attended globally recognized Pre-College intensives for the past four years during the summer. These credits include MPulse at The University of Michigan, Oklahoma City University Summer Intensive, The Southeastern Summer Theater Institute, The Performing Arts Project, and The Encore Musical Theater Company Summer Program. On a personal level, Lydia enjoys sharing her life with two hilarious sisters, two endlessly loving parents, and one cute little pug named Maggie. Thank you for choosing to spend your evening in the wonderful world of live theater. Happy holidays - enjoy the show!

Jojo Harper-McNeal (Edward, Flaring Links, Ebenezer the Child) is nine years old. Last December Jojo played Ralphie in A Christmas Story, The Musical at The Redhouse Arts Center. He was a soloist in the Rev Theater’s production of Evita and played Young Lola in Kinky Boots at the Baldwinsville Theater. Jojo has been dancing with Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY for 4 years. He danced in a Syracuse City Ballet production of The Firebird. He studies voice and piano at Gina Marie Studio in Oswego. Jojo is excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this Syracuse Stage production!

Kevin Ilardi (Labourer, Suitor, Clown, Debtor, u/s: Preshow Labourer, Bob Cratchit, Fiddler) is thrilled to be making his Syracuse Stage debut in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Kevin is a senior acting major with a concentration in musical performance in the Syracuse University Department of Drama. This is his fourth production in Syracuse, and he has previously worked on Miss Havisham’s Wedding (Old Gargery), As You Like It (Oliver), and Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical (Frank). “I would like to thank my friends and family for coming out to see the show, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays, Wassail!”

Sydney Kamel (u/s: Martha, Parent, Party Guest, Phantom, Misses Fezziwig, Clown, Londoner) is thrilled to be closing out her time in Syracuse with such a wonderful story! She recently closed her last Syracuse University production as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, and was also seen at Syracuse playing Imogen in Cymbeline, Natalie in Next to Normal, and various other roles. This past summer, Sydney spent her time in NYC originating the role of Ailbhe in a new adaptation of Riders to the Sea, directed by George Abud, and later she played the role of Ariel in The Tempest with the North Dakota Shakespeare Company. She is feeling incredibly blessed and so thankful for her wonderful Family, her friends and all her teachers who pour so much into her. Insta: @SydneyKamel

Milo Ladd ( Tiny Tim, School Boy ) is thrilled to be making his theatre debut at Syracuse Stage! He is a second grader from Baldwinsville, New York. Milo enjoys baseball, basketball, playing piano, and telling jokes. He would like to thank his teachers, friends, and family for their support.

Morgan Lewis (she/her) (Maid 1, Misses Fezziwig, Party Guest) is delighted to be joining the Syracuse Stage and Department of Drama co-production of A Christmas Carol. Morgan is a Nashville native, a senior musical theater major at Syracuse University, and a massive Christmas lover. Her previous Syracuse Stage credits include Mrs. Phelps in Matilda The Musical, as well as the Deirdre/Aralia understudy in the world premiere of Tender Rain. Her recent Department of Drama credits include Featured Ensemble in Guys and Dolls, Arviragus in Play-On Shakespeare’s adaptation of Cymbeline, and the Ensemble/Mia’s understudy in The Myth of the Mountain. Morgan recently received the B. Iden Payne Award for her performance as the Queen of Hearts in Hamilton’s J. Quinton Johnson’s production of Alice’s Wonderland. She spent her summer understudying Felicia Farrell and dancing in the ensemble of Memphis with The Lexington Theatre Company. Morgan wants to thank her friends, family, castmates, and professors for their undying support. She is dedicating this performance to Mama Lewis, Dad Lewis, and her little brother - Miles Lewis. Enjoy the show and have a very merry Christmas! IG: @morgmlew

Thomas Locke (he/him) (Labourer, Phantom, Parent, Suitor, Clown, u/s: Preshow Labourer, Fred, Phantom, Parent) is a senior musical theater major from Long Island, NY. Previous Department of Drama credits: Guys and Dolls (Harry the Horse, Ensemble, u/s Sky Masterson), Play On Shakespeare’s modern verse translation of Cymbeline (Frenchman, Posthumus/Iachimo u/s), and the Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production of Matilda The Musical (Ensemble). He’d like to thank his family for their unending support as well as his cast mates and the creative team for their hard work and dedication to building a safe environment, a wonderful rehearsal process, and a fantastic end product!

David Lowenstein (First Subscription Gentleman, Mr. Fezziwig, Upper Class Man, Old Joe, u/s: Ebenezer Scrooge) was last seen as Grimsby in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Miss Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda The Musical, Cogsworth in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Mr. Greenway in Elf The Musical (SALT Award Best Supporting Actor in a Musical). Other Syracuse Stage credits include Professor Marvel and The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz, Admiral Boom, Bank Chairman, and Policeman in Mary Poppins, and his SALT Award-winning turn as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. Lowenstein’s Broadway credits include: The Frogs at Lincoln Center, Seussical, On the Town, 1776 (Joseph Hewes), King David, A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. He performed as Major Duomo in Fanfare for New York City Ballet. Concerts include: South Pacific, Anyone Can Whistle, and Jubilee! at Carnegie Hall. Lowenstein’s off-Broadway credits include: Howard Crab-

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tree’s Whoop-Dee-Doo!, The Truth about Ruth (all the men), Anything Cole, Lady Be Good (Birdie). National Tours include: Company (Paul), 42nd Street (Andy Lee), Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, On Your Toes (Hank J. Smith/Louis Capataletti). Regional credits include: The Threepenny Opera (Tiger Brown) at The Connecticut Grand Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita at Papermill Playhouse, and as a student, The Merchant of Venice and A Christmas Carol at Syracuse Stage. David’s voice is featured on the original cast recordings of the above Broadway credits, concerts, Whoop-Dee-Doo!, and in the animated films Anastasia, Bartok the Magnificent, and Buster and Chauncey’s Silent Night. David is professor of practice in the Syracuse University Department of Drama, as well as an alumnus, and was the Artist in Residence at Cazenovia College for 16 years.

Madison Manning (Phantom, Belle, Clown, Londoner) is a sophomore musical theater major from Denver, Colorado. She feels so honored to be a part of her first Equity Stage production after just having made her college debut in the Syracuse University Department of Drama production of Guys and Dolls. She would like to thank her family, friends, current and past instructors who have helped foster her love for storytelling and developing her craft. Most of all she’d like to thank God for giving her the passions and abilities to perform and create spaces where people can be challenged, represented and experience joy. She hopes you enjoy the show! Lamentations 3:22-23 insta: @_madison.manning_

Ayana Momoki (Lamplighter, Phantom, Circus Performer, Clown) is a native of Japan, and began her classical ballet training with Vaganova Method at a very early age. After continuing her ballet training throughout high school, she moved to the U.S. and studied Theater Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, modern, contemporary, Hip-Hop, and aerial. She has worked with choreographers such as Richard Pierlon, Derek Mitchell, Peter Gregus, Laya Barak, Nick Kenkel, and many more. She has performed in Mystic India – The World Tour (seasons 2016-2020) including South Africa tour and U.S. national tours, with the NBA (Philadelphia 76ers halftime show), on The Wendy Williams show (“Can you feel it? (Dance remix)”), in Red Bucket Follies and Broadway Bares, and was the choreographer for the short film Time difference

Morgan Perry (she/her) (Martha, Parent, Party Guest) is a fourth year drama student from Augusta, Georgia. She has appeared in several Syracuse University Department of Drama productions such as: Sender (Cassandra), Barbecue (Black Barbara), and Guys and Dolls (Lieutenant Brannigan). Morgan began classical vocal training at the age of

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six, and began opera training at the age of thirteen, while still continuing to sing in church, school, and several other choirs and groups around the world. She began her journey with theater in 2019, with the musical All Shook Up (Sylvia), and has since moved forward to pursue a career and Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater. She is excited and grateful to make her professional debut at Syracuse Stage in A Christmas Carol, and thanks her family, friends, and faculty for their never ending support. Instagram: @perrymorgs

Erick Pinnick (Second Subscription Gentleman, The Ghost of Christmas Present) is thrilled to return to Syracuse Stage after appearing as King Triton in last season’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Recently he played the titular role in Sweeney Todd with Trinity Repertory Company and Booker T. Washington in Ragtime with Broadway at Music Circus. In New York, he appeared as Mr. Smythe in A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden starring Frank Langella and The Tin Pan Alley Rag with the Roundabout Theatre Company. He previously toured the United States in both Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and Sunset Boulevard starring Petula Clark. Favorite roles include Curtis in Dreamgirls, Mitch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Doc Gibbs in Our Town, Valentin in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and Eugene in Yellowman. He can be seen on the most recent seasons of Evil, The Blacklist, and The Good Fight. Mr. Pinnick is a graduate of James Madison University and a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association.

Hayden Poe (he/him) (Labourer, Phantom, Parent, Suitor, Wreath Seller, u/s: Labourer 1, Ebenezer the Apprentice, Ebenezer the Young Man, Party Guest) is a senior musical theater major from Seattle, WA. He is absolutely thrilled and honored to be making his professional debut at Syracuse Stage in this joyful production of A Christmas Carol. Fresh off his swing debut in the Syracuse University Department of Drama production of Guys and Dolls this October, some other favorite past credits include Andy in As You Like It (Taub), Gabriel Goodman in Black Box Player’s Next to Normal, Charles Compeyson in Miss Havisham’s Wedding (New Works New Voices workshop), Roger Davis in Rent: School Edition, Jesse Tuck in Tuck Everlasting, Ren McCormack in Footloose, Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia, and his time at the Globe Theatre in London last fall. He is also a three-time national School of Rock All-Star. Hayden would like to thank his wonderful roommates, friends, family, and professors for their unconditional love and support. He will be graduating this December and moving to NYC this coming year to pursue the musical and performing arts full-time. He hopes you enjoy this moving show! IG: @itshaydenpoe

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Oliver Potorac (Tiny Tim, School Boy) was born in Syracuse, NY one day after Christmas. He’s a sweet kid currently in 1st grade at Reynolds Elementary School in Baldwinsville, NY. Already performing in front of family and relatives at the age of three, he discovered his love for acting at Syracuse Children’s Theatre at the age of five. Along with his older sister Camellia he performed in productions of Aristocats and Rockin’ Tale of Snow White. He enjoys reading, swimming, basketball and playing games with his friends. Oliver is a small kid with a big heart and dreams. He wants to help all homeless people and orphan kids. He’s also dreaming about owning a Ferrari when he grows up. Oliver enjoys music and dancing. His favorite music bands are Imagine Dragons and Queen. He’s currently learning jazz, contemporary and hip hop styles. He’s an excellent student. He loves his teachers and classmates. His favorite subject is Math. He’s passionate about the multiplication table which he learned by himself in kindergarten. Oliver is thrilled to be performing in this year’s production of A Christmas Carol as Tiny Tim and expects to have the best time of his life during the holiday season.

Jim Poulos (Bob Cratchit, Fiddler) Broadway: Mark Cohen in Rent; Huck Finn in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; Seymour in The Little Shop of Horrors (Tour); South Pacific; The Graduate. Off-Broadway: Playwrights Horizons, Prospect Theater Company, Menier Chocolate Factory. Regional: Hamlet, Amadeus, Oslo at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The White Card at A.R.T., Clybourne Park, Company, Spamalot, Urinetown, You Can’t Take It with You and A Christmas Carol at Geva Theatre Center; The Play That Goes Wrong, Emma, Henry VI, Macbeth, Big River, Mary Poppins and The Cocoanuts at Utah Shakespeare Festival. Awards: DayTony Award, St. Louis Theatre Circle/Kevin Kline nominee, Henry Award nominee, Barrymore Award nominee. Education: Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Professional Affiliations: Actors’ Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA.

James Ragen (he/they) (Labourer 2, Dick Wilkins, Peter) is a sophomore acting major at Syracuse University. He is from San Diego, CA. He is so excited to be a part of this show and to be making his Syracuse Stage debut! Recent theater: Is My Microphone On? (Performer/Musician), Ride The Cyclone (Noel). Film: Mighty Oak. Love you mom, dad, Tommy, and Taylor. Happy holidays! Come say hi: @jamesarage

CAST

Austin Rose (Labourer 1, Ebenezer the Apprentice, Ebenezer the Young Man, Party Guest) is a senior acting major at Syracuse University from Bethesda, Maryland. Prior Syracuse University credits include: Guys and Dolls - Swing (mainstage), As You Like It - Swing (mainstage), Miss Havisham’s Wedding - Artie (New Works New Voices), and ID - Various Roles (Studio Project). Austin would like to thank their family for always supporting their dreams with unconditional love.

Malachy Ruddy (Turkey Boy, Flaring Links, School Boy, Fezziwig Child, Ignorance) is ten years old and a 5th grade student at Pulaski Academy and Central Schools. He has found a passion in acting, having been a part of various short films, including eMotions, A Beautiful Voice, and One Day We’ll Fly Away. His theater experience includes playing Jack in The Magic Treehouse: The Knight at Dawn. Malachy is delighted to make his debut with Syracuse Stage in their production of A Christmas Carol. Many thanks to all of his friends and family for their love and support. Instagram: @malachyruddy_actor

Erin Ryan Byrnes (Belinda, School Boy, Fezziwig Child) is so grateful to be making her Syracuse Stage debut in A Christmas Carol. She is a 5th grader at Eagle Hill Middle School. She has appeared in many productions at Syracuse Children’s Theatre, including as Hei Hei in Moana, Genie of the Jewels in Aladdin, and a Chimney Sweep in Mary Poppins. When not acting, Erin plays soccer on the FM Stingers club team. In her spare time, she likes to draw, as well as choreograph and dance in her garage with her friends (a.k.a. “The 5 Weirdos”). Erin would like to thank Syracuse Stage for this opportunity, and her family for being so awesome!

Anthony Schmidt (Turkey Boy, Flaring Links, School Boy, Fezziwig Child, Ignorance) is excited about his first appearance with Syracuse Stage in the production of A Christmas Carol. He is in third grade at Fremont Elementary in the East Syracuse-Minoa Central School District. Anthony has performed in multiple productions with Syracuse Children’s Theatre starting when he was three years old including Frozen Jr., The Lion King Jr., Magic Tree House: Knight at Dawn, Mary Poppins Jr., Beauty and the Beast, Annie Jr., and Aristocats, Kids. Anthony also has a passion for dance. He attends The Ballet and Dance Center in Syracuse and takes jazz, ballet, and tap. Anthony will continue his journey in the theatre as he aspires to be on Broadway someday. Anthony would like to thank his mom and Mike for their love and support, and to everyone who has helped him make this journey.

Ethan Shavelson (he/him) (u/s: Labourer, Phantom, Parent, Suitor, Clown, Debtor) is a sophomore acting (with a concentration in music performance) major from Parkland, FL. This is his first production with Syracuse Stage and he is honored to be a part of this incredible company. You may have seen him as Nicely in the Syracuse Department of Drama production of Guys and Dolls. He is grateful for the endless support from his professors, friends, and family. He wishes you the most happy holidays!

Chloe Mendoza Smith (she/her) (Fred’s Wife, Maid 3, Parent, Narrator, Debtor ) is a sophomore acting major from New Canaan, CT. This is her first production with Syracuse Stage and she is honored to be a part of this incredible company. Some of her favorite past productions include Shrek (Fiona), Urinetown (Little Sally), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia). She is grateful for the endless support from her professors, friends, and family. She hopes you enjoy the show and wishes you a happy holidays.

Katy Tang (Mrs. Cratchit, The Ghost of Christmas Past) is very excited to be making her Syracuse Stage debut. Regional credits: Dunyasha in The Cherry Orchard, Catherine in Pippin (North Coast Repertory), Marry Me A Little (International City Theatre), Cunegonde in Candide (San Bernardino Symphony), A Christmas Carol (Denver Center), Sweeney Todd, She Loves Me (South Coast Repertory), A Grand Night For Singing (Arrow Rock Lyceum), Anne Egerman in A Little Night Music (East West Players), Ilse in Spring Awakening (Cygnet Theatre), YumYum in The Mikado, Flora in Turn of the Screw for Benjamin Britten’s 100/LA Celebration (Pacific Opera Project). Katy has premiered/originated roles with Laguna Playhouse, Independent Shakespeare Company, MainStreet Theatre Company, The LATC and Sacred Fools. She has also created her own site-specific work with experimental voice and sound installations through a residency grant with Saturn’s Return Artist Residency. Katy has performed regularly with the prestigious LA Opera Outreach Department, Palm Springs Opera Guild and Orange County Opera. International credits: Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro (Mediterranean Opera Festival, Italy), Sophie in Werther, Amour in Orphée et Eurydice (La Péniche Opera, France). Tang trained at UCLA and the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris in France. She was runner-up Miss CA 2013 and is a two-time Junior Olympian ice-skater.

Tatum Taylor (Rich Girl, Upper Class Daughter) is a 6th grader at Ray Middle School in Baldwinsville and is thrilled to be making her professional theater debut here at Syracuse Stage. No stranger to the theater, this show marks Tatum’s 12th show to date. Some favorite past roles include: Molly in Annie (CNY Playhouse), Attina in The Little Mermaid (CNY CAC), and Gretel in The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon (GNAC). Special thanks to the amazing production staff, the young actor supervisors, and the entire cast for making this an incredible experience.

John Tufts (The Ghost of Jacob Marley, Londoner, Undertaker’s Man) is thrilled to be back at Syracuse Stage after last appearing in The Play That Goes Wrong. Off-Broadway, John has performed with Ensemble Studio Theater, The Mint Theatre, and Primary Stages where he received a Lucille Lortel Nomination for his roles in Kate Hamill’s celebrated adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. For 14 Seasons at The Oregon Shakespeare Festival John played many roles, and some of his favorite include: Henry V in Henry V; Prince Hal in Henry IV, Parts One and Two; Philanax in Head Over Heels; Chico in The Cocoanuts; Robin Hood in The Heart of Robin Hood; Sharpe in Equivocation; Romeo in Romeo and Juliet; and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Regionally John has acted at The Guthrie Theater, The Goodman Theater, Arena Stage, The Old Globe, Pioneer Theater, Seattle Rep, MTC, Actors Theater of Louisville, McCarter Theater, PlayMakers Rep, and Chicago Shakespeare. John is also a cook and author. His cookbook, Fat Rascals: Dining at Shakespeare’s Table, explores the food of Shakespeare’s England. So much love to his wife, Chris, and their 10 year-old son, Henry. Television: Bad Teacher, Fashions for Men. Awards: Arthur Kennedy Award; Indy Award: I Am My Own Wife. www.john-tufts.com @johnnymtufts

Rileigh Very (she/her) (Phantom, Misses Fezziwig, Clown, Londoner, Dance Captain, u/s: Preshow Lamplighter, Phantom, Circus Performer, Clown) is a senior musical theater major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! At the Syracuse Department of Drama, Rileigh was previously in ID as a writer, actress, and choreographer of the devised film piece. She has also been seen as Mama Corin/ Ensemble in Syracuse Drama Department’s mainstage production of the musical As You Like It, as well as White Barbara in the Syracuse Drama Department’s mainstage production of Barbecue. Last year, Rileigh was seen in her first professional production as a Swing in Syracuse Stage’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. She is extremely excited to be a part of such an amazing show and cast! She gives thanks to everyone involved with the project as well as to her friends and family for the endless support. Instagram: @rileighvery

CAST

Malaika Wanjiku (u/s: Maid 1, Misses Fezziwig, Party Guest, Phantom, Belle, Clown, Londoner) is a native Kenyan and is so thrilled to be a part of this project. Her favorite roles include Bruce/Hortensia in Syracuse Stage’s production of Matilda The Musical, The Student in Syracuse Stage’s What the Constitution Means to Me, Storyteller #4 in Syracuse Stage’s The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and Jacques in As You Like It (Department of Drama, mainstage). When she isn’t singing, acting, or dancing, she is probably playing golf, making eggs, or reading. She is so excited to continue telling stories and she is so thankful for each and every person reading this. Enjoy the show and Happy Holidays! Instagram: @malaikawanjiku

EJ Zimmerman (she/her) (Londoner, Mrs. Fezziwig, Upper Class Woman, Mrs. Dilber u/s: Mrs. Cratchit, The Ghost of Christmas Past): Syracuse Stage debut! Broadway: Les Misérables (Eponine u/s, Ensemble). National Tour: Avenue Q. Other favorites: Nancy in Oliver! (Goodspeed Opera House); Sally Bowles in Cabaret (Gulf Shore Symphony); Kim in Miss Saigon (Riverside Theatre, Arvada Center - Henry Award); Reza and Ex in Once (Geva Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group); Miss Shields in A Christmas Story (Pioneer Theatre); Writing Kevin Taylor (Meadow Brook Theatre); Rent (Oguma Playhouse); The Porch on Windy Hill (Ivoryton Playhouse); Iris in Yoko’s Husband’s Killer’s Japanese Wife, Gloria (O’Neill Center, The 5th Avenue Theatre); and all the roles originated and developed in workshops, festivals, and readings. Love and gratitude always to my parents, my people, and Avalon Artists Group for support. Representation matters.

ARTISTIC TEAM

Kimberly Powers (Scenic Designer) is an Arkansas-based set designer and artist who is excited to return to Syracuse Stage, after designing Disney's The Little Mermaid with the glorious team last season. Regionally, her work has been seen at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma (OK), Skylight Music Theater (WI), Arkansas Repertory Theatre (AR), Florida Repertory Theatre (FL), TheatreSquared (AR), Virginia Repertory Theatre (VA), Cape Fear Regional Theatre (NC), Charleston Stage (SC), Stages (TX), Red Mountain Theatre (AL), Casa Mañana (TX), Northern Stage (VT), Stages (TX), Orlando Rep (FL), among other venues. She was the Resident Set Designer and Props Manager for Ocean State Theatre Company’s inaugural season and Resident Set Designer for five years at Ohio Light Opera, as well as the first Design Assistant at The Denver Center Theatre Company. Kimberly has also been a freelance scenic artist since 2000, and has also worked professionally as a muralist, props master, event designer and coordinator, graphic designer, and ex-

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hibit designer. She occasionally teaches in the theater department at The University of Arkansas and is a proud member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829. Her work is available to view at kvpowersdesign.com and on Instagram @kvpowersdesign.

David Kay Mickelsen (Costume Designer) has designed over 500 productions at many theaters, including the Guthrie Theater, Denver Center Theatre Company, The Cleveland Play House, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ford’s Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, The Geffen, Pasadena and Laguna Playhouses, The Old Globe, Studio Arena Theatre, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and The Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Illinois Shakespeare Festivals. He has a B.A. from Western Oregon University, and an M.F.A. from California Institute of the Arts, and has been a proud member of USA 829 for 32 years. Originally from Canby, Oregon, David now makes his home in Palm Springs, California.

Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz (he, him) (Lighting Designer) is a professor at the University of California, Irvine, where he is the head of the lighting program. He has designed Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, Deathtrap, White Christmas, and The Miracle Worker previously at Syracuse Stage and is delighted to be back for A Christmas Carol. Recent designs include A Raisin in the Sun, American Mariachi and La Havana Madrid for South Coast Repertory, Anatomy of a Home and Interview the Dead for Transversal Theatre Company in Amsterdam, A Christmas Carol at the Denver Center, All is Calm at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and Mojada at Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Portland Center Stage. He is an associate artist at South Coast Repertory and Cornerstone Theater Company and is the Resident Lighting Designer at the Great River Shakespeare Festival and Ballet Repertory Theatre. He is also an Associate Artistic Director at the Great River Shakespeare Festival. He is a member of the United Scenic Artists, Local 829/International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. His complete design portfolio can be found at www.lradesigns.com.

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, 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.

ARTISTIC TEAM

Ryan Moller (Wig Designer) is a costume and hair designer from Chicago, IL. Previously at Syracuse Stage: Matilda The Musical. Other credits include: Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Jospeh... (staring David Archuleta) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Tuacahn), Chicago, Treasure Island, The Wiz, 42nd Street (Fulton), five seasons at the Santa Fe Opera, The Tempest (Natl Theatre of Bermuda), Rock of Ages (NCL). New York credits include: The Lion King, Spring Awakening (OBC), Top Girls, Grease, Xanadu. Ryan currently teaches costume design at Rockford University where he received his B.A., followed by an M.F.A. from University of NC School of the Arts. Member USA 829. More information at RyanMollerDesigns.com

Blake Segal (Dialect Coach) Dialect Coaching credits include NYC: Ensemble Studio Theatre, New Georges, The Araca Project, Fault Line Theatre; Regional: Syracuse Stage, Geva Theatre Center, Berkshire Theatre Group, Two River Theater, PlayMakers Rep, Cleveland Musical Theatre, Luna Stage, Passages Theatre, and Walkerspace at SoHo Rep; Educational: Yale School of Drama, Fordham, Columbia, Syracuse University, Kean, and Stella Adler. Blake currently serves on the Voice/Verse faculty of Syracuse University’s Department of Drama. As an actor, he has performed on film and television, off-Broadway, in major regional theaters across the country, and on the national tour of Mary Poppins. M.F.A. in Acting: Yale School of Drama. www.blakesegal.com

Stuart Plymesser (Production Stage Manager) is in his 28th season at Syracuse Stage where he has stage managed over 100 plays, musicals, and special events, working with such talents as Jason Alexander, Olympia Dukakis, Frank Langella, Elizabeth Franz, and Phylicia Rashad. Stuart has worked at numerous regional theatres around the country and in Cape Town, South Africa, and has toured nationally. Locally, he has also stage managed events for Syracuse Fashion Week. In addition, Stuart is adjunct faculty for the Syracuse University Department of Drama and has been a guest speaker/lecturer for Ithaca College, Wells College, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Fredonia, and the Zabalaza Festival in Cape Town. Outside of theatre, Stuart holds the rank of Nidan (second degree black belt) in Aikido and the title of Fukoshidoin (assistant instructor) at Aikido of Central New York. Stuart is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

Bianca Mercado-Boller (she/her) (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to return to Syracuse Stage. Select credits include New Kid (Syracuse Stage), This Day Forward (Vineyard Theatre), Where Did We Sit on the Bus?, EST Marathon 2019 (Ensemble Studio Theatre), Doubt (Franklin Stage Company), and Wipeout, Chapters of a Floating Life, Plunder and Lighting, and Nick and the Prize Fighter (Williamstown Theatre Festival Fridays@3 series). She was also a part of Soundtrack of America, the opening show of The Shed. The last couple

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of years she spent time working as a Covid Safety Officer for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Aladdin, The Lion King, and KPOP. Education: Juilliard apprenticeship, Syracuse University.

Abel Searor (Assistant Music Director) is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Carol. Previous credits include Sister Act and RENT (Redhouse Arts Center), Arsenic and Old Lace (SALT Award) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (CNY Playhouse), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Baldwinsville Theatre Guild) and Anyone Can Whistle (St. David’s Celebration of the Arts). Searor is a graduate of Syracuse University and holds a Masters in Organ Performance as well as a Masters in Music Education. Currently Abel serves as adjunct faculty for the Setnor School of Music and Department of Drama at Syracuse University as well as Director of Worship Arts at DeWitt Community Church.

Samantha Harnick (she/her) (Student Assistant Director, Dramaturg) is honored to be the assistant director and dramaturg on her final Syracuse production. Previously at Syracuse, she cherishes assistant choreographing Guys And Dolls, and playing Tilly in Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical and Celia in As You Like It: The Musical. This past summer she had the privilege of working at the Hangar Theater for their KIDDSTUFF Season. She is so grateful for this university and all the lifelong lessons she has learned. Wassail!

Bass/Valle Casting (Casting) formerly Harriet Bass Casting, is a leading NYC boutique casting office. To know more about their upcoming projects and casting philosophy please visit www.bassvallecasting.com. Harriet Bass has cast for ABC/TV, Fox Television Studios, The Public Theatre: NEW WORK

NOW, The Minetta Lane Theatre, The Women’s Project, La MaMa E.T.C., New York Women in Film and Television, and The Jewish Repertory Theatre. She has cast the last three of the late August Wilson’s ten part play series: the original Radio Golf, Broadway Gem of the Ocean, and off-Broadway Jitney. Harriet is also a leading educator in audition technique, side and monologue coaching, and the business of acting. She has taught at the nation’s top universities and professional training programs. Gama Valle is a director, playwright, screenwriter, children’s book author, and casting director. His casting credits include: The American Tradition, The Great Novel, Split Second, I Wanna Fuck Like Romeo and Juliet, among others. He is a proud member of New Light Theatre Ensemble and the recipient of the Van Lier Directing Fellowship at Repertorio Español. Gama received the First Prize in playwriting from Puerto Rico’s Institute of Culture for his play Queishd&Dilit. Their regional casting credits include: Mark Taper Forum, Hartford Stage, Arena Stage, Trinity Rep, San Jose Rep, Geva, Syracuse Stage, Pittsburgh Public, Merrimack Rep, Longwharf Theatre, Alliance Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Kansas City Rep, Baltimore Center Stage, Huntington Theatre Company, Virginia Stage

ARTISTIC TEAM

Company, Dallas Theatre Company, Berkeley Rep, Portland Center Stage, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. Feature films credits include: Pushing Hands directed by Ang Lee, Underheat, starring Lee Grant, First We Take Manhattan, produced by Golden Harvest Inc., and Graves End, directed by Sal Stabile.

DIRECTOR

Melissa Rain Anderson (she/her) is happy to be back at Syracuse Stage where she directed last year’s holiday production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, as well as The Wolves. Melissa most recently directed Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at Pioneer Theatre Company. Selected credits include: the Regional Premiere of The Play that Goes Wrong and The Wolves at The Repertory Theater of St. Louis; Macbeth, Big River and The Cocoanuts at Utah Shakespeare Festival; A Christmas Carol at Denver Center Theatre Company; In the Heights, HAIR, La Cage Aux Folles, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Spamalot and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Geva Theatre Center; Dial M for Murder at TheatreSquared; All is Calm at Alabama Shakespeare Festival; RII at Santa Cruz Shakespeare; The Book of Will at Phoenix Theatre Company and Romeo and Juliet at Redhouse Arts Center. Upcoming work includes The Play That Goes Wrong at Cleveland Play House and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, actor Jim Poulos. Melissa is a proud member of Stage Directors and Choreographers, SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association. Please visit Melissarainanderson.com

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Brian Cimmet has previously served as Music Director for the Syracuse Stage productions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Matilda The Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Last Five Years, Elf, Next to Normal, The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and Hairspray. He also is a member of the Department of Drama’s 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, The End of the Auto Clicker, 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, please visit www.bemoresmarter.com to learn more.

CHOREOGRAPHER

Andrea Leigh-Smith has previously choreographed for Syracuse Stage’s productions of Matilda The Musical and The Underpants. She also served as the Associate Choreographer for last year’s holiday production, Disney's The Little Mermaid. Other choreographic credits include Louis Braille: The World at Your Fingertips and Into the Woods at The Hangar Theater. She has choreographed numerous productions at Neptune Theater in Canada as well as 18 Syracuse University Department of Drama productions. Andrea is a member of the Department of Drama’s full-time faculty teaching dance. As a performer, credits include Broadway: Jerome Robbins Broadway and SMILE, off-Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, tours, and major regional theaters in the U.S. and Canada. Andrea is a co-founder and resident choreographer for Irondale Ensemble Project Canada and The Building Company in Syracuse.

CIRCUS AND PHANTOM STAGING

2 Ring Circus is thrilled to be back at Syracuse Stage working with our longtime collaborator Melissa Rain Anderson on this beautiful production. Founded in 2011, 2RC was created by a team of versatile and multifaceted artists. Starting off as musical theatre performers, 2RC set out to create storytelling circus that seamlessly can fit into theatre and dance. The company has toured their original production Cirque Le Jazz across China and has created works all over the United States. Theatrical works include The Wizard of Oz (Syracuse Stage), Godspell (Arkansas Rep), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Geva Theatre), The Ghosts of Versailles (LA Opera), Seussical (CFRT), and multiple productions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Syracuse Stage, PCPA, CFRT and Arkansas Rep). www.2ringcircus.com

CREATIVE TEAM

Charles Dickens (Author) (1812 - 1870) began his writing career as a newspaper reporter. The success of his first novel, The Pickwick Papers, allowed him more time to write, leading to Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickelby and The Old Curiosity Shop. In December of 1843, A Christmas Carol was published, likely his best-known story that has inspired many versions and adaptations. Dickens continued to write more successful novels, including David Copperfield, Great Expectations, and A Tale of Two Cities. In addition to being great works of literature, Dickens’ novels provided social commentary. At a time when Britain was the major economic and political power of the world, Dickens highlighted the life of the forgotten poor and disadvantaged within society. Many readers will also remember Charles Dickens for his memorable char-

CREATIVE TEAM

acters. The likes of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Oliver Twist, The Artful Dodger, Fagin, Miss Havisham, David Copperfield, Mr. Micawber, Samuel Pickwick, Wackford Squeers, Uriah Heep and many others are so well known that they continue to this day to be household names. In 1870, Dickens was buried in the Poet’s Corner of Westminster Abbey, and a printed epitaph circulated at the time of his funeral said, “He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England’s greatest writers is lost to the world.”

Richard Hellesen (Playwright/Adaptor) is the author of numerous plays and musicals for adult and young audiences. His work has been seen at the Denver Center, South Coast Repertory, Geva, Florida Stage, Gretna Theatre, Los Angeles Repertory Company, Sacramento Theatre Company, Sundance Children’s Theatre, Imagination Stage, City Theatre in Miami, and Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, where he is an Associate Artist. He is the recipient of writing awards from PEN USA-West, the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays, and the National Theatre Conference. His most recent project, the solo play Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground starring Tony-winner John Rubinstein, recently premiered off-Broadway at Theatre at St. Clement’s in New York City.

David de Berry (Composer/Lyricist) - A Capella, Sisters: A Legend, original scores for Twelfth Night, The Good Person of Setzuan, All My Sons, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew, ‘Night Mother, The Time of Your Life (Sacramento Theatre Company). Composer: The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Comedy of Errors, The Glass Menagerie, King Lear, Betrayal, Our Country’s Good, The Recruiting Officer, Terra Nova, The Miser (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Romeo and Juliet (San Fransisco Shakespeare Festival); M. Butterfly (Arizona Theatre Company). Actor: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Arizona Theatre Company, PCPA, Pennsylvania State Theatre, Charles Playhouse, Sacramento Theatre Company.

Gregg Coffin (Orchestrations) Off-Broadway: Composer/lyricist: Five Course Love (Minetta Lane Theatre). Regional: Alley Theatre, American Players Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Asolo Rep, Berkeley Rep, Dallas Theatre Center, DCPA Theatre Company, Geva Theatre Center, Guthrie Theater, Human Race Theatre, Indiana Rep, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, PCPA, TheatreFest, Pioneer Theatre Company, South Coast Rep, Unicorn Theatre, and the Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, St. Louis and Utah Shakespeare Festivals. International: (Canada) Stratford Festival, Tarragon Theatre, National Arts Centre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Center, CanStage; (Seoul) ChungMu Art Hall. Affiliations: Dramatists Guild, Society of Composers and Lyricists, American Federation of Musicians.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Robert Hupp is in his eighth season as artistic director of Syracuse Stage. He recently directed Our Town, The Play That Goes Wrong, Eureka Day, Annapurna, Talley’s Folly, Amadeus, Noises Off, Next to Normal, and The Three Musketeers for Stage. Prior to coming to Central New York, Robert spent seventeen seasons as the producing artistic director of Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock. He directed over 30 productions for Arkansas Rep ranging from Hamlet to Les Miserables to The Grapes of Wrath. In New York City, Robert directed the American premieres of Glyn Maxwell’s The Lifeblood and Wolfpit for the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble. He also served for nine seasons as the artistic director of the Obie Award-winning Jean Cocteau Repertory. At the Cocteau, Robert’s directing credits include works by Buchner, Wilder, Cocteau, Shaw, Wedekind and the premieres of the Bentley/Milhaud version of Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children, Seamus Heaney’s The Cure at Troy, and Eduardo de Filippo’s Napoli Millionaria. He has held faculty positions at Pennsylvania’s Dickinson College and, in Arkansas, at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Hendrix College. Robert served as vice president of the Board of Directors of the Theatre Communications Group and has served on funding panels for the New York State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, the Theatre Communications Group, the New Jersey State Council of the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. While in Arkansas, Robert was named both Non-Profit Executive of the Year by the Arkansas Business Publishing Group, and Individual Artist of the Year by the Arkansas Arts Council. He and his wife Clea ride herd over a blended family of five children, one dog, and two cats.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jill A. Anderson has served as managing director of Syracuse Stage since 2016. Jill is responsible for Stage’s more than $8 million operating budget and has oversight of fundraising, marketing, and operational matters within the organization. Prior to joining Stage, Jill spent a decade as general manager at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT. During her tenure, the O’Neill completed a $7 million capital campaign and campus expansion, doubled its operating budget, and was honored with the National Medal of Arts and a Regional Theatre Tony Award. Under the O’Neill’s aegis, Jill also developed the Baltic Playwrights Conference, an annual international new play development retreat held in Hiiumaa, Estonia. Previously, Jill spent five years in the production office at Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage, after working as a stage manager in Minnesota, New Mex-

MANAGING DIRECTOR

ico, and Massachusetts. In addition to her work at Stage, Jill is an instructor in the theater management program of the Syracuse University Department of Drama, building on her work with high school and college students elsewhere, including at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Jill has been recognized as part of the Central NY Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” and serves on numerous municipal and non-profit boards. Jill is delighted to call Central New York home, but will always be a proud cheesehead, originally hailing from Marshfield, Wisconsin.

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Melissa Crespo (she/her) has made a career of developing new plays, musicals, and opera around the country and abroad. She recently directed the world premiere of Bees and Honey by Guadalís Del Carmen off-Broadway at MCC Theater. Other favorite past credits include, Espejos: Clean by Christine Quintana (Hartford Stage & Syracuse Stage), form of a girl unknown by Charly Evon Simpson (Salt Lake Acting Company), and ¡Figaro! (90210) (The Duke on 42nd Street). As a playwright, her play Egress, co-written with Sarah Saltwick, had a world premiere at Amphibian Stage and won the Roe Green Award for Outstanding Achievement in Playwriting at Cleveland Play House. As a producer, she is one of the Founding Editors of 3Views on Theater, an online publication conceived by The Lillys. Fellowships and residencies include: Time Warner Fellow (WP Theatre), Usual Suspect (NYTW), The Director’s Project (Drama League), Van Lier Directing Fellow (Second Stage Theatre), and the Allen Lee Hughes Directing Fellow (Arena Stage). Melissa received her M.F.A. in directing from The New School for Drama. https://www.melissacrespo.com

RESIDENT PLAYWRIGHT

Kyle Bass is the author of Tender Rain, which premiered at Syracuse Stage last season, and Possessing Harriet, which premiered at Syracuse Stage and has been produced at Franklin Stage Company, East Lynne Theater Company, HartBeat Ensemble and is published by Standing Stone Books. Salt City Blues was produced at Syracuse Stage in the 21/22 season, and Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country, about a young James Baldwin, was commissioned by Syracuse Stage, has streamed nationally, was recently presented at Brown University and is under option for an international feature film. Toliver & Wakeman was commissioned by and

RESIDENT PLAYWRIGHT

premiered at Franklin Stage Company. His libretto for Libba Cotten: Here This Day, an opera based on the life of American folk music legend Libba Cotten, was commissioned by The Society for New Music. With Ping Chong, Kyle is the co-author of Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo, which premiered at Syracuse Stage and was produced at La MaMa Experimental Theatre in New York. His other full-length plays include Baldwin vs. Buckley: The Faith of Our Fathers, which has been presented at Cornell University, Colgate University, the University of Delaware, and Syracuse University, and Separated, a documentary theatre piece about student military veterans at Syracuse University, which was presented at Syracuse Stage and the Paley Center in New York, and Leeboe & Sons. Kyle is the co-author of the original screenplay for the film Day of Days (Broad Green Pictures, 2017) and is a three-time recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, a finalist for the Princess Grace Playwriting Award, and a Pushcart Prize nominee. He is currently developing a television series with co-writer Jaffe Cohen. As dramaturg, Kyle has collaborated with acclaimed visual artist Carrie Mae Weems, and was the script consultant on Thoughts of a Colored Man, which premiered at Syracuse Stage in 2019 and opened on Broadway in 2021. Kyle is Assistant Professor of Theater at Colgate University, where he previously served as Burke Chair for Regional Studies. He has also taught in the M.F.A. creative writing program at Goddard College, at Syracuse University, and at Hobart & William Smith Colleges. Kyle was the Susan P. Stroman Visiting Playwright at the University of Delaware and the Flournoy Visiting Playwright at Washington & Lee University. He holds an M.F.A. in playwriting from Goddard College, is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America and is represented by the Barbara Hogenson Agency. A descendant of African people enslaved in New England and the American South, Kyle resides and writes in Upstate New York where his family has lived free and owned land for nearly 225 years.

CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA

Ralph Zito (he, him) is in his fifteenth year as chair of the Department of Drama. He came to Syracuse University from the Juilliard School Drama Division, where he had been a teacher and director from 1992 to 2010 and chair of the Voice and Speech Department since 1999. He was a director and adjunct lecturer in the Barnard College Theater Department from 2006 until 2010 and has been a guest artist at training programs across the country, including the Old Globe in San Diego, The University of Texas at Austin, and the Academy for Classical Acting in Washington, D.C. Directing credits for the Department of Drama include: The Spitfire Grill, As You Like It, Gruesome Playground Injuries, and The Aliens. He has

CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA

served as a voice, text or dialect consultant for numerous professional productions both on and off-Broadway, including: The Light in the Piazza; Awake and Sing!; The Herbal Bed; Mrs. Klein; The Fiery Furnace; The Time of the Cuckoo (Lincoln Center Theatre); Tongue of a Bird; The Merchant of Venice (New York Shakespeare Festival); The Pitchfork Disney (Blue Light Theatre Company); Birdy (The Women’s Project); The Model Apartment (Primary Stages); the New York premiere of Tony Kushner’s SLAVS! (New York Theatre Workshop); and The African Company Presents Richard III (The Acting Company). His regional theater credits include numerous productions at The Shakespeare Theatre and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.; Syracuse Stage; Baltimore CENTERSTAGE; Hartford Stage; and the McCarter Theatre, among others. A former touring member of The Acting Company, he served as artistic associate of The Chautauqua Theatre Company for seven years and was a member of the Board of Directors of The American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT) for six years. He is a graduate of Harvard University, The Juilliard School, and the American Center for the Alexander Technique. He was recently awarded the prestigious Juilliard President’s Medal in recognition of his contributions to both Juilliard and to the broader performing arts community.

WHO WE ARE

Syracuse Stage is the non-profit professional theatre company in residence at Syracuse University. We are nationally recognized for creating stimulating theatrical work that engages Central New York, and for our significant contribution to the artistic life of Syracuse University, where we are a vital partner in achieving the educational mission of the University’s Department of Drama.

OUR MISSION

Syracuse Stage tells stories that engage, entertain, and inspire us to see life beyond our own experience.

OUR VISION

Reimagining what's possible for regional theatre–through active inclusion, innovative outreach, and bold productions–Syracuse Stage shapes the culture and social vitality of Central New York, enriches the Syracuse University student experience, and fosters change in ourselves, our communities, and our world.

OUR CORE VALUES

People - Actively including diverse individuals, communities, ideas, and perspectives. Passion - Commitment to integrity, excellence, and enthusiasm in our work. Curiosity - Fostering an innovative and adaptive environment that elicits wonder.

ANTI-RACISM PLEDGE

Syracuse Stage stands firmly against racism and discrimination. We pledge to stand with under-represented and oppressed communities and to advance antiracism in all aspects of our work, including the outward facing, public dimension of our creative endeavors and the less visible internal practices of the organization.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Stage has collaborated with a myriad of institutions in the Syracuse area. Community partners include 100 Black Men of Syracuse, AccessCNY, ARC of Onondaga, ARISE, ArtRage, CNY Reads, Interfaith Works of Central New York, La Casita, McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center, Onondaga Historical Association, Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, SUNY Upstate Medical University, the VA Medical Center, and Vera House. Additionally, the educational department collaborates with many CNY schools.

ABOUT SYRACUSE STAGE

Originally constructed as the Regent Movie House in 1914, the physical space of Syracuse Stage has seen many films, musicians, actors, and artists pass through its doors over the course of the past century. The Syracuse Stage that exists today is a non-for-profit professional theatre company founded in 1974, and a longstanding League of Resident Theatres (LORT) member. Since its inception, Stage has produced over 350 shows, both plays and musicals, within its walls. Now, Stage produces six to seven shows per season, while also offering educational programs to students, various pre- and post-show events, and fundraising events each year. Stage is Central New York’s only LORT theatre and one of the largest performing arts organizations in the area. Stage has a strong commitment to giving the community access to a range of high-quality productions; it is equally committed to bringing in actors, designers, and directors who are among the leading theatre professionals, both locally and across the nation.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Syracuse Stage respectfully acknowledges the Onondaga Nation, Firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee, the Indigenous people on whose ancestral lands we now stand.

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. While students are responsible for designing the technical elements of most Drama productions, implementing these designs requires a significant contribution by the professional staff of the Syracuse Stage production department.

CHAIR

SYRACUSE STAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rocco Mangano Partner

Mangano Law Office, PLLC

PRESIDENT

Herman R. Frazier*

Senior Deputy Athletics Director Syracuse University

CHAIR-ELECT/VICE CHAIR

Richard Driscoll

Sr. Commercial Banking Relationship Manager Commercial Banking Division NBT Bank

TREASURER

Brett Padgett*

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Syracuse University

SECRETARY

Sharon Sullivan Community Volunteer

AT-LARGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER

Phil Turner

Pastor

Bethany Baptist Church

Jill A. Anderson** Managing Director

Syracuse Stage

Janet Audunson Assistant General Counsel National Grid

George S. Bain Freelance Editor and Writer

Barbara Beckos

Retired - Syracuse Stage

Nancy Byrne Community Volunteer

Dr. Ruth Chen*

Professor of Practice

Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science

Robin Curtis

NYS Lic. RE Asso. Broker Hunt Real Estate ERA

Denise Dyce

Associate Vice President of Labor and Employee Relations Syracuse University

Colleen A. Gaetano

Retired- Vice President Global Education & Artistry Estée Lauder Companies, NYC

Helene Gold

Private Voice & Piano Instructor

Jacki Goldberg

Community Volunteer

Bea González

Retired - Vice President for Community Engagement

Syracuse University

Nancy Green

Managing Member

Edward S. Green & Associates

Larry Harris

EVP and CFO Saab, Inc.

Robert Hupp** Artistic Director

Syracuse Stage

Cydney Johnson*

Vice President for Community Engagement and Government Relations

Syracuse University

Rebecca Karpoff*

Professor of Practice, Musical Theater/Coordinator of Vocal Instruction, Musical Theater Syracuse University Department of Drama

Kathy Kelly

Retired - Health Educator, PNP

Larry Leatherman

Retired - Bristol-Myers Squibb, MOST

Dan Lent

Vice President Citizens Bank

Rob Lentz

EVP of Enterprise Operations Zeta Global

Maria Lesinski

Attorney Newman and Lickstein

Anthony Malavenda

Retired - Duke’s Root Control

Julia Martin Partner Bousquet Holstein

Suzanne McAuliffe

Retired - Educator

Rod McDonald

Bond, Schoeneck & King

Molly Mulvihill

Sr. Relationship Manager

Global Commercial Banking Bank of America

Fran Nichols Retired - Mower, Inc.

Mona Paradis Stadium International Trucks

Virginia Parker

Retired - Educator (1996 - 2023)

Molly Ryan Partner, Goldberg Segalla LLP

Robert Sarason

Retired - Lawyer, Organizer, Fundraiser

Melvin T. Stith

Dean Emeritus, Whitman School of Management

Syracuse University

Cora Thomas

Radio Host and Office Manager, WAER

Michael S. Tick* Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts Syracuse University

Dr. Amy Tucker Chief Medical Officer

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Andrea Waldman Community Volunteer

Maryam Al-Hindi Wasmund Chief Financial Officer Filtertech Inc.

Ralph Zito** Chair

Syracuse University Department of Drama

*University Trustee

**Ex-Officio

SYRACUSE STAGE EMERITUS CIRCLE

We are grateful to the following individuals who have served as Members of the Stage Board of Trustees and continue to support Syracuse Stage at the Circle level.

Jim Breuer

Mary Beth Carmen

Joan Green

Elizabeth Hartnett

John Huhtala

Margaret Martin

Kevin McAuliffe

Eric Mower

Judy Mower

Michael Shende

Jack Webb

Michael Zoanetti

SYRACUSE STAGE EDUCATION ADVOCACY BOARD

Sara Bambino

CICERO-NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL

Todd Benware

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY

Jordan Berger JAMESVILLE-DEWITT HIGH SCHOOL

Rhiannon Berry

LIVERPOOL HIGH SCHOOL

Elizabeth Defurio

NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL

David Fisselbrand

AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL

Melissa Morgan BAKER HIGH SCHOOL

Matthew Phillips

JAMESVILLE-DEWITT HIGH SCHOOL

Linda Ponza SOLVAY HIGH SCHOOL

Jennifer Sabatino

CATO-MERIDIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

YOUNG ADULT COUNCIL

Paige Blair CAZENOVIA HIGH SCHOOL

Sadie Broderick

EAST SYRACUSE MINOA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Finnegan Coons

G. RAY BODLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Ella Culligan

LIVERPOOL HIGH SCHOOL

Joliette Doyle

TULLY JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Kate Fennessy

AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL

Claire Foran

EAST SYRACUSE MINOA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Kennedy Hilton

FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS HIGH SCHOOL

Mira Jensen

CORCORAN HIGH SCHOOL

Beatrix Karn CAZENOVIA HIGH SCHOOL

Sophia Kelly

CATO MERIDIAN JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Stephanie Kelly

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY

Margot Klein

CHARLES W. BAKER HIGH SCHOOL

Tessa Komar

FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS HIGH SCHOOL

Rei Korthas HOMESCHOOLED

Madison Macomber

EAST SYRACUSE MINOA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Zoie Markowski

SOLVAY HIGH SCHOOL

Minerva Miller

FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS HIGH SCHOOL

Octavia Miller FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS HIGH SCHOOL

David Warne Peters

CORCORAN HIGH SCHOOL

Francesca Smith

BISHOP GRIMES JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL

Caleb Smith

MANLIUS PEBBLE HILL SCHOOL

Abbie Sundet

PAUL V. MOORE HIGH SCHOOL

Zariah Taylor

JAMESVILLE-DEWITT HIGH SCHOOL

Rebecca Wheeler HOMESCHOOLED

Sophia Zogby

CATO MERIDIAN JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

SYRACUSE STAGE ANNUAL FUND GIFTS

Syracuse Stage depends on the generosity of contributions from individuals, corporations, businesses, foundations, and government agencies. It is with much gratitude that we recognize the following donors to our annual campaign. For information regarding levels of contribution and benefits of each please contact the Development office at 315-443-3931 or visit syracusestage.org.

CORPORATE, FOUNDATION, AND GOVERNMENT SPONSORS

Richard Mather Fund

CORPORATE, FOUNDATION, AND GOVERNMENT SPONSORS

Contributions listed above are current as of November 7th, 2023 and reflect operating support of $5,000+ and in-kind donations of $10,000+.

George S. Bain

Helen Beale

50 TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN GIFTS

Nicholas & Louanne Colaneri

Kevin & Kristin Curtis

Roger & Naomi DeMuth

Carole Farfaglia

Jacki & Michael Goldberg

Laura & Ed Jordan

Robert Sarason & Jane Burkhead

Amy Kaufmann Sweeney

Jill Ladd

Linda Loomis

Rocco & Roberta Mangano

Gail Mitchell

Debra Petzold

Nancy Radoff

David Rankert

Slutzker Family Foundation

John & Jamie Sutphen

Estate of George Wallerstein & Julie Lutz

As of November 7th, 2023. Donor list reflects gifts made over the past 12 months.

SPONSORS

The Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation is proud to be a sponsor of the arts in Central New York. We recognize the deep importance live theatre plays in shaping the cultural and social vitality of our community. In these challenging times, theatre brings us together to be inspired and celebrate the richness of the human experience. We are delighted to continue to support Syracuse Stage and this very special production of A Christmas Carol.

INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATE, FOUNDATION, & GOVERNMENT GIFTS

New and increased gifts this season will be matched by The Richard Mather Fund.

$100,000+

Syracuse University

$50,000 - $99,999

Advance Media New York

CNY Arts, Inc.

New York State Council on the Arts

Onondaga County

The Dorothy & Marshall M. Reisman Foundation

The Shubert Foundation

$20,000 - $49,999

George S. Bain

iHeart Radio

M&T Bank

Richard Mather Fund

National Endowment for the Arts

$10,000 - $19,999

Bank of America

Nancy & William Byrne

Cathedral Candle Company

Central New York

Community Foundation

Cumulus Radio

Jacki & Michael Goldberg

Nancy Green & Tony Marschall

Elizabeth Hartnett

JKW Foundation

JP Morgan Chase

Rocco & Roberta Mangano

NBT Bancorp Inc.

News Channel 9

Sharon Sullivan & Paul Phillips

The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust

Urban CNY

WAER

WRVO

$5,000 - $9,999

Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation

Bousquet Holstein PLLC

Richard Bunce

Dr. Ruth Chen & Chancellor Kent Syverud

CNY Business Journal

CNY Latino

Dramatists Guild Foundation

Peggy & Dana Dudarchik

The Estate of Mary Louise

Dunn

Colleen Gaetano

Neil & Helene Gold

Larry & Ann Harris

Hayner Hoyt Corporation

J.M. McDonald Foundation

Larry & Mary Leatherman

Tony Malavenda & Martine

Burat

Kevin & Suzanne McAuliffe

Eric & Judy Mower

Sally Lou & Fran Nichols

National Grid

Virginia Parker

Joel Potash & Sandra Hurd

Melvin & Patricia Stith

Theatre Development Fund

Wegmans

$3,500 - $4,999

Ashley McGraw Architects

Janet Audunson & David

Youlen

The Benz Family

Kathleen Bice

Brine Wells, LLC & Marriott Downtown

Syracuse

Pete & Mary Beth Carmen

Roger & Naomi DeMuth

Ernst & Young, LLP

Inner Harbor Radio

Kathy Kelly & Len Weiner

Selma Radin

Theatre Communications

Group

$1,800 - $3,499

Barbara Beckos & Arthur McDonald

Walter & Elizabeth Merriam

Constance Bull

Molly Ryan & Tim Byrnes

Claire Myers-Usiatynski

Deborah & Samuel Haines

Mona & John Paradis

Anne Morford

James Clark & Sharon

Gordon

Robin Curtis

Robert & Clea Hupp

Dr. Amy Tucker

Barbara Sheklin Davis

Cynthia Sutton

David & Sally Hootnick

Judge Rosemary Pooler

Randy & Elizabeth Kalish

Richard & Margaret Shirtz

Sam & Carolyn Spalding

Michael & Cathy Tick

Sharye Skinner

Raymond & Linda Straub

Herman Frazier & Caroline

Beal

Edward & Susan Downing

Dick & Therese Driscoll

Molly & Kevin Mulvihill

Leslie Kohman & Jeffrey Smith

Craig & Kathy Byrum

Daniel & Ann Lent

Robert Lentz & Anne Russ

Robert Sarason & Jane

Burkhead

Brett & Jeannie Padgett

Douglas Sutherland & Nancy Kramer

Rosamond Gifford

Foundation

Lockheed Martin Employees' Federated Fund

Joshua & Andrea Waldman

$1,200 - $1,799

James & Nancy Asher

Debbie & Candido

Bermudez

Donald Blair & Nancy

Dock

Marlene Blumin

Francine Boutet

Jim & Cathy Breuer

Ana Díaz-Diez & Javier Maymi-Perez

Frank and Frances Revoir

Foundation

Fox 68

Bea Gonzalez & Michael

Leonard

Dorothy & Lawrence

Gordon

Dennis & Judi Hebert

Heritage Masonry

Restoration, Inc.

As of November 7th, 2023. Donor list reflects gifts made over the past 12 months.

Cydney Johnson & Jeff

Comanici

Kevin & Jessica Kopko

Rod & Jana McDonald

David Rankert

James Shults

John Steigerwald IV

John & Jamie Sutphen

Jack & Linda Webb

Larry & Glenda Wetzel

Michael & Laurie Zoanetti

$600 - $1,199

Gutherie & Louise Birkhead

Thomas & Susan Brett

Kevin & Jackie Bryans

Amy & Tom Clark

Jerilyn Costich

Mark Cywilko & Marianne

Moosbrugger

Lewis & Elaine Dubroff

Carole Farfaglia

Allen & Anita Frank

David Heisig & Donna Mahar

Joyce Day Homan

Richard & Margaret Ingraham

Steven & Elaine Jacobs

Richard Jaeger

Charles Martin & Johanna

Keller

John & Maren King

Douglas Kinnetz & Laura

Livingston

Bob & Pat Lebel

Brian & Susan Lison

James MacKillop

Albert Marshall

Susan Martineau

John & Elizabeth McKinnell

John & Joan Nicholson

Sally O'Herin

David & Janice Panasci

Kathy & Dan Rabuzzi

Edward & Lois Schroeder

Gracia Sears

Joe Silberlicht & Sandra Fenske

Angela Winfield & Lance

Lyons

John & Mitzi Wolf

$300 - $599

Chris Arnold

Timothy Atseff & Margaret Ogden

Andrew & Margot Baxter

Edward & Angela Bernat

Carrie Berse & Chris Skeval

William & Beatrice Blake

Angel Broadnax

Ted Brown

Gary & Kathleen Bruno

Paul & Linda Cohen

Molly & Travis Corley

Anita Cottrell

Richard Cross & Kathryn Davis

Susan Crossett

George Curry

William & Elizabeth Elkins

Richard Ernst

Linda Fabian & Dennis Goodrich

Maggie & Jake Feldmeier

Thomas & Melissa Ferrara

Kenneth & Kathleen Freer

Gasparini Sales, Inc.

Elijah Gebers

William & Ann Griffith

Baird & Sarah Hansen

David & Ellen Hardy

Daniel & Julia Harris

Joseph & Paula Himmelsbach

Donna & Joseph Hipius

Peter & Mary Huntington

Peter & Diana Johnson

Rowena Jones

Marjorie T. Julian

Diane King

Earl & Trudy Kletsky

Liz Kolodney

George & Roseann Lorefice

Scott & Marlene Macfarlane

John & Candace Marsellus

Mary Ellen McDonald

Michael & Patricia McGrath

James & Elizabeth Megna

Don Milmore

David & Beth Mitchell

Marty & Millie Newshan

Doren Norfleet

Margaret O'Brien

David & Susan Palen

Robert & Teresa Parke

Patricia A Parker

Paolo Pastore

Jane Pickett

Mickey & Pat Piscitelli

Susan Plemons

Scott Reinhart

Terry & Monica Richmond

Jennifer Roberts

Diana Biro & Eric Rogers

Nancy & Robert Russoniello

Lowell Seifter & Sharon

McAuliffe

Jon Selzer & Thelma TrottySelzer

Robert & Cheryl Shallish

In Honor of

Contributions have been made to Syracuse Stage to honor someone, celebrate a special occasion, or offer an expression of sympathy in memory of a loved one.

Warren Abrahams in memory of Ruth Smulyan.

James Aiello in memory of Pamela Johnson. George S. Bain in memory of Ginny Parker. The Bermudez & Guido Families in honor of the marriage of Candice Bermudez & Joseph Guido. Candice Bermudez & Joe Guido in memory of Ginny Parker. Carrie Berse & Chris Skeval in memory of Ginny Parker.

Gus & Susan Birkhead in memory of Ruth Smulyan.

Louise Birkhead in memory of Ruth Smulyan.

Kathy Brodsky in memory of Ginny Parker.

Ana Díaz-Diez & Javier Maymi-Perez dedicated to the memory of Pedro Díaz-Molina.

John Eng-Wong & Priscilla Angelo in memory of Ruth Smulyan.

The Farfaglia Family in memory of Edward Farfaglia.

Zachary Ferris in memory of Virginia Parker.

Leila Ann Finkelstein in memory of Ruth Smulyan beloved wife,

As of November 7th, 2023. Donor list reflects gifts made over the past 12 months.

Geraldine Sheehan

Beth & Tobias Sienel

Joseph & Carolyn Smith

George & Helene Starr

John & Anne Sveen

Cora Thomas

Victor & Diane Tice

James & Deborah Tifft

Joseph & Carole Valesky

Peter Vanable & Anne Jamison

Nancy Wadopian

Robert & Anita Wagner

Mark Watkins & Brenda Silverman

Lynda Wheat

David & Daryll Wheeler

John & Judy Winslow

Deborah & Michael Zahn

$150 - $299

James Aiello

Robert & Jeanne Anderson

Dianne Apter

Al & Jane Arras

Aminy Audi

Frank Badagnani

Holmes & Sarah M Bailey

Rosemary Baker & Stuart

Spiegel

Nancy Barnum

Jean Beers

Sylvia Betcher

William A Billingham

Danielle Bishop

Carl & Alice Borning

Eric & Carol Boyer

Mary Brady

Dennis & Mary Anne Brady

William & Mary Butler

Andrea Calarco

Joseph & Patricia Cambareri

Ronald Capone

Lexi Carlson & Sebastian

Karcher

Judith Carr

Susan Chappuis

Maureen Clark

Joe & Nancy Clayton

Allison Clifford

Raymond Colton

Elizabeth Cowan

Peter & Amy Cronin

Ann Cross

Joyce Crossley

Raymond W. Cummings, Jr.

James Cusack

CVS

Linda Czerkies

Judith Dannible

Carol Decker

Bill & Terry Delavan

Rossybell Diaz

Stephen & Emily DiMarco

Linda & Alan Dolmatch

Patricia Arcana & Thomas

Dorr

Elizabeth Drew & Joe Marusa

David & Robin Drucker

Mary Dunn

Nathaniel & Karen Dunn

Denise Dyce

Karen & Eddie Eagan

Elizabeth Etoll

Cynthia Ferguson

Marcia Finch

Molly Carole Fitzpatrick

Leonard Fonte

Lois & Jill Fowler

Kurt Frazier

Elinor Freeman

Barbara Friedman

Allen & Nirelle Galson

Claudia Gasiorowski

Robert Geiger

Margaret Gelfuso

Ernest & Lynne Giraud

Karen Goldman

Bernice Gottschalk

Andrea Graham

Roger & Vicki Greenberg

Thomas Greenwood

Gregory & Elaine Hallett

Judith Hand

Ann Hartenstein

Georgina Hegney

Barbara & Ronald Hoffman

Cheryl Holmes

Victor Jenkins

Daniel & Rhea Jezer

Emily Johnson & Vijay Ramachandran

Philip & Judith Kaplan

James & Jan Kaplan

Robert & Christina Keim

David & Noel Keith

Amy Kemp

Shelly Kempton

Tim & Susan Kennedy

Russell & Joan King

Barry & Kathy Kogut

Janice Kophen

Lorraine LaDuke

Robert & Lauren Lalley

W & Nancy Lambright

Andrea Latchem

Bruce & Marilyn Laubacher

Victor & Linda Lebedovych

In Honor of (Continued

mother, grandmother, and friend.

Brant & Ellen Rosborough Ford in memory of Ginny Parker.

Margaret Gelfuso in memory of Peter Scheibe.

Jacki & Michael Goldberg in memory of our dear Ginny Parker. May her memory be a blessing! Winnie Greenberg in memory of Ginny Parker.

Briann Greenfield in memory of Ruth Smulyan.

Badger State Civic Fund in memory of Hal & Ruth Smulyan.

Gail S Hauss in memory of Ruth Smulyan. Erin Horner in memory of Catherine Hennessy. Marjorie T. Julian in honor of Ed Farfaglia. Joan Kesselring in memory of Ginny Parker.

Leslie Kohman & Jeffrey Smith in memory of Ginny Parker.

Liz Kolodney in memory of Peggy Marshall.

Suzanne Lourie in memory of Ruth Smulyan. The Moore Family in memory of Ginny Parker

Mark and Megan Morettini in honor of Francis O'Connor and Peter Ceravolo.

Elizabeth Mosher in memory of Ginny Parker.

As of November 7th, 2023. Donor list reflects gifts made over the past 12 months.

James LeGro

Mark & Jeannette Levinsohn

Bonnie Levy

James Light

John Limbeson

Edward & Carol Lipson

Mary Lombardo

Linda Loomis

John & Marian Loosmann

Vito Lovecchio

Dan & Linda Lowengard

Donald & Patricia

MacLaughlin

Mary Mahoney

John & Janet Mallan

Robert & Nancy Mandry

Frederick & Virginia Marty

Elizabeth Mascia

Donyce & Kenneth McCluskey

Margot McCormick

Sam & Margaret McNaughton

Clifford & Marjorie Mellor

Diana Ingraham Milkovic

Donna Miller

Dr. Merrill L. Miller

Daniel & Terry Miller

Julian & Jennifer Modesti

Janet Moore

Joseph Moorman & Catherine Gerard

Elizabeth Mosher

Susan Moskal

James & Kathleen Muldoon

Alan & Rosalind Napier

Richard & Barbara Natoli

Aaron & Cosmina Nolan

Jane Ondich

Judy Oplinger

John & Elizabeth O'Sullivan

Joan & Lawrence Page

Cathy Palm

John & Robert Parsons

Michael & Susan Petrosillo

Susan Pieczonka

William & Merriette Pollard

John & Dorothy Reiffenstein

Steve Reiter & Annegret

Schubert

Todd Relyea

Cathy Robinson

Elaine Rubenstein

John & Judy Sabene

Richard & Jill Sargent

Anita Schmidt-Kyanka

George & Sharon Schmit

William Schuyler

Ruth Seaman

Mike & Marilyn Sees

Richard & Elizabeth

Severance

Roger & Nancy Sharp

Marilyn Shelleman

Dr Craig A Simmons

Judith Smith

Jeffrey Sneider & Gwen Kay

Jonathan Solomon

James Sonneborn

Dirk & Carol Sonneborn

Paul & Jean Soper

Patricia & Michael St. Leger

Michael Stanton

Karl Crossman & John Steinburg

Carter & Nan Strickland

Kathleen & Mark Sunheimer

Andrew & Kathleen Tompkins

Charles Tremper

Hon. Karen M. Uplinger

William & Linda Veit

Anthony & Martha Viglietta

TJ & Meghan Vitale

Susan Wadley

Judith Waite

Diane & Kathleen Waldon

David & Mary Walsh

Francis & Elaine Walter

Donald & Martha

Washburn

Connie Webster

Howard Weinstein

David Whitman

Fred & Karen Whitney

George & Mrs Whitton

Christopher & Renee Wiles

Roger & Carolyn Williams

Tina Winter

Tom & Carol Wolff

Mary Yurco

$100 - $149

Jerrold & Harriet Abraham

Kristi Andersen

John Andrake

Beatrice Angus

Maxine & Keyhan Arjomand

Michelle Arora

Rosanne Barbaglia

Ronald & Susan Berger

Janine Bernard

Nicolina Bisson

David Blair

Barbara Blaszak

Jon & Patricia Booth

Bernard & Ona Cohn

Bregman

James & Joyce Bresnahan

In Honor of

Claire Myers-Usiatynski in memory of Drs. Lawrence & Betty Jane Myers.

Wendy Neikirk Rhodes & Adrian Rhodes in honor of Ginny Parker.

Fran & Sally Lou Nichols in memory of Ginny Parker. Anonymous in memory of Ruth Smulyan. Judy Oplinger in memory of Tim Rice.

Patricia A Parker in memory of my dear sister-in-law, Virginia Parker. Anonymous in memory of Lorne Runge. Gail Ruterman in honor of Ruth Smulyan

Robert Sarason & Jane Burkhead in memory of Ginny Parker.

Lois & Ted Schroeder in memory of Ruth Smulyan.

Edward & Lois Schroeder in memory of Virginia Parker. Marilyn Shelleman in memory of Ron Shelleman.

Maura Harling Stefl in memory of Ginny Parker.

Nan & Carter Strickland in memory of Virginia Parker.

Diane R. Swords in memory of my dear friend Ginny Parker, supporter of theater and of peace and social justice.

Philip Syphrit in memory of Cat Hennessy. Anonymous in memory of Virginia Parker.

As of November 7th, 2023. Donor list reflects gifts made over the past 12 months.

Robert & Helene Brophy

Paul Brown & Susan

Loevenguth

Bob & Kathy Brown

Lia & Dean Burrows

Patricia Bush

John & Cynthia Cambareri

Larry & Fran Campbell

Thomas Carlin

Delores Carney

Marjorie Carter

Emanuel & Cynthia Carter

Christina Casella

Douglas & Diane Chilson

Nancy Christy

Sam & Carolyn Clemence

Martha Cole

Cheryl Cole

John & Deloris Coleman

Donna Coloton

William & Julia Consroe

Terri Cook

Mary Anne Corasaniti

Tim & Margaret Creamer

Tracy Cromp

Stephanie Cross

Paul & Cynthia Curtin

Luke Darnell

Christine Dascher

Lynette & Ethan Davis

Oran Day

Peter Deblois

Paula Dendis

Patrick & Rebecca Devendorf

Kate DiDonato

Margrit Diehl

Diane Dimond

Audrey Dolata

James & Mike Doleski

Nick Doran

Eric Drath

Kathleen Effler

Wynn Egginton

Richard Ellison & Margaret Ksander

Mark & Marci Erlebacher

Lorraine Erlenback

Daniel & Laura Feldman

Gerard Flynn

Brant & Ellen Rosborough

Ford

Nancy FreeboroughKaczmar

Jeffrey & Teresa Freedman

Virginia Frey

John Friedman & Polly Ann

Heavenrich

Judy Friedman

Megan Gagnier

Mary Gallagher

William & Jean Gamble

Mary Beth Gannon

Ashley Garza

Norma Gawlowicz

Claudia Gebhardt

Rosanna Grassi

William Gray

Paula & Louis Green

Mark & Cynthia Dowd Greene

Briann Greenfield

Seth & Lisa Greenky

Charlotte Haas & Gary Quirk

James Hahn

Marcia Haines

Nancy Hanna

Ann & Richard Harris

Gail Hauss

David & Elizabeth Hayes

Gordon Hayes

Erika Hegland

Pamela & James Helmer

Michael & Elizabeth Hennessy

Karl & Mary Herba

Richard & Janice Hezel

Kathleen Hinchman

Howard & Linda Hollander

Casey Holmes Fee

Rachel Hopkins

Erin Horner

Michael Houseman

Kathleen Howard

Judy Huckle

Michael Hungerford & Margaret Ryniker

Marie & James Jewson

Alexander Joseph

Michael & Audrey Kane

Randy Karcher

Megan Keady

Marlene Kelly

John & Gloria Kennedy

Kathleen Khouri

Jean Kimber

S Scott & Linda Tousey

Kraemer

Steven Kulick

Alfred & Elizabeth Labuz

Kathleen LaGrow

Erika Langetieg

Amanda Lee

Dennis Lerner

Maria Lesinski

Michael & Jean Loftus

Michelle Lonergan

In Honor of

Anonymous in memory of Genn and Ted Thuma.

Hon. Karen M. Uplinger in memory of John P. Copanas.

Lynda Wheat in memory of my friend

Linda Drimer.

Lynda Wheat in memory of Virginia Parker.

Laura & Connor

Williams in memory of Ginny Parker.

Susan & Gerald Lotierzo

Jane Macan

Gerald Mager

Julia Mahaney

Jon Maloff

Mimi Mark

Emile Martin

Karin Martinez

Douglas & Randi Matousek

Janice Mayne

John & Mary McCulley

Wallace & Gayonne

McDonald

Philip & Martha McDowell

Linda McKeown

Timothy McLaughlin & Diane Cass

Kathleen McLeod

Gail Meagher

Andreas & Margaret Meier

Eckart & Mary Meisterfeld

Marcia Mele

Marie Merrell

David Michel & Peggy

Liuzzi

Thomas Miller & Mary MacBlane

Gail Mitchell

Leslie & Barney Molldrem

Robert & Barbara Moore

Don Moore

Mark & Megan Morettini

David & Janet Muir

Janet Munro

As of November 7th, 2023. Donor list reflects gifts made over the past 12 months.

Tina Nabinger

Katharine O'Connell

Michael & Maggie O'Connor

Bryan O'Quinn

Edith Pennington & Lawrence Lardy

James Perry

Howard & Ann Port

Kevin & Rachel Porter

Duane & Karleen Preske

Colleen Prossner

Charles & Patricia Prutzman

Steve & Kate Pynn

YiWei Qi & Julie Yu

Mary Rose Ranieri

Wendy Neikirk Rhodes & Adrian Rhodes

Michael Riecke & Anthony McEachern

Marybeth Riscica

Bob Rose

Nancy Machles Rothschild

Linda & Bob Ryan

Steven & Carla Salisbury

Michael & Dawn Sam

Roberta Savage

Jennifer Scalione

Jeffrey & Abby Scheer

Charles Schwab

Gretta & Stella Schwartz

Nancy Sharpe

Jane Slabowski

Madeline Slate

Alan & Jean Smith

Ross & Janet Stefano

Mark & Beth Steigerwald

Bethany Stewart

Susan Stred & Harold Husovsky

Jennifer, Bridget & Audrey Stromer-Galley

Calixto & Joyce Suarez

Sharon Sutter

Martha Sutter & David

Ross

Kristin & Steve Swift

Syracuse Mets

Thomas & Carole Taylor

James & Dolores Terzian

Ron Thiele & Lynne Pascale

David & Eileen Thompson

James Traver & Marguerite

Conan

John & Jean Tromans

Phil & Janice Turner

Earl & Karen Turner

Timothy & Nancy Volk

Maryam Wasmund

Ardyth Watson

Desiree Wight

Alexander & Lola Winter

Deborah Wood

Christopher Wratney

Samuel & Robin Young

Leslie Zaborsky

Joyce Zadzilka

Stephen & Patricia Zalewski

Steven & Judith Zdep

Loretta Zolkowski

PLANNED GIVING

A planned gift is a way to make a significant and lasting gift to Syracuse Stage. By making a bequest to the theatre, you are assuring that Syracuse Stage will continue to inspire, stimulate, and entertain Central New York audiences for generations to come, as well as maintain its high artistic standards that are recognized locally, and nationally. For more information about planned gifts contact: Ana Díaz-Diez, Director of Development 315-443-3931 or ajdiazdi@syr.edu

Mary Louise Dunn Fund

Dr. William J. Clark, Jr. Fund

The Estate of Rosemary Curtis

In Honor and Memory of Sheldon P. Peterfreund and Josephine A Peterfreund

The J. Zimmeister-Yarwood Estate

MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM

Many companies will match gifts of their employees, retirees, and spouses with a gift of their own to Syracuse Stage. Ask your personnel office for a matching gift form, send the completed form with your gift – and we’ll do the rest!

As of November 7th, 2023. Donor list reflects gifts made over the past 12 months.

Thankyoutooursponsors!

PRESENTING

JP Morgan Chase

PLATINUM

Jacki & Michael Goldberg

Mangano Law Office PLLC

Cathedral Candle Company

Nancy Green & Tony Marschall

Syracuse University

Hayner Hoyt Corporation

Dorothy and Marshall M.

Reisman Foundation (Attending: David’s Refuge)

National Grid

Bousquet Holstein, PLLC

Sharon Sullivan & Paul

Phillips

GOLD

Ernst & Young LLC

Marriott Syracuse Downtown/ Brines Wells, LLC

Mower Agency

Ashley McGraw Architects, DPC

SILVER

Bond, Schoeneck, & King PLLC

Peterson Guadagnolo Consulting Engineers, PC

LeChase

BRONZE

George S. Bain

NBT Bank

Bank of America

SYRACUSE STAGE STAFF

Artistic Director.............................................................................................................Robert Hupp

Managing Director.....................................................................................................Jill A. Anderson

Associate Artistic Director............................................................................................Melissa Crespo

Resident Playwright..............................................................................................................Kyle Bass

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director of Production Operations...........................................................................Don Buschmann

Associate Director of Production Operations..........................................................Dianna Angell

Company Manager and Production Management Associate......................................Brian Crotty

Assistant Company Manager.....................................................................................Sarai Ford

Production Office Intern............................................................................................Jack Lin†

Technical Director..................................................................................................Randall Steffen

Assistant Technical Director............................................................................Rebecca Schuetz

Scene Shop Foreman...........................................................................................Michael King

Technical Assistant...................................................................................................Liz Daurio

Carpenters...............................................................................John Gamble, Brian McBurney

Student Employees................................................................Emma Thoms, Gray Westbrook†

Scenic Charge Artist...................................................................................................Emily Holm

Lead Scenic Artist................................................................................................Laurel Arnold

Scenic Painter....................................................................................................Jessica Culligan

Props Supervisor............................................................................................................Mara Rich

Assistant Prop Supervisor............................................................................Christine Goldman

Craftpersons....................................................................................Alexis Frizzell, Nora Galley

Costume Shop Manager..........................................................................Gretchen Darrow-Crotty

Assistant Costume Shop Manager.....................................................................Amanda Moore

Cutter-Draper...................................................................................................Kathryn Rauch

First Hand.........................................................................................................Victoria Lillich

Stitchers.......................................................................................Emily King, Katelyn Yonkers

Craftsperson/Shopper.........................................................................................Sandra Knapp

Wardrobe Supervisor.........................................................................................Dylinn Andrew

Student Employee...................................................................................................Sofia Pizer†

Lighting and Projection Supervisor...............................................................................Jed Daniels

Electricians/Board Operators.................................................................Travis Burt, Alex Malli

Resident Sound Designer/Audio Engineer.....................................................Jacqueline R. Herter

Audio Engineer...............................................................................................Kevin O’Connor

Sound Engineer/A1..............................................................................................Garrett Frink

Production Stage Manager....................................................................................Stuart Plymesser

Stage Manager..............................................................................................Laura Jane Collins

Production Assistants.........................................................................Erin C Brett, Em Piraino

SYRACUSE STAGE STAFF

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

General Manager....................................................................................................Michael McCurdy

Comptroller..............................................................................................Mary Kennett Morreale

Associate General Manager...................................................................................Jacob G. Ellison

Director of Information Management & Technology...................................Garrett Diaz-Wheeler

Audience Services Manager.......................................................................................Korrie Taylor

House Managers.............................Pat Condello, Ella Lafontant, Adam Secor, Donna Stuccio

Bartenders.................................................................................Michelle Cannizzo, Meg Pusey

Audience Services Interns...........................................................Yushan Deng†, Lubeini Yang†

Front of House Student Staff...............Nathan Ayotte†, Carolyn Burch†, Christian Elwood†, Sami English†, Henry Herbert†, Henry Jackson†, Sally Jewell†, Violet Lanciloti†, Arieza Mari† Martin Magalang†, James O’Leary†, Lucia Santoro-Velez†, Kevin Sene†, Julia Snoonan†, Eva Spaid†, Gracie Whaley†, Jakobi Deshun Oliver†, Hazel Kinnersley†, Delaney Teague†

Director of Development.............................................................................................Ana Díaz-Diez

Development Associate................................................................................Candice Bermudez

Development Intern..............................................................................Jakobi Deshun Oliver†

Director of Community Engagement............................................................................Joann Yarrow

Community Engagement Intern.....................................................................Paige Kenneally†

Director of Education.......................................................................................................Kate Laissle

Community Engagement and Education Coordinator........................................Theorri London

Education Interns.......................................Alethea Cicely Shirilan-Howlett†, Cricket Withall†

Director of Marketing and Communications..............................................................Joanna Penalva

Audience Development Manager.........................................................................Tracey White

Creative Director, Marketing.............................................................................Brenna Merritt

Marketing Content and Publications Manager................................................Matthew Nerber

Box Office Manager.................................................................................Courtney Richardson

Assistant Box Office Manager.....................................................................Ahmanee Simmons

Box Office Show Supervisor...........................................................................Shynique Gainey

Graphic Designer............................................................................................Jonathan Hudak

Marketing Associate......................................................................................Talia Shenandoah

Marketing Intern................................................................................................Mia Crisafulli†

Box Office Intern....................................................................................................Ginger Bai†

Executive Assistant............................................................................................................Julia Rakus

Management Office Intern...............................................................................Megan Cooper†

Sign Language Interpreters.....................................................................Brenda Brown, Sue Freeman

Open Captioning.................................................Jacob G. Ellison, Michael McCurdy, Cynthia Reid

Audio Description...................................................................................Kate Laissle, Joseph Whelan

Community Services Officers.......................................................Stacey Emmons, Joseph O'Connor

Custodians...........................................................................................Tony Rogers, Candace Velario

†Student, Syracuse University Department of Drama.

DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA 23/24

SEASON

BOX OFFICE

315.443.3275

Monday - Friday

10 am - 5 pm

Syracuse Stage

820 E. Genesee Street

Syracuse, NY 13210

SEASON SPONSOR

IN THE STORCH THEATRE GUYS AND DOLLS

BASED ON STORY AND CHARACTERS BY DAMON RUNYON MUSIC AND LYRICS BY FRANK LOESSER | BOOK BY JO SWERLING AND ABE BURROWS | DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY BANJI ABORISADE

MUSIC DIRECTION BY BRIAN CIMMET OCT 6 – 15 | OPENING NIGHT: OCT 7

IN THE STORCH THEATRE GHOST SHIP

BY PHILIP VALLE | DIRECTED BY RICKY PAK

NOV 10 – 18 | OPENING NIGHT: NOV 11

IN THE ARCHBOLD THEATRE A CHRISTMAS CAROL

BY CHARLES DICKENS | ADAPTED BY RICHARD HELLESEN AND DAVID DE BERRY WITH MUSIC ORCHESTRATION BY GREGG COFFIN | DIRECTED BY MELISSA RAIN ANDERSON | CIRCUS AND PHANTOM STAGING BY 2 RING CIRCUS | MUSIC DIRECTION BY BRIAN CIMMET | CHOREOGRAPHED BY ANDREA LEIGH-SMITH | CO-PRODUCED WITH SYRACUSE STAGE NOV 24 – DEC 31 | OPENING NIGHT: DEC 1

IN THE STORCH THEATRE HEAD OVER HEELS

CONCEIVED BY AND ORIGINAL BOOK BY JEFF WHITTY ADAPTATION BY JAMES MAGRUDER | DIRECTED BY KIIRA SCHMIDT CARPER AND KATHLEEN WRINN MUSIC DIRECTION BY BRIAN CIMMET MAR 1 - 9 | OPENING NIGHT: MAR 2

IN THE LOFT THEATRE RANDY’S DANDY COASTER CASTLE

BY ALEXANDER PEREZ | DIRECTED BYKATHLEEN CAPDESUÑER MAR 29 – APR 14 | OPENING NIGHT: MAR 30

IN THE STORCH THEATRE THE DROLL (OR, A STAGE-PLAY ABOUT THE END OF THEATRE)

BY MEG MIROSHNIK | DIRECTED BY CELIA MADEOY

APR 19 - 28 | OPENING NIGHT: APR 20

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA

Chair..........................................................................................................................Ralph Zito

Business Manager.........................................................................................................Lisa Tucci

Administrative Specialist.............................................................................................Jen Ballard

Director, Tepper Semester in NYC............................................................................Erica Jensen

Academic Operations Manager, Tepper Semester NYC...........................................Casey O’Neil

Associate Music Director..........................................................................................Harry Castle

Production Manager..............................................................................................Dianna Angell

Dean, VPA..........................................................................................................Michael S. Tick

FULL-TIME FACULTY

Christine Albright-Tufts

Robert Andrusko

Rufus Bonds, Jr.

Kiira Schmidt Carper

Harry Castle

Brian Cimmet

James A. Clark

Danyon Davis

Jill Anderson

Dianna Angell

Alec Barbour

Kathleen Baum

Bradley Beckman

Kerry Bereza

Don Buschmann

Diane Coloton

Gretchen Darrow-Crotty

Marina de Ratmiroff

Danita Emma

Kathryn Fathers

Richard Dent IV

Izmir Ickbal

Alex Jainchill

Rebecca Karpoff

Andrea Leigh-Smith

David Lowenstein

Celia Madeoy

Carmen Martínez

ADJUNCT FACULTY

Marcus Herndon

Jacqueline R. Herter

Emily Holm

Robert Hupp

Sandra Knapp

Richard Koons

Nicholas Kowerko

Zizi Majid

Michael McCurdy

Aldo Katton Santiago Mendez

Kathryn Miranda

Amanda Moore

ACCOMPANISTS

Kerry Bereza, Abel Searor

Katherine McGerr

Thom Miller

Ricky Pak

Felipe Panamá

Holly Thuma

Kathleen Wrinn

Ralph Zito

Leslie Noble

Whitney Pak

Stuart Plymesser

Rebecca Schuetz

Hanni Schwarzlander

Abel Searor

Blake Segal

Randy Steffen

Bradley Stone

Joseph Whelan

Matthew Winning

Play a Role

Join the ensemble with an Annual Fund donation to help us make a difference through live theatre.

Your gift supports educational, artistic, accessibility, and community engagement programming which provides the Syracuse and Central New York Community a platform for connectivity and cohesiveness.

The advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion is promoted through programs such as Sensory Friendly performances, Young Playwrights Festival, open captioning, and much more.

Spring 2024 Classes

Classes - January 20 - April 28 , 2024

Performances at the Civic Center - Carrier Theatre May 10 - 18, 2024

Register Now at www.SCTKids.com

Grades 2-12

Saturdays 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Saturdays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Sundays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sundays 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Pre-K - Grade 1

February 19 - 23, 2024

Tuesday or Thursday 4 - 5:15 p.m. or 5:45 - 7 p.m.

Grades 1-9 April 22 - 26, 2024

Congratulations to our SCT students for their roles in Syracuse Stage’s production of A Christmas Carol! We are so Proud of You!!!

Oliver Potorac “Tiny Tim”

Anthony Schmidt “Turkey Boy”

Erin Ryan Byrnes “Belinda Cratchit”

McNeal “Boy Ebenezer”

Mayde Anastasio “Fan”

Max Elmer “Boy Ebenezer”

Kaala Ellis “Belinda Cratchit”

All short-term rehabilitation programs are not equal.

t.

We help you get well and back to living your life, your way. We proudly received the highest overall five -star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and best in short and long-term care for the 5th consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report.

Give us a call at 315-638-2521 or visit www.mcharrielife.org

McHarrie Life Foundation reccognizes the following sponsors for their generous support of our 22nd Annual Afternoon of Theater event:

Rehab Resources

Sodexo

HEALTHDIRECT ONEGROUP

The Bonadio Group

Yang-Patyi Law Firm

Horan Solutions

Laboratory Alliance of CNY

Woodcock & Armani

Disciplined Capital Management

Empower

ADVERTISE HERE

The Syracuse Stage program is published six times a year. For advertising rates and information contact Joanna Penalva at 315.443.2636, or jlpenalv@syr.edu

Donor-Advised Funds

More ways to give. One convenient resource.

Let us assist you with your charitable giving.

If philanthropy is one of your priorities, establishing a donor-advised fund at the Upstate Foundation may be the next best step toward achieving your charitable goals.

www.UpstateFoundation.org/DAF | 315-464-4416

A donor-advised fund can be established by an individual or company at the Foundation in order to disburse charitable gifts to quali ed not-for-pro t organizations. This includes, of course, Upstate Medical University as well as local and national nonpro ts that are meaningful to you. Simplify your giving and enjoy the tax advantages of a donor-advised fund.

THE ARTS

ANIMAL RESCUE

RESEARCH

EDUCATION

PATIENT CARE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING