Grease

Book, Music and Lyrics by
JIM JACOBS & WARREN CASEY

Directed and Choreographed
by DEIRDRE ALEXANDER

Musical Director DON RICKENBACK

Costumes by DEE & DON'S COSTUME CLOSET

Set Design by ANDREW KNAPP

Lighting Design by EVE CLULOW

Technical Director EVE CLULOW

Producer JOYCE NORTHROP

Cast & Bios:

CIDALIA ALVES (ENSEMBLE) is appearing in her first production with MAR. Previous credits include "South Pacific" (Bloody Mary), "Into The Woods" (Witch), "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" (Smitty), and "Amahl and the Night Visitors" (Amahl's Mother.) Cidalia is a voice performance major at Western Connecticut State University.

EVE CLULOW (MISS LYNCH) began acting at the tender age of seven, when she portrayed a forest creature (although her mother claims it was a mushroom) in "Camelot", followed by an equally rousing portrayal of a street urchin in "Kismet." She continued to perform in musicals through high school, where she was allowed the occasional speaking role. Unfortunately, a dance injury curtailed her budding career, so she turned to what she thought would be a less physically-demanding challenge - stage managing. Despite this error in judgement, she survived and has had a successful career as a professional stage manager. Eve would like to thank Richter for this opportunity to relive the halcyon days of youth, and to paraphrase Mr. Sondheim, 'lie about myself, just a little.'

JOHN CONGDON (TEEN ANGEL) is so excited to be back at Richter . . . It's been a whole week since he was seen as Pippin in "Pippin"! He had a ball here last summer playing Che in "Evita" and Jesus in "Godspell," with two fantastic casts! Although MAR is close to John's heart, he goes where the shows are . . . And some of his favorite roles have been:Archibald "Secret Garden", Sky"Guys and Dolls", Frederic and The Pirate King in "Pirates of Penzance", Giuseppe and Marco in "The Gondoliers", and Ralph "H.M.S.Pinafore."John is so happy to be back "home" in Southport, living with his brother, his sister-in-law and his nephew, Jackson! Next school year you can find John teaching kindegarten at Daniel's Farm Elementary School in Trumbull! Love to family, friends, vocal coach - Pasquale, Amy, and especially to his Heavenly Father, who makes all things possible! Enjoy the show!

PAT CURRAN (DANNY ZUCKO) is very excited to return to the Musicals at Richter stage in "Grease." His first show with MAR was last summer's production of "Evita." Pat graduated from Newtown High School last month and will be attending Catholic University in the fall where he will major in Musical Theater. Pat will also appear as Noah in Richter's "Oliver!" Endless thanks and praise to Dee and Don who put together an incredible show and to Eileen, Pam, the cast and crew and his family and friends for all their support. A final note goes out to the Burger Palace Boys: "The only things you'll find down at the beach are the same old chicks everybody's made it with."

ROBERT FERZOLA (DOODY) is happy to be back at Richter for his seventh consecutive season under the stars.Doing it up as Doody in "Grease", Rob also returns to pick a pocket or two as Dodger in "Oliver!" Previously, you may have glimpsed him on-stage in "Fiddler on the Roof", "The Wiz", "South Pacific", "Gypsy", "The Music Man", "Carousel", "Guys and Dolls", "Godspell", and "Evita", or off-stage smattered with swirls of paint. Having completed three years at SUNY New Paltz, Rob has just been accepted to New York University and plans to attend the Tisch School for Dramatic Writing in the fall - on his way, he hopes, for a career in film and direction. Rob extends his heart felt thanks to his family and freiends for their love and endless, ENDLESS patience and support. Break-a-leg, Cast!

TRAVIS FINLAYSON (JOHNNY CASINO/ENSEMBLE) is making his first appearance with MAR. He has previously been in many productions at Newtown High School, including Petruchio in "Taming of the Shrew", and the Innkeeper in "Man of La Mancha." His most recent role was Snoopy in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown." He's like to thank his parents for all of their support.

JESSICA GOHS (CHA-CHA DIGREGORIO) entered the world of musical theater as a sophomore at New Cannan High School, in Dee and Don's production of "Carousel." The following year she was the angel of purity :=) in "Anything Goes," and this past winter she was a dancing waiter in "Hello Dolly." This is her first summer doing musicals at Richter - she's been dancing in Michigan at the Interlochen Arts Academy - but not to worry. Jessica may want to be the best dancer at St. Bernadettes, but she doesn't want Cha Cha's reputation. This fall she will begin her college career at George Washington University, as a double major in physics and modern dance.

ED GONZALEZ (KENICKIE) is very excited to be in his second show at Richter this year having just played Lewis in "Pippin." He is currently studying Theater at NYU, where he performed Laertes in "Hamlet", Northumberland in "Richard II", and Prometheus in "Prometheus Bound". Other credsits include Nathan Detroit in "Guys and Dolls", Cinderella's Prince in "Into the Woods", Emile de Beque in "South Pacific", Bobby in "A Chorus Line". Much thanks to a great cast and crew.

ANTHONY GRASSO (SONNY LA TIERIE) is very glad to be participating in this season's productions of "Pippin" as a Player and "Grease" as Sonny LaTierri, having debuted here last year in "Godspell" and "Evita". Since then Anthony has worked for RFKT in "Meet Me in St. Louis" (Lon), Pathos Players in "The Good Doctor" (Sneezer), "The Actor's Nightmare" (George Spelvin), The Little Victory Players with "Sea Mark", Delhi Players in "The Butler Did It" (Chandler) and "Flying Feathers (Tunnicliffe). Other roles include Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof", Rooster in "Annie", Sam in "L'il Abner", Teddy in "Arsenic and Old Lace", Billy in "Play On", Sir. Lawerence in "Ten Little Indians" and a trumpeter in "The Music Man". Anthony will be leaving for Walt Disney World on the college program this September to work in the parks operations and take communication classes, as well as get a great tan. Anthony wants to thank his family for sharing him with his other family here at MAR.

SARAH JOHNSON (MARTY) who will be attending Ithaca in the fall, is happy to be back with Musicals at Richter for the fourth time having just completed the run of "Pippin." Some of her favorite credits include: Ado Annie in "Oklahoma," Lucy in "Snoopy," Louise in "Carousel". She would like to thank DA, DR, JK, CP, EL and her family for all of their support. She would also like to wish the cast and crew the best of luck! XOXOX

EDDIE LOPEZ (ROGER) is a sophomore at Norwalk Community College majoring in Liberal Arts. He hopes to go into musical theater once he graduates from NCC. This is his first time on the Richter stage. He is very thrilled to be working with such a talented group of individuals. Eddie has just finished "Pippin" here at Richter. Past Credits include: "Gypsy" (Detroit), "The Music Man" (Salesman), "BIG, the musical" (Trip), "Joseph..." (Dan), "Carousel" (Carnival Boy), and "Sweet Charity" (Ensemble). He would like to thank his family for their love and support and he would also like to thank Dee, Don, and George for giving him this wonderful oppurtinity. To the cast and crew....Break a Leg!!!

BRIAN MAHER (VINCE FONTAINE) is happy to be returning to Musicals at Richter for a third season. Previously at Richter, he has been seen in "Godspell" (the Juggler), "Guys and Dolls" (Sky Masterson), and "The Fantasticks" (El Gallo). He just completed the run of "Pippin" here at Richter this year playing the role of Charlemagne and now switches character for Vince Fontaine in "Grease". Brian is a middle school English teacher in Greenwich where he directs the school's Spring musical, and resides in Stamford. 'Oh, how I have enjoyed the construction on 84.' Thanks to HS, DR, LB, ML and my family.

SHARON MALANE (SANDY) a graduate of New Canaan High School previously played Lil' Red Riding Hood in "Into The Woods", Julie Jordan in "Carousel", Erma in "Anything Goes", and Dolly Levi in "Hello Dolly." You may have also seen her in Staples Summer Theater productions as Fraulein Kost in "Cabaret" or Nicki Pignatelli in "Sweet Charity." Her dramtic roless include Sandy in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and Deanie Loomis in "Splendor in the Grass." Last summer she attended Carnegie-Mellon's Pre-College Program for Musical Theater. This coming fall she will go to Boston Conservatory for Musical Theater. She would like to thank her family, Mom, Dad, Dee, Don, and God for all the support. And to the Cast of "Grease", 'Thanks for the best time, ever!'

DONNIE MALEY (EUGENE FLORCZYK) is thrilled to be in his first production at Richter Park, but sadly acknowledges that this may be his last show under the direction of Dee and Don. He will miss them both very much. His past stage experience includes parts in "Carousel", "Anything Goes", "Dogg's Hamlet", "Big the Musical", "Splendor in the Grass", "Godspell" and recently "Hello, Dolly" as Cornelius Hackl. A graduate of New Canaan High School, he will be attending Northwestern University in the fall.

ALYSSA NORTHROP (FRENCHIE) is happy to be performing on the Richter stage yet again. Past shows include "The King and I", "Fiddler on the Roof", "Music Man", "Gypsy","The Wiz", "Evita", "42nd Street" and "Guys and Dolls".Alyssa just completed the role of 'Miss Adelaide' in the Immaculate High School spring production of "Guys and Dolls". She dances at City Center Dance Factory (formerly Jacki's Dance Factory) and studies voice with Erin Volpintesta. Alyssa was just seen here in Richter's production of "Pippin". She would like to thank all her friends for the support that they have given her. Cara, I'll miss you! She would especially like to thank her family. Much love to her parents for putting up with her.

NANCY NORTHROP (ENSEMBLE) has appeared in numerous productions around the area at theaters including MAR, D'ART, and Candlewood Playhouse. She enjoys being part of the musical theater world, in fact her first performance was here on the Richter stage when she was seven years old, portraying Princess Ying Yowalak in "The King and I." Nancy just completed her sophomore year at Immaculate High School where she appeared as a Hot Box Girl in their production of "Guys and Dolls." She also enjoys playing varsity soccer and basketball (go Mustangs!) and studies clarinet (seven years) and saxophone. 'Thanks to all the cast - especially Dee and Don, for letting me be part of this awesome experience. Alyssa - thanks for always being there for me. I'm going to miss you.

CARA SALOM (JAN) is very excited to be returning to the Richter stage for another season. She is 17 years old and will be a senior at Immaculate High School this coming fall. This past spring, Cara was in IHS's production "Guys and Dolls" as Sarah Brown. Her other credits include "Anything Goes", "No No Nanette", and Mar's productions of "Carousel", "Guys and Dolls", "Evita" and "42nd Street." Cara is a dance teacher at City Center Dance Factory, captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, and a member of Spiritual Life and Student Council at her school. Cara would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support and also a special thanks to her voice teacher Jane Ryan. To the cast: 'Thanx for all the great memories, love u guys!'

BRENDAN SPAIN (ENSEMBLE) is ecstatic to be making his M.A.R. debut with such a funny and talented cast and crew. Some of his past credits include Jesus in "Godspell", Nathan Detroit in "Guys and Dolls", and Isachaar in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". He has been taking voice for two years now and was part of Bethel High School's Chamber Singers for three years. This fall he will be entering his freshman year at College of the Holy Cross where he will study Biology with a minor in some music field. To all teachers and instructors- I wouldn't be here without you! Much thanks to his family and friends-you guys are the best.

SARAH STEUER (PATTY SIMCOX) recently graduated from Wilton High School and will be attending Union College in the fall. She has performed such roles as an orphan in "Oliver!", Margie in "Bye Bye Birdie", and a Princess of Ababu in "Kismet." Sarah is overjoyed to be participating in her first Richter performance and can also be seen as a member of Fagin's gang in "Oliver!" this summer. Sarah would like to thank her family for their never-ending support in all her pursuits. She would also like to send a special thank you to Mrs. Post for her countless hours of help and inspiration. And to Dee and Don your enthusiasm has inspired everyone . . . Thank you for this amazing opportunity! Finally to the cast and crew -- you are all incredibly talented . . . break-a-leg!

ERIN ZARUBA (RIZZO) is thrilled to be back at Richter this summer for her fourth season. She recently graduated from Newtown High School and will be attending Syracuse university in the fall as a musical theater major. Over the past few years, Erin has peformed with many theaters throughout Connecticut. Favorite credits include "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" (Lucy), "Man of La Mancha" (Aldonza), "42nd Street", and "The Music Man" (Zaneeta). Erin wants to thank her voice teacher, Joyce Erickson for being so supportive, and her family for believing in her no matter what. To Pat and Travis - 'I can't believe we are finally going our separate ways. It's going to be strange doing shows without you guys, but I'm sure wherever the path may lead you, you will both shine. I love you! Good luck next year.' She also needs to take this opportunity to thank Dee, Don, the Pink Ladies, the Burger Palace Boys and the rest of the cast and crew of "Grease" for making this such a fun and unforgettable summer.

PAM SWEITZER (CO STAGE MANAGER) began her acting career in front of the TV as Maleficent in "Sleeping Beauty", Baby in "Dirty Dancing", and even Sandy in "Grease." When she realized her bossy style might lend itself better to the managing part of theater, she tried herself as Asst. Stage Manager for "Hello Dolly" at New Canaan High School. She is so excited to be working with this awesome cast and she wishes she could sing like them!

ANDREW KNAPP (SETS DESIGN) Andy's eclectic career has found him as a stage and production manager with the Metropolitan Opera, a portrait photographer for Bachrach, his own typesetting business, raising Borzoi (Russian Wolfhounds), as well as painting and designing sets throughout Fairfield County. Highlights so far this year have been "Man of La Mancha" at Newtown High School and "Kismet" at Wilton High School. He was producer of the award-winning New Canaan Summer Theatre for 15 years before re-creating it as Barlow Summer Theatre. Andy most prefers working in high schools where he can share and instill his love of the Arts. The most important project to him has been creation of murals for the auditorium of Joel Barlow High School in Redding depicting legends of the performing arts: separate murals on Musical Theatre and Drama with Music in creation and Dance yet to come. This Summer at Richter includes Andy's sixth production of "Oliver!" while the "Grease" production originated in Redding at Joel Barlow High School before moving to Stamford and next spring will move to New Canaan. Besides theatre shows, Andy also produces dog shows: "Only the cast is different!"

EVE CLULOW (TECHNICAL DIRECTOR/LIGHTING DESIGNER) This marks Eve's second year at MAR. She has stage managed national tours of "The Will Rogers Follies" and "Beauty and the Beast", and national repertory tours for John Housman's The Acting Company, including "Henry V", "Much Ado About Nothing", "Arms and the Man", "As You Like It", "The Glass Menagerie" and the world premiere of Lynn Nottage's "Mud, River, Stone". Off-Broadway credits include the premieres of "Sheba" and "Identical Twins From Baltimore". Eve has also worked as a teaching stage manager for NYU's musical theater conservatory CAP 21.Since returning to Fairfield County, Eve has stage managed and produced numerous productions at the Wilton Playshop, as well as serving at its Executive Producer.

KRISTINA BJELKO (TECHNICAL STAFF) is happy to be back at MAR for the 6th year. She will be playing the role of 'tech girl' in "Pippen", "Grease", and "Oliver!" this summer. She spends her weekdays employed by the Westport CT Police Department and attending graduate school at Fairfield University. She is thrilled to be teamed up with her fellow "tech girls," Rachel and Anjali, and Eve our tech director, once again. The Tech Girls Strike Again!

ANJALI NANDA (TECHNICAL STAFF) is excited to be spending her 6th summer under the stars as both a performer and a 'tech girl'. Previous shows include "Camelot", "Guys and Dolls", and "Evita". Anjali has recently graduated with her Masters degree in Elementary Education and is looking forward to playing the role of her dreams in an elementary classroom! Anjali would like to thank her family and friends for all their support.

JOYCE NORTHROP (PRODUCER) always looks forward to working with the diverse group of talented people that lend their time and enthusiasm to creating this wonderful summer theatre for the community. She has produced most of the MAR shows for the past four years and has served as MAR Vice President for seven years. Thanks to all who come and support our theatre and special thanks to my husband Ged for his patience while I "play" at Richter each year.

GEORGE VOLLANO (ARTISITIC DIRECTOR) has spent 20 years as director of New Canaan Summer Theatre where his first production as producer, "Fiddler on the Roof" was named best summer production by the Darien Dinner Theatre Youth Awards . He won the Connecticut Drama Prize for Darien High School's "Whose Life is it Anyway" and has directed shows for many organizations in Fairfield County including Wilton Playshop, Darien Players, Connecticut Playmakers and Barlow Summer Theatre . He has appeared on stage countless times and toured in Godspell. He appeared at Darien Dinner Theatre, Westport Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven and in the opening production of the Hartman Theatre in Stamford. George is director of Wilton Children's Theatre and at Immaculate High School in Danbury. He is currently artistic director of Musicals at Richter.