La Cage aux Folle

Fairfield Center Stage
Fairfield, CT

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END NOTES

A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR TODD SANTA MARIA
La Cage aux Folles has been through many iterations since it premiered as a French farce in 1973
by Jean Poiret. The style and setting differed from piece to piece; however, the universal themes of
love and acceptance were kept intact. It tells the story of the unconditional love between child to
parent/guardian and the unconditional love between significant other to significant other. Most
importantly, it illustrates the journey that one goes to achieve self love. Consequently, the story of
Albin & Georges remains a timeless piece.
This musical left an indelible impression on me when I discovered it in the late 1990s. It was the first
time that I saw a happy, loving, yet flawed gay couple who gets their happy ending. Neither of them
succumbed to a terminal illness, became the victim of a hate crime or tragically drowned in self-
loathing. It was refreshing and inspiring to see this story being told in a time when Don't Ask, Don't
Tell was considered progressive. It is imperative to continue telling these types of stories,
particularly in today's social climate.
I want to thank Fairfield Center Stage for inviting me to lead this production (hopefully, you aren't
regretting that). Eli & Christy - thank you for your trust and support. Steven, Emily and Bobby - We
could not have done this without you. You were a dream team. The designers, cast, crew and pit -
thank you for your diligence, commitment and passion. We created something special out of
nothing.
On behalf of Fairfield Center Stage, we invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing talents of
our local on-stage and off-stage artists. Welcome to the world of La Cage aux Folles!
Todd Santa Maria
Director

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Fairfield Center Stage
PRESENTS

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

Music and Lyrics by Book by

Jerry Herman Harvey Fierstein

Based on the play La Cage Aux Folles by Jean Poiret

with

Music Director Director Choreographer
STEVEN OLIVERI TODD SANTA MARIA EMILY FRANGIPANE

Scenic Designer Stage Manager/ Costume Designer
KEVIN PELKEY Assistant Director CHRISTY McINTOSH-

Sound Designer BOBBY HENRY NEWSOM
CHRIS GENSUR
Associate Artistic Director Lighting Designer
BRIAN CROOK ELI NEWSOM

Artistic Director
CHRISTY McINTOSH-NEWSOM

Executive Producer
ELI NEWSOM

La Cage Aux Folles is presented by arrangement by Concord Theatricals.

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Overture SONGS Orchestra
We Are What We Are Les Cagelles
A Little More Mascara ACT I Albin and Les Cagelles
With Anne on My Arm Jean-Michel
With You On My Arm (Reprise) ACT II Georges, Albin
The Promenade
Song on the Sand Ensemble
La Cage aux Folles Georges
I Am What I Am
Albin, Jacqueline, Les Cagelles
Entr'acte Albin
Song on the Sand (Reprise)
Masculinity Orchestra
Look Over There Georges, Albin
Cocktail Counterpoint Georges, Albin, Ensemble
The Best of Times
Look Over There (Reprise) Georges
Grand Finale Georges, Dindon, Marie, Jacob

Albin, Jacqueline, Patrons
Jean-Michel
Company

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CAST

Cast Members

Albin T. Sean Maher
Georges Bob Filipowich
Jean-Michel
Anne Will Mandelbaum
Edouard Dindon
Marie Dindon Maggie Kruse
Jacob Steve Benko
Jacqueline
Renaud Marcy Sansolo
Mdm. Renaud
Francis Scott Sheldon
Bitelle Ashley McLeod
Mercedes
Chantal Ricky Mestre
Hanna
Phaedra Lisa Dahlstrom
Ensemble Tony Boscoe-Schmidt
Swing/ Male Understudy
John Layseca
Music Director/ Keyboard/Conductorr
Keyboard Ryan Romero
Bass Dan Satter
Reed
Drums Christopher Zullo

Paul Lietz
Jim Hisey, Marnie Kruse, Kelley Wright

Bobby Henry

Orchestra

Steven Oliveri

Clay Zambo
Charles Casimiro

Kate Testani

Gabe Nappi

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CREW

Crew Members

Director Todd Santa Maria
Artistic Director/ Costume Designer
Executive Producer/ Lighting Designer Christy McIntosh-Newsom
Associate Artistic Director
Musical Director Eli Newsom
Choreographer
Stage Manager/ Assistant Director Brian Crook
Scenic Designer
Sound Designer Steven Oliveri
Lighting Assistant
Scenic Painter/Production Designer Emily Frangipane
Assistant Choreographer
Makeup Supervisor Bobby Henry
Seamstress
Spotlight Operators Kevin Pelkey
Media Manager
Company Photographer Chris Gensur

Don Rowe

Ray Rivera

Mia Tommins

Anthony Buell

Natasha Fenster, Sophie Pennock Collins

Ben Brennan, Tere Mak

Brian Bish

Kate Eisemann Pictures

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WHO'S WHO

T. Sean Maher (Albin)

For 30+ years, Sean has appeared throughout the US. Most recently
in Brad Blake's Wreck-the-Halls. Other roles include, Mr.
Wormwood/Matilda, Fr. Flynn/Doubt, Mr. Simmons/Memphis.
Favorites include Morrie/Tuesdays With Morrie, Chicklet/Psycho
Beach Party and he created 34 characters in I Am My Own Wife. Sean
holds a BFA from Adelphi University, and by day he is Operations
Manager for the world-renowned Yale Glee Club. So excited to play
this bucket-list role!

Bob Filipowich (Georges)

This is Bob's premiere appearance in his home town of Fairfield,
having preformed in area theaters for the last 30+ years. Most recently
he played the role of David O Selznik in Moonlight and Magnolias in
New Canaan. Other favorite roles include: The Leading Player in
Pippin, Harold Hill in The Music Man, Aldolpho in The Drowsy
Chaperone, George in Moon Over Buffalo, Applegate in Damn
Yankees, Billy Flynn in Chicago and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Break
legs to all my old friends and new friends, and old friends with new
faces in this rather gaudy and rather grand extravaganza!

Will Mandelbaum (Jean-Michel)

Will is thrilled to return to acting in his first FCS production! Will is the
Director of Choral Activities at Wilton High School, and during the
summer holds the position of Music Director at Fairfield Teen Theatre.
Previous favorite roles of his include Bishop in Les Misérables, and
Lucas in The Addams Family, both at Fairfield Teen Theatre. Huge
thanks to his parents, family, and friends who have supported new
beginnings this year!

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WHO'S WHO

Maggie Kruse (Anne Dindon)

Maggie's FCS debut! Recent Marist College graduate with a major in
Graphic Design and minor in Music, where she was heavily involved
with the audition-based ensembles and private voice with Lindsay
O’Neil. Favorite roles include Velma (Hairspray), Jesus (Godspell),
Ado Annie (Oklahoma), and the Jester (Once Upon A Mattress). Other
recent credits: Fairfield Teen Theatre, Downtown Cabaret Theatre,
Curtain Call. Thank you to Todd, Bobby, Emily, and all the cast and
crew!

Steve Benko (Edouard Dindon)

Steve is shocked, shocked at this decadence! He performs annually
as Scrooge in Fairfield Center Stage's immersive A Christmas Carol
Experience and was previously featured in the company's productions
of SpongeBob as The French Narrator, Cabaret as Herr Schultz, The
Music Man as Mayor Shinn, Hairspray as Wilbur, in Fiddler On the
Roof as Lazar Wolf, and other stuff other places. Love to his wife Gail,
two beautiful daughters (go see Julie on Thursday nights as Fanny
Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway!), and his frequent adorable
babysittees, C.J. and Melody Newsom.

Marcy Sansolo (Marie Dindon)

Other than a mutual love of sexually suggestive crockery, Marcy and
Marie Dindon have little in common. Happily, Marcy will enjoy an epic
amount of time this fall surrounded by men in heels. After La Cage
wraps Marcy will be portraying Magenta in the Rocky Horror Picture in
New Canaan. Marcy is grateful for the encouragement she receives
from Wendy Hunter & Christy Newsom. She is humbled by this
talented cast & crew. Deep gratitude to her magnificent family.

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WHO'S WHO

Scott Sheldon (Jacob)

Scott is happily making his debut with center stage Fairfield in this
wonderful production of La Cage Aux Folles! He has previously been
seen in his home theatre of Center Stage Shelton in various roles
such as Mike in White Christmas, Bernard in Boeing Boeing, and Sky
in Mamma Mia, among many others. He is very excited about being in
this production and would like to thank the amazing cast, director,
costume designer, and everyone who made this show come together
so beautifully.

Ashley McLeod (Jacqueline)

Ashley was most recently seen in FCS’s production of SpongeBob:
The Musical as Karen the Computer. Favorite past roles include Sister
Mary Downey in Disaster!, Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Show,
Miss Hannigan in Annie, Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, The Witch in
Into the Woods, Elizabeth Benning in Young Frankenstein, Sally
Bowles in Cabaret, and The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot. A huge
thank you to Todd, Christy, Eli, Steven, Emily, and Bobby, to the
fabulous cast and crew, and to Mom, Dad, Clint, and Caden for their
love, patience, and support!

Ricky Mestre (Renaud)

Ricky is a multimedia artist from Stratford Connecticut. He is a painter,
cartoonist and digital artist. He founded the annual Greater Bridgeport
Pride event which has just finished it's 12th year. His love of the arts
also includes doing theater. Previous Credits include Fender
(Hairspray), Roman Guard (Jesus Christ Superstar), Rudolpho
(Matilda the Musical). Credits from shows at Trevi Lounge include
Eddie/Dr. Scott (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Orin (Little Shop Of
Horrors) and Danny (Xanadu)

Lisa Dahlstrom (Mdm Renaud)

Lisa returns to Fairfield Center Stage after playing Mrs. Wormwood in
Matilda, Eulalie Shinn in The Music Man, and Mrs. Cratchit in A
Christmas Carol Experience. Other favorite roles include Lily St. Regis
in Annie, Amy in Company, and Smitty in How to Succeed in Business
Without Really Trying.

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WHO'S WHO

Tony Boscoe-Schmidt (Francis)

Tony returns to musical theatre after a long hiatus, last having played
the Baker in Into the Woods at the Ridgefield Theatre Barn. Recently,
Tony performed at the Brookfield Theatre in Bent (Greta), Noises Off!
(Frederick/Philip), and Perfect Arrangement (Bob) and directed Night
of the Assassins. Thanks to Todd and Steven for the gift of this
ensemble! Many thanks to my husband, Eric, and our kids for your
love and support.

John Layseca (Bitelle)

Peruvian dancer/choreographer, John studied Peruvian folk music,
ballet and contemporary dance, and worked on TV performing with
famous singers like Daddy Yankee and Thalia. He danced, acted and
choreographed in musicals such as Fame, A Chorus Line, Jesus
Christ Superstar. Using his talents John has participated in many
global service missions with “Move to Empower”. After arriving in the
USA 12 years ago and getting his Zumba certification John began
teaching at Edge Fitness Clubs and LifeTime. John is excited to be
part of La Cage aux Folles after his previous FCS show Mamma Mia.

Ryan Romero (Mercedes)

Ryan is thrilled to be returning to Fairfield Center Stage for this
fantastic show. Recent credits include Bobby Strong in Urinetown,
Sammy in The Wedding Singer and Ensemble in The Sound of Music,
Mamma Mia & Spongebob the Musical. He hopes the crowd enjoys
the show!

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WHO'S WHO

Dan Satter (Chantal)

Dan is excited to be making his return to the stage as Chantal with
FCS. He is a music director and vocalist and is currently the music
director for St. Paul Catholic High School and a private voice and
piano teacher through the Bethel Music Center. Dan performed in
many operas at WCSU where he was also the music director and
arranger for two award-winning a cappella groups. NYC credits:
Quadrophenia at the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway Goes A
Cappella 2-4 at Feinstein’s/54 Below. Music direction credits:
Godspell, Out of the Blue, Wizard of Oz, Broadway Goes A Cappella
3, Little Mermaid Jr, Music Man Jr, and Annie Jr. Opera credits
include: The Magic Flute (Sarastro), Hansel & Gretel (Father), and
The Gondeliers (Don Alhambra). Theatre credits include: South Pacific
(Featured Sailor), Spamalot (Sir Galahad), Shrek (Guard Captain/
Papa Ogre), and Wild Party (Max).

Christopher Zullo (Hanna)

Christopher is thrilled to be back at La Cage once again. Previous
favorite credits include: Gabriel (Next To Normal), Adam/Noah
(Children of Eden), Beethoven (Dog Sees God) Chantal (La Cage Aux
Folles) and as the artistic director of Spotlight Stage Company, where
he directs and designs all productions. Some previous directing
credits: Fame, Once On This Island, Into The Woods Jr, Annie Jr,
Stand Up & Speak OUT, Waiting Room, and more!

Paul Lietz (Phaedra)

Paul makes his Fairfield Center Stage debut as Phaedra in this
production of La Cage Aux Folles. A Hartford based social worker, he
is an active member with the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus. Favorite
roles include Riff Raff in Rocky Horror Picture Show, Batboy in
Batboy: The Musical, Jack Kelly in Newsies and Melchior in Spring
Awakening.

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WHO'S WHO

Jim Hisey (Ensemble)

Jim is thrilled to be a part of this fantastic production of La Cage aux
Folles here at Fairfield Center Stage. He has played Judge Brandeis
in Annie, Admiral Peary in Ragtime, Sound Man in City of Angels,
Henry Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde, Weismann in Follies, and Mr.
Guggenheim in Titanic the Musical. Other favorite Fairfield Center
Stage roles include Old Joe, A Christmas Carol Experience, and Ben
in The Secret Garden. Thanks to Christy and Eli for the opportunity to
be in this unique theater experience.

Marnie Kruse (Ensemble)

Marnie is thrilled to be apart of La Cage aux Folles, especially sharing
the stage with daughter Maggie! Marnie's last FCS appearance was
in A Christmas Carol as Mrs. Fezziwig/Choir, and she has been apart
of every Christmas Carol Experience since its 2018 inception. Other
FCS credits include Mamma Mia and Matilda. Offstage, Marnie might
be found singing with her a cappella group Harmony On The Sound,
directing the Cherub Choir at Southport Congregational Church, or
teaching preschoolers at Trumbull Early Childhood Education Center
in Trumbull. (She is very excited to be returning to school for a #113
Endorsement at SCSU this fall!!) Marnie would like to thank this
amazing cast and production team for this opportunity. Much love
always to the rest of K-5!!

Kelley Wright (Ensemble)

Kelley is a longtime performer with Fairfield Center Stage. She
performed two years in the annual FCS Playathon, played Mrs. Dilber
in A Christmas Carol Experience three consecutive years, and Frau
Schmidt in the The Sound of Music. Her Los Angeles theater credits
include the role of Diane in the 20 year anniversary revival of Hair
(1988), and many Shakespeare comedy leads in LA as well as
Nevada, including Bianca, Phoebe, the Courtesan and Fabia.

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CREW WHO'S WHO

Todd Santa Maria Director

FCS directing debut. Directing credits include: Disaster, Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party,
Oklahoma, Bare, Mamma Mia, Great Expectations, Clue (AD), Spring Awakening and The
Drowsy Chaperone. Select acting credits include: The Importance of Being Earnest, Red, Fully
Committed, The Normal Heart, A Chorus Line, A Christmas Carol Experience, The Taming of the
Shrew, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Little Dog Laughed, Corpus Christi, Camelot and Peter
& the Starcatcher. "Thanks to Christy, Eli, Steven, Emily, Bobby, the cast and crew for making this
such a joyous and creatively rewarding experience. Special thanks to Matthew, Mom, Dad, my
family and friends."

Christy McIntosh-Newsom Artistic Director/ Costume Designer

Christy is thrilled to be on the design staff for a show that features so many feathers, sequins, and
wigs! As Costume Designer for FCS/ BTC: Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Lend Me a Tenor, To Kill a
Mockingbird. Christy is one of the founders of FCS, and also is a local voice teacher/ audition
coach, the Drama Director at Ludlowe High School, and runs the education programming for
FCS. Christy is so happy to be working with Todd, Emily, and Steven, and for putting her passion
and appreciation for drag queens into practice! Beyond grateful to Renee Purdy for all of her help
and support. Proud wife to Eli, Mommy to CJ and Melody, and proud ally to our LGBTQIA+
community!

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CREW WHO'S WHO

Eli Newsom Executive Producer/ Lighting Designer

Along with running operations for Fairfield Center Stage, Eli staffs and supports the production
teams throughout the season. He is former Producing Artistic Director of Downtown Cabaret Main
Stage Theatre (2015-18) and Bridgeport Theatre Company (2010-15) where he produced
approximately 40 shows. He served as Director Fairfield Teen Theatre for seven years and now
as Music Director for various Fairfield County school productions. Originally from the San
Francisco Bay Area, Eli’s musical theater roles were Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street at Curtain Call,
and Dan in Next to Normal for Bridgeport Theatre Company. While after years in non-profit and
professional theatre as a singer/actor/dancer, Eli returned to the stage as Squidward in FCS’s
production of SpongeBob. Eli is a proud resident of Fairfield with his wife Christy (FCS Artistic
Director!), kids CJ and Melody, and dogs Abby and Fozzie Bear. Thanks to this production staff
for their dedication and teamwork!

Steven Oliveri Musical Director

Steven has musical directed, accompanied, or performed onstage in many plays and musicals.
Highlights include Dirty Blonde, West Side Story, Nine, Urinetown, Kiss of the Spiderwoman,
Cabaret, and Runaways. Besides being a busy voice teacher and coach, Steven is also a
nonfiction writer whose work has appeared in The Columbia Journal and Beyond Words. Thanks
to Adam for his infinite patience.

Emily Frangipane Choreographer

Emily holds a B.F.A in Dance from Emerson College. Performing credits include, Rent, A Chorus
Line, Cabaret, and the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. She returns to Fairfield Center
Stage since the shut-down to work with this remarkable group of talented artists. She
choreographs for high schools and community theatres throughout Fairfield County. Recent
shows include Godspell, The Addams Family, Footloose, Something Rotten, and Chicago at
Darien High School. Here in Fairfield, choreography includes Hedwig and The Angry Inch,
American Idiot, In The Heights, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Spring Awakening. At Curtain
Call in Stamford she’s worked on Sweet Charity, The Who’s Tommy, Kiss Me Kate, and Pippin to
name a few. Emily teaches dance to ages middle school through adult and is still performing
when she gets the opportunity. Emily feels so blessed to work with such an incredible cast and
creative team!

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CREW WHO'S WHO

Bobby Henry Stage Manager/ Assistant Director

Bobby is excited to Assistant Direct and Stage Manage La Cage aux Folles. He is a local
professional performer who has starred in many productions across the New York Tri-State area.
Some of his favorite productions are Tommy at Seven Angels Theatre, (Moonface Martin) in
Anything Goes, (The Lion) in The Wiz ,(Margaret Mead) in Hair, a (Featured Dancer) in Sweet
Charity a (Soloist/ Dancer) in American Idiot and a (Brother) in Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Chris Gensur Sound Designer

Chris has been working in professional theatre since Sept. 2000. This is his second full season as
the resident sound designer and sound board operator for FCS. He was the sound engineer/
sound designer at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre from July 2009 to March 2020 [when the
pandemic hit]. He has worked with Eli & Christy and the entire FCS family on countless shows. In
Feb. 2020, Chris upgraded from sound board operator to Writer with The Three Pigs at the
Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT.

Don Rowe Lighting Assistant

Don is thrilled to be working live theater again!! And he’s also happy to be back in Connecticut
again; Texas just isn’t for him y’all. He is very excited to see where this season with FCS takes
him. Adventures abound in live community theater. Lookout for the next MacGruber contraption!

Mia Tommins Assistant Choreographer

Mia is so thrilled to be assistant choreographing La Cage Aux Folles! Many thanks to the rest of
the crew and to this incredible cast who shines so bright! Break legs!

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CREW WHO'S WHO

Brian Bish Media Manager

Brian is honored to be a part of the Fairfield Center Stage team! Favorite productions with this
creative team include The Wedding Singer, American Idiot, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hedwig
and the Angry Inch and The SpongeBob Musical. Much love to Jack!

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks to
Renee Purdy/The Warner Theatre

Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Jessica Camarero
Bobbie Pinz

Trevi Lounge Staff & Bartenders
Katia Cappozziello
Charlies Casimiro
Walt Matis
Ben Brennan

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