ASSASSINS Playbill

THE WARNER THEATRE Production of

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Book by JOHN WEIDMAN

ASSASSINS is based on an idea by CHARLES GILBERT, JR.

ASSASSINS is presented through special arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

Director - KATHERINE RAY
Music Director - DAN KOCH

Producing Artistic Director - SHARON W. HOUK

Cast of Characters

Sara Jane Moore - JULIETTE KOCH
Leon Czolgosz - JOSH NEWEY
Samuel Byck - MATT CORNISH
John Wilkes Booth - IAN DIEDRICH
Lynette “Squeeky” Fromme - MICHELLE FUNARO
John Hinckley - STEFFON SAMPSON
Balladeer - NOEL ROBERGE
Proprietor - JONATHAN ROSS
Giuseppe Zangara - JOHN FARIAS
Charles Guiteau - JOE HARDING
James Blaine - TONY LEONE
President Gerald Ford - ADAM FANCHER
President James Garfield - KEITH PAUL
Billy - TREVOR RINALDI
Emma Goldman - PRISCILLA SQUIERS
David Herold - ADAM FANCHER

Ensemble
ADAM FANCHER, TONY LEONE, LYN NAGEL, KEITH PAUL, TREVOR RINALDI, PRISCILLA SQUIERS

SYNOPSIS OF MUSICAL NUMBERS

“Everybody’s Got the Right”
Proprietor, Czolgosz, Hinckley, Guiteau, Zangara, Byck, Fromme, Moore, Booth
“The Ballad of Booth”
Balladeer, Booth, David Harold
“How I Saved Roosevelt”
Bystanders, Zangara
“Gun Song”
Czolgosz, Booth, Guiteau, Moore
“The Ballad of Czolgosz”
Balladeer, Fairgoers
“Unworthy of Your Love”
Hinckley, Fromme
“The Ballad of Guiteau”
Guiteau, Balladeer
“Another National Anthem”
Czolgosz, Booth, Hinckley, Fromme, Zangara, Guiteau, Moore, Byck, Balladeer
“November 22, 1963”
Booth, Oswald, Guiteau, Czolgosz, Byck, Hinckley, Fromme, Moore, Zangara
“Something Just Broke”
Proprietor, Ensemble
“Finale: Everybody’s Got the Right”
Booth, Czolgosz, Moore, Guiteau, Zangara, Byck, Hinckley, Fromme, Oswald

- ASSASSINS is performed without intermission -

The ORCHESTRA

Keyboard/Guitar - DAN KOCH
Keyboard 2 - CHARLES SMITH
Bass - BUDDY GRIFFITH
Percussion - SCOTT KELLOGG

“Nobody at the end of the show should feel that we have been excusing or sentimentalizing these people. We’re examining the system that causes these horrors. The US Constitution guarantees the pursuit of happiness. It doesn’t guarantee the happiness. That’s the difference. These are people who feel they’ve been cheated of their happiness, each one in a different way.”

- Stephen Sondheim from a 2014 interview with Dominic Cavendish

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director - KATHERINE RAY
Music Director - DAN KOCH
Production Stage Manager - CRAIG CLAVETTE
Costumes - RENEE C. PURDY, LESLEY NILSON BOWMAN
Sound Design & Engineering - JPL MUSIC SERVICES / JIM LUURTSEMA
Lighting Design - STEPHEN C. HOUK, SHARON W. HOUK
Set Concept - SHARON W. HOUK, KATHERINE RAY

Video Director - KATHERINE RAY
Video Setup - RANDALE NUNLEY
Video Switcher Operator - WOODROW DICK
Camera Operators - JEFF SCHLICHTER, LUKE HAUGHWOUT, RICHARD MCKENNA
Graphics - SHARON W. HOUK

Master Carpenters - KEVIN HALES, JOHN FITCH
Set Acquisition - TRAVIS LIPINSKI, CRAIG CLAVETTE, ROBERT PURDY
Set Dress - SHARON W. HOUK, KARLA WOODWORTH
Load-In Crew - LESLEY BUNDY, ISABEL CARRINGTON, EMILY CREIGHTON, RUFUS DE RHAM,
JOHN FITCH, KEVIN HALES, STEPHEN C. HOUK, SHARON W. HOUK,
GWEN MILETI, RANDALE NUNLEY
Sound Assistants - MICHELLE RINALDI, JEANINE PRAY
Props - KARLA WOODWORTH, JULIETTE KOCH, SHARON W. HOUK, LESLEY BUDNY

Original Promotional Photographer/Videographer Lüke Haughwøut

SPECIAL THANKS

The Warner Theater staff and administration and the cast and crew of ASSASSINS would like to extend a special thanks to the following for their assistance in making this production a reality:

THE PLEASANT VALLEY DRIVE-IN THEATER | KATHERINE RAY | DAN KOCH

DNR LABORATORIES | EXPERT RENTAL | JIM LUURTSEMA & JPL MUSIC SERVICES
WHITING LIGHTING | MURPHY BOYZ | TRUE VALUE OF LITCHFIELD
FASCIA'S CHOCOLATES | JEFFREY SCHLICHTER & CAMEO PHOTO VIDEO
LUKE HAUGHWOUT | MANDI MARTINI | RICHARD MCKENNA

Vintage Automobiles from
OAKBROOK ELECTRIC | NEAL ROBINSON | ROBERT PURDY
TRAVIS LIPINSKI | ROBERT LIPINSKI
WILL & NAOMI TOFTNESS

To everyone who assisted our production of ASSASSINS after this program was uploaded,
we shout out a very special “THANK YOU” to you!

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

From the DIRECTOR

Art and Adaptation

Stepping into this role I thought my first production as the Executive Director of the Warner would be DOGFIGHT in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre. Here we are six months later with our stages closed presenting ASSASSINS at the wonderful Pleasant Valley Drive-In as a fundraiser in an effort to fight the dramatic impact that Covid has had on the Warner and our entire industry.

I've been joking that we need to eliminate the "How are you doing?" question from our collective vocabulary, but if you asked me this tonight I can say without question: I am excited and proud.

I am proud of the wonderful Warner community who got together, poured massive effort into making this one of a kind event happen, and pulled out all the stops to bringing everyone a safe outdoor theatrical experience that helps the Warner continue to serve the community.

I am excited by the future of the Warner, yes it will be a long and difficult fight ahead but we are nothing if not tenacious and creative. Tonight offers a peak into the types of events we are looking at bringing to Northwest Connecticut. Our mission is to entertain, educate and bring the community together through the arts. In order to do this now we must adapt, share solutions, and not be afraid to try new things, maybe even break some stuff along the way. Yes we may be physically distant, but we don't have to be distant from the things we love, and the things that make us such a vibrant region.

I cannot thank everyone enough for their support in making ASSASSINS happen, our cast, crew, volunteers have bent over backwards to try something new and exciting. Their energy, love of the theatre, and drive confirms that the fight to Save Our Stages is the right one.

ASSASSINS is a timely play to put on as we have seen the flaws and inequities in the American Dream laid bare for all every night on the news. I love the phrase that Katherine uses in her letter: Radical Empathy. To interact with this play forces us to step outside of ourselves as an audience and grapple with these characters that are looking for their prize. Art, especially performing art, allows us to explore these difficult questions, develop empathy and bridge divides. We need this now more than ever.

Thank you for joining us tonight, and thank you for supporting the Warner! Keep fighting to keep the arts alive, we need places to gather on the other side of this to heal.

Sincerely,
Rufus de Rham
he/him/his
Executive Director

“Nobody at the end of the show should feel that we have been excusing or sentimentalizing these people. We’re examining the system that causes these horrors. The US Constitution guarantees the pursuit of happiness. It doesn’t guarantee the happiness. That’s the difference. These are people who feel they’ve been cheated of their happiness, each one in a different way.”

- Stephen Sondheim from a 2014 interview with Dominic Cavendish

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The American Dream.

Everything about Stephen Sondheim’s ASSASSINS excites me. In his own admission, Sondheim concluded that ASSASSINS was his best work. In terms of a COVID-19 world and safe distancing, the piece lends itself to distancing the actors and orchestra.

It’s a good idea to clarify a point in advance: ASSASSINS does not condone assassination, or guns or violence. Instead, by examining people we’d like to write off as sociopathic monsters, it provides an exploration of a flaw built into the very DNA of our culture, and a loophole in the American dream that can only beget more violence. And in so doing, it is exactly the piece of theater we need to see right now.

The assassins, portrayed as bitter and sad, sometimes comically deluded misfits, as one voice together become the symbol of a much larger problem in our country. Each of the assassins feels that he or she has been promised the dream that if only you work hard enough, you too can succeed and become rich and famous in anything you want. But as we know, this isn’t always possible, and it isn’t for these characters.

They are representative of “another national anthem” — one for the losers, the outsiders, and the delusional people who feel they have been denied the prize they were promised.

As we watch and listen to them, we become aware that these twisted souls have found a terrifying loophole in the American dream: When the riches and success don’t come through, what can make you famous is violence. In the final scene of the musical, John Wilkes Booth quotes Death of a Salesman — another great play about American disillusionment — when he says to Lee Harvey Oswald “attention must be paid” to the lost, and the disenfranchised. The only way that these characters see to achieving that attention is by committing an unthinkable act that will ensure they are remembered.

We live in a world that is built on a promise that cannot always be kept. Those who feel cheated of the success they believe they are owed are going to keep realizing that violence can at least get you the fame you crave. Fame is power. Fame is everything.

Only in examining these motivations and flaws can we practice radical empathy for the lost and misguided and hope to create change in our society and world and this is why I am most excited about this piece and why it is my favorite piece.

Many thanks to the Warner Theatre for providing me the “right to be different” once again and bring this confrontational musical to life once more, and to the fantastic cast and crew who helped create the wicked vision. “Everybody just hold tight to your dreams.”

Sincerely,
Katherine Ray
Director

WHO'S WHO

MATT CORNISH (Samuel Byck) is delighted to reprise one of his favorite roles with one of his favorite casts. Having moved to Mount Desert, ME three years ago to become the Camp Director for Camp Beech Cliff, he jumped at the chance to support both this cast and the Warner as a way of saying thank you for the many amazing experiences he has had working with the company. Some of his favorite roles have included The Old Man: A CHRISTMAS STORY, The Trunchbull: MATILDA (Acadia Community Theatre), Lt. Frank Ciofi: CURTAINS, King Herod: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Roger DeBris: THE PRODUCERS (Warner Theatre), Officer Barrel: URINETOWN (Thomaston Opera House), and J. Robert Oppenheimer: TIGER TIGER TIGER (Long Wharf Theatre). He can’t thank his very pregnant wife, Melissa and daughter, Imogen enough for being wonderful about not having Daddy at home for a week during a crazy time.

IAN DIEDRICH (John Wilkes Booth) Favorite roles include Lennie in OF MICE AND MEN, McMurphy in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST John Wilkes Booth in ASSASSINS (the 1st time), Chad in ALL SHOOK UP, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Frankie (Francis) in FOREVER PLAID and PLAID TIDINGS, Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Bobby in URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL, Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT and Michael in GOD OF CARNAGE. Ian has also directed community productions including MATILDA, THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, GODSPELL and BLEACHER BUMS and has worked on numerous productions behind the scenes and across the state as the Technical Director and Lighting & Set Designer. Thanks to Em, Hunter and Char for letting him take the time to "play." So happy you get to see this in person!

ADAM FANCHER (David Herold/President Gerald Ford/Ensemble) Adam is thrilled to be returning to the Warner Theater to the role that brough him back after 5 long years away. He has performed in over 20 Warner Main Stage musicals (including SEUSSICAL [Grinch], THE WIZARD OF OZ [Scarecrow] twice and WILLY WONKA [Grandpa George]). Adam is an electronic technician for Veeder Root. I’d like to thank everyone in this wonderful community who helped draw me back to acting, as well as everyone who gives the love and support that make community theater possible.

JOHN FARIAS (Guiseppe Zangara) is happy to be performing in such great company. John is no stranger to musical theatre, having performed locally in such places as at the Thomaston Opera House, the Warner Theatre in Torrington, and even outdoors at Richter Park in Danbury. John has also performed both Off-Broadway and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Favorite roles include: IN THE HEIGHTS (Kevin Rosario), MAMMA MIA (Sam), EVITA (Che), ASSASSINS (Zangara), THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Gomez), INTO THE WOODS (Rapunzel’s Prince) and FOREVER PLAID (Francis). When not teaching fifth grade in Monroe or singing with the choir at First Church Waterbury, John spends his time with his two beautiful children, Sophia and Elliott. John would like to dedicate this performance to all of those who will be exercising their right to vote in November. Let’s Do This!

MICHELLE FUNARO (Lynette “Squeeky” Fromme) Michelle is thrilled to be reprising her role for this very special production of Assassins. Currently she is a wine and spirits consultants for Opici Family distributing for the Greater Hartford area. Past Warner Credits include AMERICAN IDIOT, RENT (Mimi) and AVENUE Q(Lucy). Thank you to Kat, Sharon, and Dan for giving me the opportunity to flex my stage muscles again. This show is dedicated to my family, both blood and non blood, who have helped me get through this last year. #squadpod #circleofidiots

JOE HARDING (Charles Guiteau) In times like these you have to thank your teachers, here are some of mine: Jodi and Alan Seigel, Paul Cox, Bill Fears, Ruth and Charles Kline, Richard Zeilinski, Dona Vaughnn, Tim Ewing, Tad Ingram, Herman Gersten, Herm Matlock, Eric Salmon, Carol Estay, Dean Hill, Mitch Weiss and Evelyn Roleich. Thank you so much for taking the time to pass on some of your knowledge to me.

JULIETTE KOCH (Sara Jane Moore) Juliette dedicates tonight’s performance to the memory of Suzanne Powers. A true friend, source of light and love… and a fellow Sarah Jane.

TONY LEONE (James Blaine/Ensemble) is excited to bring back one of his favorite show experiences in ASSASSINS. It has truly been a pleasure to be with so many talented people again. Some of Tony's favorite roles include simply PERFORMING... IN shows... IN person!! A sincere THANK YOU to the entire cast and crew for putting this project back on its feet in such a bizarre time. To my amazing wife Katie and my beautiful daughter Josephine... This would not be possible without you. You both are my everything. I love you. #SaveOurStages

LYN NAGEL (Housewife, Ensemble) is so excited to be back with this amazing cast once again! Previous Warner Theatre Credits: THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Miss Mona Stangley), THE IRISH ... AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY (Woman #1), MARY POPPINS (Bird Woman), JEKYLL & HYDE (Nellie), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Aquata, Princess), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Silly Girl, Napkin), NEWSIES (Hannah, Bowery Beauty), RAGTIME (Bridgette, Ensemble), EVITA (Aristocrat, Featured Dancer), SOMETHING ROTTEN (Featured Dancer), A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (Patty), DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (Renee, Featured Ensemble), and PETER PAN (Pirate); Broadway: CAROUSEL (Abigail Snow); Regional Theatre: I MARRIED WYATT EARP (Hattie Earp, World Premiere Production), ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (Annie Oakley), [title of show] (Susan), and SCROOGE THE MUSICAL (Mrs. Cratchit); Film: JOE THE KING (Jenny); Television: ED (Jennifer Baumgarden) and GUIDING LIGHT. Ms. Nagel's voice can be heard nationally on the radio advertising for products such as Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, and Starburst. Locally, Ms. Nagel is a Quality Control Agent for the Philip Prata Agency of American Income Life. For Nana and Poppop, my angels.

JOSH NEWEY (Leon Czolgosz) Josh is a local performer who has appeared in numerous recent Warner productions, including personal favorites like THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL (Uncle Fester), EVIL DEAD: THE MUSCIAL (Ash), DISASTER! (Tony Delvecchio), and THE IRISH…AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY. He is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to this amazing show and its daring themes, at a time when theatre is painfully scarce but no less important, human interaction is hungered for but so polarized it's fighting for its life, truth is fed through countless splintered filters, and justice is somehow treated as subjective. He's also thankful to have had the opportunity to share the stage with the magnificent Suzanne Powers, an actress whose clarity, presence, kindness, humor and wisdom serve as ceaseless inspiration. We will miss you, Suzanne.

KEITH PAUL (President James Garfield/Ensemble) Mr. Paul is an Artist and Dreamer. When not busy with that, he is also a Puppet Actor for the international award winning Elmwood Productions, the Production Manager for Waterbury Symphony Orchestra and Artistic Director for The Desultory Theatre Club.

TREVOR RINALDI (Billy/Ensemble) Trevor is now a 12th grade student at Lewis S. Mills High School (and has come a long way in the last five years since we last saw him as Billy.) His stage credits include NEWSIES (Darcy), The Who’s TOMMY (10 Yr Old Tommy), THE JUNGLE BOOK (Baloo), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Chip), and MAGID TREE HOUSE: PIRATES PAST NOON (Jonah). Trevor loves to play volleyball and basketball in his spare time. Thanks to Kat, Sharon, Dan and Craig for letting me work with my favorite cast of all time and thanks to my family for the support. I’m so lucky to have had the chance to perform this amazing show with everyone 2 different times.

NOEL ROBERGE (Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald) Noel is a local actor/musician from Bristol, CT. Past credits with the Warner Theatre include Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Jack Kelley in Disney's NEWSIES, and Guy in ONCE to name a few. Incredibly grateful to perform in these strange times. SAVE OUR STAGES!

JONATHAN ROSS (Proprietor) has performed at theaters throughout the state. Theatreworks, Playhouse On Park, Hole In The Wall, Seven Angels, Phoenix Stage Co., and The Thomaston Opera House is a partial list of those theaters. Previously at The Warner Stage Co. he appeared as Harold Nichols in THE FULL MONTY and in the ensemble in A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. Other recent roles include Joseph Flaherty in THE IRISH CURSE, Judge Turpin in SWEENEY TODD, R. H. Macy in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, Dr. Jim Bayless in ALL MY SONS and Jonathan Brewster in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE.

STEFFON SAMPSON (John Hinckley) This is Steffon’s sixth performance with the Warner Stage Company - having appeared in DISASTER – A 70s Disaster Movie Musical (Wealthy Man), A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (Shermy), SPRING AWAKENING (Moritz) and the staged reading of SHE’S NOT THERE in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre and The Who’s TOMMY on the main stage. He was also preparing to appear in DOGFIGHT in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre this past March when the COVID-19 shutdown took effect. Previous shows include THE WILD PARTY (Mr. Black) with Brookfield Theatre for the Arts; IN THE HEIGHTS (Usnavi) with Arts In CT; ONE HIT WONDER (Gunner), IN THE HEIGHTS (Benny), GODSPELL (Jesus) and DREAMGIRLS at the Thomaston Opera House; SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL (Horton) with Theatre at TCC and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Tonton) and BOEING BOING (Bernard) with Connecticut Theatre Company. Steffon also played trumpet for THE COLOR PURPLE in its CT Community Theatre debut at Connecticut Theatre Company. He was nominated for best featured actor in a musical (SPRING AWAKENING) [On Stage Blog] and best actor in a play [broadwayworld.com] and took the category for new performance of an ensemble in a play for BOEING, BOEING. He is the co-host (along with Noel Roberge) of the podcast, CRAFTALK! When not on stage, Steffon works in Southington in retail management and is a trumpet player for the 1st Company Governors Foot Guard. Thank for supporting and keeping the arts alive!

PRICILLA SQUIERS (Emma Goldman/Ensemble) is overjoyed to join old friends and new for this encore production. She most recently appeared at the Warner as Donna Sheridan in MAMMA MIA and Miss Shingle in A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER in 2019, and as Baruska in ONCE in 2018. Other Warner credits include FOLLIES (Solange LaFitte), ASSASSINS (Emma Goldman), RAGTIME (Emma Goldman), TITANIC (Alice Beane), THE KING AND I (Anna), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Maria in 2000/ Elsa in 2006), ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (Annie), MY FAIR LADY (Eliza), CAMELOT (Guenevere), THE SECRET GARDEN (Lily), CAROUSEL (Julie), SHOWBOAT (Magnolia), THE MIRACLE WORKER (Ev) with Susan Saint James, and numerous revues and original shows. A veteran of many area stages, Priscilla’s other favorite musical credits include SISTER ACT (Mother Superior), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Rona), KISS ME, KATE (Lilli/Kate), SWEENEY TODD (Mrs. Lovett), A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Charlotte) and three productions of INTO THE WOODS (Jack’s Mother/Baker’s Wife/Cinderella). Dramatic credits include SOUVENIR (Florence Foster Jenkins), NOISES OFF (Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett). MASTER CLASS (Maria Callas), THE BELLE OF AMHERST (Emily Dickinson), two productions of DANCING AT LUGHNASA (Kate/Agnes), THE ELEPHANT MAN (Mrs. Kendal), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Titania), AS YOU LIKE IT (Rosalind), THE SEAGULL (Nina) and JEFFREY (The Women). She thanks Kat, Sharon, Dan, Craig and the amazing creative/tech team and orchestra for their hard work, and sends love to her stalwart husband Kyle Minor and her four children, Kieran, Olivia, Arden and Viola. A special nod to our beloved Suzanne, whose star shines brightly in the firmament tonight.

STEPHEN SONDHEIM wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night (1954), A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (1962), ANYONE CAN WHISTLE (1964), COMPANY(1970), FOLLIES (1971), A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (1973), THE FROGS (1974), PACIFIC OVERTURES (1976), SWEENEY TODD(1979), MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (1981), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (1984), INTO THE WOODS (1987), ASSASSINS (1991), PASSION (1994) and ROAD SHOW (2008) as well as lyrics for WEST SIDE STORY (1957), GYPSY (1959) and DO I HEAR A WALTZ? (1965) and additional lyrics for CANDIDE(1973). Anthologies of his work include SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM (1976), MARRY ME A LITTLE (1981), YOU'RE GONNA LOVE TOMORROW (1983), PUTTING IT TOGETHER(1993/99) and SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM (2010). He composed the scores of the films "Stavisky" (1974) and "Reds" (1981) and songs for "Dick Tracy" (1990) and the television production "Evening Primrose" (1966). His collected lyrics with attendant essays have been published in two volumes: "Finishing the Hat" (2010) and "Look, I Made A Hat" (2011). In 2010 the Broadway theater formerly known as Henry Miller's Theatre was renamed in his honor.

JOHN WEIDMAN has written the books for a wide variety of musicals, among them Pacific Overtures (Tony nomination, Best Book), Assassins (Tony Award, Best Musical Revival), and Road Show (Lucille Lortel nomination, Best Musical), all with scores by Stephen Sondheim; Contact (Tony nomination, Best Book; Tony Award, Best Musical), co-created with director/choreographer Susan Stroman; Happiness, score by Scott Frankel and Michael Korie, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman; Take Flight and Big (Tony nomination, Best Book), scores by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire; and the new book, co-authored with Timothy Crouse, for the Lincoln Center Theater/Roundabout Theatre revivals of Cole Porter's Anything Goes (Tony Awards, Best Musical Revival; Olivier Award, Best Musical Production). Since his children were pre-schoolers, Weidman has written for Sesame Street, receiving more than a dozen Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Children's Program. From 1999 to 2009 he served as President of the Dramatists Guild of America.

CRAIG CLAVETTE (Stage Manager) Craig wandered in to the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre about three and a half years ago and despite numerous attempts to coax him out with the business end of a broom, he seems to have stuck around. He has ventured out on stage to portray Bill in ALICE IN CONCERT, Ben in SIGHT LINES, John in MARK MY WORMS, and another time to be Liam in CALENDAR GIRLS. These days he is more likely to be seen up in the booth pressing buttons. Sources indicate that some of his favorite productions with the Warner Stage Company have been: JEKYLL & HYDE, DISASTER!: THE MUSICAL, BASKERVILLE, THE UNEXPECTED GUEST, SPRING AWAKENING, THE IRISH: AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY, AVENUE Q, ONCE: THE MUSICAL, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, TOMMY, and the one that lured him in, EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL (2016). If you do see him, please make no attempt to chase him. If you wish to make contact, use a quiet voice and offer him something with peanut butter in it. Ice pops also work. The code-word is “pewpew!”. He did leave a note for me to tell everyone in the cast, crew, and production team that they're awesome and thank you for putting up with him and that he greatly appreciates them all!

JOHN FITCH (Co-Master Carpenter) John began building sets for the Theatre Arts program at Region 7. He enjoyed working alongside his daughter and teaching theatre students set construction. John also built sets for The Thomaston Opera House for shows including LES MISERABLES, The Who’s TOMMY, and ANNIE. Since joining the Warner, John has worked on productions presented on both the main stage and Nancy Marine theatres. Productions include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, A CHORUS LINE, THE PRODUCERS, BYE BYE BIRDIE, HAIRSPRAY, RENT, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, MAMMA MIA and DISASTER! Thank you to Sharon, Steve and Kevin for sharing the fun and passion of the theatre.

KEVIN HALES (Co-Master Carpenter) Kevin is a retired electrician and has been a member of the Torrington Area Model Railroaders for the past 20 years (having served most of that time as the organizations President). Kevin was part of the set building crew here at the Warner from 2000 to 2007, serving as master carpenter from 2004 to 2007. He returned to us in 2011 after a four year hiatus. His current credits include CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, TITANIC, WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION, SUNSET BOULEVARD, CURTAINS, MOON OVER BUFFALO, ANYTHING GOES, EVIL DEAD-THE MUSICAL, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, PLAID TIDINGS, ALL SHOOK UP, PETER PAN, REEFER MADNESS, RAGTIME, THE 39 STEPS, AMERICAN IDIOT, ASSASSINS, NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, ROCK OF AGES, LOST IN YONKERS, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, SEUSSICAL, EVIL DEAD - THE MUSICAL (a second time), THE WHO’S TOMMY, CALENDAR GIRLS, FOLLIES, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, AVENUE Q, ONCE, THE IRISH AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY, THE FULL MONTY, SPRING AWAKENING, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, Agatha Christie’s THE UNEXPECTED GUEST, NEWSIES, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, Ken Ludwig’s BASKERVILLE, MAMMA MIA, DISASTER!, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, WAIT UNTIL DARK and SOMETHING ROTTEN!

SHARON W. HOUK (Producing Artistic Director) Sharon has been involved in both professional and community theatre for over 35 years. Director/ choreographer credits include numerous musical (and non-musical) productions. Some of her favorites include A CHRISTMAS CAROL (A Solo Performance Featuring Dick Terhune), A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, ONCE, ROCK OF AGES, RACE, RUNAWAYS, PIPPIN, HAIR, FOREVER PLAID, RAGTIME, THE WHO’S TOMMY, RENT and ONE NIGHT WITH FANNY BRICE. Sharon is currently the CT State Representative for the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). Special thanks to my family for their continued support in my crazy theatre projects; to my love and HUSBAND–I am so very proud to be #MrsHouk2018-I love you to the moon and back; and to you, our wonderful supporters - thank you for sharing in this special production. #SaveOurStages

DAN KOCH (Music Director) As musical director: VICTOR/VICTORIA, GYPSY, SWEENEY TODD, 9 TO 5, INTO THE WOODS, ANNIE, SHREK (Musicals at Richter), AVENUE Q, ASSASSINS, RAGTIME, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE FULL MONTY, AIDA (Warner Theatre); THE WEDDING SINGER, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JEKYLL AND HYDE (Thomaston Opera House); 13, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Sharon Playhouse); ANYTHING GOES, HELLO DOLLY! (Marist College). As composer; THE LARAMIE PROJECT (Bridgeport Theatre Co.), ALMOST MAINE, ARCADIA (Millbrook School), LET THE LIGHT SHINE: A Nativity Song Cycle (Lyall Federated Church). Music preparation; Battlecry, written by Granville Wyche Burgess and Paul Bogaev, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live (National Tour). Love to J, L, S, D, A, B, L, R, X, K, and A.

JIM LUURTSEMA (Sound Design and Engineering) Jim is a Torrington resident who has music directed several shows recently at the Warner Main Stage. He has also performed as a pit musician and serves on the Warner Company Stage Committee. Jim's new business JPL Music Services is proud to be volunteering its services and equipment to help put on this wonderful event. Jim would like to thank everyone involved and is humbled and hopeful that theatre will continue on through these challenging times. Thank you to all the patrons watching this event and your donations tonight and in the future are greatly appreciated.

RENEE C. PURDY (Costume Designer) Design favorites include: Broadway: ONE FOR MY BABY (Asst. Designer); Off Broadway: ONCE NIGHT WITH FANNY BRICE (St Luke’s Theatre New York & Phoenix Stage Co.) Regional Professional: Westchester Broadway Theatre; Fiddlehead Theatre Co., John Hancock Center, Boston; Community: Warner Theatre and Warner Theatre Nancy Marine Studios, Torrington CT; Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport, CT; Musicals at Richter, Danbury CT; Palace Theatre, Waterbury CT; TheatreWorks New Milford; CT Gay Men’s Chorus; TriArts at Sharon Playhouse; Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport, CT and other CT theatre companies. Recipient of Costume Design Awards including ONE NIGHT WITH FANNY BRICE; RICHARD III and ROCK OF AGES. Credits include award winning Equity, Community, Summer Stock and Academic productions and always my favorite, my heart, my home….Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

KATHERINE RAY (Director/Video Director) SDC Member Director. Was in rehearsal for DOGFIGHT at the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre as director when the production was shut down due to the pandemic. She would like to dedicate this production to Suzanne Powers, original 2015 cast member, wonderful talent and friend. I am heartbroken over your passing but comforted in knowing your spirit and light is still alive in this universe. Thank you Sharon for supporting and respecting the safety of all actors and crew. Bravo cast and production team!!!

KARLA WOODWORTH (Props Master) Karla has a degree in fine art from Paier College of Art. She has enjoyed doing the props and set painting for over 50 productions. A few of her favorites include ANNIE, SUNSET BOULEVARD, SHREK THE MUSICAL, LOVE SEX AND THE IRS, ASSASSINS, AVENUE Q, and Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID. She has had pleasure of working with other theatres including Landmark Community Theatre at Thomaston Opera House, The Goshen Players and the 2018 season for Sharon Playhouse. She is beyond grateful to be able to work so close to home with such talented and awesome people!!!! Break legs!!