A Chorus Line Digital Program

Show Sponsor

Executive Producer Hugh Hallinan

A Chorus Line

November 18 - December 11, 2016

Producing Artistic Director Eli Newsom

Music By Book By Lyrics By

Marvin Hamlisch James Kirkwood Edward Kleban
& Nicholas Dante

Directed By Eli Newsom
Musical Direction By Clay Zambo
Choreography Restaged By Andrea Metchick
Costume Design By Jessica Camarero

Set Design By Leif Smith
Sound Design By Chris Gensur

Lighting Design By Phill Hill

Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett
Originally Co-Choreographed by Bob Avian

Welcome Letter

Eli Newsom

Producing Artistic Director

Welcome to the Downtown Cabaret Main Stage Theatre’s 2016/17
production of A Chorus Line. This show continues our season-long
presentation of Tony Award Winning shows, and is followed by Amadeus
in February, Spring Awakening in March, and In the Heights in April. All of
these shows won the Tony Award for Best Musical (or Play, in the case of
Amadeus). Because you are joining us towards the start of the season, it
is the ideal time to take advantage of incredible savings to join us all year
long with a season pass...visit the lobby for more info.

Thanks to DCT Executive Producer, Hugh Hallinan, and the A Chorus Line
production staff, including my fellow directing team of Andrea Metchick
(our Choreographer) and Clay Zambo (our Musical Director). Thanks,
too, to the DCT Board of Directors and Main Stage Committee headed by
company member Regina Butler, all of our donors/sponsors, volunteers, as
well as our other colleagues in the Fairfield County theatre scene that have
supported this production and our organization.
Many of us around here feel there are few things as powerful as the
experience of live theater in all its forms and are honored you are here with
us tonight. We know you have many options for entertainment, and the
equation of live theater simply doesn’t add up without your attendance,
support and applause!
We hope to see you at more of our musicals or plays, children’s
theatre performances, and concerts here at the wonderful and unique
Downtown Cabaret Theatre.

The Staff

Production Staff

Director/Producing Artistic Director ........................................ Eli Newsom
Choreographer ..................................................................... Andrea Metchick
Musical Director ............................................................................... Clay Zambo
Production Stage Manager ................................................... Sarah Iannarone
Set Designer ......................................................................................... Leif Smith
Technical Director/Master Carpenter ........................................ Steve Swatt
Assistant Set Designer/ Asst T.D ................................................... Don Rowe
Carpenter ........................................................................................... Matt Pretka
Costume Designer ................................................................. Jessica Camarero
Sound Designer/ Operator ...........................................................Chris Gensur
Sound Supervisor ............................................................................... Joe Boerst
Lighting Designer ................................................................................. Phill Hill
Hair Supervisor ............................................................................. Gina Lariccia
Assistant Stage Manager ............................................................. Joe Cardozo
Scenic Painter .............................................................................. Kate Moncuse
Casting Director / Dramaturg ........................... Christy McIntosh-Newsom
Dance Captains ...................................... Olivia Rivera & Madeleine Tommins
Company Managers ....................................... Regina Butler & T. Sean Maher
Spot Operators ................................... Anya Corso, Holly Corso, Krista Rocco
Company Photographer ..................................... Kevin McNair Photography
Videographer ...................................................................................... Runefilms

Original Broadway production produced by the New York
Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association

with Plum Productions, Inc.

Presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.,
560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022

Song List

I Hope I Get It ................................................................................... Company
I Can Do That ............................................................................................ Mike
And... ..................................................... Bobby, Richie, Val, Judy, and Company
At the Ballet ................................................................. Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie
Sing! .................................................................................. Kristine, Al & Company
Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love ..................................... Company
Nothing ................................................................................................... Diana
Dance: Ten; Looks: Three ........................................................................ Val
The Music and the Mirror ..................................................................... Cassie
One .......................................................................................................... Company
The Tap Combination ........................................................................ Company
What I Did for Love ......................................................... Diana and Company
One (Reprise) ...................................................................................... Company

An Audition
Time: 1975 Place: A Broadway Theater
The characters portrayed in A Chorus Line are, for the most part, based
upon the lives and experiences of Broadway dancers. This show is dedicated
to anyone who has ever danced in a chorus or marched in step....anywhere

The Band
Keyboard 1/Conductor Clay Zambo

Keyboard 2 Josh Sette
Guitar Christopher Cavaliere

Bass Charles Casimiro
Drums Gabe Nappi
Reeds Frank Devito

Trumpet Mark Dennis

The Cast

Zachary Anderson Mark

feels extremely honored to be starring in A Chorus Line. This marks
his sixth production at DCT/BTC, previous shows including Hairspray
and Memphis. Zach got his start in performing at Crystal Theatre in
Norwalk, CT eight years ago and attended Interlochen Center for the
Arts for music composition after debuting his first original musical,
Keychain, in January. Many thanks to the supportive family and friends
who got him to where he is today!

Jessica Paige Braun Pit Singer

Favorite credits: Hairspray at DCT, Godspell at Westport Community
Theatre, Evita at DCT, Dreamgirls (Lorrell Robinson) at BTC, In The
Heights (Nina/ Vanessa) at Bijou Theatre /Cirillo Summer Theatre,
Seussical (Mayzie) at DCT, Hair (Lincoln/Tribe) at TBTA, Hairspray
(Dynamite) BTC & MAR, and Aida (Nehebkah) at Warner Theatre...
and many more. Congratulations to the cast & production team!

Danny Burgos Paul

is HONORED to be making his DCT MST debut! After graduating
from Florida State he joined the National Tour of Beauty & the Beast
as Monsieur D’Arque, covering Cogsworth. He recently moved to
NYC and is very excited for the future. Favorite credits: Gomez in The
Addams Family, Bernardo in West Side Story, Otto in Spring Awakening
& Tateh in Ragtime. He would like to thank his family, friends and the
one constant in his life… Pizza.

James Canal Don

is thrilled to be making his MST debut and returning to the Cabaret
Stage after previously performing in teen productions Bye Bye Birdie
(Hugo), Oliver (Mr. Sowerberry) and Legally Blonde (Nikos/Carlos).
Recent credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Hedwig), Bare the
Pop Opera (Peter), Dog Sees God (Beethoven), Bring It On (Steven),
The Little Mermaid (Flotsam), Grease (Teen Angel/Johnny Casino),
Gypsy (LA) and Chicago (Harrison/Dancer). He recently graduated
from Hartwick with a degree in Theatre Arts and Mathematics.

Josh Cardozo Al

is happy to be a part of this show. This is his seventh production with
this company. Past credits include ensemble in Hairspray, Dreamgirls,
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Memphis, Evita, and Miguel in American Idiot.

The Cast

Cassie Carroll Val

is humbled to finally perform her dream show. She has been dancing
and performing for over sixteen years and choreographing for seven.
Favorite credits include By My Side soloist in Godspell at Marist Col-
lege, and Ado Annie (Oklahoma). She sends a million thanks to Eli and
the whole team, and hugs to Mom, Dad, Court, and Rob. Cassie is also
thankful for the reminder that you can always prove “Mr. Karp” wrong!

Matthew Casey Bobby

is thrilled to sport a jersey number in his art like his sporty brothers;
#84! His endeavors with the Downtown Cabaret Theatre began
this year in Hairspray as Fender and Edna Turnblad’s understudy. A
performing artist on stage, film, television and recording, Matthew has
appeared professionally around the world as an actor, singer, dancer
and writer. Manhattanville College graduate; Theatre Education.
Matthew is an elementary school teacher in Port Chester, NY. Thanks
to all; won’t forget what we did for love! matthewcasey.webs.com

Kevin Cooper Larry

is excited to be on the Mainstage Theatre again after a box office
record setting production of Evita. He graduated from WCSU and
worked for almost 20 years professionally in Musical Theatre. Some
of his favorites: West Side Story European tour (Baby John), Joseph....
Dreamcoat at Candlewood Playhouse (Gad), Godspell (Jesus), Sweet
Charity and, of course, A Chorus Line, Bus & Truck, Gateway Playhouse,
LI! “ACL” is a perfect masterpiece and it is a true blessing to be a part
of it! Thanks to Eli, Andrea, Clay and the whole cast for letting me be
in this show! “AGAIN!” XOXOXO

Lisa DeAngelis Judy

is honored to step on the line with this amazing cast! Previous credits
include DCT MST’s The Great Gatsby (Myrtle), Memphis (Ensemble),
BTC’s Hair (Jeannie), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ethel Peas). Lisa has
appeared with DCT’s Children’s Company in James & the Giant Peach
(Spider), A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit), and can be seen in the
current production of Frosty the Snowman. Peace, love, and thanks!

The Cast

Faith Fernandes Ensemble, u/s Sheila/Judy/Diana

is excited to be a part of A Chorus Line with this extremely talented
cast! She is honored and thankful for this opportunity. She was most
recently in Hairspray at the Downtown Cabaret. Some of her credits
include NPT’s Oliver Reinvented (Bet) and MAR’s Footloose
(Ensemble). It has been such a singular sensation being a part of
this show! Special thanks all her friends and family!

Emily Frangipane Sheila

is thrilled to be performing for the first time on the DCT stage! She
has choreographed Dreamgirls, Evita, Thoroughly Modern Millie and
American Idiot for BTC and DCT. Performing credits include, Rent,
A Chorus Line, and the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Emily
choreographs, teaches dance and fitness and also works in
commercials. Many thanks to her theatre family here at DCT, Peter,
Dance Fam, Real Fam and Cappy!

Rich Goldstein Zach

is thrilled to make his first appearance with DCT MST. Favorite credits
include Next To Normal (Dan), 42nd Street (Julian), Company (Bobby
and David), A Day In Hollywood (Serge), The Foreigner (Charlie). Many
thanks to Eli, Andrea, Kevin, Clay, and this amazing company of triple
threats. For Irv and Grandma, who believed. And for Marvin, for giving
us this masterpiece, and for inspiring the kid on the coat rack.

Bonnie Gregson Connie

makes her stage debut as Connie Wong, a dream come true. She
has danced in fellow cast member Emily Frangipane’s contemporary
showcase alongside another cast member Kevin Cooper. She credits
the incomparable Jimmy Locust for his instruction, support, and
inspiration, and the beautiful LPAC Divas for their friendship and en-
couragement. Thank you to my sweet, beautiful daughters Emily and
Melanie! Thank you to my husband John for always believing in me!

Lindsay Johnson Cassie

is realizing a dream, to play an iconic role that inspires us to continue
pursuing our passions. Trained at the High School of Performing Arts
and the School of American Ballet, she performed in regional theatre
and cruise ships prior to college, marriage, and finding her home in
CT. In her 7th production here, she thanks Eli, Christy, Clay, Andrea,
and Kevin for the gift of experiencing Broadway history: the steps, the
music, the mirror, and the LOVE.

The Cast

Michael Katz Ensemble, u/s Mike/Mark

Mike is very excited to be in another Downtown Cabaret
performance, having performed in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Memphis,
Evita, American Idiot, and Rocky Horror. Mike studied dance at Monroe
Dance Academy for 2 years. He attends Western Connecticut State
University as a freshman and was just a part of their fall musical The
Drowsy Chaperone. He wishes everyone in the cast an amazing show
and he also thanks Eli and Christy Newsom especially for helping him
and working around his schedule to be a part of this amazing show.

Michael Major Ensemble

is thrilled to be returning to the Cabaret stage in A Chorus Line! MST
Credits include: Hairspray (IQ), Memphis (Ensemble), Fiddler on the
Roof (Russian, Bottle Dancer). Other credits: Music Man (Barbershop
Quartet), Seussical (Horton), Annie, and Little Shop of Horrors. He has
performed in over 30 shows at Crystal Theatre and assistant directed
The Little Mermaid, JR. there last spring. Thanks to his family!

Brendan Maly Mike

Brendan is a recent BFA Musical Theatre graduate from Montclair
State University. Recent roles include: Melvin P. Thorpe in The Best
Little Whore House in Texas, Leo Bloom (The Producers) Berger (HAIR),
The Lecturer (Reefer Madness), Matt The Mint (Threepenny Opera).
When not on the stage, Brendan can be seen as the New Jersey Devils
In-Game Host at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, or
teaching classes (Stagelite Centre of Performing Arts, New Jersey
School of Dramatic Arts). Brendan would like to thank his family for
all their support in everything he does, and Eli, Andrea, Kevin, and
Clay for giving him the tools to take on this dream role! Finally, Bren-
dan would like to thank his fellow cast mates for going on this journey
with him.

Katherine Montanez Kristine

is utterly stoked to be a part of this production of A Chorus Line, her
first-ever DCT show! Recent credits include Catch Me if You Can
(Cindy/Carol Strong/Nurse 1), Legally Blonde: The Musical (Brooke
Wyndham), both at FairfIeld Teen Theatre; and Carousel (Featured
Dancer) at BMA. She will be attending USC in January. Many thanks
to Eli Newsom for your incomparable direction not only in this show,
but over the past 5 years; and thanks and much love to this
wonderfully sublime and unparalleled cast.

The Cast

Jessica Mount Ensemble

is ecstatic to be a part of this incredible show. She’s recently appeared
in DCT’s Hairspray (Tammy), Evita, The Great Gatsby and Memphis.
Jess has been training at Connecticut Dance for 15 years. Endless
love and gratitude for this cast and especially to Eli, Christy, Clay and
Andrea. For mom and grandma.

T.J. Newton Greg, u/s Paul

Most recent, Dance Captain in Sam Scalamoni’s reimagined 10-person
Evita with Skyline Theatre Company. Select New York/Regional: Chino
in West Side Story (Connecticut Repertory, Prather Entertainment, Ar-
izona Broadway), In The Heights, Evita, All Shook Up. T.J. has directed
and choreographed musicals, including A Chorus Line, at various high
schools, colleges, and off-Broadway. Big thanks to Brian and everyone
at Baker Management. For Dad. www.tj-newton.com

Jessica Rahrig Maggie

is honored to be part of this production! She played Kristine in 2014
under the direction of KD Smith, a member of the 1975 Broadway
Company. Other credits: Dainty June in Gypsy, Kate Legally Blonde,
Ensemble American Idiot, amongst others. You may recognize her from
the DCT’s Children’s Company. When not on stage, Jessica teaches
acro and musical theatre. Thank you to Christy & Eli! For mom and
dad, thanks for signing the checks for dance classes, to Stacy for
supporting my theatrical journeys, and always, for gram.

Everton Ricketts Richie

is excited to be in this production of A Chorus Line! Everton’s show
credits include: Favorite Son, American Idiot; Gator, Memphis; Michael,
Murder Ballad, The Wiz; Tom Robinson, To Kill a Mockingbird; Marty,
Dreamgirls. Aside from acting Everton is a featured Model in Vougue
Italia online, promotional Model for Boston Market, D’addario Nissan
of Shelton. “God, I hope I get it!”

Olivia Grace Rivera Diana, Dance Captain

Olivia is over the moon to be playing a long time dream role of hers.
She is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy
NY (AMDA) and a dance teacher at That’s Showbiz. Past credits
include Extraordinary Girl/Dance Captain in American Idiot, Carla in In
the Heights, Mimi in Rent, Ariel in Footloose, and Shelly/Dance Captain
in Hairspray. Special thanks and love to my family, Marques, the cast
and crew, Eli, and Christy.

The Cast

Brooke Robinson Swing

Brooke is very excited to be a part of MST’s production of A Chorus
Line. Brooke has appeared in many shows at the DCT including The
Wedding Singer (Ensemble), Shrek (Little Red Riding Hood/Featured
Dancer), The Wiz (Featured Dancer), Evita (Featured Dancer), and
most recently Hairspray (Lou Ann). She also trains in ballet, tap, jazz,
lyrical, and pointe. Special thanks to the cast, crew, and family!

Mackenzie Sherrod Ensemble

Mackenzie is excited to be making his DCT Mainstage debut with A
Chorus Line and to be amongst all of these amazing performers. He
can also be seen in the DCT Children’s Theatre production of Frosty
the Snowman. Past credits include: Ragtime (Harlem ensemble) at
Curtain Call, Hair (Hud) with BTC, Willy Wonka (Oompa Loompa),
Sleepy Hollow (Edgar) at the DCT Children’s Theatre, CHESS In
Concert at DCT.

Sydney Sirkin Ensemble

is so excited to be a part of one of her favorite shows! She has been
seen on the DCT stage in the Reflections Benefit Concert, Fiddler on the
Roof and The Wiz, and was ASM for the 2016 26 hour Playathon. So
much thanks to Eli, Andrea, Kevin, and Clay for making this show such
a great experience! Love to the cast, family and Grandpa Jimmy.

Renee Sutherland Bebe

Renee is excited to be joining DCT’s stage for her third production!
You may have seen her last season in Memphis and American Idiot and
she was most recently seen in Dreamgirls at Landmark Community
Theatre, as Sister Chantelle in Bare at the Brook eld Theatre for the
Arts, and in Once on this Island at Connecticut Theatre Company.
Renee is so happy to be able to give herself to this show and to show
you her “personal flair”!

Madeleine Tommins Ensemble, u/s Val/Bebe/Kristine,
Dance Captain

Anytime an actor performs the audience analyzes both the actor and
the character, although they are by no means separate. The actor
must access her own strengths, shortcomings, and vulnerabilities to
develop the character. Thank you for letting us show pieces of
ourselves through these characters as we put everything on the line.

The Cast

Kate Valiska Ensemble, u/s Maggie/Connie

is so excited to be back on the line after previously playing Connie
7 years ago! She has appeared in several community theater productions
throughout the tri-state area. Some of her favorite roles include Nadia
in Bare, Sarah in Company, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Godspell.
Thank you to everyone at DTC for this opportunity and for my debut!
Also thank you to my friends, family, and my love E.P!

Creative Bios

Eli Newsom Director, Producing Artistic Director DCT Main Stage Theatre

continues his duties following last year’s merge of Bridgeport Theatre Company, where he
served as Founding Artistic Director. Here at the Cabaret he also serves as Resident Musical
Director for the Children’s Company. Recent shows include: Hairspray (Musical Director),
American Idiot (MD), Evita (Director), James and the Giant Peach (MD), Memphis (MD), A Few
Good Men (Director), Hair (MD), Shrek (MD), and To Kill a Mockingbird (Director). Eli also is on
staff at Fairfield Teen Theatre where he directed the musicals Catch Me If You Can, ...Charlie
Brown, Legally Blonde, Avenue Q, SHREK, ...Spelling Bee, Rent, and several more. Originally
from the San Francisco Bay Area, after many years in non-profit and professional theatre as a
singer/actor/dancer, Eli eventually discovered he prefers directing and producing. Eli lives in
Fairfield with his wife Christy, son Carlson John, and two dogs.

Andrea Bolinder Metchick Choreographer

is founder of River Dance Theater Modern dance company. Former dancer with the Mary
Barnett ...In Good Company Off Center Dance Theater, Allegra Dance Company, Paul Halls
Contemporary Dance Co., Berkshire Ballet, Adirondack Ballet Theater and 5 years in Children
roles in NYCB, She taught for Saratoga Dance conservatory, Briansky Saratoga Ballet, National
Dance Institute, Sono Dance Theater, Albany Dance Conservatory, CT Ballet, Just Dance,
CT Dance School. She founded/artistically directed Saugatuck Dance Conservatory and was
founder director of Red Barn Theater, Concord MA. She was choreographer for countless local
high school and regional theaters and choreographer /director Lexington Montessori, Weston
Middle School. First and foremost mother to Sarah, Josh and Millie who bring the true meaning
of life to my heart. Couldn’t make it thru this crazy ride without my soul mate Scott Metchick
he is the gravitational pull that keeps this crazy creative energetic family all in sync.

Clay Zambo Music Director

is a proud member of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, in which Ed Kleban developed the
lyrics for A Chorus Line, and winner of BMI’s Harrington Award for Creative Achievement.
Clay’s work as composer/lyricist has been produced in New York, London, and elsewhere,
including Windjammers, Greenbrier Ghost, Lost in Staten Island, Shlemiel Crooks, the
Playathons and CJ: the Musical. He is thrilled to return to the Cabaret, where he also
conducted Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Next to Normal, and
The Music Man—and where, during intermission of A Few Good Men, Melissa proposed to him.
Now a very happy newlywed, Clay is also a member of the Dramatists Guild, a pretty good
cook, a lover of TV game shows, and a runner. clayzambo.com

Creative Bios

Leif Smith Scenic Designer

is an artisan, designer and musician who lives with his family in Redding. He worked on
productions at DCT for over 25 years. Leif also is a member of the folk trio My Dad’s Truck and
hosts a weekly all-acoustic jam at The Redding Roadhouse (all are welcome).

Phill Hill Lighting Designer

is a graduate of Elon University with a degree in Theatrical Production and has been a regular
fixture at the Cabaret since 2007. Along with being a Producer, Artistic Director and Resident
Playwright for the Cabaret Children’s Company, he is also the Lighting Designer for all Cabaret
shows. Notable designs include American Idiot, Memphis, Hairspray, Dreamgirls and Next To Normal.

Christopher Gensur Sound Designer / Board Operator

has been the resident Cabaret Children’s Company sound engineer/designer at Downtown
Cabaret Theatre for the past seven seasons, and for three seasons with the Bridgeport Theatre
Company and for the inaugural first season of Main Stage Theatre. He’s thrilled to be back for
his 16th season at the Cabaret and looks forward to another great year!

Jessica Camarero Costume Designer

is happy to be joining DCT MST for another season! She received her training at
Housatonic Community College and Western Connecticut State University. Previous credits
include Memphis, Hair, Next to Normal, Dreamgirls, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The Three
Sisters at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sarah Iannarone Stage Manager

is so happy to be returning to Cabaret MST as their resident stage manager! Some favorite
shows at the Cabaret: Hairspray, American Idiot, Evita, The Great Gatsby, Fiddler on the Roof,
Memphis, A Few Good Men, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Lord of the Flies, Hair, Shrek, To Kill a
Mockingbird, Dreamgirls, Little Shop of Horrors, & Robin Hood (DCT Children’s Company).
Love and congratulations to the entire cast and crew!

Special Thanks

University of Bridgeport Kevin McNair Lennie Grimaldi

Keisha Cox Alysia Miller Gina Lariccia

Phil Grasso Tony LeoneMatt Pretka Shade Salon

Warner Theatre Robie Livingstone Garth West

Lou Ursone Scott Spector Molly Forker and family

Curtain Call Inc. Jens Haulund Ava Vercellone and family

Don Johnson Don Rowe Denae Whitaker and family

Rehabilitation Associates, Inc. Regina Butler Nicole Madar

Renee Purdy T. Sean Maher Emily Frangipane

Connecticut Dance School