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Book and Lyrics by Music by July 11 —July 28 at the Patchogue Theatre |
"All you got to do is dream."
The New York Time’s Frank Rich said “When Broadway history is being made, you can feel it. What you feel is a seismic emotional jolt that sends the audience, as one, right out of its wits.” And yes, he was speaking of Dreamgirls, the sensational stage production that paved the way for the recent blockbuster film. This groundbreaking musical saga takes us back 40 years, to 1962, when three Chicago girls hit New York trying to break into the music business. Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, this show invokes the 60’s with all its sparkle and frenzy, hope and disappointment. “It’s show business…just show business.”
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PRODUCTION PHOTOS COLLAGE
Production Info
Gateway Playhouse DREAMGIRLS |
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Book & Lyrics by Tom Eyen |
Music by Henry Krieger |
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Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett Produced on Broadway by |
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Starring ASHLEY BETTON REGGIE ALLAN BRUCE TRISHA JEFFREY TYRICK WILTEZ JONES KINGSLEY LEGGS ERICH McMILLAN-McCALL JENELLE LYNN RANDALL NIKKI STEPHENSON |
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Producer PAUL ALLAN |
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Associate Producer JEFF BELLANTE |
General Manager GALE EDWARDS |
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Artistic Director ROBIN JOY ALLAN |
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Production Manager BRIAN LOESCH |
Company Manager ERIN KRAUS |
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Associate Choreographer MICHELLE WEBER |
Costume Coordinator STEVEN STINES |
Wardrobe Supervisor MARIANNE DOMNIY |
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Lighting Design DOUG HARRY |
Scenic Design KELLY TIGHE |
Sound Design CODY SPENCER |
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Production Stage Manager DOM RUGGIERO* |
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Musical Direction DARREN LEDBETTER |
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Directed and Choreographed by JOHN DIETRICH |
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Dreamgirls is presented by special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music LIbrary, Inc. 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022 |
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Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)
Stepp Sisters |
CANDY SMITH*, TRISHA JEFFREY*, KRISTEN CELESTE HENRY*, LAUREN HOPPER* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charlene |
MELISSA VANPELT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Joann |
DENISE ANDERSEN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marty |
REGGE ALLAN BRUCE* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Curtis Taylor |
ERICH McMILLAN-McCALL* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deena Jones |
ASHLEY BETTON* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lorrell Robinson |
JENELLE LYNN RANDALL* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effie Melody White |
NIKKI STEPHENSON | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
M.C. |
JESSE MEANS* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tiny Joe Dixon |
DaRON LAMAR WILLIAMS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C.C. |
TYRICK WILTEZ JONES* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Little Albert |
JAMES CLARK | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Tru-Tones |
LEAJATO ROBINSON*, JAMAL GREEN, ANTUAN RAIMONE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jimmy (James Thunder) Early |
KINGSLEY LEGGS* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The James Early Band |
LEAJATO ROBINSON*, DaRON LAMAR WILLIAMS, JAMES CLARK, JAMAL GREEN, ANTUAN RAIMONE, STEVEN DOUGLAS STEWART | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michelle Morris |
TRISHA JEFFREY* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wayne |
JESSE MEANS* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dave |
STEVEN DOUGLAS STEWART | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sweethearts |
LINDSEY CLARK, NICOLE DiMATTEI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frank |
LEAJATO ROBINSON* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jerry Norman |
JAMAL GREEN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carl |
ANTUAN RAIMONE |
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Five Tuxedos |
LEAJATO ROBINSON*, DaRON LAMAR WILLIAMS, JAMES CLARK, JAMAL GREEN, ANTUAN RAIMONE |
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Les Styles |
CANDY SMITH*, DENISE ANDERSEN |
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Edna Burke |
LINDSEY CLAYTON |
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Dwight |
STEVEN DOUGLAS STEWART |
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Stage Manager |
JAMAL GREEN |
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Mr. Morgan |
JAMAL GREEN |
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Security Guard |
DaRON LAMAR WILLIAMS |
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ENSEMBLEDENISE ANDERSEN, JAMES CLAR, LINDSEY CLAYTON, NICOLE DiMATTEI, JAMAL GREEN, KRISTEN CELESTE HENRY, LAUREN HOOPER*, TRISHA JEFFREY*, JESSE MEANS*, ANTUAN RAIMONE, LEAJATO ROBINSON*, CANDY SMITH*, STEVEN DOUGLAS STEWART, MELISSA VANPELT, DaRON LAMAR WILLIAMS *member of Actors' Equity Association |
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MUSICIANS
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Who's Who
DENISE ANDERSEN (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of Dreamgirls. She was born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, where she’s been singing and dancing with numerous companies. Before residing in New York City, Denise performed in Japan and California. Denise was last seen as Belle in Days of 98 Show in Skagway, Alaska. In NYC, Denise danced with the Alvin Ailey Company, as well as Nanette Bearden Dance Company. She also recorded a children’s educational video for Scholastic, and made her solo debut at Don’t Tell Mama’s, as a jazz singer. Denise also got to play Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway in Cotton Club Queer at The Museum of the City of New York.
ASHLEY BETTON (Deena) is proud to be making her debut at the Gateway Playhouse. She has been in such productions as Oliver (Nancy), Peep Show (Peep Diva), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), and The Laramie Project. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado where she majored in Musical Theatre. She would like to thank Shelly Shullman and her cast members for their wonderful work. She would also like to thank her parents for their love and support. She can also wiggle her ears.
REGGE ALLAN BRUCE (Marty) is pleased to spend the summer at the Gateway Playhouse performing in one of his all time favorites, Dreamgirls! Special thanks to the wonderful staff and the great company. Broadway: The Capeman, Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Workshop). Television: As the World Turns (Recurring), numerous national commercials.
JAMES CLARK (Little Albert/Ensemble/Understudy C.C.) is a recent graduate of AMDA, NY. His credits include; Tours: Hairspray (Duane), Journey to Freedom (Michael Jackson). Regional: Dreamgirls, Cole Porter the Pirate (Prince Music Theatre P.A.) Leaving Monticello (Signature Theatre V.A.) Aida, Ragtime, Miss Saigon, Hot Mikado (Bucks Country Playhouse). James is motivated by Philippians 4:13. He wants to thank his mother and all of his amazing friends and family. Proud new A.E.A. member.
LINDSEY CLAYTON (Sweetheart/Ensemble) couldn’t be more excited to come back to Gateway Playhouse this summer after playing Gloria in last years production of Thoroughly Modern Millie! National tours include: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Dorothy Shaw), Grease, starring Frankie Avalon (performed Marty, Patty and Cha Cha!) and My One and Only. Favorite regional credits: Miss Flannery, u/s Muzzy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Carousel Dinner Theatre), Woman #3 in And the World Goes Round and Hedy LaRue in How to Succeed...Business (ABT), Babette in Beauty and the Beast (La Comedia) and Liz, u/s Velma in Chicago (Seacoast Rep). Lindsey would like to thank Robin, Mary G, her family and friends, and her favorite meerkat Tim (with no E!)
NICOLE DiMATTEI (Sweetheart/Ensemble) Dreamgirls marks Nicole’s second production with Gateway Playhouse; the first being this past season’s performance of A Christmas Carol. Nicole has performed in the shows and parades at Walt Disney World, including the roles of Brooke in Noises Off, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Other credits include Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, Sleeping Beauty, Man of La Mancha, and Godspell. Nicole graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, with a focus in musical theatre. She wishes to thank her friends and family for all their love and support, and the good Lord above for all the answered prayers. This show is for her bestest, who will always be her favorite dreamgirl.
JAMAL GREEN (Ensemble) is a native of Augusta, GA with a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Elon University in North Carolina. Jamal currently dances with the Rod Rodgers Dance Company located on the Lower East Side. Theater credits include: Ragtime (Papermill Playhouse), Evita (Yorktown Stage), La Cage Aux Folles (Main Street Theater), Romeo and Juliet (Blunt Theatre Co.) and the third priest to the right in the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Don Carlos. Go Braves!
KRISTEN CELESTE HENRY (Ensemble/Understudy Deena) native of New Orleans, LA, received her B.A. in Classical Vocal Performance at New York University where she received a vocal scholarship. She also studied scene and recital work in Urbania, Italy’s Centro Studi Lirica under the guidance of the renowned Joan Patenaude-Yarnell of Manhattan School of Music. She has performed at the Apollo and has been seen in shows such as Parade, Ragtime, and Scrooge; however her most recent roles include Titania, in Dream as well as Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She has made her first album as a recording artist entitled “Let me In” and is currently in the works of her second. Kristen will be making her debut at the Gateway Playhouse and is grateful to be working with such talented and amazing people.
LAUREN HOOPER (Ensemble/Understudy Michelle) just recently starred in the Off Broadway musical, A Night at the Alhambra Café. Her Regional Theater work includes, among others, Ragtime, Parade, The King and I, and Chicago. Lauren just made her film debut starring in the independent film, King of Paper Chasin’ (visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fgxv8rdMRo). Lauren is a proud member of A.E.A. and a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre Department.
TRISHA JEFFREY (Michelle/Understudy Lorrell) was most recently seen as Chrysothemis in Electra with the Classical Theatre of Harlem. Broadway credits include Little Shop of Horrors and All Shook Up, both original cast recordings. Regional credits: Emmie in Caroline, Or Change at The Studio Theatre (2007 Helen Hayes Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actress); Ti Moune in Once On This Island; Dionne in Hair; Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde. Earlier this year, Trisha took part in the workshop/reading of Prairie: The Musical (w/ Melissa Gilbert & Patrick Swayze), after returning from Stuttgart, Germany where she performed with Harald Wohlfart’s Palazzo Variety Show as the “Sangerin Die Nacht”. Other New York credits include Warrior for NYMF; Delia in Irrationals at ATA; Medea, Lysistrata, Macbeth for Classical Theatre of Harlem. Trisha is a proud member of Actor’s Equity.
TYRICK WILTEZ JONES (C.C.) is happy to be here at the Gateway Playhouse. Broadway: Hairspray. Tours: Seussical the Musical (1st Natl.), Fosse (1st International & Japan), and Showboat (Natl.). He has been seen and heard all over the world in and on Regional Productions, Television, Voiceovers, and Workshops. Earlier this year, he completed his first leading role in an Independent. CROSS YOUR FINGERS! :) God Bless.
KINGSLEY LEGGS (Jimmy (James Thunder) Early) is very happy to return to the Gateway Playhouse, where he appeared in Miss Saigon and The Full Monty. He originated the role of Mister in the world premiere and Broadway productions of The Color Purple. He also appeared on Broadway in Miss Saigon. Touring credits include: Ragtime, Miss Saigon, It Ain’t Nothing But the Blues and Forbidden Hollywood. Regional Theater credits: Alliance Theater, Prince Music Theater, Baltimore Centerstage, Denver Center Theater, Seattle Rep., 5th Avenue Theater, Goodman Theater, to name a few. TV: One Life to Live (ABC), City of Angels (CBS). Kingsley’s voice can be heard on The Original Broadway cast album of The Color Purple on Angel Records. Special thanks to my angel, Anika.
ERICH MCMILLAN-MCCALL (Curtis Taylor) Broadway: The Who’s Tommy, Chicago. National Tours: Ragtime, Sunset Blvd., Dreamgirls, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Jelly’s Last Jam. Many thanks to the Gateway family for your loving kindness. Thanks to my friends and family for their unconditional love and support.
JESSE MEANS (Wayne/M.C./Ensemble/Understudy Curtis) is excited to be at Gateway for the first time. Most recently Jesse co-starred in the Crossroads Theatre staged reading of Great Googley Moo. Other stage roles include, Mr. Snow in the Broadway National Tour of Carousel, Teen Angel in Grease (North Carolina Theatre), and Nomax in Five Guys Named Moe (GeVa Theatre). Earlier this year Jesse was featured on the ABC Late Night Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, in a comedy spoof as “America’s Greatest Black Yodeler.” Other TV credits include One Life To Live, The David Letterman Show, and NBC’s Today Show. Jesse has been “giving back” by teaching music in the NYC public school system and greatly anticipates Dreamgirls with this wonderful cast and crew at Gateway.
JESSE MEANS (Wayne/M.C./Ensemble/Understudy Curtis) is excited to be at Gateway for the first time.
Most recently Jesse co-starred in the Crossroads Theatre staged reading of Great Googley Moo. Other stage roles include, Mr. Snow in the Broadway National Tour of Carousel, Teen Angel in Grease (North Carolina Theatre), and Nomax in Five Guys Named Moe (GeVa Theatre). Earlier this year Jesse was featured on the ABC Late Night Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, in a comedy spoof as “America’s Greatest Black Yodeler.” Other TV credits include One Life To Live, The David Letterman Show, and NBC’s Today Show. Jesse has been “giving back” by teaching music in the NYC public school system and greatly anticipates Dreamgirls with this wonderful cast and crew at Gateway.
ANTUAN RAIMONE (Ensemble/Dance Captain) Currently, the vacation swing for the Off-Broadway, soon to be Broadway hit In the Heights, Antuan is happy to be spending another summer here at Gateway. A returning visitor, Antuan made his Gateway debut last season in Sweet Charity and La Cage Aux Folles. Other favorite credits include: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Nashville 2006), Kiss Me Kate (Paul/Dance Captain ) at Arrow Rock Lyceum. Thanks first and foremost to God for this wonderful gift He has given me, my family and Fella, tap x 3.
JENELLE LYNN RANDALL (Lorrell) is excited to be playing Lorrell (finally). Jenelle was last seen on Broadway in All Shook Up and the National Tour of Brooklyn. Jenelle’s other credits include: Once on This Island, The Wiz, All My Children, and Law and Order, to name a few. Jenelle would like to thank God and her parents for their love and support.
LEAJATO ROBINSON (Ensemble) A.E.A. member, a native of Wisconsin, is a four year graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy (IAA) where he received the “Young Artist Award”, and a graduate of the Juilliard School with a B.F.A. in Dance. He has worked with distinguished dance choreographers such as Paul Taylor, Elisa Monte, and Susan Marshall and has performed in Europe and the United States as a professional dancer. Mr. Robinson joined the cast of the hit show Tap Dogs in New York City and performed the principal role of “The Foreman” and “The Enforcer” in the United States, Europe, Bali, Indonesia, and the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas. Other credits: Off-off Broadway: MusicalsTonight (Shinbone Alley) Regional: Pete in Crazy For You (North Shore Music Theater), Lucky in Dames at Sea, Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Satchel Paige in Play to Win (TheaterworksUSA). Love you Dad, Mom, and thanks to Michael J. Kalinyen. Psalm18: 1-3
CANDY SMITH (Ensemble) is a black and gold native from Pittsburgh, PA, who currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. This is Mrs. Smith’s first time visiting and performing in Long Island. She has performed in such productions as: Little Willie Armstrong Jones (Estelle), Streakin’ (Tina Turner), Cinderella (featuring Leslie Uggams), the U.S. tour of Junie B. Junes (Lucille) and Sarafina. Candy would love to thank her two “perfect” parents and all her wonderful siblings and friends for all their love, support, food, and the couple of dollars I borrowed and never gave back. Thanks!
NIKKI STEPHENSON (Effie) is very excited to be here at the Gateway Playhouse. Nikki is originally from Jeffersonville, IN and now resides in New York. She is a graduate of the University of Louisville with B.F.A. in Acting. National Tours: Fame-The Musical (Ms. Sherman), Hairspray (Dynamite/U.S. Motormouth). Regional Credits: Caroline, or Change (Radio), Swing (Vocalist), Beehive (Aretha Franklin/Tina Turner), Angels In America (Harper), Antigone. (Antigone). As of 7/27/07 at midnight, Nikki will be a new member of Actor’s Equity Association. She would like to thank her family and friends for their undying love and support, Thank you Jason, “my rock”. Finally, thanks to the cast and creatives for sharing their God-Sent talent. Thank you God for the gift of song.
STEVEN DOUGLAS STEWART (Dave/Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the Gateway Playhouse after performing in this season’s Cold As Ice. Hailing from a small town in Texas, Steven has now become a proud New Yorker. His other regional credits include: A Chorus Line (Mike); Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere); Cats (Skimbleshanks); Forever Plaid (Sparky); You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Snoopy); and Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA. Steven holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre from West Texas A&M University. He would like to thank God, as well as, his family and friends, without whom he would be nothing.
MELISSA VANPELT (Charlene/ Ensemble) is a native from Memphis, TN and proud to be making her Gateway Playhouse debut. After graduating from AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy), Melissa has been seen in Purlie (Lutiebelle), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine role), Once On This Island, and Fame. She was most recently seen in the Networks tour of Hairspray as “Little Inez” and a “Dynamite”. Along with theater credits, she has also been a featured vocalist on various cruise lines and amusement parks, including Cedar Point, where she won the IAAPA award for Best Female Performer. Melissa thanks God for her family, especially my Mom, husband Johnathan, and son Johnathan II.
DaRON LAMAR WILLIAMS (Tiny Joe Dixon/ Ensemble) is pleased to be making his debut with Gateway Playhouse. Some of his favorite roles include Man 1 in Songs For a New World at the Eureka Theatre in San Francisco, Rev. Hightower/Mrs. Taylor in Bat Boy The Musical at The Victoria Theatre in San Francisco, Eat Moe in Five Guys Named Moe at Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Ensemble in Ragtime and Simon/Baker in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat both at The San Mateo Performing Arts Center of San Mateo, CA, The Hawker in The Who’s Tommy at the Fox Theater in Redwood City, CA, Nathan/Harker Swing in Dessa Rose at Theaterworks in Palo Alto, CA and Ensemble in Showboat with Lamplighters U.S.A. DaRon has also appeared in the Michael Jackson video “Cry.” Big thanks to Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Papa!
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.
JOHN DIETRICH (Director/Choreographer) has more recently been the Director and Choreographer for The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular in New York from 2002 - 2005 as well as a Director/Choreographer for Rockette Special Events for the past 12 years. He has been involved with Radio City Music Hall for 17 years developing and creating new numbers for the Rockettes and directing special events for Radio City Productions including the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the NBC Today Show, the 2000 Presidential Inauguration and the 1999 Gala Reopening of Radio City Music Hall NBC Special. Other recent projects include ABC Daytime Salutes Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre, the All My Children 35th Anniversary Concert, Mack and Mabel In Concert at Lincoln Center, the CBS-TV Special One World Jam, the National Pepsi-Cola industrial and The Federated Department Store Industrial both in Las Vegas, the RSA conference in San Francisco, concert work for Dolly Parton and her brother Randy, as well as writing, directing and choreographing projects for Dollywood Entertainment. He spent over 3 years with the Walt Disney Co. developing entertainment for their newest theme park Tokyo DisneySea. Other credits include directing the A&E TV special Gershwin On Ice featuring Dorothy Hamill and the International Tour of Disney On Ice The Little Mermaid. He has a wide range of theatrical directing and choreographing credits including National Tours of Singin’ In The Rain, Beauty and the Beast and an international tour of The Wizard of Oz.
DARREN LEDBETTER (Musical Director/Conductor/ Keyboards) All as Musical Director/Conductor. New York: The Awakening (World Premiere, Cast Recording). National Tour: GREASE with Frankie Avalon. Regional: Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver, Flora the Red Menace, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Oklahoma, The Music Man, Romance Romance, The Last Five Years, Pippin, Footloose, Miss Saigon, Sweeney Todd. Darren has worked for both Viacom/Paramount Entertainment and Walt Disney Creative Entertainment. Countless readings, arrangements, orchestrations and cabaret performances throughout the U.S. and Canada. Training: Point Park University and Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. Thanks: Family and friends for years of support and laughter.
MICHELLE WEBER (Associate Chorepgrapher) Broadway: Ring of Fire (Associate/Resident Choreographer), Regional: The 60’s Project (Goodspeed Opera House- Associate Choreographer), Cheer! The Musical (Assoc. Choreographer) National Tour: Contact (1st National/Swing), NY: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Dance Captain, Swing) Buskers Alley-York Theater (Associate Choreographer) Tour: West Side Story (Theater League). Film/ Television: American Idol- Ford music video (choreographer), Laughing Pizza- Today Show (assistant choreographer), 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.
ROBIN JOY ALLAN (Casting and Artistic Director) has been the Casting Director at Gateway for the last twelve years. Four years ago, she became the Artistic Director at Gateway which includes not only several Manhattan excursions to cast all productions, but involves planning advertising strategies for all productions, hiring creative staff, designing season ads, posters and booklets, overseeing artistic aspects of each production, costumes, sets and wigs, overseeing Children’s Theatre, beautifying the Gateway property from choosing paint colors for actor housing, to adding new perennial floral additions to the Gateway landscape. 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.
DOUG HARRY (Lighting Designer) is happy to be designing another Gateway production. His past credits here include last year’s La Cage aux Folles, Aida, Carousel, Cats, Fosse, Miss Saigon, Scarlet Pimpernel, Ragtime, Titanic, and Dracula the Rock Opera. Doug holds a degree in Theatre Production and Stage Management from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK. He is currently the Production Manager for New Haven’s International Festival. And his company ‘DarkSide Design’ does corporate work for General Motors, Six Flags Theme Parks, New Haven Symphony, Calvin Klein and numerous other clients. Doug lives in Connecticut and is married with two children, two dogs, various cats and a toad. He very much enjoys his short vacations in Bellport!!
CODY SPENCER (Sound Designer) Most recently, Cody has been a freelance Audio Engineer in New York City, working in many venues including The Rainbow Room, The Box, and The Museum of Natural History. He was the Sound Board Operator for the Off-Broadway productions of La Magnani and Adrift in Macao, the new Christopher Durang musical that was performed at Primary Stages. This was after he returned from the National Tour of Rent, where he was the Monitor Engineer. Cody spent last summer as the Audio Engineer here at the Gateway Playhouse. He got his start and spent four years at Stages St. Louis. Some of his favorite credits include: Thoroughly Modern Millie, 1776, and The Fantasticks. Cody would like to thank his friends and family, as well as Paul Allan, for all their support and also his girlfriend, Erin, even though she never thanks him in her bios.
KELLY TIGHE (Scenic Designer) Off-Broadway: The Fantasticks, Almost Heaven. National Tours: Movin’ Out. Regional: Aida, Cats, The Full Monty, and Jesus Christ Superstar (Gateway Playhouse); Beauty and the Beast, Grease, Titanic, The Who’s Tommy, My Fair Lady (Contra Costa Musical Theatre); Annie, Kiss Me Kate, Joseph/Dreamcoat (Ohio’s Carousel Dinner Theater); West Side Story, The Scarlet Pimpernel (Diablo Light Opera Co.); Around The World In 80 Days, The Pavilion, Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Center Repertory Co.); The Laramie Project, A Midsummer Nights Dream (PPAS/ NYC). Mr. Tighe served as the resident Scenic Designer for Western Michigan’s Cherry County Playhouse (The Music Man starring William Katt and Josie DeGuzman, and the world premiere of Will’s Women starring Amanda McBroom), as well as Center Rep in the San Francisco Bay Area. Television: Sunday Night Woah! (starring Mo Rocca) for Animal Planet as well as several spots for Verizon, Kit Kat, Disney, and the Oxygen network. Awards and recognitions: Northern California’s “Shellie”, Drama-Logue, and the S.F. Bay Area’s Outer Critic’s Circle. Kelly resides in New York City.
DOM RUGGIERO (Production Stage Manager) a member of Actors Equity, has been stage managing for the past 27 years. Broadway PSM credits include: The Gathering starring Hal Linden, Borscht Belt on Broadway starring, Bruce Adler, Mal Z. Lawrence, and Ain’t That A Kick In The Head – The Music of Sammy Cahn directed by Chet Walker. 1st National Tours include: The Cole Porter Songbook starring Melba Moore, The Irving Berlin Songbook starring Carole Lawrence, Greetings! Shalom Aleichem Lives starring Judy Kaye, Bruce Adler and Theo Bikel. Dom has stage-man aged across the US, Europe, South America and Australia with Aint’ Misbehavin, Phantom, Anything Goes, and Song & Dance, among many others. He is no stranger to the Gateway Playhouse, having begun his involvement 18 years ago with his production of “Little Shop of Horrors”, which he also directed. Dom has directed numerous shows for Gateway, most notably the 3 productions of Phantom, Tommy, Cabaret and Once On This Island. Thanks to Paul and Robin Allan as well as the “Big Producer” above, for convincing me to return to my heart & soul – Theatre!
