Director’s Notes

Welcome to BELLS ARE RINGING, a shining example of classic Musical Comedy, as created by Jule Styne (Music) with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (Book & Lyrics). This show was inspired by an ad for a New York answering service and the desire by Comden & Green to write a musical for their old friend Judy Holliday. Despite Judy's reservations about her singing abilities, the show opened on Broadway to rave reviews and a long run, introducing such standards to the Broadway musical jukebox as "The Party's Over" and "Just In Time".  The original cast on Broadway included Sydney Chaplin as "Jeff", Jean Stapleton as "Sue" and Eddie Lawrence as "Sandor" directed by Jerome Robbins and choreographed by Robbins and Bob Fosse. On film, Judy Holliday played opposite Dean Martin as "Jeff" with Eddie Foy, Jr. playing "Sandor" opposite Jean Stapleton as "Sue", the final musical of the Arthur Freed unit of MGM, directed by Vicente Minnelli.

In our modern age of cell phones, text messaging, computers and other forms of instant cross-communication the idea of a person sitting at a switchboard routing calls may seem archaic, but as performed by the lead character "Ella", it makes one long for the personal touch of the good old days. Next time you get an electronic voice asking you to "press 1 for this" and "press 2 for that", think back to the days when service was indeed personal and one on one.

So let's go back to the mid 1950's. Debbie was still with Eddie not Liz, television made stars out of Lucy & Desi, and the Cha Cha Cha was all the rage. Enjoy BELLS ARE RINGING...

Cast of Characters

(in order of appearance)

Sue..................................................................................Glenda Belcher

Gwynne............................................................................Carolyne Weber

Ella Peterson.....................................................................Kathleen Goelz

Carl................................................................................Cengiz Dokumaci

Inspector Barnes....................................................................John Fudens

Francis..................................................................................Chris Strong

Sandor....................................................................................Ed McNally

Jeff Moss............................................................................Michael Raabe

Larry Hastings....................................................................Greg Giannuzzi

Dr. Kitchell........................................................................George Kolitsas

Blake Barton..........................................................................Dale Badway

Olga.....................................................................................Karlyn Koebe

Man from Corvello Mob............................................................J.T. Crowder

Carol......................................................................................Katy Gaudet

Paul Arnold......................................................................Anthony Sheldon

Michelle............................................................................Amy Ludkiewicz

Master of Ceremonies........................................................Brandon Brinson

Singer at Nightclub..................................................................J.T. Crowder

Madam Grimaldi..................................................................Nancy Metzger

Ensemble: Austin Hammesfahr, Cathy Sensibaugh, Ellie Levine, John Hughes, Karen Cameron, Laurel Braswell, Margaret Boylan, Matthew Barnes, Pat Hughes, Patti Caccamo

Musicians

Conductor/Pianist.................................................................... Mark Jelks

Flute....................................................................................... Julie Tatro

Reeds............................................................................ Denise Isaacson

Trumpet........................................................................... Alan Stegeman

Trombone................................................................... Frank Pendergrass

Percussion........................................................................... Alan Brooks

MEET THE CAST

(in alphabetical order)

BADWAY, DALE (Blake Barton) An actor/producer in NYC, Dale is delighted to return the wonderful stage of the Francis Wilson Playhouse.  Dale appeared in the very first musical production here “Very Good Eddie” as well as “Good News” and the operettas “Rose Marie” and “Naughty Marietta”.  Dale has starred in numerous productions at Ruth Eckerd Hall including Horace Vandergelder in “Hello Dolly!”, Billy Bigelow in “Carousel” , Harold Hill in “The Music Man,” Curly in “Oklahoma!” and Conrad Birdie in the national tour of “Bye, Bye Birdie” which played in 26 states.  TV/Film Credits: Loving (ABC), The City (ABC), Passenger 57 (Warner Brothers), Matinee (Universal).  Dale is the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of Badway On Broadway Productions.

BARNES, MATTHEW (Ensemble) Matthew is a senior at Largo High School.  He is the secretary of Lyrical Assault, an all male a cappella chorus.  He has performed in Brigadoon as Sandy Dean, and Hello Dolly as part of the chorus.  He is also currently a student conductor for LHS Concert Choir.
 

BELCHER, GLENDA (Sue) After playing Mammy Yokum in “Li’l Abner” as a teenager, I became hooked on any and all things theatre.  Additional roles have included Adelaide in “Guys & Dolls”, Aveen Aggravain in “Once Upon a Mattress”, Yentl in “Fiddler on the Roof” and other assorted roles through the years.  I love being a part of FWP.  To my husband Dennis, TTMAB!

BOYLAN, MARGARET (Ensemble) Margaret is happy to be sharing the stage with so many of her talented theatre friends.  She was last seen here at FWP in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” as many very different characters.

 

BRASWELL, LAUREL E. (Ensemble) Mother of two girls. Member of Clearwater Arts Foundation.  Previous performances: Viney in “The Miracle Worker”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Hello Dolly” and winner of a Lary award for the role of Ruth in the play “A Raisin In The Sun” at Stage Agenda.  I am so glad to be at Francis Wilson again.  Thank you!
 

BRINSON, BRANDEN (Emcee, Ensemble) My first community theater show was “Hello Dolly”, and it opened a lot of doors for me.  I get to meet a wonderful group of people, and was nominated for a Lary!  I’ve done lots of high school shows – “Scrooge”, “Oklahoma”, and “Cinderella”.  I love the people I’m with and I love performing for the audience and I want to thank Mrs. Nancy Tepper for building my talent and being an amazing teacher.  Thanks to God, Jason Fortner, and Mrs. Tucker. 

CAMERON, KAREN (Ensemble) Karen is excited to be in her first production at Francis Wilson and to be working again with Jason Fortner.  She appeared in City Players’ “Hello Dolly”.  She is a member of The Improvables, an improv troupe.  Thanks to Jason, Mark, Janet, the cast and everyone who made this show so much fun!  A very special thanks to my family, especially my children and friends for their love, understanding and support.  I love you all!

CACCAMO, PATTI (Ensemble) Patti has been performing at Francis Wilson since 2002 and has loved every minute of it.  Favorites include “Naughty Marietta” and “How to Succeed in Business”.  She loves every aspect of theater and thanks Jason for all his valuable directing.

CROWDER, J.T. (Soloist and Mob) currently fronts the local variety and dance band Voodoo Pirates.  He has appeared in Jeckel & Hyde (Spyder, Savage, & Poole), “La Cage aux Folles” (Hercule & Derrick), Damn Yankees (Sohovic), and Goddess of the Teeming Masses (Felix).  Appears weekly with Murder She Wrote murder mystery dinner theatre troupe.  Also appeared in R/T, video, and film including Dr. G Medical Examiner, the award winning film “Taking The Turn” (Buck) and various other commercial and dramatic roles.  Please visit voodoopirates.com.

DOKUMACI, CENGIZ (Carl) Cengis is glad to be making his stage re-debut in “Bells Are Ringing” at FWP.  He was previously seen in what he calls “his bestest role” as Jacob in “La Cage aux Folles” here at FWP.  He was also seen as a crazy convict in the “The Man Who Came to Dinner” and an American Photographer #1/French Boy #2 in “Of Thee I Sing” also at FWP.
 

FUDENS, JOHN (Inspector Barnes) Enjoying being back at FWP.  This is where I first started acting in “Tea House of the August Moon”.  My favorite theater.

GAUDET, KATY (Carole,Ensemble) It’s been two long years since Katy has trodden the FWP boards (Barnum) but boy, is she glad she’s back!!!  Latest endeavors include “My Fair Lady” and “Urinetown” (Ma Strong) at 8 O’clock Theater.  As always, she’d like to send love and gratitude to husband, Dave – “the most patient man on earth.”  Thanks for all the fun, Jason!

GIANNUZZI, GREG (Larry Hastings/Ensemble) Greg prays each day that someone will finally stop those bells from ringing.  They are keeping him up at night.
 

GOELZ, KATHLEEN (Ella Peterson) Kathleen is so happy to be working with this great group of friends (old and new).  Her last appearance at FWP was as Aldonza/Dulcinea in “Man of La Mancha”.  Other performances include Eliza Doolittle, “My Fair Lady” (TSPAC), Mrs. Sowerberry, “Oliver” (FWP), Diana Devereaux, “Of Thee I Sing” (FWP), Marion Paroo, “The Music Man” (FWP), and Fiona in “Brigadoon” (FWP) (Lary Award).  Many thanks to Jason and Mark for this opportunity.

HAMMESFAHR, AUSTIN (Ensemble) Austin would like to thank his friends and family for their support.  He would also like to thank Jason for his amazing guidance and the cast for their incredible performances.  He would also like to thank the choreographer, stage manager, and music director for helping him to become a better person.

HUGHES, JOHN (Ensemble) “Bells Are Ringing” is right up my alley!! I’ve been hearing bells and voices all my life.  I feel right at home – OH!!  Bye the way do you mind answering the door!!
 

HUGHES, PAT (Ensemble) This is Pat’s fifth appearance at FWP.  She’s delighted to be back.  Pat has performed with Highland Lakes Little Theater, Clearwater City Players, West Coast Players and Avenue Players.  Thank you, Jason.  You make it all happen.  Love ya!

KOEBE, KARLYN (Olga/Ensemble) Karlyn is a 20 year old college student who is enjoying her first show here at Francis Wilson.  Her previous experience includes community theatre productions of “Peter Pan” and “Cinderella”….”If the Shoe Fits.”  Her resume also boasts a number of high school shows such as Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”, “Edelweiss”, and “Kilroy Was Here”.  Karlyn hopes everyone is having as much fun as she is.

KOLITSAS, GEORGE (Dr. Kitchell/Ensemble) Last appeared on FWP’s stage in October 2006 in “The Bishop Misbehaves”.  In July 2007, he appeared in “Hello, Dolly” at Ruth Eckerd Hall for City Players, Inc. as a dancing waiter and the judge.  Many thanks to you, the audience, for your support of live theatre.  For Daphne.

LEVINE, ELLIE (Ensemble) Ellie was last seen at FWP in “Oliver”.  She performed in Jason Fortner’s production of “Bells Are Ringing” in 1994 where she shared the stage with hubby, Mitchell (Dr. Kitchell) and son, Matthew (Jimmy Mallett).  Ellie works as a medical transcriptionist in her hubby’s surgical practice.  She wishes to thank her family for always supporting her “theatre thing”.
 

LUDKIEWICZ, AMY (Michelle/Ensemble) Amy is fairly new to the Tampa Bay area.  Having recently graduated with an English degree from Elan University, her only regional performance was in City Players’ “Hello Dolly”.   Favorite rolls include Cinderella in “Cinderella” with the Hartford Ballet; soloist in “Cabaret”, a New England youth tour; Carrie Pipperage, in “Carousel”; Yonah, in “Children of Eden”; and Phillia, in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”.

McNALLY, ED (Sandor) Eddie is pleased to be working with the talented director, Jason Fortner, once again!  Eddie’s daily life requires a grasp on a wide range of role playing as husband, father, son-in-law, employee, gardener, handy man, etc…But, he is quite excited for this opportunity to use his skills as an actor and singer.  Eddie extends love and thanks to his family for always supporting his interest and his needs.

METZGER, NANCY (Madame Grimaldi/Ensemble) Nancy stays involved with Francis Wilson Playhouse – House Manager on the 1^st Sundays, and Usher on the 2^nd Wednesdays.  She’s played Mary Bok, the benefactor who funded the original playhouse, in “Francis Wilson: The Musical”,  Aunt Eller in “Oklahoma”, and Reno Sweeney in “Anything Goes”.  Nancy did this show 12 years ago, with Jason Fortner, and wanted an encore!  Thanks to husband, Bob, for his love and support.

RAABE, MICHAEL (Jeff Moss) Michael is excited to be making his FWP debut working with such a nice group of people.  Favorite roles include the Beast in EOT’s “Beauty and the Beast” and Frankie in “Forever Plaid.”  Special thanks to Fortner, Janet, and an “amazing family”.  Much love to JW.  You have SO much love to give, thank you for giving it to me!  I’ve truly ‘found my way!’ This show is for Grandma for her courage and constant faith.

SENSIBAUGH, CATHY (Ensemble) Cathy was raised on Indian Rocks Beach.  Mother of 3 boys.  Previous experience as a member of the Music Box Theater Group with roles in the “Merry Widow” and “Naughty Marietta” and the SPJC production of “I Remember Mama” as Dagmar and as Lucy in “The Three Penny Opera.”

SHELDON, ANTHONY (Paul/Ensemble) After his debut at Francis Wilson as Geoffrey in “Steppin Out,” Anthony has been bitten by the Theatre Bug!  Sharing his love for singing and acting with his partner Mark A Jelks.  With walk on roles in “Joseph…Dream Coat”, and Pig Pen in “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown”, Anthony is excited to be in “Bells Are Ringing”.  Mark you are my hero forever and I Love You!  And a special shout out to Joanie & the Pussy Cat “Dogs”, Mo’ Ginge & Co., The Fab 5 Chillens, J&B, Rocco and Oz!  “Keep On Dancing!”

STRONG, CHRISTOPHER (Francis) Chris is thrilled to be back doing a show at Francis Wilson.  He is ecstatic to be playing Francis again, a role he did 12 years ago.  And he is excited to be working with such a talented cast and crew!

 

WEBER, CAROLYNE (Gwynn/Ensemble) Carolyne is very pleased to be performing in her first show with FWP and with such a talented director, cast, and crew.  Recent projects include “Urinetown” and “My Fair Lady” with 8 O’Clock Theater and “Don’t Hug Me” with Salerno Theatre.  Carolyne is also a recurring National Anthem singer with the Clearwater Thrashers.  As always he would like to thank her husband Frank, Mom, Dad, and sister, Elizabeth, for their support.

Meet The Stage Manager

TUCKER, JANET   I’m happy to be back at Francis Wilson again managing for “one of my Jasons”…always fun and an honor!  Thanks to Jason I have been managing shows for 10 years and it is a privilege to be back at Francis Wilson.  Thanks Jason, for keeping me off the streets and in these great shows!