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TED YUDAIN, ESQ. CHAIR GORDON CASAGRANDE VICE CHAIR WILLIAM SQUIER SECRETARY JOHN ATKIN TREASURER
DIANE ARDITTI TERRY BLANK GEORGE BRADT DOMINICK BRIA TOM DESALVO JOANN LATORRACA THOMAS M. ORMOND JAMI SHERWOOD KEVIN THOMPSON SEYMOUR WEINSTEIN, ESQ.
LOU URSONE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PETER BARBIERI, JR. ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRIAN BIANCO EDUCATION DIRECTOR MEGAN LATTE ORMOND RESIDENT WARDROBE MANAGER GAIL YUDAIN OFFICE MANAGER LISA DIDONATO, JEFF KARWOSKY BOX OFFICE MANAGERS MEREDITH WALKER BOX OFFICE STAFF JAMIE LAJOIE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR MARC URSONE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT STEPHEN EMERICK DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BEST LIVE THEATRE – Stamford Advocate 2018
ACE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS – 2016
GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS – 2011
Voted Fairfield County’s BEST LOCAL THEATRE GROUP – Ten Years Running! In Fairfield County Weekly
Voted BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP – 2008 Through 2019 In StamfordPlus
CURTAIN CALL, INC. 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905
203-329-8207
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“In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.”(A book by Jean Shepherd)
When I was a teenager, I remember seeing a sign with the above saying in a local store window. I don’t know if it was inspired by the book or if it was a common saying of the time, but what I do know, is that the book inspired one of the most popular holiday films of all time: “A Christmas Story.”Since 1997, a marathon of the film titled “24 Hours of A Christmas Story” has aired annually on TNT or TBS, comprising 12 consecutive airings of the film on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day each year. Odds are, since you’re here, you’ve seen the film.This musical adaptation opened on Broadway in November 2019 and has toured extensively since that time, but it is now available for regional and community theatres on a limited basis, so we’re thrilled to have it for you this year. I loved the show when I saw it in New York, and I hope you will, too.As we head into the holiday season, we often think about helping others. From collecting non-perishables for food pantries to making year end contributions to nonprofit organizations that we care about, the season of giving has many meanings.At Curtain Call, we are most grateful to our huge family of supporters—the hundreds of volunteers that help create the productions you see on our stages, the advertisers in our playbills, the thousands of our loyal patrons and of course, the financial gifts from myriad businesses, foundations and individuals.Being Stamford’s only year round nonprofit producing theatre company has its challenges to be sure, but we know that each year we are providing opportunities for hundreds of individuals to explore the performing arts while providing thousands of patrons—many for the first time—an opportunity to enjoy great live theatre at a reasonable cost.We hope you will consider contributing to our Annual Appeal by using the envelopes in this program, or by going online to www.curtaincallinc.com. Your fully tax-deductible contribution will help keep our lights burning brightly for many years to come.On behalf of our entire team here, we wish you the best this holiday season and hope your New Year brings good health, happiness and prosperity. I hope to see you here again soon—enjoy the show! Sincerely,
Lou Ursone Executive Director Curtain Call, Inc.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME
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NOVEMBER 15–DECEMBER 14, 2019 | KWESKIN THEATRE
BRITTA & DENIS J, NAYDEN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, LTD
presents
Curtain Call’s production of
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL
Book by JOSEPH ROBINETTE
Music and lyrics by BENJ PASEK and JUSTIN PAUL
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd.
Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Dalfie Entertainment.
Music DirectionGREG CHRZCZON
Set DesignPETER BARBIERI, JR.
Costume DesignROBIN L. MAZZOLA
ChoreographyCAITLIN ROBERTS
Lighting DesignPETER PETRINO
Production Stage ManagerJAN URSONE
DirectorBEN FRIMMER
A Christmas Story, the Musical, is presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Woodstock, IL.
Produced in cooperation with The City of Stamford.
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
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CAST
(in order of appearance)JEAN SHEPHERD ..................................................................................................Rick Harrington RALPHIE ....................................................................................................................... Ari Frimmer MOTHER ..........................................................................................................................Julie Loyd RANDY ................................................................................................................................Ari Sklar THE OLD MAN .......................................................................................................... Brian Bianco SCHWARTZ ............................................................................................................. Cooper Gusick FLICK ......................................................................................................................Matthew Bukzin ESTHER JANE .......................................................................................................... Elena Cappella MARY BETH ...........................................................................................................Willow HandleySCUT FARKUS ......................................................................................................... Tyler PascarellaGROVER DILL ............................................................................................................ Gavin JamaliOTHER CHILDREN .........................................Darcy Gonzalez, Imogen Medoff, Kristin Morrow,
Sydney Sibilia, Olivia SimnerMISS SHIELDS ............................................................................................................... Donna Fox FANTASY VILLIAN .......................................................................................................Seth BarkanBANK TELLERS ........................................................................... Matthew Buskin, Cooper GusickBANK ROBBERS ....................................................................... Christopher Beurline, Scott FerraraCAN-CAN GIRLS ...................................................Elena Cappella, Willow Handley, Olivia Simner DELIVERY MEN ...............................................................................Scott Ferrara, Griffin Handley MRS. SCHWARTZ .......................................................................................................Katie Imholt POLICEMEN .............................................................................. Seth Barkan, Christopher Beurline FIREMAN .....................................................................................................................Scott FerraraDOCTOR .................................................................................................................. Angela JacksonNURSES ...........................................................................................Emma Listokin, Sarah PetersonFLICK’S MOTHER .............................................................................................. Jennifer FaccendaMOBSTER TAP SPECIALTY ................................................................................... Cooper GusickSANTA CLAUS .............................................................................................. Christopher Beaurline CHIEF ELVES .....................................................................................Angela Jackson, Jonathan Wu GOGGLES KID ....................................................................................................... Imogen MedoffWAITER ....................................................................................................................... Jonathan Wu WAITER’S DAUGHTER .........................................................................................Darcy Gonzalez
NEIGHBORS, SHOPPERS, PARENTS, TOWNSPEOPLE AND ELVES
Seth Barkan, Christopher Beurline, Jennifer Faccenda, Scott Ferrara, Robert Geils, Griffin Handley, Angela Jackson, Kaite Marie Laurie,
Emma Listokin, Sarah Peterson, Jonathan Wu
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ORCHESTRA
PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer Lou Ursone Director Ben Frimmer Music Director Greg Chrzczon Choreographer Caitlin Roberts Set Design Peter Barbieri, Jr. Lighting Design Peter Petrino Costume Design Robin L. Mazzola Production Stage manager Jan Ursone Technical Director Jamie LaJoie Properties Martha Dombroski, Laurie Logan Assistant Stage Managers Meredith Walker, Gail Yudain Sound Effects Joel Fenster Dance Captains Adults: Jennifer Faccenda, Jonathan Wu Youth: Tyler Pascarella, Sydney Rose Sibilia Set Crew: The cast and families of A Christmas Story and Dom Lettera, Jim Muthersbaugh, Rita Watson, Virgil Watson
Conductor/Keyboard Greg Chrzczon Percussion Brian Coralian Reeds Patrick Lombardo Bass Nick Macri Trumpet Chris Melito Trombone Joseph Petrizzo
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SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I Overture ................................................................................................................................Orchestra Prologue: Christmas Eve, several years ago New York City A street corner outside the radio studio of Station WOR The radio studio deskScene 1: December 1, 1940 – The Parker family house “It All Comes Down to Christmas” ...............................................Ralphie, The Parkers and Ensemble Higbee’s Department Store “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” .........................................................................Ralphie and JeanScene 2: The next day – The Parker family house A small portion of the outside yard “The Genius on Cleveland Street” .............................................................. The Old Man and Mother Scene 3: Soon afterward – A path leading to school “When You’re a Wimp” .................................................................................................................KidsScene 4: A few minutes later – The classroom “Ralphie to the Rescue” ..............................................................Ralphie, Miss Shields, The Old Man,
Mother, Randy and EnsembleScene 5: A week later – The Parker family house “What a Mother Does” ............................................................................................................. Mother “A Major Award” ...................................................................... The Old Man, Mother and NeighborsScene 6: Early evening on December 13, 1940 The Parker family houseScene 7: Immediately following On the road “Parker Family Singalong” ..................................................................................................The Parkers Scene 8: Late that night – The Parker family house “Act One Finale” ................................................................................................ Ralphie and Ensemble
ACT II Entr’ Acte ..............................................................................................................................OrchestraScene 1: December 20, 1940 – The schoolyard and classroom “Sticky Situation” ................................................................... Kids, Miss Shields, Nurse, Flick’s Mom,
Fireman, Policeman and DoctorScene 2: A 1930s kid gangster fantasy at a speakeasy “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” ...............................................................................Miss Shields and KidsScene 3: Immediately following – A path from schoolScene 4: A few minutes later – The Parker family house “Just Like That” ........................................................................................................................ MotherScene 5: Christmas Eve – Santa’s station at Higbee’s Department Store “At Higbee’s” ................................................................................................................................. Elves “Up on Santa’s Lap” .................................................................. Santa, Elves, Ralphie, Randy and KidsScene 6: Christmas Eve – The Parker family house “Market for a Miracle” .............................................................................Mrs. Schwartz and Ensemble “Before the Old Man Comes Home” ..................................................................................The ParkersScene 7: A half hour or so later – Ralphie and Randy’s bedroom “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” ............................................................Ralphie, Randy and KidsScene 8: Christmas Morning – The Parker family house “Ralphie to the Rescue” (Reprise) ...................................................................... Ralphie and Ensemble A Chinese restaurant, Chop Suey Palace The town “A Christmas Story” ............................................................................. The Parkers and Full Company
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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
SETH BARKAN (Ensemble) Seth is thrilled to be back at Curtian Call for this production of A Christmas Story. Most recently you could have seen him in Chess at The Carriage House. A few of his favorites are Disaster, Elf the Musical. Newsies, Damn Yankees, Calendar Girls, Mary Poppins, Godspell, Ragtime, Chicago and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Thank you Lou and Ben plus the entire production team for all of their time and dedication to this great show, and as always love to his very supportive wife.
CHRISTOPHER BEAURLINE (Santa) Christopher last appeared on this stage in Follies (Roscoe), as well as All My Sons (George) and Beau Jest (Chris Kringle) in the Dressing Room Theatre. Others include Bridgeport Theatre’s A Few Good Men (Kendrick), Of Mice and Men and Lend Me a Tenor (Tito) with Town Players New Canaan.
BRIAN J. BIANCO (The Old Man) Brian has been Curtain Call’s Education Director for nearly fourteen years. He’s worked professionally as an actor, director, designer, scenic artist and stage manager, and his resume includes Stamford Center for the Arts, Long Wharf Theatre, the Lamb’s Theatre, National Theatre for the Performing Arts, and Radio City Entertainment. Brian is excited to be sharing the stage once again with his beloved wife, Donna Fox. He was most recently seen on the Curtain Call stage as Martin Heyman in Social Security, John Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet, Norman Bulansky in The Boys Next Door and Tateh in Ragtime, plus The Chairman in the Town Players of New Canaan’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood. He’s also directed multiple Curtain Call productions (including this summer’s Matilda) as well as for Trinity Catholic High School, Westhill High School and Stamford High School. Thanks to all the company and to his family!
MATTHEW BUKZIN (Flick) Matthew is very excited to be in A Christmas Story, his third show at Curtain Call. He is an 8th grader at Bedford Middle School. He was last seen at Curtain Call in Newsies as Les and also performed in Beauty and The Beast as Chip. He appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar at The Ridgefield Playhouse and the Staples Players production of The Music Man. He has been in many shows at Broadway Bootcamp/Southport
Studio Theatre. He has also enjoyed acting in several independent films. He enjoys playing ping-pong, squash, basketball, video games and viola. Thanks to his parents and sisters for their support, Lou and Jan Ursone, all the others at Curtain Call and Mr. Ben Frimmer, director, for giving him this opportunity.
ELENA CAPPELLA (Esther Jane) Elena is thrilled to be back at the Kweskin Theatre after an amazing summer as Matilda Wormwood in SYT’s Matilda! Elena has appeared in Open Arts Alliance Annie (Sandy) and Broadway Beat and studies voice at New Canaan Performing Arts Conservatory. She is in 4th Grade at Tokeneke Elementary. Elena would like to thank her family and to the cast and crew “break a leg”!
JENNIFER FACCENDA (Ensemble) Jennifer is so excited to be back on the Curtain Call stage. Jennifer graduated from Manhattanville College with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. After performing in a variety of musicals, some of her favorites are Footloose (Rusty), Elf the Musical (Ensemble), and Hairspray (Brenda). Jennifer would like to thank her family and friends for being so supportive of everything she’s accomplished; your support means the world!
SCOTT FERRARA (Ensemble) Scott is thrilled to return to the Curtain Call in A Christmas Story. Scott’s very first appearance on stage was in Curtain Call’s 2009 production of the Wizard of Oz, and he never looked back! Since then, he has appeared here in Shakespeare in Love, Newsies, The Tempest, Catch 22, Hello Dolly, 1776, Titanic, Goodbye Girl, Legally Blond, Les Misérables, Wizard of Oz (2014), Tommy, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Annie, and The Foreigner. Scott was also in Bridgeport Theater Company’s The Music Man, as part of the quartet, and in Chess at the Carriage House Theater. When not on stage, Scott’s passion for theater spreads to working on crew to support his fellow actors. Scott is extremely thankful to be given this role and for the production team’s belief in him. As always, a big THANK YOU to his lobster for her never ending support. BREAK LEGS ALL!!!
DONNA FOX (Miss Shields) Donna is thrilled to be part of this production and to be sharing the stage with her talented husband Brian Bianco! Recent credits, Trudy in Social
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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Security, various roles in Laramie Project at Clocktower Players in Irvington,NY, Madame BatHilde in Is He Dead, Dr. Gorgeous in Sisters Rosensweig, and as Carmella (just a few times!) in Merry Mulberry Street Musical. Other CC credits include Carmen in Sweet Charity, Paula Mcfadden in The Goodbye Girl, and Commissioner Harriet Doyle in Annie Warbucks. Other credits, Jean in Good People and I Love You, You’re Perfect…both for Elmwood playhouse in Nyack.Thanks to Ben, Caitlin, Greg, all the SM’s, Lou and everyone involved with this production. For Mom and Dad. “Im tapping for ya Daddy!”
ARI FRIMMER (Ralphie) Ari is thrilled to be making his Curtain Call debut with his dad as his director. It’s been a busy fall having just finished playing The Little Boy in MTC’s Equity production of Ragtime. Select credits include John (Fun Home), Winthrop (Music Man), Pinocchio (Shrek), Mike Teavee (Willy Wonka), King Louie ( Jungle Book), and Jojo (Seussical ). Thanks to the company, Stacy, Mom, Dad, and Jonah.
ROBERT GEILS (Ensemble) Rob has covered a lot of theatrical ground since arriving in Connecticut only two years ago from South Florida. Having appeared in Grease, Shrek, Chess, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Shakespeare In Love, Elf, Mamma Mia, Superman, and Annie. One of those non-stop actors, who wouldn’t have it any other way. Many Thanks to Ben, Greg, Caitlin, and Lou for this opportunity. Love and Gratitude to Tom for understanding this passion.
DARCY GONZALEZ (Youth Ensemble) Hi, my name is Darcy Gonzalez! I have many personality traits, I’m empathetic, I’m energetic, I’m loving, I’m charismatic, but there’s much for in store that you’ll see in me. I love cats (everyone knows cats are better than dogs) and my friends! I love acting and singing with my best friend Amy. I play piano, the violin and recorder. I love Broadway shows, but I especially like Dear Evan Hansen, and Bonnie and Clyde! My greatest passions are acting and singing and I’m so excited to be working on this play!
COOPER “COOP” GUSICK (Schwartz) Cooper is so excited to tap dance into his Curtain Call debut! Favorite roles include Young Simba in The Lion King, Winthrop in The Music Man, & George in Schoolhouse Rock. Big thanks to
the best family & friends, Susan Terry, Ben Frimmer, the cast, crew & everyone at Curtain Call, & Justin Paul & Benj Pasek for writing the coolest music & shows EVER.
GRIFFIN HANDLEY (Ensemble) Griffin is grateful for his second show with Curtain Call. He was Matthews in Elf, The Musical last winter. He also performed in Footloose at St. Catherine’s as Coach Dunbar. Special thanks to his wife, Jessica, for the encouragement. He enjoys rehearsing with his daughter, writing in the third person and getting Facebook “likes.”
WILLOW HANDLEY (Mary Beth) Willow is excited for her second show at Curtain Call. She was an elf and ensemble in Elf, The Musical last winter. Willow also performed in Footloose at St. Catherine’s as a townsperson. She studies dance at LPAC and gymnastics at Arena. She’s a 6th grader at Rippowam in Stamford and loves to read.
RICK HARRINGTON ( Jean Shepherd ) After a three-year hiatus from the stage, I am very excited to be returning for Curtain Call’s production of A Christmas Story, The Musical in the role of Jean Shepherd. Previous roles here include: William Russell in The Best Man, C.K. Dexter Haven in The Philadelphia Story, Doc Porter in Crimes of the Heart, Ewart Dunlop in The Music Man, Arvide in Guys & Dolls, Hickory/Tin Man in 2009’s production of The Wizard of Oz, Wait Until Dark, as Mike Talman, Oklahoma!, as Andrew Carnes, the Bishop of Digne in Les Misérables, and the Bank Chairman/Admiral Boom in Mary Poppins. I look forward to working with such an amazingly talented group both on-stage and behind-the-scenes. Break a leg everyone, and don’t shoot your eye out! My performance is dedicated to my incredibly loving and supportive wife, Mary (love you!)…with special thanks to my wonderful children: Elizabeth and her husband Jonny, Andrew, and Monica! Additional shoutouts to my Roosevelt community :)
KATIE IMHOLT (Mrs. Schwartz) Katie is thrilled to be back on the Kweskin stage for this season’s production of A Christmas Story. She was most recently seen here as Lady Eugenia in Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and has been fortunate to also be on stage for Curtain Call’s past performances of Sweet
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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Charity (Ursula) City of Angels (Donna/ Oolie) Les Misérables, Rent, and Hello, Dolly! Other recent credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon Moncrief ) and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Helena Landless). She couldn’t be happier to have such a wonderful group of talented and fun people to work with! Katie lives in Stratford with her husband and two adorable children. She’d like to thank her husband Matt for all the love and support he gives her on a daily basis!
ANGELA JACKSON (Ensemble) Angela is thrilled to be back at Curtain Call after her first appearance here last year in Mamma Mia! Recent roles include: Svetlana in Chess, Max in Cabaret, Miss Flannery in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Susan in The Full Monty, and most recently, Rosie in Mamma Mia. Happy holidays to all!
GAVIN JAMALI (Grover Dill ) Gavin is thrilled to be making his Curtain Call debut! Theater credits include Jungle Book Jr. (Mowgli, Music Theater of CT), Seussical Jr. (Mr. Mayor, Music Theater of CT) and Pinocchio Jr. (Geppetto, Music Theater of CT) just to name a few! He is delighted to be a part of this amazing cast and production!
KAITE MARIE LAURIE (Ensemble) Kaite is excited to be back on the Kweskin stage. Originally from Stamford, she has a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Acting. Previous Kweskin dance credits include Sweet Charity, Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz. Thank you to Len and Madigan for all your support.
EMMA LISTOKIN (Ensemble) Emma is thrilled to be making her Curtain Call debut! Off stage Emma can be found writing original music, spending time with her dog Yoda, or studying at UConn Stamford. She’d like to thank her parents and friends for supporting her. Congrats to the whole cast of A Christmas Story!
JULIE LOYD (Mother) Julie is thrilled to be making her way back to the musical theater stage after a 20-year break. In the meantime, she toured nationally as a professional singer-songwriter and continues to write and perform. Big thanks to the CC crew for the opportunity, and to Jen for taking care of our two littles to make this all possible.
IMOGEN MEDOFF (Youth Ensemble) Imogen is an 8th Grader at Bedford Middle School in Westport. Her roles to date have included James in James and the Giant Peach, Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, Scuttle in The Little Mermaid, and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical. She is beyond excited to be performing in A Christmas Story.
KRISTIN MORROW (Youth Ensemble) Kristin is in 9th grade at Sacred Heart Greenwich, and is thrilled to be in this production of A Christmas Story. She has previously been in Matilda, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, and Scrooge at Curtain Call, and performed in Sacred Heart Greenwich Middle School’s productions of James and the Giant Peach, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast. She was also in the Stamford All-School Musical’s production of The Little Mermaid. Kristin also loves to figure skate. Kristin would like to thank Ben, Greg, Caitlin, and the amazing cast and crew of A Christmas Story for this amazing experience!
TYLER PASCARELLA (Scut Farcus) Tyler is in 8th grade at Saxe Middle School. This is Tyler’s second production with Curtain Call. Previous credits include, Pippin in Pippin, Jr. and young Cosmo in Singing in the Rain, both with STONC. Also, Pinocchio in the production of Shrek at St. Catherine’s Players. Tyler has done voiceovers with The Koga Channel on YouTube. Tyler sings, acts and dances at The Performing Arts Conservatory.
SARAH PETERSON (Ensemble) Sarah is excited to be back on the Kweskin stage! A singer and songwriter in her own rite, Sarah began singing professionally at age two; performing in choirs and eventually musical theatre. Her credits earlier in her career include: Hello, Dolly! (Dolly Levi), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), The Music Man (Marion) and many others. Curtain call credits include many featured ensemble roles in Mary Poppins, Little Shop of Horrors, City of Angels, Ragtime, Scrooge and Sister Act. She is a house manager by day, and works with a wonderful family in Weston, CT. She can also be seen performing locally with her band, Chasing the Sun.
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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
SYDNEY ROSE SIBILIA (Youth Ensemble) Sydney is 13 years old and in 8th grade at Saxe Middle School. She started performing in middle school and hasn’t stopped. Past performances included Matilda (Big Kid Ensemble), Elf (Ensemble), Bye Bye Birdie (Ensemble) and Annie (Orphan) at Curtain call. High School Musical (Drum Major), Elf Jr. (Elf Solo & New Yorker) and Aladdin Jr. (Narrator) at Saxe Middle School. She thanks her family, past Directors and everyone who has given her guidance along the way.
OLIVIA BLAKE SIMNER (Youth Ensemble) Olivia is so excited to be back at the Kweskin Theatre for A Christmas Story! Other credits at this theater include Elf the Musical and Superman. Most recently she performed in Shrek Jr. (Dwarf ) with A Class Act New York. This self proclaimed Slytherin loves to go bowling, watch 5 minute crafts, make slime and play with her dramatic older sis, Chloe. Olivia is currently in 3rd grade at Davenport Ridge Elementary School and lives in Stamford.
ARI SKLAR (Randy Parker) Ari is thrilled to make his Curtain Call debut with this incredible cast. Credits include: Staples High School—Merrily We Roll Along (Frankie); Mary Ann Hall’s Music for Children—Mary Poppins (Michael ), Alice In Wonderland (White Rabbit ) and The Little Mermaid (Sebastian). Ari is a 5th grader at Kings Highway in Westport. He thanks his family for their love and support.
JONATHAN WU (Ensemble) Jonathan has been involved with Curtain Call since 2003 and is proud to be in this production of A Christmas Story! His other on stage appearances include Newsies as Tommy Boy, Rent as Homeless Man #2, and Spamalot as the Flying Nun and Killer Rabbit (of which he is most proud).
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PRODUCTION TEAM
PETER BARBIERI, JR. (Set Design) Peter has been a theatre professional since 1979. He is our Associate Artistic Director and was the founding director of our outdoor, summer Shakespeare on the Green. Peter’s work has been seen both here and abroad. Broadway credits include technical direction of the Tony Award-winning revivals of Cabaret and A View From The Bridge. Overseas, his work was seen as far as Shanghai, China and he designed the sets for the Danish production of Cats. Peter directed our productions of Titanic, Twelve Angry Men, To Kill A Mockingbird, Macbeth, The Producers, Oklahoma, A View From The Bridge and Romeo & Juliet. For many years, he was a member of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, a non-profit organization that works in the prison system of the State of NY. He directed their productions of Macbeth, Twelve Angry Men and their first musical, West Side Story in Sing Sing Prison. Peter and his wife, Julia, live in Fairfield with their son, Peter III, and daughter, Miranda.
BEN FRIMMER (Director) Ben is a full time theatre teacher for the Westport public schools and holds a BFA in Acting (Ithaca College) and an MA in Educational Theatre (NYU). He is particularly excited to be directing this musical written by his former student Justin Paul (Tony and Oscar-winning composer/lyricist). Other notable students include Peter Duchan (Playwright and Screenwriter), Gina Rattan (Broadway director), Jacob Heimer (Broadway Actor), Mia Gentile (Broadway actress), Shira Gregory (Broadway Actress), Haley Bond (Off-Broadway Actress), Drew Angus (American Idol Finalist), Luisa Moraes (Hollywood Actress), Zack Shornick (Actor/Comedian), and Gabi Conti (Actor/Comedian). Ben would like to thank the entire ACSTM cast and crew for their dedication and a special shout out to Ari, Jonah, and Heather for their love and support.
GREG CHRZCZON (Music Director) Greg knew the film A Christmas Story would be a classic the moment he saw it back in 19…eighty…something. He is delighted to bring the film to life in this classic musical production. Greg has music directed many shows for Curtain Call including A Chorus Line, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Follies, The Goodbye Girl, Gypsy, Hello, Dolly!, Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins, A Merry Mulberry Street Musical, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd, Matilda and others. Greg also performs on stage as an actor and singer, appearing in shows including Souvenir (Cosme McMoon), Chess (Walter DeCourcey), All My Sons (Dr. Jim Bayliss), 1776 (Col. Thomas McKean), and Oklahoma! (Cord Elam). Greg appreciates the talent and skill of Caitlin, Jan, and the entire production team and crew, and is especially thankful for the opportunity to work yet again with the wonderful Ben Frimmer. He sends special thanks to the orchestra—the “Not For Profit Players”—for their continuing excellence and professionalism in making our shows sound great!
JAMIE LAJOIE (Technical Director) Jamie is so happy to be a part of the Curtain Call family. He has been working in theatre as a Sound Designer, Carpenter, and Actor. He has designed the sound and built more than 75 shows. Some of his favorite Sound Designs include Miss Saigon (Bucks County Playhouse), Sisters Of Swing (Gretna Theatre), Tuesday’s With Morrie (Bristol Riverside Theatre) and Ragtime (Curtain Call). He would like to thank Lou Ursone for this unbelievable opportunity and Peter Barbieri for teaching me so much in such a short time. He would also like to thank his parents for always believing in him and of course his wife Meghan for introducing him to theatre, I love you. To Savannah, Daddy loves you—you are my best design.
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ROBIN L. MAZZOLA (Costume Design) Professional Creative. Amateur Fairy Godmother. Robin is very excited to be part of the team for Christmas Story: The Musical. She has extensive experience building and designing costumes and clothing for theaters and individual clients. Check out RobinMazzolaCostumes on Instagram or robinmazzola.com her latest creations and transformations. Robin’s previous work here has been in Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, and Is He Dead?
PETER F. PETRINO (Lighting Design) Peter is pleased to designing A Christmas Story some previous productions Peter designed for Curtain Call include: Big River; Shakespeare in Love; Elf the Musical, Mamma Mia, Bonnie and Clyde and Guys and Dolls. Peter is the resident LD for Caramoor Center for Music and Art since 1996. Peter also designs for such; theaters as: TheatreWorks New Milford; Sherman Playhouse, Penguin Rep. and Seven Angels Theater; Designs for dance companies: Westchester Ballet Co. and Nutmeg Ballet Co.; for television companies such as: Versus, Court TV and ESPN.
CAITLIN ROBERTS (Choreographer) Caitlin is a local choreographer, performer and dance educator from Norwalk, Connecticut. She began dancing at the age of 3 and later received her degree in dance with a choreography concentration from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Caitlin has choreographed over a dozen musical productions at various local High Schools and Theater Companies throughout the tri-state area. She has also choreographed following productions at Curtain Call including Beauty and the Beast, Annie, and Mamma Mia. On the Curtain Call stage, she has also performed in various productions of 42nd Street, Mary Poppins, Gypsy and Spamalot. Her other performance credits include dancing with Velocity Dance Company, Tapperlesque, Connecticut Ballet and performing in several music videos, flash mobs, film and television productions. www.caitlinannroberts.com
JAN URSONE (Production Stage Manager) Over the past year, Jan has stage managed Grease, Much Ado About Nothing, Big River, Shakespeare in Love, Mamma Mia and Hamlet. Special thanks to Gail and Meredith—we make a great team!! Thank you to Louie for letting me have so much fun.
MEREDITH WALKER (Assistant Stage Manager) Meredith is thrilled to be working with such an enthusiastic cast and awesome production team! Thanks to Jan and Gail for being the best fellow SM team around! Meredith directed our recent production of Grease as well as previous shows: Peter Pan, Sister Act, The Foreigner and more. She has appeared on stage in numerous productions here including Newsies, Annie Warbucks, Damn Yankees, Mary Poppins. Thanks to Lou, Ben, Greg and Caitlin for being the best! You’ll shoot your eye out!
GAIL YUDAIN (Assistant Stage Manager) Gail has appeared on stage and on the production staff at Curtain Call for a number of years. Credits include: A Merry Mulberry Street Musical, Mamma Mia, Damn Yankees, Beauty & The Beast, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Hostage; Mary Poppins; Follies. Regional credits: Amateur Comedy Club, NY: The Ramshackle Inn; White Plains Performing Arts Center, NY: The Secret Garden; STONC: Big River; Herb Strauss Theatre, Sanibel, FL: It Runs In The Family; Theatre By The Sea, RI: A Funny…Forum. Other favorite roles: Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Marmee in Little Women, The Musical; Joanne in Company, Aldonza in Man of LaMancha. Diane Keaton Stand-In: And So It Goes; Dorothy Peters on Madame Secretary. Commercials: Cine-Med, Monte Cedro, Starz Channel, Farmington Bank, Windstream, The National Women’s Law Center. Love to TY, TSY, CMY & AML. October 5, 2019!
PRODUCTION TEAM
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CONTRIBUTORS
Curtain Call gratefully aCknowledges the following Contributors:(Contributions as of October 15, 2019)
guardian angels ($25,000 and up)Anonymous Fairfield County Community Foundation
angels ($10,000 - $24,999)Meg & George BradtLouis J. Casale, Jr.
Charitable Foundation
Ear, Nose & Throat Center, LLP
Garden Homes Fund
The George FamilyLapine Foundation
exeCutive produCers ($5,000 - $9,999)Mary BresnanConnecticut Commission
On The ArtsGeneral Re Corporation
The M.L.E. Foundation, Inc.Stanford Miller FundBritta & Denis J. Nayden
Charitable Foundation
Maureen PaviaRinaldi Family Foundation
produCers ($2,000 - $4,999)Alexander Family FoundationIn Memory of Karen DebartoloJohn & Sherry FotiThomas Gallagher
The Gulliver FamilyMonica LynnMurace Plumbing & HeatingThe Nayden Family
Patricia & Robert PhillipsPitney Bowes FoundationStephanie & Larry Sherman
program direCtors ($1,000 - $1,999)Terry BlankPaula CallariChris & Kiki CarozzaThe Carucci FamilyAngela Auz & John DelelleTracey & Chris DowneyJim DuffyFirst County Bank FoundationDick & Phobe FordGreenwich Investment
Management, Inc.
In Celebration of Griffin Handley from Dan Levine
Alzbeta HarveyMaria JacobsonThe Kadlick FamilyIn Honor of
George & Meg BradtIn Memory of my son,
Aaron Meadow
Pitney Bowes Match Gift Program
Andy ReidJim SandersonNancy & Jeff SerkesSilver Golub & Teitell LLPLou & Jan UrsoneJuanita James &
Dudley Williams
torCh bearers ($500 - $999)The Arditti FamilyElizabeth BallThe Blasius Sorkin FamilySandi BriaCarol & Mike CatalanoJim & Ruth ChilesJean & Paul De BartolomeoSofia DominiNicholas & Arlene DubiagoDynamic Duo Charitable TrustIn Memory of Rocco EngongoroCarol & Jim FoleyJanet FoxBernadette & Ed GrayNeil & Merryl HackmanDeanna Huaman
IBM Matching Grants ProgramKathryn & Thomas KingBiana & Ben LansonThe Loeffler-Kaplan FamilyAndrew MaloneyRichard & Cornelia MarderBert MartinAdele Ursone &
George MattesonStacey & Philip MeliaSuzanne & Frank MillardVita & Todd NahinsKelly NaydenIn Memory of Edward J. NorcelJane & Kenn PrinceLenore Rich
Douglas SandovalMarsha ShendellMeryl & Henry SilversteinSarah & Daniel SimnerMadeline Linsley Smidt &
Oliver SmidtJudy StewartNancy SquierViking Global FoundationCatherine & Aldo VittiHarriet & Seymour WeinsteinFrank ZabrockyAnthony & Torri ZaccagninoGreg Zezima
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CONTRIBUTORS
seat warmers ($250 - $499)AnonymousStephen BlazeyLouise Bloch SternBarbara & Gary BloomJames ButlerCarol & Mike CatalanoGreg ChrzczonLynne ColatrellaAllyson CormierIn Memory of
Judge Frank D’AndreaPaul DebartolomeoThomas & Angie DeSalvoAnna Zeni & Roger DykemanRoberta & Wenz EichlerThe Fenster Family
Jon GarrityLisa Girden Barkan &
Seth BarkanNancy & Tom HaddenKristi & Bob HardinMarion & Harry HazlehurstCandyce HoytKate & Reto KollerDom & Ruth LetteraMary LoganHon. David MartinJean Marie McCormickAnne & Victor ModugnoJulie & Nicola NunnariHarley & Stephen OsmanJay & Joyce Riemer
Kyle & Deborah RunestadThe Telep FamilyElizabeth & Alfred SanseverinoKevin SheaSusan Heidere &
Michael SimkoThe Sload FamilyBarbara & Lawrence StephensJudy StewartSeana & Mike TurnerRanae & Richard UrsoneIn Memory of Charlie Valendra Mary VosJohn, Martha, Sara &
Julia Zimmerman
great CommuniCators ($100 - $249)Elvira AlbertAnn AlfordYouse guys is da best!
by AnonymousRosalyn ArenaPatricia AtkinCasey AugustGeorgia, Roger &
Michael BaconBarbara & John BambinoZoe, Avery & Theresa BebonChristopher BelthoffKristin Winbigler &
Bill BerkrotManuel BernardoCarol BertrumIn Honor of Lou UrsoneRalph & Grace BountyEileen & Robert BreakstoneMichael BreenDaniel BrennanGitta BrunnerFay & Norman BurgerTom BurkeRegina ButlerIn Honor of Dom Bria from
Patrick & Kathy CahillJames CameronThank You for
“Shakespeare In Love”In Honor of John Capasso from
Sachi Liebergesell
Candace CaplinRichard & Jane CapraroKaren & Gordon CasagrandeCaryl & George CastellionEleanor & Harry ChristensenDavid & Andrea CohenLynne ColatrellaGary & Sue ConteJudith Guest &
Arthur CopelandMichael & Kathryn CorballyCathleen & Vincent CordaroWalter & Carole Ann CorteseValerie & Joe CostanzoLinda C. CreminBea & Peter CrumbineCandace CushingDavid & Edith DavidsonAnthony DeFilippisAnn Martin Di LeoneBarbara & Jim DilibertoMartha DombroskiHon. & Mrs. John DowneyPatrick & Ellen EagletonKari Sweeney & Joe EfferenThe Elliot FamilyWendy EngelElizabeth EnglishBette & Joe EpsteinPam Marcus & Jeff ErskineIn Memory of Mary FaillaFrank Fazio
Diane FoxNancy FreedmanThe Frimmer FamilyMarkian FryczMark & Nancy FuntVera GardellGE Foundation
Matching Gifts ProgramLiliana GeldmacherAngela GiustinoGail GleasonDonna Glen & Kevin SmithMiriam GoldbergSuzanne & Jeffrey GoldmanArlene GraffaAnthony GrayLawrence GreeleyCarin Zakes & Peter GreenMary Ann &
Chester GrygorcewiczDeanna & Andre GuilbertNancy & Tom HaddenThe Handley FamilyPatti HayesVera HersheyHilary HoffmeisterMary HowlandSherri HutchinsonAngela JacksonMarie & Andrew KancirJoan KarpowichDavid, Laura & Jeff Karwosky
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CONTRIBUTORS
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Faye KayRita & Whitey KeaneIn Honor of Barbara KellerAndrew KillenEarle & Joan KingLiz KirshnerJerry & Joan KranzDiane, Michael, Ryan &
Megan KrausMarnie & Scott KruseTerri & Leo Le BelDom & Ruth LetteraDenise LeVanPam LevineLinda Lee LippmeierCheryl Kendall & Joel LondonRobin & Jim MadanSonia MalloyAndrea MannDominica ManuliAnne MaravicTracey & Michael MarbleJune MarksJudyth MartinezFrank & Gloria MasinoIn Memory of Aaron Meadow
from Kimberly LowdenIn Memory of Aaron Meadow
from Ama ManasseIn Honor of Chloe Ryan and
Olivia Blake SimnerMaria MerrillJeanne MillerSavannah Belle MillerBarbara MitchellJohn & Donna MofflyMaryann MooreDiane & Paul Morello
Susan MurdockPaul & Laura NaclerioChris NardiRobert & Britt NewmanFrank NoccoIn Honor of Izabela O’BrienKevin ObryanThe Orans FamilyElizabeth & Nagi OstaLarry PerlmanTom & Cheryl PetroneDavid PiaEd & Judy PirroErika Tsoukanel & David PollardJosephine PompaEllen & Myron PortoCarmen PoulterMatthew PoulterNicholas PriscottMarietta & Kevin PultzDiane RiffelmacherCathy RobertsonIrene & John RopickiHeidi RosecransMason RosenthalMary & Rodney RunestadKathryn RuotoloDolores & Peter RussellMaria RyszSharon & Michael SabiaJohn & Princess SabiaMark SankSusan SanseverinoVictor & Debbe SauerhoffPeggy SauerhoffKarin Sawyer
Anne SessaLester & Elaine SharlachJami SherwoodCynthia ShumateAndrea SimonTimothy SmallsAlan SosnowitzJill & Harold SteinLarry & Carol StempelIn Memory of Rebecca Stempel Ruth SternThe Strazza FamilyJames SwannPatrick SweeneyGair TaarBrenda, Kevin & Mary TangneyJanet, Jessie & Christian TarziaDavid TateRodney ThomasRiina TohvertCamille & Michael TomaselloAnna & Anthony TrugliaIn Honor of Barbara SalantCarolyn TysonJeannie & Joe UrsoneIn Memory of Heli Vaher
from Jeffrey BiancoIn Memory of Heli Vaher
from Jonathan WuHenri Van DamJody & Samuel Van HoutenChristopher WardSusan WelchDaniel WilleyMelissa & Clay ZamboStephen Zienowicz
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