Spring Awakening Digital Program

Executive Producer Hugh Hallinan

Spring
Awakening

March 10 - April 2, 2017

Producing Artistic Director Eli Newsom

Music By Duncan Sheik
Book & Lyrics By Steven Sater

Directed By Julie Bell Petrak
Musical Direction By Eli Newsom

Vocal Direction By Brian Crook
Choreography By Emily Frangipane
Costume Design By Christy McIntosh-Newsom
Scenic Design By Willliam Russell Stark

Lighting Design By Phill Hill
Projection Design By Mat Young & Don Rowe

Sound Design By Chris Gensur

Welcome Letter

Eli Newsom

Producing Artistic Director

Welcome to the Downtown Cabaret Main Stage Theatre’s 2016/17
production of Spring Awakening. This show continues our season-long
presentation of Tony Award Winning shows, and will be followed by our
season finale, In the Heights, in April and May. All of these shows won the
Tony Award for Best Musical (or Play, in the case of Amadeus) and it is
exciting for us to present them here in the intimate Cabaret Theatre.

Thanks to DCT Executive Producer, Hugh Hallinan, and the Spring
Awakening production staff led by our Director, Julie Bell Petrak, one of
my most trusted colleagues and collaborators. Julie returns to DCT for her
third season after mounting Lord of the Flies and The Great Gatsby. We also
welcome back the multi-talented Vocal Director Brian Crook and
Choreographer Emily Frangipane, both of whom also perform on stage in
various Main Stage productions here at DCT. Thanks to 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 .................................................................................... Julie Bell Petrak
Musical Director/Producing Artistic Director ........................ Eli Newsom
Vocal Director ............................................................................... Brian Crook
Choreographer ..................................................................... Emily Frangipane
Scenic Designer ............................................................. William Russell Stark
Costume Designer ............................................... Christy McIntosh-Newsom
Lighting Designer .............................................................................. Phill Hill
Projection Designers ................................................ Mat Young & Don Rowe
Sound Designer / Operator ....................................................... Chris Gensur
Production Stage Manager ...................................................... T. Rick Jones*
Technical Director/Master Carpenter ...................................... Steve Swatt
Assistant Director .................................................................... Lisa DeAngelis
Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain ............................ Jessica Mount
Assistant Stage Manager ............................................................. Holly Corso
Carpenter ....................................................................................... Matt Pretka
Sound Supervisor ............................................................................ Joe Boerst
Hair Supervisor .......................................................................... Gina Lariccia
Wardrobe/Dresser .............................................................. Mollie Dananberg
Special Effects Makeup Designer .................................... Maggie Pangrazio
Scenic Painter ............................................................................ Kate Moncuse
Company Managers ......................................... Anne Regan & T. Sean Maher
Follow Spot Operators ........... Anya Corso, Charles Essenhigh, Kellen Schult
Company Photographer ..................................... Kevin McNair Photography
Videographer .................................................................................... Runefilms

Spring Awakening is presented through special arrangement with
Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance

materials are supported by MTI.

421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019
MTIShows.com

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of professional
Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

The Cast

Melchior ............................................................................................ Eric Regan
Wendla .............................................................................. Madeleine Tommins
Moritz ..................................................................................... Robert Peterpaul
Ilse ................................................................................................ Arielle Boutin
Hanschen ................................................................................. Matthew Casey
Ernst ............................................................................................ Michael Major
Martha .............................................................................................. Sahai Lara
Anna ........................................................................................... Chelsea Dacey
Thea ............................................................................................... Claire Regan
Georg ................................................................................................... Mark Joy
Otto ................................................................................................. Garth West
Adult Male ................................................................................... Dave Jackins
Adult Female ........................................................................ Robie Livingstone
Ensemble ..................................... Zach Anderson, Avery Bebon, James Canal,

Lisa DeAngelis, Josh Hahn, Lynette Marshall, Colin McLevy,
Jessica Mount, Mackenzie Julius Sherrod, Kaylin Weller

Ensemble Swing ............................................................................ Joe Cardozo

Understudies
for Melchior: Mackenzie Julius Sherrod; for Wendla: Chelsea Dacey;

for Moritz & Ernst: Zach Anderson; for Ilse: Lynette Marshall;
for Hanschen: James Canal; for Martha & Anna: Kaylin Weller;

for Thea: Avery Bebon; for Georg: Colin McLevy;
for Otto: Josh Hahn.

Song List

Act One

Mama Who Bore Me ........................................................................... Wendla
Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise) .............................................................. Girls
All That’s Known ................................................................... Melchior & Boys
The Bitch of Living .................................................................... Moritz & Boys
My Junk .......................................................................................... Girls & Boys
Touch Me ....................................................................................... Boys & Girls
The Word of Your Body ................................................... Wendla & Melchior
The Dark I Know Well ..................................................... Martha, Ilse & Boys
The Word of Your Body (Reprise) .......................................... Otto & Georg
And Then There Were None .................................................. Moritz & Boys
The Mirror Blue Night .......................................................... Melchior & Boys
I Believe ......................................................................................... Boys & Girls

Act Two

The Guilty Ones ............................................. Wendla, Melchior, Boys & Girls
Don’t Do Sadness / Blue Wind .................................................. Moritz & Ilse
Left Behind .................................................................... Melchior, Boys & Girls
Totally Fucked ......................................................... Melchior & Full Company
The Word of Your Body (Reprise) ................ Hanschen, Ernst, Boys & Girls
Whispering ............................................................................................Wendla
Those You’ve Known ........................................... Moritz, Melchior & Wendla
The Song of Purple Summer ................................................... Full Company

Time/Place
The play is set in a provincial German town in the 1890s.

There will be one 15-minute intermission

The Band
Eli Newsom (Keyboard/Conductor), Christopher Cavaliere (Guitar),

Nicholas Trautmann (Bass), Kenny Owens (Drums),
Adriana Bay (Violin - Fri/Sun), McNeil Johnston (Violin - Sat)

Zach Anderson (Cello)

The Cast

Zachary Anderson Ensemble

Zachary is super excited to be in DCT’s Spring Awakening. Previous
shows include Hairspray and A Chorus Line. Zach got his start in
performing at Crystal Theatre in Norwalk, CT and attended Interlochen
Center for the Arts for music composition after debuting his original
musical, Keychain, in 2016. In May, he will be featured as Scuttle in
NHS’s The Little Mermaid. Many thanks to the family and friends who
got him to where he is today!

Avery Bebon Ensemble

Avery is thrilled to be in this production of Spring Awakening. This is her
fourth show at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, previously appearing
in Fiddler on the Roof, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The Wiz. She will
also be performing as Mame Dennis in Fairfield Ludlowe High School’s
performance of Mame this spring.

Arielle Boutin Ilse

Arielle is thrilled to be back at the DCT for this production of Spring
Awakening! She was recently seen as Sally Simpson/Ensemble in Tommy
(Curtain Call), and as Heather in American Idiot (Mainstage DCT).
Favorite past roles also include Sara in Murder Ballad (Bijou Theatre),
Princess Fiona in Shrek (BTC), and Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde (Curtain
Call). Special thanks to friends and family, locally and back home in
Louisiana, for the constant support. Proud grad of The Boston Conservatory.

James Canal Ensemble

James Canal is thrilled to be returning to the DCT stage after playing
Don in A Chorus Line. Favorite roles include Hedwig and the Angry Inch
(Hedwig), Bare: a Pop Opera (Peter), The Little Mermaid (Flotsam),
Gypsy (L.A.), Grease (Teen Angel/Johnny Casino), Dog Sees God
(Beethoven), The Tempest (Ariel), Chicago (Harrison/Dancer) and
Legally Blonde (Nikos/Carlos/Dancer). Thanks to everyone involved for
all their hard work on this production!

Matt Casey Hanschen

Matt would like to thank Reddi Wip for getting him this role. A la
Cabaret; Hairspray, Reflections and A Chorus Line. Performer on stage,
screen and recording, it’s incredible he doesn’t have a Tony Award.
Education: Manhattanville College. Matthew is an elementary school
teacher and administrator. Please don’t fire me for this. Go see him brag
about himself at matthewcasey.webs.com. Blah blah blah.

The Cast

Chelsea Dacey Anna

Chelsea is #blessed to finally do this show! Roles here include Amber
in Hairspray, Daisy in The Great Gatsby, Crissy in Hair, Miss Dorothy in
Thoroughly Modern Millie, and for the Children’s Company she recently
played Nancy in Fancy Nancy. Off Broadway: Lacey, Piggy Nation. Be
sure to check out her classes here at DCT! Thanks JBP and the cast and
crew for being b-way. Peace and love to all - chelseadacey.com.

Lisa DeAngelis Ensemble

Lisa is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production! Previous
credits include DCT MST’s The Great Gatsby (Myrtle), A Chorus Line
(Judy); BTC’s Hair (Jeannie); DCT’s Children’s Company James & the
Giant Peach (Spider), Fancy Nancy (Wanda), A Christmas Carol (Mrs.
Cratchit). Peace and love to the cast, production team, and always
Mackenzie! Many thanks to Julie for this opportunity!

Josh Hahn Ensemble

Josh is very excited to be appearing in his first DCT production. Josh
is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University. Favorite roles:
Hairspray (Link) and Les Miserables (Marius) at Center Stage in Shelton,
CT and Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince) and Twelfth Night
(Orsino) at WCSU. Josh would like to thank his family and friends for
their continued support!

David Jackins Adult Male

Dave is thrilled to make his DCT debut in Spring Awakening. Dave is a
founding member of Crystal Theatre in Norwalk, and is the founder/
director of Creative Summer at The Mead School, which will celebrate
its 28th anniversary this summer. Favorite shows include: The Farn-
sworth Invention, Our Town (Stage Manager), The Drowsy Chaperone
(Man in Chair), On Golden Pond (Charlie). Special thanks to JBP,
Margaret, Alice and Duffy!

Mark Joy Georg

Mark is incredibly ecstatic to be returning to the Cabaret for Spring
Awakening. Previous Cabaret credits include American Idiot (Theo) and
multiple Children Company shows, including James and the Giant Peach
(Centipede), Hansel and Gretel (Hansel), and Frosty the Snowman. Mark
would like to make everyone who made his transition from collegiate
theatre to the Cabaret an unforgettably wonderful one. Special thanks
to mom, dad, and of course Lynette. Peace and love!

The Cast

Sahai Lara Martha

Sahai is so absolutely grateful and excited to be a part of DCT’s
production of Spring Awakening. This is Sahai’s second show at DCT, her
first being Hairspray (Inez). She is also a published author and currently
is studying Chinese and Japanese. Much love and thanks to Mom, Dad,
and Samira for all of the support. Also a shout out to her supportive
friends who are always helping her be her best.

Robie Livingstone Adult Female

Grateful to be part of this wonderful cast and crew. This season at DCT,
seen in Amadeus and played the Female Authority Figure in Hairspray,
directed by Christy Newsom. Love to my family and a shout out to our
audience! Enjoy the show.

Michael Major Ernst

Michael is thrilled to be returning to the Cabaret stage in Spring
Awakening! Recent credits include: Hairspray (IQ), Memphis, Fiddler on
the Roof, The Music Man (Barbershop Quartet), Seussical (Horton),
Annie, and A Chorus Line. He has performed in over 30 shows at Crystal
Theatre and assistant directed The Little Mermaid, Jr. there last spring.
See him as Prince Eric in Norwalk High’s The Little Mermaid this spring!

Lynette Marshall Ensemble

You might’ve seen Lynette this season starring as Tracy Turnblad in
Hairspray. Some of her past roles include American Idiot (Alysha),
Smokey Joe’s Café (B.J.), Chicago (Matron Mama Morton), Into the
Woods (The Witch), Les Miserables (Madame Thernadier), Sweeney Todd
(Ensemble), Twelfth Night (Maria), As You Like It (Phoebe u/s).
See what’s next for Lynette at lynettemarshall.net.

Colin McLevy Ensemble

Colin is beyond excited to be in this production of Spring Awakening.
This is his first appearance at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre. He has
appeared in Trumbull High School’s past shows along with the Trumbull
Youth Association. Favorite roles include Flotsam in The Little Mermaid
and Charley in Charley’s Aunt. Thanks to all the family and friends who
show relentless support every single day!

The Cast

Jessica Mount Ensemble

Jessica is ecstatic to be a part of this beautiful production! She’s also
appeared in this season of DCT’s Hairspray (Tammy) and A Chorus
Line and last season’s Memphis, The Great Gatsby and Evita. Other roles
include Rhoda in Agatha Christie’s murder mystery Cards on the Table
and Bille in The Lord of the Flies with the amazing JBP. A huge thank you
to the Cabaret team for all the opportunities and experiences. Love to
everyone and the family for all the support.

Robert Peterpaul Moritz

Robert is thrilled to be back in this show and to make his DCT debut
with this awesome team! Some favorite credits include: the films “What
Happened Last Night” and “King Cobra,” and Off-Broadway productions
of The People Garden and Legally Blonde the Musical. He thanks the
entire company, his family, friends and especially Cassie, for the love
and support. Be kind to one another. robertpeterpaul.com

Claire Regan Thea

Claire is 16 years old and a junior at FWHS! Recent DCT credits in-
clude, Fancy Nancy (Rhonda), Hairspray (Lou Ann), James and the Giant
Peach (James), Evita, Thoroughly Modern Millie (New Modern), Shrek
(Elf), and To Kill A Mockingbird (Scout). Other favorites include You’re
A Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally), Avenue Q (Kate Monster), and 25th
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive). Much love to her family and
Julie, Brian, Emily, Lisa, Christy, and Eli!

Eric Regan Melchior

Eric has been seen on this stage in many productions, including
Fiddler on the Roof (Perchik), The Great Gatsby (Nick), and most
recently, Hairspray (Link). He is so grateful to be able to contribute to
this production. Eric would like to thank Julie for her guidance, and his
family and Juliet for their love and support.

Mackenzie Julius Sherrod Ensemble

Mackenzie is excited to be doing another show with DCT Main Stage
Theatre and to be amongst all of these amazing performers. Past credits
include: A Chorus Line (Ensemble) at DCT MST, Ragtime (Harlem
Ensemble) at Curtain Call, Hair (Hud) at BTC, Chess in Concert at DCT
MST, and Frosty the Snowman (Jeremiah), Willy Wonka (Oompa
Loompa), and Sleepy Hollow (Edgar) all with DCT Children’s
Company. Many thanks to Matthew, mom, friends and Lisa for your
love and continued support.

The Cast

Madeleine Tommins Wendla

“Just too unreal, all this…” Maureen Hamill, thank you for allowing me
to sing “Mama Who Bore Me” in your cabaret camp so many years ago
and for fostering my love of theatre. Most recently, Madeleine has been
seen on the Cabaret stage in A Chorus Line, Hairspray, and American
Idiot. All my love and endless thanks to JBP, Eli, Emily, Brian, and Christy
for making my dream come true.

Kaylin Weller Ensemble

Kaylin is ecstatic to be in her first DTCAB show. She has performed with
Curtain Call in Stamford, and with the Trumbull Youth Association for
twelve years. Favorite roles include: Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins),
Children of Eden (Eve/Mama Noah), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Muzzy
Van Hossmere), Footloose (Ariel Moore), and Anything Goes (Erma).
Thanks and love to her family, friends, the mamas, the cast and crew.

Garth West Otto

Garth West is very excited to be at DCT in this amazing production of
Spring Awakening. Always a honor and privilege to share the stage with
my theater family. Other recent productions Hairspray (Seaweed), Once
on this Island (Agwe) CTC, Memphis (Delroy) with DCT and many
others. To my amazing cast and to Julie, Christy and Eli, thank you so
much. I look forward to letting all know the wonder of purple summer!

Special Thanks

University of Bridgeport Anne Regan

Keisha Cox T. Sean Maher

Phil Grasso Lennie Grimaldi

Warner Theatre Gina Lariccia

Lou Ursone Doron Sabag

Curtain Call Inc. Jim Hoffman

Renee Purdy Mat Young

Kevin McNair Jessica Camarero

Alysia Miller Donald Birely

Tony Leone Maggie Pangrazio

Matt Pretka Southern Connecticut State University

Robie Livingstone Mike Skinner

Scott Spector Cailey Harwood-Smith

Jens Haulund Kevin Pelkey

Creative Bios

Julie Bell Petrak Director

Spring Awakening marks Julie’s third production with Downtown Cabaret, and she is honored
to be here. Recent credits include: Lord of the Flies & The Great Gatsby (DCT), Glengarry Glen
Ross & Beau Jest (Curtain Call), The Clean House (Ridgefield Theater Barn), Plaza Suite (Wilton
Playshop) and The Farnsworth Invention, A Time to Kill, Our Town, & Of Mice and Men (Town
Players of New Canaan.) Julie received her BFA in Theatre from East Carolina University and
worked for many years in theatre, film, and television in NYC. An actor since the age of 5, she
enjoys teaching Acting Technique for young artists. My deepest gratitude to our entire team of
Directors, Producers, Managers and Designers for your unwavering support and dedication to
this production…to our cast of fiercely talented men & women who have given 1000% since day
one…to CJP for always having my back…and to my mentor, friend & brother, Eli, for
pushing me out of the nest. This one is for Madre.

Eli Newsom Musical Director, Producing Artistic Director DCT MST

Eli continues his duties overseeing all Main Stage productions following last season’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
Directing/MD credits include: A Chorus Line (Director), Hairspray (Musical Director), American
Idiot (MD), and Evita (Director). Eli has been on staff as a Director at Fairfield Teen Theatre for
the past five years. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, after many years in non-profit
and professional theatre as a singer/actor/dancer, he eventually discovered he prefers directing
and producing. Eli lives in Fairfield with his wife Christy, son Carlson John, and two dogs.

Brian Crook Vocal Director

Brian is thrilled to be a part of the stellar production team of Spring Awakening! He is a chorus
teacher by day and regularly directs and performs for the theatre. Some favorite directing credits
include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Wizard of Oz (RSC version) and
Seussical, the Musical. Brian was recently seen in Ragtime as Booker T. Washington and Amadeus
as Count Orsini-Rosenberg. He is honored to be able to work with such enormous talent, both
on and off the stage!

Emily Frangipane Choreographer

Emily holds a B.F.A in Dance from Emerson College. Performing credits include, Rent,
A Chorus Line and the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Currently she choreographs for
High Schools, Dance Companies and Community Theatres in the area, and is a resident
choreographer and dancer with the Darien Arts Center Adult Company. Recent choreography
includes American Idiot, Evita, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Dreamgirls, here at the DCT, and
recently The Who’s Tommy at Curtain Call. Emily is so blessed to work with such an incredible
cast and creative team!

Creative Bios

William Russell Stark Scenic Designer

Bill has designed sets and/or lights for over 325 productions including summer stock, dinner
theatre, regional opera, and regional and university theatres. This is Bill’s second engagement
with DCT having recently designed the set for Amadeus. He is an Emeritus Professor of theatre
design from Oswego State University (SUNY). Since moving to Connecticut he has designed
for numerous theatre companies including Stamford Theatre Works and Ivoryton Playhouse and
also served as an over-hire scenic artist at the Long Wharf Theatre. He lives in Milford with his
wife, Theresa, an AEA Stage Manager, and their son, William, Jr., an accomplished upright bass
player who is majoring in computer engineering at the University of Hartford.

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 ‘07. Along with being a Producer, Artistic Director and Resident
Playwright for CCT, 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 first two seasons of Main Stage Theatre. He’s thrilled to be back for his
16th season at the Cabaret and looks forward to another great year!

Christy McIntosh-Newsom Costume Designer

is a resident director here at the Cabaret, and loves getting to work with amazing directors like
Julie on the design side of the production staff. Other costume credits at the Cabaret: To Kill a
Mockingbird, Lend Me a Tenor, Hairspray. Thanks to the entire team, Mollie, and to our resident
costume designer J Cam for making this as easy as possible!

T. Rick Jones* Production Stage Manager

was born at an early age. He matriculated at Mountview Conservatoire for the Performing
Arts in London, England and initiated his career a Stage Manager at DCT for the 1999/2000
Children’s Theatre season. He’s delighted to be back after all these years as the theater’s
Associate Production Manager. He was the Resident Stage Manager at The Ivoryton Playhouse
for four years and annually returns to Rhode Island for The Colonial Theatre’s Shakespeare in the
Park. Other favorite credits: Regional: Goodspeed Opera House; Actors’ Shakespeare Project;
White Plains Performing Arts Center. Off-Broadway: Sessions, Yohen. T. Rick has also worked
with The Royal Shakespeare Company.