Meet the Cast

Sweet Charity

Book by Neil Simon

Music by Cy Coleman

Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh

Based on the film Nights of Cabiria by Federico Fellini

March 13-23, 2008

Held over 3/29-3/30

 Produced by Special Arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library

NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR …

The bittersweet story of Charity Hope Valentine has had many incarnations. Based on the Italian film, Nights of Cabiria by Federico Fellini, the story follows a young woman searching for love only to find heartbreak. Mistreated and taken by everyone, she meets a man who promises her a respectable and happy future only to find more obstacles along her way. When Cy Coleman, Carolyn Leigh, the brilliant Neil Simon, and director Bob Fosse acquired the screenplay, they turned it into one of America’s most beloved musicals. After its original opening in 1966, starring Gwen Verdon, a subsequent film version followed (with Shirley McLaine) as well as two Broadway revivals. With the exciting musical styles of the 1960’s and the famous choreography of Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity has lasted over 40 years and will probably last 40 more.

I have been very fortunate to have worked with some outstanding and talented people over the last 20 years, and I feel honored to be able to work with the people you see (and don’t see) here today/tonight. Without the skillful organization and dedication of Dianna Hanger (aka the lighting princess), I would have gone out of my mind. As always, I am honored to work with James Demetrius once again. He never fails to inspire and amaze me. Kathy Sutton’s costumes were right on target, as were the props by the ever-talented Ro Grenelle, Thom Duke, and Patti Caccamo. The fantastic crew and orchestra continue to make this show look and sound fantastic. I was lucky to be able to work with the incredibly dependable David Jung. I would have been lost without my right hand, Colleen Boylan, who keeps the show running smoothly, and I have to thank Emi Stefanov for bringing her talent and bright smile to this side of the bay. She is talented and dedicated and I treasure each show that we work on together. I need to take a moment to mention three men who have inspired me with this show: Rocco Morabito (who understands this show), and Ronnie DeMarco and Fadi Akhtar who inspired me to love the work of Bob Fosse. Last but not least, I thank the cast. They work day jobs or go to school and come to the theatre to be part of this wonderful experience night after night. Without their skillful talent and dedication to their art, we wouldn’t be able to sit in the dark and be taken to another world.

I hope you enjoy this show as much as we do, and get ready to cheer along with Charity as she warms your heart and reminds you to Dream Your Dream.

MEET THE DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER

James Grenelle - For over twenty years, James has appeared on and off stage locally. Favorite credits include: Crazy For You (Bobby) at SPLT, My Favorite Year (Benjy), A Chorus Line (Bobby) and Cabaret (Emcee) at EOT, and Dames At Sea (Lucky) and How To Succeed (Bud Frump) at FWP. As a director/choreographer, James has staged several productions including The Man Who Came to Dinner, Anything Goes, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Stepping Out, Oliver!, and this past season’s acclaimed musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. He is delighted to work with several of those cast members once again as well as some new faces to FWP! As always, a big thank you to the cast, Emi and Colleen, his mom (I love you!) and his wonderful partner, Brian.

Cast of Characters (in order of appearance):

Charity Hope Valentine........................................... Capria Pichette

Charlie ................................................................. Cengiz Dokumaci

Married Couple.......................... Linda Roth-Grayne & Justin Cabarga

Ice Cream Vendor......................................................... Colin Taylor

Baseball Player............................................................. Steven Fox

Spanish Young Man............................................. Timothy Magidson

Dirty Old Man ............................................................ Jason Fortner

Passersby ..................................... Lauren Clark, Lindsay Clemmons,
.................... Stephanie Fox, Justin Cabarga, Erin Clauer, Chris Bragg,
.............  .....Gene Kachurak, Lauren Clark, Matt Ardoin, Karlyn Koebe

Cops............................................... Craig Ruska & Cengiz Dokumaci

Helene..................................................................... Joanne Mangru

Nickie.................................................................. Latoya McCormick

Carmen............................................................... Linda Roth-Grayne

Suzanne..................................................................... Karlyn Koebe

Frenchy..................................................................... Stephanie Fox

Betsy............................................................................ Lauren Clark

Elaine............................................................................. Erin Clauer

Carlotta................................................................Lindsay Clemmons

Herman ...................................................................... Jason Fortner

Marvin............................................................................ Steven Fox

Panhandlers.................................... Lauren Clark, Cengiz Dokumaci,
............................................................ Karlyn Koebe, Justin Cabarga

Doorman........................................................................ Colin Taylor

Ursula March............................................................. Stephanie Fox

Vittorio Vidal............................................................ Gene Kachurak

Frug Dancer................................................................. Lauren Clark

Waiter........................................................................... Chris Bragg

Manfred......................................................................... Matt Ardoin

YMCA Information Booth Girl...................................... Karlyn Koebe

Oscar Lindquist............................................................ Craig Ruska

Daddy Brubeck......................................................... Justin Cabarga

Daddy’s Assistants.............................. Stephanie Fox & Lauren Clark

Rosie.................................................................. Lindsay Clemmons

Barney.......................................................................... Colin Taylor

Good Fairy..................................................................... Erin Clauer

Dancers/Parishioners/Ensemble ............... Matt Ardoin, Chris Bragg,

................ Colleen Boylan ,Justin Cabaraga, Lauren Clark, Erin Clauer,

....................... Lindsay Clemmons, Cengiz Dokumaci, Stephanie Fox,

.................................... Steven Fox, Karlyn Koebe, Timothy Magidson,

...........................Joanne Mangru, Gene Kachurak, Latoya McCormick,

........................................................ Linda Roth-Grayne, Colin Taylor

 MEET THE CAST

Ardain, Matt (Ensemble) – President of Countryside High Drama Club, Matt is ecstatic to be performing in his first on stage community theater show.  His favorite role was Frog in “A Year with Frog and Toad” where he won All Star Cast at the Florida Theater Conference and at district level.  He was also awarded the Vera Bryant Scholarship for his set design for “Present Laughter.”  He would like to thank his family, James, Emi, and all of his friends.

Bragg, Chris (Ensemble) – Chris is performing for his second time on the FWP stage with this production.  He was most recently seen as part of the ensemble in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” here, and as Hans/Taxi man in “Cabaret” at EOT.  Chris would like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support, the cast and crew for being so great to work with, and James for casting him in another wonderful show.

Cabarga, Justin (Daddy Brubeck) – Justin is super excited to be doing his first show at FWP.  You may remember him in his delightful interpretation of Linus in West Coast Player’s “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”  Justin wants to thank James for helping him to pretend to know how to dance, Lauren for once again being his big sister, and Serena for kicking his butt back into theater.

Clark, Lauren (Betsy/Frug Girl) – Lauren’s last appearance here at FWP was “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”  She also performed in “Barnum,” “La Cage aux Folles,” and “Anything Goes.”  At EOT, she was in “Cabaret,” “Urinetown” and “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” at West Coast Players.  She is so thrilled to be in another show with her new “Little Brother.”

Clauer, Erin (Elaine) – Erin is glad to be making her FWP debut.  Credits include “Pippin” (Catherine), “The Fantasticks” (The Mute), “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical” (Cousin Tilly), “Jekyll & Hyde” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”  She has also performed in Epcot’s Candlelight Processional.  Thank you to James and Emi, the cast and crew for making this such an enjoyable experience.  Much love and thanks to her family and friends for all the support and to Craig, well, for everything.

Clemmens, Lindsay (Rosie) – Lindsay is so excited to be working on her second show at FWP.  Her favorite role was Snail in “A Year with Frog and Toad” where she won Best Supporting Actress at the Florida Theater Conference and at district level competition.  She would like to thank her parents and of course, the lovely James and Emi.

Dokumaci, Cengiz (Ensemble) – Cengiz is glad to be back at FWP in his sixth show.  Some of his other roles were Bun-Foo in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Carl in “Bells Are Ringing” and Jacob in “La Cage aux Folles.”  Cengiz would like to thank James and Emi, as well as the cast and crew for another successful show.

Fortner, Jason (Herman) - Jason normally directs here at FWP, and has directed many musicals starting back with our very first musical Very Good Eddie.  Since then he has directed such FWP productions as Good News, Babes in Toyland, Dracula The Musical, Naughty Marietta, Rose Marie, She Loves Me, Meet Me In St. Louis, La Cage Aux Folles, How To Succeed, Of Thee I Sing and others.  On stage he directed and played the title role in our production of BARNUM.  Jason is looking forward to playing the role of Herman for James in this wonderful show.  Thanks to all who have supported him in local theater these past 35 years. Miss you, Bubi!

Fox, Stephanie (Ursula/Frenchy) – After a nine year break from theater, Stephanie is happy to return to theater at Francis Wilson Playhouse.  She would like to thank James and the gals at Premier Dance Academy.  Ms. Kathy, you even made me believe that I can dance.

 Fox, Steven (Ensemble) – Steven is thrilled to be returning to the FWP stage after recently performing in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”  He has previously been seen in “Urinetown,” “My Fair Lady,” and “Beauty and the Beast” at EOT, and was President of the Countryside High School Drama Club in 2006, where he performed in the tour of “School House Rock Live! Jr.”  Thanks to James and Emi for the wonderful experience, and as always to Mom, Dad, and Nana.

Kachurak, Gene (Vittorio Vidal) - Gene last appeared at FWP in “Man of La Mancha” (Dr. Carrasco).  Other favorite roles include: “Camelot” (Sir Dinadan), “Fiddler on the Roof” (Avram), and “Much Ado About Nothing” (Prince Don Pedro) at TSPAC; “A Midsummer Night's Dream” (Egeus) at EOT; “Murder At the Howard Johnson's” (Mitchell Lovell), “The Odd Couple” (Manolo), “As You Like It” (Duke Senior), and “Done To Death” (Whitney Olive).  Gene thanks the Maker of all things for His abundant gifts.

Koebe, Karlyn (Suzanne) – You might recognize Karlyn from her previous Francis Wilson shows “Bells Are Ringing” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie” where she played Olga, the screechy-voiced harlot bent on attending “the races!” and Ethel Peas, the southern belle destined for slavery in Hong Kong (respectively).  Karlyn currently serves coffee for a living but hopes to one day perform for a living instead.

Magidson, Timothy (Ensemble) – This is Timothy’s second show at Francis Wilson Playhouse after his debut last year as the Barber in “Man of La Mancha.”  He is so glad to be back and is very thankful for the opportunity.
 

Mangru-Salmon, Jo (Helene) – After seven years of directing, Jo has returned to the stage.  Directing credits include “Beyond Therapy,” “Fame,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Into The Woods.”  Acting credits include “The Crucible” (Tituba), “All’s Well That Ends Well” (Helena), “The Tempest” (Caliban), and “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Mary Magdalene).  Jo also currently teaches theater arts at Tampa Day School.  She would like to dedicate this performance to her grandmother who passed away this January.

McCormick, Latoya Alicia (Nickie) – Latoya is excited to be working with James and Emi again.  She recently appeared as Muzzy in FWP’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”  In 2007, Latoya won a Lary for favorite supporting actress in a musical for her role as Melba in “70, Girls, 70” (SPLT).  Some of her other favorite shows at SPLT include: “Red, Hot, and Cole,” “Nunsense,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Wizard of Oz,” and “The Oft-Told Story.”  She was also musical director of “My Way” at SPLT.  Latoya is a music teacher for the Pinellas County school system.  She says, “I would like to thank my amazing family and friends for all their continuous support and love.”

Pichette, Capria (Charity) – This is Capria’s debut performance with Francis Wilson Playhouse.  Recent credits include: “Man of La Mancha” (Aldonza), “It’s a Wonderful Life” (Mary Bailey), “Grease” (Frenchy), Lysistrata and Beckett One Acts: “Play” and “Catastrophe.”  Amongst performing Capria works in the arts as a choreographer.  Favorite shows include: “110 Degrees in the Shade,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Music of the Knight,” and “Grease.”  Capria would like to thank James and Emi, her mom, her friends and family for all their support, her husband Josh and God for all he has done for her.

Roth-Grayne, Linda (Carmen) – Always thrilled to get a chance to do what she loves, Linda is delighted to be a part of the cast of “Sweet Charity.”  Thank you, James for the opportunity!

 

Ruska, Craig (Oscar) – Craig is happy to make his debut with FWP.  He has performed with numerous theater companies in the bay area.  Favorite roles include Sid in “Pajama Game,” Man 1 in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” and Bobby in “Company.”  He would like to thank James, Emi, his family, wonderful cast, crew and especially Erin.

Taylor, Colin (Ensemble) – Colin is ecstatic to be returning to the FWP stage.  He was last seen as a member of the ensemble in the fantastic “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”  Some of his other favorite roles include Felix Unger in “The Odd Couple” and Tom in “School House Rock Live!”  both at Countryside High School.  He would like to thank Steven, Karlyn, Lindsay, and his parents for their constant support.

MEET THE STAGE MANAGER

Colleen Boylan – This is Colleen’s 13^th show at FWP!  She most recently worked backstage on “Bells Are Ringing” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie” both at FWP and was also seen onstage as “Laura” in “The Glass Menagerie” at WCP.  Special thanks to Chris, David, and James for helping her deal with her crazy schedule!

 Production Staff – Sweet Charity

Director/Choreographer................................................ James Grenelle

Musical Director............................................................. Emi Stefanov

Stage Manager............................................................ Colleen Boylan

Assistant to the Stage Manager.......................................... David Jung

Assistant to the Director................................................. Brian Stipsits

Costumes...................................................................... Kathy Sutton

Lighting Design........................................................... James Grenelle

Lighting & Sound.......................................................... Dianna Hanger

Follow Spot...................................................................... Thom Duke

Props.................................... Ro Grenelle, Thom Duke, Patti Caccamo

Crew...................... George Lynch, Kathleen Goelz (Pending Additional)

Producer

Dianna Hanger

Set Design, Artistry & Construction

Jim Demetrius

First Nighters

Patti Baldwin – Chairperson

Synopsis

ACT ONE

Overture....................................................................... The Orchestra

Scene 1: The park, New York in the 1960’s

You Should See Yourself......................................................... Charity

Scene 2: The Hostess Room of the Fan-Dango Ballroom

Scene 3: The Fan-Dango Ballroom

Big Spender............................................. Nickie, Helene, and the girls

Charity’s Soliloquy.................................................................. .Charity

Scene 4: The exterior of the Pompeii Club

Scene 5: Inside the Pompeii Club

Rich Man’s Frug............................................................... The dancers

Scene 6: Vittorio Vidal’s Apartment

If My Friends Could See Me Now.............................................. Charity

Too Many Tomorrows............................................................... Vittorio

Scene 7: The same; the next morning

If My Friends Could See Me Now (reprise................................... Charity

Scene 8: The Hostess Room

There’s Gotta be Something Better.................. Nickie, Helene & Charity

Scene 9: The local YMCA / Inside the elevator

I’m the Bravest Individual............................................ Charity & Oscar

ACT TWO

Entr’acte...................................................................... The Orchestra

Scene 1: Still in the elevator

Scene 2: The Rhythm of Life Church

Rhythm of Life..................Daddy, Daddy’s Assistants, and Parishioners

Scene 3: The Subway

Scene 4: The Hostess Room

Baby, Dream Your Dream........................................... Nickie & Helene

Scene 5: Coney Island

Sweet Charity........................................................................... Oscar

Scene 6: The Fan-Dango Ballroom / A phone booth

Where Am I Going?................................................................. Charity

Scene 7: Barney’s Chile Hacienda

I’m a Brass Band.................................................. Charity & Ensemble

Scene 8: The Fan-Dango Ballroom

I Love to Cry at Weddings..................... .Herman, Hostesses & Patrons

Scene 9: The park

Finale.................................................................................... .Charity