THE TALENTED CAST
Scott Palmieri, Ph. D. is an Associate Professor of English in the John Hazen White School of Arts & Sciences. Along with his teaching, he is a published poet and avid sports fan. He is excited to take part in his first performance with the JWU players. He is most excited to sing for his wife and three children, his biggest fans.
Calvin Bridges-Avalos is from Misawa Air Base, Japan where he was involved with the community theatre program as part of their stage crew. His love of the theatre led him to seek out the JWU Players when he came to Providence. Calvin is enrolled in the Baking and Pastry program at Johnson and Wales University. He has previously worked with the players for their annual Christmas caroling.
Liz Schnabel is a sophomore/junior currently attending Johnson and Wales. This is her second performance with the JWU Players and is very grateful to be able to balance out internship and have the group be so understanding. She recently performed as Diana in “Lend Me A Tenor” in her local town of Middle Island, New York. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Shaughn Earle is a senior at Johnson and Wales. He will be graduating in May with a Bachelor’s in Food and Beverage Management and Sports Entertainment Management. This revue will mark Shaughn's seventh performance with the JWU Players.
Rachel Gabe-This is Rachel’s second performance at Johnson and Wales. She was recently seen last year in a Musical Revue. She has been performing in musicals since high school and is excited to be performing on the stage once again. Rachel would like to thank, the cast and the crew for all their hard work and dedication to this show. Rachel would also like to thank her family for letting her do this show even though it opens the day after Rosh Hashanah.
Carrie Vail is a senior majoring in Culinary Nutrition. Her previous roles include Hope in the JWU Player’s production of Urinetown, Molly Ralston in The Mousetrap, as well as roles in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Dinner and Death: Partying with the Macbeths. She also performed an uplifting, rap song in last year’s Miscast Musical Revue and is excited to be a part of this year’s production. She would like to thank the awesome cast and crew of the JWU Players
Dr. Geraldine Wagner is Full Professor of English at JWU and co-chair of the JWU Players. In addition to co-directing and producing most productions, she also writes and performs for the company. She last authored Dinner and Death: an Evening with the Macbeths, which was produced in February of 2009. Her earlier plays include Rock of Ages and Deadlines. Her roles with the Players include Mrs. Bates in Barefoot in the Park and Zlata in Necessary Targets, as well as sort of the supporting cast for How to Succeed in Business. Wagner studies drama at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and had a short career in New York prior to receiving her Ph.D. in Literature from Brown University. Her somewhat limited free time is spent with her family, especially Gigi, whom you can see her walking at Blackstone Blvd. on any given weekend.
Connor Langton is a junior majoring in Hotel Lodging Management concentrating in Resort Management and Entrepreneurship. This show marks Connor’s fifth show with the Players, and his fourth as student producer. Connor’s proudest theater accomplishment is the non-profit theater company he co-created and directs on the Jersey Shore. “For the Kids by the Kids”, which features actors and crew under the age of 21 has raised over $10,000 for various children charities in the state of New Jersey. Connor would like to thank the amazing and talented Cast and Crew, and especially Geri, Mari, Theresa, Kim, and Joel. His biggest thanks is for his biggest supporters here at the school, the Study Buddies, especially his assistant for this show, Michelle Eckels.
Andrew Baines is a Junior Culinary Arts & Food Service Management major at Johnson & Wales. High School musicals included RANK, Once Upon a Mattress and The Man Who Came to Dinner starring James Whitemore Sr. through the Peterborough Players. While in The JWU Players he starred in the musical Urinetown and the play Rumors. Interests include playing guitar, bass, singing, and percussions.
Kevin Flynn- My name is Kevin Flynn, and I will tell you my tale. I started out as a simple student in high school who was drafted into tech work in The Diary of Anne Frank… Soon after that he started going on-stage, starting with the show Grease as Doody. Continuing on the next year he was Lloyd Wright in All Out, then graduated and went to Johnson and Wales University. Originally hearing that JWU had no theater program, imagine his joy as he discovered the JWU Players! Starting with them in Urinetown as Officer Lockstock, and then Ernie Cusack in Neil Simon's Rumours, he continued on and started finding other places. Doing Hairspray in Foxboro Massachusetts at the Orpheum and then doing two cabaret shows at the Newport Playhouse. He is overjoyed to be part of this show and hopes it goes well!
Brittany Abber is a sophomore here at Johnson and Wales University as a Sports Event and Entertainment Management major. This show marks Brittany’s second performance with the Players. She would like to thank her fellow cast members, all of the production crew and her family and friends.
This is Katy Fuller’s second production with the Johnson & Wales Players. She most recently performed in the Miscast Musical Revue last spring. Katy is a senior at Johnson & Wales studying Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, and Food Service Entrepreneurship. She enjoys reading, archery, and spending her summers at Horton Center in Northern New Hampshire.
This is Amanda Wajda’s second show with the Johnson & Wales Players. She performed in the Spring Miscast Revue and is currently the Players’ Dance Captain. Amanda is a junior in the Fashion Merchandising program. Her hobbies include wearing jean jackets, shopping, singing, and dancing.
Laura Hosmer is a senior at Johnson and Wales University. She is majoring in Equine Business Management and Riding. Laura started acting in school plays and at Penobscot Theater. In high school, she performed in the musicals Oliver, Les Miserables, and Aida. She has also performed in The Serpent, A Flea in Her Ear, Still Life and Living the Dream. As part of the JWU players, she has performed in Urinetown, Rumors and last year’s Spring Musical Revue. Laura is delighted to be part of the Tony Award Musical Revue cast and the JWU players.
Patrick Caron has been a member of the Johnson & Wales Players since 2008. This marks his fourth and final year at the University and he is looking forward to participating in the JWU Players Musical Revue.
Kim
Frenze started
her theatre experience at the age of 7 with dance lessons when her father saw
her playing football with the neighborhood boys. He took the football out
of her hands and put a tutu around her waist. Since then, she has performed in
musicals throughout Rhode Island in shows such as Nunsense, Jesus Christ
Superstar, Godspell, Best Little Whorehouse, Funny Girl, On the Twentieth
Century and currently is a cast +member of Charlie Hall’s Ocean State
Follies. In April 2010, she performed in the Johnson & Wales
University Players production of Urinetown, the Musical as Penelope
Pennywise and won the Motif Award for best actress. Kim is also a member
of the Life-Teen Music Ministry at Holy Apostles Church in Cranston, RI and is
happy to be back working with her friends in the JWU Players.
Mike Magyar a senior this year majoring in Computer Graphics & New Media at Johnson & Wales University. Since freshman year Mike has been a part of the JWU Players both on and off the stage. Mike started theater during his senior year in high school in his first role as Druce from Red Noses. Since then he has taken parts in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Urinetown: The Musical, Rumors, and last year’s JWU Players’ Miscast Musical. Mike would like to thank all his friends and family for all the love and support. You only live once!
Alicia Albernaz is thrilled to be returning to the JWU stage for her first show as an alumni. Alicia has received an Associates degree in Baking & Pastry Arts and a Bachelors degree in Food Service Entrepreneurship. Previous roles with the Players include Little Sally in Urinetown, Mrs. Boyle in The Mousetrap and, accompanist to Little Shop of Horrors. "Thanks so much to everyone for all your hard work. It has been such a privilege and joy to be back working with you all again. Special thanks to Mari, Geri, Teresa, and Kim - we couldn't have done this without you! CL, SN, AW, KF, ME - get it, blessed jewels! <3"
Samantha Julia Nickerson is a sophomore majoring in Baking & Pastry at Johnson and Wales University. Samantha has been involved with theater for 11 years now. This is her second year with the JWU Players and couldn’t be more excited for you to be experiencing the show with us. She would like to take time to thank every single person who has been involved with putting this production together. She would especially like to thank Geri, Kim, Connor, Teresa, Mari, Joel, Michelle, and everyone else who took time out of their busy schedules to help with the show. She would also like to extend a huge BREAK A LEG! To the entire cast & crew, you guys are like a family to her and she is so thankful to have met every one of you through this wonderful program. Samantha truly hopes you have a lovely time watching the show and thanks you for coming!
This Brianna Hinzman’s is my first year with JWU players. She has a 4 year background in dance. She is junior in JWU college of Culinary and receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support.
Joel Gluck has been involved in the arts and theater for over 35 years. He has appeared in Fiddler on the Roof, Me and My Girl, The King and I, A Thousand Clowns, 40 Years of Bad Road, Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah, Social Security, and Funny Money, amongst many others. A professionally trained baritone, he has sung with the nationally acclaimed Zamir Chorale of Boston and is currently the conductor of the Temple Sinai Chorus, Shireinu. As a director, musical director, and producer he has worked shows such as Fame, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone Can Whistle, Annie, Milk and Honey, and Oklahoma! He has shared the stage with the likes of Leslie Uggams, Mandy Patinkin, Richie Havens, and Naomi Shemer.
Michelle Eckels is celebrating her third year with the JWU Players. A rising senior this year, she is saddened to see her time with such a wonderful group of people coming to an end. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys taking bubble baths and hanging out with the Study Buddies. She would like to thank Geri, Mari, Teresa, and the entire cast & crew for all of their diligence and entertainment. A special shout out to Connor Langton for his patience, understanding and never ending dedication to the JWU players!
Mari Dias (Director)- “Dr. D” is an Associate professor in the John Hazen White school of Arts & Sciences. Her directorial experience includes: The Red Shoes, James and the Giant Peach, The Lottery, Nicholas Nickelby, The Lady or the Tiger, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cinderella, The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz. As the director of the North Kingstown Senior Citizens Drama Program, she has directed: Ladies at Lunch, Ladies at Poker, Reviving the Dead Ladies and Senior Memories, a Broadway Review. As Co-Chair of the JWU Players, Mari has co-directed Noises Off, Little Shop of Horrors, and Urinetown. As JWU liaison to Mary E. Fogarty School, she has directed Fogarty on Broadway, Fogarty through the Decades, and Fogarty goes Disney. On stage, Mari has played such characters as Ginger in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Aunt Dorothy in Prelude to a Kiss, Marks in Talking With (for which she won the Irene Ryan nomination), Madame DesMortes in Ring Round the Moon, Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate and Mrs. Van Dan in The Diary of Ann Frank. Most recently, she has performed at the Artist Exchange Black Box One Act Play Festival, and Catch a Rising Star at Twin River. She would like to sing the praises of/to Connor, always and forever: JWU Players could not exist without him.
Teresa Pearson (Choreographer)- Teresa Has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY and A Master’s of Science Degree in Dance Therapy from Hunter College in New York, NY. She is a dance therapy consultant working with senior citizens throughout Rhode Island. Teresa has choreographed musicals for Bishop Hendriken High School including Beauty and the Best, Les Miserable, Curtains, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Wireman, All Shook Up, and My Favorite Year. She has taught ballet and jazz at Modern Jazz and Dance Co., April, May & June’s School of Dance, JPSD dance studio and the Jewish community center.
-Music-
“Cabaret”- From the Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical,Cabaret
Book by: Christopher Isherwood
Music by: John Kander
Lyrics by:Fred Ebb
“I Hope I Get It” - From the Tony Award Winning Musical, A Chorus Line Music and Lyrics by: Edward Kleban
Book by: James Kirkwood, Jr.&
Nicholas Dante
“Hot Honey Rag”- From the Tony Award Winning Musical, Chicago
Music by: John Kander
Lyrics by: Fred Ebb
“On Broadway”- From the Tony Award Winning Musical, Smokey Joes Café
Songs by: Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller
“Close Every Door”- From the Tony Award Winning Musical,
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Book by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by: Tim Rice
“Big Doll House” - From the Tony Award Winning Musical, Hairspray
Music by: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by: Scott Wittman& Shaiman Book by: Mark O'Donnell &
Thomas Meehan
“Comedy Tonight” - From the Tony Award Winning Musical,
Something Funny Happened on The Way to The Forum
Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim Book by: Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart
“Mr. Cellophane” - From the Tony Award Winning Musical, Chicago
Music by: John Kander
Lyrics by: Fred Ebb
“If You Were Gay” - From the Tony Award Winning Musical, Avenue Q
Music and Lyrics by: Robert Lopez &
Jeff Marx
“My Friend the Dictionary”- From the Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Book and Lyrics by: Rebecca Fledman & William Finn
“The Internet is For Porn” - From the Tony Award Winning Musical,
Avenue Q
Music and Lyrics by: Robert Lopez &
Jeff Marx
“Anyone Can Whistle” - From the Tony Award Winning Musical,
Anyone Can Whistle
Book and Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim & Arthur Laurents
“Hello Young Lovers”- From The Tony Award Winning Musical,
The Kind and I
Music and Lyrics by: Rodgers & Hammerstein
“Honey Bun”- From the Tony Award Winning Musical,
South Pacific
Music by: Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by: Oscar Hammerstein II
“I Dreamed a Dream” - From the Tony Award Winning Musical,
Les Miserables
Novel By: Victor Hugo
Book and Lyrics by: Schönberg,
Alain Boublil & Jean-Marc Natel
“The Song That Goes Like This” - From the Tony Award winning Musical, Spamalot
Book and Lyrics by: Eric Idle
“I Believe” -From the Tony Award Winning Musical,
The Book of Mormon
Book and Lyrics by: Trey Parker,
Robert Lopez & Matt Stone
“Puttin’ on The Ritz” - From The Tony Award Winning Musical,
Young Frankenstein
Book and Lyrics by: Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot”- From the Tony Award Winning Musical, Rock of Ages
Book by: Chris D'Arienzo
“One” - From The Tony Award Winning Musical, A Chorus Line
Music and Lyrics by: Edward Kleban Book by: James Kirkwood, Jr. &
Nicholas Dante
