


MUSIC DIRECTOR
Greg Giovanini
SCENIC DESIGNER
Luke Daniel Blumencranz
PROJECTION DESIGNER
Izmir Ickbal
SALSA CHOREOGRAPHER
Kiira Schmidt Carper
DIRECTED BY
CHOREOGRAPHER
Maya June Dwyer
COSTUME DESIGNER
Lindsey Quay Voorhees
HAIR DESIGN
Dylinn Andrew
COMPOSER
Paulo K Tiról
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Henry Killbourn
DIALECTS/VOICE-VERSE COACH
Celia Madeoy
INTIMACY CHOREOGRAPHER
Alec Barbour
SOUND DESIGNER
Kevin O’Connor
STAGE COMBAT
Alec Barbour
STAGE MANAGER
Rachel Mondschein
CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA
Ralph Zito
DRAMATURG
Sarah Cummings
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Grace Mineiro
WHAT THE MOON SAW or “I ONLY APPEAR TO BE DEAD” by
Stephanie Fleischmann
Copyright © 2011
Produced by arrangement with Stephanie Fleischmann and The Barbara Hogenson Agency, Inc. All rights reserved. What the Moon Saw was originally developed & presented at the Interart Development Series in March 2002, curated by Melissa Kievman, directed by Melissa Kievman (Match), Ian Belton (Friction), Josh Carlebach (The Dream of the Dancing Bear) and Katie Pearl (The Egg Girl), with music by Sxip Shirey. With: Marin Ireland, Jesse J. Perez, Mia Barron, April Matthis, Randy Reyes, Greta Sanchez, Marisa Vural, Sophia Skiles, Greg Steinbruner, Eve Hartman, Matthew Gray & Marisa Miller. It was produced by Son of Semele in Los Angeles, directed by Matthew McCray, music by Daniel Corral, in August 2011, and presented in a reading in NYC to commemorate the 10-yr anniversary of 9-11.
SEASON SPONSOR
HC...........................................................................................Cameron Chamberlain
The Moon............................................................................................Clare Shannon
Radio Reporter...................................................................................Jordan Massey
Zanni #1...........................................................................................Sassy Stevenson
Zanni #2..........................................................................................Elizabeth Hughes
Older Woman, Fireman...............................................................Chloe Thompson
Head Ghoul, Fireman, Man in Club....................................................Parker Syler
Little Mermaid, Ghoul Chorus.......................................................Lindsay Carroll
Mermaid Sister #1, Ghoul Chorus, Club Goer.........................Alyssa Beaulieu
Mermaid Sister #2, Club Goer, Fireman..................................Samantha Croco
Cab Driver, Ghoul Chorus.............................................................Mara Sparacino
Mermaid Grandmaman, Fireman.......................................................Skyela Jones
Octopus, Abdul, Fireman..........................................................Declan McMahon
Tina-ina, Ghoul Chorus....................................................................Bella Torrinello
Tin Soldier, Fireman 1...........................................................................Justin Xavier
Alma, Fireman...................................................................................Pauline Medina
Esme, Ghoul Chorus.............................................................................Sofia Slaman
Perlita, Mer-people crowd, Ghoul Chorus........................................Lara Castro
Little Match Girl......................................................................................Katie Wood
Flaming Girl..............................................................................................Vivian Gore
Smart Fireman, Club Goer.................................................................Seth Winnick
Passerby, Fireman..........................................................................Michaiah Barrett
Snow Queen, Mer-people Crowd.............................................Lauren Schweers
Snowman, Fireman 2, Mer-people Crowd, Police Man................Daniel Resh
For Radio Reporter - Michaiah Barrett; For Snow Queen - Alyssa Beaulieu
For Passerby - Lindsay Carroll; For Head Ghoul - Samantha Croco
For Older Woman - Skyela Jones; For Moon - Amanda Kearns
For Octopus - Pauline Medina; For Perlita, Esme, Alma - Sofia Peralta
For Flaming Girl - Corrin Pulliam; For HC - Daniel Resh
For Mermaid Sister 1, Fireman/Ghoul Swing - Lauren Schweers
For Little Match Girl - Sofia Slaman; For Tin Soldier, Fireman #1, Fireman #2Parker Syler; For Mermaid Grandmaman - Chloe Thompson
For Mermaid Sister #2 - Bella Torrinello; For Cab Driver - Seth Winnick
For Abominable Snowman - Justin Xavier
Voice #1 - Joann Yarrow
Voice #2 - Bob Hupp
Voice #3 - Holly Thuma
Voice #4 - Ralph Zito
Girl - Jaelynn Ricks
Guy - Kai Ayush
Dance Captain: Lauren Schweers
Cultural Consultant: Marina De Ratmiroff
Guitar Consultant: Kenneth Meyer
Assistants to the Director: Amanda Kearns, Corrin Pulliam
Assistant Scenic Designer: Hannah LoGiudice
Assistant Lighting Designer: Harry Mullin
Assistant Stage Managers: Amanda Podhurst, Nikky Spencer
Faculty Advisor to Student Designers: Izmir Ickbal
Faculty Advisor to Stage Managers: Don Buschmann
Light Board Operator: Antoinette Garner
Sound Board Operator: Tess Feldman
Spotlight Operator: Lilly Berget, Aubrey Risch
Deck (Run Crew): Polly Gilmore, Henry Joyce
Dressers (Run Crew): Emma Early, Emily Koubek, Maddy Mohat, Natalie Palmer, Kendall Soviero, Elise Varoli
Costume Maintenance: Siri Jolliffee
There will be one fifteen-minute intermission
Fireman’s Chant #1
Justin Xavier, Parker Syler, Declan McMahon, Seth Winnick, Michaiah Barrett, Pauline Medina, Chloe Thompson
The Moon’s Ditty #1 (See Me)
Clare Shannon
Mermaid’s Lament
Alyssa Beaulieu, Samantha Croco
Mermaid Birthday Song
Lara Castro, Skyela Jones, Samantha Croco, Alyssa Beaulieu, Lauren Schweers, Daniel Resh
Moon’s Ditty #2
Clare Shannon
Song of Ghouls #1
Parker Syler, Mara Sparacino, Alyssa Beaulieu, Bella Torrinello, Sofia Slaman, Lara Castro, Declan McMahon
Lula Lie
Chloe Thompson
Moon’s Ditty #3
Clare Shannon
Fireman’s Chant #2
Justin Xaiver, Daniel Reshamwala, Chloe Thompson, Skyela Jones, Pauline Medina, Declan McMahon, Samantha Croco
Song Of Ghouls #2
Parker Syler, Mara Sparacino, Bella Torrinello, Lara Castro, Alyssa Beaulieu, Sofia Slaman, Lindsay Carroll, Declan McMahon
MOON’S DITTY #4
Clare Shannon
On its face, What The Moon Saw is a play that appears to be a theatricalization of Hans Christian Andersen’s faerie tales set against the backdrop of the tragic events of 9/11. Although the play draws its structure from children’s literature and real-world tragedy, in its essence it is truly a play about Andersen himself and the magical gift of humanity that lies within us all.
Our play references the moment of the attack on the World Trade Center and the fallout over the weeks that followed. However, there are no graphic depictions of the horrors that were experienced. We accompany our hero, HC, as he navigates a challenging landscape in a journey that reveals what is magical in the everyday much like our most beloved stories from childhood.
— Danyon Davis, Director
Michaiah Barrett (Passerby, Fireman, u/s: Radio Reporter) is a junior acting major from Queens, NY. This marks her debut production with the Department of Drama, and she feels privileged to have collaborated with such a talented company. She sincerely appreciates the encouragement and endless support from her peers, instructors, friends, and family.
Alyssa Beaulieu (she/her) (Mermaid Sister #1, Ghoul Chorus, Club Goer, u/s: Snow Queen) is thrilled to be making her Syracuse University Department of Drama mainstage debut! Originally from Londonderry, New Hampshire, she is a junior musical theater major. Favorite credits include Push, Pull, Together, Apart (Syracuse Stage), Beauty and the Beast (Cortland Repertory Theatre), The Skriker (Department of Drama studio project), and Big Fish (One Light Theatre Company). In her free time, Alyssa loves playing a princess at Royal Promise Productions and singing at the Syracuse University Catholic Center. This summer, she is honored to be in Freaky Friday at the Prescott Park Arts Festival! She would like to thank her family and friends for always encouraging her to love her craft. @alyssa.beaulieu.27
Lindsay Carroll (she/her) (Little Mermaid, Ghoul Chorus, u/s: Passerby) is a junior musical theater major from Ridgefield, CT. She is so excited to be a part of What the Moon Saw. Past shows in the Department of Drama include Head Over Heels, The Juliet Letters: A Sad Burlesque and The Skriker. She is honored to work with this incredible company and team and is super grateful for the support from her instructors, family and friends! @lindsayy.carroll
Lara Castro (Perlita, Mer-people crowd, Ghoul Chorus) is a sophomore acting major from Santa Barbara, CA. Other credits include the world is hours (studio project) and the upcoming New Works, New Voices musical Magia in April! What a privilege it is to craft and fight for the life force that is artistry alongside such powerful minds. Eternally grateful – Obrigada, Mamãe.
Cameron Chamberlain (he/him) (HC) is a junior acting major from Chicago, IL. He previously understudied in Ghost Ship and The Moors for the Department of Drama. He is so thankful to be part of this incredible and hardworking company. Cameron would like to thank his family, instructors, and friends for all their support in helping him grow.
Samantha Croco (Mermaid Sister #2, Club Goer, Fireman, u/s: Head Ghoul) is a junior musical theater major from Iowa City, Iowa. Her prior credits include the Drama Dance Concert produced this February. Samantha would like to thank her family for all their love and support.
Vivian Gore (she/her) (Flaming Girl) is a sophomore Acting major from Brooklyn, NY. She was previously a part of Pandora’s Suitcase (Syracuse Stage Children’s Tour) and is so grateful to be working with a fantastic team for this production.
Elizabeth Hughes (she/her) (Zanni #2) is a junior musical theater major from Media, PA. She is so excited to be in her third Department of Drama production and is honored to be working with such an amazing group of people. Her previous productions include Ghost Ship (Deveau) and the New Works, New Voices production of Lighthouse (u/s Bus). She would like to thank her instructors, friends, and family for all their love and support.
Skyela Jones (she/her) (Mermaid Grandmaman, Fireman, u/s: Older Woman) is a junior acting major from The Bahamas. Her previous work at the Syracuse University Department of Drama includes Hag, Rawheadandbloodybones, Brownie in the studio production of The Skriker, and assistant director of The Moors. She has performed multiple on-camera roles for Syracuse University Television, Radio, Film department final projects. She had a wonderful time studying abroad at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, England, where she performed as Petruchio in scenes from The Taming of the Shrew. Skyela is a playwright and dramaturg who is passionate
about storytelling. She is thrilled to bring this magical world to life alongside such a talented cast and creative team. Skyela would like to thank her professors, family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support.
Amanda Kearns (she/her) (Assistant to the Director, u/s: Moon) is a junior acting major here at Syracuse University. Prior acting credits include The Juliet Letters: A Sad Burlesque (Department of Drama small scale production), Honor Roll Monologue Slam (Women in Theater Festival), and Mr. Burns (Addison Repertory Theater). Prior Directing Credits include: Rosencranz and Guildenstern are Dead (Middlebury Town Hall Theater, Co-Director). Amanda is grateful to have the opportunity to be in both an acting and directing position in this production!
Jordan Massey (Radio Reporter) is a sophomore acting major and a part of the class of 2027. Previously a part of the Department of Drama student production of In Sisters We Trust or My F*cked Up American Girl Doll Play as the understudy for Addy/Jordan, What the Moon Saw will be Jordan’s second show here at Syracuse University. Jordan is excited to be a part of the wonderful show and many more in the future!
Declan Paul McMahon (he/him) (Octopus, Abdul, Fireman) is a sophomore musical theater major from Atlanta, Georgia. This is his second production with the Department of Drama. He was recently a part of the Department’s production of Pippin as a swing and understudy. He is very excited to make his on-stage debut and appreciates the support from his director, instructors, peers, and family.
Pauline Medina (she/her) (Alma, Fireman, u/s: Octopus) is a sophomore acting major from King of Prussia, PA, making her Department of Drama mainstage debut! Prior credits include Josephine/Aerin in In Sisters We Trust or My F*cked Up American Girl Doll Play (Department of Drama, small scale). She would like to thank her awesome parents and brother for their love and support. She would also like to shout out all the amazing cast and crew for making this show such an awesome experience.
Sofía Peralta (she/her) (u/s: Perlita, Esme, Alma) is a sophomore acting major from McAllen, TX and Tuxpan, Mexico. She is honored to have worked on such an enriching and educational project with this incredible company. She thanks God for this opportunity. She is very grateful for the love and support from her family, friends, and instructors.
Corrin Pulliam (Assistant to the Director, u/s: Flaming Girl) is a junior acting major from Gainesville, FL. This is her third production in the Department of Drama and she is incredibly grateful to be working on such an excitingly complex piece. She would like to thank Danyon, Amanda, and the entire production and design teams, cast, and crew for their dedication to building and sharing this breathtaking piece of theatre.
Daniel Resh (Snowman, Fireman 2, Mer-people Crowd, Police Man, u/s: HC) is a junior acting major from Bergen County, NJ. He is thrilled to make his Department of Drama debut and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an incredible cast and crew. Daniel extends his heartfelt thanks to his peers, professors, friends, and family for their unwavering support.
Lauren Schweers (Snow Queen, Mer-people Crowd, Dance Captain, u/s: Mermaid Sister 1, Fireman/Ghoul Swing) is a sophomore musical theater major from Houston, TX. This is her first time performing with the Syracuse University Department of Drama after choreographing a piece for the Drama Dance Concert. She is an intern in the Education and Community Engagement Office at Syracuse Stage. Lauren would like to thank her parents and professors for their support.
Clare Shannon (she/her) (The Moon) is over the moon to be making her Syracuse University Department of Drama mainstage debut! A sophomore pursuing a BFA in musical theater with a minor business from Vienna, VA, Clare is honored to be part of this incredible production. Her previous stage credits include performances at The Kennedy Center, Signature Theatre, The National Theatre (D.C.), and Arena Stage, among others. Clare is a 2023 graduate of Signature Theatre’s Acting Conservatory and its professional performing arts institute, Overtures, as well as the Fairfax
Academy Musical Theatre & Actor’s Studio. Endless gratitude to her family, friends, mentors, and the Syracuse University community for their unwavering support—love you all “more than the moon!” Instagram: @itsclareshannon
Sofia Slaman (Esme, Ghoul Chorus, u/s: Little Match Girl) is a sophomore acting major from Randolph, NJ. She previously performed as Pandora in the Syracuse Stage Children’s Tour production of Pandora’s Suitcase. This is her first production with the Department of Drama. Sofia thanks the cast, crew, and her family for their continued support and kindness. A heartfelt thank you to her parents for consistently reminding her, “¡si, se puede!”
Mara Sparacino (she/her) (Cab Driver, Ghoul Chorus) is a sophomore acting major from Long Island, NY. Prior productions include Pandora’s Suitcase (Syracuse Stage Children’s Tour) as Majoree and Miss Solomon u/s. She is honored to have worked with such an admirable company for her first mainstage performance at Syracuse University and would like to thank the cast and crew for making it such a wonderful experience!
Sassy Stevenson (she/her) (Zanni #1) is a junior acting major from Woodstock, GA. She previously performed in The Juliet Letters: A Sad Burlesque and understudied in The Moors (Department of Drama small-scale productions) and is so honored to be a part of this production with such a talented cast. Sassy would like to thank her mom for all her love and support.
Parker Syler (he/him) (Head Ghoul, Fireman, Man in Club, u/s: Tin Soldier, Fireman #1, Fireman #2) is a sophomore musical theater major from Charlotte, NC. This is his second production with the Department of Drama as he previously originated the role of Mason in the world is hours (studio project). Parker is very appreciative of his support system for all their love and guidance.
Chloe Thompson (she/her) (Older Woman, Fireman, u/s: Mermaid Grandmaman) is thrilled to make her mainstage debut with the Department of Drama! She is a sophomore musical theater major originally from Orange County, CA. Her previous credits include Deb Brookwaters in BFA! (Black Box Players) and Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Black Box Players). She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family and friends.
Bella Torrinello (Tina-ina, Ghoul Chorus, u/s: Mermaid
Sister #2) is in her second year studying musical theater at Syracuse University. She is excited to be a part of her first mainstage production in the Department of Drama and would like to thank Ralph and Danyon for the opportunity. Previous rolls include Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Rizzo (Grease), Mayzie (Seussical), and more. Bella would also like to thank her family and friends for their love and support during her journey in the arts.
Seth Winnick (Smart Fireman, Club Goer, u/s: Cab Driver) is a sophomore acting major from Hershey, PA. He is thrilled to be returning to the Syracuse University Department of Drama stage after appearing as Sebastian in Twelfth Night (mainstage) last semester. Previous credits include: John Proctor (The Crucible); Algernon Moncrieff (The Importance of Being Earnest); and Lysander (A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
Katie Wood (she/her) (Little Match Girl) is a sophomore musical theater major from Northern Virginia. Her prior credits include: Swing in Pippin (Syracuse University Department of Drama, mainstage) and choreographer for the Drama Dance Concert (Syracuse University Department of Drama, small scale). She is immensely grateful for the support of her family and the Department of Drama community.
Justin Xavier (he/him) (Tin Soldier, Fireman 1, u/s: Abominable Snowman) is a sophomore musical theater major from Fort Washington, MD. Some of his regional credits include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production), The Little Mermaid (SFDA), and The Stephen Foster Story (SFDA). This is his second production, solely, with the Department of Drama, the first being Pippin, and he is grateful to have worked with such a kind and supportive company.
Luke Daniel Blumencranz (he/him) (Scenic Designer) is a senior theater design and technology major from Long Island, NY. Other Syracuse scenic design credits include Head Over Heels (Department of Drama, mainstage) and Come Like Shadows (Breadcrumbs Productions).
Lindsey Quay Voorhees (Costume Designer) holds an MFA in costume design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She is a professor in the Theatre Department at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY, where she also serves as the resident costume designer. Recent costume designs include Trouble in Mind, Toliver & Wakeman, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Possessing Harriet at Franklin Stage Company, as well as A Chorus Line for the Syracuse University Department of Drama, and Miss Electricity (Syracuse Stage Children Tour). Lindsey’s favorite designs at Le Moyne include Madwoman of Chaillot, The Black Rider, She Kills Monsters, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Heathers: The Musical, The Liar, Pericles: Prince of Tyre, and Master and Margarita. To view her portfolio, visit Lindseyquay.weebly.com.
Henry Killbourn (he/him) (Lighting Designer) is a junior theater design and technology major from Orinda, CA. Other Syracuse lighting design credits include Touch(ed) (assistant lighting designer) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (lighting designer). He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support.
Kevin O’Connor (Sound Designer) is currently in his 16th season working for Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse University Department of Drama. He graduated from St. Lawrence University with a B.A. in music in 2008. Almost all of Kevin’s sound design credits have been with the Department of Drama over the past 12 years, and some of his favorite designs have been Dance Nation (2023), Bright Half Life (2021), Romeo & Juliet (2020), Good Kids (2019), The Baltimore Waltz (2018), Laura and the Sea (2016), Measure for Measure (2015), and Stepping Out (2014). Kevin also created the sound designs for Red Riding Hood, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (2022), Danny, King of the Basement (2021), and Miss Electricity (2018) for the Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama Bank of America Children’s Tour. Besides sound design, Kevin has also worked as the A1 position, controlling the audio console/live mixing, for most of the musicals for both Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama over the past 15 years. Some of his favorite productions have been Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Elf the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Next to Normal, Ring of Fire, Berlin to Broadway, Nine, Avenue Q, Hairspray, Parade, Seussical, Merrily We Roll
Along, and Cabaret. He also feels privileged to have worked as the A1 on the productions of Thoughts of a Colored Man (2019) and How to Dance in Ohio (2022), during their Syracuse Stage runs before moving to Broadway.
Paulo K Tiról (Composer) is a composer, lyricist, and book writer originally from Manila, Philippines and now based in northern New Jersey. His work includes On This Side of the World (world premiere and cast album at East West Players in Los Angeles), Dear America (adapted from the memoir of journalist and immigration activist Jose Antonio Vargas, in development with Theater Latté Da in Minneapolis), 1/17 of the off-Broadway song cycle Notes From Now (Prospect Musicals), and orchestrations for the off-Broadway musical Felix Starro (Ma-Yi Theater Co.). He is also an award-winning composer of choral liturgical music, with work published by Oregon Catholic Press. Training: Ateneo de Manila University; Berklee; MFA Musical Theatre Writing at NYU Tisch (full-tuition scholarship); Dramatist Guild Foundation Fellow. More at www.paulophonic.com.
Izmir Ickbal (Projection Designer, Faculty Design Adviser) is a multi-disciplinary theater designer who currently serves as Assistant Professor of Theater Design and Technology in the Department of Drama and has designed more than 80 productions locally and internationally in the last 15 years. He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. More info and work: izmirickbal.com
Dylinn Andrew (Hair Design) is the resident Wig and Wardrobe Supervisor for Syracuse Stage as well as an adjunct professor for Syracuse University. Drawing on years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist, she has designed shows like Guys and Dolls (Syracuse University Department of Drama) and 9 to 5 (Jamesville-Dewitt High School). Styling work includes Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, and A Christmas Carol (Syracuse Stage). As a jack of all trades type, she has worked alongside many community, regional, and touring theater companies in a variety of skill areas, including costume design/stitching, directing, choreography, music directing, education and Stars of Tomorrow adjudication. Her experience also extends on the stage through professional opera, acting, and as a multi-instrumentalist.
Celia Madeoy (Dialects/Voice-Verse Coach) Celia’s professional credits include acting at The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Folger Theatre, Marin Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare & Company, The Gateway Playhouse, REV The-
atre Company, The Rogue Theatre, and The Blackfriars Playhouse at American Shakespeare Center. She has directed and performed at the famed Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and taught alongside distinguished acting faculty of the Royal Shakespeare Company, British American Drama Academy at Oxford, Rose Bruford College, Academy of Classical Acting at George Washington University, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Favorite roles at Syracuse Stage include Madame de la Grande Bouche in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Deb in Elf The Musical for which she won a Syracuse Area Live Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress. M.F.A: The Theatre School/DePaul University in Chicago.
Alec Barbour (Stage Combat, Intimacy Choreographer) is a Rochester, NY based actor, fight choreographer, and playwright. He has been studying stage combat since 2005 and is a certified teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors. He received his M.F.A. in acting at the Hilberry Repertory Theatre at Wayne State University in Detroit, where his roles included Iago in Othello, Carson in Gross Indecency, and Charles Lomax in Major Barbara. Regional acting credits include Sir Castor (and fight captain) in Camelot at Drury Lane Theatre and Horner in The Country Wife at Franklin Stage. Intimacy Direction: (for Syracuse Stage) Amadeus; (for Syracuse University Department of Drama) Romeo & Juliet, Everybody, Wild Party; (for Wallbyrd Theatre Co.) Bard Bending: Fight Club Edition, Two Gentlemen of Verona; (for Utica College) Dracula. Fight Direction: (for Syracuse Stage) Amadeus, Suzette who Set to Sea, Deathtrap, Disgraced; (for Syracuse University Department of Drama) Wild Party, Kiss Me, Kate; (for University of Rochester) Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. (with J. David Brimmer); (for Nazareth College) Spring Awakening, Hayfever, Vinegar Tom; (for Le Moyne College) She Kills Monsters, Macbeth in Concert, Romeo & Juliet in Concert, The Liar; (for Hilberry Repertory Theatre) The Cripple of Inishmaan, Macbeth, The Mousetrap, Moon Over Buffalo; (for Wayne State University) Arabian Nights, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, SubUrbia; (for Wallbyrd Theatre Co) Two Gentlemen of Verona, Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Dracula. Alec teaches stage combat courses at Le Moyne College, Nazareth College, and Utica College. He is an apprentice with Intimacy Directors International and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.
Sarah Cummings (she/her) (Dramaturg) Past credits include: Syracuse Stage: Push, Pull, Together, Apart (So-so); Department of Drama: The Droll (Doll Cutpurse), the world is hours (Di). Sarah has also worked as a dramaturg on In Sisters We Trust or My F*cked Up American Girl Doll Play and Pathways: A New Musical (staged reading).
Kiira Schmidt Carper (Salsa Choreographer) Broadway credits: Follies (2011 revival), Anything Goes (2011 revival), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012 revival), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (2008 and 2009 limited engagements), No No Nanette (NYCC), Stairway to Paradise (NYCC). U.S. National tours: Fame; Crazy for You; A Chorus Line. International: Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland), Broadway Asia’s Real to Reel (Beijing, China), Linzer Klangwolke 2023 (Linz, Austria) Select regional credits: Mame (The Kennedy Center), Cats (The MUNY), A Chorus Line (The MUNY), The Bandwagon (The Old Globe), Oklahoma! (Papermill Playhouse), West Side Story (Barrington Stage), White Christmas (The Fox Theater), Sweet Charity (Gateway Playhouse), Chicago (Riverside Theater), Damn Yankees, Gypsy, Show Boat, and Grease. Associate choreographer to Joshua Bergasse in recreating the work of Jerome Robbins in West Side Story: Teatro Lirico—Sardinia, Italy; The Lyric Opera of Chicago; Barrington Stage; The North Carolina Theater; The Fulton Theater; WSS 50th Anniversary flash mob in Times Square, NYC in 2011. Additional choreography and associate choreography credits include SMASH (NBC), Secondhand Lions (Warner Brothers-5th Ave Seattle), It’s a Bird...It’s a Plane...It’s Superman (NYCC), Little Me (NYCC), Career Transition for Dancers gala (NYCC), The Fred Astaire Awards, A Christmas Story, Sweet Charity, Hair, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, Gypsy, Arabian Nights, Thoroughly Modern Millie, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Ragtime, Legally Blonde, Guys and Dolls, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Rachel Mondschein (she/her) (Stage Manager) is a junior stage management major from Glastonbury, Connecticut. She was previously an assistant stage manager for the Syracuse University Department of Drama Productions of Dance Nation (mainstage) and Guys and Dolls (mainstage). Rachel was also the stage management intern for the Syracuse Stage production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Outside of Syracuse, she has been a stage management intern for Lexington Theatre Company’s productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Jersey Boys and the stage manager for Playhouse on Park’s production of Bandstand. She would like to thank her Mom, Dad, Sister, Auntie, and friends for all their love and support. Go Orange and enjoy the show!
Stephanie Fleischmann (Playwright) is a playwright and librettist whose “lyrical monologues” (New York Times), “finely tuned” opera libretti (Opera News), plays, and music-theater works have been performed internationally and across the U.S. Selected plays/music-theater works: Sound House (New Georges/the Flea); The Visitation, a soundwalk (urhere.art), Red Fly/Blue Bottle (HERE; EMPAC, Noorderzon), The Secret Lives of Coats (Red Eye, Whitman); Agave (Brandeis); The Sweetest Life (New Victory LabWorks); Eloise & Ray (New Georges). Other venues: Roundhouse Studio (London), Exit Festival (France), MASS MoCA, Synchronicity, Roadworks, Soho Rep, Mabou Mines/SUITE, the Public. Opera libretti include: In A Grove (Prototype/LA Opera/Pittsburgh Opera; NY Times Best Classical Music CDs of 2023), Medea (Ensemble MusikFabrik/Schola Heidelberg, Cologne), Poppaea (Wien Modern/ZeitRäume Basel, 2023 Austrian Music-theater Prize nominee), Remedios Varios (Chicago Opera Theater), Paradiso (Hub New Music), Dido (Dawn Upshaw & Brentano String Quartet), Another City (Houston Grand Opera), The Long Walk (American Lyric Theater/Opera Saratoga/ Utah Opera), The Pigeon Keeper (Santa Fe Opera/Opera Parallèle); Claude & Marcel (West Edge Opera); Tevye’s Daughters (American Lyric Theater). Selected grants/Fellowships: Creative Capital shortlist, Opera America Campbell Librettist Prize, Café Royal Cultural Foundation, Venturous Theater Fund, Howard Foundation Fellowship in Playwriting (Brown University), 3 NY State Council on the Arts commissions, NEA Opera/Music-Theater, 3 NYFA Fellowships, Tennessee Williams Fellowship (Sewanee), Frederick Loewe Award; Mapfund, Greenwall Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Fund, Whitfield Cook Prize, Macdowell, Hedgebrook. Alumna: New Dramatists; American Lyric Theater; HARP (Here Arts Center); former Playwrights Center Core Writer. She has taught at Sewanee, Skidmore and Bard Colleges. BA Wesleyan University, MFA Brooklyn College. http://www.stephaniefleischmann.com/
Danyon Davis (he/him/Black American) is excited to be directing his first show for the Syracuse University Department of Drama where he also serves as assistant professor specializing in movement. As a movement coach, Danyon’s recent credits include: Pandora’s Suitcase; The Moors; and Theater for the Very Young (Syracuse University Department of Drama); Toliver & Wakeman (Colgate University); and Our Town (Syracuse Stage). Additional Syracuse Stage credits include: Dial M for Murder (u/s Inspector Hubbard) and Our Town (Professor Willard; Ensemble). Some favorite experiences as a theater-maker in-
clude: performing in A Fiddler’s Tale with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra; serving as movement coach in many productions at American Conservatory Theater, where he also served as Director of the MFA Program and Head of Movement; working as associate director with Bill T. Jones from 2011 - 2013 on several developmental workshops for the musical adaptation of the classic ‘70s movie, Super Fly; performing with the SITI Company from 2001 - 2007 in the original cast of bobrauschenbergamerica, which toured the U.S. and Europe; and many years in residence as an actor, assistant director, and education associate at the Guthrie Theater. Danyon cherishes the many years he participated in research as an associate with the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards across Italy, Lebanon, Turkey, and New York City. He is an alum of the Juilliard School Drama Division (Group 25), where he was also invited to return in 2009 to receive the methodology of founding faculty member and Head of Movement/Physical Acting, Moni Yakim.
Greg Giovanini (Music Director) is the administrative manager of visual and performing arts at Le Moyne College and was previously the assistant director of music. Greg’s areas of interest and expertise include musical theatre and composition. He has served as music director for many shows including Cabaret, Heathers, 9 to 5, and Godspell at Le Moyne College; I Do! I Do! at Redhouse Arts Center; and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed with Gifford Family Theatre, among others. In addition, he played keyboard for the development of Kafka’s Metamorphosis: The Musical! (Montreal Fringe Festival, Capital Fringe and NYMF) and co-wrote Edgar in the Red Room, which won Best English Production at the 2024 Montreal Fringe Festival and was nominated for a Saturday Visiter Award for Adaptation of E.A. Poe’s Life or Works at the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival. Career highlights include tours to Costa Rica and Switzerland with Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz, choral backup for Barry Manilow and performances at the Waldorf Astoria Starlight Room, Montreux Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, 54 Below and Radio City Music Hall. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Le Moyne College and a Master of Arts in Music Theory and Composition with secondary studies in voice and piano from Long Island University.
Maya June Dwyer (she/her) is an interdisciplinary performing artist and director-choreographer specialized in movement for theatre and site-specific immersive work. She has trained and worked with companies including PUSH Physical Theatre, The Hofesh Shechter Company, Meredith Monk, Punchdrunk, and Pilobolus, and is a graduate of Espace Ouvert’s Big Bang contemporary dance training program in Montréal. Her original dance theatre creations have received support from the Alliance of Resident Theatres of New York, the NYS Dance Force, and NYSCA. In addition to her freelance projects, Maya is a consistent collaborator at Le Moyne College, where she is a frequent guest director-choreographer of plays and musicals—most recently Cabaret and Sarah Ruhl’s Orlando. Maya’s performance credits include Harper Pitt, Angels in America, Part 1: Millennium Approaches (Redhouse Arts Center), and PUSH Physical Theatre’s Dracula National Tour. She is currently in development for her first solo work, Mad Scene, which uses movement, techno, and art installation as mediums to crack into the glitching mind and memory of Nina from Chekhov’s The Seagull as she attempts to pull herself apart from her internal patriarchal voyeur. Next season, she is looking forward to choreographing Jagged Little Pill in collaboration with director Temar Underwood at The Redhouse Arts Center. www.mayajunedwyer.com | @mayajunepapaya
Hannah LoGiudice (she/her) (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a sophomore theater design and technology major with a set design focus from Wooster, OH.
Grace Mineiro (she/her) (Assistant Director) is a sophomore theater management major from Wyomissing, PA.
Harry Mullin (he/him) (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a junior television, radio, and film major and theater design and technology minor from Pittsburgh, PA.
Amanda Podhurst (she/her) (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior theater management major from Putnam Valley, NY.
Nikky Spencer (she/her) (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman stage management major from Dallas, TX.
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, DC. Directing credits for the Department of Drama include: The Spitfire Grill, As You Like It, Gruesome Playground Injuries, and The Aliens. He has 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, DC; 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.
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.
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
Production Manager..............................................................................................Stuart Plymesser
Dean, VPA...................................................................................................................Michael S. Tick
Christine Albright-Tufts
Robert Andrusko
Kiira Schmidt Carper
Brian Cimmet
James A. Clark
Danyon Davis
Izmir Ickbal
Alec Barbour
Kathleen Baum
Bradley Beckman
Kerry Bereza
Don Buschmann
Matthew Chiorini
Diane Coloton
Gretchen Darrow-Crotty
Marina de Ratmiroff
Whit Emerson
Danita Emma
Kathryn Fathers
Marcus Herndon
Alex Jainchill
Rebecca Karpoff
David Lowenstein
Celia Madeoy
Carmen Martínez
Katherine McGerr
Thom Miller
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Jacqueline R. Herter
Emily Holm
Robert Hupp
Sandra Knapp
Richard Koons
Nicholas Kowerko
Barbara LaNeve
Zizi Majid
Michael McCurdy
Aldo Katton Santiago Mendez
Kathryn Miranda
Amanda Moore
Leslie Noble
Erica Murphy
Ricky Pak
Felipe Panamá
Bradley Stone
Holly Thuma
Kathleen Wrinn
Ralph Zito
Krystal Osborne
Whitney Pak
Stuart Plymesser
Mara Rich
Rebecca Schuetz
Hanni Schwarzlander
Abel Searor
Blake Segal
Randy Steffen
Joseph Whelan
Dan Williams
Matthew Winning
Artistic Director.............................................................................................................Robert Hupp
Managing Director.............................................................................................Carly DiFulvio Allen
Associate Artistic Director............................................................................................Melissa Crespo
Resident Playwright..............................................................................................................Kyle Bass
Director of Production Operations...........................................................................Don Buschmann
Associate Director of Production Operations.......................................................Stuart Plymesser
Production Management Intern............................................................................Kit Verweij†
Company Manager and Production Management Associate......................................Brian Crotty
Assistant Company Manager.....................................................................................Sarai Ford
Technical Director..................................................................................................Randall Steffen
Assistant Technical Director............................................................................Rebecca Schuetz
Scene Shop Foreman...........................................................................................Michael King
Technical Assistant...................................................................................................Liz Daurio
Carpenters...............................................................................John Gamble, Brian McBurney
Student Employee.............................................................................................Emma Thoms†
Work Study Employee........................................................................................Chase Brown†
Scenic Charge Artist...................................................................................................Emily Holm
Lead Scenic Artist................................................................................................Laurel Arnold
Scenic Painter....................................................................................................Jessica Culligan
Props Supervisor............................................................................................................Mara Rich
Associate Props Supervisor...................................................................................Andrew Babb
Craftpersons....................................................................................Alexis Frizzell, Nora Galley
Student Employees..............................................................Maddy Clark†, Natalie Steinberg†
Costume Shop Manager..........................................................................Gretchen Darrow-Crotty
Assistant Costume Shop Manager.....................................................................Amanda Moore
Cutter-Drapers..............................................................................Emily King, Kathryn Rauch
First Hand.......................................................................................................Katelyn Yonkers
Stitchers.................................................................................Sidney Barmoha, Sophie Shahan
Craftsperson/Shopper.........................................................................................Sandra Knapp
Wardrobe Supervisor.........................................................................................Dylinn Andrew
Electrics and Projection Supervisor...............................................................................Jed Daniels
Associate Electrics and Projection Supervisor......................................................Andy LiDestri
Electricians/Board Operators..............................................................Kat Larrabee, Alex Malli
Resident Sound Designer/Audio Engineer.....................................................Jacqueline R. Herter
Audio Engineer...............................................................................................Kevin O’Connor
Sound Engineer/Board Operator..........................................................................Garrett Frink
Stage Management Production Assistants.............................................Katie Barnes, Erin C Brett
General Manager....................................................................................................Michael McCurdy
Comptroller..............................................................................................Mary Kennett Morreale
Associate General Manager...................................................................................Jacob G. Ellison
Director of Information Management & Technology...................................Garrett Diaz-Wheeler
Director of Development.............................................................................................Ana Díaz-Diez
Development Associate.....................................................................................Candice Bermudez
Development Assistant/Executive Assistant..................................................................Julia Rakus
Development Interns.....................................................................Yushan Deng†, Polly Gilmore†
Director of Community Engagement..................................................................Joann Maria Yarrow
Director of Education.......................................................................................................Kate Laissle
Community Engagement and Education Coordinator.....................................................Zizi Majid
Education Interns.......................................................................Phineas Roy†, Lauren Schweers†
Director of Marketing and Communications..............................................................Joanna Penalva
Audience Development Manager..............................................................................Tracey White
Creative Director, Marketing..................................................................................Brenna Merritt
Marketing Content and Publications Manager.....................................................Matthew Nerber
Graphic Designer.................................................................................................Jonathan Hudak
Marketing Associate...............................................................................Talia Gabriel-Shenandoah
Marketing Intern...................................................................................................Amelia Brown†
Box Office Manager.....................................................................................Courtney Richardson
Box Office Show Supervisor.................................................................................Trevor Miller
Box Office Assistants.....................................Clari Atherlay, Nathan Ayotte†, Gracie Whaley†
Audience Services Manager............................................................................Meghan Rose Dillon
House Managers.................Pat Condello, Gabrielle Moran, Alyssa Otoski-Keim, Adam Secor Front of House Associate.........................Khayman Clancy, Bianca Stevenson, Donna Stuccio
Assistant House Manager.......................................................................................Kevin Sene†
Bartenders.................................................................................Michelle Cannizzo, Meg Pusey
Audience Services Interns...................................................................Ginger Bai†, Youran Li† Front of House Work Study Staff.........................Hope Allen†, Emilee Asa†, GB Bellamy†, Lilly Colter Berget†, Carolyn Burch†, Olivia Busche†, Josie Diodato†, Sami English†, Skye Faison†, Violet Lanciloti†, Nathaly Juarez Meza†, Annabelle Mistretta†, Lily Nelson†, Reyna Sanchez†, Esme Schaus†, Isbella Tokarz†, Gracie Whaley†, Logan Wilbanks-Davidson†, Maya Zepeda†
Sign Language Interpreters.....................................................................Brenda Brown, Sue Freeman
Open Captioning........................................................................Jacob G. Ellison, Michael McCurdy
Audio Description........................................Kate Laissle, Talia Gabriel-Shenandoah, Joseph Whelan
Community Services Officers...........................................................Stacey Emmons, Martha Farmer
Custodians........................................................................Tony Rogers, Ron Taylor, Candace Velario
†Student, Syracuse University Department of Drama.
Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm Syracuse Stage 820 E. Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ | BOOK BY ROGER O. HIRSON | DIRECTED BY TORYA BEARD CHOREOGRAPHY AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTION BY KEVIN BOSEMAN | MUSIC DIRECTION BY BRIAN CIMMET IN THE STORCH THEATRE OCT 11 – 20 | OPENING NIGHT: OCT 12
WRITTEN BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE | ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY WILL POMERANTZ | IN THE STORCH THEATRE NOV 15-23 | OPENING NIGHT: NOV 16
MUSIC BY RICHARD RODGERS | BOOK AND LYRICS BY OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II | ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY TOM BRIGGS FROM THE TELEPLAY BY ROBERT L. FREEDMAN DIRECTED BY MELISSA RAIN ANDERSON | MUSIC DIRECTION BY BRIAN CIMMET | CHOREOGRAPHED BY JESSICA CHEN | CO-PRODUCED WITH SYRACUSE STAGE IN THE ARCHBOLD THEATRE NOV 22– JAN 5 | OPENING NIGHT: NOV 29
* Please Note: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is not included in the Department of Drama subscription package. However, discounts are available to Department of Drama subscribers.
WRITTEN BY MJ KAUFMAN | DIRECTED BY DANIELLA CAGGIANO | IN THE STORCH THEATRE FEB 21 - MAR 2 | OPENING NIGHT: FEB 22
OR “I ONLY APPEAR TO BE DEAD”
WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE FLEISCHMANN | DIRECTED BY DANYON DAVIS | MUSIC DIRECTION BY GREG GIOVANINI CHOREOGRAPHED BY MAYA JUNE DWYER | ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSED BY PAULO K TIRÓL | IN THE STORCH THEATRE MAR. 28 - APR 6 | OPENING NIGHT: MAR. 29
BOOK BY ALLAN KNEE | LYRICS BY MINDI DICKSTEIN | MUSIC BY JASON HOWLAND | DIRECTED BY DAVID LOWENSTEIN MUSIC DIRECTION BY MELISSA YANCHAK | CHOREOGRAPHED BY EMILY HOBBS | IN THE STORCH THEATRE MAY 2 - 10 | OPENING NIGHT: MAY 3