Levels presents several fully-staged theatre productions every year. Our productions are selected, produced, directed, designed, performed (and in some cases, written) by students between seventh grade and college age. We’ve done almost everything: musicals, comedies, dramas, performance art, mysteries, audience participation events, rock operas, and bizarre “theatrical extravaganzas” that we can’t even begin to describe. If you can imagine it, we can help you put it on stage!
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 11 and 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Cady Heron is the new girl at North Shore High School in Chicago, desperate to fit in and find friends. When the school’s resident mean girls – “The Plastics” – set their sights on her, Cady joins in a plot to bring down the reign of their Queen Bee, Regina George. Along the way, Cady loses herself, her friends, and her crush, all for the chance to be popular and loved. Mean Girls: High School Version is an anthem to friendship, loyalty, girl power, and being true to yourself.
• Book by Tina Fey
• Music by Jeff Richmond
• Lyrics by Nell Benjamin
• Based on the Paramount Pictures film Mean Girls
• Directed by Sarah Munson
• Choreographed by Alyssa Sehn & Olive Isner
• Vocal Direction by Abigail Sullivan & Talia Elyaho
• Produced by El Schader & Nina Zar
• Set Design by Katharine (Keres) Chen
• Costume Design by Ava Hoffman
• Lighting Design by Ben Pitt Stoller
• Head of Stage Crew, Ben Zar
• Stage Crew, Shoshana Goody & Van Argotsinger
The Cast
| Cady Heron | Sofia Gonzalez |
| Regina George | Caroline Louis |
| Janis Sarkisian | Abigail Sullivan |
| Damian Hubbard | El Schader |
| Gretchen Wieners | Niuniu Kong |
| Karen Smith | Rachel You |
| Aaron Samuels | Katie Wang |
| Kevin G & Others | Ugin Sun |
| Ms. Norbury & Others | Iris Du |
| Mrs. George & Others (Thurs./Fri.) | Alyssa Sehn |
| Mrs. George & Others (Sat.) | Sarah Munson |
| Glenn Coco & Others | Mars Emru |
| Coach Carr & Others | Olive Isner |
| Jason W. & Others | Judah Lyman |
| Caitlyn C., Soloist & Others | Natalie Shoshani |
| Cady’s Mom, Soloist & Others | Addie Suggs |
| Voice of Principal Duvall | Eric Bord |
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 28 and 29 at 8:00 p.m.
Jean-Paul Sartre’s classic play is set in a perfectly ordinary room…in Hell. Three dead people: the callous Cradeau, the manipulative Inez, and the vain Estelle are escorted in by a sinister Bellboy. Trapped together, they question, challenge, insult, seduce, and attack one another, becoming “un-living” proof of Sartre’s famous quote, “Hell is other people.”
• Directed by El Schader
• Produced by Katie Wang
• Set Design by Finn Motta & Nina Zar
• Costume Design by Ava Hoffman
• Lighting Design by Emily Hyman
• Makeup Design & Additional Costuming by Finn Motta
• English Translation by Paul Bowles
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Cradeau | Ben Pitt Stoller |
| Bellboy | Kaj Lopez |
| Inez | Kajal Ramphul |
| Estelle | Charlotte Nerayoff |
| Ensemble | Finn Motta, Josh Rafaeil, El Schader, Katie Wang, Kevin Wang, Nina Zar |
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 16 & 17 at 8:00 p.m.
In this adaptation of Stephen King’s best-selling horror novel, shy, awkward teen Carrie White faces bullying from classmates at school and abuse from her fanatically pious mother at home. But Carrie has begun to discover that she has supernatural powers…powers that could allow her to take a terrifying revenge. CARRIE: THE MUSICAL contains mature themes and subject matter equivalent to a PG-13 rating.
• Music by Michael Gore
• Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
• Book by Lawrence D. Cohen
• Based on the novel by Stephen King
• Directed by Katie Wang
• Choreographed by Katharine Yiyun Chen
• Produced by Kevin Wang
• Lighting Design & Project Consultant, El Schader
• Costume Design by Addie Suggs, Kajal Ramphul & Iris Du
• Set Design by Leland Gaunt
• Prop Design by Nina Zar
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Voices | Nina Zar, Talia Elyaho |
| Sue Snell | Eva Corrales |
| Tommy Ross | Charlotte Nerayoff |
| Chris Hargensen | Iris Du |
| Billy Nolan | Darwiin Zavelin |
| Miss Gardner | Addie Suggs |
| Norma Watson | Connor Smith |
| George Dawson | Sal Shahid |
| Carrie White | Kajal Ramphul |
| Mr. Stephens | Ben Pitt Stoller |
| Margaret White | Katharine Yiyun Chen |
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2 & 3 at 8:00 p.m.
Little Women tells the story of the four March sisters – Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth – and their journey to adulthood during the American Civil War. This Levels “Next Stage” production (created by advanced students) features an adaptation of Alcott’s novel by acclaimed playwright Jacqueline Goldfinger.
• Adapted by Jacqueline Goldfinger
• From the novel by Louisa May Alcott
• Directed by El Schader
• Produced by Nina Zar
• Assistant Directed by Roland Chia
• Lighting Design by Dean Campodonico
• Publicity Art by Nina Zar
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Marmee March | Sherlyn Dominguez |
| Jo March | Talia Elyaho |
| Meg March | Kylie Hoffman |
| Laurie Laurence | Kaj Lopez |
| John Brooke | Sara Nearenberg |
| Beth March | Alyssa Sehn |
| Amy March | Izzy Spagnoli |
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 12 and 13 at 8:00 p.m.
This hilarious Tony-winning musical tells the story of Monty Navarro, a charming but penniless English fellow who finds that he’s ninth in line to inherit the D’Ysquith family fortune. So he decides to get his inheritance as quickly as possible by killing off the eight awful D’Ysquiths who are in line before him! Now, Monty needs to stay one step ahead of the law and hopes to be done with it all in time for tea. It’s a witty comedy about how low we’ll go to make it to the top!
• Book & Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman
• Music & Lyrics by Steven Lutvak
• Based on a novel by Roy Horniman
• Directed by Anna Goldman
• Vocal Direction by Adam Schiff
• Produced by Jenna Sobiecki
• Set Design & Construction by Nina Zar
• Costume Design by Ava Hoffman
• Lighting Design by El Schader
• Poster Design & Publicity Art by Adam Schiff
• Stage Crew: Gabe Bergman, Adi Elkarat, Emily Hyman, Jenna Sobiecki & Nina Zar
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Monty Navarro | Jessica Tamari |
| Sibella | Kylie Hoffman |
| Phoebe | Katharine Yiyun Chen |
| Miss Shingle | Shadia Zayer |
| Lord Adalbert | Daniel Goldberg |
| Lord Asquith Senior | Ryan McNeely |
| Asquith Junior/Actor 1 | Aiden Owens Charles |
| Lord Bartholomew/ Lady Hyacinth/Actor 2 | Katie Wang |
| Henry/Chauncey/Actor 3 | Sam Goldman |
| Reverend Ezekiel/Actor 4 | Kevin Wang |
| Lady Salome/Actor 5 | Gabriella Parente |
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JUNE 30, JULY 1 & 2 at 8:00 p.m.
Take Alfred Hitchcock’s classic suspense film, add a dash of Monty Python, some lightning-fast costume changes and a gallon or two of silliness, and you’ll have Patrick Barlow’s Tony-, Drama Desk- and Olivier-award winning play The 39 Steps! It’s packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 characters (all of them played by four ridiculously talented actors), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance.
• Adapted by Patrick Barlow
• From the novel by John Buchan
• From the Movie by Alfred Hitchcock
• And an original concept by Simon Corble & Nobby Dimon
• Directed by Adi Elkarat
• Produced by Sara Rafaeil
• Costume Design by Nina Zar
• Lighting Design by Dean Campodonico
• Sound Design by Qu
• Publicity Artwork by Adam Schiff
• Stage Crew: El Schader, Ben Zar & Nina Zar
• Video Crew: Talia Lana Elyaho & Sherlyn Dominguez
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Clown 1 | Gal Elkarat |
| Annabella/Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret | Anna Goldman |
| Clown 2 | Clara Goldman |
| Richard Hannay | Adam Schiff |
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MAY 19, 20 and 21 at 8:00 p.m.
This irreverent and envelope-pushing parody from Team StarKid (A Very Potter Musical) turns the story of Aladdin upside-down and inside-out! Gentle and heroic vizier Ja’far struggles to save his “Magic Kingdom” from the attacking armies of Pix’zar (say it out loud), and the well-meaning but naïve Princess from the attentions of a perverse, lustful, villainous thief named Aladdin.
• Music by A.J. Holmes
• Lyrics by Kaley MacMahon
• Story & Book by Matt Lang, Nick Lang & Eric Kahn Gale
• Adaptation by El Schader, Samuel Calto & Rebecca Hirschhorn
• Directed by El Schader
• Produced by Nina Zar
• Set Design by Shay Rivera
• Costume Design by Noelle Orquera & Ava Hoffman
• Set Construction by Ben Zar & Jonathan Wu
• Lighting Design by Dean Campodonico
• Tech Direction by Dean Campodonico & Talia Lana Elyaho
• Puppets by Ryan McNeely & Leilani Marmelstein
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Achmed/Woman with Baby/Omar | Daniella Canning |
| Vizier/Ursula/Soldier/Soloist | Ava Hoffman |
| Djinn/Monkey/Maleficent | Kylie Hoffman |
| Ja’far | Ryan McNeely |
| Princess | Alyssa Sehn |
| Gazeem/Dalmatian/Soldier/Breadseller | Izzy Spagnoli |
| Sherrezade | Abigail Sullivan |
| Aladdin | Jessica Tamari |
| Stagecrew Guy/Abdul/Baful/Guard/Carpet | James White |
| Captain/Scar/Old Man | Jonathan Wu |
| Sultan/Bird/Gaston/Soldier | Ben Zar |
| Special Appearance as Cruella DeVille | Nina Zar |
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 10 and 11 at 8:00 p.m.
It’s early 1941, and Mortimer Brewster is living a happy life: he has a steady job at a prominent New York newspaper, he’s just become engaged, and he gets to visit his sweet old aunts to announce the engagement. Mortimer always knew that his family had a bit of an odd streak — his brother believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt — but his world is turned upside down when he realizes that his dear aunts have been poisoning lonely old men for years and having “Teddy” bury them in the basement! When Mortimer’s other brother, Jonathan (a Frankenstein-faced serial killer) returns on the night that the aunts were planning to bury the newest victim, Mortimer must rally to help his aunts and protect his fiancé Elaine — all while trying to keep his own sanity, as well.
• Directed by Adi Elkarat
• Produced by Talia Elyaho
• Set Design by Britt Trachtenberg
• Costume Design by El Schader
• Technical Consultant, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Officer Brophy | Sherlyn Dominguez |
| Jonathan Brewster | Gal Elkarat |
| Elaine Harper | Talia Elyaho |
| Mortimer Brewster | Sam Friedmann |
| Aunt Martha Brewster | Anna Goldman |
| Mr. Gibbs | Clara Goldman |
| Officer Klein | Kylie Hoffman |
| Mr. Witherspoon | Emily Hyman |
| Dr. Einstein | Adam Schiff |
| Teddy Brewster | Ben Pitt Stoller |
| Reverend Harper | El Schader |
| Lieutenant Rooney | Jessica Tamari |
| Officer O’Hara | Ben Zar |
| Aunt Abby Brewster | Nina Zar |
PRESENTED FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 & 23, LIVE OUTDOORS AND ONLINE
Ben Zar’s original play IN SPITE OF YOU is subtitled “The Great American Juggling Story Nobody Knew They Never Didn’t Not Want.” It concerns what happens when a boy learns to juggle and subsequently, learns to love. It’s a play for anyone with a dream, with family issues, or anyone who’s ever just wanted to run away and join the circus.
• Written & Directed by Ben Zar
• Produced by Nina Zar
• Set Design by Britt Trachtenberg
• Costume Design by Leah Schader & Julia Chan
• Technical Consultant, Tyler “Lighting Lorax” Hakimian of the Elder Wood
• Publicity Art/Poster/Program by Nina Zar
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Julia Chan | Priscilla Smith/Teacher |
| Kylie Hoffman | TikToker/Stage Crew |
| Mar Jacobi | TikToker |
| David Kagan | Randy |
| Leah Schader | Susen |
| Adam Schiff | Paul Smith |
| Jessica Tamari | TikToker/Stage Crew |
| Britt Trachtenberg | John Smith |
| Chengguo Wei | Scooter |
| Jonathan Wu | Richard Smith |
| Julia Yaeger | TikToker |
| Maurice Zalta | Amour-Bid |
| Ben Zar | Paul’s Juggling Double |
| Nina Zar | Marie |
Presented outdoors behind the Library, THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 13 & 14 at 6:00 p.m.
We returned to live, in-person theatre with Shakespeare’s timeless comedy! Once upon a summer evening, four young lovers flee into a forest. Elsewhere in the forest is a group of workers struggling to rehearse a terrible play. What none of them know is that this enchanted woodland is home to the always-fighting king and queen of the fairies, and an array of mythical creatures, including one particular prank-loving imp named Puck. When fairies and humans meet, there’s magic, mayhem and mistaken identity – but in the end, everyone’s lives are transformed in strange and wonderful ways. We updated the classic tale with an LGBTQ+ twist and a modern sense of great deal of humor, setting it all to a jazzy original score.
- Directed by Nina Zar
- Original Music & Production Artwork by Adam Schiff
- Costume Design by Ava Hoffman
- Makeup Design by Maurice Zalta
- Hair Design by Anna Goldman
- Sound Operators, Leah Schader & Qu
- Choreography by Emely Renteria
- Technical Consultant, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
The Royals
| Theseus, Duke of Athens | BEN PITT STOLLER |
| Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons | SHIRA LICHTER |
| Egeus, father to Hermia | DAVID KAGAN |
| Philostrate, master of the revels | VALERIE VARKONYI |
The Lovers
| Hermia, in love with Lysander | LIZZIE SOKOLOVA |
| Lysander, in love with Hermia | CLARA GOLDMAN |
| Demetrius, in love with Hermia | MAVERICK WILLIAMS |
| Helenus, in love with Demetrius | JESSICA TAMARI |
The Players
| Nick Bottom, a weaver (Pyramus) | BEN ZAR |
| Peter Quince, a carpenter (Prologue) | JONATHAN WU |
| Frances Flute, a bellows-mender (Thisbe) | TALIA ELYAHO |
| Robin Starveling, a tailor (Moonshine) | KYLIE HOFFMAN |
| Tom Snout, a tinker (Wall) | KATIE WANG |
| Snug, a joiner (Lion) | ALIZA FINE |
The Fairies
| Puck, a hobgoblin | ANNA GOLDMAN |
| Oberon, King of the Fairies | MAURICE ZALTA |
| Titania, Queen of the Fairies | EMELY RENTERIA |
| Peaseblossom, a fairy | AVA HOFFMAN |
| Mustardseed, a fairy | EVA CORRALES |
| Cobweb, a fairy | VALERIE VARKONYI |
| Jasmine, a fairy | MARISA LEVINE |
| Dill, a fairy | KEVIN WANG |
| Basil, a fairy | SOPHIA KUANG |
| Clove, a fairy | SARAH MUNSON |
Presented LIVE ONLINE – THURSDAY & FRIDAY, APRIL 29 & 30 at 8:00 p.m. and SATURDAY, MAY 1 at 4:00 p.m.
Originally Adapted and Produced for the stage by Theatre BAM from the series created by George Newall and Tom Yohe, based on an idea by David McCall
Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle Hall
Music & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! is based on the classic 1970s ABC-TV cartoon series which transformed lessons in math, science, grammar and history into fun and catchy songs remembered by generations of kids. It includes all your favorite “Schoolhouse Rock” tunes, including “Conjunction Junction,” “I’m Just a Bill,” “Three is a Magic Number,” “Interplanet Janet” and more! We turned it into a visually exciting and family-friendly evening of Zoom theatre featuring choreography, digital art, animation and puppetry.
- Directed & Choreographed by Ava Hoffman & Britt Trachtenberg
- Musical Direction by Samuel Calto
- Produced by Nina Zar
- Virtual Set and Artwork Design by Maurice Zalta
- Costume, Makeup & Hair Design by Leah Schader
- Puppets Created by Kylie Hoffman & Shana Litt
- Pre-Taped Musical Numbers Edited by Sam Friedmann & Qu
- Master Control Operator, Billy Miecuna
- Technical Consultant, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Aliza Fine | Tom |
| Kylie Hoffman | George |
| Leah Schader | Dina |
| Daliah Segal | Dori |
| Jessica Tamari | Joe |
| Jonathan Wu | The Boy |
| Nina Zar | Shulie |
Presented LIVE ONLINE – THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY| January 14, 15 and 16, 2021 at 8:00 p.m.
SHEAMUS’S TRAGEDY is a short original comedy about teenagers Adam and Michelle Scott, who tell a series of lies to explain their mother’s absence to their father Sheamus after he gets home from a long day of work. When their lies are proven false, they are left with nothing else to tell but the truth — which Sheamus also finds unbelievable. So the teens must resort to lying once more…to get their father to believe the truth. A “Next Stage” Production, created independently by students with Levels as co-producer and advisor.
- Written & Directed by Britt Trachtenberg
- Poster Design by Nina Zar
- Virtual Backgrounds & Sound Effects by Britt Trachtenberg
- Master Control Operator, Billy Miecuna
The Cast
| Sheamus Scott | Ben Zar |
| Michelle Scott | Leah Schader |
| Adam Scott | Jonathan Wu |
| Mom/TV Announcer | Nina Zar |
| Mr. Charles Ruben | Britt Trachtenberg* |
Presented LIVE ONLINE – THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY| DECEMBER 3, 4 and 5, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.
Qui Nguyen’s virtual play is a coming-of-age story about high school cheerleader Agnes Evans, who is dealing with the death of her 15-year-old sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she stumbles into a fantasy adventure in the imaginary gaming world that was Tilly’s refuge. In the game, Agnes encounters homicidal fairies, gamer-bro demons, five-headed dragons – and the truth about Tilly’s secret life and love.
- Directed by Leah Schader
- Produced by Aliza Fine & Maurice Zalta
- Original Music by Samuel Calto
- Virtual Set Design & Choreography by Britt Trachtenberg
- Costume Design by Gabriella Lopez & Nina Zar
- Master Control Operator, Billy Miecuna
- Technical Consultant, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
- Screenshare Operator, Ben Pitt Stoller
- Music Operator, Leah Schader
The Cast
| Narrator | Emily Hyman |
| Agnes Evans | Tiana Newman |
| Tilly Evans/Tillius | Tals Elyaho |
| Chuck Biggs | Jessica Tamari |
| Vera | Kylie Hoffman |
| Miles | Samuel Calto |
| Lilith/Lilly | Nina Zar |
| Kaliope/Kelly | Gabriella Lopez |
| Orcus/Ronnie | Sam Friedmann |
| The Great Mage Steve | Ben Pitt Stoller |
| Farrah the Faerie | Daliah Segal |
| Evil Tina | Britt Trachtenberg |
| Evil Gabbi | Giana Colombo |
Presented LIVE ONLINE – THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY| AUGUST 13, 14 and 15, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.
The Quaran-Teen Short Play Festival featured ten original short plays by students livestreamed directly to audiences at home, as they performed the plays live over Zoom in their own homes. It was an amazing blend of technology and art, and an innovative way to allow theatre to continue in these difficult times. The plays covered subjects that include families in quarantine, the founding fathers, an unlikely hero’s journey, teen romance, cults, mimes, cosmetics, astronomy, babies – and even an original short musical!
- Produced by Nina Zar
- Master Control Operator, Billy Miecuna
- Costume Design by Maurice Zalta & Nina Zar
ARNOLD & HIS IRRATIONAL HATRED OF MIMES, written & directed by Kylie Hoffman
| Nina Zar | Arnold |
| Willie Benjamin | Michael |
| Jessica Tamari | Rosy |
| Maurice Zalta | Bobo the Mime |
THE TALE OF TWO BROTHERS, written & directed by Willie Benjamin
| Jack Brenner | Cody |
| Adam Schiff | Trevor |
| Daliah Segal | Mom |
| Jonathan Wu | Dad |
| Aliza Fine | Grandma |
| Kylie Hoffman | Narrator |
THE MONSTER, written & directed by Willie Benjamin
| Sarah Munson | Narrator |
TYRANNOSAURUS ROB (prerecorded), written by Rebecca Hirschhorn, directed by Barry Weil
| Britt Trachtenberg | Tyrannosaurus Rob |
MADAME BUTTERFLY LOVE SCANDALS, written & directed by Britt Trachtenberg
| Kylie Hoffman | Hope |
| Jack Brenner | Max |
| Leah Schader | Hope’s Mom |
| Maurice Zalta | Max’s Mom |
THE BROWN SHOES: THE PREQUEL, written & directed by Ava Hoffman, based on characters created by Julie Jensen
| Aliza Fine | Deena |
| Brenner Yellis | Mark |
| Britt Trachtenberg | Skylar |
| Nina Zar | Leader |
| Samuel Calto | Edmund |
| Adam Schiff | Theodore |
BONUS CACTUS, written & directed by Ben Pitt Stoller
| Kylie Hoffman | Bonus Cactus |
| Jessica Tamari | Admiral Grain |
| Shira Lichter | Wise Carrot |
| Daliah Segal | The Perilous Parchment |
FAMILY ROOTS, written by Jolie Nassi, directed by Kylie Hoffman
| Ava Hoffman | Nancy |
| Aliza Fine | Kate |
| Britt Trachtenberg | Dave |
| Jack Brenner | Jerry |
THE SHOT, written and directed by Tals Elyaho
| Willie Benjamin | Alexander Hamilton |
| Samuel Calto | Aaron Burr |
| Leah Schader | Elizabeth “Eliza” Schuyler Hamilton |
| Daliah Segal | Angelica Schuyler Church |
LET IT BRIE (prerecorded), written and directed by Jack Brenner
| Jack Brenner | Cheesy G |
MARTHA WASHINGTON’S PERFECT BRAID (prerecorded), written and directed by Shirel Shivamehr
| Shirel Shivamehr | Martha, Kitty, Lucy and George |
STARGAZERS: THE TEASER, book, lyrics and music by Samuel Calto, directed by Samuel Calto & Adi Elkarat
The Cast
| Jack Brenner | Scott |
| Sarah Munson | Valerie |
| Nina Zar | Phoebe |
| Shira Lichter | Amy |
| Jessica Tamari | Ben |
| Joel Orquera | Mr. Collins |
| Ava Hoffman | Diana |
| Adam Schiff | Martin |
The Musicians
| Samuel Calto | Piano & Keyboard |
| Preston Chan | Tuba |
| Shira Lichter | Violin |
| Berk Soykan | Bass |
| Omeed Tartak | Trombone |
Book by Karey Kirkpatrick & John O’Farrell
Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick & Karey Kirkpatrick
Conceived by Karey Kirkpatrick & Wayne Kirkpatrick
SOMETHING ROTTEN! Takes place in 1590s London, where playwriting brothers Nick & Nigel Bottom are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star, William Shakespeare. When a local soothsayer predicts that the future of theater involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical (and Levels learns how to do our first-ever quarantine show)!
- Directed by Anna Goldman
- Musical Direction by Samuel Calto
- Choreography by Kate Smolens
- Produced by Ava Hoffman
- Scenic Design by Britt Trachtenberg
- Costume Design by Clara Goldman, Maurice Zalta & Nina Zar
- Makeup Design by Aliza Fine & Hannah Romano
- Technical Director, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
- Selected Musical Sequences Edited by Sam Friedmann
The Cast
| Sam Friedmann | Nick Bottom |
| Jack Brenner | Nigel Bottom |
| Kylie Hoffman | William Shakespeare |
| Samantha Raic | Bea Bottom |
| Jolie Nassi | Portia |
| Sarah Munson | Nostradamus |
| Maurice Zalta | Brother Jeremiah |
| Nina Zar | Shylock |
| Safiya Hamdani | Robin & others |
| Gabriella Lopez | Master of Justice & others |
| Ugin Sun | Peter Quince & others |
| Britt Trachtenberg | Snug & others |
| Katie Wang | Minstrel & others |
| Kevin Wang | Lord Clapham & others |
| Clara Goldman | Sad Little Egg |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY| DECEMBER 19, 20 and 21, 2019 at 8:00 p.m.
It’s the ORIGINAL “play that goes wrong!” Called “the funniest farce ever written” by the New York Daily News, Noises Off follows a luckless theatre troupe who are trying to stage the stereotypical British comedy Nothing On. The only trouble is, they can’t get through more than a page of dialogue without losing contact lenses, dropping their trousers, falling down the stairs, threatening each other with an axe, gluing themselves to a plate of sardines or accidentally sitting on a cactus. Throw in an unusual amount of backstage infighting, sleep deprivation, romantic confusion and unnecessary method-acting — and well, it’s easy to see why the director of Nothing On is teetering on the brink of insanity. Performed on a two-level rotating set that allows you to view part of the show from the front and then watch one hilariously frantic act from backstage, Noises Off is a slapstick masterpiece that has had audiences falling off their chairs in hysterics from London, to Broadway, Hollywood and all around the world — if you like to laugh, you won’t want to miss it!
- Written by Michael Frayn
- Directed by Adi Elkarat
- Produced by Aliza Fine
- Set Design by Britt Trachtenberg
- Costume Design by Nina Zar
- Lighting & Set Construction by Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
- Assistant Set Construction, Jake Meehan
- Makeup & Hair Design by Hannah Romano
- Publicity Art by Maurice Zalta
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
| Gal Elkarat | Tim (the stage manager) |
| Sam Friedmann | Garry (who plays the role of Roger) |
| Anna Goldman | Brooke (who plays the role of Vicki) |
| Clara Goldman | Belinda (who plays the role of Flavia) |
| Ava Hoffman | Poppy (the assistant stage manager) |
| Adam Schiff | Freddie (who plays the roles of Philip and the Sheikh) |
| Maurice Zalta | Selsdon (who plays the role of the Burglar) |
| Nina Zar | Dotty (who plays the role of Mrs. Clackett) |
| Kaiming Zhang | Lloyd (the director) |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY | AUGUST 8, 9 and 10 at 8:00 p.m.
This magnificently macabre musical comedy is based on the sinister characters created by darkly hilarious cartoonist Charles Addams (and adapted many times for TV and movies): Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Grandma, Lurch and more. In the kooky, spooky, upside-down world of the Addams family, a grave crisis is brewing. It is every father’s worst nightmare… but in reverse. Daughter Wednesday, the ultimate Princess of Darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a “normal” young man, Lucas Beineke, from a quite respectable Ohio family — not even remotely fiendish. Worse, the romance seems to have turned the steadfastly gloomy Addams girl downright cheery, leaving her family very worried and distressed. Comic chaos reigns when they host a dinner for Wednesday’s new boyfriend and his parents so they can become better acquainted with the entire Addams family.
Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Based on characters created by Charles Addams
- Directed by Rebecca Hirschhorn
- Choreography by Daisy Korman
- Vocal Direction by Samuel Calto
- Produced by Emma Young
- Set Design by Britt Trachtenberg
- Costume Design by Nina Zar
- Prop & Puppet Design by Shana Litt & Molly Racsko
- Lighting Design/Set Construction by Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
- Makeup & Hair Design by Hannah Romano
- Assistant Makeup & Hair, Aliza Fine
The Cast
| Emely Renteria | Gomez Addams |
| Faith Mosley | Morticia Addams |
| Adam Schiff | Uncle Fester Addams |
| Jacqueline Park | Wednesday Addams |
| Aiden Cho | Pugsley Addams |
| Anna Goldman | Grandma Addams / The Moon |
| Kevin Wang | Lurch |
| Clara Goldman | Lucas Beineke |
| Samuel Calto | Mal Beineke |
| Nina Zar | Alice Beineke |
| Ava Hoffman | Spanish Inquisitor Ancestor |
| Kylie Hoffman | Three-Eyed Ancestor |
| Shira Lichter | Salem Witch Ancestor |
| Kajal Ramphul | Aviator Ancestor |
| Britt Trachtenberg | Outlaw Ancestor |
| Katie Wang | Pirate Ancestor |
| Marvin Williams | Mummy Ancestor / Thing |
| Alyssa Wong | Flapper Ancestor |
| Nathan Rodriguez, Aliza Fine, Anna Goldman, Marvin Williams | Stage Crew |
The Musicians
| Preston Chan | Tuba |
| Nina Phillips, Chloe Zhou | Violin |
| Hani Kang | Bass |
| Jonathan Kirshner | Trumpet |
| Cyrus Moussavi, Elaine Zhang | Keyboard |
| Kate Smolens | Flute |
| Freddy Sion | Clarinet |
| Omeed Tartak | Euphonium |
| Matt Fisher | Percussion |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY | MAY 16, 17 and 18 at 8:00 p.m.
In the Tony Award–winning musical Pippin, a mysterious troupe of players, acrobats and circus artists tell the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory?
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
- Directed by Barry Weil
- Choreography by Kate Smolens
- Musical Direction by Omeed Tartak
- Set Design by Ava Hoffman
- Costume Design by Nina Zar
- Lighting Design/Set Construction by Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
- Assistant Set Construction, Jake Meehan
- Makeup Design by Hannah Romano
- Publicity Art by Sarah Smith
The Cast
| Aliza Fine | The Leading Player |
| Achintyaa Gupta | Pippin, son of Charlemagne |
| Allison Fuller | Catherine, a widow |
| Jack Brenner | King Charlemagne |
| Emely Renteria | Fastrada, Charlemagne’s second wife |
| Ryan McNeely | Lewis, Fastrada’s son |
| Britt Trachtenberg | Berthe, Pippin’s grandmother / Player with Fire |
| Kenneth Lee | Theo, Catherine’s son / Manson Trio Dancer |
| Adi Elkarat | Player / Noble / Manson Trio Dancer |
| Katie Wang | Player / The Head / Peasant |
| Kevin Wang | Player / Otto the Duck / Peasant |
The Musicians
| Omeed Tartak | Conductor |
| Samuel Calto, Jason Thomas | Keyboard |
| Nina Phillips | Violin |
| Freddy Sion | Clarinet |
| Alice Yang | Drums |
It came back AGAIN in Winter 2018!
a festival of…
SHORT PLAYS • ONE-ACTS • MONOLOGUES
SCENES • SKETCHES • SHORT STORY ADAPTATIONS
and ORIGINAL WORK BY STUDENTS!!!
PENNY THUNDERMUFFIN’S WEEKLY VISIT TO DOCTOR DAVE’S DOCTOR’S OFFICE, written and directed by Riley Boker
| Sarah Smith | Penny Thundermuffin |
| Brenner Yellis | Doctor Dave |
THE BROWN SHOES by Julie Jensen; directed by Ava Hoffman
| Britt Trachtenberg | Steph |
| Aliza Fine | Deena |
| Brenner Yellis | Mark |
TAKING A CHANCE, written and directed by Nikki Kobrick
| Adi Elkarat | Therapist |
| Samuel Calto | Silas Wilton |
UNTITLED, written and directed by Adi Elkarat
| Katie Wang | Lilianne |
| Jack Brenner | Christian |
| Kevin Wang | The Seer |
THE PROFESSIONAL, written and directed by Nivi Chandran
| Tyler Brechner | Mark |
| Aliza Fine | Ms. Johnson |
| Samuel Calto | David |
| Britt Trachtenberg | Mrs. Peterson |
TIME FLIES by David Ives, directed by Aliza Fine
| Brenner Yellis | Horace |
| Katie Wang | May |
| Kevin Wang | Frog |
| Jack Brenner | Sir David Attenborough |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 9, 10 & 11
at 8:00 p.m.
Winner of five Tony Awards, The Drowsy Chaperone is a comic love letter to old-fashioned musicals and the people who adore them. The show begins in the apartment of a fanatically devoted musical theatre fan, who insists on playing us the record album of his favorite (fictional) 1928 musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. The show comes to life in his apartment as he wryly comments on the music, story, and actors. The play-within-a-play features two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess who plays the ukulele, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a confused Casanova, a dizzy chorus girl, an intoxicated chaperone, and a daring aviatrix in an airplane bound for Rio De Janeiro.
Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison
Directed by Elaine Zhang
Choreography by Jonelle Robinson
Associate Choreographer, Kate Smolens
Musical Direction by Elaine Zhang
Artistic Producer, Phoebe Gordon
Financial Producer, Joy Chang
Set Design by Simona Fine
Costume Design by Rebecca Hirschhorn
Lighting Designer/Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Makeup & Hair Design by Rayna Cooke & Aliza Fine
Prop Designer, Julian Malater
Associate Prop Designer, Spencer Berman
THE CAST
| Phoebe Gordon | Man in Chair |
| Rayna Cooke | Mrs. Tottendale |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Underling |
| Christopher Chang, Kevin Wang | Waiters |
| Katie Wang | Maid |
| ZB Senft | Robert Martin |
| Molly Racsko | George |
| Sam Calto | Mr. Feldzieg |
| Simona Fine | Kitty |
| Kate Smolens | Gangster #1 |
| Adam Schiff | Gangster #2 |
| Spencer Berman | Aldolpho |
| Faith Mosley | Janet Van De Graaf |
| Daisy Korman | The Drowsy Chaperone |
| Joy Chang | Trix the Aviatrix |
| Kevin Wang, Katie Wang | Journalists |
| Spencer Berman, Joy Chang, Rayna Cooke | Synchronized Swimmers |
| Christopher Chang | Fanboy |
| Kevin Wang | Gorilla |
| Christopher Chang, Joy Chang, Katie Wang, Patrick Gorilla | Monkeys |
| Christopher Chang | Superintendent |
THE MUSICIANS
| Preston Chan | Trumpet |
| Daniel Chitsaz | Saxophone |
| Sara Chitsaz | Flute, Percussion |
| Matt Fisher | Percussion |
| Jonathan Kirschner | Trumpet |
| Freddy Sion | Clarinet, Bass Clarinet |
| Berk Soykan | Bass |
| Omeed Tartak | Euphonium |
| Jason Thomas | Piano |
FRIDAY • SATURDAY
JUNE 8 & 9
at 8:00 p.m.
THE PROPOSAL is a one-act play about a nervous young man who comes to propose to his neighbor’s daughter. Instead of making the proposal, the two young people get involved in comic arguments. The young man leaves, the girl goes into hysterics until the father goes after the young man, who returns. He finally proposes, she accepts, and the two go on fighting.
Written by Anton Chekhov
Translated by Paul Schmidt
Directed by Rebecca Hirschhorn
Publicity Artist, Rebecca Hirschhorn
Costume Designer, Rebecca Hirschhorn
Set Designer, Rebecca Hirschhorn
Producers, Kate Smolens & Rebecca Hirschhorn
Choreographer, Sam Calto
Animal Trainer, Aaron Young
Set Construction, Sam Calto
Lighting Design, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
THE CAST
| Sam Calto | Stepan Stepanich Chubukov, a landowner |
| Daisy Korman | Natalya Stepanovna (Natasha), his daughter |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Ivan Vassilievich Lomov, their neighbor |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
MAY 31, JUNE 1 & JUNE 2
at 8:00 p.m.
CLUE: The Musical is an all-singing, all-dancing version of the classic Parker Brothers board game, featuring the world’s best-known murder suspects – Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. White. It’s also an interactive theatre experience where the audience is invited to solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room and with what weapon. With 216 possible endings, it’s a different show every night!
Book by Peter DePietro
Lyrics by Tom Chiodo
Music by Galen Blum, Wayne Barker & Vinnie Martucci
Based on the Board Game by Parker Brothers
Directed by Barry Weil
Choreography by Kate Smolens
Produced by Tyler Brechner
Financial Producer, Joy Chang
Set Design by Molly Racsko
Costume Design by Rebecca Hirschhorn
Lighting Designer/Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Makeup & Hair Design by Rayna Cooke & Daisy Korman
Publicity Artist / Stage Manager, Aliza FIne
Assistant Stage Manager, Xander Marra
THE CAST
| Julian Malater | Mr. Boddy |
| Jack Brenner | Professor Plum |
| Joy Chang | Miss Scarlet |
| Sara Chitsaz | Mr. Green |
| Simona Fine | Mrs. Peacock |
| Phoebe Gordon | Colonel Mustard |
| Sara Rafaeil | Mrs. White |
| Dana Kagan | The Detective |
| Kevin Wang | The Devil |
| Aliza Fine, Xander Marra | Demons / Stage Crew |
THE MUSICIANS
| Ryan He | Keyboard |
| Katherine Wang | Keyboard |
| Elaine Zhang | Keyboard |
| Shokrian | Drums |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
DECEMBER 14, 15 and 16
at 8:00 p.m.
Oscar Wilde’s only novel tells the strange tale of Dorian Gray, a young and handsome man who poses for a portrait painted by his friend, the artist Basil Hallward. Through Basil, Dorian has met the decadent Lord Henry Wotton, who convinces him that beauty and pleasure are the only things worth pursuing. Frightened that his own beauty will someday fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that his portrait will grow old instead of him. The wish is granted, and Dorian leads a wicked life, staying young and handsome while everyone around him grows older; but his portrait, hidden away, ages and grows monstrous, recording every sin he commits and every life he ruins, always reminding Dorian what he really is inside. Wilde’s themes of youth and decay, innocence and corruption, art and reality are even more relevant in the 21st century than they were when the novel was published in 1890. This stage adaptation, by Merlin Holland (Wilde’s grandson) and John O’Connor, incorporates material that Wilde was forced to remove from his original manuscript.
From the novel by Oscar Wilde
Adapted for the Stage by Merlin Holland & John O’Connor
Directed by Julian Malater
Produced by Kate Smolens
Costume Design by Samantha Durham
Lighting Design by Tyler Brechner
Makeup Design by Rayna Cooke
Set Design & Portraits by Barry Weil
Sound Design by Matt Fisher
Head of Construction/Lighting Operator, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
THE CAST
| Sara Chitsaz | Dorian Gray |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Lord Henry Wotton |
| Sara Rafaeil | Basil Hallward |
| Simona Fine | Sibyl Vane, Hetty Merton |
| Tyler Brechner | Servant 1, Opium Seller |
| Jack Brenner | Mrs. Vane, Victor |
| Sara Fiala | Servant 2, Head Keeper |
| Aliza Fine | Lady Henry, James Vane |
| Allison Fuller | Duchess of Harley, Mrs. Leaf |
| Ava Hoffman | Mr. Isaacs, Duchess of Monmouth |
| Kevin Wang | Mr. Hubbard, Adrian Singleton |
| Brenner Yellis | Lady Agatha, Alan Campbell |
| Sara Fiala, Allison Fuller, Xander Marra, Veronica Poenca | Servants/Stage Crew |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 10, 11 & 12
at 8:00 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof is a beloved classic, and strangely enough, this is the first time we’ve ever done it! The year is 1905, in the Russian Jewish village of Anatevka, where everyone lives according to the traditions of the past. But times have begun to change. Tevye, the simple, hardworking dairyman, must decide what to do when his daughters wish to marry for love rather than have the village’s matchmaker choose their husbands for them. Each choice his children make pushes Tevye farther from what his heart and his religion will allow. And there are darker things on the horizon – it is rumored that Jews have begun to be forced from their villages by the Russian authorities. Somehow, Tevye and his neighbors must redefine themselves and find a place in this new and different world, where their existence feels as shaky as…well, as a fiddler on the roof.
Book by Joseph Stein
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories by permission of Arnold Perl
Directed by Sara Chitsaz
Choreography by Daisy Korman
Musical Direction by Elaine Zhang
Produced by Kate Smolens & Joy Chang
Set Design by Simona Fine
Costume Design by Rebecca Hirschhorn
Lighting Design by Tyler Brechner
Makeup Design by Rayna Cooke
Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
THE CAST
| Zachary Lee | Tevye, the dairyman |
| Molly Racsko | Golde, his wife |
| Daisy Korman | Tzeitel, their oldest daughter |
| Rayna Cooke | Hodel, their second daughter |
| Lucia Geng | Chava, their third daughter |
| Katie Wang | Shprintze, their fourth daughter |
| Evelyn Kim | Bielke, their youngest daughter |
| Justin Wooster | Motel, the tailor |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Perchik, the student |
| Dana Kagan | Yente, the matchmaker |
| Spencer Berman | Lazar Wolf, the butcher |
| Aaron Young | The Constable |
| Alex Mousazadeh | Mordcha, the innkeeper |
| Julian Malater | The Rabbi |
| Adam Schiff | Mendel, the Rabbi’s son |
| Ava Hoffman | Shaindel, Motel’s mother |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Fyedka, a Russian |
| Aaron Young | Sasha, his friend |
| Lucia Geng | Grandma Tzeitel, Golde’s late grandmother |
| Rayna Cooke | Fruma-Sarah, Lazar Wolf’s late wife |
| Ethan Elgadeh | Shlomo, a yeshiva boy |
| Kevin Wang | Moishe, a yeshiva boy |
| Elana Xu | The Fiddler |
| Jamie Fleshel, Kate Smolens | Russian Soldiers / Stage Crew |
| Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian | Stage Crew |
THE MUSICIANS
| Sara Chitsaz | Flute |
| William Huang | Trumpet |
| Hani Kang | Bass |
| Ethan Ng | Keyboard |
| Freddy Sion | Clarinet |
| Omeed Tartak | Euphonium |
| Elana Xu | Violin |
| Elaine Zhang | Piano |
| Matt Fisher | Percussion |
a festival of…
SHORT PLAYS • ONE-ACTS • MONOLOGUES
SCENES • SKETCHES • SHORT STORY ADAPTATIONS
and ORIGINAL WORK BY STUDENTS!!!
UNTITLED, written and directed by Simona Fine
| Nina Phillips | Camera 1 |
| Kate Smolens | Camera 2 |
LOST IN TRANSLATION, written and directed by Rayna Cooke
| ZB Senft | Molly |
| Simona Fine | Francoise |
| Sara Chitsaz | Francois & Guy |
PIZZA TOWN by Mikey Day & Streeter Seidell; directed by Phoebe Gordon
| imona Fine | Carozzi |
| Kate Smolens | Cop #1 |
| Sara Chitsaz | Cop #2 |
| Nina Phillips | Peppy Ronnie |
| ZB Senft | Chef Jeff |
| Sara Rafaeil | Cheese Louise |
| Aliza Fine | Mary Nara |
PACKING FOR MARS, written and directed by Adam Sanders, based LOOSELY on the book by Mary Roach
| Shana Litt | Mary Roach |
| Aliza Fine | Dr. Patel |
| Nina Phillips | Dr. Jacobs |
| Adam Sanders | Tom Fieldston |
| Sara Chitsaz | Elizabeth Jacobs |
| Sara Rafaeil | Arlette Moreau |
| Rayna Cooke | Vladimir Notputin |
| Phoebe Gordon, Adam Sanders | Guards |
THE SIRI STORY, written by Nikki Kobrick & Aliza Fine; directed by Aliza Fine
| Sara Rafaeil | Lana |
| Phoebe Gordon | Jessica |
| ZB Senft | Dad |
| Aliza Fine | Mom |
| Nina Phillips | Lindsey & Hooded Figure |
| Shana Litt | Angelica |
CRUCIBLE CAST PARTY,
written by the Saturday Night Live writing staff with Lin-Manuel Miranda;
directed by Simona Fine & Rayna Cooke
| ZB Senft | Aidy |
| Sara Chitsaz | Zachary Marchelli |
| Daisy Korman | Kate |
| Simona Fine | Cecily |
| Phoebe Gordon | Melissa |
| Nina Phillips | Vanessa |
| Rayna Cooke | Cody Shuck |
| Aliza Fine | Alex Bard |
| Sara Rafaeil | Mikey Mazzerino |
| Kate Smolens | Cody’s Mom |
…and featuring the following TRANSITIONAL PERFORMANCES…
| Daisy Korman | “La Vie en Rose” by Edith Piaf |
| ZB Senft and the voice of William Shatner | “Rocket Man” by Elton John & Bernie Taupin |
| Rayna Cooke | “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 2, 3 & 4
at 8:00 p.m.
(…back home at the
Levels Teen Center!!!)
Macbeth tells the tale of a beloved Scottish general who led his country to victory in war. But a prophecy from a trio of witches, combined with the manipulative words of his wife and his own self-doubt, transform Macbeth from an even-tempered man into a tyrannical monster who craves power for its own sake. Could it happen to any of us? This production explored just that with a production concept that was as unusual as it was convenient!
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Simona Fine
Set Design by Elaine Zhang
Costume Design by Aliza Fine
Makeup Design by Rayna Cooke & Phoebe Gordon
Lighting & Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Stage Crew/Asst. Construction, Ricky Cole
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Joy Chang | First Witch / Gentlewoman / Messenger |
| Sara Chitsaz | Third Witch / Doctor / Murderer |
| Rayna Cooke | Lady Macbeth |
| Adam Fazal | Lennox / Apparition / Messenger |
| Ali Fazal | Fleance / Angus / Son of Macduff |
| Simona Fine | Second Witch / Seyton / Murderer |
| Phoebe Gordon | Ross / Donalbain / Menteith / Apparition |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | King Duncan / Siward |
| Zachary Lee | Macbeth |
| Nina Phillips | Macduff / Sergeant / Apparition |
| Kate Smolens | Malcolm / Porter / Lady Macduff |
| Elana Xu | Banquo / Caithness |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 11, 12 & 13
at 8:00 p.m.
at the Great Neck North High School Commons
The year: 1931. The place: Berlin. Behind the doors of the notorious Kit Kat Klub, painted ladies (and painted gentlemen) sing and dance as though life were an endless party. But outside those doors, Nazis are marching in the streets, and the stage is being set for the horrors of the Third Reich.
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on “Goodbye to Berlin” by Christopher Isherwood
and “I am a Camera” by John van Druten
Directed by Violet Elizabeth
Choreography by Jonathan Schindler
Set Design by Ishaan Pathak
Costume Design by Rebecca Hirschhorn
Lighting Design by Tyler Brechner
Makeup Design by Rayna Cooke & Simona Fine
Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Poster & Publicity Art by Zachary Lee
THE CAST
| Zachary Lee | The Emcee |
| Daisy Korman | Sally Bowles |
| Emma Mogavero | Clifford Bradshaw / Kit Kat Girl Helga |
| Rayna Cooke | Ernst Ludwig / Kit Kat Girl Elsa |
| Molly Racsko | Fräulein Schneider / Kit Kat Girl Deidre |
| Steven Rodriguez | Herr Schultz / Kit Kat Boy Herman |
| Adi Sragovich | Fräulein Kost / Kit Kat Girl Frenchie |
| Alex Mousazadeh | Border Official / First Sailor / Kit Kat Boy Bobby |
| Ishaan Pathak | Second Sailor / Kit Kat Boy Victor |
| Sophie Baghdassarian | Party Guest / Kit Kat Girl Gretchen |
| Ricky Cole | Max, the club owner |
| Aliza Fine | Adelheide, the child |
| Kate Smolens, ZB Senft | Stage Crew |
THE MUSICIANS
| Sara Chitsaz | Flute |
| Scott Michael Levy | Saxophone |
| Jesse Racsko | Clarinet |
| Jonathan Souferian | Keyboard |
| Jason Thomas | Piano |
| Adam Hinz | Drums/Percussion |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
JUNE 2, 3 & 4
at 8:00 p.m.
at Saddle Rock Elementary School
Little Shop of Horrors is the story of Seymour Krelborn, a nerdy flower-shop employee on NYC’s Lower East Side who discovers a “strange and unusual” plant that brings him fame, fortune and the love of his sweet co-worker Audrey. Sounds good, right? The problem is that the plant eats people, grows bigger every time it eats, and isn’t shy about asking to be fed. Seymour soon realizes he’ll have to stop the botanical monstrosity before it takes over the world. This production (the FIFTH Little Shop in our history, BTW!) took a very different approach to the character of the man-eating plant (let’s face it, four sets of those puppets are enough)!
ook & Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Based on the film by Roger Corman
with screenplay by Charles Griffith
Directed by ZB Senft
Choreography by Violet Elizabeth
Set Design by Netanel Kohn
Costume Design by Rebecca Hirschhorn
“Audrey II” Design by Daisy Korman
Lighting Design by Accident
Associate Vocal Directors, Jonathan Schindler & Maureen Guy
Makeup Design by Rayna Cooke & Simona Fine
Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Stage Managers, Molly Racsko & Violet Elizabeth
Poster & Publicity Art by Elaine Zhang
THE CAST
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Seymour Krelborn |
| Maureen Guy | Audrey |
| Phoebe Gordon | Mr. Mushnik |
| Daisy Korman | “Audrey II,” the plant |
| Jonathan Schindler | Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. |
| Daniella Brancato | Crystal |
| Kate Smolens | Ronette |
| Ashley Yu | Chiffon |
| Alex Mousazadeh | Skip Snip / Wino / Ensemble |
| Lea Levi | Mrs. Luce / Patricia Martin / Trash Lady / Ensemble |
| Nina Phillips | Customer / Bag Lady / Radio DJ / Ensemble |
| Ricky Cole | Mr. Bernstein / Bum / Ensemble |
| ZB Senft | A Voice Not Unlike God’s |
THE MUSICIANS
| Sara Chitsaz | Flute |
| Scott Michael Levy | Saxophone |
| Molly Racsko | Saxophone |
| Jonathan Souferian | Keyboard |
| Elaine Zhang | Piano |
| Adam Hinz | Drums/Percussion |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
JANUARY 14, 15 & 16
at 8:00 p.m.
at Saddle Rock Elementary School
So you think YOUR family is weird? Meet the Sycamore family, who live by their own rules: Grandpa raises snakes and doesn’t pay taxes because he doesn’t believe in them; mom can’t decide whether to be a terrible playwright or a terrible painter; dad makes dangerous fireworks in the basement with a delivery man who stopped by to chat and stayed for eight years; daughter Essie is an awful ballerina with a screaming Russian dance teacher and a weird husband who can’t stop playing the xylophone. When “normal” daughter, Alice, wants to bring her boyfriend’s rich and conservative parents over for dinner to impress them, a hilarious disaster is in the making.
Written by Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman
Directed by Rebecca Hirschhorn
Produced by Elaine Zhang
Set Design by Max Cruz
Costume Design by Simona Fine
Makeup Design by Rayna Cooke
Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Lead Scenic Artist, Daisy Korman
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Joy Chang | Alice Sycamore |
| Sara Chitsaz | Miriam Kirby |
| Rayna Cooke | Gay Wellington / Wilbur C. Henderson |
| Max Cruz | Boris Kolenkhov |
| Simona Fine | Essie Carmichael |
| Phoebe Gordon | Rheba |
| Gabby Henderson | Paul Sycamore |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Donald / G-Man #2 |
| Alex Mousazadeh | Anthony Kirby Sr. |
| Ishaan Pathak | Mr. DePinna |
| Molly Racsko | Martin Vanderhof (Grandpa) |
| James Ryan III | Ed Carmichael |
| ZB Senft | Anthony Kirby, Jr. |
| Kate Smolens | Grand Duchess Olga Katrina / G-Man #1 |
| Elaine Zhang | G-Man #3 |
| Barry Weil | Standby for Mr. Mousazadeh |
WO one-act musicals in ONE evening!
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 11, 12 & 13
at 8:00 p.m.
in the Saddle Rock Elementary School Auditorium
FIRST UP:
MANHOLE! MANHOLE!
Manhole! Manhole! tells the tale of Billy, a young boy who falls into a manhole. People from all walks of life try to help him, but they also fall into the manhole and can’t get out. While wandering through the sewer, they discover an alligator with a tragic backstory. Eventually the group emerges from the White House toilet and encounter the President, who turns out to be Billy’s long-lost father. The alligator then decides to run for President himself.
Book & Lyrics by Solly Kasab & Zachary Lee
Music by Zachary Lee
Directed by Solly Kasab & Zachary Lee
Choreography by Julia Prager-Hessel
Produced by Peri Litt
Set Design by Spencer Berman & Aaron Young
Costume Design by David Epstein
Lighting Design by Aral Soykan
Alligator Film Sequence by Zachary Lee
THE CAST
| Omeed Tartak | Billy |
| Emma Young | Sally Sunshine |
| Nicole Cruz | Danni Downer |
| Ricky Cole | Garry Goofball |
| Janae B. Fouche | Jan Gallon |
| Benjamin Lesser | Monsieur Baguette |
| Aaron Young | Robbie the Robber |
| Ashley Schlusselberg | Officer O’Higgins |
| Berk Soykan | The Mayor / Presidential Advisor |
| Spencer Berman | General Store |
| Winston Riggs | Colonel Corn |
| Max Cruz | Corporal Punishment |
| Ishaan Pathak | Private Parts |
| Aral Soykan | The Narrator |
| Rachel Schlusselberg | Construction Worker / Presidential Advisor / Reporter |
| David Epstein | Jake / The Alligator |
| Solly Kasab | The Foreman / Secret Service Agent |
| Zachary Lee | Vladimir |
| Julia Prager-Hessel | Secret Service Agent |
| Justin Wooster | The President |
THE MUSICIANS
| David Elyaho | Violin |
| Solomon Elyaho | Bass Clarinet |
| Kris Bauman | Keyboard |
NEXT UP:
TROLL 2: THE MUSICAL PARODY!
A parody of the 1990 horror film Troll 2, often referred to as the “best worst movie” ever. Joshua and his family take a trip to the mysterious town of Nilbog (spell it backwards), which turns out to be inhabited by human-eating vegetarian goblins (NOT trolls) under the control of the evil sorceress Creedence Leonore Gielgud. Joshua must try to save his family and defeat the forces of evil with the help of his Grandpa Seth (who’s a ghost) and a double-decker baloney sandwich. This show was created by a large team of students as the final product of our Levels Make-a-Musical Workshop.
Book & Lyrics by Daisy Korman, Adi Sragovich, James Ryan III, Omeed Tartak, Jonathan Schindler, Nicole Cruz, ZB Senft, Max Cruz, Molly Racsko & The Levels Make-a-Musical Workshop
Music by Daisy Korman, Adi Sragovich, Omeed Tartak, Jonathan Schindler & Kris Bauman
Music Arranged by Kris Bauman
Based on a movie by Claudio Fragasso
Directed by Daisy Korman
Choreography by Molly Racsko
Produced by Peri Litt
Set Design by Spencer Berman & Aaron Young
Costume Design by David Epstein
Lighting Design by Aral Soykan
Original Goblin Dance Step by Jonathan Schindler
THE CAST
| Aryaman Bahri | Joshua Waits |
| David Epstein | Grandpa Seth |
| Nicole Cruz | Creedence Leonore Gielgud |
| Daisy Korman | Holly Waits |
| Zachary Lee | Elliot Cooper |
| Aaron Young | Michael Waits |
| Emma Young | Diana Waits |
| Spencer Berman | The Preacher / Goblin |
| Max Cruz | The Shopkeeper / Goblin |
| Ricky Cole | Sherriff Gene Freak / Goblin |
| Winston Riggs | Peter / Drew |
| Aral Soykan | Arnold |
| Janae B. Fouche | Mrs. Presents / Lovely Girl / Cindy / Goblin |
| Ishaan Pathak | “Crazy Eyes” Goblin |
THE MUSICIANS
| David Elyaho | Violin |
| Solomon Elyaho | Bass Clarinet |
| Kris Bauman | Keyboard |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY
MAY 21 & 22
at 8:00 p.m.
and
SATURDAY
MAY 23
at 2:00 p.m.
in the Saddle Rock Elementary School Auditorium
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 is NOT a musical, but it is a hilarious comedy-mystery set in the world of musical theatre. At a Westchester mansion filled with secret passages and revolving bookcases, the authors, director and cast of a new musical have assembled. Their goal: to try to convince the wealthy and eccentric Elsa von Grossenkneuten to bankroll their play. But there is one uninvited guest – the masked “Stage Door Slasher,” who is bent on murdering them one by one. No one is quite what he or she seems in this zany whodunit that will keep the audience guessing right up until the final moments.
Written by John Bishop
Directed by Noah Harouche
Assistant Director / Stage Manager, Shokrian
Produced by Elaine Zhang
Set Design by Tiffany McDowell
Costume Design by Rebecca Hirschhorn
Makeup & Hair Design by Adi Sragovich
Original Music by Max Manicone
THE CAST
| Valerie Currie | Bernice Roth |
| Jack Doremus | Patrick O’Reilly |
| Simona Fine | Helsa Wensel |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Marjorie Baverstock |
| Daisy Korman | Elsa von Grossenkneuten |
| Molly Racsko | Ken De La Maize |
| Freddy Sion | Michael Kelly |
| Adi Sragovich | Nikki Crandall |
| Sam Trollo | Roger Hopewell |
| Ben Weber | Eddie McCuen |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
JANUARY 15, 16 & 17
at 8:00 p.m.
in the Saddle Rock Elementary School Auditorium
Based on the Disney animated classic, The Little Mermaid tells the tale of Ariel, a teenage mermaid who doesn’t fit in with life under the sea, and has developed a strong fascination with the world of humans, including the young and unconventional Prince Eric. Ariel defies her father, King Triton, and makes a bargain with the dangerous sea witch Ursula for the ability to live on land. But at what cost? The Disney Theatrical Group chose Levels to join a select group of theatre companies who presented the first authorized amateur productions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, in order to help Disney prepare the show for future licensing to amateur groups. The experiences that each pilot group had in creating their productions was documented and is being used to help other community theatre groups find the best way to produce this show on a limited budget and amateur scale.
Book by Doug Wright
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Music by Alan Menken
Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen
and the Disney film directed by Ron Clements & John Musker
Directed by Jonathan Schindler
Choreography by Valerie Currie & Daisy Korman
Additional Choreography by Jasmine Krause
Produced by Adi Sragovich
Set Design by Shokrian & Elaine Zhang
Costume Design by Simona Fine & Rebecca Hirschhorn
Lighting Design by Lauren Brill
Prop Design by Max Cruz
Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Makeup Design by Elora Aclin
Projections Design by Netanel Kohn
THE CAST
| Christine Cimpian | Ariel, a mermaid |
| Adi Sragovich | Prince Eric |
| ZB Senft | Sebastian, a crab |
| Charlotte Simone | Scuttle, a seagull |
| James Ryan III | Flounder, a fish |
| Noah Harouche | King Triton, Ariel’s father |
| Jasmine Guillen | Ursula, the sea witch |
| Omeed Tartak | Grimsby, Eric’s guardian / Ensemble |
| Eyal Hakimi | Flotsam, an electric eel |
| Maureen Guy | Jetsam, an electric eel |
| Alexis Pramberger | Chef Louis |
| Sam Trollo | Windward, a trumpet fish / Chef / Ensemble |
| Aryaman Bahri | Leeward, a trumpet fish / Ensemble |
| Jasmine Krause | Aquata, Ariel’s sister / Ensemble |
| Valerie Currie | Andrina, Ariel’s sister / Ensemble |
| Daisy Korman | Arista, Ariel’s sister / Ensemble |
| Phoebe Gordon | Atina, Ariel’s sister / Ensemble |
| Nicole Cruz | Adella, Ariel’s sister / Ensemble |
| Ally Weber | Alanna, Ariel’s sister / Ensemble |
| Spencer Berman | Pilot / Chef / Ensemble |
| Alexandra De Sadow | Maid / Ensemble |
| Simona Fine | Maid / Ensemble |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | Maid / Ensemble |
| Nerissa Ng | Maid / Ensemble |
| Ricky Cole-Lauro | Chef / Ensemble |
| Max Cruz | Chef / Ensemble |
| Molly Racsko | Chef / Ensemble |
| Ben Weber | Chef / Ensemble |
THE MUSICIANS
| Thomas Chang | Trumpet |
| Lawrence Ho | Keyboard |
| Weiting Hong | Keyboard |
| Elaine Zhang | Keyboard |
| Esther Zhu | Violin |
| Kris Bauman | Piano |
FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 20 & 21
at 8:00 p.m.
Peter Pan & Wendy was student Sydney Klainberg’s unusual, psychological interpretation of J.M. Barrie’s classic novel about the boy who refused to grow up. It takes us into the mind of Wendy Darling, as she and her brothers use toys, bedsheets and other objects from their childhood to bring to life the magical terrain of Neverland and the pirates, mermaids and fairies that inhabit it.
Written by J.M. Barrie
Directed & Produced by Sydney Klainberg
Stage Manager, ZB Senft
Set Designer, James Kennedy
Makeup Designer, Jasmine Krause
Lighting Designer & Operator, Lauren Brill
Fight Captain, Nina Mor
Choreographer, Polina Pittell
THE CAST
| ZB Senft | Peter Pan |
| Jasmine Krause | Wendy |
| Russell Katz | Captain James Hook |
| Emi Schaufeld | Smee / Mr. Darling |
| Maddie Walker | Starkey / Mrs. Darling |
| Nicole Cruz | Curly |
| Elizabeth Guariglia | Tiger Lily / Liza / Mullins |
| Jasmine Guillen | John Darling / Slightly |
| Adi Sragovich | Michael Darling / Tootles |
| Barry Weil | Tinkerbell (light) |
| Sydney Klainberg | Tinkerbell (sound) |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 14, 15 & 16
at 8:00 p.m.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a hilarious, interactive whodunit mystery musical that allows the audience to enter the action and become the ultimate detectives. The show is based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name. In the small town of Chesterham, England, the young and charming Edwin Drood has been mysteriously murdered. But by whom? His leering romantic rival, John Jasper? The infamous purveyor of opium and vice, Princess Puffer? The mysterious Landless twins, newly arrived from Ceylon? Or someone else even more dastardly and villainous? Unfortunately, Dickens passed away before he was able to reveal the culprit. Rupert Holmes’ award-winning musical solves this predicament by asking the audience to vote on the identity of the killer! They also get to choose which character is behind the false beard of detective Dick Datchery, and finally, which two characters are united in love at the end of the play. The play is supposedly being performed in 1892 by the Music Hall Royale, a traveling Victorian theatre troupe full of just as many colorful characters as the roles they play!
Book, Music, Lyrics & Orchestrations by Rupert Holmes
Based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens
Directed by Sarah Schlenker
Choreography by Jonathan Schindler
Produced by Emi Schaufeld
Set Design by Becka Shaktman
Costume Design by Jasmine Krause
Lighting Design by Lauren Brill
Light Board Operator, Ali Walker
Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Makeup & Hair Design by Elora Aclin
“Opium Den Ballet” Choreographed by Polina Pittell
Improv Captain / Costuming Assistant, Adi Sragovich
Deputy Stage Manager, Solly Kasab
Additional Conceptual Design by Lorna Wade
THE CAST
| Nina Mor | Your Chairman, Mr. William Cartwright |
| Solly Kasab | Mr. James Throttle, Stage Manager |
| Richard Feder | Mr. Clive Paget, as John Jasper |
| Charlotte Simone | Miss Alice Nutting, as Edwin Drood |
| Michelle Geffner | Miss Deidre Peregrine, as Rosa Bud |
| Sara Ann Gottlieb | Miss Angela Prysock, as The Princess Puffer |
| Adi Sragovich | Mr. Victor Grinstead, as Neville Landless |
| Jasmine Krause | Miss Janet Conover, as Helena Landless |
| Spencer Berman | Mr. Nick Cricker Senior, as Durdles |
| Ishaan Pathak | Mr. Nick Cricker Junior, as Deputy |
| Jonathan Schindler | Mr. Cedric Moncrieffe, as Reverend Crisparkle |
| Zachary Lee | Mr. Philip Bax, as Bazzard & Waiter |
| Max Cruz | Mr. Nicholas Michaels, Gentleman of the Ensemble |
| Nicole Cruz | Miss Florence Gill, Lady of the Ensemble |
| Jasmine Guillen | Miss Alana Eliot, Lady of the Ensemble |
| Maureen Guy | Miss Harriet Sayle, as Beatrice & Lady of the Ensemble |
| Heather Han | Miss Sarah Cooke, Lady of the Ensemble |
| Daisy Korman | Miss Isabel Yearsley, Lady of the Ensemble |
| Isabella Malfi | Miss Gwendolyn Pynn, as Wendy & Lady of the Ensemble |
| ZB Senft | Miss Violet Balfour, as Shade of Jasper & Lady of the Ensemble |
| Omeed Tartak | Mr. Medford Moss, Gentleman of the Ensemble |
THE MUSICIANS
| Elora Aclin | Bass |
| Lauren Brill | Trombone |
| Kurry Mansukhani | Viola |
| Kris Bauman | Piano |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
MAY 29, 30 & 31
at 8:00 p.m.
Arsenic & Old Lace tells the tale of Brooklyn’s eccentric (to say the least!) Brewster family. Elderly aunts Abby and Martha have decided to begin poisoning all of the lonely old men in their neighborhood to put them out of their misery. One of their three nephews believes that he’s Teddy Roosevelt, another is a notorious criminal with a face like Frankenstein, and the third…well, he’s a normal type who’s about to marry a minister’s daughter, and is less than pleased to discover that, as he puts it, “insanity runs in my family – it practically gallops!” The original production played 1,444 performances on Broadway and was later adapted into the famous Frank Capra film starring Cary Grant and Peter Lorre.
Written by Joseph Kesselring
Directed by Jonathan Schindler
Producer & Stage Manager, Ali Walker
Set Design by Becka Shaktman
Costume Design by Rebecca Hirschhorn
Lighting Designer/Head of Construction, Tyler “T-Rex” Hakimian
Makeup & Hair Design by Elora Aclin
THE CAST
| Zachary Lee | Mortimer Brewster |
| Nina Mor | Aunt Abby Brewster |
| Jasmine Krause | Aunt Martha Brewster |
| Adi Sragovich | Jonathan Brewster |
| Max Cruz | Teddy “Roosevelt” Brewster |
| Jasmine Guillen | Elaine Harper |
| Ben Weber | Dr. Einstein |
| Marissa Martino | Officer O’Hara |
| Spencer Berman | Lieutenant Rooney |
| Victoria Brancato | Officer Brophy |
| Nicole Cruz | Officer Klein |
| Alexis Pramberger | Mrs. Harper |
| ZB Senft | Mr. Witherspoon |
| Ricky Cole-Lauro | Mr. Gibbs |
| Himself | Mr. Spenalzo |
FRIDAY, DEC. 13 at 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14 at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Doors open at 7:15 for ticketholders and 7:45 for non-ticketholders. Tickets are FREE of charge and are intended to guarantee seating. They can be requested at the Circulation Desk of all Great Neck Library facilities beginning Monday, Nov. 25.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information, call (516) 466-8055 ext. 216.
This production of Lewis Carroll’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND and THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS takes a very familiar story and tells it in a very different way. Alice is a teenager with a love for fantasy and fairy tales. She wishes herself into a Wonderland full of queens, kings and strange creatures. But her fantasy world proves to be just as difficult as real life. Levels’ ALICE uses original music (to lyrics by Lewis Carroll), puppetry, stage magic and more to give you a new perspective on a beloved classic.
Based on the Books by Lewis Carroll
Adapted for the Stage by Eva Le Gallienne & Florida Freibus
Conceived & Directed by Jasmine Krause
Choreography by Jonathan Schindler
Original Music by Olivia Lundelius
Set Design by Jasmine Krause & Alan Smithee
Costume Design by Simona Fine
Puppetry Design by Ben Weber
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Noah Aizer | The March Hare / The Gryphon / Lobster Showgirl |
| Spencer Berman | The Mouse / Five of Diamonds |
| Perry Choo | Frog Footman / The King of Hearts / Humpty Dumpty |
| Christine Cimpian | Alice |
| Ricky Cole-Lauro | Seven of Clubs / Fish Footman / Sheep |
| Max Cruz | Caterpillar / Two of Spades / The Red Knight |
| Nicole Cruz | The Cook / The Red Queen |
| Simona Fine | The Eaglet (Edith) / The Dormouse |
| Jasmine Guillen | The Duchess / Tiger-Lily / Lobster Showgirl |
| Heather Han | The White Rabbit |
| Rebecca Hirschhorn | The Lory (Lorina) / Bill the Lizard / The Knave of Hearts |
| Jasmine Krause | Lobster Showgirl |
| Marissa Martino | Mirror Alice / Lobster Showgirl |
| Nina Mor | The Mock Turtle / Rose |
| Sarah Marie Schlenker | The Queen of Hearts / Violet |
| ZB Senft | The Mad Hatter / The White Knight / Lobster Showgirl |
| Ally Weber | The Dodo / The White Queen / Mother’s Voice |
| Ben Weber | Cheshire Cat / Tweedledee & Tweedledum / Principal Puppeteer |
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 22, 23 & 24
at 8:00 p.m.
Contains mature subject matter, language and adult situations.
Audience discretion is advised.
“Five hundred, twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes…
How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?”
Jonathan Larson’s RENT is the Pulitzer-Prize-winning musical, based on Puccini’s opera LA BOHEME, that electrified a whole generation of theatergoers. RENT tells the story of eight friends in the AIDS-ravaged New York City of the 1990s: Roger, Mimi, Collins, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny and Mark share their struggle to support themselves and celebrate their lives in spite of the crises that confront them, from shifting romantic entanglements to preserving their artistic integrity to the life-and-death struggle with a disease that is threatening almost everyone they know.
Directed by Michael Levinson
Choreography by Ariel Heller-Sabet
Vocal Director, Jane Coons
Orchestral Director, Polina Senderova
Assistant Director, Alex Kaufman
Produced by Matt Sotiriou
Lighting Design by Christopher Wong
Sound Operator, Emi Schaufeld
THE CAST
| Michael Levinson | Mark Cohen |
| Justin Kelly | Roger Davis |
| Ariel Heller-Sabet | Mimi Marquez |
| James Kennedy | Tom Collins |
| Alex Kaufman | Angel Dumott Schunard |
| Kelsey Gronda | Maureen Johnson |
| Lili Notovitz | Joanne Jefferson |
| Jacob Szilagi | Benjamin Coffin III |
| Michelle Geffner | Ensemble |
| Jonathan Schindler | Ensemble |
| Matthew Sotiriou | Ensemble |
| Giovanni Xu | Ensemble |
| Russell Katz | Mr. Grey |
| Jane Coons | Voices of Mrs. Jefferson & Mrs. Davis |
| Rachel Coons | Voices of Alexi Darling & Mrs. Marquez |
| Sally Coons | Voice of Mrs. Cohen |
| Brandon Heller-Sabet | Voice of Mr. Jefferson |
THE MUSICIANS
| Polina Senderova | Piano |
| Ben Manning | Guitar |
| Jon Maybaum | Drums |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 15, 16 & 17
at 8:00 p.m.
Doors open at 7:15 for ticketholders and 7:45 for non-ticketholders. Tickets are FREE of charge and are intended to guarantee seating. They can be requested at the Circulation Desk of all Great Neck Library facilities beginning Monday, July 29.
AS THIS IS A MEL BROOKS MUSICAL,
IT CONTAINS MATERIAL EQUIVALENT TO A
PG-13 RATING. AUDIENCE DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information, call (516) 466-8055 ext. 216.
Winner of a record-setting 12 Tony® Awards, Mel Brooks’ hit musical (based on his classic movie comedy) tells the tale of has-been Broadway producer Max Bialystock and would-be Broadway producer Leo Bloom, who join forces in a scheme to stage the worst musical possible (HINT: it involves a really nasty guy with a very small mustache), raise more money than they need, and then run off with the cash when it closes. Aiding them in their plan are an insane, gun-toting German playwright, a truly fabulous but extremely untalented director, a gorgeous Swedish bombshell and a chorus line of little old ladies who tap dance with their walkers.
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Book by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan
Directed by Yuval Ben-Hayun
Choreography by Polina Pittell
Produced by Sara Gottlieb & Nina Mor
Stage Manager, Kyle Warshavsky
Set Design by Ali Walker
Costume Design by Maddie Walker
Lighting Design by Christopher Wong
Makeup & Hair Design by Marissa Christine Martino
Dance Captain, Karishma Mansukhani
Puppet Design by Adi Sragovich
Follow Spot Operator, Alyssa Farb
Set Construction, Tyler Hakimian
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Elora Aclin | Ulla |
| Sophie Baghdassarian | Valkyrie/Convict/Ensemble |
| Daniel Bar-Lavi | Max Bialystock |
| Spencer Berman | Ticket Taker/FDR/Convict/Ensemble |
| Nico Castilho | Streetcleaner/Sailor/Bratwurst/Ensemble |
| Max Cruz | Donald Dinsmore/Stalin/O’Rourke/Ensemble |
| Nicole Cruz | Jury Foreman/Bratwurst/Ensemble |
| Paul Derych | Carmen Ghia |
| Kevin Garcia | Jack Lapidus/Kevin/O’Houlihan/Ensemble |
| Jasmine Guillen | Workman/Bavarian/Judge/Ensemble |
| Brandon Heller-Sabet | Churchill |
| Luke Huh | Lead Tenor/Bryan/Solo Accountant/Ensemble |
| Russell Katz | Mr. Marks/Scott/Convict/Ensemble |
| Sydney Klainberg | Nun/Stormtrooper “Rolf”/Ensemble |
| Jasmine Krause | Nun/Showgirl/Ensemble |
| Zachary Lee | Roger DeBris |
| Karishma Mansukhani | Usherette/”Kiss Me Feel Me”/Ensemble |
| Christine Morales | Bum/Showgirl/Ensemble |
| Sophie Rose Saidmehr | Franz Leibkind |
| Emi Schaufeld | “Hold Me Touch Me”/Stormtrooper “Mel”/Shirley Markowitz/Ensemble |
| Jonathan Schindler | Blind Violinist/Jason Green/”Not You”/Ensemble |
| Taylor Sameyah | First-Nighter/Police Sergeant/Convict/Ensemble |
| Zarabeth Senft | Usherette/”Lick Me Bite Me”/Ensemble |
| Adi Sragovich | Bag Lady/Prison Trustee/Ensemble |
| Jacob Szilagi | Leo Bloom |
| Maddie Walker | Pretzel |
| Ally Weber | First-Nighter/O’Riley/Ensemble |
| Rachel Coons, Ryan Conners, Marissa Christine Martino, Jake Meehan, Nina Mor, Ali Walker, Kyle Warshavsky | Stage Crew |
…and THE FABULOUS “PRODUCERS” DANCE ENSEMBLE:
Sydney Klainberg, Jasmine Krause, Karishma Mansukhani,
Christine Morales, Taylor Sameyah, Zarabeth Senft and Ally Weber
FRIDAY • SATURDAY
MAY 31 & JUNE 1
at 8:00 p.m.
High school senior Anoush Baghdassarian’s original play Found tells the story of a young woman named Lucine and the traumas she experienced during the Armenian Genocide. As Lucine’s older self writes in her diary, we see her youthful memories enacted onstage, forming a very personal portrait of a devastating time in history. Each performance of Found was followed by a moderated talkback with the author and cast about the history behind the play.
Written & Directed by Anoush Baghdassarian
Stage Manager, Sophie Baghdassarian
Costume Designer, Anna Zagubizhenko
Lighting Designer, Aaron Mechanic
Sound Designer, Ramy Joory
Artistic Designer, Maddie Walker
THE CAST (in order of appearance)
| Elora Aclin | Mayrig, Lucine’s mother |
| Richard Feder | Hovsep, Lucine’s father |
| Antranig Baghdassarian | Raffi (Age 7) |
| Rachel Coons | Lucine (Age 14) |
| Brandon Heller-Sabet | Enver |
| Scott Stich | Turkish Soldier |
| Michelle Geffner | Lucine (Age 24) |
| Yuval Ben-Hayun | Ahmet |
| Nina Mor | Gayane |
| Jacob Szilagi | Arif, Enver’s son |
| JP Macrigiane | Hayk |
| Maggie Roach | Arsine |
| Aram Baghdassarian | Raffi (Age 17) |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
APRIL 25, 26 & 27 at 8:00 p.m.Doors open at 7:15 for ticketholders and 7:45 for non-ticketholders. Tickets are FREE of charge and are intended to guarantee seating. They are available beginning Monday, April 8 at the Circulation Desk of all Great Neck Library facilities.
Contains content equivalent to a PG-13 rating.
Audience discretion is advised.
Book by Keythe Farley & Brian Flemming
Music & Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe
Licensed from Weekly World News
Directed by Sara Gottlieb
Choreography by Noah Aizer & Rissi Martino
Stage Manager, Maddie WalkerProduced by Yuval Ben-Hayun & Emi Schaufeld
Set Design, Jasmine Krause & Ali Walker
Costume Design, Rissi Martino
Lighting Design, Lauren Brill & Karishma Mansukhani
Master Electrician, Aaron Mechanic
Light Board Operator, Alyssa Farb
Sound Designer/Operator, Ramy Joory
Head of Set Construction, Tyler Hakimian
Associate Set Construction, Jessica Smith
Based on a story in the infamous tabloid newspaper Weekly World News, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL is a weird and hilarious musical comedy in the mold of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and URINETOWN. It’s the touching story of a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia, and his struggle to become accepted by society, find true love…and stop drinking cow blood.
The New York Daily News called the original Off-Broadway production of BAT BOY “outrageously silly and totally charming.” Newsday said, “at the end of the show, you’ve been gleefully, outlandishly entertained.” And the Star Ledger raved, “composed with smarts, staged with savvy and performed with gusto, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL is a winner. You’d be batty to miss it.”
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Yuval Ben-Hayun | Dr. Thomas Parker / Lion |
| Spencer Berman | Rick Taylor / Ned / Alligator |
| Max Cruz | Ron Taylor / Bud / Wolf |
| Nicole Cruz | Ruthie Taylor / Lorraine / Bunny |
| Russell Katz | Sheriff Reynolds / Octopus |
| Samantha Klainberg | Meredith Parker / Dinosaur |
| Ricky Cole Lauro | Institute Man / Ruthie’s Doctor / Clem / Owl |
| Zachary Lee | Pan, God of the Forest / Reverend Billy Hightower / Some Guy |
| Christine Morales | Shelley Parker |
| Taylor Sameyah | Mayor Maggie / Meredith’s Doctor / Lamb / Maya Angelou |
| Emi Schaufeld | Mrs. Taylor / Daisy / Monkey |
| Jonathan Schindler | Bat Boy (a.k.a. Edgar) |
THE MUSICIANS
| Elora Aclin | Bass |
| Richard Feder | Drums |
| Kris Bauman | Piano |
a festival of…
SHORT PLAYS • ONE-ACTS • MONOLOGUES
SCENES • SKETCHES • SHORT STORY ADAPTATIONS
and ORIGINAL WORK BY STUDENTS!!!
It’s the return of a Levels tradition that existed from 1979 through 2004! Theatre Workshop Players, or TWP (pronounced “Twip”) is your chance to do pieces of theatre you might not ordinarily get the chance to do — or even write something and get it performed!
T*W*P 2012 FEATURED PLAYS:
‘DENTITY CRISIS by Christopher Durang; directed by Jonathan Schindler
| Samantha Klainberg | Edith |
| Stephanie Pearl | Jane |
| Gabriel Atkin | Robert |
| Emi Schaufeld | Summers |
| Nina Mor | Harriet |
FROLIC: THE MUSICALE!, written and directed by Russell Katz & Emi Schaufeld; music by Kris Bauman
| Jacob Szilagi | Sam |
| Richard Feder | Bob |
| Jonathan Schindler | Pete & Beggar |
| Ben Lesser | Jonathan & Watch Salesman |
| Samantha Klainberg | Stacey & Religious Fanatic |
HOW TO GET SOMEONE’S NUMBER AT KING BURGER by the MAD TV writing staff;
adapted and directed by Jasmine Guillen
| Christine Morales | Bon Qui Qui |
| Jasmine Guillen | Darrell |
| Sydney Klainberg | Yvonne |
| Maddie Walker | Customer #1 |
| Ben Lesser | Customer #2 |
| Elora Aclin | Customer #3 |
| Ali Walker | The Boss |
SAVE BROADWAY by the Saturday Night Live writing staff; adapted & directed by Maddie Walker
| Jasmine Krause | The Phantom of the Opera |
| Jonathan Schindler | Mark from RENT |
| Ben Weber | Spider-Man |
| Sydney Klainberg | Mary Poppins |
| Stephanie Pearl | Annie |
| Rissi Martino | Elphaba |
| Jasmine Guillen | Woman |
| Perry Choo | Guy from STOMP |
THEATRE HELL, written and directed by Stephanie Pearl & Ali Walker
| Russell Katz | Georgia |
| Emi Schaufeld | Merriam |
| Sydney Klainberg | Theatregoer #1 |
| Jonathan Schindler | Theatregoer #2 |
| Jasmine Krause | Theatregoer #3 |
| Rissi Martino | The Devil |
Scenes from SOME LIKE IT HOT by Billy Wilder & I.A.L. Diamond, adapted and directed by Alan Smithee
| Elora Aclin | Sugar Kane |
| Ben Weber | Joe |
VARNEY THE VAMPIRE, based on the 1847 novella by James Malcolm Rymer; adapted and directed by Max Cruz
| Taylor Sameyah | Flora Bannerworth |
| Ben Lesser | Henry Bannerworth |
| Yuval Ben-Hayun | Dr. Marchdale & Mephistopheles |
| Spencer Berman | Admiral Bell |
| Ally Weber | Charles Holland |
| Jonathan Schindler | The Hunchbacked Servant |
| Max Cruz | Sir Francis Varney (The Vampire) |
…and featuring MONOLOGUES & DIALOGUES performed by:
| Yuval Ben-Hayun & Richard Feder | “Who’s on First” by Bud Abbott & Lou Costello |
| Nina Mor | “Fainting” by Gary Garrison |
| Ali Walker (with Maddie Walker) | “The Hipster” by Ali Walker |
by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Directed by Michael Levinson
Musical Director & Pianist, Polina Senderova
Choreography by Michael Levinson, James Kennedy, Ariel Heller-Sabet & Kelsey Gronda
Produced by Michael Levinson
Set Design by Michael Levinson
Costume Design by Ariel Heller-Sabet & Kelsey Gronda
Lighting Design by Aaron Mechanic
The Cast (in alphabetical order)
Kelsey Gronda • Ariel Heller-Sabet • James Kennedy • Michael Levinson
EDGES is a song cycle about the lives of twentysomethings in the age of Facebook. Written by the 2007 Jonathan Larson Award-winning team of Pasek and Paul, authors of the current Off-Broadway hit DOGFIGHT, the show explores confronting emotions, escaping expectations, and deciphering complicated relationships. Join us to find out what life is like when you feel like you’re walking on the edges!
LEVELS “NEXT STAGE” PRODUCTIONS
…are put together outside of Levels by advanced students and created, funded (except for royalty/rental of show materials) and rehearsed independently, using Levels as a co-producer and performance venue.
FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 24 & 25 at 8:00 p.m.
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based on the Novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy
Tony®-Award-winning songwriters Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty (authors of Ragtime, Seussical and the animated film Anastasia) bring you an exciting and highly theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale The Little Mermaid. Once on this Island tells the story of an island divided between poor peasants and rich “Grand Hommes”. Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods of earth, water, love and death who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and destiny.
Directed by Nina Mor
Choreography by Sara Gottlieb
Musical Direction by Jane Coons & Polina Senderova
Stage Manager, Ali Walker
Produced by Michael Levinson
Set Design by Lili Notovitz
Costume Design by Jonathan Schindler
Makeup Design by Jasmine Krause
Lighting Design by Aaron Mechanic
Lighting Assistant, Ramy Joory
Lighting Consultants, Lauren Brill & Karishma Mansukhani
Sound Operator, Rachel Coons
THE CAST (in alphabetical order):
| Elora Aclin | Papa Ge, God of Death |
| Gabriela Alonso | Warrior / Storyteller |
| Yuval Ben-Hayun | Daniel’s Father / Storyteller |
| Richard Feder | Daniel Beauxhomme |
| Kevin Garcia | Asaka, Goddess of Earth |
| Sara Gottlieb | Tribal Dancer / Storyteller |
| Kelsey Gronda | Erzulie, Goddess of Love |
| Jasmine Guillen | Shaman / Storyteller |
| Ariel Heller-Sabet | Ti Moune |
| Russell Katz | Gatekeeper / Storyteller |
| Sydney Klainberg | Mama Euralie |
| Jasmine Krause | Andrea Devereaux / Storyteller |
| Zachary Lee | Agwe, God of Water |
| Christine Morales | Healer / Armand’s Girl / Storyteller |
| Tatiana Sameyah | Little Girl / Little Ti Moune |
| Jonathan Schindler | Armand Beauxhomme / Storyteller |
| Jacob Szilagi | Tonton Julian |
| Ally Weber | Madame Armand / Storyteller |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
MAY 31, JUNE 1 and JUNE 2
at 8:00 p.m.
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr.
Contains mature subject matter, language and adult situations.
Audience discretion is advised.
How far would someone go just to be remembered?
Meet nine people who viewed their dreams through the barrel of a gun.
Winner of five Tony Awards, ASSASSINS is a musical history lesson that digs deep into the lives and motivations of nine people who tried to assassinate Presidents of the United States…and in some cases, succeeded. The play does not forgive these people, nor does it make them into any kind of hero, far from it; instead, it tries to chronicle what brought them all to a point in their lives where they would be driven to do the unspeakable. They, like so many others, believed in the American Dream – that you can get everything you want if you just work hard enough for it. But in our imperfect world, not everyone can get the job, the love, the respect, or the justice they feel they deserve. Lacking the things they desired led these nine people to find the darkest way possible to put themselves in the history books. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, authors Sondheim and Weidman bend the rules of time and space, allowing assassins and would-be assassins from different historical periods to meet, interact – and in the end, inspire each other to catastrophic actions in the belief that “everybody’s got the right to their dreams.”
Directed by Emi Schaufeld
Choreography by Polina Pittell
Produced by Richard Feder
Set Design by Ali Walker & Jonathan Schindler
Costume Design by Maddie Walker
Lighting Design by Lauren Brill & Karishma Mansukhani
Prop Design by Max Cruz
Publicity Artist, Jasmine Krause
Light Board Operator, Aaron Mechanic
Sound Effects Operator, Ramy Joory
Makeup Design by Jasmine Krause & Marissa Martino
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Elora Aclin | The Proprietor / Emma Goldman |
| Gabriel Atkin | President Lincoln / Garfield / McKinley / Ford / Reagan |
| Rachel Coons | Leon Czolgosz / Bystander |
| Max Cruz | Samuel Byck |
| Russell Katz | Giuseppe Zangara / David Herold |
| James Kennedy | John Wilkes Booth / Bystander |
| Sydney Klainberg | Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme / Bystander |
| Jasmine Krause | Charles J. Guiteau / Bystander |
| Marissa Martino | Sara Jane Moore |
| Nina Mor | The Balladeer / Lee Harvey Oswald |
| Jonathan Schindler | John Hinckley / James Blaine / Billy Moore / Bystander |
All Photos by Maddie Walker
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 at 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 at 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.
You know all of those murder mysteries (like the game CLUE) that take place in an old house, with a group of strange suspects and a detective trying to solve the case before someone else gets killed? Well, this is the one they’re all based on. Created by master of suspense Agatha Christie (creator of famed detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple), THE MOUSETRAP is currently the record holder for longest-running theater production in the world, as the original 1952 production is still playing (though they change the cast every year), and is now approaching its 60th year at St. Martin’s Theater in London.
Directed by Barry Weil
Assistant Directors, Nina Mor & Andrew Fishenfeld
Produced by Rachel Coons
Set Designed by Ali Walker
Costumes Designed by Jasmine Krause & Rissi Martino
Lighting Designed by Lauren Brill & Karishma Mansukhani
Sound Designed & Operated by Richard Feder
Head of Construction, Kevin Garcia
Light Board Operator, Lauren Brill
Stage Manager, Andrew Fishenfeld
Assistant Stage Manager, Nina Mor
Publicity Artist, Jasmine Krause
THE CAST (in order of appearance)
| Nina Mor | Radio Voice |
| Rachel Coons | Mollie Ralston |
| Yuval Ben-Hayun | Giles Ralston |
| Gabriel Atkin | Christopher Wren |
| Sara Gottlieb | Mrs. Boyle |
| Aaron Mechanic | Major Metcalf |
| Jasmine Krause | Miss Casewell |
| Rissi Martino | Miss Paravicini |
| Emi Schaufeld | Detective Sergeant Trotter |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 18, 19 & 20, 2011
Showtime is 8:00 p.m.
with a special matinee performance added by popular demand
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Book by Dale Wasserman
Lyrics by Joe Darion
Music by Mitch Leigh
Based on the novel Don Quixote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes
Directed by Michael Levinson
Musical Direction by Polina Senderova & Jane Coons
Choreography by Polina Pittell
Produced by Yuval Ben-Hayun
Set Design by Rebecca Reiss
Costume Design by Maddie Walker
Lighting Design by Gabriel Cohen
Lighting Supervisor, Karishma Mansukhani
Head of Construction, Benny Katz
Set Assistant/Prop Construction, Ali Walker
Assistant Choreographer, Karen Notovitz
Fight Captain, Nina Mor
Publicity Artist/Make-Up Design, Jasmine Krause
While in prison awaiting his trial before the Inquisition, playwright Miguel de Cervantes defends himself against the thieves and murderers around him by presenting a play, and casting the prisoners in all of the roles. Cervantes himself will play the role of Alonso Quijana, a crazy old man who has filled his head with stories of knights and their quests for honor. Quijana decides to transform himself into a knight named Don Quixote, and sets out for adventure on his tired old horse, accompanied by his friend and “squire” Sancho Panza. Though Quijana’s family tries to find him and cure him, most who encounter Don Quixote find that his fantasy makes their lives better — especially the filthy, abused serving girl Aldonza, who Quixote has decided is his lovely lady Dulcinea, treating her with kindness and respect for the first time in her life. Soon even the prisoners who once threatened Cervantes begin to realize that the story of Quixote’s “Impossible Dream” can give them hope as well.
THE CAST (in alphabetical order):
| Gabriela Alonso | An Inquisitor |
| Jane Coons | Quito, a Muleteer |
| Rachel Coons | Quijana’s Housekeeper/Moorish Dancer |
| Richard Feder | Sancho Panza |
| Andrew Fishenfeld | Pedro, Leader of the Muleteers |
| Rebecca Gordon | The Windmill/Moorish Dancer |
| Sara Ann Gottlieb | Juan, a Muleteer/Rocinante, Quixote’s Horse |
| Kelsey Gronda | Aldonza |
| Ariel Heller-Sabet | Antonia, Quijana’s Niece |
| Brandon Heller-Sabet | Padre Perez |
| Russell Katz | Captain of the Inquisition |
| James Kennedy | The Innkeeper (The Governor) |
| Sydney Klainberg | Tenorio, a Muleteer |
| Jeremy Kramer | An Inquisitor |
| Jasmine Krause | Enrique, a Muleteer |
| Marissa Martino | José, a Muleteer |
| Aaron Mor | Don Quixote de la Mancha/Alonso Quijana (Miguel de Cervantes) |
| Nina Mor | Anselmo, a Muleteer |
| Karen Notovitz | Fermina/Flamenco Dancer |
| Lili Notovitz | Maria, the Innkeeper’s Wife |
| Rebecca Reiss | The Barber/Dapple, Sancho’s Donkey |
| Jacob Wolf Szilagi | Dr. Sansón Carrasco (The Duke) |
THE MUSICIANS
| Michael Blum | Guitar |
| Kris Bauman | Guitar/Soprano Sax/Percussion |
| Polina Senderova | Piano |
Music & Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman with additional material by Jay Reiss
Based on C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, an original play by The Farm
Directed by Marissa Martino
Choreography by Karen Notovitz
Musical Direction by Jane Coons & Polina Senderova
Assistant Choreographer, Kelsey Gronda
Produced by Russell Katz
Stage Manager, Rachel Marks
Sets Designed by Benny Katz & Ali Walker
Costumes Designed by Maddie Walker
Lighting Designed by Lauren Brill
Light Board Operator, Alyssa Farb
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is a hilarious tale of “overachievers’ angst,” chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders competing for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, the kids learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. The show’s Tony-Award-winning authors have created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes: a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time. The show contained a hilarious element of audience participation — members of the audience were recruited as “finalists,” and competed in the “spelling bee” alongside the cast.
This show contains mature content equivalent to a PG-13 rating.
Discretion is advised.
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
APRIL 14, 15 and 16, 2011
at 8:00 p.m.
THE SPELLERS:
| Rachel Coons | Olive Ostrovsky |
| Karishma Mansukhani | Marcy Park |
| Nina Mor | Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre |
| Rebecca Reiss | Leaf Coneybear |
| Sydney Ronis | Chip Tolentino |
| Alex Schechter | William Barfée |
THE SPELLING BEE STAFF:
| Yuval Ben-Hayun | Vice-Principal Douglas Panch |
| Kelsey Gronda | Ms. Rona Lisa Perretti |
| James Kennedy | Mitch Mahoney |
THE PARENTS & SUPPORTERS:
| Sara Ann Gottlieb | Lisa Park/Olive’s Dad |
| Ben Lesser | Ezekiel Coneybear/Marcy’s Visitor |
| Lili Notovitz | Olive’s Mom |
| Sydney Klainberg | Charlotte Coneybear/Angel |
| Polina Pittell | Carly Grubenierre (Schwarzy’s Mom) |
| Emi Schaufeld | Danielle Schwartz (Schwarzy’s Other Mom) |
THE MUSICIANS:
| Richard Feder | Alto Saxophone |
| Polina Senderova | Piano |
| Kris Bauman | Bass |
FRIDAY, DEC. 10 at 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 11 at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
byReginald Rose
Adapted for the stage by Sherman L. Sergel
A jury room in a big-city courthouse. 12 jurors gather to determine the fate of a young man accused of murder. At the beginning, 11 of them agree of a verdict of guilty — some because of deeply-held beliefs, some because of prejudice, and some just because they want to leave early and go home. But one juror disagrees, and tries to persuade the others that the facts of the case may not be what they seem. A classic of the American theatre, newly reinterpreted for 2010.
Directed by Rebecca Reiss
Produced by Ali Walker
Set Designed by Ruben Heinemann & Ali Walker
Costumes Designed by Maddie Walker
Lighting Designed by Karishma Mansukhani
Light Board Operator, Lauren Brill
Makeup Designer, Marissa Martino
Head Carpenter, Richard Feder
THE CAST (in numerical order)
| Yuval Ben-Hayun | Juror #1 / Foreman |
| Stephanie Pearl | Juror #2 |
| Nina Mor | Juror #3 |
| Emi Schaufeld | Juror #4 |
| Gabriel Atkin | Juiror #5 |
| Kevin Garcia | Juror #6 |
| Jeremy Kramer | Juror #7 |
| Karishma Mansukhani | Juror #8 |
| Russell Katz | Juror #9 |
| Marissa Martino | Juror #10 |
| Jacob Wolf Szilagi | Juror #11 |
| Sara Ann Gottlieb | Juror #12 |
| Andy Bow | Guard |
| Rebecca Reiss | Voice of the Judge |
Thursday • Friday • Saturday
August 26, 27 and 28 at 8:00 p.m.
Doors open at 7:15 for ticketholders and 7:45 for non-ticketholders.
Tickets are free of charge and are intended to guarantee seating.
They are available at the Circulation Desks of all
Great Neck Library locations beginning Monday, August 9.
You may think you know how things end up for Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (of Beanstalk fame). But what happens AFTER “happily ever after”? Explore the darker side of fairy tales in this powerful musical from the songwriting genius behind SWEENEY TODD, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM and COMPANY.
Directed by Richard Feder
Musical Director, Polina Senderova
Choreography by Solomon Swartz
Associate Choreographer/Dance Captain, Karen Notovitz
Sets Designed by Benny Katz
Costumes Designed by Abigail Berkower & Maddie Walker
Props and Puppets Designed by Jeremy Kramer
Additional Props & Puppets by Rachel Marks
Produced by Stephanie Pearl & Ali Walker
Stage Manager, Rachel Marks
Light Board Operator, Elena Park
Spot Operator, Sam Landerer
Sound Operator & Master Painter, Ali Walker
THE CAST (in alphabetical order):
| Gabriel Atkin | Rapunzel’s Prince |
| Jane Coons | Cinderella |
| Richard Feder* | Florinda (Stepsister) |
| Kelsey Gronda | The Baker’s Wife |
| Benny Katz | The Narrator |
| Russell Katz | The Steward |
| Jeremy Kramer | Cinderella’s Father |
| Jasmine Krause | Cinderella’s Stepmother |
| Michael Levinson | Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf |
| Karishma Mansukhani | Little Red Riding Hood |
| Rachel Marks* | Lucinda (Stepsister) |
| Marissa Martino | Little Red’s Granny |
| Torie Martino | The Witch |
| Nina Mor | The Mysterious Man |
| Karen Notovitz | Rapunzel |
| Lili Notovitz | Jack’s Mother |
| Stephanie Pearl | Milky-White the Cow/Snow White |
| Sydney Ronis | Jack |
| Jacob Wolf Szilagi | The Baker |
| Maddie Walker | Cinderella’s Mother/Voice of the Giantess/Sleeping Beauty |
| Barry Weil* | Forest Spirit/Puppeteer |
THE MUSICIANS
| Polina Senderova | Piano |
| Eric Zhang | Violin |
| Paul Zhang | Viola |
| Kris Bauman | Bass |
Thursday • Friday • Saturday
April 29-30 and May 1 at 8:30 p.m.
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart
Based on the plays “Pseudolus,” “Miles Gloriosus”
and “Mostellaria” by Plautus
“Something for everyone! A comedy tonight!”
Broadway’s funniest musical is a hilarious romp through ancient Rome, as a slave tries to earn his freedom by uniting his young master with the woman he loves, a task that winds up involving disguises, mistaken identity, men in drag, a house full of dancing courtesans, some very threatening Roman soldiers and a vial of mare’s sweat.
Directed by Emi Schaufeld
Choreography by Karen Notovitz
Set Design by Nina Mor
Costume Design by Maddie Walker
Lighting Design by Karishma Mansukhani
Light Board Operator, Sam Landerer
Prop Design by Jeremy Kramer
Makeup Design by Torie Martino
Head Carpenter, Benny Katz
Follow Spot Operator, Ruben Heinemann
Produced by Emi Schaufeld, Becka Shaktman & Taylor Sameyah
THE CAST (in alphabetical order):
| Gabriel Atkin | Hysterium, a slave |
| Yuval Ben-Hayun | Marcus Lycus, a courtesan dealer |
| Skylar Bonné | Comicus, a protean clown |
| Jane Coons | Philia, a courtesan |
| Kevin Garcia | Hero, son to Senex & Domina |
| Sara Ann Gottlieb | Geminae Twin, a courtesan |
| Liel Klein | Vibrata, a courtesan |
| Jeremy Kramer | Insanius, a protean clown |
| Marissa Martino | Geminae Twin, a courtesan |
| Torie Martino | Miles Gloriosus, a soldier |
| Nina Mor | Erronius, a very old man |
| Karen Notovitz | Gymnasia & Tintinabula, two courtesans |
| Lili Notovitz | Domina, wife to Senex |
| Stephanie Pearl | Acrobaticus, a protean clown |
| Rebecca Reiss | Senex, an old man |
| Sydney Ronis | Pseudolus, a slave / Prologus, an actor |
| Taylor Sameyah | Tragicus, a protean clown |
| Anna Zagubizhenko | Panacea, a courtesan |
THE MUSICIANS (in alphabetical order):
| Lauren Brill | Trombone |
| Richard Feder | Alto Saxophone |
| Jacob Levitin | Drums |
| Mohit Mansukhani | Cello |
| Tim Park | Viola |
| Jacob Wolf Szilagi | Violin |
| Kris Bauman | Piano |
Thursday • Friday • Saturday
December 3, 4 & 5, 2009
Adapted & Directed by Barry Weil
Associate Director/Stage Manager/Original Music by Rachel Marks
Sets Designed by Nina Mor
Costumes Designed by Maddie Walker & Stephanie Pearl
Lighting Designed by Karishma Mansukhani
Sound Effects Designed by Fred “Shazam” Cohen
Makeup Design/Language Advisor, Torie Martino
Light Board Operator, Sam Landerer
Follow Spot Operator, Matthew Strizak
THE CAST (in alphabetical order):
| Gabriel Atkin | Theseus, Duke of Athens |
| Skylar Bonné | Egeus, father to Hermia |
| Lauren Brill | Puck, a hobgoblin |
| Kevin Garcia | Snug, a cabinet-maker |
| Sara Ann Gottlieb | Hermia, in love with Lysander |
| Patrick Jordan | Lysander, in love with Hermia |
| Benny Katz | Demetrius, also in love with Hermia |
| Liel Klein | Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons |
| Jeremy Kramer | Snout, a metalworker |
| Rachel Marks | Voice of Peaseblossom, a fairy |
| Marissa Martino | Quince, a carpenter |
| Torie Martino | Helena, in love with Demetrius |
| Nina Mor | Oberon, King of the Fairies |
| Rebecca Reiss | Bottom, a weaver |
| Taylor Sameyah | Titania, Queen of the Fairies |
| Emi Schaufeld | Starveling, a tailor |
| Matthew Strizak | Flute, a bellows-mender |
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Based on an adaptation by Christopher Bond
Directed by Lili Notovitz
Vocal Director, Jane Coons
Orchestral Director, Polina Senderova
Choreographer, Rachel Marks
Producer, Daniel Strizak
Set Designer, Benny Katz
Lighting Designer, Karishma Mansukhani
Lighting Operator, Elena Park
Costume Designer, Rebecca Reiss
Asst. Costume Designers, Rebecca Gordon & Rachel Marks
Asst. Stage Managers, Rachel Marks & Benny Katz
Prop Designer, Jeremy Kramer
Video Director, Danny Wender
THE CAST (in alphabetical order):
| Christine Cimpian | Rich Woman’s Daughter |
| Jane Coons | Rich Woman |
| Rachel Coons | Flower Girl |
| Richard Feder | Beadle Bamford |
| Sara Ann Gottlieb | Newsdealer |
| Bernie Hodkin | Mrs. Lovett |
| Patrick Jordan | Jonas Fogg |
| Alex Kaufman | Anthony Hope |
| Benny Katz | Birdseller |
| Russell Katz | Young Boy |
| Scott Kipnis | Judge Turpin |
| Jeremy Kramer | Shoe Peddler |
| Michael Levinson | Sweeney Todd |
| Nina Mor | Tobias Ragg |
| Karen Notovitz | Johanna |
| Joel Pyon | Chimney Sweep |
| Taylor Sameyah | The Beggar Woman |
| Jacob Wolf Szilagi | Signor Adolfo Pirelli |
THE ORCHESTRA:
| Joel Elverstedt | Clarinet |
| Jordana Schacht-Levine | Bassoon |
| Karishma Mansukhani | Violin |
| Polina Senderova | Piano |
| Simon Zhang | Bass |
| Kris Bauman | Keyboard |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
APRIL 30, MAY 1 & MAY 2 at 8:00 p.m.
URINETOWN is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution! In a sad and run-down city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year draught, has led to a government-enforced ban on private bathrooms. The citizens must “pay to pee,” using pay toilets owned by the evil Urine Good Company. But then a hero arises and plans a revolution so the town can finally “let our people go!” No, we’re not kidding, this is a real show and actually won three Tony Awards. Yes, really.
Book by Greg Kotis
Lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis
Music by Mark Hollmann
Directed by Daniel Strizak
Choreographed by Zach Morris
Produced by Richard Feder
Set Design by Lauren Brill
Costume Design by Rebecca Reiss
Lighting Design by Karishma Mansukhani
Assistant Choreographer, Ashley Arpel
Assistant Stage Manager, Rachel Marks
Follow Spot Operator, Emi Schaufeld
THE CAST:
| Gabriela Alonso | Senator Fipp |
| Ashley Arpel | Penelope Pennywise |
| Lauren Brill | Tiny Tom, Dr. Billeaux, Cop |
| Jane Coons | Hope Cladwell |
| Richard Feder | Bobby Strong |
| Benny Katz | Caldwell B. Cladwell |
| Jeremy Kramer | Mr. McQueen |
| Liel Klein | Little Becky Two-Shoes, Mrs. Millennium, Cop |
| Nina Mor | Little Sally |
| Lili Notovitz | Josephine “Old Ma” Strong |
| Rebecca Reiss | Officer Lockstock |
| Matthew Strizak | Officer Barrel |
| Jacob Wolf Szilagi | Hot Blades Harry, Joseph “Old Man” Strong, Cop |
THE BAND:
| Fred “Shazam” Cohen | Bass |
| Jake Levitin | Drums |
| Kris Bauman | Piano |
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 & 20 at 8:00 p.m.
…WITH A SPECIAL PRE-HANNUKAH MATINEE PERFORMANCE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 at 2:00 p.m.
BEAU JEST is the story of Sarah Goldman, a young schoolteacher from Chicago who is involved with Chris, a great guy with just one apparent flaw — he’s not Jewish. To keep her mother from trying to fix her up with “nice Jewish boys,” Sarah invents the perfect Jewish doctor boyfriend and hires Bob, an actor, to play the part of “Dr. Steinberg” at dinner with her parents. The results are hilarious, touching and not quite what you’d expect.
Directed by Barry Weil
Produced by Lili Notovitz
Stage Manager, Bella Zeler
Set Design, Ben Slotnick
Costume Design, Rachel Marks
Lighting Design, Danny Wender
Master Electrician, Justin Stempa
Technical Director, Lior Shahverdi
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Jane Coons | Sarah Goldman |
| Richard Feder | Bob Schroeder |
| Benny Katz | Chris Cringle |
| Rachel Marks | Miriam Goldman |
| Rebecca Reiss | Joan Goldman |
| Ben Slotnick | Abe Goldman |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
AUGUST 21, 22 and 23 at 8:00 p.m.
The songwriter behind WICKED and GODSPELL brings us this crazy circus of a musical about a young man’s quest for meaning in his life. Features a tragic duck, a dancing grandma, a talking severed head and a pair of exquisitely beautiful feet.
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Directed by Jane Coons
Choreography by Ariel Heller-Sabet
Produced by Liz Tomazic
Sets Designed by Ben Slotnick
Costumes Designed by Rebecca Reiss & Bella Zeler
Lighting Designed by Karishma Mansukhani
Spot Operator, Elena Park
THE CAST:
| Jared Cohen | The Head, Newscaster, Monk, Player |
| Richard Feder | The Leading Plabyer |
| Alexa Feinstein | Female Courtier, Girl Who is Set on Fire, Player |
| Ariel Heller-Sabet | Catherine, Player |
| Benny Katz | Theo, Soldier, Newscaster, Player |
| Scott Kipnis | Charles, Player |
| Liel Klein | Fastrada, Player |
| Michael Levinson | Pippin |
| Nina Mor | Otto the Duck, Noble, Monk, Soldier, Player |
| Daniel Shmueli | Lewis, Player |
| Ilona Tierney | “Glory” Dancer, Peasant, Baron, Girl with Torch, Newscaster, Player |
| Bella Zeler | Berthe, “Glory” Dancer, Player |
THE BAND:
| Chris Baluyut | Guitar |
| Fred “Shazam” Cohen | Bass |
| Polina Senderova | Piano |
| Kris Bauman | Keyboard |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
MAY 1, 2 & 3
at 8:00 p.m.
It’s the popular doo-wop musical about a down-on-his-luck nerd who discovers a new and exotic breed of plant life that brings him fame and fortune. Only trouble is, you have to feed it human blood! Features songs by the team behind Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID and BEAUTY & THE BEAST.
Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Based on the film by Roger Corman • Screenplay by Charles Griffith
Directed by Danny Wender
Choreography by Denysson Arboleda
Produced by Izabella Zeler
Set Designed by Lili Notovitz
Costumes Designed by Rebecca Reiss
Lighting Designed by Karishma Mansukhani
Puppets Designed by Jane Coons & Daniel Strizak
Follow Spot Operator, Elena Park
Stage Crew, Ben Slotnick
THE CAST:
| Daniel Strizak | Seymour Krelborn |
| Jessica Schildkraut | Audrey |
| Rebecca Reiss | Mrs. Mushnik |
| Brandon Greenspan | Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. and other roles |
| Jane Coons | Crystal |
| Lili Notovitz | Ronette |
| Rachel Marks | Chiffon |
| Izabella Zeler | “Audrey II” (voice) and other roles |
| Max Zander | “Audrey II” (puppeteer) |
| Rachel Wender | “Audrey II” (assistant puppeteer) |
| Ben Slotnick | Wino |
THE BAND:
| Chris Baluyut | Guitar |
| Fred “Shazam” Cohen | Bass |
| Jake Levitin | Drums |
| Kris Bauman | Piano |
FRIDAY • SATURDAY
DECEMBER 14 & 15
at 8:00 p.m.
PLUS A SPECIAL
ADDED PERFORMANCE:
SAT., DEC. 15 at 2:00 p.m.!!!
What can a small-town girl with a bad reputation do to win respect? Enter the local beauty contest, of course! This Southern-fried comedy by the author of Crimes of the Heart brings you into the lives of a houseful of misfits who discover that they just might be more than they think they are.
Directed by Casey Schwartz
Costume Designer, Ashley Hakimian
Lighting Designer, Karishma Mansukhani
Scenic Designer, Valerie Suttenberg
Sound Designer, Fred Cohen
Original Music by Ron Prada
Artistic Producer, Maggie Vicknair
Financial Producer, Daniel Strizak
THE CAST (in order of appearance)
| Lili Notovitz | Carnelle Scott |
| Maxine Mattana | Popeye Jackson |
| Elain Rutledge | |
| Daniel Strizak | Delmount Williams |
| Ron Prada | Mac Sam |
| Jane Coons | Tessy Mahoney |
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18
at 8:00 p.m.
The classic rock opera by The Who comes to the stage! The setting is England, after World War II. Young Tommy Walker is struck “deaf, dumb and blind” when he sees his presumed-dead father return from the war and kill his mother’s new lover in a jealous rage. Tommy is exploited and misused by those around him, until the day they discover his handicap makes him the world’s greatest pinball player. Tommy becomes a superstar, regains his senses and is hailed as a new messiah by his fans — but is that what he really wants? Soon Tommy has to decide whether to become the person others want him to be, or to live his live on his own terms.
Music & Lyrics by Pete Townshend
Book by Pete Townshend & Des McAnuff
Additional Music & Lyrics by John Entwistle & Keith Moon
Directed by Rachel Wolfsohn
Choreography by Erica Kaya Hill
Produced by Jane Coons
Set and Projections Designer, Casey Schwartz
Lighting Designer, Karishma Mansukhani
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Denysson Arboleda | The Hawker & others |
| Jared Cohen | The Lover & others |
| Jane Coons | Tommy/Narrator |
| Crystal Estey | Sally Simpson & others |
| Alexa Feinstein | Mrs. Walker |
| Danielle Garcia | Cousin Kevin |
| Erica Kaya Hill | The Gypsy & others |
| Benny Katz | The Specialist & others |
| Michael Levinson | Captain Walker |
| Casey Schwartz | Uncle Ernie |
| Jacob Szilagi | Young Tommy |
THE BAND
| Chris Baluyut | Guitar |
| John Chang | Keyboard |
| Fred “Shazam” Cohen | Bass |
| Jake Levitin | Drums |
| Kris Bauman | Guitar |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
JUNE 14, 15 & 16 at 8:00 p.m.
A classic of the world theatre and possibly the first truly “modern” play.
Nora Helmer is a woman who lives in a gilded cage. Her husband Torvald treats her like a child — a doll, even — and she goes along with it because she doesn’t know any better. But when a blackmailer threatens to expose a criminal secret in her past, Nora’s world begins to fall apart, and she learns that her husband is not the man she thought he was.
Directed by Danielle Garcia
Produced by Jane Coons
Set Designer, Casey Schwartz
Costume Designer, Romy Valentina
Lighting Operator, Karishma Mansukhani
THE CAST
| Nora Helmer | Brooke Weinberg |
| Torvald Helmer | Daniel Strizak |
| Kristine Linde | Romy Valentina |
| Nils Krogstad | Jon Schneidman |
| Dr. Rank | Casey Schwartz |
| Anne-Marie, the nanny | Jane Coons |
| Helen, the maid | Maxine Mattana |
| The Porter | Alan Smithee |
THURSDAY • FRIDAY • SATURDAY
MARCH 8, 9 & 10
at 8:00 p.m.
GYPSY is the true story of the ultimate “stage mother,” Mama Rose, who is determined to make her daughters into stars whether they want to be or not. It’s also the story of Mama’s shy, neglected daughter Louise, who finds her own path to stardom as the glamorous “Queen of Burlesque,” Miss Gypsy Rose Lee.
Directed by Erica Kaya Hill
Choreography by Ava Szilagi
Vocal Direction by Jessica Taffet
Produced by Denysson Arboleda
Scenic Designer, Rachel Wolfsohn
Costume Designers, Danielle Aronowitz & Rebecca Gordon
Lighting Designer, Danny Wender
Master Electrician/Spot Operator, Fred Cohen
Video Director, Lior Shahverdi
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Bella | Chowsie |
| Brittany Butler | Mrs. Weber, Phyllis |
| Daniella Cerrone | Mazeppa |
| Jane Coons | Balloon Girl, Agnes/Amanda |
| Deren Ertas | Baby Louise, Renee, Geraldine (Fri.) |
| Crystal Estey | June |
| Danielle Garcia | Rose |
| Rebecca Gordon | Rear End of The Cow |
| David Hahn | Tulsa |
| Gil Klein | Uncle Jocko, L.A., Cigar, Man in Car |
| Maxine Mattana | Baby June, Marjorie May |
| Ron Meiri | Mr. Kringelein |
| Lili Notovitz | Geraldine (Thurs. & Sat.) |
| Jessica Schildkraut | Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee |
| Jon Schneidman | Georgie, Yonkers, Pastey |
| Tyrie Smith | Pop |
| Daniel Strizak | Herbie |
| Ava Szilagi | Tessie Tura |
| Jacob Szilagi | Newsboy |
| Kat Taffet | Newsboy, “Kat & Her Classic Cello” |
| Denis Tobar | Mr. Goldstone, Bougeron-Cochon |
| Liz Tomazic | Miss Cratchitt, Electra |
THE GYPSY ORCHESTRA
| John Chang | Piano |
| Jake Levitin | Drums |
| Mohit Mansukhani | Cello |
| Jessica Taffet | Violin |
| Kris Bauman | Bass |
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 at 9:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 at 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 at 3:00 and 9:00 p.m.
The classic horror story is now a musical! Henry Jekyll is a scientist in Victorian London who discovers a chemical that can split the personality into two selves, one good, one evil. It transforms him into Edward Hyde, a lusty psychopath who haunts the dark streets of London, existing only for pleasure. When Hyde goes on a murder spree, Jekyll must find a way to destroy his alter ego before Hyde takes over completely.
Music by Frank Wildhorn
Book & Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Conceived by Steve Cuden & Frank Wildhorn
Based on the novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson
Directed by David Levinson
Choreography by Alyssa Chaplin
Vocal Direction by Kathleen Siapno
Produced by Liz Tomazic
Scenic & Lighting Designer, Jacqueline Nese
Costume Designer, Tais Szilagi
Special Effects Designer, Robert DiGiovanni
Light Board Operator, David Hahn
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Denysson Arboleda | General Lord Glossop (understudy for Inmate) |
| Julio Centeno | The Bishop of Basingstoke |
| Alyssa Chaplin | Featured Dancer, Red Rat Girl, Ensemble |
| Robert DiGiovanni | John Utterson, Featured Dancer |
| Alon Elian | Henry Jekyll & Edward Hyde |
| Jessica Fishenfeld | Emma Carew |
| Erica Kaya Hill | Lucy Harris |
| Rosie Hoffman | Lady Savage |
| Michael Levinson | Sir Archibald Proops |
| Krissi Lum | Featured Dancer, Red Rat Girl, Ensemble |
| Lili Notovitz | Poor Woman, Ensemble |
| Steven Notovitz | Inmate, Bisset the Apothecary |
| David Phillips | Sir Danvers Carew |
| Jessica Schildkraut | Lady Beaconsfield, Guinevere |
| Andray Shuriah | Newsboy, Ensemble (understudy for Bisset) |
| Kathleen Siapno | Nellie, Featured Dancer, Ensemble |
| Tais Szilagi | Featured Dancer, Red Rat Girl, Priest, Ensemble |
| Liz Tomazic | Mrs. Poole, Featured Dancer, Ensemble |
| Daniel Vallejo | Simon Stride, The Spider |
THE JEKYLL & HYDE ORCHESTRA
| John Chang | Piano |
| Fred “Shazam” Cohen | Bass |
| Jenna Hopp | Oboe |
| Angela Lo | Violin |
| Mohit P. Mansukhani | Cello |
| Kris Bauman | Additional Bass |
THURSDAY, MARCH 16 at 9:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 at 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 at 3:00 and 9:00 p.m.
A two-character musical that chronicles a couple’s five-year romance in a very unusual way. Jamie’s story starts on the day they first met, and goes forward. Cathy’s story begins at the end of the relationship and goes backward.
Written & Composed by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Jessica Schildkraut
Musical Direction by Jessica Taffet
Produced by Dan Holzberg
Scenic Design by Robert DiGiovanni
Lighting Design by Jenna Hopp
THE CAST
| Jessica Fishenfeld | Cathy |
| David Levinson | Jamie |
MUSICIANS
| Noa Albaum | Cello |
| John Chang | Piano, Keyboard |
| Sam Feinsilver | Guitar |
| Jessica Taffet | Violin, Piano, Keyboard |
| Jordan Tang | Bass |
| Brian Tong | Cello |
THURSDAY, MARCH 16 at 9:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 at 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 at 3:00 and 9:00 p.m.
The Tony Award-winning musical about forbidden love in ancient Egypt, by rock legend Elton John (THE LION KING) and lyricist Tim Rice (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE LION KING, EVITA).
Music by Elton John • Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton and Robert Falls & David Henry Hwang
Directed by Rosie Hoffman
Choreography by Crystal Estey
Vocal Direction by David Levinson
Produced by Jessica Sussman
Sets by Robert DiGiovanni
Costumes by Daniella Cerrone
Lighting by Jacob Levitin
Asst. Lighting Design/Master Electrician, Fred Cohen
Stage Manager/Prop Design, Jenna Hopp
Makeup & Hair Design, Alyssa Chaplin
Video Documentary by Danielle Garcia
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Denysson Arboleda | The Pharaoh |
| Daniella Cerrone | Featured Dancer/Ensemble |
| Jessica Fishenfeld | Featured Dancer/Ensemble/ Understudy for Amneris |
| Aaron Glaser | Amonasro |
| David Levinson | Radames |
| Krissi Lum | Understudy for Lili Notovitz |
| Lexee McEntee | Ensemble |
| Jacqueline Nese | Amneris |
| Lili Notovitz | Ensemble |
| Jonelle Robinson | Featured Dancer/Ensemble |
| Jordan Rochelson | Zoser |
| Daniel Rosenstein | Mereb |
| Jamal Shuriah | Featured Dancer/Ensemble |
| Kathleen Siapno | Nehebka |
| Tais Szilagi | Aida |
| Liz Tomazic | Ensemble/Nile Spirit |
MUSICIANS
| Jayson Abrams | Guitar |
| Lior Shahverdi | Saxophone |
| Jessica Taffet | Violin, Piano |
| Brooke Weinberg | Guitar |
| Doug Whitehorn | Drums |
| Kris Bauman | Bass, Piano |
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 at 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.
This intense drama is set at an small-town girls’ boarding school, where the lies of a spoiled child destroy the lives of her teachers and friends, and unearth secrets that have been kept hidden for many, many years.
Directed by Barry Weil
Assistant Director, Shayna Leah Hodkin
Scenic Designer, David Levinson
Costume Designer, Liz Tomazic
Lighting Designer, Lior Shahverdi
Produced by Samir Poonawala
THE CAST
| Karen Wright | Ava Szilagi |
| Martha Dobie | Danielle Garcia |
| Dr. Joseph Cardin | Denysson Arboleda |
| Mary Tilford | Liz Tomazic |
| Mrs. Amelia Tilford | Jessica Schildkraut |
| Mrs. Lily Mortar | Romy Valentina |
| Rosalie Wells | Maya Klein |
| Peggy Rogers | Aline Kovacs |
| Evelyn Munn | Chynna Pizarro |
| Helen Burton | Gabriela Alonso |
| Agatha, the maid | Tiffany Elyassoff |
| Grocery Boy | Samir Poonawala |
The year: 1929. The place: Berlin. Behind the doors of the notorious Kit Kat Klub, painted ladies (and painted gentlemen) sing and dance as though life were an endless party. But outside those doors, Nazis are marching in the streets, and the stage is being set for the horrors of the Third Reich.
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Joe Masteroff
based on “The Berlin Stories” by Christopher Isherwood
and the play “I Am a Camera” by John van Druten
Directed by Liz TomazicChoreography by Danielle GarciaVocal Direction by David LevinsonSet Design, Robert DiGiovanni
Costume Design, Ava Szilagi
Stage Manager, Lizzie Wastell
Make-Up Design, Jessica Schildkraut
THE CAST (in order of appearance)
| David Levinson | The Emcee |
| Kate Steinberg | Sally Bowles |
| Robert DiGiovanni | Cliff Bradshaw |
| Denysson Arboleda | Ernst Ludwig |
| Jonelle Robinson | Fraulein Schneider |
| Erica Kaya Hill | Fraulein Kost |
| Matthew Rosenthal | Herr Schultz |
| Julio Centeno | Sailor/Max/Bodyguard |
| Sam Feinsilver | Young Boy |
| Laura Wastell | Young Girl |
| Danielle Garcia | Fraulein Gorilla |
THE KIT KAT GIRLS
| Daniella Cerrone | Mitzi |
| Alyssa Chaplin | Ginger |
| Jessica Fishenfeld | Paprika |
| Gabriella Garcia | Mercedes/”Two Ladies” Soloist |
| Erica Kaya Hill | Madeline |
| Krissi Lum | Sushi |
| Jessica Schildkraut | Paris/”Two Ladies” Soloist |
THE KIT KAT KLUB ORCHESTRA
| Marc Asnis | Clarinet |
| Tais Szilagi | Flute |
| Doug Whitehorn | Drums |
| Kris Bauman | Bass |
| Tom Berger | Piano |
| David Levinson | Additional Piano |
WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY
MAY 15, 16, 17 & 18, 2005
Showtime 8:00 p.m.
This hilarious parody of an old-fashioned melodrama features an old dark house, skeletons in the closet, mummies out of the closet, one-legged werewolves and a mystery woman locked behind the bookcase. And if that isn’t enough, all of the roles are played by the same two actors!
(A PENNY DREADFUL)
by
Charles Ludlam
Direction, Set & Costume Design by David & Daniel Levinson
Produced by David Levinson
Stage Manager/Lighting Designer/House Manager/Special Effects, Robert DiGiovanni
Sound Technician, Lizzie Wastell
Backstage Assistants
Danielle Garcia, Matt Rosenthal, Jessica Schildkraut
THE CAST (in order of appearance)
| Daniel Levinson | Jane Twisden |
| David Levinson | Nicodemus Underwood |
| David Levinson | Lady Enid Hillcrest |
| Daniel Levinson | Lord Edgar Hillcrest |
| Daniel Levinson | An Intruder |
| David Levinson | Alcazar |
| David Levinson | Pev Amri |
| ?????????? | Irma Vep |
PERFORMANCES ARE:
THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY
MARCH 10, 11 & 12, 2005
Showtime 8:00 p.m.
Why do people love the comic strip “Peanuts”? Maybe because we have a little of each character in us — we mess up like Charlie Brown, daydream like Snoopy, get bossy like Lucy, and need to hold on to something for security like Linus with his blanket. Even though the characters are six years old (and in one case, a beagle), they have the same problems, worries, fears and dreams as all of us.
Based on the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz
Book, Lyrics and Music by Clark M. Gesner
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Directed by Danielle Garcia
Choreography by Erica Kaya Hill
Set Design, Jenna Hopp & Lizzie Wastell
Costume/Hair/Wig Design, Robert DiGiovanni
Lighting Design, Jenna Hopp
Stage Manager/Financial Producer, Lizzie Wastell
Artistic Producer, Mark Nassimian
Make-Up Design, Jessica Schildkraut
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
| Emily Cohen | Linus |
| Crystal Estey | Snoopy |
| Leila Manion | Lucy |
| Matthew Rosenthal | Charlie Brown |
| Jonathan Schneidman | Schroeder |
| Tais Szilagi | Sally |
| Liz Tomazic | Woodstock |
MUSICIANS
| Steven “Smidge” Cohen | Percussion |
| Kris Bauman | Bass |
| Carl Hottinger | Keyboard |
THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 4-5-6, 2004
Showtime 8:00pm
Eight-year-old Rhoda Penmark is the perfect little girl — almost TOO perfect. And when her rivals start turning up dead, her mother begins to suspect there’s something evil going on in Rhoda’s little blonde head…
a play by Maxwell Anderson
based on the novel by William March
Directed by Casey Alexander
Stage Manager, Lizzie Wastell
Set Designer, Danielle King
Costume Designer, Ava Szilagi
Lighting Designer, Jenna Hopp
Sound Designer, Smidge
THE CAST (in order of appearance):
| Liz Tomazic | Rhoda Penmark |
| David Levinson | Col. Kenneth Penmark |
| Crystal Estey | Christine Penmark |
| Kelly Wolfsohn | Monica Breedlove |
| Samir Poonawala | Leroy |
| Sam Feinsilver | Emory Wages |
| Romy Valentina | Miss Fern |
| Lisa Wolff | Regina Tasker |
| Danielle Garcia | Mrs. Daigle |
| Matt Rosenthal | Mr. Daigle |
| Lizzie Wastell | Messenger |
| Ava Szilagi | Renee Bravo |
THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY
AUGUST 26, 27 & 28, 2004
Showtime 9:00pm
WITH A SPECIAL ADDED MATINEE PERFORMANCE SATURDAY AT 3 p.m.!
The classic, controversial rock opera from the authors of EVITA and JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.
It tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus, through the eyes of Jesus’ friend, disciple and eventual betrayer, Judas.
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber * Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by David Levinson * Choreography by Crystal Estey
Produced by Lizzie Wastell
Set Designer, Corey Scoparino
Lighting Designer, Edward Slattery
Lighting Operator, S. Michael Cohen
THE CAST (in alphabetical order):
| Emily Cohen | Philip/Featured Vocalist |
| Molly Cohen | James |
| Crystal Estey | Simon Zealotes/Featured Dancer |
| Sam Feinsilver | Matthew |
| Danielle Garcia | King Herod |
| Gabriella Garcia | Salome/Featured Dancer |
| Erica Kaya Hill | Andrew/Featured Vocalist |
| Dan Holzberg | Caiaphas |
| Dan Levinson | Jesus |
| Krissi Lum | Joanna |
| Leila Manion | Pontius Pilate |
| Jackie Nese | Martha/Featured Vocalist & Dancer |
| Jonelle Robinson | Annas |
| Jamal Shuriah | Peter/Featured Dancer |
| Samantha Skow | Mary the Magdalene |
| Cody Stallings | Pharisee |
| Ava Szilagi | Judas |
| Tais Szilagi | Pharisee |
| Laura Wastell | Bartholomew/Featured Vocalist |
MUSICIANS:
| Andrew Blum | Drums |
| Kris Bauman | Guitar |
| Tom Berger | Keyboard |
a festival of one-act plays
presented by Theatre Workshop Players
Produced by Samir Poonawala
Lighting Coordinator, S. Michael Cohen
Sound Coordinator, Lizzie Wastell
JUNE 4 & 5, 2004
Levels’ longest-running showcase for theatrical talent, presenting original short plays by students alongside established works by award-winning playwrights.
THE PROGRAMME:
TIME FLIES by David Ivesdirected by Samir Poonawala; featuring Matt Rosenthal (Horace), Hannah Diamond (May), Danielle Garcia (Sir David Attenborough).
ROMEO & JULIET, Act III, Scene 5 by William Shakespeare
directed by Romy Valentina; featuring Crystal Estey (Juliet), Robert Di Giovanni (Romeo), Rachel Wolfsohn (Lady Capulet), Matt Rosenthal (Lord Capulet), Alex Molina (Nurse).
THE VOICE WITHIN, monologues by Lizzie Wastell
directed by Lizzie Wastell; featuring David Levinson (in “I Can’t Depend on Them”), Danielle Garcia (in “Cutting”), Samantha Skow (in “Hunger”).
THE SPANISH INQUISITION by Monty Python (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones & Michael Palin)
directed by Paul Saffioti & Alan Smithee; featuring Paul Saffioti (Cardinal Ximenez), David Levinson (Cardinal Biggles), Marc Vainrib (Cardinal Fang), Robert Di Giovanni (Mr. Chapman), Alex Molina (Miss Cleveland), Danielle Garcia (Dear Old Lady), Crystal Estey (Young Lady).
CHEMICAL BURN (scene from FIGHT CLUB) by Chuck Palahniuk & Jim Uhls
directed by Sam Feinsilver; featuring Jeremy Bazinet (Tyler), Matt Rosenthal (Jack).
ROUND IN CIRCLES by Terri Collin
directed by David Levinson; featuring Robert Di Giovanni (George), Talia L’amour Kovacs (Malvin).
CHECKMATE by Lizzie Wastell
directed by Lizzie Wastell; featuring Erica Kaya Hill (Shelley), Laura Wastell (Lulu)
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING, monologues by Lizzie Wastell
directed by Lizzie Wastell; featuring Talia L’amour Kovacs (in “The Chicken/Egg Complex”), Alex Molina (in “Ugly”), Karina Spiess (in “The Big EEW”).
MODERN MASTERPIECE by Cody Stallings
directed by Cody Stallings; featuring Robert Di Giovanni (Ralph), Erica Kaya Hill (Gail), Nikki Blonsky (Ralph’s Mom), Marc Vainrib (Rico), Shira Klein (Michaela Giuseppe)
THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY
MARCH 11, 12 & 13, 2004
(because of popular demand, an additional matinee performance was added March 13!)
Book & Lyrics by Gerome Ragni & James Rado
Music by Galt MacDermot
Directed by Rachel Wolfsohn * Choreography by Ava Szilagi
Produced by Robert DiGiovanni
Associate Producer/Stage Manager, Lizzie Wastell
Scenic Designer, Edward Slattery
Costume Designer, David Levinson
Lighting Designer, Steven Cohen
Dance Captain, Crystal Estey
Assistant Vocal Director, Samantha Skow
Master Electrician, Julio Centeno
The classic “American Tribal Love Rock Musical” that shook Broadway in the sixties returns to Levels!
The show was previously performed here in 1974, 1983 and 1991, and has become a
Levels tradition. For two hours, the audience is transported to New York City in 1968, and given a taste of hippie life — including what happens when one member of the “Tribe” is drafted to fight in Vietnam. Features the hit songs “Age of Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,”
“Easy to Be Hard” and “Good Morning Starshine”.
THE TRIBE (in alphabetical order):
| Nikki Blonsky | Star / Margaret Mead |
| Julio Centeno | Dusk |
| Molly Cohen | Hannah |
| Crystal Estey | Serenity |
| Alanna Fein | Summer |
| Sam Feinsilver | Woof |
| Kristi Gottlieb | Sheila Franklin |
| Erica Kaya Hill | Meadow X |
| Maya Klein | Faith |
| Shira Klein | Nico |
| David Levinson | Claude Hooper Bukowski |
| Krissi Lum | Diane |
| Coralynn Manion | Skylar |
| Leila Manion | Noname |
| Nora Moutrane | Crissy |
| Samir Poonawala | Hubert |
| Matt Rosenthal | Boo |
| Paul Ryder | George Berger |
| Jamal Shuriah | Hud |
| Samantha Skow | Lavender |
| Karina Speiss | Lola |
| Jessica Sussman | Zoe |
| Ava Szilagi | Aquarius |
| Romy Valentina | Jeanie |
| Jessica Wrynn | Jasmine |
THE BAND:
| Andrew Blum | Drums |
| Jason Goodman | Bass |
| Harrison Shulman | Guitar |
| Kris Bauman | Guitar |
| Tais Szilagi | Flute Soloist (“Be-In / Hare Krishna”) |
based on the adaptation by Eva LeGallienne & Florida Friebus
of the books “Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll
directed by Ava Szilagi
produced by Casey Alexander
assistant directors, Erica Kaya Hill & Alan Smithee
original music by Paul Saffioti (with lyrics by Lewis Carroll)
stage manager, Lizzie Wastell
assistant stage managers, Julio Centeno & Amy Titus
conceptual design by THE ALICE DESIGN CULT (Robert DiGiovanni, Danielle Garcia, Shayna Hodkin, David Levinson, Paul Saffioti & Rachel Wolfsohn)
November 13-14-15, 2003
This bizarre adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story combines an original rock score with puppetry, shadow theatre and some VERY non-traditional scenic and costume designs to tell the tale of a young girl’s coming of age, and her entry into the strange and often frightening world of adulthood.
THE CAST:
| Lisa Wolff | Alice |
| Casey Alexander | Mock Turtle, Alice’s Reflection |
| Nikki Blonsky | Queen of Hearts, Dodo, Sheep |
| Andrew Blum | Tweedledee & Tweedledum |
| Michael Chamberlin | Knave of Hearts |
| Steven Cohen | White Knight, Mouse |
| Hannah Diamond | White Chess Queen, Gryphon |
| Robert DiGiovanni | Mad Hatter, The Jabberwock |
| Crystal Estey | Red Chess Queen, Eaglet, Fish-Footman |
| Alanna Fein | Tiger-Lily, Frog-Footman |
| Danielle Garcia | Duchess |
| Gabriella Garcia | March Hare, Rose, A Dream Gone Bad |
| Dan Holzberg | King of Hearts |
| Olivia Janczyk | Humpty Dumpty, Duck, 2/5/7 of Spades |
| Krissi Lum | Violet, Cook, Lory |
| James November | Caterpillar |
| Romy Valentina | Cheshire Cat |
| Rachel Wolfsohn | White Rabbit |
| Samantha Zubli | Dormouse |
story & book by Keythe Farley & Brian Flemming
music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe
licensed from Weekly World News
directed by Andrew Blum
assistant director, Jacqui Levin
stage manager, Lizzie Wastell
produced by Danielle Garcia & Jacqui Levin
scenic designer, Robyn Candyce Schlau
lighting designer, Steven Cohen
costume designers, Robert DiGiovanni & David Levinson
August 21-22-23, 2003
Ripped straight from the pages of the infamous Weekly World News tabloid, this bizarre musical tells the tale of a half bat/half boy found in a West Virginia cave. He is brought into town and civilized, and tries to find love and acceptance in spite of the narrow-minded humans who persecute him.
THE CAST:
| David Levinson | Bat Boy |
| Nikki Blonsky | Meredith Parker |
| Erica Kaya Hill | Shelley Parker |
| Dan Levinson | Dr. Thomas Parker |
| Marc Vainrib | Sheriff Reynolds |
| Paul Saffioti | Rick Taylor/Reverend Billy Hightower |
| Robert DiGiovanni | Ron Taylor/Pan, God of the Forest/Young Dr. Parker |
| Molly Cohen | Ruthie Taylor/Ned |
| Joe Pearlman | Mrs. Taylor |
| Romy Valentina | Lorraine/Young Meredith/Maya Angelou |
| Kristina Lum | Mayor Maggie/Meredith’s Doctor |
| Danielle King | Bud/Daisy |
| Jesse Stallings | Roy |
| Laura Wastell | Ruthie’s Doctor/Clem/Institute Man |
directed by Dan Holzberg
produced by Danielle Garcia & Jacqui Levin
stage manager, Lizzie Wastell
scenic & costume design, Casey Alexander
lighting design, Steven Cohen
August 15-16, 2003
A hysterical, irreverent comedy about a the world’s most bizarre job interviewee. But that’s not all — it’s the first play that is cast entirely by the audience! At the beginning of the show, the audience is asked to vote on which member of the cast should play which role. With more than 30,000 different combinations, it’s a different show every night!
THE CAST (as chosen by the audience):
| Fallon Beckerman | Merritt (show 1)/Jean & Hollis (show 2)/Sydney (show 3) |
| Karen Lynn Miller | Sydney (show 1)/Chris (show 2)/Jean & Hollis (show 3) |
| Andie Robin | Jean & Hollis (show 1)/Sydney (show 2)/Chris (show 3) |
| Jonelle Robinson | Pinky (show 1)/Royce (show 2)/”New Merritt” (show 3) |
| Robyn Candyce Schlau | Royce (show 1)/Pinky (show 2)/Merritt (show 3) |
| Cody Stallings | Chris (show 1)/”New Merritt” (show 2)/Pinky (show 3) |
| Ava Szilagi | “New Merritt” (show 1)/Merritt (show 2)/Royce (show 3) |
performed with
THE SIREN SONG OF STEPHEN JAY GOULD
produced by Samir Poonawala
lighting designed & operated by Robert DiGiovanni
sound design/live percussion, Steven Cohen
stage manager, Lizzie Wastell
June 19-20-21, 2003
THE CAST:
| Cody Stallings | Man |
| Casey Alexander | Woman |
BANG BANG YOU’RE DEAD
by William Mastrosimone
directed by David Levinson
assistant director, Emily Ann Mazza
A teenager who killed five of his classmates is visited in his prison cell by the ghosts of his victims,
who force him to confront why he did it and what led him to become a murderer.
THE CAST:
| Dan Levinson | Josh |
| Cody Stallings | Michael |
| Ava Szilagi | Katie |
| Eric Strauss | Matt |
| Casey Alexander | Jessie |
| Danielle Garcia | Emily |
| Samir Poonawala | Actor 1 (Josh’s Dad, Public Defender, Grandpa) |
| Olivia Janczyk | Actor 2 (Judge, Con) |
| Erica Kaya Hill | Actor 3 (Josh’s Mom, Witness) |
| Nicole Adhami | Actor 4 (Prosecutor, Psychiatrist) |
| Laura “Alex” Molina | Actor 5 (Jury Foreperson, Police Officer, Principal) |
book and lyrics by Howard Ashman
music by Alan Menken
based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
directed by Casey Alexandra
produced by Andrew Blum & Dan Holzberg
assistant director, Eric Strauss
assistant producer, Jacqui Levin
scenic designer, Lisa Wolff
lighting designer, Aaron Grant
March 20-21-22, 2003
The popular doo-wop musical about a down-on-his-luck nerd who discovers a new and exotic breed of plant life that brings him fame and fortune. Only trouble is, you have to feed it human blood! Features songs by the team behind Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY & THE BEAST and ALADDIN.
THE CAST
| David Levinson | Seymour Krelborn |
| Casey Alexandra | Audrey |
| Frank Espadas | Mr. Mushnik |
| Cody Stallings | Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. |
| Erica Hill | Crystal |
| Ava Szilagi | Ronette |
| Samantha Skow | Chiffon |
| Paul Saffioti | “Audrey II” (voice) |
| Jacqui Levin | “Audrey II” (puppeteer) |
| Crystal Estey | Mrs. Luce/Derelict/Finale Puppeteer |
| Alanna Fein | Bernstein/Derelict/Finale Puppeteer |
| Gil Klein | Patrick Martin/Derelict |
| Shira Klein | Skip Snip/Derelict |
| Emily Ann Mazza | Second Customer/Derelict/Finale Puppeteer |
| Ariana Tantillo | First Customer/Derelict/Finale Puppeteer |
by Craig Lucas
directed by Zach Linder
produced by Andrew Blum and Dan Holzbergscenic designer, David Levinson
lighting & sound design, Steven CohenNovember 21, 22, 23, 2002
Peter and Rita had a whirlwind romance and a storybook wedding…until a mysterious Old Man appeared and asked to kiss the bride. With one magical kiss, Rita winds up in the Old Man’s body, and he winds up in hers. Can Peter discover the truth and get his true love back?
THE CAST:
| Alan Smithee | Peter |
| Casey Alexandra | Rita |
| Benny Oyama | Old Man |
| Frank Espadas | Dr. Boyle |
| Andie Robin | Mrs. Boyle |
| Andrew Blum | Taylor |
| Romy Valentina | Tom |
| Olivia Janczyk | Aunt Dorothy |
| Danielle King | Aunt Frieda |
| Karen Lynn Miller | Leah |
| Hannah Diamond | Minister |
| Jonelle Robinson | Jamaican Waitress (Thurs. & Sat.) |
| Erica Hill | Jamaican Waitress (Fri.) |
| Crystal Estey | Partygoer/Wedding Guest/Woman on Street |
| Ava Szilagi | Partygoer/Bridesmaid/Wino |
by Richard O’Brien
Directed by Jared Beckerman
Assistant Director, Andrew Blum
Choreography by Rebecca Montalbano
Vocal Director, Lauren Meredith Braun
Produced by Fallon Beckerman, Elissa Schlau & Eric Strauss
Scenic Designer, Daniel Holzberg
Costume Designers, Robert DiGiovanni & David Levinson
Lighting Coordinator, Aharon Benelyahoo
Sound Coordinator, Andie Robin
AUGUST 15, 16 & 17, 2002 at 9:00 p.m.
(plus an additional “MIDNIGHT SHOWING” on August 17!)
Let’s do the Time Warp again! This rock’n’roll cult classic tells the twisted tale of Brad and Janet, two All-American teens whose lives are changed forever by the perfectly perverse Dr. Frank N. Furter and his castle full of Transylvanian ghouls and groupies. Audience participation was not only encouraged, it was REQUIRED!
THE CAST:
| Dan Levinson | Dr. Frank N. Furter, a scientist |
| Eric Strauss | Brad Majors, a hero |
| Shannon Riley | Janet Weiss, a heroine |
| David Levinson | Riff Raff, a handyman |
| Gabriella Garcia | Magenta, a domestic |
| Ava Maria | Columbia, a groupie |
| Fallon Beckerman | The Narrator, an expert |
| Cody Stallings | Rocky Horror, a creation |
| Joe Pearlman | Eddie, ex-delivery boy |
| Robyn Candyce Schlau | Dr. Everett V. Scott, a rival scientist |
| Rebecca Montalbano | Phantom |
| Vanessa Pozan | Usherette/Phantom |
| Jonelle Robinson | Usherette/Phantom |
| Romy Valentina Chiarotti | Phantom |
| Erica Hill | Phantom |
| Freda Kahen-Kashi | Phantom |
| Emily Ann Mazza | Phantom |
| Marc Vainrib | Phantom |
| Samantha Zahabian | Phantom |
THE ROCKY HORROR BAND
| Jeff Kesler | Guitar |
| Adam Schalit | Drums |
| Mike Corn | Bass |
a festival of one-act plays
presented by Theatre Workshop Players
Produced by Andie Robin
Lighting Coordinator, Aharon Benelyahoo
JUNE 14 & 15, 2002
Levels’ longest-running showcase for theatrical talent, presenting original short plays by students alongside established works by award-winning playwrights.
THE PROGRAMME
KEEPING SCORE by Terri Collindirected by David Levinson & Andrew Blum; featuring Robyn Candyce Schlau (Gloria), Karen Miller (Jackie), Samantha Zahabian (Lorraine), L. Alex Molina (Mary).
STARS (excerpt from LES MISERABLES) by Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schonberg & Herbert Kretzmer
directed by Alan Smithee; featuring David Levinson (Javert).
OVER THE MOON (excerpt from RENT) by Jonathan Larson
directed by Rebecca Montalbano; featuring Rebecca Montalbano (Maureen), David Levinson (Echo).
IN OUR LITTLE CIRCLE by Robyn Candyce Schlau
directed by Robyn Candyce Schlau; featuring Romy Valentina Chiarotti (Wilhelmina), Karen Miller (Pandora), Judy Yerukhovich (Idelle), Samantha Zahabian (Alarice), L. Alex Molina (Maura), Freda Kahen-Kashi (Laverna).
IT’S A DOLL’S LIFE by Cathy Clarke
directed by Rebecca Montalbano; featuring Rebecca Montalbano (Rag Doll).
AN AFTERNOON IN THE LIFE OF STEVE & SHEILA by Zach Linder
directed by Zach Linder; featuring Andrew Blum (Steve), Freda Kahen-Kashi (Sheila).
OTHELLO, Act IV, scene ii by William Shakespeare
directed by Alan Smithee; featuring Robyn Candyce Schlau (Desdemona).
CHEMICAL REACTIONS by Andrew Foster
directed by Zach Linder; featuring Cody Stallings (Bern), Karen Miller (Ike), Aharon Benelyahoo (Voice of Lom), Rebecca Montalbano (Stunt Performer).
APRIL 18, 19 & 20, 2002
Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Conceived by John-Michael Tebelak
Based on the Gospel According to Matthew
Directed by Barry Weil
Choreography by Andie Robin Lazaroff
Produced by Kelly-Anne and Alan Smithee
Production Designer, David Levinson
The Bible’s Book of Matthew is updated to modern-day New York City by a cast of ten streetwise improv comedians. A hilarious, enlightening and by the end, deeply touching piece of musical theatre. Features the hit song “Day by Day”.
THE CAST:
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | Casey |
| Renee Doustan | Renee |
| Erica Hill | Erica |
| Corey Horn | Judas / John the Baptist |
| Kelly-Anne | Jesus |
| Andie Robin Lazaroff | Andie |
| Karen Miller | Karen |
| Robyn Candyce Schlau | Robyn |
| Cody Stallings | Cody |
| Samantha Zahabian | Samantha |
THE GODSPELL BAND:
| David Levinson | Keyboard |
| Harrison Shulman | Guitar |
| Benny Oyama | Bass |
| Mike Fatoullah | Drums |
| Mike Corn | Conductor |
1-900-DESPERATE by Christopher Durang
‘DENTITY CRISIS by Christopher Durang
THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS by Paul Zindel
1-900-DESPERATE and ‘DENTITY CRISIS Directed by Andie Robin Lazaroff
THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS… Directed by Barry Weil
Produced by Lori Gross
DECEMBER 7, 8 & 9, 2001
1-900-DESPERATE:
A woman spends a very bizarre evening on a phone-chat line.
THE CAST:
| Gabriella Garcia | Gretchen |
| Lori Gross | Sally |
| Gali Levy | Zelda |
| Aharon Benelyahoo | Scuzzy |
| David Brill | Little Boy |
‘DENTITY CRISIS :
A surreal tale of multiple identities, gender confusion and banana bread.
THE CAST:
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | Jane |
| Andie Robin Lazaroff | Edith |
| Daniel Holzberg | Robert |
| Jordan Hoyda | Mr. Summers |
| Anna Lefkowitz | Woman |
THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS:
The Pulitzer-Prize-winning drama about a young science prodigy who learns to blossom despite her toxic home life.
THE CAST:
| Freda Kahen-Kashi | Tillie |
| Karen Miller | Beatrice |
| Samantha Zahabian | Ruth |
| Lily Hoyda | Nanny |
| Jaime Barak | Janice Vickery |
by Stephen Sondheim & George Furth
Directed by David Levinson
Assistant Director, Jared Beckerman
Produced by Fallon Beckerman
Scenic Designer, Andie Robin Lazaroff
Lighting Designer, Michael Strauss
AUGUST 16, 17 & 18, 2001
This landmark 1970 musical tells the story of Robert, a thirty-five-year-old confirmed bachelor and his “good and crazy” married friends, who try to teach him that being alone is not the same as being alive.
THE CAST:
| David Portugal | Robert |
| Lauren Braun | Sarah |
| Dan Levinson | Harry |
| Freda Kahen-Kashi | Susan |
| Cody Stallings | Peter |
| Shannon Riley | Jenny |
| Eric Strauss | David |
| Andie Robin Lazaroff | Amy |
| Andrew Blum | Paul |
| Fallon Beckerman | Joanne |
| Aharon Benelyahoo | Larry |
| Lori Gross | April |
| Gabriella Garcia | Kathy |
| Kelly Phillips | Marta |
conceived, directed and choreographed by Andie Robin Lazaroff
produced by Elissa Schlau
asst. director, Fallon Beckerman
scenic designer, David Levinson
fashion stylist, Danielle King
lighting designer,Michael Strauss
June 8 and 9, 2001
Think you know what fashion shows are like? WELL, THINK AGAIN, SLAPPY!!! This bizarre production mixed game show parodies, moments from Shakespeare and selections from rock musicals with punk and goth fashions from the ultra-hip UTOPIA clothing store! A truly demented Levels original!
THE PERFORMERS:
| Eric Strauss | Character Fosse (Host) |
| Kelly Phillips | Dancer Fosse (Host) |
| Josh Chaplin | Comic Relief Fosse (Host) |
| Laura Chen | Dancer/Cat/Munchkin |
| Freda Kahen-Kashi | Dancer/Peaseblossom/Cat/Munchkin |
| Kathleen Rios | Dancer/Cobweb/Cat/Munchkin |
| Dolly Rotman | Dancer/Mustardseed/Columbia/Cat/Munchkin |
| Aharon Benelyahoo | Riff-Raff/Model |
| Jordan Hoyda | Chicken Boy/Brad/Model |
| Lily Hoyda | Shy Girl/Lion/Model |
| Danielle King | Katherina/Hot Toga Chick/Magenta/Model |
| Anna Lefkowitz | Titania/Janet/Model |
| David Levinson | Petruchio/Goofy/Roger/Rocky/Model |
| Samantha Zahabian | Juliet/Dorothy/Model |
| Jonna L. Hearn | Wicked Witch of the Whip |
| Andie Robin Lazaroff | Romeo/Miss America/Mark’s Mom/Model |
| Dan Levinson | Puck/Mark |
| Zach Linder | Bottom/Frank N. Furter/Model |
| Matt Schechter | Scarecrow |
| Laura Simon | TinWoman |
| Barry Weil | Eddie (ex-delivery boy) |
| William Shatner | Voice of Hamlet |
music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
book by James Lapine
directed by Becca Montalbano
assistant director, Eric Strauss
produced by Rebecca King & Elissa Schlau
scenic designer, Robyn Schlau
lighting designer, Michael Strauss
March 15, 16 and 17, 2001
THE CAST:
| Geoffrey Chiang | The Baker |
| Shannon Riley | The Baker’s Wife |
| Elyse Nicodemi | The Witch |
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | Cinderella |
| Laura Simon | Jack |
| Samantha Zahabian | Little Red Riding Hood |
| Amalia Curcio | The Narrator |
| Frankie Espadas | The Mysterious Man |
| Lillian Chang | Rapunzel |
| Zach Linder | Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf |
| Jake Lederman | Rapunzel’s Prince |
| Robyn Schlau | Jack’s Mother |
| Rebecca Montalbano | Cinderella’s Stepmother |
| Freda Kahen-Kashi | Florinda (Stepsister) |
| Jennifer Marks | Lucinda (Stepsister) |
| Anna Lefkowitz | The Steward |
| Debra Lifschutz | Cinderella’s Mother/Granny/Voice of the Giant |
| Jonathan Tavakoli | Cinderella’s Father |
| Elsie La Vie Bovine* | Milky-White |
| Jonna L. Hearn | Voice of Milky-White |
directed by Jonna L. Hearn
produced by Elissa Schlau
asst. director, David Levinson
scenic design, Jen Stonefield
costume design, Becca Montalbano & Eric Strauss
lighting design, Michael Strauss
November 2, 3 & 4, 2000
A wild farce about a night of lies, deception and injuries at the home of the Deputy Mayor of New York. Our production was set in 1987, with appropriately nostalgic costuming, design elements and music.
THE CAST:
| Laura Simon | Chris Gorman |
| Eric Strauss | Ken Gorman |
| Andie Robin Lazaroff | Claire Ganz |
| Zach Linder | Lenny Ganz |
| Samantha Zahabian | Cookie Cusack |
| David Levinson | Ernie Cusack |
| Becca Montalbano | Cassie Cooper |
| Jake Lederman | Glenn Cooper |
| Jonna L. Hearn | Officer Welch |
| Anjli Datta | Officer Pudney |
book, lyrics and music by Rupert Holmes
based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens
directed by Merideth Brown
produced by Eric Strauss
choreographed by Becca Montalbano
August 17 and 18, 2000 at Parkwood Sports Complex
August 19, 2000 at Levels
In 1892 London, the lovable but inept players of the Music Hall Royale present their musical version of Charles Dickens’ final, unfinished novel. At the point when the great author “laid down his pen forever,” the audience is invited to vote on three important questions: who is the Murderer, who is behind the false beard of disguised detective Dick Datchery, and which two Lovers will be united at the end.
THE COMPANY OF THE MUSIC HALL ROYALE:
| Matt Schechter | Your Chairman |
| Eric Strauss | John Jasper/ Clive Paget |
| Jodi Sussman | Edwin Drood/ Alice Nutting |
| Jessica Michelle Lynch | Rosa Bud/ Deirdre Peregrine |
| Renee Doustan | Helena Landless/ Janet Conover |
| David Levinson | Neville Landless/ Victor Grinstead |
| Dan Levinson | Rev. Crisparkle/ Cedric Moncrieffe |
| Robyn Schlau | Princess Puffer/ Angela Prysock |
| Jonna L. Hearn | Durdles/ Nick Cricker Sr. |
| Cody Stallings | Deputy/ Nick Cricker Jr. |
| Lori Gross | Bazzard/ Philip Bax |
| Danielle King | Company/ Arabella Burrows |
| Becca Montalbano | Company/ Molly Ellis |
| Melissa D’ Angelo | Company/ Rosemary Lynne |
| Barry Weil | James Throttle (Stage Manager) |
THE ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC HALL ROYALE:
| Meegan Samantha Bernstein | Conductor/ Keyboard (Miss Winnifred Purcell) |
| Mandy DeShrage | Flute/Piccolo |
| Deanna Howarth | Clarinet |
| Julia Martello | French Horn |
| Douglas Coleman | Trumpet 1 |
| Stephen Zoffranieri | Trumpet 2 |
| Christopher Viggiano | Trombone |
| Alice Esposito | Tuba |
| Christopher Ignaciuk | Percussion |
RESULTS OF THE VOTING:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17:
The Murderer — Helena Landless
Dick Datchery — Neville Landless
The Lovers — Princess Puffer & Durdles
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18:
The Murderer — Reverend Crisparkle
Dick Datchery — Rosa Bud
The Lovers — Helena Landless & Neville Landless (!)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19:
The Murderer — Bazzard
Dick Datchery — Reverend Crisparkle
The Lovers — Princess Puffer & Deputy
a festival of one-act playspresented by Theatre Workshop Players
June 2 & 3, 2000
Levels’ longest-running showcase for theatrical talent, presentingoriginal short plays by students alongside established works by award-winningplaywrights.
THE PROGRAMME:
TIME FLIES by David Ivesdirected by Seth Cohen; featuring Zach Linder (Horace), Jonna L.Hearn (May), Seth Cohen (Sir David Attenborough).
EATING OUT by Marcia Dixcy
directed by Eric Strauss; featuring Casey Alexandra Diskin (Chriss),Sandy Robin Lazaroff (Melanie), Kelly Phillips (Pat).
JANICE VICKERY by Paul Zindel
(excerpt from THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS)
directed by Alan Smithee; featuring Jonna L. Hearn (Janice Vickery).
SORRY WRONG NUMBER by Lucille Fletcher
directed by Eric Strauss; featuring Renee Doustan (Mrs. Stevenson),Sandy Robin Lazaroff (Operator), Paul Rodriguez (Man), Alan Smithee(George), Robyn Schlau (Chief Operator), Zach Linder (Sgt. Duffy), JordanHoyda (Western Union), Anna Lefkowitz (Information), Maria Verbanac(Nurse).
COFFEE HOUSE SLACKERS by Becca Montalbano
directed by Becca Montalbano; featuring Fallon Beckerman (Narrator),Lisa Wolff (Mimi – Friday performance), Jodi Sussman (Mimi – Saturdayperformance), Kelly Phillips (Lisa), Robyn Schlau (Brennah), RebeccaKing (Liz), Danielle King (Yuppie), Adam Schalit (Andrew Leo Wagner),Elissa Schlau (FBI Agent #1 – Friday performance), Alan Smithee (FBIAgent #1 – Saturday performance), Randy Fontini (FBI Agent #2), JordanHoyda (Patron #1), Jonathan Tavakoli (Patron #2), Anna Lefkowitz (BongoPlayer).
CAT LOVER’S LAMENT by Valerie Woods
directed by Alan Smithee; featuring Sandy Robin Lazaroff (Cat Lady).
WORDS, WORDS, WORDS by David Ives
directed by Rebecca King, featuring Jonna L. Hearn (Swift), Adam Schalit(Milton), Robyn Schlau (Kafka).
FORMING THE RAINBOW by Sandy Robin Lazaroff
directed by Sandy Robin Lazaroff; featuring Fallon Beckerman (Gold),Kelly Phillips (Red), Brett Lazaroff (Orange), Casey Alexandra Diskin(Yellow), Jordan Hoyda (Green), Rebecca King (Blue), Renee Doustan (Purple),Robyn Schlau (Rose).
book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
music by Stephen Flaherty
based on “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” by Michael Butterworth
directed and choreographed by Sandy Robin Lazaroff
produced by Corey Horn and Elissa Schlau
asst. director, Fallon Beckerman
scenic designer, Robyn Schlau
March 30, 31 and April 1, 2000
A mild-mannered British shoe salesman will inherit six million dollars from his rich uncle if he takes the uncle’s dead body on a gambling trip to Monte Carlo. A musical gem from the creators of RAGTIME and ANASTASIA.
THE CAST:
| Zach Linder | Harry Witherspoon |
| Fallon Beckerman | Annabel Glick |
| Sandy Robin Lazaroff | Rita La Porta |
| Jared Beckerman | Vinnie DiRuzzio |
| Adam Schalit | Luigi Gaudi/Arab/Voice of Uncle Anthony |
| Aleksandra Vargas | Dominique DuMonaco |
| Seth Cohen | Punk/Rich Man/Old Texan/Clothing Salesman/Gambler |
| Renee Doustan | Landlady/Southern Belle/Mona Lisa/Puerto Rican Nurse |
| Jonna L. Hearn | Emcee/Lorry Driver/Italian Nun/Miss Thorsby |
| Julia Nemiroff | Bellhop/Roulette Wheel/Waitress/Spinster |
| Robyn Schlau | Drunken Maid/Solicitor/Southern Belle/Leper |
| Jordan Hoyda | The Dead Body of Uncle Anthony |
by Michael Frayn
directed by Zach Linder
produced by Sandy Robin Lazaroff
December 17 & 18, 1999
with a special matinee performance on
December 19, 1999
The story of a luckless theatre troupe who are trying to stage the stereotypical British comedy “Nothing On”. The only trouble is, they can’t get through more than a page of dialogue without losing contact lenses, dropping their trousers, falling down the stairs, gluing themselves to a plate of sardines or accidentally sitting on a cactus. End the year with us in fits of laughter over this wild, slapstick comedy hit! It’s a Y2K-O!
THE CAST:
| Jordan Joseph Alter | Garry/Roger |
| Craig Convissar | Lloyd |
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | Brooke/Vicki |
| Frankie Espadas | Selsdon/Burglar |
| Lori Gross | Belinda/Flavia |
| Jonna Hearn | Kim |
| Sandy Robin Lazaroff | Poppy |
| Laura Simon | Dotty/Mrs. Clackett |
| Eric Strauss | Frederick/Philip/Sheikh |
book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert
lyrics & music by Frank Loesser
based on the novel by Shepherd Mead
directed by Robyn Schlau
produced by Elissa Schlau & Eric Strauss
asst. director, Rebecca King
musical director, Michelle Solomon
choreographer, Christine Bonfanti
Levels’ 25th Anniversary Theatre Production
August 19,20,21 1999
Ambitious young J. Pierrepont Finch schemes his way up the corporate ladder from window-washer to CEO in this Pulitzer-Prize-winning satire of big business. Levels alumni from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s made special guest appearances in honor of Levels’ 25th Anniversary.
THE CAST:
| Matt Schechter | J. Pierrepont Finch |
| Fallon Patricia Beckerman | Rosemary |
| Jared Sean Beckerman | J.B. Biggley |
| Cody Stallings | Bud Frump |
| Laura Simon | Hedy LaRue |
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | Smitty |
| Jonna Hearn | Mr. Bratt |
| Jessica Michelle Lynch | Miss Jones |
| Seth Cohen | Wally Womper/Mr. Tackaberry |
| Julia Nemiroff | Mr. Jenkins |
| Gabrielle Aiuto | Miss Krumholtz |
| Melissa D’Angelo | Miss Queen/Wickette |
| Blair Silver | Miss Gold/Wickette |
OUR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI:
| David Aubrey | T.V. Announcer |
| Max Bernstein | Mr. Twimble |
| Donald Chaisson | Policeman |
| Lawrence E. Kohan | Mr. Ovington |
| Danny Pitt Stoller | Mr. Gatch |
| Former Levels Director Mario Blanco | The Voice of the Book |
by Jane Martin
directed by Barry Weil & Ethan Mann
asst. director, Laura Simon
a co-production of the Levels Scene Study Workshop
and the Levels Monologue Workshop
June9, 10 1999
Seven extraordinary women tell their life stories in this acclaimed collection of monologues.
THE CAST:
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | “Audition” |
| Renee Doustan | “Dragons” |
| Danielle King | “Marks” |
| Rebecca King | “Scraps” |
| Sandy Robin Lazaroff | “Clear Glass Marbles” |
| Elissa Schlau | “French Fries” |
| Robyn Schlau | “Twirler” |
by Joseph Kesselring
directed by Corey Horn
produced by Jordan Hoyda
asst. director, Rachel Kaminsky
scenic designer, Robyn Schlau
May 20, 21 & 22, 1999
You won’t look at Grandma’s apple pie the same way again! The celebrated comic thriller about little old ladies who “kevorkian” their elderly boarders.
THE CAST:
| Blair Silver | Abby Brewster |
| Rachel Kaminsky | Martha Brewster |
| Craig Convissar | Mortimer Brewster |
| Corey Horn | Jonathan Brewster |
| Laura Simon | Dr. Helga Einstein |
| Julia Nemiroff | Elaine Harper |
| Jared Sean Beckerman | Teddy Brewster |
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | Officer O’Hara |
| Maria Verbanac | Officer Brophy |
| Jennifer Spinello | Officer Klein |
| Frankie Espadas | Lt. Rooney |
| Fallon Patricia Beckerman | Miss Witherspoon |
| Seth Cohen | Rev. Harper |
| Jordan Hoyda | Mr. Gibbs |
| Brett Lazaroff | Mr. Hoskins/Mr. Spenalzo |
book by Abe Burrows & Jo Swerling
lyrics and music by Frank Loesser
based on “The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown”
and other stories by Damon Runyon
directed by Eric Strauss
produced by Sandy Robin Lazaroff
asst. director, Laura Simon
scenic designer, Robyn Schlau
March 18, 19, 20, 1999
THE CAST:
| Paul Rodriguez | Sky Masterson |
| Blair Silver | Sarah Brown |
| Matt Schechter | Nathan Detroit |
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | Miss Adelaide |
| Laura Simon | Nicely-Nicely Johnson |
| Rachel Kaminsky | Benny Southstreet |
| Greer Ferguson | Arvide Abernathy/Fergie |
| Seth Cohen | Big Jule |
| Renee Doustan | Mimi/Sister Betty/Cuban Dancer |
| Josh Epstein | Newsdealer |
| Jill Fuersich | Roxie |
| Jessica Andrea Gardner | Gerneral Cartwright/Candie |
| Corey Horn | Lt. Brannigan |
| Jordan Hoyda | Angie the Ox/Waiter |
| Anna Lefkowitz | Sister Agatha/Drunk/Maraca Dancer |
| Julia Nemiroff | Rusty Charlie/Dollie |
| Adam J. Schalit | Society Max |
| Tom Shonfeld | Harry the Horse |
| Alan Smithee | Voice of Joey Biltmore |
| Eric Strauss | Cuban Dancer |
by Thornton Wilder
directed by Michael Strauss
produced by Sandy Robin Lazaroff
scenic designer, Kristin Marchesiello
December 3, 4, 5, 1998
The author of OUR TOWN brings us a Pulitzer Prize-winning comic fantasy about the strange and wonderful history of the human race. The dysfunctional Antrobus family of Excelsior, New Jersey travel from the Ice Age to World War III, always struggling to stay together and keep on going.
THE CAST:
| Laura Simon | Sabina |
| Corey Horn | George Antrobus |
| Casey Alexandra Diskin | Maggie Antrobus |
| Matt Schechter | Henry Antrobus |
| Blair Silver | Gladys Antrobus |
| Sandy Robin Lazaroff | Fortune Teller/Ms. M. Muse |
| Seth Cohen | Telegraph Boy/Homer/Conventioneer |
| Jake Lederman | Dinosaur |
| Eric Strauss | Mammoth |
| Joe Pearlman | Announcer/Moses/Conventioneer |
| Jordan Hoyda | Doctor/Chair Pusher |
| Anna Lefkowitz | Ms. E. Muse/Conventioneer |
| Julia Nemiroff | Ms. T. Muse/Chair Pusher |
| Michael Strauss | Himself |
| Ilyssa Mark | Herself |
| Kristin Marchesiello | Herself |
| Jill Fuersich | Herself |
| Barry Weil | Himself |
Levels theatre productions are voted on and selected by students — possibly even YOU! (if you’re a Great Neck resident between seventh grade and college age, that is). Feel free to email us at levels@greatnecklibrary.org for more information! The Levels theatre program has always been dedicated to giving teens the opportunity to create entertaining, innovative, and often unique and personal productions, whether original or based on an established work.