CAST & CREW (from 2010 Off-Broadway production @ The York Theatre in New York City, NY)
Leo Kirschner and Blaze Kelly Coyle have been putting words to music for over a decade. From jazz and blues standards to Broadway pop, from rock ‘n roll rhythms to tender ballads, Kirschner and Coyle are no strangers to the various styles of contemporary music, both sacred and secular.
The writing duo has composed original songs for Coyle’s cabaret act Red, Hot & Sassy, which has delighted audiences throughout the country. They also paired up for a number of independent projects, including the feature length film Echelon 8 (formerly E-8 Think Tank), the science series The Eco Files, Anonymous, Anonymous and the comedic film Speed Damon & Holly.
Kirschner and Coyle are proud to offer their latest project to the NYC theatre scene. O Night Divine is an energetic book musical re-telling the biblical story of Mary & Joseph with a tunefully engaging score, and a book full of wit and heart. The team is also excited about their next project, a pop/rock musical set in the seedy underside of the big city.
____________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK / LYRICS: Blaze Kelly Coyle is president of Silver Phoenix Entertainment. She has an extensive résumé spanning television, film, theater, radio, voiceover, music, commercial, literary and modeling work. The quintessential Renaissance woman with 30 plus years experience in the industry, Blaze co-wrote, produced and performed an original cabaret called Red, Hot and Sassy which ran on both the east and west coasts. Producing and executive producing credits include: Echelon 8 (film), People, Places & The Unexpected (documentary), Blooms (Exhibit) at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Sugar (film), Someone Special (music video), Born Under A Lucky Star (film), Speed Damon & Holly (film), Center of Attention (stand-up), Eco-Files (educational series), The Most Well-Traveled Squirrel in the Whole Wide World (book) and King of Kings (music video). Visit www.blazekellycoyle.com.
MUSIC / LYRICS: Leo Kirschner is an Atlantic City based keyboardist and composer/arranger. He has musically directed and written for regional theatre, cabaret performances, show choirs and casino shows. Professional credits include Showboat Hotel & Casino's Basin Street Follies and Caesars Casino Hotel $10,000 Jackpot Bonanza (musical revue portion), The Gloucester City Community Choir (NJ) and O Night Divine at Theatre Row, NYC. Regional productions include Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, Mame, Big and The Music Man. Leo composed the original children's holiday cantata Christmas Spectacular, and has completed his first motion picture score for E-8: Think Tank. He also became a finalist in the NJ Playwrights Contest for his work in O Night Divine, and was invited to participate in the ASCAP/Disney Theatrical Workshop with Stephen Schwartz in NYC. Leo is currently developing the original rock musical Anonymous, Anonymous. When not performing or composing, Leo's "other" career is as an award-winning broadcaster, commercial voiceover artist and network radio and television producer. Visit online at www.leokirschner.com.
DIRECTOR: Mark Mazzarella has a career spaning theater, television and film. He began his career at an early age as a magician which eventually led him to performing with some of the top names in the entertainment industry, including Sinatra, U2, The Steve Miller Band, Sha-Na-Na, and others. His success continued from the stage to his syndicated children’s TV show “AbraKadabra” in the mid 80’s on NBC. Over the years, Mark has produced and directed hundreds of films and stage productions, working with Disney, PBS and Nickelodeon as well as working in theater with new playwrights. He is the co-owner of Mazzarella Media, one the nation’s leading producers of educational films for over 30 years. Mark’s creative and directorial work has earned his company hundreds of industry film awards including Parents’ Gold Choice, The Oppenheimer DVD of the Year Award, as well as an Emmy®. He is also a principal creator and owner in a new web-based network called Lifespan Autism Network, which delivers multi-media educational programs designed specifically for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and the families and professionals that support them.
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Ramon Catalan is a versatile Chilean conductor and pianist, winner of several prizes and special awards, with a vast experience in performing the symphonic repertoire, operas, and Broadway musicals, as well as the solo and chamber music repertoire. Premieres as a conductor include the musicals Birds Without Wings, Miracle in Memphis,and the Greek Opera Ektor. Mr. Catalan has been a resident of New York City since 2008 where he is the Founder Conductor of the Manhattan Camerata, Music Director at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Conductor of the Classics Orchestra NY, and Artistic Director CDEI International Music Composition Contest Manhattan 2010. During the summer he serves as a Faculty Member at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Michigan (since 2006). Recent performances have taken him to NYU, The New York Times, St. Patricks' Cathedral and Hunter College for the premiere of G. Tsouris' opera The Death of the Buddha.
CHOREOGRAPHER: Beth Fauerbach is so excited to be working with such an amazing cast! With her BA in Dance, Beth has been a professional dancer, dance teacher and choreographer on both the East and West Coasts. Before moving to New York, she was the Education Director for five years at Playhouse Merced in California. Some of her favorite shows to choreograph have been A Chorus Line, Footloose, The Wiz, and of course,O Night Divine! Thanks to Blaze, Leo and Mark for this amazing opportunity!
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Daniel Garrison is a freelance lighting designer based out of New York City with a B.A. in Drama from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. He is very happy and proud to be a part of O Night Divine. His recent projects include Wait Until Dark (Surflight Theatre), Side by Side by Sondheim (Playhouse on Park), and Equus(Playhouse on Park). He would like to take this opportunity to thank his friends and Emily for being so supportive.
STAGE MANAGER: Kelsey Parsons is thrilled to be making her New York debut as the Stage Manager in O Night Divine. Kelsey has recently starred in All in the Timing as Betty, Doria in the musical, Smile and currently rehearsing for A Small Family Business as Anita. She is pursuing her BFA in acting and is grateful to Mark Mazzarella for giving her the amazing opportunity to be a part of this musical.
REHEARSAL STAGE MANAGER / PROPERTIES: Tami Williams recently moved here from Northern California and is extremely excited about landing her first theatre job in New York City as a Rehearsal Stage Manager. Tami recently handled the box office for the standup comedy show The Center of Attention and is an avid photographer. She is grateful to Blaze Kelly Coyle for seeing in her the possibility of becoming a great addition to the O Night Divine production team. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad, Bill and Vickie, for their support in the lifetime dream of working in the entertainment business.
MARY: Brittney Bertier is thrilled to be making her New York debut! She is a recent graduate of The Hartt School (B.F.A. in Music Theatre). Favorite roles include Laura in Band Geeks!, Corrie Bratter in Barefoot in the Park, and Wendy in Hello Out There (Festival of New Artists by Goodspeed Musicals). She is eternally grateful to Blaze, Leo, and Mark for letting her be part of something so special and close to her heart. Thanks and love to Dad, Mom, and her Johnny.
JOSEPH: Spencer Bazzano is a BFA Acting major in his Junior year at Pace University. New York Credits: Titus Andronicus (Quintius) The American Globe Theater, I Fioretti In Musica (ensemble) LaMama Theater,Blood (Liam) Manhattan Repertory Theater. Pace University Credits: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (El Fayoumy), Glengarry Glen Ross (Levene),The Cradle Will Rock (Doctor), Bash (John u/s).
NARRATOR: Melanie Sullivan, native of Cleveland, Ohio has been performing since the age of six. Her professional performances span various genres of music from classical, R & B, rock and pop. With performances ranging from The Library of Congress to lead female vocalist in the International Man in the Mirror tour produced by David King of Spirit Productions, Melanie seeks to inspire and entertain audiences through the gift of song and dance.
KING HEROD: Matthew Dyer is pleased to make his Off-Broadway debut in O Night Divine. Previously, Matt has performed at the York Theater as Ronny in a reading of the musical Top of the Heap. He performed that role at the Spirit of Broadway Theater in Norwich, Connecticut. Most recently, Matt portrayed Buddy in the Spirit of Broadway's production of The Last Session. On stage, he has played Nathan in Rags, Rooster in Annie, Anatoly in Chess, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. In addition, Matt has filmed a variety of roles for Mazzarella Studios, ranging from fathers to talking frogs. Thanks to Mark, Blaze and Leo for this opportunity!
ELIZABETH / QUEEN SAPPHIRA: Blaze Kelly Coyle was born in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in a small town in South Jersey. She has been performing for audiences ever since she was old enough to hold a microphone. Favorite Theatrical Credits: Always, Patsy Cline (Louise),Come Away: The Story of Ruth (Naomi), Footloose (Wendy Jo), The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (Lucy/The White Witch), Godspell (Joanne),Gifts of the Magi (Soapy Smith), Dracula, the Musical? (Mina Seward) andFiddler on the Roof x's 3 (Bielke, Chava & Tzeitel). Favorite TV/Film Credits: Forensic Files, Secrets of the Templesmith Motherhood, The Rachel Ray Show, National Treasure, Dissolved & Letting Go to:.www.blazekellycoyle.com XOXO
JOACHIM / MATHIAS: Tim Mower started his professional acting at the age of 13. Over the past three decades Tim has been working steadily in Television, Film and Stage. Tim’s most memorable musical roles are Applegate in Damn Yankees, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. Tim, co-owner of Timand Productions, has a heavy performance schedule; he is also a professional comedy magician and stage hypnotist. Visit www.timand.com
ANNE / MAE: Andrea Mower has a BFA in acting from University of the Arts and has been performing professionally for over 20 years as an actress, singer and recording artist. Favorite musical roles include Anna inThe King and I, Lola in Damn Yankees and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Andrea co-owns Timand Productions performing comedy magic and hypnosis shows. Andrea also is a Master’s candidate at Cabrini College. Visit www.timand.com
BALTHAZAR / MAN #1 / WORKER #1: James Holden has been seen in many shows around the country. Most recently, he was seen in the Prather Entertainment Group productions of Meet Me in St. Louis (Warren Sheffield) and The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Prince Delong) in Arizona and Pennsylvania. He has also been seen in Into the Woods (Wolf/Cinderella's Prince) and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Snoopy) with SummerStock at the University of Findlay, OH, Miss Saigon (Chris) at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, OH, Bye Bye Birdie (Albert Peterson) and 42nd Street (Bert Barry) at Arundel Barn Playhouse, ME, and the national tour of Camelot (Candlewood International). Merry Christmas!
MELCHIORRE / MAN #2 / WORKER #2: Joshua M. Feder is delighted to be in the original cast of this musical! NYC credits: Gallery Players (Reefer Madness), Actor’s Temple (Alice in Wonderland), 13th Street Repertory Company, Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Producers’ Club. At the New London Barn Playhouse: Millie, Producers, Hairspray, Pirates of Penzance, Fiddler. Workshops: Goodspeed Musicals, NYTW. Other theatre work: Paper Mill Playhouse, Huntington Theatre Company, The Playwrights Realm, Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Lebanon Opera House (as director, choreographer, or assistant). Dartmouth College graduate: Side Show, Hair, Midsummer, Urinetown, The Last 5 Years. Love and thanks to friends, family, and Brian
JASPAR / MAN #3 / WORKER #3: Jimmy Moore - New York Debut! Jimmy is thrilled to be a part of O Night Divine, having arrived only a few months ago from his hometown of San Antonio TX. Favorite Credits:Waiting for Godot (ATAC Globe Award winner), A Chorus Line, Twelfth Night, the original casts of Rustle Your Bustle and Dracula's Daughters, and of course You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. So much love and thanks goes to my friends and family for believing in me. To G'ma, G'pa, Mary Beth, Annalisa, The Boys, and my Dad. Especially to Mom, Sylvia Moore, without whose love and support my accomplishments would have been unattainable.
DANCE CAPT. / NARRATOR UNDERSTUDY / ENSEMBLE: Rori Nogee - What a divine experience! Broadway: Joseph And The Amazaing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Off-Broadway: Pinkalicious (New World Stages),Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad (Zipper Factory). Nat'l tours: Rockband, Live!,(Drummer Chick), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). Regional: Rent (Maureen). Rori has also performed in theme parks, the NYC Fringe Festival (The Johnny), in Alaska (The Days of '98 Show) and on "America's Got Talent." In addition, she was the composer/lyricist for the concept musical,Fragments. www.rorinogee.net
MARY UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE: Shayla Spradley is a recent graduate of Webster Conservatory, with a BFA in Musical Theatre. This year, I channeled my inner rockstar on the RockBand Live national tour. In the city, I've been involved with several readings and workshops, includingHPRLab at INTAR. Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, this one is for Grandma and Gramps!
ANNE/MAE UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE: Danya Katok graduated from Peabody Conservatory in 2009 and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Voice Performance at the CUNY Graduate Center. She has been a Voice Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center for the past two summers and is making her New York City Opera debut this April as Max in Where the Wild Things Are. Recent roles include the title role in Dora, Young Marcus in The Alchemists, and Governess in The Turn of the Screw.
ENSEMBLE: Phillip Burke is a recent Masters Graduate from The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland where selected credits include Edmund in King Lear, and two world premieres:The Fever Dream and Smoke, the latter a staged reading at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Additional UK experience includes a one month residency at Shakespeare's Globe Education. He is thrilled to make his Off-Broadway debut in O Night Divine and would like to dedicate his performance in the memory of Sally Jones.
ENSEMBLE: Sarah Michelle Cuc is thrilled to be making her New York and Off-Broadway debut! She just moved from San Diego, and was most recently seen in The Pajama Game (Starlight Musical Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Cygnet Theatre Company), and The Music Man (PCPA). Some favorites include john & jen (Jen), A Little Night Music (Charlotte Malcolm),Bat Boy (Meredith Parker), and The Crucible (Mary Warren). Many THANKS! to Silver Phoenix Entertainment, and to my family for their constant love and support.
ENSEMBLE: Nick Giello was last seen as Tony Aronica in Savage in Limbo. Other favorites include Nick in Over the River and Through the Woods, Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Billy Bibbit in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest and Mike in Wait Until Dark. Nick has also written and performed his own one man show Nicky Do That One and his play Owning New York was a semi-finalist in the Samuel French One-Act Festival. Nick did his training at the William Esper and Actor's Movement Studios here in New York.
ENSEMBLE: George Marques was born in Portugal and raised in Newark. He is a graduate of the New York Film Academy and NYU's Stern School of Business and is currently studying at the Stellar Adler Studio in NYC. George has been involved in several independent film productions as an actor, script consultant, grip, and lighting tech. He is excited about making his New York Off Broadway debut in the World Premiere of O Night Divine. "I'm looking forward to working and learning from the tremendous production team of this wonderful musical!" To my brother Tony and Mom & Dad, thanks for supporting this ridiculous life of mine...love you guys!
ENSEMBLE: Brad Rakushin is incredibly excited to be making his off broadway debut in a show that's making its world premiere debut! He most recently shared the stage at Carnegie Hall singing with Ms. Judith Clerman's EVUSA ensemble for Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration. Special thanks goes out to mom for all her support and love over the years. And to his sister Jenna, who allows him to turn everything into a song without too much gripe. Thank YOU, as always, for supporting the arts and please, enjoy the show!
ENSEMBLE: Theresa Renee is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful cast and show! Having grown up Milwaukee, WI she is a Midwestern girl at heart, learning the ins and outs of this crazy coast. Just this May, she graduated from Westminster College of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelors of Music Degree in Music Theatre with minor in Dance. She was most recently seen as Wendy in Peter Pan. Other recent credits include Laurey in Oklahoma!, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Effy in The Spitfire Grilland Val in A Chorus Line. Love to Mom, Dad, Rachel, Nick, Hayden, ML and Dan.
ENSEMBLE: Nick Walkonis Off-Off Broadway: Nevermore: A Night with Poe, Fuente Ovejuna, Am I Blue, The Story of Dick Whittington and His Cat (World Premiere), A Dolphin Up A Tree. Nick is an active member of Andy Goldberg's "Shakespeare Gym." Nick is a graduate of the New Actors Workshop and holds a Masters Degree in Acting from Antioch University/ McGregor. "Much love to my family and friends for their constant support."
ENSEMBLE: Angela Winslow recently received her BFA in Musical Theater from Shenandoah Conservatory. She feels blessed to be performing in the Big Apple for the second time since graduation and could not be happier with the cast and crew of this production. Off-Off Broadway: Thirteen Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview. Regional:Hairspray (Lou Ann, Penny u/s), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Babette u/s), Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story among others. Angela would like to thank her family for for their unconditional love and support and Blaze, Leo, Beth and Mark for giving her this wonderful opportunity.
KEYBOARDS: Kevin Urso is a keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist/arranger currently residing in Brooklyn. He attended SUNY Fredonia for a Bachelors’ in Music Education, and Five Towns College on Long Island for a Masters’ in Jazz Performance. In addition to teaching public school here in New York, Kevin has played a number of musicals, including Rocky Horror Picture Show (Buffalo State College); Little Shop of Horrors (Gowanda High School, Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts & North Babylon High School); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wizard of Oz(James Street Players); Once On This Island, Working (North Babylon High School). Kevin has also recorded and released a full-length album with BeArthur, an original rock-pop funky-jazz band out of Buffalo, NY.
PERCUSSION: JESSE BRICKEL has been showcased in a number of diverse settings since the age of 5. An alumnus of NYU Steinhardt and the Juilliard Pre-College, he has has played in over 55 musical theatre productions. Recently, The Tenth Floor as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, as well as shows in the NY Fringe Festival, Philly Fringe Festival, and MITF Festival. He spent Summer 2009 as the resident drummer/percussionist at the Weathervane Theatre (AEA) in NH. Other notable performances include the Tribeca Film Festival, NAMT, Planet Connections Theatre Festivity, and concerts at the Players Theatre, Laurie Beechman Theatre, Joe's Pub, and Le Poisson Rouge. He currently plays with a number of bands including "ELECTRICWOLF" and "King of Ghosts".www.jessebrickel.com.
The writing duo has composed original songs for Coyle’s cabaret act Red, Hot & Sassy, which has delighted audiences throughout the country. They also paired up for a number of independent projects, including the feature length film Echelon 8 (formerly E-8 Think Tank), the science series The Eco Files, Anonymous, Anonymous and the comedic film Speed Damon & Holly.
Kirschner and Coyle are proud to offer their latest project to the NYC theatre scene. O Night Divine is an energetic book musical re-telling the biblical story of Mary & Joseph with a tunefully engaging score, and a book full of wit and heart. The team is also excited about their next project, a pop/rock musical set in the seedy underside of the big city.
____________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK / LYRICS: Blaze Kelly Coyle is president of Silver Phoenix Entertainment. She has an extensive résumé spanning television, film, theater, radio, voiceover, music, commercial, literary and modeling work. The quintessential Renaissance woman with 30 plus years experience in the industry, Blaze co-wrote, produced and performed an original cabaret called Red, Hot and Sassy which ran on both the east and west coasts. Producing and executive producing credits include: Echelon 8 (film), People, Places & The Unexpected (documentary), Blooms (Exhibit) at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Sugar (film), Someone Special (music video), Born Under A Lucky Star (film), Speed Damon & Holly (film), Center of Attention (stand-up), Eco-Files (educational series), The Most Well-Traveled Squirrel in the Whole Wide World (book) and King of Kings (music video). Visit www.blazekellycoyle.com.
MUSIC / LYRICS: Leo Kirschner is an Atlantic City based keyboardist and composer/arranger. He has musically directed and written for regional theatre, cabaret performances, show choirs and casino shows. Professional credits include Showboat Hotel & Casino's Basin Street Follies and Caesars Casino Hotel $10,000 Jackpot Bonanza (musical revue portion), The Gloucester City Community Choir (NJ) and O Night Divine at Theatre Row, NYC. Regional productions include Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, Mame, Big and The Music Man. Leo composed the original children's holiday cantata Christmas Spectacular, and has completed his first motion picture score for E-8: Think Tank. He also became a finalist in the NJ Playwrights Contest for his work in O Night Divine, and was invited to participate in the ASCAP/Disney Theatrical Workshop with Stephen Schwartz in NYC. Leo is currently developing the original rock musical Anonymous, Anonymous. When not performing or composing, Leo's "other" career is as an award-winning broadcaster, commercial voiceover artist and network radio and television producer. Visit online at www.leokirschner.com.
DIRECTOR: Mark Mazzarella has a career spaning theater, television and film. He began his career at an early age as a magician which eventually led him to performing with some of the top names in the entertainment industry, including Sinatra, U2, The Steve Miller Band, Sha-Na-Na, and others. His success continued from the stage to his syndicated children’s TV show “AbraKadabra” in the mid 80’s on NBC. Over the years, Mark has produced and directed hundreds of films and stage productions, working with Disney, PBS and Nickelodeon as well as working in theater with new playwrights. He is the co-owner of Mazzarella Media, one the nation’s leading producers of educational films for over 30 years. Mark’s creative and directorial work has earned his company hundreds of industry film awards including Parents’ Gold Choice, The Oppenheimer DVD of the Year Award, as well as an Emmy®. He is also a principal creator and owner in a new web-based network called Lifespan Autism Network, which delivers multi-media educational programs designed specifically for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and the families and professionals that support them.
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Ramon Catalan is a versatile Chilean conductor and pianist, winner of several prizes and special awards, with a vast experience in performing the symphonic repertoire, operas, and Broadway musicals, as well as the solo and chamber music repertoire. Premieres as a conductor include the musicals Birds Without Wings, Miracle in Memphis,and the Greek Opera Ektor. Mr. Catalan has been a resident of New York City since 2008 where he is the Founder Conductor of the Manhattan Camerata, Music Director at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Conductor of the Classics Orchestra NY, and Artistic Director CDEI International Music Composition Contest Manhattan 2010. During the summer he serves as a Faculty Member at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Michigan (since 2006). Recent performances have taken him to NYU, The New York Times, St. Patricks' Cathedral and Hunter College for the premiere of G. Tsouris' opera The Death of the Buddha.
CHOREOGRAPHER: Beth Fauerbach is so excited to be working with such an amazing cast! With her BA in Dance, Beth has been a professional dancer, dance teacher and choreographer on both the East and West Coasts. Before moving to New York, she was the Education Director for five years at Playhouse Merced in California. Some of her favorite shows to choreograph have been A Chorus Line, Footloose, The Wiz, and of course,O Night Divine! Thanks to Blaze, Leo and Mark for this amazing opportunity!
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Daniel Garrison is a freelance lighting designer based out of New York City with a B.A. in Drama from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. He is very happy and proud to be a part of O Night Divine. His recent projects include Wait Until Dark (Surflight Theatre), Side by Side by Sondheim (Playhouse on Park), and Equus(Playhouse on Park). He would like to take this opportunity to thank his friends and Emily for being so supportive.
STAGE MANAGER: Kelsey Parsons is thrilled to be making her New York debut as the Stage Manager in O Night Divine. Kelsey has recently starred in All in the Timing as Betty, Doria in the musical, Smile and currently rehearsing for A Small Family Business as Anita. She is pursuing her BFA in acting and is grateful to Mark Mazzarella for giving her the amazing opportunity to be a part of this musical.
REHEARSAL STAGE MANAGER / PROPERTIES: Tami Williams recently moved here from Northern California and is extremely excited about landing her first theatre job in New York City as a Rehearsal Stage Manager. Tami recently handled the box office for the standup comedy show The Center of Attention and is an avid photographer. She is grateful to Blaze Kelly Coyle for seeing in her the possibility of becoming a great addition to the O Night Divine production team. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad, Bill and Vickie, for their support in the lifetime dream of working in the entertainment business.
MARY: Brittney Bertier is thrilled to be making her New York debut! She is a recent graduate of The Hartt School (B.F.A. in Music Theatre). Favorite roles include Laura in Band Geeks!, Corrie Bratter in Barefoot in the Park, and Wendy in Hello Out There (Festival of New Artists by Goodspeed Musicals). She is eternally grateful to Blaze, Leo, and Mark for letting her be part of something so special and close to her heart. Thanks and love to Dad, Mom, and her Johnny.
JOSEPH: Spencer Bazzano is a BFA Acting major in his Junior year at Pace University. New York Credits: Titus Andronicus (Quintius) The American Globe Theater, I Fioretti In Musica (ensemble) LaMama Theater,Blood (Liam) Manhattan Repertory Theater. Pace University Credits: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (El Fayoumy), Glengarry Glen Ross (Levene),The Cradle Will Rock (Doctor), Bash (John u/s).
NARRATOR: Melanie Sullivan, native of Cleveland, Ohio has been performing since the age of six. Her professional performances span various genres of music from classical, R & B, rock and pop. With performances ranging from The Library of Congress to lead female vocalist in the International Man in the Mirror tour produced by David King of Spirit Productions, Melanie seeks to inspire and entertain audiences through the gift of song and dance.
KING HEROD: Matthew Dyer is pleased to make his Off-Broadway debut in O Night Divine. Previously, Matt has performed at the York Theater as Ronny in a reading of the musical Top of the Heap. He performed that role at the Spirit of Broadway Theater in Norwich, Connecticut. Most recently, Matt portrayed Buddy in the Spirit of Broadway's production of The Last Session. On stage, he has played Nathan in Rags, Rooster in Annie, Anatoly in Chess, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. In addition, Matt has filmed a variety of roles for Mazzarella Studios, ranging from fathers to talking frogs. Thanks to Mark, Blaze and Leo for this opportunity!
ELIZABETH / QUEEN SAPPHIRA: Blaze Kelly Coyle was born in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in a small town in South Jersey. She has been performing for audiences ever since she was old enough to hold a microphone. Favorite Theatrical Credits: Always, Patsy Cline (Louise),Come Away: The Story of Ruth (Naomi), Footloose (Wendy Jo), The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (Lucy/The White Witch), Godspell (Joanne),Gifts of the Magi (Soapy Smith), Dracula, the Musical? (Mina Seward) andFiddler on the Roof x's 3 (Bielke, Chava & Tzeitel). Favorite TV/Film Credits: Forensic Files, Secrets of the Templesmith Motherhood, The Rachel Ray Show, National Treasure, Dissolved & Letting Go to:.www.blazekellycoyle.com XOXO
JOACHIM / MATHIAS: Tim Mower started his professional acting at the age of 13. Over the past three decades Tim has been working steadily in Television, Film and Stage. Tim’s most memorable musical roles are Applegate in Damn Yankees, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. Tim, co-owner of Timand Productions, has a heavy performance schedule; he is also a professional comedy magician and stage hypnotist. Visit www.timand.com
ANNE / MAE: Andrea Mower has a BFA in acting from University of the Arts and has been performing professionally for over 20 years as an actress, singer and recording artist. Favorite musical roles include Anna inThe King and I, Lola in Damn Yankees and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Andrea co-owns Timand Productions performing comedy magic and hypnosis shows. Andrea also is a Master’s candidate at Cabrini College. Visit www.timand.com
BALTHAZAR / MAN #1 / WORKER #1: James Holden has been seen in many shows around the country. Most recently, he was seen in the Prather Entertainment Group productions of Meet Me in St. Louis (Warren Sheffield) and The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Prince Delong) in Arizona and Pennsylvania. He has also been seen in Into the Woods (Wolf/Cinderella's Prince) and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Snoopy) with SummerStock at the University of Findlay, OH, Miss Saigon (Chris) at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, OH, Bye Bye Birdie (Albert Peterson) and 42nd Street (Bert Barry) at Arundel Barn Playhouse, ME, and the national tour of Camelot (Candlewood International). Merry Christmas!
MELCHIORRE / MAN #2 / WORKER #2: Joshua M. Feder is delighted to be in the original cast of this musical! NYC credits: Gallery Players (Reefer Madness), Actor’s Temple (Alice in Wonderland), 13th Street Repertory Company, Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Producers’ Club. At the New London Barn Playhouse: Millie, Producers, Hairspray, Pirates of Penzance, Fiddler. Workshops: Goodspeed Musicals, NYTW. Other theatre work: Paper Mill Playhouse, Huntington Theatre Company, The Playwrights Realm, Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Lebanon Opera House (as director, choreographer, or assistant). Dartmouth College graduate: Side Show, Hair, Midsummer, Urinetown, The Last 5 Years. Love and thanks to friends, family, and Brian
JASPAR / MAN #3 / WORKER #3: Jimmy Moore - New York Debut! Jimmy is thrilled to be a part of O Night Divine, having arrived only a few months ago from his hometown of San Antonio TX. Favorite Credits:Waiting for Godot (ATAC Globe Award winner), A Chorus Line, Twelfth Night, the original casts of Rustle Your Bustle and Dracula's Daughters, and of course You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. So much love and thanks goes to my friends and family for believing in me. To G'ma, G'pa, Mary Beth, Annalisa, The Boys, and my Dad. Especially to Mom, Sylvia Moore, without whose love and support my accomplishments would have been unattainable.
DANCE CAPT. / NARRATOR UNDERSTUDY / ENSEMBLE: Rori Nogee - What a divine experience! Broadway: Joseph And The Amazaing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Off-Broadway: Pinkalicious (New World Stages),Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad (Zipper Factory). Nat'l tours: Rockband, Live!,(Drummer Chick), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). Regional: Rent (Maureen). Rori has also performed in theme parks, the NYC Fringe Festival (The Johnny), in Alaska (The Days of '98 Show) and on "America's Got Talent." In addition, she was the composer/lyricist for the concept musical,Fragments. www.rorinogee.net
MARY UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE: Shayla Spradley is a recent graduate of Webster Conservatory, with a BFA in Musical Theatre. This year, I channeled my inner rockstar on the RockBand Live national tour. In the city, I've been involved with several readings and workshops, includingHPRLab at INTAR. Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, this one is for Grandma and Gramps!
ANNE/MAE UNDERSTUDY/ENSEMBLE: Danya Katok graduated from Peabody Conservatory in 2009 and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Voice Performance at the CUNY Graduate Center. She has been a Voice Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center for the past two summers and is making her New York City Opera debut this April as Max in Where the Wild Things Are. Recent roles include the title role in Dora, Young Marcus in The Alchemists, and Governess in The Turn of the Screw.
ENSEMBLE: Phillip Burke is a recent Masters Graduate from The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland where selected credits include Edmund in King Lear, and two world premieres:The Fever Dream and Smoke, the latter a staged reading at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Additional UK experience includes a one month residency at Shakespeare's Globe Education. He is thrilled to make his Off-Broadway debut in O Night Divine and would like to dedicate his performance in the memory of Sally Jones.
ENSEMBLE: Sarah Michelle Cuc is thrilled to be making her New York and Off-Broadway debut! She just moved from San Diego, and was most recently seen in The Pajama Game (Starlight Musical Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Cygnet Theatre Company), and The Music Man (PCPA). Some favorites include john & jen (Jen), A Little Night Music (Charlotte Malcolm),Bat Boy (Meredith Parker), and The Crucible (Mary Warren). Many THANKS! to Silver Phoenix Entertainment, and to my family for their constant love and support.
ENSEMBLE: Nick Giello was last seen as Tony Aronica in Savage in Limbo. Other favorites include Nick in Over the River and Through the Woods, Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Billy Bibbit in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest and Mike in Wait Until Dark. Nick has also written and performed his own one man show Nicky Do That One and his play Owning New York was a semi-finalist in the Samuel French One-Act Festival. Nick did his training at the William Esper and Actor's Movement Studios here in New York.
ENSEMBLE: George Marques was born in Portugal and raised in Newark. He is a graduate of the New York Film Academy and NYU's Stern School of Business and is currently studying at the Stellar Adler Studio in NYC. George has been involved in several independent film productions as an actor, script consultant, grip, and lighting tech. He is excited about making his New York Off Broadway debut in the World Premiere of O Night Divine. "I'm looking forward to working and learning from the tremendous production team of this wonderful musical!" To my brother Tony and Mom & Dad, thanks for supporting this ridiculous life of mine...love you guys!
ENSEMBLE: Brad Rakushin is incredibly excited to be making his off broadway debut in a show that's making its world premiere debut! He most recently shared the stage at Carnegie Hall singing with Ms. Judith Clerman's EVUSA ensemble for Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration. Special thanks goes out to mom for all her support and love over the years. And to his sister Jenna, who allows him to turn everything into a song without too much gripe. Thank YOU, as always, for supporting the arts and please, enjoy the show!
ENSEMBLE: Theresa Renee is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful cast and show! Having grown up Milwaukee, WI she is a Midwestern girl at heart, learning the ins and outs of this crazy coast. Just this May, she graduated from Westminster College of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelors of Music Degree in Music Theatre with minor in Dance. She was most recently seen as Wendy in Peter Pan. Other recent credits include Laurey in Oklahoma!, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Effy in The Spitfire Grilland Val in A Chorus Line. Love to Mom, Dad, Rachel, Nick, Hayden, ML and Dan.
ENSEMBLE: Nick Walkonis Off-Off Broadway: Nevermore: A Night with Poe, Fuente Ovejuna, Am I Blue, The Story of Dick Whittington and His Cat (World Premiere), A Dolphin Up A Tree. Nick is an active member of Andy Goldberg's "Shakespeare Gym." Nick is a graduate of the New Actors Workshop and holds a Masters Degree in Acting from Antioch University/ McGregor. "Much love to my family and friends for their constant support."
ENSEMBLE: Angela Winslow recently received her BFA in Musical Theater from Shenandoah Conservatory. She feels blessed to be performing in the Big Apple for the second time since graduation and could not be happier with the cast and crew of this production. Off-Off Broadway: Thirteen Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview. Regional:Hairspray (Lou Ann, Penny u/s), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Babette u/s), Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story among others. Angela would like to thank her family for for their unconditional love and support and Blaze, Leo, Beth and Mark for giving her this wonderful opportunity.
KEYBOARDS: Kevin Urso is a keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist/arranger currently residing in Brooklyn. He attended SUNY Fredonia for a Bachelors’ in Music Education, and Five Towns College on Long Island for a Masters’ in Jazz Performance. In addition to teaching public school here in New York, Kevin has played a number of musicals, including Rocky Horror Picture Show (Buffalo State College); Little Shop of Horrors (Gowanda High School, Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts & North Babylon High School); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wizard of Oz(James Street Players); Once On This Island, Working (North Babylon High School). Kevin has also recorded and released a full-length album with BeArthur, an original rock-pop funky-jazz band out of Buffalo, NY.
PERCUSSION: JESSE BRICKEL has been showcased in a number of diverse settings since the age of 5. An alumnus of NYU Steinhardt and the Juilliard Pre-College, he has has played in over 55 musical theatre productions. Recently, The Tenth Floor as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, as well as shows in the NY Fringe Festival, Philly Fringe Festival, and MITF Festival. He spent Summer 2009 as the resident drummer/percussionist at the Weathervane Theatre (AEA) in NH. Other notable performances include the Tribeca Film Festival, NAMT, Planet Connections Theatre Festivity, and concerts at the Players Theatre, Laurie Beechman Theatre, Joe's Pub, and Le Poisson Rouge. He currently plays with a number of bands including "ELECTRICWOLF" and "King of Ghosts".www.jessebrickel.com.
