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Director—David McCamishMusic Director—Susan Barone Chrzanowski
Choreographer—Kate LoughlinAssistant Director—Kate Saxton
Production Manager—Candice Chirgotis
LoomisChaffeeDepartment of Theater & Dance
Cover illustration & design by W. Keller GlassPhotography by Rachel M. Engelke
Set design sketches by Karen Sparks Mellon
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin
the new mel brooks musical
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas MeehanMusic and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Original Direction & Choreography by Susan Stroman
Young Frankenstein
Young Frankenstein is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www.MTIShows.com
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• Please turn off all cellphones, smartphones, and other personal electronic devices, and refrain from using them during the performance. • Due to contractual agreements with the publisher, absolutely NO audio or video recordings of this show are permitted.• Patrons who have forgotten or misplaced their tickets will be placed on the waitlist.• Please unwrap all cough drops before the show. Otherwise, no food or drink (except water) is allowed in the auditorium.• The show’s running time is 2 hours, plus one ten-minute intermission.
• The Art Department, and most particularly Mark Zunino, for allowing our sound designer to reside in the Visiting Artist’s studio apartment.• Christine Coyle for helping us get the word out.• All of the vocal coaches and instrumental teachers in the Music Department for nurturing the talents of the student singers and musicians performing for you.• Chris Beckford and the Housekeeping staff for taking such good care of our NEO throughout the school year, but most especially for their extra attention during our performance week.• Mrs. Julia Knight, Joanna Harvey, and Marie Tanuis: Our vendors and our over-hires much appreciate your efforts.• Sarah Weinstein for bringing our faculty & staff NEO ticket reservations system into the 21st century.• Lance Hall, Bob Hansen, Dan Foley, Abe Passardi, Tom Denno, Rich Johnson, and others too numerous to name from the Physical Plant who labor beside us in the NEO making theater magic.• IT, Dan Corjulo and Andris Briga for their assistance getting the new NEO mixing board up and running.• New Britain High School for the books in the study.• Anna Vdovenko for her amazing photography, and for her generosity.• Finally, to the many parents and families whose support of our work make it all the more rewarding: THANK YOU!
Gratitudes
Courtesies
Safeties• For the safety of the actors, please no flash photography of any kind.• The exits are located to the right of the audience and through the lobby.• Restrooms for patrons are located in the red brick building next to the NEO.• By direction of the Fire Marshal of the Town of Windsor, patrons may not occupy the aisles or the lobby during the show.
** Please note: there will be strobe lighting effects in this production**
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It is exhilarating to bring this ‘monster’ of a-zany musical to life at the NEO. Putting together any show is fraught with difficulties, so many pieces to fit into the puzzle of telling a story. And, large musical comedy productions always offer a challenge for small theaters; pulling off a musical comedy of this size in the NEO comes with its own set of unique challenges. I am exceptionally proud to say our Loomis Chaffee student performers, musicians, and technicians, over 50 in number, rose to the challenge. The Loomis students met each obstacle with teamwork and enthusiasm as they bolted into musical comedy.
The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein, is a 21st century American musical theatre comedy. It is based on the 1974 movie Young Frankenstein, which parodies the 1930’s horror film genre of Frankenstein movies, themselves loosely based on the 1823 book by Mary Shelley. Brooks’s unique take on the characters and story creates a world for our LC ensemble to build a hilarious universe full of horror tropes of old.
If you are a fan of the original film Young Frankenstein, you will find the stage version stays fairly true to the movie with a few surprises and some amazing singing and dancing. If you loved the film, I hope you will not think too ‘gravely’ at our interpretation. If you know nothing about the show or haven’t seen our production, well, we hope to ‘spark’ your funny bone and ‘dig-up’ more than one laugh. Oh, and if you have never seen the movie, take a rainy day and treat yourself.
No musical is the result of one individual and this is especially true for our production. Our show would simply not be possible without the dedicated effort, creative talent, and numerous hours put in by our designers, builders, musicians, musical directors, assistant directors and, most importantly, our Loomis Chaffee students who truly bring Young Frankenstein to life!
Thank you for coming to the theatre and enjoy the show!
Director, David McCamish
Director's Note
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Jacy Case ’18 EnsembleEmily Cuevo ’16 Ensemble/Elizabeth’s EntourageDamon D’Amico ’16 The MonsterCallista DeGraw ’18 Frau BlücherAbby Forrester ’18 EnsembleDerrick Garcia ’17 EnsembleJosie Gautier ’16 Ensemble/Elizabeth’s EntourageJoe Hinton ’16 Inspector Hans KempMacon Jeffreys ’18 Ensemble/WerewolfBen Kallus ’17 Victor von Frankenstein/Elizabeth’s Entourage/Understudy for FrederickPreethi Kannan ’17 Ensemble/Elizabeth’s EntourageTatiana Lovera ’16 Ensemble/Elizabeth’s EntourageSilvia Mayo ’19 EnsembleMatthew McCamish Shoe Shine BoyKirsten Mossberg ’16 IngaRyan Natcharian ’19 EnsembleBrendan Nelson ’17 IgorCameron Purdy ’18 EnsembleRachel Ramenda ’18 EnsembleMelissa Scanlon ’19 Mummy/EnsembleBlaine Stevens ’18 Elizabeth BenningSydney Steward ’17 The Hermit/EnsembleKiki Szemraj ’19 EnsembleJulia Thompson ’18 EnsembleOlivia Thompson ’18 Ensemble/ZiggyAndrey Vdovenko ’16 Frederick FrankensteinNoah Yoon ’18 Ensemble/Dracula/Understudy for Victor von Frankenstein
Music Captains: Kirsten Mossberg ’16 and Noah Yoon ’18Dance Captains: Emily Cuevo’16 and Tatiana Lovera ’16
Note: On Thursday, February 18, the part of Frederick Frankenstein will be played by Ben Kallus and the part of Victor von Frankenstein will be played by Noah Yoon.
The Cast
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The Technical Crew
The Production TeamLisa Bebey Costume DesignerTate R. Burmeister Lighting DesignerCandice Chirgotis Production ManagerSusan Barone Chrzanowski Musical Director/Pit ConductorRachel M. Engelke Playbill EditorKen Jones Technical DirectorKate Loughlin ChoreographerDerek Martinez ’16 Student Assistant DirectorDavid McCamish DirectorKaren Sparks Mellon Set DesignerAlexandra Nattrass Properties Designer/Scenic ArtistKyle Olmstead Sound DesignerKate Saxton Assistant Director
For this Production:Assistant Technical Director: Charley DeMars Hair & Makeup Supervisor: Lauren GodburnCarpenters: Alec Drohan, Sarah Keller, Austin Liljedahl Scenic Artist: Kacey SkurjaCostume Construction: Lita Adams, Marti Simmons Wardrobe Supervisor: Marti Simmons
Rishi Basu ’19 Technician/Sound CrewEmily Bian ’18 Technician/Follow Spot OperatorJeremy Brezenoff ’16 Technician/Co-Head of Sound CrewHaley Cass ’18 Technician/Lighting CrewClaire Collins ’18 Technician/Sound CrewVictoria Creel ’16 Assistant Production ManagerZane Diamond ’16 Technician/Head of Lighting CrewJet Elbualy ’18 Technician/Follow Spot OperatorEmily Esposito ’16 Technician/Co-Head of Sound CrewDani Hove ’16 Stage ManagerYousif Husain ’16 Technician/Lighting CrewTatiana Lovera ’16 Assistant Costume DesignerEvan McDonagh ’17 Technician/Lighting CrewMahek Pannu ’18 Assistant Stage ManagerSherly Quezada ’19 Technician/Sound CrewRamal Rauf ’17 Assistant Stage ManagerMarahyah Richardson ’19 Technician/Follow Spot OperatorEthan Twombly ’16 Technician/Lighting CrewMark Valadez ’19 Technician/Follow Spot Operator
The Cast
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Act I
Prelude Orchestra(There’s Nothing Like) The Brain Frederick Frankenstein, Medical StudentsPlease Don’t Touch Me Elizabeth Benning, Frederick Frankenstein, PassengersTogether Again for the First Time Igor and Frederick FrankensteinRoll in the Hay Inga, Frederick Frankenstein, IgorJoin the Family Business Frederick Frankenstein, Dr. Victor von Frankenstein, Ghosts of Frankenstein AncestorsHe Vas My Boyfriend Frau BlücherLife, Life Frederick Frankenstein, Igor, Inga, Frau Blücher, EnsembleHe Vas My Boyfriend (Reprise) Frau BlücherWelcome to Transylvania Inspector Kemp, Ziggy, VillagersTransylvania Mania Igor, Frederick Frankenstein, Inga, Inspector Kemp, Villagers
Musical Numbers
10 Minute Intermission
Act II
Entr’acte OrchestraHe’s Loose Inspector Kemp, VillagersListen to Your Heart IngaSurprise Elizabeth Benning, Elizabeth’s Entourage, Igor, Frau BlücherPlease Send Me Someone The HermitPlease Send Me Someone (Reprise) The HermitPuttin’ on the Ritz Frederick Frankenstein, The Monster, Inga, Igor, EnsembleHe’s Loose (Reprise) Inspector Kemp, VillagersDeep Love Elizabeth BenningFrederick’s Soliloquy Frederick FrankensteinDeep Love (Reprise) The Monster, VillagersFinale Ultimo Full Company
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” Words and music by Irving Berlin© 1928, 1929 by Irving Berlin (ASCAP) ©Renewed
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Orchestra
Madden Aleia ’16 Keyboard IISusan Barone Chrzanowski ConductorBob DePalma (guest) Reed IIIAndrew Donshik ’18 Keyboard II/BassDeborah Feifer ’17 TromboneMolly Forrester ’19 ClarinetMelanie Guerin (guest) Keyboard IJim Kleiner (guest) Reed ILeroy Loomer (guest) TromboneRosie Park ’18 ViolinSal Ranniello (guest) Drums/PercussionPete Roe (guest) Trumpet IRiley Smith ’18 Trumpet IIGloria Yi ’17 Violin
The pit orchestra comprises Loomis Chaffee students,
faculty and lesson instructors, as well as guest professional musicians. Due to space considerations in the cozy Orchard Theater,
however, the orchestra actually sits behind the stage and actors rather than down in front of the house, as is
the customary location for a “pit” orchestra.
The wonderful music you are hearing this evening
is, indeed, live!
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Jacy Case ’18 (Ensemble) Jacy is thrilled to be a part of the NEO this year. She has participated in many shows outside of school, as well as the student-written plays last spring. Jacy had an amazing time learning how to tap dance and discovering more about the stage. She would like to thank her Mum, Dad + little brother for supporting her and the cast, crew + directors for sharing this wonderful show with her.
Emily Cuevo ’16 (Vanna Blanca/Passenger/Mad Scientist/Villager/Tasha) Never in her four years at LC did Emily think that she’d be dancing, acting, AND singing. Her experiences in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Cyrano have lured her to return to the NEO for one last show. Thanks to everyone who warmly welcomed her into the NEO family and for all of the memories. And remember to always Cuev the Wave.
Damon D’Amico ’16 (The Monster) Damon is excited to bring you into this world of comedy and horror in his last NEO musical. He thanks his family for consistently supporting him and coming to see him perform, his friends for keeping him sane through this process, and the cast, crew, and directors for making this show one he will never forget. Damon hopes you enjoy the show!
Callista DeGraw ’18 (Frau Blucher) Callista is so excited to be in her second NEO show, Young Frankenstein! She’s been acting and singing in musicals since she was young, and she can’t wait to add this show to her list. As a new sophomore at Loomis, she appreciates how welcoming the NEO has been to her. Also special thanks to her family, and as always, her best friends Cam Melo and Hayley Balogh.
Abby Forrester ’19 (Student/Mad Scientist/Villager) Abby is very excited to be in her first NEO production! She has participated in sports such as figure skating, cross country, and dance during her Loomis career, but being in this production is one of the best new things she has ever done. She wants to thank the whole cast and crew for making this experience possible and for welcoming her to the NEO family!
The Cast
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Derrick Garcia ’17 (Student/Villager) Derrick is excited to be performing in his first Loomis Chaffee musical. He has enjoyed forming new friendships, learning the struggles of being an actor, and experiencing the joys of performing. He wants to thank his family and friends for supporting him, and he is excited to continue performing for Loomis in various outlets.
Josie Gautier ’16 (Masha/Passenger/Student/Mad Scientist/Villager) With a heavy heart, Josie is ready to take the stage for her last NEO production. She would like to thank all of the cast and crew for making this show such a positive experience and for allowing her to be her best self on and off the stage. Thank you to everyone for coming to support the show! Enjoy!
Joe Hinton ’16 (Inspector Hans Kemp) Joe is excited to be back in the NEO. After a wild experience as Cord Elam in Oklahoma! Joe looks forward to continuing his renditions of law enforcement agents as Inspector Hans Kemp. Joe has always felt it was his calling to kill monsters, except for vampires. He thanks his friends, family, and everybody in the NEO for making his last two winters quite interesting.
Macon Jeffreys ’18 (Mr. Hilltop/Werewolf/Passenger/Villager) This is Macon’s fourth show in the NEO. Some of his previous roles include Le Bre in this past fall’s production of Cyrano and Francis Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year. He is excited to be playing a plethora of small roles that should make people laugh throughout this show. Please enjoy your trip to Transylvania; watch out for Therewolves!!!
Ben Kallus ’17 (Victor von Frankenstein/ Elizabeth’s Entourage/ Understudy for Frederick) Ben is thrilled to be playing the role of Old Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein. From Montgomery, NY, Ben came to Loomis as a new sophomore, and this is his third NEO show. When he’s not in the theater, Ben lives in room 34 in Batchelder Hall, and you can schedule a meeting with him most any day of the week.
Preethi Kannan ’17 (Student/Steward/Villager/Sasha) This is Preethi’s 6th show in the NEO. Her previous credits include Cyrano, Oklahoma!, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This winter she’s discovered that she doesn’t have a future in tap dancing, but she has fulfilled her dream of being in a kickline. Special shout-outs to the female basses, the Entourage, and the shining seniors. Enjoy the world of Frankenstein!
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Tatiana Lovera ’16 (Mad Scientist/Student/Assistant Costume Designer) Whether acting on stage, studying madly, or helping with costumes, Tatiana has enjoyed her last NEO winter musical. She would like to thank her family, friends, Ms. Bebey, Mr. McCamish, and Ms. Chirgotis for all their constant support these last two months and for showing her all that theater has to offer.
Silvia Mayo ’19 (Student/Villager) Silvia is very excited to return to the NEO after Cyrano (Actor/Cadet) in the fall. She’d like to thank Mr. McCamish for the push-ups, Ms. Kate for the curl-ups, and everyone else for inflicting torturous pain during warm-ups! A member of both Concert Band and Choir, Silvia can’t wait to come back to the NEO next year for her sophomore season!
Matthew McCamish (Shoe Shine Boy) Matthew literally knows almost every line of this show by heart. When he’s not acting, he enjoys watching movies, reading about history, writing stories, ‘Tiger-Ninja,’ light-sabre battles, and ‘pick-a-path’ books. He is totally into the history of the Alamo. Matthew would like to thank his parents for letting him take part in his second show at the NEO.
Kirsten Mossberg ’16 (Inga) This is Kirsten’s 7th, and final, NEO bio. She won’t split it into Parts 1 & 2 because she hates franchises. She feared her final role wouldn’t transcend her frosh debut as Elle’s Mom, but don’t worry; this is the first show in which McCamish has asked her to “tone it down five notches.” She lauds her directors, cast & seniors completing their swan songs. Tati gets all the limes. Roll Credits.
Ryan Natcharian ’19 (Student/Villager/Grandfather Mordechai) Ryan is so glad to be part of Young Frankenstein! This is his first Loomis show, and he is thrilled to start his acting career in the NEO. At Renbrook, he played the parts of Mr. Bundles in Annie and Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. While off stage, Ryan likes to play video games and Dungeons and Dragons and read fantasy fiction.
Brendan Nelson ’17 (Igor) Brendan, from Avon, CT, in his 4th production at the NEO, appreciates having played Christian in Cyrano, Will Parker in Oklahoma!, Egeus/Raven in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macduff in Macbeth (at AOF). A renaissance man, he enjoys playing metal guitar & jazz trombone and studying Viking history. Skål og Sláinta! Óró sé do bheatha abhaile.
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Cameron Purdy ’18 (Student/Steward/Villager) From surviving Ms. Kate’s warm-ups to goofing off in the green room to bursting into show tunes randomly around campus, Cameron is thrilled to partake in her second musical on the NEO stage. She would like to thank her parents for their endless support and all of you for coming. She hopes that her head shot doesn’t look bad.
Rachel Ramenda ’18 (Steward/Horse/Villager/Student) Rachel is thrilled to tap her way into her first NEO musical! Past favorite roles include Marcy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Miss Hannigan in Annie, and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Rachel would like to thank her friends (especially Pedro Guapo), family, cast-mates, and everyone who made this monster of a show possible. Chalujnik!
Melissa Scanlon ’19 (Student/Villager/Ghost/Mummy) A dancer since the age of two, a Dance Company 2 member, and a new voice student, Melissa is excited to be in her first NEO production! She was able to combine her new love of singing and acting with her longtime love of dancing, while forming relationships with the cast, tech crew, and directors along the way. She thanks everyone who has supported her.
Blaine Stevens ’18 (Elizabeth) Blaine is psyched to perform in her first of what she hopes will be many NEO productions with the superb cast of Young Frankenstein. Big hugs to Mom, Dad, and Colby for supporting her, her best friends for making her laugh, and her Richmond fam for showing that it’s possible for a dorm to be a home. Thanks to the entire cast and crew for a phenomenal production. Enjoy the show!
Sydney Steward ’17 (The Hermit) Welcome! Sydney had a blast putting together Young Frankenstein. This is her fifth NEO show. After taking on the no-nonsense Marguerite in Cyrano, Sydney was ready to embody the Hermit. She wants to thank her family, friends, cast mates, and teachers for supporting her theater endeavors (Shout out to Mahek #Iloveyoumychild). Enjoy the show!
Kiki Szemraj ’19 (Villager/Student) Kiki is excited to be acting in the NEO this winter! After performing in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Cyrano (Montfleury/Cadet) she is ecstatic to try something new with Young Frankenstein. She also wishes to give a big thank you to the entire cast, the crew, and her family for being so supportive!
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Julia Thompson ’18 (Student/Villager/Steward) Julia is so excited to be in her 3rd NEO show, but first musical, at LC. Previous credits: Cyrano, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Willy Wonka, and Seussical the Musical. She hopes you enjoy the show + burst into laughter when necessary. Special thx to her supportive family + to Mr. McCamish, Ms. Kate & Ms. Chrz for their hard work making this spooktacular! All aboard!
Olivia Thompson ’18 (Ziggy/Student) Olivia is so excited that you have come to see the show! She has been in many different shows in the past, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oklahoma!, and Cyrano. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Caroline, Grace, mama nugget, Julia, and Rachel for making her laugh.
Andrey Vdovenko ’16 (Frederick Frankenstein) This is the first show for which Andrey has written his own bio. Hey, there’s a first time for everything, right? Usually his mom writes it (and sometimes Ms. Engelke). He thanks them for all of their hard work. Thank you to everyone who has helped him on his theater journey; he could never have done it without your support.
Noah Yoon ’18 (Dracula/Ensemble/Understudy for Victor von Frankenstein) Noah is a day student from Wethersfield, CT. Outside of the NEO, he is a pianist and a music consultant, and a member of both the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir. Last winter Noah appeared as a farmer in Oklahoma!, so being cast as Dracula is quite a step up. He looks forward to more NEO productions in the future.
Our best wishes to these talented thespians in the Class of 2016, who
cumulatively have performed in or teched a total of 52 mainstage
productions at the NEO—beginning with The Comedy of Errors, as
freshmen in the fall of 2012:Victoria (4), Emily C. (3), Tatiana (7),
Josie (5), Dani (3), Kirsten (7), Andrey (6), Damon (7), Derek (all 8!),
and Joe (2). In addition, we salute some of our technicians not pictured:
Yousif (1), Ethan (2), Emily E. (5), Zane (5), and Jeremy (all 8!). Break a leg
in college (and beyond!), and be sure to come back and visit your beloved
Little Red Barn on the Island.
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Rishi Basu ’19 (Technician/Sound Crew) Rishi Basu, 14, active one hour ago, 6’7” and super muscular. Rishi likes computer science, biology, recreational mathematics, regular mathematics, classical music, and, of course, working out those abs. Rishi dislikes sunshine, the Thai alphabet, the English alphabet, castrametation, psephology, and people who correct his grammar. Wow, what a loser.
Emily Bian ’18 (Technician/Follow Spot Operator) Emily is excited to lord over the lights in her 2nd show. Introduced to theatre tech only this fall, she immediately fell in love with the fabulous crew whose warmth contrasts with the cold outside. In her free time, she can be found longingly staring in the direction of the rink, awaiting the time she can join her compadres on ice (go LCJVGH!).
Jeremy Brezenoff ’16 (Technician/Co-Head of Sound Crew) With his eighth and final main stage production at the NEO, Jeremy has come full circle in his theatrical career at Loomis. He’s not only mixing the sounds with his co-star Emily, but he’s also handing his skills to the next generation of techies. He wishes all the best to the actors and salutes everyone who will help keep the spirit of the theater alive.
Haley Cass ’18 (Technician/Lighting Crew) Hailing from Chapel Hill, NC, Haley is a new sophomore to Loomis Chaffee this year, and a resident of Richmond Hall. She is very excited to work as a technician on Young Frankenstein! This is Haley’s first year involved in theater, and she’s especially hyped to dive into the world of tech! Haley is a Scorpio and enjoys sleeping.
Claire Collins ’18 (Technician/Sound Crew) Claire, from Richmond Hall by way of Darien, CT, enjoys long walks on the beach. When she’s not melodically playing guitar or lamenting the days of yore, she is breathing. Her heart belongs to the mountains, and she aspires to be a nomad. Ginga-ninja by birth, sound guy by nature, Claire somehow remains human.
Victoria Creel ’16 (Assistant Production Manager) This is Victoria’s fourth show in the NEO. In her junior year, she joined the lighting crew for the fall play and, ever since, she has gotten more and more interested in theatre. She has learned things from basic construction to ticket management, and she has enjoyed every minute of the experience. Besides theatre, Victoria also loves to draw and paint.
The Technical Crew
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Zane Diamond ’16 (Technician/Head of Lighting Crew) Props. Sets. Sound. Lighting. Long ago, the four techies lived in together harmony. Then everything changed when the rainwater attacked. Only a senior, master of all four elements, could stop them. But when the world needed them most, they vanished. Three months later, Zane is back for his 4th show (on lighting). I believe Zane can light the stage.
Jet Elbualy ’18 (Technician/Follow Spot Operator) From the bayou of New Orleans to the bustling metropolis of Windsor, Jet has always been involved in the world of theater, running lights, writing scripts, doing stage makeup, and learning to operate power tools at the ripe age of ten. When not fighting the patriarchy, Jet can be found doing makeup, playing their cello, piano, ukulele, or harmonica, and falling off horses.
Emily Esposito ’16 (Technician/Co-Head of Sound Crew) Emily has so many people to thank for her time in the NEO. To the actors, y’all are the bomb. To the adults, sorry she was late and thanks for letting her use a saw. To her parents, look she still has all her limbs. To the techlings, don’t blow anything up til she gets back. To Dani, Jeremy, and Zane, thanks for being the best friends in the world.
Dani Paul Hove ’16 (Stage Manager) Nearing the end of his NEO career, Dani has enjoyed his time as Stage Manager, making sure to indulge in his share of power abuse. He still runs a non-profit out of South Africa called Root Mathematics Foundation (to which you can still donate). Dani has a profound lack of faith in his successors, but also wishes them the best.
Yousif Husain ’16 (Technician/Lighting Crew) Hobbies: beatboxing, watching TV shows, socializing. How he got into theatre: he was interested in theatre/acting; many actors were good friends of his, including his best friend, Brendan Nelson; he promised a new friend to join tech; he needed a new kind of adventure in his life, and he found it! A native of Bahrain, this is Yousif’s NEO debut.
Evan McDonagh ’17 (Technician/Lighting Crew) Ever nostalgic, Evan has returned for another round of theater tech for this winter’s musical. From the whispering pines on an alpine Vermontese slope or the slish-shlop of ice fishing, Evan embraces the cold. When not traipsing through the snow cover, this junior might be devouring a book or two on the couch while sipping hot chocolate.
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Mahek Pannu ’18 (Assistant Stage Manager) This is Mahek’s first year as an assistant stage manager, on the road to stage manager some day. So far she has successfully accomplished annoying Ramal and Dani. She also spends her time participating in various clubs, struggling with her mess of hair, singing all musical pieces during tech labs, and trying to be social.
Sherly Quezada ’19 (Technician/Sound Crew) Winter: 2001. The world was ready for a new Chosen One, and so on December 24th, a human of pure awesomeness was born. Their name was Sherly, and they were the perfect candidate for the LC Theater Tech School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Their skills with the soundboard and paint were pretty ok. Their eyebrows were on fleek. Sherly is also modest.
Ramal Rauf ’17 (Assistant Stage Manager) The NEO has quickly become Ramal’s favorite place on campus since becoming a part of the Tech Crew for Oklahoma! during her sophomore year and joining Stage Management for Cyrano this past fall. She has loved every second with the cast and crew of Young Frankenstein, and she hopes to continue her wonderful time at the NEO in future productions.
Marahyah Richardson ’19 (Technician/Follow Spot Operator) Do you feel that presence? Hear that sound? Someone’s lurking in the shadows of the NEO. Watching. Waiting. Scared? Well don’t be. It’s only Richie! Richie is a light techie who lurks the shadows looking for love and innocent victims. Nothing big. So enjoy the show. Richie is watching.
Ethan Twombly ’16 (Technician/Lighting Crew) The roughly 37 trillion cells that make up Ethan are excited to work on his first show as a techie. Previous credits: Cyrano, Pippin, Newsies, and The Wizard of Oz. His hobbies range from helping kittens on Sunday mornings to teaching archery during the summer. Thanks to everyone for graciously helping him on and off-stage.
Mark Valadez ’19 (Technician/Follow Spot Operator) This is the second tech experience for this Mexican, and he has found it incredibly fun to work on the show. He is also a player on the JV Hockey team. Mark likes trying new things whenever he has the opportunity. Whether he is eating a new type of food or studying over the summer to get his pilot’s license, he is always looking for an exciting adventure.
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Lisa Bebey (Costume Designer) Lisa has worked with the student crews designing and building costumes for the past 14 years at Loomis Chaffee. She was the Costume Shop Manager at Hartford Stage for 14 years, and has also built costumes for the Long Wharf Theatre, Goodspeed Opera, Theaterworks and the Yale Repertory Theatre. Lisa recently added the role of entrepreneur to her resume by opening her online shop, FairyGodmotherForHire.com, featuring custom dress up costumes for children.
Tate R. Burmeister (Lighting Designer) Tate has worked as a designer throughout Connecticut, Minnesota, California, and New York and is enjoying her seventh season as the lighting designer at the NEO. In addition to working as a designer, Tate is the Technical Director for the Ivoryton Playhouse. In Connecticut, she has designed for Playhouse on Park, Ivoryton Playhouse, Seven Angels Theatre, Hartford Stage Education Department, Oddfellows Playhouse, Albano
Ballet and others, as well as various local schools. Favorite lighting design credits include Metamorphoses (Loomis Chaffee), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Ivoryton Playhouse), Nuevo California, The Threepenny Opera (Oddfellows), and A Chorus Line (Merced, CA).
Candice Chirgotis (Production Manager) Candice became Head of the Theater & Dance Department in 2013 after a decade of working here as a teacher and as the production manager for the Norris Ely Orchard Theater. In her previous life, she was an adjunct professor of Dramatic Arts at UConn, and before that she was the Department Chair of Theater Design & Production at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. For 16 seasons Candice was—for over 100 professional
theater productions—the Production Manager at Hartford Stage. She earned her master’s degree in theater at the University of Illinois. Candice considers herself incredibly fortunate to get to teach, learn, and make plays with these hardworking, talented and fun Loomis Chaffee student technicians and performers. She would like to take this opportunity to sincerely express how much she admires, appreciates, and is grateful for such creative, devoted, and generous professional theater collaborators and faculty colleagues.
Susan Barone Chrzanowski (Music Director/Pit Conductor) Young Frankenstein marks Sue’s 18th NEO winter musical and 21st NEO production overall. Sue praises this year’s cast, crew, and pit orchestra for bringing to life the thrilling musical theater piece Young Frankenstein. At Loomis Chaffee, Sue serves as Music Department Chair and Choral/Vocal Director. An active guest clinician, Sue
The Production Team
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specializes in healthy vocal production and the changing voice. In the voice studio, on the stage, and in the choral ensemble, Sue emphasizes a whole person, mindful approach to singing and performing. Under Sue’s direction, the LC Chamber Singers were featured performers at CT state conferences. In addition to serving as guest conductor and chairperson of various CT music festivals, Sue has been involved in state and eastern divisions of NAFME and ACDA, and she served as director of UCONN Treblemakers Children’s Choir and co-director of the Windsor Island Girls. At LC, Sue has held the William Cosgove Card Instructorship in Music and was a recipient of the Austin Wicke Memorial Prize for Teaching. In addition, she was awarded The Cheshire Academy Faculty Excellence Award, The Cheshire Academy Community Service Award for Faculty, and the Morton Prize for Teaching. Sue hopes you enjoy all the music in g sharp minor, the meter changes every 12 measures, and the very spooky sounds emanating from the NEO “pit”—she certainly does!
Rachel M. Engelke (Playbill Editor) In her 16th year on the Island, Rachel is Head of the History, Philosophy, Religious Studies & Social Science Department, a resident in Palmer Dorm, and she serves as the adviser to Model UN and the Loomis Chaffee World Bulletin. A long-time friend of the NEO Theater, Rachel made her assistant directing debut in 2011 with The Boy Friend, while Young Frankenstein is Rachel’s 25th production as playbill editor. She would like
to express her sincere appreciation to everyone in the cast and crew for their cooperation and good humor as she hounded them for bios, photos, endless lists, and other minutiae.
Ken Jones (Technical Director) Ken is delighted to work in his fourth season at the NEO Theater with the fabulous Young Frankenstein crew. Ken has directed and taught theater craft in the region since 2003, for over 75 productions with Canton MS/HS, Avon High School, Avon Summer Theatre, Theatre Guild of Simsbury, and last, but not least, The Loomis Chaffee NEO Theater. He is also Vice President of Theater Operations for Farmington Valley Stage Company in Canton.
Kate Loughlin (Choreographer) Kate has been the dance teacher and choreographer at Loomis Chaffee since 2009. She began her dance life as an Irish Step Dancer at age three, and never looked back. Trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and choreography, Kate credits her teachers and mentors with leading her to the fulfilling career she loves. Kate earned her BA in Dance was graduated Cum Laude by Connecticut College in 1998. She taught at Choate Rosemary Hall for ten
years before coming to Loomis Chaffee to work with the most talented, dedicated and hard working students in the world. There is a saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” and Kate gets to live that every day.
The dancers and actors at LC give Kate joy, purpose, inspiration, and happiness, and she counts herself as one of the luckiest people in the world because of these students. Thank you for coming out to support our cast and crew, and please enjoy the show!
Derek Martinez ’16 (Student Assistant Director) For his eighth, and final, NEO mainstage production, Derek is grateful for the opportunity to step off the boards and learn the art of directing for Young Frankenstein. Recent productions include this fall’s Cyrano and last spring’s Oklahoma! He would like to thank Mr. McCamish for his remarkable guidance and commitment, Ms. Chirgotis for her unwavering support… and Kirsten, for her heart of passion and adventure.
David McCamish (Director) David is thrilled to direct Young Frankenstein, his eighth show at Loomis. A Bluegrass native, David has performed and directed across the United States. This past summer, he played Bottom in ArtFarm’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, created fight choreography for Hartford Stage’s Breakdancing Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and Hamlet, taught Stage Combat at the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan
University, and attended the International Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland with the aspiration of taking Loomis students to perform at the festival in the future. In 2014, David received acclaim for his direction of All’s Well That Ends Well with Capital Classics and for his work with Breakdancing Shakespeare. Regionally, he has taught theatre classes for The Long Wharf Theatre, Hartford Stage Company, CCY, Wesleyan University, Hartford Performers, CREC, Manhattan Edge, and CRG Collective. He is an adjunct professor at the Hartt School and was a core faculty member at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. David has been seen in New York City at Lucille Lortel, 45th Street Playhouse, New Perspectives, @here, Manhattan Edge, Collective Unconscious, The Sandy Meisner Theatre, 23rd Street Studio and with Shakespeare’s Sister Company. He played Henry in the national tour of The Fantasticks. Locally, David has performed with Bated Breath Theatre Company, ArtFarm, Capital Classics, Oddfellows, HartBeat Ensemble, and has provided fight choreography for Loomis Chaffee, Hartford Stage, OP, Classical Magnet, GHAA and CCY. David wishes to thank his wife and family for all their support.
Karen Sparks Mellon (Set Designer) Sparks has been a set designer and scenic artist in the Hartford/New Haven area since 1979. This is her 19th season, and 37th production, as Loomis Chaffee’s set designer. Sparks has designed scenery for, among others, Amherst College, the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, CPTV, Lincoln Theatre, the New England Actors Theatre, the Portland Stage Company, Trinity College, and the University of Hartford. As a scenic
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artist, Sparks worked for the Hartford Stage Company and was a freelance painter for the Long Wharf Theatre and the Goodspeed Opera House. Other projects include backdrop design for the last G. Fox Christmas windows in downtown Hartford, interior painting for the first Banana Republic in New York City, and whitewashing the inside of a barn for the movie Funny Farm. She is currently a faculty member at The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where she was named Artist-Instructor of the Year in May 2008.
Alexandra Nattrass (Properties Designer/Scenic Artist) Alex is excited to be working on her second production at Loomis Chaffee. When she is not making props, she freelances as a costumer in Connecticut and New York. Previous theatrical jobs have included on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and many regional theaters, including Hartford Stage and the Long Wharf Theater. Alex spends her summers working in the costume shop at the Castleton Festival in Virginia. She is
an alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Alex was voted Class Clown and Class Scientist in eighth grade.
Kyle Olmstead (Sound Designer) Kyle is an active audio engineer, bassist, and educator. He teaches more than a dozen private bass students each week, and performs in groups that include the Cape Ann Symphony and the Gordon Symphony Orchestra. As an audio engineer, Kyle works as a sound designer and production sound engineer for theaters throughout New England. Recently, Kyle has designed sound for productions by Central Square Theater, The Barnstormers
Theatre, Curry College, The Loomis Chaffee School, The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, and Hartford Children’s Theatre. He has also worked as an audio engineer and production sound engineer for the Hartford Stage. Previously, he worked under renowned sound designer Frank Gaeta, owner of Sound For Film in Los Angeles, California. While there, Kyle worked on films such as Twilight, Taking Chance, and Surfer, Dude, with actors and directors that included Matthew McConaughey, Catherine Hardwicke, Robert Pattinson, and Kristen Stewart.
Kate Saxton (Assistant Director) Kate is an English teacher, theater aficionado, and all-around arts enthusiast. She is a violinist/violist who has spent as much time in the pit as she has on stage. Her credits at Yale University include Sweeney Todd and Cosi Fan Tutte. This is Kate’s second NEO production, and she feels incredibly privileged to work with such professional young people and such youthful professionals. Many thanks to the talented directors and
production team for making this show possible and to the amazing, talented cast for making it all worthwhile.
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Madden Aleia ’16 (Keyboard II) After a two-year hiatus, Madden is peripherally back in the NEO playing the synthesizer, which is like a piano but different. She’d like to thank Ms. Chrz, the cast, and especially Josie for keeping her updated on all the NEO drama! In lieu of flowers, Madden would like you to #FeeltheBern
Andrew Donshik ’18 (Keyboard III/Bass) Andrew is very excited to debut in the pit for the production of Young Frankenstein. He studied classical piano for six years before switching to jazz study. He is involved in four music groups at Loomis, and would like to thank Mrs. Chrz for letting him know about this opportunity.
Deborah Feifer ’17 (Trombone) Deborah is extremely excited to be joining the NEO for her third year, having performed in Urinetown and Oklahoma! in the past. She enjoys working with everyone in the NEO, and would like to thank her parents for their support and for always making sure she was where she needed to be. To the performers, break a leg, and to the audience, enjoy the show!
Molly Forrester ’19 (Clarinet) Molly is very excited for her first year in the pit orchestra. She has played the clarinet since 4th grade and is a member of Chamber Music and Concert Band. Molly would like to thank her clarinet teacher for helping her succeed.
Rosie Park ’18 (Violin) Rosie first started playing violin in fifth grade. Her passion in music led her to join the pit orchestra this year. This is her first time playing for a musical and she is extremely excited to see how the show unfolds! Her hobbies include playing violin, playing badminton, making origami, snacking, and napping.
Riley Smith ’18 (Trumpet) Riley is very excited to play in the pit for her first time. She is a member of the Concert Band and the Jazz Band. Riley has been playing the trumpet for seven years, and she has traveled to New Orleans with a Big Band Orchestra.
Gloria Yi ’17 (Violin) Her love for music ever growing, Gloria is thrilled to perform again in the pit orchestra. Even when she is learning to be a graceful swan in ballet and is crafting complex sentences in other languages, music is always an integral part of her life. Gloria gives many, many thanks to her family, friends, and teachers for helping her find her path.
The Orchestra
