Get to know the Cast and Creative Team for A MERRY CHRISTMAS CAROL!
Fiddler on the Roof | Cast & Creatives
Produced in partnership with The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC
VELKASSEM AGGUINI
(THE FIDDLER) is a violinist currently living in Norfolk, Virginia. He is Kabyle Algerian and will be attending his senior year at the Governor’s School for the Arts this fall.
MIA BERGSTROM
(HODEL) is thrilled and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the tradition of this rich and beautiful show and community. Regional: Escape to Margaritaville (Ogunquit Playhouse), Sister Act (Sister Mary Robert, John W. Engeman Theatre & Virginia Musical Theatre), Legally Blonde (Vivienne, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), The Music Man (Marian, Woodstock Playhouse), James Joyce’s The Dead (Gretta, Hangar Theatre). BFA from New York University Tisch School of the Arts New Studio on Broadway. Many thanks to her friends, family, and Henry for their endless support. @miagbergstrom
AMELIA BURKLEY
(CHAVA) is thrilled to be performing as Chava in Virginia Stage Company’s Fiddler on the Roof! As an avid bookworm and self-proclaimed musical theater nerd, this has always been a dream role for her and she is so excited to bring this wonderfully nerdy and rebellious character to life on stage. This is Amelia’s third time performing with Virginia Stage Company, having previously performed in The Secret Garden (chorus) and The Tempest (Magical Creature). She graduated from Christopher Newport University with a BA in Theater (concentrating in Music/Dance), where she performed in Die Fledermaus (maid), Gianni Schicchi (Lauretta), The Pirates of Penzance (Isabel and understudy for Mabel), and The 25h Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre). Most recently, she performed as Mary/understudy for Crissy in Hair! with the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, for which she was awarded the Broadway World Regional Award for Best Ensemble alongside her fellow cast members, and as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. She hopes you may fall in love with this beautiful, classic musical and little Chavaleh just as she did!
JOHN K. CAUTHEN JR.
(THE RABBI) is honored to return to VSC for Fiddler on the Roof. Previous VSC appearances include: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Murder at Fernly Hall (online), The Great Christmas Carol Escape (online), Our Town, Pride and Prejudice, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, All My Sons, and a Moon for the Misbegotten. Now a Williamsburg resident, John taught high school English for 18 years in Virginia Beach.
CLARA COLEMAN
(BLUMA) is a junior at Cox High School and training at The Governor’s School for the Arts: Theatre and Film department. This is her Virginia Stage Company debut! Recent stage credits include Les Miserables (Cosette), The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberly (Lydia Wickham), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mote), and The 39 Steps. Recent film credits include several student films. Endless gratitude to my family, my friends, and my parents for their constant support and encouragement.
EVA DEVIRGILIS*
(GOLDE) Is ecstatic to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut alongside such an extraordinary cast, director and crew. Credits Include: The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, Fiddler on the Roof (with Eddie Mekka) , Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding (Philadelphia Cast) , Tartuffe, Last of the Red Hot Lovers (Virginia Repertory Theatre) Urinetown, Footloose, Big, Rocky Horror, George M! (Bucks County Playhouse) and the world premieres of Sam & Carol, The End of War, and Hypocrites & Strippers (Richmond Triangle Players) Her one-woman-show In My Chair (VAREP/Cadence Theater) was named as “BroadwayWorlds Best.” The show has been featured on PBS and was awarded the RTTC award Best Original Work. She continues to perform the show throughout the country. An advocate for women and girls globally her TEDx talk on self-acceptance, In My Chair: A Makeup Artist’s Perspective on Beauty was featured on Upworthy and is one of the most watched talks in TEDxRVA history. TV/film credits include: Law & Order; Criminal Intent, Turn:Washington’s Spies and you can currently catch her in commercials for Audi & Mastercard. Named a 2023 Pipeline Fellow Eva is currently writing her next show under the mentorship of Pulitzer-Prize & Tony award-winning playwright, David Lindsay-Abaire (Kimberly Akimbo[3] ) She is a proud military spouse and serves as the Ombudsman for the Navy Reserve Forces Command. To learn all about Eva visit: evadevirgilis.com or follow her on all platforms @evadevirgilis
GIOVANNI DIGABRIELE*
(HERSHEL/SASHA/ASST. CHOREOGRAPHER) NYC: Broadway Bares. Broadway National Tour: Cats (Skimbleshanks), A Bronx Tale (Handsome Nick), A Chorus Line (Al), R+H’s Cinderella. Regional: Goodspeed Opera House, WST, MSMT, Fulton. Endless gratitude to his family, friends, Gary John, and his mentors.
GAVIN GAYER
(CHEDER BOY #1) is a 3rd grader at Academy for Discovery at Lakewood in Norfolk, and this is his first appearance on stage at VSC. When he is not collecting and trading all things Pokemon, you can find him on the soccer field with the YMCA. He loves singing, drumming, listening to 1980's metal bands, swimming, sushi, and cuddling his pomeranian puppy Flynn. He'd like to thank his mom, dad, and family for all their love and support!
JASPER GAYER
(CHEDER BOY #2) is a 6th grader at Academy for Discovery at Lakewood in Norfolk, and this is his second time on stage at VSC. The first, as a grasshopper at 2019 VSC Summer Theatre Camp. He also performed with the 5th grade Chorus at W.H. Taylor Elementary and at Push Comedy Theater. Jasper loves technology, videography, and photography. In his spare time he enjoys putting together Legos, playing the piano, electric scooter rides, scuba diving, sushi, traveling, and cuddling his pomeranian puppy Flynn. He'd like to thank his mom, dad, and family for all their love and support!
ALLY DODS, Pronouns: she/her/hers
(TZEITEL) (she/her) is honored to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut in one of her all time favorite shows. Some previous credits include: Riverside Center: Meet Me In St. Louis (Esther), Joseph and the… Dreamcoat, Camelot, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?; Virginia Repertory Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof (Chava); American Pops Orchestra: APO Jukebox, NextGen- Finding the Voices of Tomorrow (Finalist); and numerous productions at theme parks including Kings Dominion and Idlewild with RWS Entertainment Group. She is a Richmond, VA based actor and a proud graduate of James Madison University where she received her degree in Musical Theatre. She is thankful for the love and support of her family and John! Allydods.com
GREG DRAGAS
(MOTEL) is pleased to be working with Virginia Stage Company as part of the team bringing this production to the stage. Born in Norfolk, VA, Greg has spent most of his professional career as an educator in Virginia Beach. He has been active on local stages for many years and holds degrees from The College of William & Mary and Wake Forest University. Greg is currently part of VSC's touring production of Every Brilliant Thing , performing at a number of venues around Hampton Roads and beyond. Other recent credits include The Tempest (Sebastian) with Tidewater Community College’s Shakespeare in the Grove, Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville (Sherlock Holmes) with The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with CORE Theatre Ensemble.
MATT FRIEDMAN
(MORDCHA) has directed several plays including Hand to God, Enron, and Endpapers, co-written the Z Fringe Fest play Her Horror, and played roles ranging from John Adams to Mercutio to Seymour Krelbourn. He was most recently seen locally as Ed Boone in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He is a filmmaker, screenwriter, and composer, and in 2012 helped launch the film program next door at Governor's School for the Arts, where he still teaches. He also teaches screenwriting at Muse Writer's Center, cooks a lot, and is the proud parent of a traveling French piggy named Jam-Jam (follow him @filmtraveler #piggyjamjam), a sick but happy dog, and two cuddly cats. He briefly tasted notoriety as a co-creator of the "Man's Best Friend" Superbowl commercial in 2012, and today spends much of his spare time volunteering as a victim's advocate for YWCA, helping domestic violence & sexual assault survivors. While you're supporting VSC's important artistic mission, also consider supporting YW's mission of eliminating racism & empowering women. He performs tonight in memory of the funniest Jewish gentleman he's ever known, his dear departed uncle Archie.
ALEC GILLAM
(NACHUM, A BEGGAR) This is Alec's first production with the VSC, and he's thrilled to be making his Wells Theatre debut. Blink and you might miss him, but that's not important. Originally from New York, Alec has lived in Virginia Beach since 2004, except from 2019-2020 when he lived in Los Angeles. While there he received critical acclaim as an extra doing a lot of walking on camera for 12 hours a day. Anyway, enough about him. When's this show gonna start?
NATHAN MATTHEW JACQUES
(PERCHIK) is honored to make his debut at Virginia Stage Company with Fiddler on the Roof. Nathan is a Norfolk native with a degree in Communications from ODU. His recent regional theatre credits include the Storyteller in The Wreck of the Dictator through GVI Productions and Roger Strong in Catch Me If You Can with Virginia Musical Theatre. Other credits include School of Rock at VMT (Ned Schneebly), The Full Monty at VMT (Dave Bukatinsky), and numerous appearances as a featured vocalist in offerings at the Zeider’s American Dream Theater (Grotesquerie Lake, Green Fields of Americay, Freedom Song). Nathan would like to thank his family, friends, girlfriend, and pets for their never-ending love and support.
JACQUELINE JONES, PRONOUS: SHE/HER/HERS
(YENTE), specializes in solo portrayals like Ann Richards (Ann, Firehouse Theatre), Golda Meir (Golda's Balcony, TheatreLAB; Jewish Family Theatre), Jocelyn (Sedaris's Season's Greetings, Richmond Triangle Players), Barbara Ellen ("Crafty"/The New Century, RTP), Mrs. Sorken (Durang’s Mrs. Sorken, K Dance), and the Spirit of Madame Blavatskaya (Hotel Greene, RVA). Last year, Jackie appeared as Jeannette (The Full Monty, Virginia Musical Theatre, VAB), Clara (Miracle On South Division Street, Swift Creek Mill Theatre, Colonial Heights, VA), Death (Everybody, Cadence Theatre, RVA), Clairee (Steel Magnolias, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Destin, FL), Jeri Neal (Sweet Delilah Swim Club, SCMT), and Pig (Little Red Hen, SCMT, oink!). Pet projects include originating roles in Hugs and Kisses (VA Rep), helping prevent child sexual abuse, Songs From Bedlam (VA Rep), giving voice to the mentally ill, and Birth (FT), painting a portrait of childbirth in the USA. Jackie sparkled as Maylene (opposite Rainn Wilson, Permanent), the "sockdologizing old man-trap" (The Day Lincoln Was Shot, TNT), artist Helen Frankenthaler (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts), and Confederate Jewish spy, Eugenia Phillips (Smithsonian Institute). She broke hearts as a woman with dementia (Hello, Mother; Hello, Daughter) and hawked Virginia Lottery wares as spokesperson, Marge Cranberry. Inspired by Covid-19 lockdowns, a video series of Virginia Repertory Theatre Bedtime Stories, adapted and performed by Jackie, have been a hit with young and old. The award-winning actor mentors (Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy), role-plays (Virginia Department of Criminal Justice; Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Justice 3D; Federal Crisis/Hostage Negotiation), and volunteers (all over). Jacquelinejones.net
LAUREN KENT
(FRUMA-SARA/RIVKA/”RUMOR SOLOIST”) is delighted to revisit Anatevka and this beautiful story for the third time! Previous credits include A Christmas Story (National Tour and Regional Productions) Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde (Mason Street Warehouse), Into the Woords, Rent, The Wild Party, and The Addams Family. BFA Otterbein University. Thank you to the incredible cast, crew, and creative team. For my family, always. @laurentakenta9 www.laurenkent.net
MARYANNE KILEY
(GRANDMA TZEITEL/ANYA) fell in love with musical theater at the Tidewater Dinner Theatre’s 1987 production of Fiddler on the Roof. Now, she is a therapist and executive coach by day, and a theater geek by night, with recent performances as Bert in Mary Poppins (Cape Charles), Cabaret (Virginia Wesleyan), Pippin (Little Theater of Norfolk) and The Music Man (Cape Charles). Maryanne will direct Paula Vogel’s Pulizer-winning play Indecent at the Generic Theatre in May 2024. She would like to thank her partner Mel for their unwavering support. She dedicates this performance to the memory of her great grandparents and all those around the world who had to leave their Anatevkas behind.
MITCHELL MAGUIRE
(CHAIM/YURI) a recent Musical Theatre graduate of Coastal Carolina University and a Chesapeake local is extremely excited to return to VSC for their production of Fiddler on The Roof. The last time he performed at the Well’s Theatre he portrayed Sergei, the intimidating Russian mob boss, as well as was a member of the ensemble in VSC’s production of Matilda. Mitchell is also a soloist for the Ardent Dance Company based in Chicago. Mitchell would like to thank Gary John, the creative team, and VSC for giving him the opportunity to help tell this cherished and important story.
TARA R. MOSCOPULOS
(SHAINDEL) is a Norfolk native making her professional theatre debut here with Virginia Stage. Recent local appearances include Chess; The Musical (Svetlana), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), and Blood Brothers (The Narrator) at Generic Theater and Holidivas at Zeider's American Dream Theater. In addition to her creative work, Tara also serves proudly as VSC's Finance Manager. SHe would like to extend her deepest gratitude to the cast and creatives, the staff at VSC, and her beautiful family.
EVAN NORRIS
(AVRAM) a 27-year-old Air Force Veteran, is a senior in Music Performance at Regent University. His past performance experience is with Suffolk Players Community Theatre and Tidewater Opera Initiative. He’s excited to start his first season with VSC.
JOHN PAYONK*
(TEVYE) Critically acclaimed baritone and actor John Payonk has appeared in over 100 roles in opera, operetta, musical theater and theater throughout the U.S and abroad during his four decades on the stage. John has sung such varied roles as Germont in La Traviata, Scarpia in Tosca, Tonio & Canio in I Pagliacci, Sharpless in Madama Butterfly, Bartolo in The Barber of Seville, Frank in Die Fledermaus, Tevye & Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on The Roof, Tony in The Most Happy Fella, Mayor Dobbs in Bright Star, Old Deuteronomy in Cats, Captain E.J. Smith in Titanic, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Carriere in Phantom, Kris Kringle in Miracle On 34 th Street, Mr Potter in It’s A Wonderful Life, Maurice in Beauty & The Beast and the title roles in Rigoletto, Don Pasquale, Gianni Schicci and Falstaff. John’s performances have been enjoyed from the stages of The Goodspeed Opera House, The Hall of Composers in St. Petersburg, Russia with the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Light Opera Works, Chicago Opera Theater, Pamiro Opera, Fargo-Morehead Civic Opera, L’Opera Piccola, Chamber Opera Chicago, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Virginia Musical Theater, Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park, Circa ’21 Dinne Playhouse, Theater at The Center, Derby Dinner Playhouse, Carousel Dinner Theater and many others.
NICK RICHARDSON
(MENDEL) is happy to make his VSC debut! A Virginia Beach native, Nick has performed with multiple companies in Hampton Roads, including Virginia Opera, Virginia Arts Festival, Virginia Musical Theatre, Zeiders American Dream Theater, and Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. He will join Virginia Opera again next year in the choruses of Sanctuary Road and Madama Butterfly. When not working in a theater, Nick is a substitute teacher in Virginia Beach City Public Schools. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theatre, both from Florida State University. He thanks his family, friends, and teachers for their support and patience. www.RichardsonNick.com
SCOTT ROLLINS
(THE CONSTABLE) is marking a theatrical milestone with his appearance in VSC's Fiddler - this is his 150th stage production since he first played Jonathan Harker in his high school's take on Count Dracula way back in 1981. Fiddler also represents another career highlight for Scott - it's his 10th show with Virginia Stage Company, having previously appeared in A Streetcar Named Desire, The Elephant Man, Hamlet, A Line in the Sand, and A Christmas Carol, among others. Other Regional Theater: Tidewater Stage (Dial M for Murder), VMT (Grease, Annie, Kiss Me Kate, Nice Work If You Can Get It, How to Succeed...), Colonial Theatre, R.I. (Biloxi Blues). Other local credits include playing the title role in ODU's Dracula and portraying Capt. John Smith in the final 3 seasons of Virginia Beach's outdoor drama 1607: First Landing. Scott would like to give a special thanks to his talented & comely wife Lynn for all her love and support.
ELLIE MADELYN RUFFING
(SHPRINTZE) is excited to be making her VSC debut with Fiddler on the Roof. As a student at TADA School of Performing Arts, some of Ellie's favorite shows have included Frozen Jr. (Olaf), The Lion King Jr. (Timon), and Seussical Jr. (Jojo). For the past two years, Ellie has also had the privilege of performing at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Scrooge No More (Tiny Tim). Ellie would like to thank VSC for this amazing opportunity and her friends, family, and teachers for always encouraging her to follow her dreams.
ANTHONY SILVIS
(YUSSEL) is a senior in the Dance Department of the Governor’s School for the Arts, and is thrilled to make his musical debut in VSC’s Fiddler on the Roof! Anthony has been dancing for almost 8 years and has preformed for Rhythm Live, Dean College, Nutmeg University, and many others. He would like to thank Mrs Jackie and his family for securing his spot and confidence for Fiddler on the Roof.
AVA DENAE STEVENSON
(MIRALA) is incredibly excited to be a part of her first Virginia Stage Company production! She is a senior at Old Dominion University studying Vocal Performance. Her most recent credits include Cinderella (Ella) with Old Dominion University and Hairspray (Ensemble) with The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. You may also have seen her singing around Hampton Roads with The Doorway Singers. She is a 2023 national finalist of the National Student Auditions with the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She was also given the Outstanding Student Opera award at Old Dominion University for 2022/2023. She would like to thank her teachers at ODU and her parents for their unending support.
STORMIE TREVIÑO
(BIELKE) is so excited for Fiddler on the Roof to be her first production with Virginia Stage Company. At 7 years old and a second grader in Chesapeake, this is Stormie’s second professional theater role. She performed as Gretl in the Virginia Arts Festival and Virginia Opera’s production of The Sound of Music and several productions with The Hurrah Players. She is an enthusiastic and disciplined student and would like to thank everyone at Hurrah, Ms. Dianna, Ms. Candice, her NYC coaches, dance instructors, family, and her older sister, who is currently in a Broadway National Tour, for showing her what life in musical theater is all about. @stormietrev
MORGAN WHITE*
(SCHLOIME/BORIS) is over the moon to be making his VSC debut! Previous credits include Signature Theatre (West Side Story), Olney Theatre Center (Carousel), Maine State Music Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Bay Street Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, Riverside Theatre, among others, and happily dancing with TRDance. Proud AEA member. "To see us dance is to hear our hearts sing."
SCOTT WICHMANN*
(LAZAR WOLF) Is proud to make his Virginia Stage Company debut. Credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, 1776, Shakespeare in Love, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Producers, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Say Goodnight Gracie, Fully Committed, Scapino!, and the world premieres The End of War, River Ditty and Ella and Her Fella, Frank at Virginia Repertory Theatre; I Am My Own Wife at Firehouse Theatre Project; Brimstone at Berkshire Theatre Festival; The Life of Galileo at Studio Theatre (DC), and ‘Old Tom’ in The Lost Colony in Manteo, NC. Film/TV: Loving, Lincoln, Lake Effects, Shooting the Prodigal, Legends & Lies: The Patriots, TURN: Washington’s Spies, True Terror with Robert Englund and The Good Lord Bird with Ethan Hawke. Recent host of The Richmond Forum with John Lithgow. Scott is a graduate of Wagner College, (Staten Island, N.Y.) and proudly serves as a chief petty officer in the United States Navy Reserve.
TIMOTHY WRIGHT
(FYEDKA) is making a childhood dream come true by having his VSC debut! Timothy, a graduate from AMDA NYC, is an actor/singer/dancer originally from Norfolk, VA but now lives in NYC with his partner Emma and their dog Ogie. Some credits include: Theatre: Shrek the Musical (Shrek), Little Women (Laurie) and Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere) Film/TV: Law & Order: SVU (NBC), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon) and Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (Netflix). @timdwright
Creative Team
GARY JOHN LA ROSA†
(Director/Choreographer) has staged well over 250 productions including the national tour of Footloose; the World Premiere of Michael Ching’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Opera Memphis; recording: Albany Records); Marry Me a Little (starring Brent Barrett & Sally Mayes); The Sound of Music at Ogunquit Playhouse (starring Rex Smith); Les Misérables, The Light in the Piazza and Next to Normal (Ostrander Award – Direction of a Musical) at Playhouse on the Square; Candide at Cabrillo Stage, Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story at Long Island’s Argyle Theatre; Fiddler on the Roof (starring Brad Oscar) at Barrington Stage Company (2 BroadwayWorld Awards) and at the St Louis MUNY (Judy Award) / Starlight Theatre in Kansas City (among others); Always...Patsy Cline (starring Sally Struthers) and Sister Act at Virginia Musical Theatre; The Full Monty at Phoenix Theatre; La Cage aux Folles at Downtown Cabaret (Connecticut Critic’s Award: Outstanding Direction); Die Fledermaus at Finger Lakes Opera and numerous productions at Broadway Sacramento, WV Public, Maine State Music Theatre; RI’s Theatre by the Sea and the Fulton Theatre in PA. Gary John has been a Guest Director at nearly two dozen universities, has staged over 100 corporate theatre shows and is a mentor at the Drama League. A UCLA graduate, he appeared on Broadway and in National/International tours including Fiddler on the Roof and conceived and directed the 50th Anniversary Broadway celebration of the musical (starring Topol and a cast of 90). He appears in the documentary “Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles” and dedicates this production to his late friend, lyricist Sheldon Harnick. www.garyjohnlarosa.com
BILL CLARKE§
(Scenic Designer) previously designed K2, ELEPHANT MAN, INTIMATE APPAREL, TASTE TEST, MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN, TOP GIRLS, ARMS AND THE MAN, SPEED-THE-PLOW, FAIRY TALES OF NEW YORK and others at VSC. He designed A WALK IN THE WOODS and ABBY’S SONG on Broadway; off-Broadway credits include THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW (Mint Theater; NYTimes 10 Best List in 2003 and revival at City Center in 2022), SO HELP ME GOD! (Lortel), MISALLIANCE (Pearl), LEMON SKY (Keen Co), ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE (TACT), SECRET ORDER (59E59), JUNE MOON (Drama Dep’t), Ann Magnuson’s YOU COULD BE HOME NOW (NYSF), Keith Reddin’s THE INNOCENTS’ CRUSADE (MTC), Alan Havis’ MOROCCO (WPA), and THE CHERRY ORCHARD (Juilliard). Regional credits include Seattle Rep, Old Globe, Milwaukee Rep, Alley, Denver Center, A.R.T., Huntington, Portland Center Stage, Indiana Rep, Pittsburg Public, Rep Theater of St Louis, Wilma, Alliance, McCarter, Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Berkshire Theater Group, Barrington Stage, Coconut Grove, PlayMakers Rep. Film: production design for the 2013 indie short THE MASTER CLEANSE. MFA, Yale School of Drama. Recipient: Hollywood Drama-Logue Award, San Diego Theater Critics’ Circle Award and an IRNE (New England) Award.
MICHAEL BOTTARI & RONALD CASE
(Costume Designe) created original designs for the South African Hairspray, were nominated for the 2008 Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, & American Theatre Wing Awards, and won the 2008 Lucille Lortel Award for Costume design for Die Mommie Die. In 2006 they were nominated for the Drama Desk Award and won best Set and Costume design (Dean’s List) for Fanny Hill. They won the 2003 Lucille Lortel Award, and were nominated for the Drama Desk that year for their costumes for Shanghai Moon. They have been a design team for over 50 years, having designed both sets and costumes for Baordway: Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s much loved State Fair (Producer David Merrick’s last Broadway show), Prince of Central Park, and Mark Shaiman’s Prop 8, The Musical on Broadway. Off-Broadway: Road to Qatar, After The Affair, Night of the Hunter, Little Me, Carnival!, Opal, Man Who Shot Lincoln etc. National Tours: I Do! I Do! (Lucie Arnaz), Camelot (Richard Harris), Man of La Mancha (John Raitt, Jack Jones) the World tour of My Fair Lady (Noel Harrison), the 25th Anniversary Tour of The King and I (Yul Brynner), Al Jolson, Tonight (Larry Kert), Funny Thing…Forum (Mickey Rooney), Showboat (Shirley Jones) to mention just a few. They have designed the last three national tours of Fiddler on the Roof with Theo Bikel.
JASON AMATO§
(Lighting Designer) has designed over 600 shows, across 30 years, including thought provoking plays by Suzan-Lori Parks, George Brant and Anna Deavere Smith and iconic musicals such as Chicago, Ragtime, Tommy, Next to Normal and Hairspray. Off-Broadway: Austin Shakespeare’s Anthem. Regional: Virginia Stage Company's Native Gardens, Grounded, The Tempest and Crowns. VSC/Norfolk State University’s production of Dreamgirls, The Earth Remembers and The Wiz. Virginia Musical Theatre's Jekyll and Hyde, Mamma Mia and many others. International touring dance at: Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian and the National Theatre in Taiwan. Jason has received 40 regional awards for his lighting in shows, including BroadwayWorld’s 2019 Central Virginia, Best Lighting Design for VMT’s La Cage Aux Folles. www.jasonamato.com
STEVEN ALLEGRETTO
(Sound Design) is an accomplished sound designer with a passion for creating immersive experiences for live theatre. A graduate of Full Sail University’s prestigious Recording Arts program, Steven has honed his skills through years of hard work and dedication to his craft. In addition to his work as a sound designer, Steven is also a committed educator. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Theatre Sound Design at the College of William & Mary, as well as a part-time instructor for the Governor’s School for the Arts. He also teaches privately, helping aspiring sound designers develop their skills and reach their full potential. Steven has had the honor of designing past VSC shows including Every Brilliant Thing, Dreamgirls, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Hobbit, A Merry Little Christmas Carol, and more. His ability to create complex sonic landscapes that transport audiences to other worlds has made him a sought-after collaborator in the Hampton Roads theatre community. Steven is thrilled to be back at the Virginia Stage Company, where he looks forward to sharing his vision for Henry V with audiences. With his expert ear and tireless dedication to his craft, Steven is sure to deliver a truly unforgettable sonic experience.
BART KUEBLER
(Music Director) Bart Kuebler’s artistic work includes music & lyrics for the Off-Broadway premiere of John Cariani’s LOVE/SICK; and book, music, and lyrics for Moonshiner, a Musical Fabulism, produced as part of the 2019 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival. Music directing credits include the world premieres of Second to Nun/Marguerite, Frog Kiss, and Love, Always; developmental workshops of more than a dozen new musicals; a slew of work at regional theaters; and years of worldwide touring accompanying artists diverse as Bernadette Peters and Piolo Pascual. Bart holds a degree in Philosophy & Ethics from Harvard University, and lives in Norfolk with Amanda, Bijou, and an infallible Magic Eight Ball. He invites you to join him in eschewing social media.
REFIYE TAPPAN
(Associate Music Director) returns to VSC after working on A Merry Little Christmas Carol in 2021 and 2022. Refiye is currently based in Virginia Beach and works in the Hampton Roads and D.C. areas. She is a collaborative pianist at The Governor’s School of the Arts in the Vocal and Music Theatre Departments, and with Norfolk Public Schools. Credits: D.C. Area: Constellation Theatre Company: Once On This Island (Music Director/Keys 1/Conductor. Helen Hayes 2023 nomination - Outstanding Music Direction). Mosaic Theater Company: Max & Willy’s Last Laugh (Associate MD). Creative Cauldron - On Air (MD. Helen Hayes 2020 nomination- Outstanding Music Direction); Always...Patsy Cline 2021 and 2022 Remount (MD); Audrey - A New Musical (MD); and multiple cabarets as MD and arranger. Synetic Theater: Gala 2020. Regional: Virginia Musical Theatre: Mamma Mia. Virginia Opera-VA Arts Fest: The Sound of Music. Virginia Stage Company: Under the Big Top Gala (MD/arranger); Zeider’s Theater: Fountain of You (Associate MD). Education: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, UK; University of Reading, UK. Refiye would like to thank TQ and all at VSC for their wonderful collaboration, and husband Philip for supporting her creative endeavours. refiyemusic.com
EMEL ERTURGUL
(Casting Director) officially joined the Virginia Stage Company team in 2017 but worked on various projects with the company well before. Her first casting adventure was the beautiful production Pride and Prejudice for Season 39. Since then it has been a goal to strengthen and cultivate VSC's relationship with professional local and out of town artists. Each season has provided new challenges and each production a new opportunity to find the perfect showcase of talent. Emel has most recently been seen performing in The Twelve Dates of Christmas on the Wells Stage and currently serves as the Operations Manager for VSC and the Producing Artistic Director for Core Theatre Ensemble.
KYRA BUTTON*
(Stage Manager) is excited to be returning to Virginia Stage Company for her third production. She previously worked on Dreamgirls and Henry V at The Wells. Her previous credits also include ABCD (Barrington Stage Company), Antigone, Where Did We Sit On The Bus?, Tiny Houses, Into The Breeches, and Pipeline (Cleveland Play House), Hurricane Diane (Dobama Theatre), Baby Camp (Leviathan Labs), Resistance (Semicolon Theatre), The Heart’s Impatience (Shufflefoot Theatre Company), A Streetcar Named Desire (St. Ann’s Warehouse), Medea and Dreamgirls (Red House Arts Center), This Day Forward (The Vineyard Theatre), and The Intergenerational Project (Rose Bruford, London). Kyra is proud to hold a BFA in Stage Management from Syracuse University’s Department of Drama and would like to wish her husband a happy one-year anniversary. Thank you, Austin, for your unending love and support, even when we are far apart.
Kim Fuller*
(Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be back at Virginia Stage Company for their second season, and happy to join the stage management team this year. Kim has been a part of various productions across Hampton roads ever since graduating from Boston College with a B.A.,with a focus on stage management, in 2014. Past production positions include Production Stage Manager for Sound of Music at the harrison opera house, and various shows at Zeider's American Dream Theater. Kim is excited to make her equity debut with Fiddler, and thanks the cast and crew for all the hard work.
JOSEPH STEIN
(Author) was a prolific American playwright and librettist, best known for his work on the beloved musicals Fiddler on the Roof and Zorba. Born on May 30, 1912, in New York City, Stein grew up in the Bronx and attended City College of New York. After graduating, he worked as a social worker and then as a writer for the Army Air Force during World War II. Stein began his career in theater as a writer for radio and television in the 1940s and 1950s, but it was his work on Broadway that earned him the most acclaim. His first Broadway credit was as a co-writer on the musical Plain and Fancy in 1955, but it was his collaboration with composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick on Fiddler on the Roof that established him as a major force in the theater world. Fiddler on the Roof, which opened on Broadway in 1964, tells the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman in early 20th-century Russia, and his struggles to maintain his traditions in the face of changing times. The show was a critical and commercial success, running for over 3,000 performances and winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Stein's book for the show, which was based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem, is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of musical theater. Stein went on to collaborate with Bock and Harnick on several more musicals, including The Apple Tree and She Loves Me. He also wrote the book for Zorba, a musical adaptation of the novel Zorba the Greek, which opened on Broadway in 1968 and starred Anthony Quinn. Although Zorba was not as successful as Fiddler, it received positive reviews and has since become a cult favorite among musical theater enthusiasts. In addition to his work on Broadway, Stein wrote for television and film. He wrote the screenplay for the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, which was directed by Norman Jewison and starred Topol as Tevye. He also wrote for the television series Mister Peepers and The Phil Silvers Show. Stein continued to work in the theater throughout his life, writing plays and musicals up until his death in 2010 at the age of 98. His other notable works include Enter Laughing, a play based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Carl Reiner, and Rags, a musical about Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Stein was known for his wit and his ability to capture the human experience in his writing. In a 2001 interview with The New York Times, he said, "I think the theater is a way of expressing what's going on in the world and what's going on in people's hearts. It's a way of communicating on a very deep level, and that's what I've always tried to do with my work." Stein's contributions to the world of musical theater have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1994, and in 2008, the Tony Awards honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy lives on through his timeless works, which continue to be performed and beloved by audiences around the world.
JERRY BOCK
(Composer) Born into a Jewish family in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Flushing, Queens, New York, Bock studied the piano as a child. While a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he wrote the musical Big As Life, which toured the state and enjoyed a run in Chicago. After graduation, he spent three summers at the Tamiment Playhouse in the Poconos and wrote for early television revues with lyricist Larry Holofcener. One of their songs, the three-part "The Story of Alice," was performed by the Chad Mitchell Trio on their Blowin' in the Wind album of 1962.
SHELDON HARNICK
(Lyricist) was born in Chicago in 1924. Following his service in World War II, he earned a Bachelor of Music Degree at Northwestern University, majoring in violin. After working as a professional musician in and around Chicago, he moved to New York in 1950 to pursue a career in the musical theater. Harnick’s first song for a Broadway show was the hilarious “Boston Beguine” for New Faces of 1952. He then contributed songs to the revues Two’s Company (starring Bette Davis), John Murray Anderson’s Almanac and The Littlest Revue. His collaboration with composer Jerry Bock produced such Broadway classics as Fiorello! (1959): Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award; Tenderloin (1960); She Loves Me (1963): Grammy Award; Fiddler on the Roof (1964) Tony Award; The Apple Tree (1966) and The Rothschilds (1970). Other collaborations include A Christmas Carol with Michel Legrand (1981); Rex with Richard Rodgers (1976); A Wonderful Life with Joe Raposo (1986) and The Phantom Tollbooth with Arnold Black (1995). For Dragons and Malpractice Makes Perfect, he provided book lyrics and music. He has written songs for the films The Heartbreak Kid (1972) and Blame It On Rio (1984), both with music by Cy Coleman; and Aaron’s Magic Village (1995) with Michel Legrand.
JEROME ROBBINS
(Original Choreographer) Born on October 11, 1918 in New York, New York, Jerome Robbins went on to become a dancer and celebrated choreographer, earning raves for his ballet debut piece “Fancy Free.” He eventually served as director and/or choreographer on a number of musicals destined to become classics, including The King and I, West Side Story, Gypsy and Fiddler on the Roof. Robbins won an Oscar for his directorial efforts on the film version of West Side Story, and later focused on creating ballets for the stage. He died on July 29, 1998.
Music Theatre International (MTI)
is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
TOM QUAINTANCE
(Producing Artistic Director) is in his eighth season with Virginia Stage Company. At the Wells, Tom has directed Henry V, A Merry Little Christmas Carol, Pride and Prejudice, The Santaland Diaries, Matilda The Musical and Every Brilliant Thing. He also directed the tour of Every Brilliant Thing, which continues across Virginia. Regionally Tom directed Twelfth Night at the Guthrie Theater, and as an Associate Artist at PlayMakers Repertory Company he directed An Enemy of the People, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and The Little Prince. As Artistic Director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT), Tom produced over 35 plays and directed many others, including the World Premiere of Downrange: Voices from the Homefront, a play based on interviews with military spouses from Fort Bragg. As the founder of FreightTrain Shakespeare in Los Angeles, he earned a Drama-Logue Award for his direction of Pericles. Other Los Angeles credits range from King Lear to The Devil With Boobs. A member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Tom is a graduate of Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) with a B.A. in Theatre and Economics, and the University of California, San Diego MFA directing program, where he was the assistant director on the original production of The Who’s Tommy. Tom and his wife Wallis are the proud parents of Mireille Julia and Annika Christine.
JEFF RYDER
(Managing Director) has been the Managing Director of Virginia Stage Company since March 2022. Prior to coming to VSC, Jeff served in several roles at Cleveland Play House from 2013 to 2022. Jeff holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Levin College at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Tufts University. At Levin, Jeff was inducted into Nu Lambda Mu, the international honor society for the study of nonprofit management and philanthropy. Jeff also holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals from Cornell University. He is the president of the board of Hampton Roads Pride and is the community service director for the Rotary Club of Norfolk. He has previously served on the boards of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, Theatre Forward, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Cleveland, and the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club. In Cleveland, Jeff was honored to be a part of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Advanced Leadership Institute and the Cleveland Foundation’s Foundations for Philanthropy Program. Jeff has also been a stage manager at several theatres including Talespinner Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Berkshire Theatre Festival.
Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous | Cast & Creatives
Cast
PATRICIA ALLI
(Anna Campbell) is honored to be performing on VSC’s stage for the first time. She most recently played the role of Mom in Passing Strange which received the Richmond Artsie Award for Best Ensemble, with Firehouse Theatre. Some of her other credits include: Jacosta in Oedipus, with Firehouse Theatre, Hillary in Hillary and Clinton and Ann in Bill W. and Dr. Bob with HATTheatre, Player Queen, Marcellus and Gravedigger 2, in Hamlet, with Quill Theatre and for WCVE, Nurse in 5th Wall’s production of The Lyons, Queen Eleanor in Richmond Shakespear’s King John and Alma in Henley Street Theatre’s production of Yellowman. Patricia has also lent her talents to HATTheatre as costume designer for Popcorn Falls and Jewtopia, choreographer for Why do Fools Fall in Love and as an instructor for several youth and theatre classes.
MIKAYLA LASHAE Bartholomew
(Precious “Pete”) Is a Norfolk native is a Tony Award winning advocate & award winning stage/film actor & activist based in LA & NYC. In addition to starring as Tunde Price, the eldest of five and well loved sister to Venus and Serena Williams, in the Academy Award winning film King Richard (Warner Bros) Mikayla is a two time NAACP Image Award Nominee. She is among those in the Broadway Advocacy Coalition honored with a Special Tony Award in 2020 for their work combating racism within and beyond the theatre industry. Other credits/upcoming projects include Grace (2023), The Bottoms with Jon Bernthal, Dear Mama (Film Independent, SXSW, NAACP Image Award Nominee, Best Actress CFF) The Niceties (RTCC Award Winner), Pure (HBOMax), The Great Khan (World Premiere), WET (Playwrights Realms) Bayano (National Black Theatre), A Doll’s House: Part 2 (Maltz Jupiter Theatre) and much more. As a long-standing artist, facilitator, and organizer at BAC and Columbia Law, Mikayla has worked with Broadway companies such as Tina, The Lion King, & Girl from North Country. She is also a long standing Artist Ambassador for the NYCLU. This in addition to working with carceral systems to prioritize community restoration, fight education inequity, aid in voting rights, immigration and more. Inspired by her parents, little sister Mya, and the generations of women that helped to raise her, Mikayla considers it a great privilege to be a Black woman afforded the opportunity to use storytelling as a means for social good. It is an honor to come home to Norfolk to give back to the community that built her (shoutout Tanners Creek Elementary, Ruffner Middle, and Granby High). This VCU alum holds a BFA in Theatre, minors in pre-nursing and GSEX, and is repped by Barney Slobodin, Matt DelPiano, and Jessica Coleman of Calvary Management. www.mikaylabartholomew.com
TERI BROWN
(Betty Samson) - Honored to make her Virginia Stage Company debut! Regional theatre credits include: The African Company Presents Richard III (Sarah) with The Great River Shakespeare Festival in Minnesota, Doubt (Mrs. Miller) with the Public Theatre in Maine, Dutch Kings (Jocelyn) with Brave New World Rep in Brooklyn, NY, Romeo and Juliet, Midsummer Night's Dream (Juliet, Titania) with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Mattie) with the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. The themes and truths explored Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous are particularly meaningful to me as I navigate a return to the theater world after a 20-year absence! As I do so, I am upheld and sustained by the love of my husband and children, who offer me undying encouragement and support on this journey. I am thankful!
BETHANY MAYO
(Kate Hughes) is an actor and teaching artist from Des Moines, IA. She has come to Norfolk by way of Kansas City, Pensacola, and Baltimore. Her favorite acting credits include Elise in The Miser/Classic Theater of Maryland, The Player in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead at Fells Point Corner Theater, and The Narrator in Virginia Stage Company’s touring production of Every Brilliant Thing. She holds a BA in Musical Theater from William Woods University and a MA in Theater Education from The Catholic University of America. She is a founding member of the Black Classical Acting Ensemble at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. She is a Teaching Artist at Governor's School for the Arts and the sitting Director of Education at Virginia Stage Company. When not teaching or acting, she sews and takes ballroom dancing lessons.
Creative Team
Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.
(Director) Professor of Acting and Directing Pedagogy at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Co-Artistic Director & Founder of The Conciliation Lab, a non-profit social justice theatre company www.theconciliationlab.org . Dr.T is a playwright, director, actor, poet, and writer. She has appeared in the New York Shakespeare Festival’s Broadway production of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the rainbow is enuf” performing in both the 1st national and international touring companies. Her television, film, industrial, voice over and commercial credits are extensive. Favorite directing projects include uncle tom:deconstructed for The Conciliation Project www.theconciliationproject.org, Passing Strange for Firehouse Theatre, The Niceties for The Conciliation LAB, and Fences for the Virginia Rep all to critical acclaim. Favorite academic directing projects include: Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry for the University of Richmond at the Modlin Center, Eclipsed by Danai Gurira and Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage both for Theatre VCU. Fun fact: She’s featured voice talent for the video game HALO. She’s a featured scholar in Black Acting Methods: critical approaches, a best seller on Amazon. Her chapter “The Conciliation Project as a Social Experiment: Behind the Mask of Uncle Tom-ism and the Performance of Blackness” was featured in an anthology titled, African American Arts, Activism, Aesthetics and Futurity, edited by Dr. Sharrell D. Luckett. Dr.T has been a columnist for Urban Views Weekly for the past decade, her column and other articles, presentations and workshops can be found at www.coveringtheground.com .
JEFFREY HALES
(Scenic Designer) is overjoyed to have been invited to be a part of Virginia Stage Company’s production of Angry, Racious, & Shamelessly Gorgeous. He feels honored and privileged to have been able to participate in such a nuanced piece that delves and twists through the generational disconnects between younger and older people pertaining to the different outlooks on equality and social justice. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with concentration in Scenic Design. Previous scenic design credits include the Dogwood Dell, Richmond City, production of The Addams Family, the Traveling Players Ensemble production of A Christmas Carol, The VCUarts Theatre production of James & the Giant Peach, the Traveling Players Ensemble production of Antigone, and the VCUarts Theatre production of Eclipsed, among many others. He would like to thank the amazing artistic team that he has joined with on this project for their amazing work and wonderful support throughout the entire production.
NIA SAFARR BANKS
(Costume Designer) is a Costume Designer from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and she’s currently working on her Master of Fine Arts at Boston University. She was nominated for two Richmond Critic Award for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design in 2019 and 2022. Her credits include: Passover (American Shakespeare Center), Paradise Blue (Gloucester Stage Company), and August Willson’s The Piano Lesson (Barrymore Theatre, Broadway).”
AUSTIN HARBER
(Lighting Designer) is very excited and grateful to be working on his first show at Virginia Stage Company (VSC). They graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University— GO RAMS!— where they met some of their fellow designers. Notable works include the award-nominated shows A Christmas Kaddish and the Pink Unicorn. Both are from Richmond Triangle Players. Austin also ranked third at the 2020 Southeastern Theatre Conference's undergraduate lighting design competition. But they don't like to talk about it because it is a mouthful to say. Austin has been described as "shamelessly gorgeous," mainly by himself to the eye rolls of his friends. Outside of theatre, Austin works as a freelance copywriter, providing businesses with high-caliber marketing materials. See for yourself at AustinHarber.com. Austin would like to thank the cast and crew for giving him such a warm welcome to VSC. They hope to work with every on again real soon. Enjoy the show!
NICHOLAS SEAVER
(Sound Design) Is excited to design his first show at the Wells Theatre and for Virginia Stage Company. Nicholas graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019 receiving a BFA in Technical Theater. Recent design credits include Artsie Award Winning Sound Design Fences ( Virginia Repertory Theatre), In the Red and Brown Water, The Wolves, and Two Gentlemen of Verona ( TheatreVCU). He would like to thank his friends and family for all their love and support.
Emel Ertugrul
(Casting Director) officially joined the Virginia Stage Company team in 2017 but worked on various projects with the company well before. Her first casting adventure was the beautiful production Pride and Prejudice for Season 39. Since then it has been a goal to strengthen and cultivate VSC's relationship with professional local and out of town artists. Each season has provided new challenges and each production a new opportunity to find the perfect showcase of talent. Emel has most recently been seen performing in The Twelve Dates of Christmas on the Wells Stage and currently serves as the Operations Manager for VSC and the Producing Artistic Director for Core Theatre Ensemble.
EMILY ELLEN*
(Production Stage Manager) has been stage managing in-person (and virtually) for about seven years. After recently earning a BFA in Stage Management with minors in English and General Business, Emily has mostly moved into production management work for live events with a company based in Richmond. However, Emily is thrilled to be back in the theatre world, and on a Pearl Cleage piece no less! Emily's favorite theatre experiences center on works that ask hard questions about identity, amplify voices that are often suppressed, and feature gorgeous, human writing. Some of Emily's favorite pieces to work on were Intimate Apparel (PSM, VCU, dir. Dr. Tawyna Pettiford-Wates), a radio play version of Grand Concourse (PSM, Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theater, dir. Caroline Mae Woodson), and The Niceties (ASM, The Conciliation Project, dir. Dr. Tawyna Pettiford-Wates). Emily wants to thank you for supporting live theatre and hopes you walk away with a little something to mull over!
TOM QUAINTANCE
(Producing Artistic Director) is in his seventh season with Virginia Stage Company. At the Wells, Tom has directed Every Brilliant Thing, A Merry Little Christmas Carol, Pride and Prejudice, The Santaland Diaries, and Matilda The Musical. Regionally Tom directed Twelfth Night at the Guthrie Theater, and as an Associate Artist at PlayMakers Repertory Company he directed An Enemy of the People, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and The Little Prince. As Artistic Director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT), Tom produced over 35 plays and directed many others, including the World Premiere of Downrange: Voices from the Homefront, a play based on interviews with military spouses from Fort Bragg. As the founder of FreightTrain Shakespeare in Los Angeles, he earned a Drama-Logue Award for his direction of Pericles. Other Los Angeles credits range from King Lear to The Devil With Boobs. A member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Tom is a graduate of Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) with a B.A. in Theatre and Economics, and the University of California, San Diego MFA directing program, where he was the assistant director on the original production of The Who’s Tommy. Tom and his wife Wallis are the proud parents of Mireille Julia and Annika Christine.
JEFF RYDER
(Managing Director) has been Managing Director of Virginia Stage Company since March 2022. Prior to coming to VSC, Jeff served in several roles at Cleveland Play House from 2013 to 2022. Jeff holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Levin College at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Tufts University. At Levin, Jeff was inducted into Nu Lambda Mu, the international honor society for the study of nonprofit management and philanthropy. Jeff also holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals from Cornell University. He has served on the boards of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, Theatre Forward, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Cleveland, and the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club. In Cleveland, Jeff was honored to be a part of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Advanced Leadership Institute and the Cleveland Foundation’s Foundations for Philanthropy Program. Jeff has also been a stage manager at several theatres including Talespinner Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Berkshire Theatre Festival.
THE HOBBIT | Cast & Creatives
CAST
Ryan Clemens*
(Balin/Voice of Spider/Others) is proud to work both on the main stage and with VSC's Education Department. VSC patrons may remember Ryan as Jaxton in The Thanksgiving Play, Mr. Wormwood in Matilda; Trinculo in The Tempest; Lieutenant Brannigan in Guys & Dolls; Vinnie in The Odd Couple; Mortimer in The Fantasticks; Bob Cratchit, Old Joe, or Ghost of Christmas Present in several years' versions of A Christmas Carol; or as his famous relative Sam Clemens in his one-man show Meet Mark Twain. Originally from Wyoming, Ryan began his career in a travelling Wild West show. He has worked at theaters around the country, including several seasons locally with the Virginia Shakespeare Festival and Tidewater Stage Company. He performs with Plan B Comedy at Zeider's American Dream Theatre. Ryan holds a BA in Theatre from Western Washington University and an MFA in Acting from Regent University. He also teaches at ODU. www.clemensistwain.com
Jeffrey A. Haddock*
(Bilbo) is a local actor and puppeteer, currently working as a Teaching Artist with Virginia Stage Company; he is excited to be making his performance debut with VSC, and to be returning after working backstage on Matilda The Musical. Since 2017, he has spent his Winters working on Nauticus’ Dicken’s Christmas Towne & Winterfest on the Wisconsin as a performer and production manager. Jeffrey holds a BA in Theatre Performance from Old Dominion University. Favorite credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon), Twelfth Night (Malvolio), Hair (Claude Bukowski), and The Burial at Thebes (Haemon). In his free time, he enjoys playing bass, practicing magic, and learning photography under his mentors at Lizard Leap Productions (@lizardleap/lizardleapproductions.com). Jeffrey would like to thank his lovely partner Krystal, his ever supportive family, and his friends who inspire him daily. “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Thomas Hall*
(Thorin/Troll 2/Others) Debuting in his first ever VSC role, Thomas Arthur Hall is ecstatic to bring his energy to Wells Theatre. He was born and raised in Virginia Beach and studied with the George Mason University Players during his collegiate studies. Thomas has made appearances in The Importance of being Earnest, The Royal Family, and The Outsiders. He has also work in local film and television work and is represented by the Actors Studio. He looks forward to giving his all into bringing this show to life.
Alana DODds Sharp*
(Gandalf/Bombur/Elven Queen/Others) Alana Dodds Sharp (Gandalf / Bomber & others) As a new resident to the Hampton Roads area from Northern VA, Alana is thrilled to make her debut at VSC. Recent area roles include Cynthia in SWEAT at Generic Theatre, and Arlena Cartwright in the 2022 Proteus Festival’s Likkor Outta Control at The Z. DC credits include the Cantor in The Jewish Queen Lear at Theatre J, Ensemble in The Great Society at Arena Stage, East of Eden as the Nurse & Eva at Next Stop Theatre and an understudying at The Folger Theatre in Henry IV, Part 1. Alana has also filmed a variety of commercials and videos for clients such as Berdon LLP, Shenandoah Valley Organic, MedStar Health, Medicaid Managed Care and the New York State’s Progressive Mobility Campaign. Originally from Ohio, Alana graduated with a BFA in Acting from Wright State University. Thank you Billy, Thom and Emel for this opportunity and thank you Sam, Gaby & Sebastian for letting me out to “play.” Loves you!
Anna Sosa*
(Kili/Gollum/Others) is a proud Filipino American born and raised here in Norfolk. She has worked locally and internationally in theater, film, improv comedy, and voiceover. You may recognize her as Christmas Past from VSC's 2016 A Christmas Carol or Puck from a Midsummer Fantasy Festival in Town Point Park. Favorite work includes her roles as Malcolm in Macbeth with CORE, as Denny in the world premiere of HOMEsick written and directed by Deborah Wallace, Catherine Givings from In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play, and her Raven’s Hollow County Players. She thanks CORE Theater Ensemble, Push Comedy Theater, TCC's Shakespeare in the Grove, and the growing Viewpoints community in this area for building opportunities for underrepresented artists. She earned her BFA in Theater Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University. To Bobby M., Matt C., her Sosa-clan and her Middle Earth tribe— espesyal na salamat.
Jayden Adams-Ruiz
(Ensemble) is excited to be making his debut with the Virginia Stage Company on the Wells Theater’s Equity Stage. Jayden is a 4th year performance student in the Theatre and Film Department of the Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) in Norfolk, VA. He is also completing an Advanced Studies Diploma at Maury High School. Jayden has previously acted in the GSA stage performances of Eurydice, 39 Steps a Radio Show, No Child, What Where, and Hamlet. He also wrote, directed, and acted in the film Mind Games as well as acted in the films Terminally Online, BFF, Cardinal Sin, The Mission, and Street Cred. Jayden’s acting experience also includes performances with Generic Theater and Harrah Players. Jayden plans to continue studying and performing Theater and Film in college. For more information visit Jayden’s website: https://jaydenadams-ruiz.godaddysites.com
Mark Andris
(Ensemble) is honored to be one of the few students from The Governor’s School for the Arts to be invited to join this production. He loves performing for others and has been a part of All Together Now! and Bright Star at Hickory High School in Chesapeake. He also enjoys music and has played the viola for five years inside and outside school.
Katherine Cottrell
(Ensemble) Katherine is absolutely thrilled to be making her VSC debut! She is a senior at the Governor’s School for the Arts in the Theatre/Film Department as well as Grassfield High School. Recent credits include: Eurydice, The 39 Steps, Anniversary,The Odyssey 2.0, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Pre-Nostalgia, Zoe, and “Get Batter Soon” (48 Hour Film Fest). She would like to thank Steve and Ricardo for helping her grow as both an artist and a human being, and Taylor Swift- for the same thing.
Gunar Pencis
(Troll 1/Ensemble) is a freshman at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach. He is a first year student at Governors School for the Arts. Gunar grew up in Tyler, Texas where he attended Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy, it was here when his love for theatre began in 1st grade. Outside of school, Gunar can be found on the basketball court, or behind a drum kit. He loves his three dogs, Rock music (especially Van Halen) and his friends.
Kennedy Savage
(Troll 3/Ensemble) is a 14 year old girl currently attending the Governor’s School for the Arts as well as Princess Anne High School. Her hobbies include writing, debate, and forensics. This is her first professional theatre production as well as her first production with VSC. She’s super excited to be apart of the Hobbit team.
Kristina VanPeeren
(Ensemble) is a sophomore student at Western Branch High School, and it is also her second year attending The Governor’s School for the Arts. It is her debut with Virginia Stage Company. She has worked for four years in the musical theater industry, with some of her most memorable shows being Duffy in Annie Jr and Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland Jr. In addition to theater she played the violin for four years and was in All-City and Junior District Orchestra. “I am so thankful for the love and sacrifices my family and friends have made for me to support my dreams.”
Zia Gulson
(Understudy) is an aspiring actress who is currently a student at both Governor’s School for the Arts and Cox High School. She adores acting and has been doing it her whole life, this show marks her first professional production. Some of her most memorable past shows include Eurydice as Eurydice, The Lion King as Zazu, and Treasure Island as Molly. Since arriving at Governor’s School, she has been in six films that allowed her to discover her love for the film industry and its creative process. Zia spends as much of her free time as possible indulging in her other creative passions; songwriting, playwriting, playing electric guitar and ukulele, singing, dancing, and painting. Zia is thrilled to be a part of a VSC production for the first time. She plans on taking her acting, directing, and playwriting skills to the next level in a BFA Arts program next fall.
Savanna Stone
(Ensemble/US) is very excited to be involved in her first professional level performance. She is currently a senior at Governors School for the Arts, where she has participated in a film and The 39 Steps: A Radio Play. She is applying to the University of Virginia to continue pursuing her career after graduation.
CREATIVE TEAM
Billy Bustamante †
(Director) Credits include Off-Broadway productions of Notes From Now (Prospect), Whisper House (Civilians) and Cinderella (NAAP). Other credits include, Gold Mountain (Utah Shakespeare Festival), Into The Woods (Arden Theatre), Matilda (Virginia Stage Company), Goodspeed, Lincoln Center, and NAAP. Broadway performing credits: Miss Saigon (Engineer alt.), The King and I (Lun Tha u/s). Off-Broadway/Regional: Soft Power and Here Lies Love at the Public Theater, Center Theatre Group, Arena Stage, Old Globe and Paper Mill Playhouse. Billy’s co-founder of Broadway Barkada and on faculty at Jen Waldman Studio and Circle in the Square Theatre School. Billy is passionately committed to the development of new artists and building a more equitable world. www.BillyBustamante.com Insta: @BillyBCreative
Josafath Reynoso
(Scenic Designer) Award winning scenic designer Josafath Reynoso was born in Mexico and was awarded the Gold Medal for Scenic Design at the World Stage Design 2017 in Taipei, Taiwan for his production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He also received the 2015 USITT Scenic Design Award, the 2014 SETC Scenic Design Award for Eugene O'Neill's The Hairy Ape; the 2013 BroadwayWorld Award for Our Country’s Good, and the SETC Ready-for-Work Award for The Threepenny Opera. Of his production of Crowns at Virginia Stage Company, Jeff Seneca of Alt Daily wrote, "the curtain opens on a set that will take your breath away. Josafath Reynoso has created truly magnificent scenery full of rich vibrant colors and wonderful use of space. I love when shows are able to build the music right into the set and Reynoso is able to do that with the organ and percussion right there onstage. It is an amazing set that truly shines as its own character in the show." Reynoso was also praised for his production of The Bluest Eye at Virginia Stage: “The real star of the show was the set. Josafath Reynoso took a simple idea of hanging laundry about the stage, from the rafters, from the box seats and the balcony and turned it to an elaborate display of color and whimsy." Mr. Reynoso was selected as a keynote speaker for Stage|Set|Scenery in Berlin and presented at the International Biennale of Architecture in Buenos Aires for his design of Noche Arabe.
Jeni Schaefer
(Costume Designer) is the Director of Design and Resident Costume Designer at the Virginia Stage Company in her 21st season. Regional credits include: A Christmas Story at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Hound of the Baskervilles at The Hangar and White Heron Theatre, Always...Patsy Cline PCPA Theatrefest, World premiere of Tom Jones for Florida Studio Theatre, Wit for Playmakers Repertory Theatre. VSC productions including; Every Brilliant Thing, Dreamgirls,Merry Little Christmas Carol, Dear Jack Dear Louise, Hold These Truths, Sense and Sensibility, Guys and Dolls, Matilda, Secret Garden, Fun Home, Always Patsy Cline, Crowns,The Hound of the Baskervilles, Pride and Prejudice, The Wiz, A Streetcar named Desire, Oliver, Peter and the Starcatcher, All my Sons,The Great Gatsby,The Fantasticks, Death of a Salesman, Red, Around the World in 80 days, Crowns, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Hank Williams Lost Highway and A Christmas Carol. Jeni Schaefer holds a MAC in Theatre/Costume Design from Wichita State University. Thank you to my family Tony, Sara and Ethan for being my inspiration and for always believing in me.
Christina Watanabe §
(Lighting Designer) is an award-winning designer and educator for theatre, dance, music, and events. At VSC: Guys and Dolls, Every Brilliant Thing. Recent: Clue (Dallas Theatre Center), Gypsy, Jersey Boys (Theatre Aspen), Sueño (Trinity Rep), The 39 Steps (Rep St. Louis), Elf (Pioneer Theatre Company), This Bitter Earth (Theatreworks Hartford), Carla’s Quince (virtual, Drama League nomination), Where We Stand (WP Theatre), As You Like It (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The Wild Party (Post Theatre Company), Peer Gynt (Barnard), Heartbreak House (Gingold Theatrical Group), A Christmas Carol (Florida Rep), Into the Woods (Charlottesville Opera), Peter and the Starcatcher (White Heron Theatre Company), Scissoring (INTAR), Dido of Idaho (Ensemble Studio Theatre), Small World: a fantasia (59E59), Neighbors: A Fair Trade Agreement (INTAR), Daniel’s Husband (Primary Stages/Cherry Lane), I Will Look Forward To This Later (New Ohio). TV: Colin Quinn: Red State Blue State (co-design, CNN). Lincoln Center Festival (2013, 2015-2017). USITT Gateway Mentor. Knights of Illumination winner. Faculty: Sargent Conservatory at Webster University. MFA: NYU. Member USA 829. www.StarryEyedLighting.com.
Steven Allegretto
(Sound Designer) is a proud graduate of Full Sail University’s Recording Arts program. Since graduating, Steven has worked relentlessly on perfecting his craft in both recording studio and live theatre environments. Steven also uses his expertise in professional audio to teach the upcoming generation as an Adjunct Professor of Theatre Sound Design at the College of William & Mary, as well as teaching privately. Steven has had the great pleasure of designing sound for past VSC shows including Matilda, Guys and Dolls, A Merry Little Christmas Carol, Dreamgirls, Every Brilliant Thing, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Steven is very excited to be back at VSC, and to share the magical sonic landscape of The Hobbit with you and yours.
Jamison Foreman
(Music Supervisor/Composer) is excited to be a part of his first production with Virginia Stage Company, and to help create some magic with the cast of The Hobbit. He acts, teaches, and musical directs mostly in Philadelphia. REGIONAL: Arden, Walnut St, InterAct, People’s Light, Quintessence Theatre Group, Theatre Horizon, Inis Nua, Azuka, 11th Hour, Applied Mechanics, Act II, Commonwealth Classics, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre (DC), Everyman (Baltimore). INTERNATIONAL: Fame (Chinese Tour), Overexposed (Edinburgh Fringe Fest). AWARDS: 2014 Barrymore Award Winner for Best Musical Direction. TRAINING: STC’s Academy for Classical Acting at George Washington University: MFA, Classical Acting; University of the Arts: BFA, Musical Theatre. TEACHING: The University of the Arts, Drexel University, George Mason University, West Chester University.
Daniel LeMien*
(Stage Manager) has been a proud member of the Actors Equity Association since 2003 and previously joined VSC for Dreamgirls. Daniel’s theatre credits include Spring Awakening, Mame, Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, Grey Gardens, Into the Woods, Bright Lights Big City and The Burnt Part Boys to name a few. Daniel has also toured with the 25th anniversary tour of Forever Plaid and Grammy nominated artist Jim Brickman for his holiday show. Daniel would like to extend his thanks to everyone involved in this production of The Hobbit. “Break em!”
Tom Quaintance
(Producing Artistic Director) is in his sixth year with Virginia Stage Company. At the Wells, Tom has directed A Merry Little Christmas Carol, Pride and Prejudice, The Santaland Diaries, and Matilda The Musical. Pre-pandemic, Tom traveled to Minneapolis where he directed Twelfth Night at the Guthrie Theater. As Artistic Director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT), Tom produced over 35 plays and directed the World Premiere of Downrange: Voices from the Homefront, a play based on interviews with military spouses from Fort Bragg. Tom is an Associate Artist at PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill where he directed An Enemy of the People, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and The Little Prince. He also directed The Little Prince at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As the founder of FreightTrain Shakespeare in Los Angeles, he earned a Drama-Logue Award for his direction of Pericles. Other Los Angeles credits range from King Lear to The Devil With Boobs. A member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Tom is a graduate of Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) with a B.A. in Theatre and Economics, and the University of California, San Diego MFA directing program, where he was the assistant director on the original production of The Who’s Tommy.
Jeff Ryder
(Managing Director) has been Managing Director of Virginia Stage Company since March 2022. Prior to coming to VSC, Jeff served in several roles at Cleveland Play House from 2013 to 2022. Jeff holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Levin College at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Tufts University. At Levin, Jeff was inducted into Nu Lambda Mu, the international honor society for the study of nonprofit management and philanthropy. Jeff also holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals from Cornell University. He has served on the boards of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, Theatre Forward, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Cleveland, and the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club. In Cleveland, Jeff was honored to be a part of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Advanced Leadership Institute and the Cleveland Foundation’s Foundations for Philanthropy Program. Jeff has also been a stage manager at several theatres including Talespinner Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Berkshire Theatre Festival.
