Welcome LetterWith only 68 Cents in my bank account, I was still convinced that you can make a living doing what you love. It was with this total in my checkbook that I landed my first major acting role. 68 Cents is what I was willing to have in order to realize my dream. Acting is a passion, an art, and a need that fills my gut.

It is this passion that motivated me six years ago to pull together a group of the most talented friends I have and create a Company, a Company I lovingly named the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company. Over the past six years, the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company has grown into a family of loving, supportive and extraordinarily gifted actors. We are fortunate to have come so far in such a short time, but it could not have come without hard work, commitment, and fervent love for what we do.

Ten years ago I appeared in a production of Mark Troy’s play Peking Duck. It was a good experience. We hit it off. Had a good time. So I knew I had to keep in touch with him. I called him — 10 years later. Sometimes show business goes slow.

He had done many productions and was working in film and TV as well. I had done many productions, also working in TV and film, but neither of us had curtailed our love of the theater. I invited him down to see all the talented people I had at the 68 Cent Crew.

He came and agreed that the actors I was working with were top-notch, and a group he would certainly be interested in developing a show for. But what show? And when? A few weeks passed and it was summer. Then fall. Again, a few phone calls back and forth until finally we decided to meet for lunch. Cut To: The Daily Grill. I sat facing the front door. Mark was not at all curious why I did this, since he grew up in Queens, New York, a stone throw from where I spent my childhood.

He had sent me some things to read, but I wanted to do a show where I could get my entire company involved. A big show. Music cues, lighting cues, sound, costumes. A holiday extravaganza.

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Cast (In order of apprearance)Mrs. Weiner………………………...........…..….………Perry SmithHava Ishmael………………….........….....…………Shelly HaccoDouglas…………………………………..........…….…..Paul McGeeCarlo Bumbachi………………….......………....………Joey RussoTony Abruzzo………………………........……………Jeremy LukeGary Zinger/ Herschel Ishmail……....…..Adam SilversteinMuhammad…………………..….........……...…..…...Abhi TrivediRabbi Nathan Ishmael…………….......……………James EngelDivinity Lockjaw………….......…..……...Monica QuintanillaLeroy Lee Roy………………….......…………..……...Greg L. GlassShpilka Ishmael…………….…………...……...…..Jeff BlumbergZinobia Zinger………………….......……....………….Liz BassfordPatricia Vanderbuilt………….......……...……….Regina PalianBernadette Calabrese………......………..…………Katy JacobyOfficer O…………………….......…..…...…....Kourtney SonntagDetective Ishmael…………...……….…………..Peter NewmanAbruzzo Deconsino/Shirley Markowitz...Clint Tauscher

CrewRonnie Marmo......................................Director/ProducerMark Troy..............................................................Playwright Danny Cistone.........................Set Design & Light DesignJoe Dallo...............................................Assistant Set DesignKaty Jacoby.............................................Assistant Director68 Cent Crew members......................Set ConstructionJonclair Richter...................................Playwright’s AssistantCaity Engler..................................................Stage ManagerMo Stone...............Wardrobe, Lights & Sound OperatorSandra McHale.....................................Playbill & Web site

He asked how many characters I was thinking. Five, six? No. Eight? No. Mark is pretty savvy. He has had many plays produced and wasn’t sure where I was going with this. He wanted to know . . . Ten characters? Twelve? I was thinking 15. He dropped his head into the chicken salad. “Where am I going to come up with a show with 15 characters? And what do I do with it when it’s done?” I told him not to worry.

I drove away from the Daily Grill thinking as I had thought 10 years earlier. I should keep in touch with him. But this time -- before I got home, my cell went off. It was a text from Mark. It had about five words on it, about an idea he had had since walking to his car. Who knows what goes on in that man’s head? I thought it was the funniest thing I had ever heard and immediately texted back... “Write it.”

A few nights later, Mark was coming to the theater to see a very successful night of John Patrick Shanley I had produced and was acting in. I again told him I really liked the idea and thought he should write it. “Yes,” he said, “We should do a holiday show sometime.” “No. Not sometime. THIS Christmas.” It was September first and he was leaving for London the next day. Sometimes show business throws you an opportunity.

Three weeks later, the draft of a play with a long funny title came to my house. A big show. Music cues, lighting cues, sound, costumes. A holiday extravaganza. And 19 SPEAKING ROLES. Who’s insane idea was this? Three weeks? Well. Sometimes show business moves fast.

We had our reading and to all our amazement, for a show written in airports and in hotels in Great Britain and France, it was a hell of a tight first draft. Now all I had to do was figure out how to get it up on its feet. But I knew the 68 Cent Crew would be up for the task. And you always have to believe that show business can surprise you . . . in many fascinating, wonderful, funny, and creative ways.

Mark Troy

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PlaywrightWinner: Drury International Playwriting Award Prize for Mr. Wexler. Winner: The Claire Donaldson Prize for Playwriting for the play Afterpiece. Produced, New York: Desperation (Samuel French Best Short Play), The Plot (Riant Festival Winner), Jewel Avenue (Writer’s Theater), A Jewish Booty Call (Theatre-Studio). Los Angeles; Tsuris, Paging Dr. Chutzpah (Sidewalk Studio), Belladonna’s of the Court (Theatre League, Best Comedy Nom., Brooklyn Publishers), The Secret Nymph of New Hyde Park (Renegade Theater), Peking Duck (Next Stage), Homewrecker (Rose Theatre), Getting You Bupkus, Misguided Production, Shiksa, Join The Club (Malibu Stage Winners), Everyone I Know (L.A. Play Festival Winner). Others; Century Village Boca, The Proposal, Birdy (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Balloon (Chicago Dramatist Winner), Sister Snell (Acme, Boston), How To Marry Your Stalker (Harrogate, England), Man on the Mountain (British Columbia).

Mark has had over 50 plays produced around the world. The Plot is published (Smith & Kraus) Best Plays of 2007, and Sister Snell, Best Plays 2008. His collection of short plays under the title The Bitter Herbs is published by Tinsel Road Books. Troy is working on his first musical Who Gets The House with composer Lenny Solomon. Troy wrote the original screenplay for Tooth Fairy and an early draft of The Guru. He also co-wrote Driving Me Crazy starring Joe Bologna, Mickey Rooney and Celeste Holm and the horror cult classic Zipperface. In development, he co-wrote the feature Number One Girl, and wrote the feature Captain Schroeder for Russian director Constantin Vitkin. He just completed a romantic comedy, UnacCUSTOMed, co-written with Colette Freedman. Troy teaches screenwriting and speaks at many writer’s conferences. He is a member of the WGA and The Dramatist Guild of America.

www.curtainrise.com

A Very Merry Happy Kosher Christmas is performed with one intermission.

There will be no performances on: 12/25, 12/26, 12/27 & 1/1, 1/2, 1/3

SettingThe New York Public Library. Main Branch. 5th Avenue. The time is 1978. The day before Christmas Eve.

ACT I 10:30 AM

ACT II It’s 9 hours later. Inside the library and at various places around the building.

Ronnie MarmoDirector/Producer Some of the plays Ronnie has di-rected include Bill W. and Dr. Bob, which has enjoyed 350+ sold out performances in the past 7 years, Love, Sex and the IRS, 68 Minutes, Saint Nick, Something About Something That Means Something, Life in Session, Resting In Pieces, The Red Coat and An American Italian Reconciliation. Ronnie was the Artistic director of the critically acclaimed first ever “13 by Shanley Festival” which enjoyed a six month run this year.

He has produced 30+ stage plays including the critically acclaimed Bill W. and Dr. Bob, West of Brooklyn with Jerry Ferrara, Bent with Tyler Christopher, What the Rabbi Saw with Eva Longoria, and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. He was nominated as a producer by the NAACP Awards for the productions of The Knights of Mary Phagan and Subway Series.

As an actor, Ronnie has starred in 50+ stage plays. Most re-cently he played Danny in Danny in the Deep Blue Sea and Bill Wilson in Bill W and Dr Bob. His recent feature films include West of Brooklyn (2009) with Joe Mantegna and Natalia Livingston, Limbo Lounge (2010) with Tamara Braun and Pizza with Bullets (2010) with Vincent Pastore and Talia Shire. His television work includes Stage 4’s pilot episode with Kimberly McCullough and Tyler Christopher, and the newly completed TV pilot Rollers. Ronnie currently appears on ABC’s General Hospital as Ronnie Dimestico.

Ronnie continues to serve at the Artistic Director of the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company.

Ronnie would like to thank the cast and crew, especially Mark Troy, Joanclair Richter and Katy Jacoby.

www.ronniemarmo.com

www.westofbrooklynthemovie.com

Adam Silverstein (Gary Zinger/Herschel Ishmael)Adam has appeared on LA stages in plays such as The Chosen by Chaim Potok and Catch-22 by Joseph Heller.

He is co-star and co-writer of the award-winning comedy short film I’m Not Gay. It can be seen at www.logoonline.com as well as YouTube. Adam is grateful to be making his debut with 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company and director Ronnie Marmo.

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Jeremy Luke (Tony Abruzzo)Jeremy was born in Staten Island, NY 10305. He moved out to lala land in 2000 to live the “dream.” His credits include guest starring on such TV shows as CSI NY,

Bones, NYPD Blue and a recurring role on Las Vegas. Stage credits at Theatre 68 include Lovers and Other Strangers, Savage in Limbo and Italian America Reconciliation. He would like to thank his mom, God, Ronnie and his cast mates for all their support throughout the struggle. Oh . . . and Shelly, too, and Katy Jacoby and Mark and JC, too.

Joey Russo (Carlo Bumbachi)Joey Russo recently moved to Los Angeles from Staten Island, New York. For the past five years he has trained with Susan Grace Cohen of the Lee Strasberg Institute for Theatre and Film. While attending Hofstra University, Joey was a part of the Hofstra Filmmakers

Club and was featured in both the winter and spring film festivals. Since the move to LA, Joey has been very busy with stand up comedy and just joined the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company. He would like to thank Ronnie Marmo, Marc Troy, Katy Jacoby and Theatre 68 for giving him this wonderful opportunity. Joey is 25 years old and has two older sisters. His mother’s name is Angela and his fathers name is Joe.

Perry Smith (Mrs. Weiner)Perry loves Theatre 68. This is the 2nd show she’s done in the year she’s been a member. Earlier this year, she was part of the 13 by Shanley Festival, playing the role of Ma/Noreen in Beggars in the House of Plenty. She was honored to receive recognition from StageSceneLA.

com for, Outstanding Achievement by a featured actress (Drama). Introduced this season on The Office, the wedding episode (Niagara), as Jim Halpert’s mom. Other work: Desperate Housewives, Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, My Name is Earl and The Shield. www.perrysmith.biz

Shelly Hacco (Hava Ishmael)Shelly is so pumped to be a part of another production here at Theatre 68 (others include An Italian American Reconciliation, The Red Coat, Lost in Radioland, and Lovers and Other Strangers). Over the past year and a half, this theatre has been an integral

part of her life and she is thankful for all the lessons, growth, and tomfoolery that has taken place within these walls. Shelly would like to shout out to all the audience members here tonight, “Dudes! You’re so groovy! I’m totally in love with you all.”

Paul McGee (Douglas)Paul McGee is proud and privileged to be a part of this new project at Theatre 68! He would like to extend his gratitude to his friends and family for their support, as well as Def Leppard for their inspirational hits of the 80’s, including

Hysteria and Rock of Ages. Future projects and news can be found at paulmcgee.net.

Who’s Who in the Cast

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Abhi Trivedi (Muhammad)Born in Mumbai, India, Abhi came to the US when he was just one year old. He grew up in South Carolina and started acting in theater in high school. He continued to pursue his interests at the University of South Carolina while also earning his BA in Psychology. Abhi moved to Los Angeles in 2006

where he has continued to pursue his acting career. He has starred in independent features as well as completed two pilots recently. In addition, he has also completed projects for The History Channel, Spike TV and Showtime as well as performed at the prestigious CalArts Institute. In his spare time, he enjoys reading literature, dining out and long distance running. He is an avid Los Angeles Lakers fan and his favorite show is The Office.

James Engel (Rabbi Nathan Ishmael)James is thrilled to be working with the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company. He is especially overjoyed to be a part of another Mark Troy world premiere, having originated the role of Jeffrey in A Jewish Booty Call. James currently is featured in the interactive show

Accomplice: Hollywood, executive produced by Neil Patrick Harris. Film and TV credits include I Love You, Man, Stacked and Along Came Polly. Stage credits include stints at Soho Rep and Shakespeare on the Hudson. James recently returned to LA from Chicago, where for two years he was the news anchor for The Morning Fix - a comedy radio show ala The Daily Show. James is a graduate of both the Upright Citizens Brigade and iO West improv/comedy training programs as well as David Mamet’s Atlantic Theatre Company.

Monica Quintanilla (Divinity Lockjaw)Monica graduated from UCLA and is a winner of the Carol Burnett Awards. Monica has worked at the San Diego Rep and the Virginia Stage Company where she played Yolanda in Crowns, Nell in Ain’t Misbehavin and Hattie in Kiss Me Kate at Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista. She has been a

Guest Entertainer on board Royal Caribbean and Azamara Quest. While in Azamara she appeared in an original sketch comedy Twisted TV which has its off Broadway appearance next year. Monica would like to thank her mother for her unwavering love, and Marcos for being her sense of reason.

Greg L. Glass (Leroy Leeroy)Gregory Luwayne Glass’ showbiz career took off after he appeared on the Pearl Bailey Special for his musical attributes. Howard University is where he studied film and theater and since then he has resided in Los Angeles. This is where he has had the pleasure

of performing in theater, television, film and internet. He wants to thank Ronnie Marmo and staff for the opportunity for allowing him to explore his talent on their stage. May God bless them all. You can contact Greg L. Glass through Sylvia Ferguson Agency.

Jeff Blumberg (Shpilka Ishmael)Jeff is thrilled to be in his first production at Theatre 68. Jeff has performed on LA stages for two decades, most notably in Rumors, It’s Only a Play, Beau Jest, King Lear, and the west coast premiere of Flight earlier this year. TV credits include

The Drew Carey Show. Visit www.jeffblumberg.com to turn old jewelry into cash!

Liz Bassford (Zinobia Zinger)Liz is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She is thrilled to now be working with the wonderful crew at Theatre 68. She wouldn’t be anyone if it wasn’t for her family, her friends, and laughter. Thank you to all, and Carpe Diem.

Regina Palian (Patricia Vanderbuilt)Theatre LA: Body & Soul of a Chinese Woman (world premiere), Macbeth, Savage in Limbo. NY: Independence, Timothy Leary In Space, Two Rooms, and Counting, Never Been to Me. TV: Nip/Tuck, Chocolate News, Strangers With Candy. Film: Enigma, Mascara Diablo and Fair Trade.Regina is thrilled to re-connect with

Theatre 68. Thank you, Mark, for a great play and Ronnie and Katy for the opportunity to work with this amazing cast.

Katy Jacoby (Bernadette Calabrese)Katy was born and raised in Orange County — and is proud to say it! After living in Hawaii and going to school at Temple University to study Theatre and Broadcast Communications, she returned home to LA. She has been in numerous theatre productions.

Some of her favorites are, Lost in Radioland (5 times!), Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Lovers and Other Strangers, Resting in Pieces, Romantic Comedy, Fathers Day, Italian American Reconciliation and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. She just finished playing Roberta in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea in a 6-month run of the first ever 13 by Shanley Festival here at Theatre 68! Televisions credits include Helter Skelter and American Dreams. Recent Film Credits include, Pizza With Bullets, Leo and the pilot Stage 4. Katy would like to thank the cast and crew, especially Mark Troy, Joanclair Richter and Ronnie Marmo.

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Kourtney Sonntag (Officer O)This is Kourtney’s second production with the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company. While a recent addition to the company, she has been involved in the performing arts since the age of 5 including dance, music and theatre. She is totally excited to be working with General Hospital’s Ronnie Marmo.

Peter Newman (Detective Isaac Ishmael)Thrilled to be a part of his third show here at Theatre 68, Peter also appeared in Theatre 68’s last production, Lost in Radioland, as well as The Red Coat in our recent Shanley Festival. A graduate of UCLA, Peter has appeared in a variety of

television shows, commercials and cartoons since beginning his career at the age of seven. His sincere gratitude and love goes to all the friends and family who have made his life such a wonderful journey. I LOVE YOU, ROCKY!!!!

Clint Tauscher (Abruzzo Deconsino/Shirley Markowitz)Clint Tauscher recently made his Theatre 68 debut in Lost in Radioland. He’s been seen in national spots for Kraft and Nextel; appeared in films at the Hollywood, Newport Beach and Eugene Film Festivals; played percussion with

Fountains of Wayne; and is a member of the VaudeVile Players and R.A.I.D. - Random Acts of Irreverent Dance.

Danny Cistone (Set Design/Light Design)Danny directed the feature film West of Brooklyn after directing and designing a successful world premiere run of the stage play. He directed and co-created the theatrical stage play, Groovaloo, based on the lives of the award winning dance group The Groovaloos. He also directed and designed the one-man performance art piece, Music, Cocaine & Philosophy at Greenway Court. For 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company, scenic designs include What the Rabbi Saw, The Knights of Mary Phagan (NAACP Award Nomination), Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Love, Sex and the I.R.S., Boys Next Door, Lenny is Back (and boy is he pissed), A New War, Night Stories, Eyes For Consuela, BENT, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (2008 Ovation Award Nomination) and Lovers and Other Strangers. Other designs include Dealer’s

Choice, A Few Good Men (LA Premiere), Miss Margerita’s Way, Talk Radio, Hatful of Rain, Behind the Earth, Suicide in Bb, A Noble Exile, Chase Lounge, Search & Destroy, Speed of Darkness, Stories of Night Told Over, Twentieth Century, ‘Nami, The Lost Plays of Tennessee Williams (for the Actor’s Studio), On an Average Day (2008 Ovation Award Nomination, LA Drama Critics Circle Nomination), Office Sonata, Eagle Hills, Eagle Ridge, Eagle Landing, Divorce! The Musical and the short films Chew and Screw and Difficult to Stay Alive…And Die. He doubles as Art Director/Performance Artist for the band Carbon 9. www.dannycistone.com

Who’s Who in the Crew

Joe Dallo(Assistant Set Designer)Joe was assistant Tech Director for Montclair State University, Columbia University. He was the technical director for the National Tour of Tony and Tina’s Wedding, Pendulum Productions plus many other theater groups along the way. He holds an MFA for Directing/Acting from MSU. His work as been

nominated for three Ovations and a Jeff award. He was also crew lead and co-designer for Punk’d, Wrestling with the Stars, Room 401 and many other television shows.

Katy Jacoby (Assistant Director)This is Katy’s 6th time assistant directing a play here at Theatre 68. Her first show was the critically acclaimed Bill W. and Dr. Bob and she enjoyed the experience and story so much she couldn’t help but jump on the opportunity whenever it came available. Her assistant directing credits thus far include, Resting in Pieces, The

Red Coat, Italian American Reconciliation and Bill W. and Dr. Bob for a second time! Katy is thrilled to be working with actors of this caliber and continues to learn from them everyday. She feels honored to be working with such an acclaimed playwright as Mark Troy. Thank you to Ronnie Marmo for being such a great teacher and for showing her that directing is just as fun as acting. Everyone should try it!

Joanclair Richter (Playwrite’s Assistant)Joanclair Richter was born in Darien, Connecticut into a the-atrical family. Studying with Ron Burrus and Joanne Linville gave her a bottomless toolbox. One of her most memorable acting experiences was in Eric Bogosian’s Suburbia. Welcome to the show!

Sit back, kindly check your ideology at the door, and enjoy the spectacle! It’s been inspiring, Mitchell. LAUGH OUT LOUD!

Caity Engler (Stage Manager)A graduate of UCLA, Caity is thrilled to be working on her first Theatre 68 Show. Most recently she channeled her insanity by musically direct-ing and performing as Kokol

inMarat/Sade at The Underground Theater. Keeping in tune with the slightly off, she just completed filming Death and Jane, in which she, Jane, spends a day hanging out with Death. Literally. You know, the guy with the scythe. Watch for this fantastic dramedy to hit the 2010 festival circuit. Thanks to the amazing 68 Cent-ers for making the 6 pm drive from Santa Monica to Hollywood totally worth it! www.caityengler.com

Mo Stone (Wardrobe/Lights & Sound Operator)Mo is thrilled to be back with the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company for this production! Previous credits include The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and Bent at Theatre 68, and Closer with Graveyard Shift Productions. She is also a recent graduate of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television.

Submit Your PlayIf you would like to submit a play for

Theatre 68’s playreading series or for possible production

Send to:

Theatre 685419 West Sunset BlvdLos Angeles CA 90027

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68 Cent Crew Special ThanksSandra McHale Tyler Christopher Sheri Evans Tyler Christopher Fan Club Danny Cistone Katy Jacoby 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company The Marmo Family The Cistone Family Crystal Craft Roger Johnson Denny Seigal Melissa Stone Graeme Chapman Tinsel Road Books Plays 411 LA Theatre Alliance Goldstar Events and . . .Mark Troy

Liz BassfordDan BenderMelanie BlueMichael BlumDanny CistoneClaudine ClaudioTommy ColavitoJoe DaloCaity EnglerRobert FabianiSigi GradwohlShelly HaccoLaura HenschelElise HodgeKaty JacobyRyan Paul JamesChris JohnenJason KonopisosKim KutnerAlice LeeGIna LohmanJeremy LukeJesse MackeySteve MadarNatasha MakinRonnie Marmo

Ty MayberryMyron MclurePaul McGeeKate McManusJames MedeirosMax MiddletonGarielle NevinsPeter NewmanVirginia NovelloRegina PalianJeff PostAngela PupelloMonica QuintanillaDJ RabiolaJoey RussoGrace ShenDenny SiegelPerry SmithJohnny SotoKourtney SonntagBill SteeleClint TauscherAbhi TrivediJames WelshPaul YooKatie Zeiner

You can rentTHEATRE 68

BEAUTIFUL 99-SEAT THEATRETheatre 68 is available for rehearsals, casting,

midweek and/or weekend productions.

Huge stage, great sight lines, free gated rooftop parking.Top of the line lighting and sound equipment.

Sunset Boulevard location. • Reasonable rates. • 323-467-6688

If you are interested in auditioning for the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company,

please email us at info@theatre68.com.For more info on the Crew go to www.Theatre68.com.

Mission StatementThe 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company is a commu-nity dedicated to assisting actors, writers, directors, and producers in the realization of their creative and professional identity through the interpretation of the written word.

The theatre company is committed to facilitating positive social change through artistic excellence and professional transformation.