cast and creative
IVAN RUTHERFORD (Jean Valjean) Broadway: Les Misérables (Jean Valjean 10th Anniversary Co., 2007 revival), Titanic (2nd Officer Charles Lightoller). National Tours and Regional: Les Misérables Third National (Jean Valjean), Les Misérables /Sacramento Music Circus 07 (Jean Valjean), Les Misérables/St Louis Muny 07 (Jean Valjean), Kismet (The Caliph), West Side Story (Tony), Drama-Logue Award for South Pacific (Joe Cable). Most recent project was the workshop recording of Frankenstein as Victor Frankenstein. Ivan has performed the role of Jean Valjean over 2000 times on Broadway and across the nation, and received a “Best Actor” nomination from the First Annual National Broadway Theatre Awards held at the Supper Club in NYC. A graduate of West Chester University, Ivan is also an accomplished drummer and a black belt recognized by the Japan Karate Association.
ANDREA MCARDLE (Fantine) Andrea first captured the hearts of theatergoers everywhere in 1977 when she originated the title role in the mega-musical Annie, and was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Lead Actress in a Musical and received the Theater World and Outer Critics’ Circle Awards for the girl with the red hair and big voice. She has honed her craft by working with such legends as Ethel Merman, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Bob Hope, Liberace, Frank Sinatra, Steve Martin and Martin Short, to name a few. Andrea starred in the Jerry Herman musical Jerry’s Girls, alongside Carol Channing and Leslie Uggams; she portrayed sassy Smoking Car, Ashley, in the original Broadway cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express; Meet Me In St. Louis (Esther, the Judy Garland role); They’re Playing Our Song (Sonia); The Fantasticks (Luisa); Evita (Eva Peron); Les Misérables (Fantine); the original Broadway cast of State Fair (Margy Frake), Oliver (Nancy); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator); Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle); Cabaret (Sally Bowles); Annie Get Your Gun (Annie Oakley); and the quintessential stage-mother in Gypsy; as well as Sandy, in Grease. She has had several remarkable television appearances through the years including Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin and Dinah Shore shows along with several PBS concerts from the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.
JOSH YOUNG (Marius) Josh is thrilled to return to Ogunquit after making his professional theatrical debut here with Evita in 2003. Since then Josh has performed in the National Tour of Les Misérables(Marius) and in the International Tour of West Side Story (Tony). Off-Broadway Josh starred in The Woman Upstairs (Jack) and in the NYMF’s Warsaw (Roman). Most recently Josh was seen in the Baltimore Centerstage production of A Little Night Music (Henrik) starring Polly Bergen. Josh can next be seen in Hairspray (Link Larkin) at The Walnut Street Theatre. For other credits, or to order his self-titled debut album go to www.josh-young.com. His album is also available for sale in the lobby of this theater or on iTunes. BFA Syracuse University. This one’s for Grandpa Jay.
TODD ALAN JOHNSON (Javert) happily returns to the Playhouse after appearing in last season’s The King & I. Broadway: Aida. Tour: Les Misérables, and starred opposite Colm Wilkinson’s Valjean (Toronto 1998-99). Off-B’way: Newsical. 2008 Regional: Les Misérables (MSMT), Das Barbecü (Mason Street Warehouse); Dessa Rose (New Repertory Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors (AMTSJ). Many thanks to the producers and creative team for the opportunity; and to family, friends and Betsy for their love and encouragement.
RYAN LANDRY (Thenardier) began his theatrical career jumping through flaming hoops dressed as the Flying Nun at New York’s famed Pyramid Club. He then went on to join Charles Ludlam’s Ridiculous Theatrical Company before pursuing his own career as a playwright with his award-winning troupe, The Gold Dust Orphans. To date Landry has written over 35 original plays and musicals including: Plays: Pussy on the House (Cat on the Hot Tin Roof), Who’s Afraid of the Virgin Mary? A T-Stop Named Denial, The Plexiglass Menagerie, The Gulls, sCarrie, Medea, Silent Night of the Lambs, Joan Crawford’s Christmas on the Pole, How Mrs. Grinchley Swiped Christmas, The Milkman, Always Comes Twice, Madame eX, What the F@cks Up with Baby Jane? Death of a Saleslady, Suddenly Last Supper, The Elephant Lady, The Septic Wives, Valet of the Dolls, Dumb and Dahmer, Great Explanations and Lady Swigs the Booze, Musicals: Joan of Arkansas, Cleopatra, Cinderella Rocks! Rosemary’s Baby-the Musical, What’s Up Uranus?, The Sound of Muzak, Guys and Dogs, Whizzin, and Cameltoe. Landry is also the featured performer in the upcoming reality series “SHOWGIRLS.”
MARY CALLANAN (Madame Thenardier) is happy to be returning to the Playhouse, where she also appeared in Grease (Miss Lynch). Most recently, Mary appeared in Falsettos (Dr. Charlotte) at the Worcester Foothills. In Boston, Mary was in the long-running production of Menopause: The Musical at the Stuart Street Playhouse in Boston, where she also appeared in Respect: A Musical Journey. Mary has also been seen at North Shore Music Theatre in Damn Yankees and Letters From Nam. Mary earned an IRNE Nomination for her role in Overture Production’s Follies (Hattie) starring Len Cariou and was a part of the Elliot Norton and IRNE-Award winning production of Batboy: The Musical at SpeakEasy Stage. National: Cinderella (Queen), Sound Of Music (Frau Schmidt), Damn Yankees(Sister) and Big (Mrs. Baskin). Regional: Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), Sunday In The Park With George(Nurse), Chicago (Mama Morton), Violet (Old Lady), Late Night Catechism (Sister) and ALL the Nuns in Nunsense I & II! As a Cabaret Fellow of the O’Neill Theatre Center, Mary has performed her cabarets in Boston, Provincetown and New York. Mary, with her longtime partner Brian Patton have released their debut CD entitled How I Spent My Summer Vacation, available in the lobby of this theatre, on CDBaby.com or at www.marycallanan.com.
ALEXIS KALEHOFF (Eponine) Alexis is delighted to return to the show where at age 8, made her Broadway debut in the original production of Les Misérables as young Cosette/Gavroche. Alexis has appeared in Annie Get Your Gun (Nellie), Oliver (Fagins Boys), Regional & National Tour Productions. Her television credits include soloist in ABC’s “Disney Christmas Spectacular,” ABC’s “Soul Man,” “Andrea McArdle on Broadway” PBS Special. She has appeared at Radio City with Bernadette Peters. Her extensive studio work includes recordings with such artists as Ray Charles, Jewel & Chris Botti. She is the daughter of legendary Composer/Producer (Edd Kalehoff) and Actress Andrea McArdle. Alexis is looking forward to the release of her first original CD.
MARISSA SHELTRA (Cosette, Whore, Ensemble) Marissa feels blessed to be making her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse! A recent graduate of the Gordon College (Wenham, MA), she studied classical singing, participating in opera scenes, an operetta, and singing with the Jazz Ensemble. She is honored to be South Portland Lyric Music Theater’s Idol ME winner for 2007, to have sung Mozart’s Alleluia in Italy with the Gordon College Wind Ensemble, and to have studied at the Crescendo Summer Institute of Music in Hungary. She hopes to continue on in musical theater and study abroad at summer festivals before applying to graduate school for Voice Performance.
JOSH TOWER (Enjolras, Chain Gang) Josh is very proud to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut! Maine means LOBSTER!! One year out from a five year run on Broadway in Disney’s The Lion King (Simba). Most recently in Miss Saigon (John) at The MUNY in St. Louis. Other credits include: Ragtime(Broadway & Chicago), Dreamgirls, Chess, The Bubbly Black Girl…, The Alchemist, Leap of Faith, Langston in Harlem, The Times, Josephine’s Song, Once On This Island, Joseph…, Godspell, Baby, Avenue X, Three Penny Opera, Othello, As You Like It, Cymbeline, more of this, a bit of that, some T.V, some film. MFA, UNC Chapel Hill/ BA, Temple University. Proud Equity Member! Breath, Love and Freedom!!
BETSY ADKINS (Whore, Young Prostitute, Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at The Ogunquit Playhouse, after last season’s Crazy For You, and to be sharing a stage with Todd again! Other Regional Theatre includes: Funny Thing…Forum, Boston Theatre Works; 42nd Street, Reagle Players; The Wild Party(Lippa), New Rep; Pumpboys & Dinettes, Yadkin Arts Council. National & International Tours include: The Will Rogers Follies, FAME the Musical, Korea. Betsy also holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Tech Theatre. She would like to thank her Momma and Daddy for all their love and support.
RODERICK TYSON BORDEN (Ensemble) Roderick is honored and excited to have made his Ogunquit debut in Les Mis. He has just finished his training with The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and a summer internship with Maine State Music Theatre. He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and commitment to his career and thank Shaun, Ken, Robert and Ian for giving him their trust.
MILES BURNS (Brujon, Chain Gang, Factory Foreman, Sailor, Ensemble) Miles is very excited to be taking part in this exciting production. He is currently a voice major at the University of New Hampshire going into his senior year. He made his Ogunquit Playhouse debut this summer in High School Musical(Ripper). Other credits include Beauty and the Beast (Beast) at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre, The Wizard of Oz (Lion) at PPAF. He has been a member of the Granite State Opera ensemble as well as various opera roles at UNH including the title roles in Candide and The Tales of Hoffman. Thanks to Robert and Shaun.
MATT CLEMENS (The Bishop of Digne, Champmathieu, Grantaire, Sailor, Ensemble, Associate Director/Dance Captain,) makes his debut at Ogunquit Playhouse. Closing the Broadway Revival of Les Misérables (Swing/Dance Captain), he was invited to Western Michigan University as Guest Artist for the Spring 2008 semester. He toured with the Third National Tour of Les Misérables, performing in the historical Shanghai production, starring Colm Wilkinson, making Les Misérables the first western musical to play China. Other tours: Cinderella (Prince), USO Tour: In the Mood (Leading Baritone), and Side by Side by Sondheim (Leading Man), touring to Narashino for a cultural artistic exchange between the Japanese and American governments. Regional credits: Sweeney Todd (Anthony), Twelfth Night(Andrew Aguecheek), Company (Bobby) and The Barber of Seville (Figaro).
OLIVIA CLARK (Young Eponine) Olivia Clark is excited to be performing on the Ogunquit stage. She has appeared in a number of youth theatre productions at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth. Credits include Honk! (Fluff), Treasure Island (Mrs.Grundy), Jungle Book (Hanley), 101 Dalmatians (Ensemble), The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble) and Doctor Doolittle (Ensemble). Olivia has also played the role of Lucy in a school production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She is a 6th grader at Berwick Academy. Other interests include singing, animals, and skiing. She’s honored to be part of such an amazingly talented cast and thankful for this opportunity!
JOE COOPER (Babet, Farmer, Factory Worker, Chain Gang, Ensemble) A York, Maine native, Joe studied theatre, film and music at CUNY Hunter College in Manhattan. Recently you may have seen him in My Fair Lady(Ensemble) here at the Playhouse or Crazy For You (Moose) at The Palace Theatre. This spring Joe was awarded the Spotlight On The Arts Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Brad in The Rocky Horror Show at Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Thanks to Brad and Robert. Love and thanks to mom, dad and the core. Regional Credits: Full Monty (Dave), Into The Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), The Spitfire Grill (Caleb), ...Forum (Miles). Joe was also a recurring extra on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” J$. This season is for Nan.
CHRISSY DOBROWSKI (Whore, Urchin, Ensemble) Chrissy is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut in this production of Les Misérables. A resident of Florida, Chrissy last appeared in Cabaret (Sally Bowles) at the Largo Cultural Center for which she received a 2008 Lary Award nomination. Chrissy would like to extend her greatest thanks to the cast and crew for their immeasurable dedication and talents, her friends and family back home especially Lauren, Ryan, and Fadi. For Diane LaMontagne.
SUZANNE DRESSLER (Whore, Urchin, Ensemble) Suzanne is thrilled to be returning to the Ogunquit Playhouse where she was last seen in Cinderella with Leslie Uggams. National Tour: CATS(Jennyanydots). Regional: CATS (Jennyanydots), Cinderella (Ensemble), Guys and Dolls (Mimi, Adelaide u/s), et al. NY Theatre: George M. Cohan: In His Own Words (Ethel Levy), Mad About the Boy, NYC Fringe Festival. Reading: Pterodactyl Island. Special thanks to Shaun Kerrison and Ken Clifton for this wonderful experience and opportunity and Naomi Kolstein at KTA. Suzanne is a graduate of Barnard College with a B.A. in American Studies & Spanish. To Mom and David, I love you both very much. This show is dedicated in loving memory to Dad. I’ll always miss you, but I know you hear the music. I sing for you.
JOHN FARCHIONE (Feuilly, Sailor, Chain Gang, Ensemble) John is thrilled to be making his professional debut at Ogunquit Playhouse with Les Misérables! He is a recent graduate from the Boston Conservatory and holds a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. Many thanks to Mom and Dad for their constant love and support.
ANDREW GIORDANO (Combeferre, Bamatabois, Pimp, Chain Gang, Ensemble) Broadway: Sunset Boulevard. Carnegie Hall: South Pacific. Theatre: See What I Wanna See (Morito/Husband/CPA), On The 20th Century (Bruce Granit) opposite Alice Ripley, Master Class (Tony Candolino), opposite Leslie Uggams, Phantom, Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), I Love You…, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Forever Plaid (Jinx) Evita (Magaldi), A Chorus Line (Paul), A Christmas Carol (Young Scrooge & Fred) w/Stacy Keach, Rocky Horror, Into the Woods, The World Goes ‘Round, The Will Rogers Follies. Training: Boston Conservatory. Owner of corporate entertainment act Tenors Undercover. Alumnus of Up With People. Thanks to Shaun, Matt, Ken, Robert & Brad for this wonderful opportunity! A heart full of love to his mother and father.
IAN R. GLEASON (Courferac, Montparnasse, Fauchelevant, Laborer, Ensemble) was seen earlier this season as Lead Tenor in The Producers and Butler in My Fair Lady. Past roles include Ren, Footloose(Lyric Theatre), Danny, Baby (Good Theatre Co.) Krupke, West Side Story (MSMT), Rooster, Annie(Portland Players/Lyric Theatre) and a five time cast member of Portland’s Best of Broadway. Ian is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and was recently seen on truTV’s “Forensic Files.” Ian wishes to thank God, his family and friends, and his fiancé Alexandra for all of their love and support.
JILLIAN GOTTWALD (Young Cosette) Jillian made her first stage appearance with the Ogunquit Playhouse this past Summer as the “Chipmunk with attitude” in Fairy Houses The Musical. Her previous acting experience was with Kids Curtin Call in Winthrop, MA. Jillian enjoys dancing and singing and is very excited to have the Ogunquit Playhouse be a part of her first main stage production. Jillian attends Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York, ME and resides with her Mother, Devora, her dog, Starr and her cat, Smokie.
ANDREW HASERLAT (Jean Prouvaire, Claquesous, Pimp, Constables, Ensemble) With Ogunquit: The Producers, Fiddler on the Roof, High School Musical, The Full Monty, and La Cage aux Folles... and thrilled to be back! NYC: Cat’s Cradle (UTC#61) and Empire (Broadway backers reading) starring Karen Ziemba and Matt Cavenaugh. Regional: Bill in the World Premier of John Pielmeier’s Slow Dance with a Hot Pick-Up (Barnstormers), Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof (Reagle Players), Jesus Christ Superstar(North Shore Music Theatre), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Wheelock Family), Evita and The Full Monty (Worcester Foothills). TV/Film: “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Gossip Girl,” “Pink Panther 2,” and Disney’s “The Surrogates.” Proud member of SAG.
HAPPY MCPARTLIN (Factory Girl, Madame, Ensemble) Happy is thrilled to be back in Ogunquit, after appearing in last season’s The Full Monty (Georgie, the big guy’s wife). National Tours: Hairspray (Velma Von Tussle), The Full Monty (Georgie). Off-Broadway: The Black & White Blues. Other favorites: Urinetown (Pennywise), Into the Woods (Witch), The Merchant of Venice (Portia), The Gig (Lucy), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Rosaline), Wicked City, & Godspell. Thanks to the amazing staff here, especially Shaun, Brad, Robert & Ken. Proud member of Actors’ Equity and newly minted fiancé of Brad Nacht. For my Mom & Dad, who bought me my first ticket to Les Misérables.
ANDREW CLIFFORD MENARD (Lesgles, Constable, Ensemble) Andrew, a Maine native, is excited to debut at Ogunquit Playhouse with this remarkable cast. Some previous credits include Company(Larry), Cabaret (Herr Schultz), 1776 (John Adams), Narnia (Aslan), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Brad), Grease (Doody), West Side Story (Desiel), Outsiders (Two-Bit), Marriage of Figaro (Don Curzio), and Reverend Billy Hightower (Batboy). He competed on the USM national forensices team (2001-2002), was an Irene-Ryan semi-finalist (2001), and won Maine NATS Advanced Musical Theatre division (2003). In free time, he has the esteemed honor of working for three-time James Beard Award nominated chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier at their critically acclaimed Arrows Restaurant where he’s known as RBQ! He sends thanks to Brad, Robert, and especially to Shaun and Matt for their inspirational, miraculous direction. Much love to Mom...
VAL MORANTO (Hair Hag, Beggar Woman, Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of Les Miz! She just finished a run of Fiddler on the Roof at the lovely Ogunquit Playhouse and is so excited to be back! Other credits include: Broadway: Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Actors’ Fund). European Tour & Japan: Tommy (Acid Queen). Regional: Beehive-Carousel Dinner Theatre, Directed by Donna Drake & Fiddler On The Roof-Fulton Theatre, Directed by Gary John La Rosa. Feature film & tv credits include “The Nanny Diaries,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order” and “Guiding Light.” Val is a proud member of Actors’ Equity! Thanks to Shaun Kerrison, Brad Kenney, Robert Levinstein, Ken Clifton, this lovely cast & crew, Barry Kolker, friends, family, & my husband TJ. This one’s for you mom!!
ZAL OWEN (Joly, Major Domo, Ensemble) is very excited to be continuing his first season at the Ogunquit Playhouse after having performed in Fiddler on the Roof (Mendel, u/s Motel), My Fair Lady(Cockney Quartet Tenor) and High School Musical (Chad). Most recently, he made his Off-Broadway debut as Jozef in Last Jew in Europe and performed the role of Capek in The York Theatre Company’s reading of The ToyMaker. Regional credits include Wuthering Heights at the Paper Mill Playhouse, Forever Plaid (Jinx), Titanic (Harold Bride), Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon). Training: Cincinnati CCM. Zal would like to thank his Mom, Dad, family and friends for their constant love and support.
JOANNA ROSEN (Gavroche) Joanna is absolutely thrilled to be making her debut atOgunquit Playhouse Elsewhere: Young Cosette in Les Misérables North Shore Music Theater, Mole in A Year with Frog and Toad with NSMT Youth Performance Academy, Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Lucy in Narnia and James in James and the Giant Peach. She is dedicating her performance to her Nana.
KRISTEN SWEENEY (Crone, Factory Worker, Ensemble) is delighted to be a part of Les Mis!. Currently residing in NYC, she holds a BFA from the University of Florida and a Masters in Musical Theater from the Boston Conservatory. Shows include Anything Goes (Hope Harcourt), Threepenny Opera (Lucy Brown), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), CATS (Jellylorum), Seaside Music Theater, Carousel, Oliver, and most recently Always...Patsy Cline (Louise) at the Arundel Barn here in Maine. She has also appeared on the Boston stage in Ragtime (New Repertory Theater) and Parade(Speakeasy Stage Company). Thanks to her very supportive family and Andrew!
BRADFORD T. KENNEY (Executive Artistic Director) continues his stewardship of “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.” He is proud to include many wonderful theatrical productions and the guidance of some of the most significant theatre companies in New England as part of his career. Highlights include Ryan Landry and Eddie Mekka in Hairspray, Lorenzo Lamas in The King and I, Rue McClanahan in Crazy for You, Sally Struthers in Hello, Dolly!, Andrea McArdle in Cabaret and Leslie Uggams in Cinderella. While at Foothills Theatre in Worcester, MA, he produced such highlights as: Miss Saigon, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Proof, Cabaret (National Regional Premiere), Smokey Joe’s Café, Dick and Jimmy Van Patten in The Sunshine Boys, Romeo & Juliet, Titanic The Musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Regional Premiere), Macbeth, Ten Little Indians, Chicago, Gypsy, Our Town and Ragtime. He is also founder of the Wachusett Theatre Company in Massachusetts with shows such as The Sound of Music, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney/Elton John’s AIDA (Northeast Regional Premiere), Ted Lange from “The Love Boat” in Damn Yankees; and Eddie Mekka from “Laverne & Shirley” in Fiddler on the Roof, among others. His children’s theatres have produced Disney’s Jungle Book Kids, Seussical TYA (Northeast Premiere) and Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids and the new production, Fairy Houses, The Musical. In addition to his producing credits, Brad has appeared on stage in the title role of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Sorcerer with Salisbury Lyric Opera, Strephon in Lolanthe with the Savoyard Light Opera, Billy Bigelow in Carousel, Barrett the Stoker in Titanic, Eric Burling in An Inspector Calls, Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, Bobby in Company, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, the King in The King and I, Cornelius in Hello, Dolly! and Oberon in Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as many other roles in shows throughout New England. He is a fourth generation artist, having studied at Rhode Island School of Design, Heartwood College of Art and Maine College of Art. Bradford dedicates this time in the theatre to the memory of Ryan Francis Curtis.
ROBERT LEVINSTEIN (Director of Production) Broadway: Waiting in the Wings (with the legendary Lauren Bacall), Voices in the Dark, Parade (Lincoln Center). Off-Broadway: Clue: The Musical. Pre-Broadway Workshop: The Jazz Singer. National Tour: Disney’s Beauty and The Beast. Regional Tours: AIDA, Fame: The Musical, Regional Theatre: Resident PSM for North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA 2000/2001Seasons. Resident PSM for the Ogunquit Playhouse 2003/2005 seasons which included Always...Patsy Cline with the lovely Sally Struthers and Christa Jackson, Tale Of The AllergistsWifewith Karen Black and Auntie Mame with Charles Busch.
SHAUN KERRISON (Director) has recently directed My Fair Lady for its US Tour and was the Associate Director of the Broadway revival of Les Misérables at the Broadhurst Theatre. Previously Shaunwas Associate Director of Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre London and UK National Tour, My Fair Ladyat the National Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and UK Tour, Martin Guerre at the Prince Edward Theatre, Peter Pan and The Pirates of Penzance both at the Savoy Theatre, Resident Director of The Lion King at the Lyceum, Assisted Trevor Nunn on Acorn Antiques-the musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Directed Baby at Mountview. His Concert Staging includes Assisting on the Les Misérables-10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, later restaging this event in Chelmsford, Cardiff Castle, Tokyo and Japanese Tour and for a Gala to celebrate 100 years of the Entente Cordiale at Windsor Castle for Queen Elizabeth and President Chirac. Other Concert work includes “Hey Mr Producer!,” “The Hired Man”, “Cavalcade of Coward” and many cabaretand concert performances in London, New York and Nationally as both director and performer. As an actor Shaun played the title role in “Candide” -Riverside Studios, Pirates of Penzance-London Palladium, Marry Me a Little-Water Rats, Chicago-Leicester Haymarket, Sweeney Todd - Oldham, Rodgers and Hammersteins Cinderella- Tokyo, and Les Miserablés- Palace Theatre London.
KEN CLIFTON (Musical Director) returns to Ogunquit after his time here last season having done The Full Monty, The King and I, and La Cage aux Folles. Previous Ogunquit credits include Hello Dolly!, and Menopause, the Musical. He is thrilled to escape New York City for a little while. Ken is a musical director, vocal coach, and composer/lyrcicist. He’s conducted musicals up and down the east coast. Disney uses his writing in Orlando and Tokyo. His project appearing on the Disney Cruise Line was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. He has written two full length musicals, Midnight Clear and A Christmas Carol, both produced in Florida. Ken wrote the music and lyrics to the opening production number of 2007’s Rose Bowl Parade. He has played on “Live with Regis and Kathy Lee” and CNN’s “Larry King Live.” Ken had the great pleasure of coaching Oscar® Award winning actress, Jennifer Hudson on her final call-back for “Dreamgirls.” He has also coached at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Music. Special thanks to Brad for inviting me back to this beautiful place for another exciting summer season. All of my love to Michael... truly my better half.
JAMES E. CROCHET (Costume Designer) has designed over forty productions; eight operas including The Merry Widow, La Traviata, The Tales of Hoffman and La Boheme; over twenty musicals, among them Les Miserablés, The Full Monty, La Cage aux Folles, Mame, South Pacific, Cabaret, and West Side Story; and was Costume Coordinator for the national tours of The Music Man and Titanic. Among the theatres are the Ogunquit Playhouse, St. Bart’s Players, the Oberon Theatre Ensemble, the Helen Hayes Theatre Company, Theatre at St. Clements, Denver Civic Theatre, designing plays from playwrights Elmer Rice to Shakespeare. Mr. Crochet was Staff Designer for the famous Dodger Costumes and Head of Manufacturing for the equally famous Eaves-Brooks Costumes.
RICHARD LATTA (Lighting Designer) has worked in NYC, Ogunquit and elsewhere for the past twenty-some years, designing countless Off-Broadway, regional, and industrial shows. Credits include: the Ogunquit Playhouse 75th Anniversary Season, Blithe Spirit (Bloomsburg, PA,) Tthe upcoming Nunsense25th Anniversary Tour starring Sally Struthers, Nunsensations (Tour and TV Special), Meshugganuns(Tour & TV Special.) As a Projection Design Photo Researcher: Thurgood with Laurence Fishburne (Broadway) Mazeppa Metropolitan Opera, Thurgood (original production with James Earl Jones-Westport), and Distracted (Mark Taper Forum). At the American Ballet Theatre, Mr. Latta has been a teaching professional for the school’s program since 2002, mentoring students at Newarks’ Arts High School, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and other New York City schools. Thanks to Brad and all responsible for sparking the amazing growth of the Playhouse over the past three years.
ADAM RIGBY (Sound Designer) is excited to be back in Ogunquit. He is looking forward to an exciting summer.
DONALD WILLIAM MYERS (Production Stage Manager) Don has been working On Broadway and Off-Broadway for more then two decades, stage managing all seven of Jackie Mason’s one-man Broadway shows. Most recently he stage managed Charles Busch’s Shanghai Moon and Die Mommie Die. J.A.P. Chronicles, The Last Session and Laughing Room Only. Other credits include Face Value, Company, and the national tour of The Wizard of Oz with Mickey Rooney. Don has also enjoyed working on several concerts and special events both in New York and on the road with the Broadway Tenors, National Dance Institute, Georgetown University, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Theatre Development Fund and the League of American Theatre and Producers. Don is a proud member of Actors’ Equity
PAUL O’TOOLE (Assistant Stage Manager/Props Master) is originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, where he spent many seasons working at Foothills Theatre. He recently spent a year working as the Technical ASM for The Palm Spring Follies in Palm Springs, California. Paul is proud to be returning for his second season here in Maine. He would like to thank everyone at the Playhouse for their trust and support.
ALAIN BOUBLIL (Book) is the author of librettos and lyrics for: La Révolution Française (1973), Les Misérables (1980), Miss Saigon (1989), Martin Guerre (1996), all in collaboration with Claude-Michel Schönberg. Two Tony awards for Best Score and Best Book, two Grammy awards, two Victoire de la Musique Awards, Molière award (Les Misérables), Evening Standard Drama Award (Miss Saigon), Laurence Olivier Award (Martin Guerre). Author/librettist of Abbacadabra (1984), with songs by Abba. Author of play, The Diary of Adam and Eve (based upon short stories by Mark Twain), and prize-winning French novel, Les dessous de soi. Wrote with Michel Legrand the stage adaptation of Jacques Demy’s film Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (2003). Alain and Claude-Michel’s new musical The Pirate Queen is their fifth musical collaboration.
CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG (Book and Lyrics) Born in 1944 of Hungarian parents, Claude-Michel Schönberg began his career as a singer, writer and producer of popular songs. He wrote the musical score of La Révolution Française, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and Martin Guerre. He has also supervised overseas productions of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon and co-produced several international cast albums of his shows. In 2001 he composed his first ballet score, Wuthering Heights, which was created by the Northern Ballet Theatre in September 2002. Now The Pirate Queen is his sixth complete score. In 2003 Claude-Michel Schönberg married the English ballerina Charlotte Talbot. He is the father of one son and two daughters.
HERBERT KRETZMER (Lyrics), born in South Africa, came to London in 1954, and has since pursued twin careers as a newspaperman and songwriter. He was a feature writer at the Daily Sketch and a profile writer at the Sunday Dispatch. He joined the Daily Express in 1960 and later became its drama critic, a post he held for 18 years. Since 1979 he has been writing TV criticism for the Daily Mail and has won, in this capacity, two national press awards. As a lyric writer he wrote weekly songs for BBC-TV’s That Was The Week That Was. He won an Ivor Novello Award for the Peter Sellers/Sophia Loren comedy song Goodness Gracious Me. Other award-winning lyrics include two written for Charles Aznavour: Yesterday When I Was Young and the chart-topping She. Mr. Kretzmer wrote book and lyrics for the West End’s Our Man Crichton, which starred Kenneth More and Millicent Martin, and lyrics for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane’s The Four Musketeers. He also supplied lyrics for the Anthony Newly film Can Heironymous Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe And Find True Happiness? Tony Award, 1987, Best Score, Les Misérables.
FRED RUBINO (General Manager) joined the Playhouse staff as the project manager in 2006 overseeing major renovations to the electrical and theatre rigging systems. Fred is a member of the Playhouse Theatre Guild and has volunteered many hours working on the restoration of the Playhouse building as well as the Checkoway Pavilion and Children’s Theatre facilities. Fred was appointed General Manager in 2007. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has extensive experience in financial management, human resources, and grant writing. Fred has lived and worked in the seacoast area since 1977. He retired after a 32-year career in law enforcement in which he was the Chief of Police for two local communities.
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org