WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE presents
Our 201st Production
ABOUT “ANNIE” In 1970, Martin Charnin bought a coffee table book based on the comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie” as a Christmas present for a friend. The clerk at the bookstore was too busy to wrap the book, so Charnin took the book home and before he could wrap it, he read it, fell in love with the comic strip character, and set out to secure the rights so he could write a musical version of “Little Orphan Annie.” His friend never got the book. Charnin shared his idea with two colleagues, Charles Strouse, a two-time Tony Award-winning composer, and Thomas Meehan, a short story writer for The New Yorker. Meehan thought Annie was a “rotten idea,” but was convinced by Charnin’s interest in “the richness of the character Annie herself - the lost, wandering child.” The team finally came together in 1971 to begin crafting the musical. With minimal backstory to work with from the comic strip, Meehan explained that Annie is in no sense a literal adaption of “Little Orphan Annie.” “The story as I constructed it, is the story of a child’s Odyssey-like quest for her missing father and mother.” The team composed of three New Yorkers set the musical in their hometown and, based on what was occurring in the United States during the Nixon presidency, they placed the musical’s characters in the Great Depression. Thomas Meehan envisioned Annie to “become a metaphorical figure who stood for innate decency, courage and optimism in the face of hard times, pessimism and despair.” Being that New York City was dealing with a financial crisis and an increasing crime rate, a musical that centered on love and family seemed very attractive at the time. It took more than four years to get the production mounted but once audiences caught their first glimpse of it, word of mouth quickly turned Annie into an overwhelming success.
Annie debuted in the summer of 1976, at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. The production would make its first appearance on Broadway in 1977 at the Alvin Theatre and would go on to win 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. After 2,377 performances, Annie’s first run would end in 1983. It has been performed in 34 different countries and translated into 28 languages. The New York Times estimates that Annie is produced 700 to 900 times in the United States each year. Revivals followed in 1997 and 2012 on Broadway. Columbia Pictures released a motion picture version of the musical in theatres in 1982. Sunny, a 7 year-old terrier mix, who plays Sandy in our production was adopted in the spring of 2012 for the revival of Annie on Broadway from the Houston, TX Animal Control the day before she was to be put to sleep. She became the subject of a NBC special entitled Annie’s Search for Sandy. She follows in the line of great Sandy dogs rescued and trained by Bill Berloni. Our Director, Mary Jane Houdina, has a long history with the show, including being dance captain and assistant to choreographer Peter Gennaro with the original Broadway production. In addition to covering all the female roles, she also prepared the national companies of the show for touring. One of the most important revelations for her was to discover that the characters who populate this heart-warming show are much more than the two-dimensional cartoon characters on which they are based. “The show should not be thought of as a cartoon. You have to play all of these characters very real. There’s a tendency to think comic strip but it’s not. And the more real you play it, the better the show is.” “Annie is a story of hope, promise, perseverance, and above all, it’s a love story! With beautiful uplifting songs! It will make you laugh and cry and feel the promise of tomorrow.” – PIA HAAS
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
PERSONAL SAFETY & COMFORT Please note exits in theatre. Exits are indicated by illuminated “EXIT” signs. For the safety, comfort and enjoyment of yourself and others, please remain seated during the performance. In the unlikely necessity of evacuation, an announcement will be made over the public address system. Westchester Broadway Theatre is completely equipped with automatic sprinkler and smoke detector systems which cover all areas of the theatre. In the event of power failure, a separately powered, totally independent, battery-run lighting system is activated. Should you or one of your party experience illness or unusual discomfort, please notify a service person or management immediately. CAMERAS, RECORDERS The use of cameras and tape recorders during the performance is strictly prohibited by New York State copyright laws. CELL PHONES, BEEPERS Out of courtesy to the performers and everyone in the audience, please refrain from using cell phones and electronic devices in the theatre. Please be sure to turn off the audible features of these devices when in the theatre. GRATUITY Our guests have asked for an approximation of the food portion of the ticket for purposes of determining service gratuity which is not included in the ticket price. An amount equal to one-half of your ticket price should be considered as the dinner portion. Our staff has enjoyed serving you and hopes that our service has been to your satisfaction.
BILL STUTLER
BOB FUNKING, Producers
and
present
BOOK by
music by lyrics by
THOMAS MEEHAN CHARLES STROUSE MARTIN CHARNIN Original Broadway Production Directed by MARTIN CHARNIN Based on
“Little Orphan Annie”®
By permission of
Tribune Content Agency, LLC Starring
MICHAEL DE VRIES CELESTE HUDSON ADAM ROBERTS AUBREY SINN JOHN-CHARLES KELLY PEYTON ELLA KAYLIN HEDGES SUNNY with
ROBERT ABDOO KELLY BLACK Laura Cable JOSEPH CULLINANE JESSE LYNN HARTE CARL HULDEN RYAN ALEXANDER JACOBS KELSEY SELF ROCHELLE SMITH ROGER PRESTON SMITH BILLY CLARK TAYLOR introducing
ANIKA BOBRA HAYLIE SHEA CHRISTIANO TAHLIA ELLIE RUBY GRIFFIN MAUREEN HENSHAW NORA KENNEDY MOLLY LYONS SASHA MURRAY LUCY NEUREUTHER ELLA STANLEY LAUREN SUN GABRIELLA UHL and
susann fletcher
as miss hannigan
Musical Direction by
william stanley
Set Design by Costume Designer Costume Coordinator
michael bottari & ronald Case suzy benzinger heather carey
Lighting Design by
Sound Design by
PROPERTIES BY
Andrew Gmoser
mark zuckerman
GRUMPY’S PROPS
HAIR/WIG DESIGN BY
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
SANDY TRAINER
SHANNON HARRINGTON
STEVE LOFTUS WILLIAM BERLONI
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
VICTOR LUKAS
DUANE MCDEVITT
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
LISA TISO
Associate director/choreographer
ROBERT ABDOO
Directed and Choreographed by
MARY JANE HOUDINA The Goodspeed Opera House, Michael P. Price, Executive Director Presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols
Originally produced at
Irwin Meyer Alvin Nederlander Associates, Inc.
Produced by
Stephen R. Friedman The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Lewis Allen Icarus Productions
ANNIE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com OPENING DATE: JUNE 29, 2017 CLOSING DATE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2017
A Proud Sponsor of WBT
CAST (In Order of Appearance) Molly....................................................................................... HAYLIE SHEA CHRISTIANO / MOLLY LYONS† Pepper.............................................................................................................. Tahlia Ellie / Nora Kennedy† Duffy.........................................................................................................Maureen Henshaw / Lauren Sun† July........................................................................................................... Ruby Griffin / Lucy Neureuther† Tessie.................................................................................................................Anika Bobra / Sasha Murray† Kate.................................................................................................................Ella Stanley / Gabriella Uhl† Annie.......................................................................................................................................................... Peyton Ella Annie (Sunday performances)........................................................................................................Kaylin Hedges Miss Hannigan....................................................................................................................... Susannn Fletcher* Bundles McCloskey....................................................................................................Ryan Alexander Jacobs Apple Seller........................................................................................................................................ Robert Abdoo* Dog Catchers............................................................................Carl Hulden, Ryan Alexander Jacobs Sandy...........................................................................................................................................................................Sunny Lt. Ward.................................................................................................................................. Billy Clark Taylor* Artie................................................................................................................................Ryan Alexander Jacobs Mary............................................................................................................................................................. Kelsey Self Eddie............................................................................................................................................Joseph Cullinane* Fred.....................................................................................................................................Roger Preston Smith* Sophie, the Kettle....................................................................................................................................Kelly Black* Peggy............................................................................................................................................. Jesse Lynn Harte Ira...............................................................................................................................................................Carl Hulden Grace Farrell...................................................................................................................................Celeste Hudson Drake..................................................................................................................................Roger Preston Smith* Cecille.............................................................................................................................................Jesse Lynn Harte Annette............................................................................................................................................Rochelle Smith* Mrs. Greer....................................................................................................................................................Kelsey Self Mrs. Pugh..................................................................................................................................................Kelly Black* Oliver Warbucks.......................................................................................................................... Michael DeVries* A Star To Be..................................................................................................................................Jesse Lynn Harte Rooster Hannigan..............................................................................................................................Adam Roberts* Lily St. Regis............................................................................................................................................ Aubrey Sinn* Bert Healy................................................................................................................................................Carl Hulden Sound Effects Man.....................................................................................................Ryan Alexander Jacobs Jimmy Johnson.................................................................................................................................. Robert Abdoo* Fred McCracken........................................................................................................................Joseph Cullinane* Bonnie Boylan................................................................................................................................Rochelle Smith* Connie Boylan..............................................................................................................................Jesse Lynn Harte Ronnie Boylan.........................................................................................................................................Kelly Black* FDR........................................................................................................................................ John-Charles Kelly* Ickes...........................................................................................................................................................Carl Hulden Howe..................................................................................................................................................... Robert Abdoo* Morgenthau........................................................................................................................... Billy Clark Taylor* Hull.................................................................................................................................Ryan Alexander Jacobs Perkins........................................................................................................................................................Kelly Black* Judge Brandeis..................................................................................................................... Billy Clark Taylor* Hooverville-ities, New Yorkers, Policemen, Warbucks’ Staff: Robert Abdoo*, Kelly Black*, Joseph Cullinane*, Jesse Lynn Harte, Carl Hulden, Ryan Alexander Jacobs, Kelsey Self, Rochelle Smith*, Roger Preston Smith*, Billy Clark Taylor* Non-performing Swing...................................................................................................... Laura Cable* Dance Captain.....................................................................................................................Robert Abdoo* Rehearsal Assistant Stage Manager.................................................................................Jessie Jardon*
Understudies
Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance. For Warbucks – John-Charles Kelly*; for Grace – Kelsey Self; for Hannigan – Kelly Black*; for Rooster – Joseph Cullinane*; for Lily – Laura Cable*; for FDR – Billy Clark Taylor*; for Bert Healy – Joseph Cullinane*; for Lt. Ward – ROBERT ABDOO*; for The Boylan Sisters, Mrs Pugh, Mrs Greer, Perkins – Laura Cable*. * Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the only professional union for Actors and Stage Managers. † Children Alternate Performances WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
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scenes & musical numbers
– ACT ONE – December 11 – 19, 1933
The New York Municipal Orphanage (Girls’ Annex) Maybe................................................................................................................Annie It’s the Hard-knock Life.............................................. Annie & The Orphans It’s the Hard-knock Life (reprise)...............................................The Orphans St. Mark’s Place Tomorrow.........................................................................................................Annie A Hooverville Under the 59th Street Bridge We’d Like to Thank you.................................................The Hooverville-ites The Orphanage Little Girls..................................................................................... Miss Hannigan The Warbucks Mansion at Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here............... Grace, Annie, Drake, Cecille, Annette, Mrs. Pugh & Other Servants New York City N.Y.C. ..................Warbucks, Grace, Annie, A Star To Be & New Yorkers The Orphanage Easy Street....................................................... Miss Hannigan, Rooster & Lily Warbucks’ Study You Won’t Be an Orphan For Long.................Grace, Drake, Mrs. Pugh, Annette, Servants & Warbucks
– intermission –
A b o u T
OU R
S E R V I C E
Westchester Broadway Theatre takes pride in our leisurely cocktail and dining service, which takes you from the moment you enter the theatre until the start of the performance. If you desire a faster pace to your service, please let your servers know, and they will accommodate your special needs. Top off your delicious meal perfectly with one of these scrumptious treats available for purchase!
LUXURY DESSERTS CHOCOLATE MOLTEN LAVA CAKE • LEMON SORBET TURTLE CHEESECAKE OF DISTINCTION PRODUCERʼS HOT FUDGE DELIGHT • APPLE CRISP CARAMEL
Order your choices before the show begins, and enjoy them during the intermission.
WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
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scenes & musical numbers – ACT TWO – The NBC Radio Studio at 30 Rockefeller Center & the Orphanage You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile...........................Bert Healy, The Boylan Sisters & “The Hour of Smiles” Family The Orphanage You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile (reprise)......The Orphans Easy Street (reprise)....................................... Miss Hannigan, Rooster & Lily Washington: The White House Tomorrow (reprise)......................... Annie, FDR, Warbucks & The Cabinet The Great Hall at the Warbucks Mansion Something Was Missing..................................................................... Warbucks I Don’t Need Anything But You.................................... Warbucks & Annie The East Ballroom of the Warbucks Mansion Annie...............................................................Grace, Drake & The Staff Maybe (reprise)................................................................................................Annie A New Deal Christmas.......Annie, Warbucks, Grace, FDR & The Staff
– musicians – Bill Stanley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Musical Director / Keyboards John Bowen. . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Musical Director / Keyboards James Mack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percussion / Drums David Dunaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bass Brian Uhl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trumpet Jason Ingram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trombone Von Ann Stutler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Musical Contractor
Printing Professionals
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400 Executive Boulevard Suite 146 Elmsford, NY 10523 Tel: 914-592-3790 • Fax: 914-592-6483 support@pressexpressprint.com
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WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO MICHAEL DEVRIES (Daddy Warbucks) WBT: Grand Hotel (The Baron). Broadway: Wicked (Frex & Official), Hello Dolly (Cornelius), Secret Garden (Capt. Fairfax), Grand Hotel (The Baron), Cats (Gus/Growltiger), King David (US/Joab), Annie Get Your Gun (Trio). National Tours: Wicked (Dr. Dillamond), Phantom of the Opera (Andre), AGYG (Frank), Mamma Mia (Harry), Carousel (Mr. Snow), My Fair Lady (Freddy). TV: L&O, L&O-SVU, Philly, Sex & The City, The District. Concerts – Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl. Proud Equity Member – 35 years!!
CELESTE HUDSON (Grace Farrell) is thrilled to be back at the WBT, where she was previously seen in Show Boat (u/s Julie-performed). A graduate of NYU Tisch’s New Studio on Broadway and Stonestreet Studios, some favorite roles include Queenie in The Wild Party, Lexxie in NYMF’s Zombie Strippers (Ford Studio Theatre at the Signature), Russian Choir Member in Beardo (composed by Dave Malloy), performing with lavish immersive theatre company Speakeasy Dollhouse, and on pointe at Radio City Music Hall. Love to fam and Mat! celestehudson.com
SUSANN FLETCHER (Miss Hannigan) was last seen at WBT as Louise in Always, Patsy Cline. Broadway credits include, The Full Monty as Georgie Bukatinsky, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Smitty), Guys and Dolls (Miss Adelaide), the original Broadway company of The Goodbye Girl (Donna Douglas), the original Broadway company of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, (Golde, Miss Electra, Timid Girl), the original Broadway company of Raggedy Ann and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Angel). She has been in the national tours of Monty, Annie Get Your Gun, How to Succeed…, Robbins’, Patent Leather Shoes and more. Television credits include featured roles in Kristin’s Last Christmas, Law & Order, All My Children, One Life to Live, Reading Rainbow, Texas and the lead role in the indie feature film Bloodsucking Pharoahs in Pittsburgh. Ms. Fletcher has performed in numerous stock, regional and workshop productions. She was nominated for a National Broadway Theatre Award in 2001 and Barrymore Award in 2002. Also a writer, Ms. Fletcher’s musical, A Girl Called Dusty, had its world premiere at the Provincetown Repertory Theatre in 2005. Her play, Soft Spot, was seen in The Playwrights Festival at The Actors’ Studio. She is currently working on a screenplay. For more info visit SusannFletcher.com.
with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Christmas Elves
Special Family Celebration
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 September 14 - November 26, 2017; and Dec. 28, 2017 - Jan. 28, 2018 WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
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WHO’S WHO ADAM ROBERTS (Rooster) was born into a musical family, his father a singer/guitarist and grandfather in the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, so it was inevitable that he’d follow suit and pursue his dream of performing onstage for the masses. He began working professionally at age 10 and went on to further his education, receiving his BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University. After following his dreams of moving to NYC he made his Broadway debut in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. Adam has also been seen in Pippin on Broadway, the National tour of Dirty Dancing, Off Broadway in Standard Time. and harmonizing with his own singing group, Apollo Link. He most recently finished co-directing and choreographing Broadway Backwards.
AUBREY SINN (Lily St. Regis) has previously appeared at WBT in Legally Blonde and The Sound of Music and is delighted to be back! Other favorite roles include Sharon in Finian’s Rainbow (Berkshire Theatre Festival), Madeline in Cole Porter’s Nymph Errant (Prospect Theater Company at Theatre Row), and Young Sister Ingalls in Orange is the New Black. Aubrey is a graduate of the Atlantic Acting School & CAP21 at NYU. Many thanks to Lisa & Victor, Ann & Gene, Kate, the whole team at WBT, and Jake & family. Gub.
JOHN- CHARLES KELLY (FDR) Broadway: A Christmas Carol. National Tours: Light in the Piazza, Victor/Victoria, They’re Playing Our Song, Annie. New York: Floyd Collins, Sisters Rosensweig. International: West Side Story, Cats in German! Regionally: Walnut Street, 20 productions: Into the Woods, Big River, Hairspray. World premiere Yeston/Kopit’s Phantom!, Follies opposite Judy Kaye. Maine State, 70 productions: Sweeney Todd, 1776, Chicago, La Cage, My Fair Lady; Goodspeed; Coconut Grove; Pittsburgh CLO; Barrington Stage. Film/TV “Sex and the City,” “Guru.”
PEYTON ELLA (Annie) TV: NBC’s Sound of Music LIVE (Gretl), NY Philharmonic’s Show Boat (young Kim), PBS, Late Nite w/Stephen Colbert, CBS, Gypsy (Netflix). Theater: Grey Gardens (Lee Bouvier, Ahmenson Theater, Los Angeles). Regional: KOTA’s A Little Princess (Lottie), Annie (Annie), School of Rock (Summer). Thanks to Bob Marks, Amelia DeMayo, Mary Jane Hudina, Lisa Tiso & WBT for this opportunity. Grateful for my tour family, Alfie, Tami & Kat. Love to my parents, & Mimi, Pop & Nunu , and 4 siblings Alexis, Madison, Taylor and Elliot.
PRIVATE LUXURY BOXES
Enhance your evening with a Private Luxury Box Celebration! For an additional cost, private Luxury Boxes may be reserved for parties of six or more. Each provides elegant dining, has its own private powder room, and overlooks the audience and stage.
For more info, call our Luxury Box Rep at (914) 592-8730
we are live
Westchester Broadway Theatre employs musicians from the American Federation of Musicians. Musicians perform from a location backstage. 8
WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO KAYLIN HEDGES (Annie) is thrilled to be making her Westchester Broadway Theatre debut! She would like to thank all of her friends who help her grow and support her nonstop! Special thanks to Laura Luc, Thommie Retter, Lisa Reich, Mom, Dad and little sister Emalyn! Always keep dreaming, dreams do come true!
ROBERT ABDOO (Ensemble; Associate Director/Choreographer) Happy to be joining the WBT team for this his third production of Annie. Recent tours include 42nd Street and Fiddler on the Roof. Seven productions at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia including High Society, Oliver and Annie Warbucks. Roles include; Prez in The Pahama Game, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Ralph Sheldrake in White Christmas and Archibald Proops in Jekyll and Hyde. Many thanks to MJ, Bill, Bill and Lisa.
KELLY BLACK (Ensemble) is excited to make her return to the Westchester Broadway Theatre. She was last seen on this stage tapping away in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and 42nd Street. Past favorite credits include: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas National Tour (Rhoda u/s), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ruth) at Paper Mill Playhouse, The Addams Family at Ogunquit Playhouse, and Backwards In High Heels (Ginger Rogers) at the Broward Stage Door. Proud AEA member. Love to my Duce and Ruby.
WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
LAURA CABLE (Non-performing Swing) is delighted to return to Westchester Broadway Theatre –and life on land – after playing some delicious villains at sea with Disney Cruise Line. Favorite credits include: Victor/Victoria, August: Osage County, The 39 Steps, Mary Poppins (WBT) and Guys and Dolls (WBT). National Tours: Cats and Damn Yankees. BFA: NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Proud member of Actors’ Equity. Endless thanks to the Cable family and her husband Mark. Praise to God for this adventurous life!
JOSEPH CULLINANE (Ensemble) happily returns to WBT (The Sound of Music, 2013). OffBroadway: York Theatre, Theatre Row, New World Stages. Tours: Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Hello Dolly with Sally Struthers. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Riverside Theatre, TUTS, Pioneer Theatre. Faculty: Joffrey Ballet. Namaste to Mary Jane, Lisa and WBT staff, ATB talent and Corey.
JESSE LYNN HARTE (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the cast of Annie! She graduated from Emerson College in May after making her NYC debut as Peppermint Patty in You’re… Charlie Brown at The Secret Theatre. She has also been seen as Ariel in The Little Mermaid with Fiddlehead Theatre Company in Boston, and as a resident at The Palace Theatre in her home state of New Hampshire. Some of these credits include Fiona (Shrek), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Wendy (Peter Pan), Ariel (Footloose). Thanks to Mom, Dad, Melinda, Kevin, and Vienna for everything! JesseLynnHarte.com.
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WHO’S WHO
“Z” Travel & Leisure Walking & Bus Tours
Live Musical Coach Bus Tour Full Day of live music as we travel throughout Manhattan.
Our Actors Equity singer will perform on the bus as we discover New York and hear great voices. Along the way learn about NY from licensed guides!
• Historical Broadway Musical review! • Cultural • Anecdotal humor • Themed • Neighborhoods For Individuals, Seniors, Corporations, Schools, Family Outings & Groups of Any Size For more information Email us at: marscot@att.net Call us at: (914) 633-6658 Catch us on the web at: www.ztravelandleisure.com Pick up at local locations!
“The Most Unique Theatre Experience and Entertaining Tour” Numerous stops on & off bus, lunch stop & minimal walking!
CARL HULDEN (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be making his WBT debut! Carl is a proud Minnesota native and graduate of Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. Favorite credits include: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Buzz Who – National Tour), Day of Wrath (Creature – NYMF), Les Miserables (Marius u/s – Fireside/LTOTS), Annie (Rooster – Mac-Haydn), and Cabaret (Bobby – MWVTC). Thanks to WBT and the creative team for this wonderful opportunity. Much love to Vincent and the whole family, especially the newest addition, August!
RYAN ALEXANDER JACOBS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of Annie. Select credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck) and Antony and Cleopatra (Philo) at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster #1) and Alice in Wonderland (Tweedle Dee) at STAGES St. Louis, Beauty and the Beast (LeFou) at Variety Children’s Theatre and The Little Mermaid (Jetsam) at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Big thanks to friends, fam, my agents at TKO, and WBT. www.ryanalexanderjacobs.com
ask about our upcoming ’
Children s Musical Productions Special Notices Set Construction & Installation Scene Works, Ossining, NY Assistant Lighting Designer Kevin Gleason Costumes provided by TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT, 818 W. Diamond Ave., Ste. 250 Gaithersburg, MD Assistant to Costume Designers Kara Branch; Amanda Carmona
Stitchers Pamela Cummings; Heidi Giarlo 10
WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO KELSEY SELF (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Westchester Broadway Theatre debut! National Tours: Angelina Ballerina (Angelina). Regional Theatre: Grease (Sandy), Sound of Music (Liesel), A Christmas Carol (Emily). Disney Cruise Line: Believe (Cinderella), Golden Mickey’s (Rapunzel, Snow White), Once Upon a Song Workshop (Mary Poppins), Villains Tonight (Yzma). Kelsey received a BM in Musical Theatre from Belmont University in Nashville TN. Huge thank you to Tucker and her family for their constant support! www.kelseymself.com
ROCHELLE SMITH (Ensemble/Dog Handler) is thrilled to make her WBT debut! She most recently handled Toto and played Glinda in The Wizard of Oz. National touring credits include Legally Blonde The Musical (Stenographer and u/s Elle and Margot) and Peter Pan (Wendy). Regional credits include A Little Night Music (Anne), and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle). Other animal handling credits include The Wiz, Legally Blonde, The Velveteen Rabbit, and HBO’s High Maintenance.
ROGER PRESTON SMITH (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to WBT for his 10th production. Broadway: Both the Cathy Rigby and Sandy Duncan productions of Peter Pan, Hello, Dolly! with Carol Channing, Wizard of Oz with Roseanne, Me & My Girl and Patti Lupone’s Gypsy (Assistant Choreographer). National Tours: Oklahoma!, Annie Get Your Gun, and Evita. TV: Saturday Night Live, Today Show, The Knick, A&E’s Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan and Bette Midler’s Gypsy (Assistant Choreographer). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Houston Grand Opera, Alabama Shakespeare, Godspeed, Walnut Street, Great WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
Lakes Shakespeare, North Shore, Arkansas Rep, Houston TUTS, Riverside, Maltz Jupiter, Mill Mountain and Engeman. Proud member of Actors’ Equity.
BILLY CLARK TAYLOR (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Westchester Broadway Theatre debut. Billy has worked in theaters across the country including Maine State Music Theatre, the Fulton Theatre, and North Shore Music Theatre. Most recently, Billy portrayed Gaylord Ravenal in the Alhambra Theatre & Dining production of Show Boat. Favorite roles include Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden, Dan in Next to Normal, George Banks in Mary Poppins, and the Bishop of Digne in Les Miserables.
ANIKA BOBRA (Tessie) is thrilled to be joining the cast of Annie. She loves acting and has played key roles in performances with Standing Ovation Studios in Armonk, NY, most recently Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She will be starting fourth grade in the fall and her favorite subjects are music and math. She also enjoys lacrosse and dance. Anika would like to thank her family for all of their love and support!
HAYLIE SHEA CHRISTIANO (Molly) is thrilled to be making her Westchester Broadway Theatre debut as her favorite character Molly. Haylie is 10 years old and started performing with Stage Left Children’s Theater at the age of 4. Her favorite roles include Peter Pan, Willy Wonka, and Flounder in their most recent Main Stage Productions. Haylie would like to thank her family for being her biggest supporters, her Leftie family for 11
WHO’S WHO helping her grow as an actress, and Patrice Pickering for giving her strength and confidence in her voice.
Tahlia Ellie (Pepper) is thrilled to make her Westchester Broadway Theatre debut. Credits include the off-Broadway production The Gray Man. She has performed at PaperMill Playhouse New Voices Concerts, School of Rock, Lyrics for Life, Broadway Buddies Cabaret and many more regionally. You can see Tahlia on Discovery Channel and PBS and in various commercials. Thank you to Sharon Carry, Janeece, Dwayne, Stephanie, Badiene, Denise my friends especially my family and of course to everyone at WBT for this great opportunity!
RUBY GRIFFIN (July) is thrilled to return to Westchester Broadway Theatre after performing the role of Josie in Christmas Inn this past holiday season. Regional: A Christmas Story at Paper Mill Playhouse. Off-Broadway: The Hundred Dresses (Madeline Reeves), Dorothy Strelsin Theatre. Other Credits: The Music Man (Amaryllis), Annie (Annie), The Addams Family (Wednesday), Bye Bye Birdie (Kim), Shrek (Young Fiona). She is a member of the Broadway Youth Ensemble. Special thanks to WBT, Lisa, Ayn, Patrice, Barry, Amelia, Coupe, Dance Molinari, Dance Management, Helen Hayes Youth Theatre and my family.
MAUREEN HENSHAW (Duffy) is thrilled to make her professional debut at the WBT. A Carmel, NY native entering the 7th grade, Maureen enjoys singing, drawing, dancing, her dog Noir, and playing ukulele. Maureen’s past credits include: Mary Poppins as Ms. Brill, Legally Blonde Jr. as Paulette, Grease Jr. as Rizzo and Seussical Jr. as Sour Kangaroo at Pied Piper Youth Theater in Stormville, and Annie Jr. as Molly at her middle school.
NORA KENNEDY (Pepper) is thrilled to be making her Westchester Broadway Theatre debut in one of her favorite productions. She would like to thank Michelle Dawson for providing her the skills to find her voice, as well as the confidence to perform on stage. Past credits include: Little Mermaid, Elf (Stage Left Children’s Theater), Peter Pan, Grease, Wizard of Oz, Descendants, Willy Wonka and Mary Poppins (Spotlight Productions).
MOLLY LYONS (Molly) is eight years old and this is her first time performing at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. Molly has played the role of Mrs. McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie at Random Farms Kids Theater. She has also played an orphan and Lily St. Regis in Random Farms’ production of Annie Kids. Molly is so excited to be performing in this production and would like to thank her Mom, Dad, Grandma, Pop Pop and siblings for all their love and support.
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WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO SASHA MURRAY (Tessie) 11 years old, is excited to make her debut at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. She developed her love of theater at a young age, and enjoys performing with KJK Productions. Some of Sasha’s favorite roles have been Shrek (Young Fiona), Bye Bye Birdie (Kim), Wizard of Oz (Glinda), Freckleface Strawberry (Ballet Girl), and Beauty and The Beast (Chip). When she is not acting, she enjoys singing with voice teacher Monica Robinson, dancing and drawing.
LUCY NEUREUTHER (July) is thrilled to be returning to the WBT stage. Having just completed fifth grade at Harrison Avenue School, she can think of no better way to spend her summer! Lucy was a Munchkin in the WBT’s production of The Wizard of Oz and an orphan in Oliver. In her school productions, she was Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz) and Peter (Peter Pan). She would like to thank her family for all their support and chauffeuring to and from rehearsals. “I don’t need anything but you!”
ELLA STANLEY (Kate) last appeared at WBT as a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz in 2014. She studies tap dance and musical theatre performance at the Shuffles Studio in Manhattan, and has appeared in 12 Shuffles productions over the past 7 years. Ella also loves making music – she plays clarinet, flute, piccolo, piano, and ukulele. This Spring, she was proud to be the youngest student ever selected for the Yonkers All-City Band.
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LAUREN SUN (Duffy) Westchester Broadway Theatre debut! Fifth grader. New York. Thanks and love to family, friends, teachers and this wonderful Annie crew for encouragement and support! Previous: Fiona, Shrek Jr. (Lighthouse Theater); July, Annie Jr. (Lighthouse Theater); Featured Ensemble, Oliver (Little Radical Theatrics); First Place NATS NYC 2017 competition (musical theater 11 and under); Third place Hal Leonard 2016 competition (musical theater 12 and under). Songwriter, pianist extraordinaire and squishy expert!
GABRIELLA UHL (Kate) from Cornwall, NY, is 9 years old and excited to make her professional debut! Favorite roles include Annie (Molly), Beauty & the Beast (Chip), Wizard of Oz (Munchkin Mayor), and Les Miserables (Little Cosette) at Random Farms Kids’ Theatre in Elmsford, NY. Dancing (Dance Design School) since age 3, acting (Riverside Theatre Arts) since age 5, and voice (Ilene Reid) since age 6. Thanks Dad, Mom, Anna, Simon, and Westchester Broadway Theatre!
SUNNY (Sandy) was adopted by Bill Berloni in the spring of 2012 for the revival Annie on Broadway from the Houston, TX Animal Control the day before she was to be put to sleep. She became the subject of a NBC special entitled Annie’s Search for Sandy. She stayed with the show on Broadway until 2014 and has been out with the national tour ever since. Sunny is a Terrier Mix who is about 7 years old. She follows in the line of great Sandy dogs rescued and trained by Bill Berloni.
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WHO’S WHO WILLIAM BERLONI (Animal Director and Trainer) 2011 Tony Honoree for Excellence in Theatre, 2017 Drama League’s Unique Contribution to the Theatre and 2014 Outer Critics Circle Award for Special Achievement. 25 Broadway shows, hundreds Off-Broadway, regional theatre, tours, television and movies. Subject of the docu-series Wags to Riches with Bill Berloni on Discovery Family Channel. Published author of Broadway Tails, Doga and Sandy the Autobiography of a Star. Director of Animal Behavior, Humane Society of New York. Follow William Berloni Theatrical Animals, Inc. on Facebook and on twitter @BillBerloni. www.theatricalanimals.com. MARY JANE HOUDINA (Director/Choreographer) was associate choreographer for the movie The Great Gatsby; tap consultant for Peter Allen at Radio City Music Hall; on Broadway she was associate choreographer for the original Annie; and choreographer for Into The Light. Regional theatres have seen her work in a myriad of musicals, including Oklahoma!; Follies; Show Boat; with stars Jean Stapleton, Juliette Prowse, Gavin MacLeod. She danced in ten Broadway shows, working for choreographers Michael Bennet, Gower Champion, Alan Johnson, Tony Stevens, and Peter Gennaro. She also had the pleasure of dancing in Peter Gennaro’s night club act. She is the 1998 Barrymore Award recipient for her choreography for Crazy for You at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, and Barrymore nominee in 2001 for Singin’ In The Rain; 2006 for 42nd St. On TV she choreographed The Adventures of Slim Goodbody in NutriCity for Captain Kangaroo; was ass’t choreographer for the Miss America Pageant; and The Dames at Sea TV special starring Ann Margaret, Ann Miller, and Anne Meara. Additional director/ choreographic credits include the opening ceremony for the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, NY (home of the Buffalo Sabres!); a long list of industrial shows for Avon and Merrill Lynch among others; plus a 50’s Rock and Roll review in Seoul, Korea. As a teacher, she has taught throughout the US and has been on the faculty for all the major dance organizations, plus adjunct professor at Pace University Briarcliff, N.Y., Logrea Dance Academy in Ossining, N.Y. and The New Dance Group in NYC. She continues to choreograph and teach, and is pleased to be doing Annie at WBT. Many thanks to my assis-
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tant, Robert Abdoo. Thanks to Bob Funking, Bill Stutler, Lisa Tiso and the WBT staff. Mary Jane lives north of NYC with her husband Cole and 6 furry friends! WILLIAM STANLEY (Musical Director) serves as rehearsal accompanist, orchestra pianist, and occasional conductor for the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. He was the associate conductor for the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels National Tour and the conductor of Smokey Joe’s Café starring Gladys Knight National Tour. Broadway credits: It Shoulda Been You, Ghost, Sister Act, Jesus Christ Superstar, Newsies, The Little Mermaid, Xanadu, The Lion King, Seussical, Annie Get Your Gun, Thou Shalt Not. Off-Broadway: Avenue Q, Forbidden Broadway, The Fantasticks, Altar Boyz. Regional: Sacramento Music Circus, Theatre Under the Stars , North Shore Music Theatre. He is the proud father of Ella Stanley, who is appearing as the orphan Kate in Annie. MICHAEL BOTTARI & RONALD CASE (Set Design) designed many of our shows since 1976. They have been a design team for over 47 years, having designed both sets and costumes for Broadway: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s much loved State Fair, Prince of Central Park. They were nominated for the 2008 Drama Desk, Outer Critics and American Theatre Wing Awards, and won the 2008 Lucille Lortel Award for Costume Designs for Die Mommie Die Off-Broadway. In 2006 they were nominated for the Drama Desk Award and won best Set and Costume Design (Dean’s List) for Fanny Hill. They won the 2003 Lucille Lortel Award, and were nominated for the Drama Desk that year for their costumes for Charles Busch’s Shangai Moon, and for the critically acclaimed feature film of Die Mommie Die won several film awards. Off-Broadway: After the Fair, Night of the Hunter, Little Me, Carnival!, Richard Cory, Opal, Man Who Shot Lincoln, etc. National tours: I Do! I Do! (Lucie Arnaz), Camelot (Richard Harris), Man of La Mancha (John Raitt, Jack Jones) the World tour of My Fair Lady (Noel Harrison), the 25th Anniversary Tour of The King and I (Yul Brynner), Al Jolson, Tonight (Larry Kert), Funny Thing...Forum (Mickey Rooney), Show Boat (Shirley Jones) to mention just a few. Original designs for the South African and Fifth Avenue Theatre’s Hairspray, two premiere ballets for American Ballet Theatre.
WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
WHO’S WHO HEATHER CAREY (Costume Coordinator) has designed costumes for theater, dance, tv & film, designing off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, and regionally. Most recent projects include Vimeo’s web series The Outs season 2, The Loading Dock Theatre’s The Dudleys: A Family Game, and Marathon: Series A with Ensemble Studio Theatre. She has worked on a variety of projects ranging from live television to opera, Broadway to feature films. She received her MFA in Costume Design from Brandeis University. www.heatherjcarey.com
aged many shows including the acclaimed Aida and Little Shop of Horrors, both directed by Patricia Wilcox; Richard Stafford’s Gypsy with Karen Mason; and Jonathan Stahl’s Nine. OffBroadway shows include Annie Warbucks, Travels With My Aunt, Tuesday’s With Morrie, and Joan Of Arc with Glenn Close. Favorite gig – Touring with Petula Clark on her 2008 concert tour of England and Wales. Victor also runs “Grumpy’s Props,” a prop rental shop in Carmel NY. Grumpy’s Props also specializes in home & commercial decorating for holidays & theme parties. Visit us online at www.grumpysprops.com.
ANDREW GMOSER (Lighting Design) has lit all of our mainstage productions since 1990. Over the years he has created the sets and/ or lighting for a multitude of productions throughout Westchester and beyond, and is a proud recipient of the Cab Calloway Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Performing Arts in Westchester. Andrew loves his job designing lighting for all levels of theatre, from high school programs through professional Broadwaycaliber productions. For over thirty years he was set and lighting designer (and from time to time, director) for Asbury Summer Theatre, and just completed his 22nd season with the MacHaydn Theatre in upstate New York. Through his company, Silent G Productions, Andrew provides theatrical lighting design, equipment, and consultation for live theatre, dance, and concerts. Andrew’s best and most important production is with his lovely wife, Catherine: their seventeen year old twins, Thomas and Elizabeth!
STEVE LOFTUS (Technical Director) has been one of our resident designers since Kiss Me, Kate in 2002. Some of his favorites at WBT include Gypsy, Phantom, Aida, Miss Saigon and In the Heights. As a set designer, Steve has provided scenery for many regional theaters, colleges and high schools around the Tri-state area. As well as a few tours and special events at Lincoln Center. Steve is also the owner of Scene Works Inc., a fully serviced scene shop providing all aspects of scenic design and fabrication based out of Ossining, NY. He is most proud to be a father to Elias and Aubrey.
MARK ZUCKERMAN (Sound Design) has been the co-sound designer for 5 years at WBT where he previously served as the sound engineer for 5 years. He has worked throughout the tri-state area designing and running sound for theatres and concert venues. A few of his favorite shows include: Jekyll & Hyde, Phantom, and Hairspray. Mark would like to thank his family and Erin for their support. MarkSZuckerman.com VICTOR LUKAS (Production Stage Manager/ Properties) is happy to be home after spending many years touring the country and having played in every state. Broadway and Equity National Tours include: Bring Back Birdie, Oh Brother, Joe’s...Coat, Cats, Teddy And Alice, One Night Stand, Woman Of The Year w/ Lauren Bacall, the Twyla Tharp/Billy Joel musical Movin’ Out, Cy Coleman’s Welcome To The Club and Barnum, Star of Indiana’s Blast!, Blood Brothers with Petula Clark, Carole King and Shaun & David Cassidy, and Disney’s Aida. For the WBT he has stage man-
WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE
VON ANN STUTLER (Musical Contractor) Since the inception of the theatre 43 years ago, Von Ann has been responsible for putting together the excellent musicians which make up our orchestra. Each show has unique instrumentation requirements. Von Ann, in consultation with the musical director, determines the makeup and particular talented personnel to fulfill the show’s requirements. Von Ann is a musician having training in clarinet, piano and harp. She was a voice major at Michigan State University. She has raised 5 children and is the proud grandmother of 7 (four girls and 3 boys). LISA TISO (Associate Producer) has been with WBT since 1979 when she began as a buffet girl. Having worked in nearly every department, and since 1991 has worked on our shows as Associate Producer or Producer. An avid Yankee fan Lisa lives in Ardsley with her daughter Carmen and their dogs Maximus & newest addition to the family Stevie, a rescued mini goldendoodle.
THE VIDEOTAPING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW AND AN ACTIONABLE FEDERAL OFFENSE
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WHO’S WHO BOB FUNKING AND BILL STUTLER (Owners) On July 9, 2017, the Westchester Broadway Theatre celebrates its 43rd Anniversary, as well as the 27th Anniversary in this specifically designed, state of the art theatre. Bill and Bob, 2004 inductees into the “Westchester County Business Hall of Fame,” pioneered the Dinner Theatre concept in Westchester when they opened An Evening Dinner Theatre on July 9, 1974. Having designed and built An Evening from the ground up as a theatre that serves dinner and lunch, they established their operation as a cultural mainstay in the tri-state area. The Westchester Broadway Theatre is the only year round theatre in Westchester where Broadway performers, directors and designers gather to create the best in Musical Theatre. (They have produced more shows than most Broadway producers. Annie, we are proud to say, is their 201st Production!) The West-chester Broadway Theatre is the longest run-ning, 52 week a year Equity theatre in the State of New York. Each show is produced exclusively for the theatre and each is approached in the same manner as Broadway Productions: casting Broadway performers at auditions in New York City, and hiring the creative staff (Directors, Choreographers, Musical Directors, Set, Costume and Lighting Designers). On the dark nights of the musicals, Bill and Bob have presented over 900 Monday and Tuesday night specials and, in 1997, inaugurated the Gold Star Series of Concerts presenting Jackie Mason to a sold-out house. Other great performers in the Gold Star series have been Tom Jones, George Carlin, Paul Anka, Wayne Newton, and Harry Belafonte. With the continued support of the people of the tri-state area, we pledge to continue to present the best in theatre and dining. nd
Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org 16
One Broadway Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523 Box Office (914) 592-2222 Business Office (914) 592-2268 www.BroadwayTheatre.com ADMINISTRATION Bill Stutler - President Bob Funking - Vice President / Treasurer Lisa Tiso - Producer / Company Manager Jeffrey Lifrieri - Assistant Treasurer / HR Manager Janet Schwartz - Internal Auditor Arlene Tiso - Bookkeeper Pia Haas - Press / Public Relations Director Steve Calleran - House Manager Tarah Vega - House Manager Susan Katz - House Manager BOX OFFICE Ron Schlichting - Box Office Manager GROUP SALES Heidi Giarlo - Manager (914) 592-2225 Jessica Tucci - Group Sales Coordinator (914) 592-2225 Patrick McGillicuddy - (914) 592-2225 Helen DeLago - (203) 637-9393 Joanie Varela - (646) 385-2936 LUXURY BOXES/GROUP SALES Ginny Baisi - (914) 592-8730 KITCHEN Alex Sampaio - Chef Peter McClung - Dining Room Manager TECHNICAL STAFF Anthony Albanese – Deck Michael Amabile - Deck Audio Rana Attia - Wardrobe/Crew Chief Kayla Brought - Props Teresa Capra – Spot Operator Aaron Cassese – Automation Seth Crosby - Deck Sarah Demarest - Sound Engineer Nick Grasso - Spot Operator Marcus Jackson - Light board Operator Allison Schneider – Child Wrangler Colleen Till - Wardrobe ALL PERSONS SEEKING ADMISSION MUST HAVE A TICKET, including children of any age. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BRINGING A CHILD to the theatre, feel free to contact the Box Office with any questions regarding the content of the show. Although opinions on appropriate viewing may differ, we will do our best to answer your questions regarding language, violence and adult situations.
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