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Be our guest at the
enchanted stage of delicacies that is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. a magical production, full bodied and alive on stage features the animated film’s much loved characters and the well known academy award-winning score! sparkling with stunning costumes and amazing sets, this “tale as old as time” is told with drama, suspense and humor. Join Belle, Mrs. Potts, Lumiere and The Beast for an unforgettable journey where, in the end, everyone lives happily ever after. a family favorite! |
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| feature story in: THE PRESS Hoping to find the Beauty withinBy: Jennett Meriden RussellFor more than a decade, Gateway Playhouse... |
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GABRIEL BECK (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his debut at Gateway Playhouse. National Tours: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Henry Spofford), A Christmas Carol (Young Scrooge), Crazy For You (u/s Zangler, u/s Eugene Fodor), The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and George M! Other credits include White Christmas (Phil Davis), A Chorus Line (Greg), Pirates of Penzance (Sergeant of Police), and La Cage Aux Folles (Mercedes). Much love and thanks to my parents, Grandma, Noah, Roz, and Anna.
KRISTINE BENNETT (Silly Girl/Ensemble) is very excited to be part of the wonderful summer season at Gateway Playhouse! Kristine started in classical ballet performing and touring with the Dayton Ballet in productions of Swan Lake, Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. She then went on to pursue musical theater and has been in a regional production of Oklahoma and a national children’s theater tour. Living in New York has allowed Kristine to also pursue her love of songwriting and has been showcased at several noteworthy clubs including the Bitter End and CBGB’s. Kristine is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
SUSAN BIGELOW (Mrs. Potts) Susan’s Broadway debut was in Working, singing Craig Carnelia's, “Just a Housewife.” Other Broadway credits: Footloose, Into the Light, Oklahoma, and South Pacific at Lincoln Center. Off Broadway she worked with Hal Prince in his baseball musical, Diamonds, also working with Gateway's, Paul Allan. National Tours include Damn Yankees, starring Jerry Lewis, On Your Toes, starring Leslie Caron, and Robert Goulet's Carousel. Television includes Edge of Night, Another World, As the World Turns, and recently, All My Children with guest appearances on Law and Order, The Cosby Show and The Young Indiana Jones and more. Her most recent appearance was in Northport, as Mrs. Banks in Barefoot in the Park.
EDWARD CARIGNAN (Ensemble) Edward is thrilled to be making his debut at Gateway. He has recently finished performing as a resident actor in Virginia Musical Theater's 2008 season including White Christmas, Miss Saigon, and Titanic. He has also been a member of the backup trio for Carol Channing in Concert in NYC, and was the resident Baritone for Oceania Cruises, sailing Europe in 2005. Favorite credits include: Cindy and Beauty (York Theatre Co. NYC), Hennessey/Captain in Dames at Sea (Broward Stage Door), West Side Story (Circa '21), Joseph..., Greylag in Honk! (Prather Theaters), Carrasco in Man of La Mancha (Bucks County Playhouse), Annie Get Your Gun (La Comedia), and Martin in A Grand Night for Singing (with the Ocean City POPS). Graduate: American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NYC. Much love and thanks to family and friends!
JACQUE CARNAHAN (Wardrobe/Ensemble, u/s Mrs. Potts) Gateway Playhouse debut! Off-Broadway: The York Theatre: The Baker’s Wife (Nicole), Musicals Tonight!: The Boyfriend (Hortense), Irene (Ensemble), and Primrose (Maude). National Tour: Cinderella (u/s Joy). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse: The Baker’s Wife (Nicole), Goodspeed: Pirates of Penzance (Swing), Baltimore Center Stage: A Little Night Music dir. Mark Lamos (Quintet u/s Petra), Santa Barbara CLO: Meet Me in St. Louis (Ensemble u/s Rose), Ogunquit Playhouse: Cinderella (Ensemble). The Boston Pops: Soloist. National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts: Awardee. Training: Idyllwild Arts Academy, The Boston Conservatory BFA cum laude. For my very funny Dad. xxoo
NICK CASAULA (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in Beauty and the Beast at Gateway Playhouse. Previously Nick was a Herald in Gateway’s Children’s Theater production of Cinderella. Nick would like to thank Michael Baker, Robin Allan, and Dominic for giving him this great opportunity and would like to send much love to Mr. Minutillo for teaching him everything he knows. Nick would also like to thank his family and friends, especially his mother; this one’s for you dad!
JOSH DAVIS (Beast) Theater credits include: Les Miserables (Pioneer Theatre), Beauty and The Beast (Oklahoma Lyric Theatre), The Last Five Years (Everyman Theatre), One Red Flower (Signature Theater), This is Our Youth (Studio Theater), Delilah and Grand & Glorious (York Theater NYC). TV: Guiding Light, As the World Turns, All My Children and Law & Order - Criminal Intent. Josh recently completed voicing Miracle in the Andes by Random House Audio currently in all major book stores. He also recently produced his first feature film The Graduates www.graduatesmovie.com. He is a proud member of AFTRA, SAG and Actors Equity Association. www.thisisjoshdavis.com
DAVID EDWARDS (Lumiere) recently starred in the acclaimed NY revival of Room Service. Broadway: By Jeeves, The Rothschilds. National Tour: The Producers (Max Bialystock & Roger DeBris) Off-Broadway: The Fantasticks (final El Gallo), The Disputation, Zion, The Roar of the Greasepaint..., Dr. Sex, Company, That’s Life, What’s a Nice Country Like You…?, Bittersuite, Witch of Wall Street; Regional: Man of La Mancha (Don Quixote), Bells are Ringing (Jeff Moss), A Little Night Music (Fredrick), Little Me (Star Ledger Award Best Actor), La Cage Aux Folles (Albin), Camelot (Arthur), Pajama Game (Sid), Irma Vep at such theatres as the Old Globe, Eugene O’Neill Center, GeVa, Syracuse Stage, American Stage Co, Westchester Broadway, and The Ordway. Film & TV: Belly, The Fantasticks: Try to Remember, Eternal Light.
MICHAEL J. FARINA (Cogsworth) returns to Gateway directly from the national tour of My Fair Lady, where he played Zoltan Karpathy. He was Mr. Bumble in Oliver and Bert Barry in 42nd Street here at the playhouse. Broadway: In My Life (Al/God); Seussical the Musical (Grandpa Who, u/s Horton); A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden (Mr. Fezziwig); My Fair Lady (Jamie); Fiddler on the Roof (Nachum the Beggar). Recent Regional favorites: Arnold in Happy Days at the Goodspeed and Papermill Playhouse; Pirates of Penzance (Samuel) at the Guthrie, Man of La Mancha (Sancho Panza) at P.M.P., Kiss Me, Kate (Gangster #1) at Houston’s T.U.T.S., Sweet Charity (Herman) at N.S.M.T., Carousel (Mr. Snow) and Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely Johnson) at Westchester Broadway Theatre. Proud Member of Actors Equity. www.michaeljfarina.com
ROBYN FERRARI (Silly Girl/Ensemble, Dance Captain) earned a Bachelor’s of Music in Classical Vocal Performance from New York University. New York credits include the leading roles in the Off-Broadway production of Soul Searching, and the Off-Off Broadway production of Three Tables. She has also been seen in West Side Story (Rosalia), A Chorus Line (Sheila), The Pirates of Penzance (Daughter), and Carousel (Ensemble). Robyn has performed in concert at the Rainbow Room, Cipriani, Capitale and other upscale establishments in New York City. Hugs and Kisses to my wonderful family – old and new!
BRANDON HAAGENSON (Ensemble) is so excited to be making his Gateway debut as a SPOON! Favorite credits include The Fantasticks (Matt), The Last Five Years (Jamie), Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio), 42nd Street, Hairspray, A Christmas Carol and Swing! He graduated summa cum laude from Millikin University (IL) with a degree in musical theater and is gearing up to perform Tarzan aboard the Disney Magic! Brandon hails from Oswego, IL and is learning to call New York home. Much love to Mom, Dad and Jen. Enjoy the show!
JORDAN HALL (Ensemble) is happy to be making his Gateway Playhouse debut. An AMDA graduate, Jordan has just recently finished touring the country with Hairspray. Other regional credits include Ragtime, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Linus), and The Wiz (Scarecrow). Love and thanks always to God, Mom, Teanna, and those who continue to send those good vibes. Cheers!
MATTHEW HOFFMAN (Ensemble) is marking his debut performance with Beauty and the Beast. Matt is a soon to be ten year old who has always loved the theater. He has had the time of his life working with such an amazing cast. When he is not on the stage, Matthew is a Little League ball player whose team came in second this year. Thank you to Robin and Michael for this opportunity. Thanks to my Dad who inspired my love for theater!
RYAN HUDAK (Ensemble) is so happy to be part of such an amazing production at Gateway once again! He was last seen on the Gateway stage in last season’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Previous credits include: Godspell (Ensemble), Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), Working (Rex/Joe) and Dracula (Renefield). Next year Ryan will be attending C.W Post University and majoring in acting. He would like to thank his parents, everyone at Gateway and Sarah and Jaymeson for all of their support.
SARAH INNES (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing her favorite Disney show as she moves on from Gateway for a bit to attend Western Michigan University for acting. A member of the Gateway Acting School for 8 years, she has been seen in other main stage productions including Oliver (Charlotte) and A Christmas Carol, in addition to several children's theatre shows, such as Peter Pan and Cinderella (Queen). She would like to thank her beautiful friends and family for their love and support, and Robin and Michael for believing in her and presenting her with these amazing opportunities. Thank you to Dom and the amazing cast for such an enjoyable experience! For Nanny and Pa.
RYAN KELLY (Belle) is thrilled to return to Gateway to perform in Beauty and the Beast. Ryan played Woman #1 in My Way at the Gateway Playhouse last summer. Favorite theatre roles: Elsa in Joy (Off-Broadway), Maggie in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (WV Public), Katherine in A View From The Bridge, Brooke in Noises Off, Young Phyllis in Follies, Mitzi in Fiorello (Snug Harbor), Peggy Castle/Laura Wilson in Be My Love (The Tilles Center, a Sonny Grosso & Phil Ramone Prod.) Film: Tiffany in Dorian Blues, Sissy in Outrage. TV: ABC's All My Children. Radio/Cabaret appearances: The Joey Reynold's Show, The Laurie Beechman, The Bitter End, Birdland, The San Gennaro's Festival, The Broadway Waterfront Festival (NYC), The Prime Hotel (Saratoga), A Johnny Mercer Tribute (North Western University.) Ryan is an AEA Member and has a BFA from Carnegie Mellon's musical theatre program. Thanks to Robin & Mom & Dad. For more info visit: www.ryeryan.com
RYAN M. KOERBER (Chip) is proud to be part of this wonderful production! Ryan is no stranger to the Gateway stage! He was recently seen earlier this season in The Will Rogers Follies as Freddy Rogers. Gateway Playhouse past credits include Carousel, Holiday Spectacular (2003, 2005), Evita, Aida, Oliver, and A Christmas Carol. Ryan has also been in Gateway's Children's Theater productions of Willy Wonka and Cinderella. Ryan is a fifth year acting student at Gateway and has been dancing at Stagedoor School of Dance for four years. Special thanks to Robin, Michael, Jeff, and Dom for believing in me!
IAN LASKOWSKI (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Gateway Playhouse debut! He is a recent graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a B.A in Musical Theater. He was last seen sailing on the Norwegian SUN performing with the Jean Ann Ryan Company. Prior to that he was on the National Tour of Cats (Munkustrap). He would like to thank his friends and family for all their love and support! Especially Mom and Dad.
ROBERT LYIDARD (Maurice) has just closed as Max Bialystock in The Producers and has, to his credit, nearly four decades of entertainment in theater, nightclubs, television, soap operas, cruise ships, and film. Highlights include Barnaby Tucker in Hello, Dolly! on Broadway, starring Carol Channing; Charlie Brown in off-Broadway’s You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and as J. Edger Hoover in Robeson. Favorite roles accomplished include: Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Luther Billis in South Pacific, both Marcellus Washburn and Mayor Shinn in The Music Man, and Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady. He has appeared in three Academy Award-winning motion pictures: co-starring in Twentieth Century Fox’s The Paper Chase, dubbing assignments for the late-great Italian film director Federico Fellini, as the lead in his Amacord, and for director Mike Nichols in The Day of the Dolphin as the “voice” of the dolphins in five languages, and he has had TV appearances on Law and Order, Search for Tomorrow, Guiding Light, and Kate and Allie. Also in Mr. Lydiard’s history are some thirty years of cartoon series including three years as a “regular” on Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, as the lead in Marvel Films’ The Gallavants, and starring in Taco and Paco in Europe. Proud member-Actors’ Equity Association!
NATALIE LUROWIST (Ensemble, U/S Belle) is elated to make her debut with Gateway Playhouse. Most recently, she portrayed Scheherazade in Arabian Nights (Michael Chekhov Theatre Co.), and Young Phyllis in Follies (Yorktown Stage). Natalie is a recent graduate of Syracuse University (B.F.A. Acting), whereshe won the 2007 Marcia Mohr Award for Outstanding Female in the Dramatic Arts. There, she played leading roles in The Last Five Years, The Winter’s Tale, Be Me, and Rookery Nook: A Farce, and her self-written cabaret, Betty Pepper: Housewife of the Year. Love to the brilliant and good-looking cast and crew!
ERIN MAGUIRE (Babette/Ensemble) Erin Maguire is thrilled to be playing at the Gateway again, having last appeared here at Sally Bowles in Cabaret and Demeter in Cats. NY credits: Forbidden Broadway SVU, Flight of the Lawnchair Man, That Time of the Year (York), Five Course Love (Minetta Lane). National Tours: Seussical with Cathy Rigby (Cat in the Hat u/s and performed), NEWSical. Regional: The Boy Friend (Hortense, Carbonell nomination), Nunsense (Sacramento Music Circus), Backwards in High Heels (world premiere, Florida Stage), Cabaret with Deborah Gibson (Kost, Sally u/s & performed, NC Theatre), South Pacific (Nellie, Maine State). Love and thanks to the fam! www.erinmaguire.com
MICHAEL “TUBA” McKINSEY (Bookseller/Ensemble) A native of Battle Ground, WA, Tuba is thrilled to be returning to the Gateway family for his 4th production! Last seen in The Civil War at the National Theatre (with Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and Clay Aiken), Tuba found himself warbling for George W. and Laura. Go figure. National Tour: Oliver! Regional: Papermill, Cincinnati Playhouse, Perseverance, others. Tuba has also created roles in--Lucy Simon’s Zhivago, Mask, Mariel, Empire, For the Glory!, The Screams of Kitty Genovese, Angels, and Yeast Nation. Love, always, to the fam (Ma, Pa and Sis), KK, KGA. Special thanks to Robin, for remembering I breathe. Always a pleasure, Gateway! www.tubamckinsey.com
JAYMESON METZ (Ensemble) is enchanted to be performing in one of his childhood favorites - Disney's Beauty and the Beast. He is also overjoyed to be doing it with the Gateway Playhouse, which he has been with for the past 8 years, taking classes and performing. Jaymeson is about to part with Gateway for the first time as he is a graduating high school senior and will be attending Millikin University in the fall for Musical Theatre. He would like to thank everyone who has made an impact on him - family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. Thank you. Peace and Love.
MIA MULVEY (Ensemble) is a sixteen year old senior at Westhampton Beach High School and is thrilled to be a part of Beauty and the Beast. Mia has performed in numerous mainstage shows here at Gateway, including Yankee Doodle Dandy (Young Georgette), The Will Rogers Follies (James), Oklahoma, A Holiday Spectacular (80’s Girl), and A Christmas Carol. She has also appeared in several of Gateway’s Children’s theatre productions such as Pinocchio (Jiminy Cricket), Cinderella (Gus), Willy Wonka (Grandma Josephine), as well as many others. Mia has been involved in the Gateway Acting School for the past nine years and participated in the showcase program. Mia would like to thank Robin, Michael, and Dominic for this opportunity, and her family for their love and support.
ALLISON KAY RIHN (Silly Girl/Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing at Gateway Playhouse! She graduated with a B.F.A from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. Some her favorite roles include Judy (A Chorus Line), Betty Blake (Will Rogers Follies), Alison (Beehive the 60's Musical), and Tracy Lord (Philadelphia Story). She would like to thank her amazing parents for all of their support!
ALLAN SNYDER (Gaston) is thrilled to return to Gateway, where he had the pleasure of playing Younger Brother in Ragtime. Directly from that production, Allan made his Broadway debut in Les Miserables, and is about to reprise his role as student revolutionary Enjolras for the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Favorite credits include The Full Monty (Jerry Lukowski), White Christmas (Bob Wallace), 110 in the Shade (Starbuck), Oklahoma! (Curly), and the Sondheim revue Marry Me a Little. He has also portrayed Smudge in several productions of Forever Plaid, and recently made his professional directing debut with the show at the Hot Summer Nights Theatre in Raleigh, NC. A native of California, Allan is a graduate of NYU/Tisch School of the Arts and a proud member of Actors' Equity. He would like to dedicate this performance to everyone in high school who told him he was full of himself. You know who you are... www.allansnyderonline.com
JONAH SPEAR (Lefou, Fight Captain) AEA - Training: National Theater Institute, Moscow Art Theater School, Boston University, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (summer) in London. Jonah has tumbled into walls on Letterman, dodged cinderblocks at Lincoln Center, flown off trampolines at City Center, and filmed a special with Cirque Du Soleil all with the renowned company of daredevil action heroes, STREB. Jonah’s also a Wellness Consultant, Flying Trapeze Coach and Summer Camp Director. Theater: STOMP (Orpheum & National Tour), Peter Pan (Peter), Zoo Story (Jerry), Barnum (Tom Thumb), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo). Film/TV: Across the Universe, Sex and the City. Thanks Gateway for takin’ a chance on a one legged audition- love to family! www.jonahspear.com
MICHELLE VEINTIMILLA (Ensemble) is thrilled to be on the Gateway stage once again in such a beautiful musical! Having performed in Evita, Aida, Oliver! (Bet), A Christmas Carol, A Century of Christmas, as well as some of Gateway's Children's theater shows like The Jungle Book, Cinderella (Fairy Godmother) and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Ms. Tevee), she is no stranger to the Gateway Stage. She studies at the Gateway Acting School and attends CS Dance Stylez studying various styles of dance. You may have seen her dancing on the ABC daytime soap One Life to Live last summer, or seen her face on an AT&T web banner! She first thanks God, Mommy, Daddy, family and friends for their endless love and support. Special thanks to Robin, Michael, and the entire Gateway "family" for letting her be a part of it!
BRAD YORK (D’Arque) is excited to be back for his 5th production at Gateway! Born and raised in beautiful Portland, OR; Brad has called NYC home for the past 8 years. Previous productions at Gateway include: Full Monty, Oliver, Sweet Charity and La Cage. National: Titanic NYC: Iron Curtain (Prospect Theatre Co.) Regional: A Funny Thing happened ... Forum and Anything Goes (Arizona Broadway Theatre); Seussical (Fulton Opera House) and White Christmas (Cohoes Music Hall). Brad is also a baritone soloist at the historic Riverside Church in Manhattan. Love to Robby and my family back in Oregon. A special thanks to Paul, Robin and Ruth for their continued dedication to producing wonderful shows. Here's to the 60th!
PAUL ALLAN (Producer) has been involved in theatre since before he can remember. In the early days of Gateway, he spent his summers following around his grandfather who had his hands full trying to make ends meet - running a theatre in the 60’s. Paul grew up here, looking forward to each summer and being able to do more each year. By the time he was a teenager he was beginning to take charge of maintaining this 7 acre complex as well as becoming an integral part of the back stage crew. In the 80’s as a young Gateway producer, Paul spent part of the winter months working in NY on many off-Broadway shows - serving as technical supervisor, production manager, and/or show carpenter. At the same time he co-founded a touring company whose shows traveled throughout the US and other countries worldwide. The set rental company was also founded at this time and Gateway scenery is constantly being trucked to various theatres across the country. The main focus, though, is still the productions he produces here for our patrons.
DOM RUGGIERO (Director) is known for his directorial work in the United States as well as in Great Britain, South America, Europe and Australia. His works include a run of the world-renowned version of the Yeston/Kopit Phantom throughout the US, and La Traviata at New York City Opera. Audiences throughout Italy viewed his production of West Side Story. Most Recently his work has been seen in the national tours of The Scarlet Pimpernel, Titanic, George M!, My One and Only and , Mame. Dom directed Louisiana Purchase, sponsored by Louisiana State University for their Bicentennial program of celebrations. Dom made his Off-Broadway debut at Playhouse 91 with a production of The Secret Annex; a new musical based on the story of Anne Frank. Other Off-Broadway credits include The New York City debut of Stephen Sondheim’s The Frogs, and an original musical version of Sheridan’s “School for Scandal” entitled, SCANDAL!. He has also directed the Australian, Asian, and South American tours of Ain't Misbehavin’, the Asian tour of Anything Goes, a European tour of Phantom of the Opera in Copenhagen and Geneva. For the US, Dom has directed the national companies of Song & Dance, Shenandoah, Funny Girl andHow to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Dom has been a Resident Director at The Gateway Playhouse for the past 20 years. Represented by over 35 musical and comedy productions, Rumors, Lend Me A Tenor, Into the Woods, Once On This Island, The Secret Garden, Beehive, Cabaret, Big River, Carousel and Tommy are among his favorites. Regional credits include productions of Romance, Romance, I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It Out on the Road, Pump Boys & Dinettes, Little Shop of Horrors, Working, Company, South Pacific and Grease. Dom received The Connecticut Critics Circle Award for his production of Phantom and the Best Director and Best Musical awards for his production of Tommy. He has also been the recipient of Best Director awards for his direction of Into the Woods, Big River and Little Shop of Horrors.
JEFF HOFFMAN (Musical Director) has been a Gateway regular for the past seven years. He was the Musical Director for Fosse in 2004, and has been the Musical Contractor for the theater for the past six seasons. Jeff has also played keyboard and assisted musical directors for Aida, Swing!, Fiddler on the Roof, Cats, Ragtime, Miss Saigon, Scarlet Pimpernel, Jekyll and Hyde, Phantom, Dreamgirls, and Full Monty. Having directed, musical directed, and performed for regional theaters for the past thirty-two years, this show marks his 124th show. Jeff has also toured the country as musical director with the revue Tonys Tonite! and The Meritt and Moreau Show. He has also shared the stage as musical director/pianist with various artists including Phyllis Diller, Joe Piscopo, David Brenner, and Rip Taylor. Jeff is very thrilled to be performing his first show with his son Matt. Thank you to Paul, Robin, Michael, and the Gateway family, and of course his incredible wife Diane, and their best production, their two sons Matthew and Bobby.
MICHELLE WEBER (Choreographer) Michelle is excited to be back at Gateway! Her choreography has most recently been seen on television on the American Idol Ford music videos during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, and will be seen on the big screen in Robert Zemekis’ A Christmas Carol, to be released for Christmas 2009. She has just recently had the great opportunity to create new works for a podcast soon to be shot for Podcastgo.com. Her other credits include Ring of Fire on Broadway (Resident/Associate Choreographer), the 1st National tour of Contact, Dreamgirls (Gateway Playhouse-Assistant Choreographer), The 60’s Project (Goodspeed Playhouse-Associate choreographer) ,Cheer! The Musical(Associate Choreographer), Buskers Alley (The York Theater-Associate Choreographer), Laughing Pizza- Today Show (assistant choreographer) Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Dance Captain/ Swing) West Side Story (Theater League), Michael Jackson’s GHOSTS (Gypsy), The Man Who Wasn’t There, Three to Tango, Everybody Loves Raymond, Ally McBeal, American Music Awards, and the MTV Music Awards. Thanks to my husband Rod for his unlimited amount of patience, support and belief in me!
MINDY WALLACE (Assistant Choreographer) is thrilled to be working at Gateway Playhouse. Credits include: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (NY). Regional: Hello Dolly and Carnival, Paper Mill Playhouse; Jesus Christ Superstar (Tormentor), Maine State Music Theatre; Cats (Victoria) and Evita (Tango Dancer), Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Love and thanks to family and friends, especially Michelle!
ROBIN JOY ALLAN (Casting and Artistic Director) has been the Casting Director at Gateway for the last thirteen years. Five years ago, she became the Artistic Director at Gateway. Prior to moving back home into the wonderland setting of her childhood, she did thrive in Corporate America, spending five years in Los Angeles, casting several TV pilots, MOW’s and feature films. You’ll find her name on the feature films; Parenthood, When Harry Met Sally, Lord of the Flies, Side Out and Ghost. Along with her Artistic and Casting Director duties, she is the force behind Gateway’s Acting School Division, where she teaches the advanced classes. This is her most impassioned work. Her daughter, Hayley, inspires her every day. She hopes her effort is good enough to honor her family, and their amazing effort all these years to bring theatre with integrity to Long Island.
KELLY JAMES TIGHE (Scenic Designer) Off- Broadway: Almost Heaven, The Fantasticks, The Time of Mendel’s Trouble. National Tours: Movin’ Out, Mooseltoe, Almost Heaven. Kelly has been the resident designer at the Gateway Playhouse since 2005. Gateway favorites include: Aida, The Full Monty, Sweet Charity, and My Way. Regional: Contra Costa Musical Theater, Diablo Light Opera Co., Center Repertory Co., Carousel Dinner Theater, Cherry County Playhouse. Awards: Dean Goodman Critics Choice, Drama League, Shellie, San Francisco Bay Area Outer Critics Circle. Upcoming: Cats (National Tour), Around the World in 80 Days (San Jose Repertory), Bare (Professional West Coast premiere). This one’s for my own little Bell, McKenna Jane.
CHRISTOPHER LANDY (Lighting Designer) is always thrilled to return to Gateway, where he has been working for the past 20 years. His theatre and opera credits include A Little Night Music for Goodspeed; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead for Long Wharf and Williamstown; Hay Fever, Princess Turandot and Angel Street for Westport Country Playhouse; Orfeo ed Euridice and Turandot for Virginia Opera and Madame Butterfly, Marriage of Figaro, Die Fledermaus and Rigoletto for Boheme Opera. He has designed numerous productions for Gateway Playhouse including Oliver, Urban Cowboy, Phantom, Tommy (CT Critic Circle Award), Jekyll & Hyde, Showboat, West Side Story, Brigadoon, Cabaret, and Crazy For You. Off-Broadway credits include Oedipus, Hotel Universe, Princess Turandot, Ivanov, and Retribution. Christopher’s extensive television credits include work for MTV, BET, VH1, Comedy Central, SpikeTV, Style Network, AMC, Oxygen, NBA, CMT, and CNN among others. With a strong background in music and live events, Chris has designed many series for MTV including Total Request Live, Unplugged 2.0, MTV’s New Years Eve, Choose or Loose, MTV’s Beach House and countless specials. For the Oxygen Network he has designed their Custom Concert series with such artists as LL Cool J, John Legend, The Wallflowers, Sarah McLachlan, Macy Gray, Alanis Morissette, Patti Labelle, Tori Amos and Michelle Branch. Chris was the designer for Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. He also lit ISAAC for the Style Network and Movies 101 for AMC. For news he designed Showbiz Tonight and Nancy Grace for CNN and the MSNBC 2004 Election coverage for which he received an Emmy nomination. He holds an MFA in lighting and set design from NYU and runs his own design and production firm, Vibrant Design.
COSTUME WORLD THEATRICAL (Costume Design) With over 1 million costumes in stock, including the acquisition of the Dodger Costume Company’s inventory, Costume World is the nation’s largest supplier of theatrical rental costumes. From the professional stage to community theatre to educational theatre to industrial and commercial events, Costume World provides thousands of costumes weekly to our many esteemed clients including American Music Theatre San Jose, Sacramento Music Circus, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Celebrity Cruise Lines, the National Park Service, History Channel, David Letterman, and the Tony Awards. We are pleased to present our wardrobe for Beauty and the Beast on the Gateway stage and to once again be working with this fine organization. We urge everyone to support live theatre!
PATTI MASON (Assistant Stage Manager) hails from Canton, NY and is excited to be here for her first season at Gateway Playhouse. This is Patti's fourth production of Beauty and the Beast, and is even more exciting than the first. In the past few years Patti has worked as Stage Management Apprentice, Production Assistant and Assistant Production Manager for the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, PA, Hartford Stage Company in Hartford, CT, and the Hangar Theater in Ithaca, NY.
