The Happy Embalmer (2009)
Wednesday, Oct 7th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Thursday, Oct 8th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Friday, Oct 9th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Saturday, Oct 10th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Saturday, Oct 10th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, count to three… Now picture a no-holds-barred steel cage match between Mel Brooks, Bruce Lee, Monty Python & Axl Rose. Wait…What? Edward Nando is a lonely embalmer. Emily is his lost love (unfortunately, she’s dead). But Ed has a special purpose… Enter a pistol-shootin’ Texan madman, A groovy Russian scientist, And one bad-ass Dalai Lama. Oh, yes – all hell is about to break loose.
Kelly Devine (Director/Choreographer) choreographed the Broadway and off-Broadway productions of Rock of Ages (5 Tony nominations). Other Broadway credits include the new musical Memphis (Assoc. Choreographer) and the international sensation Jersey Boys (Assoc. Choreographer, Tony Award/Olivier Award Best Musical). Off-Broadway: Frankenstein; Anne Wrecksick. La Jolla Playhouse: Peter and the Starcatchers (In association with Disney Theatricals); Zhivago; Private Fittings; The Wiz (Assoc. Choreographer). Stratford Festival: Cabaret; Romeo & Juliet. Regional: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson; Sneaux, L.A. Weekly Theater Award for best choreography); Wozzeck (San Diego Opera). Film/television: Happy, Texas; Zombie Prom; 30 Days Until I’m Famous; So Little Time; Two of a Kind; Boychik; and Passport to Paris. Commercials: Cingular Wireless; Oldsmobile. Up next, Kelly is choreographing the new Disney musical Peter and the Starcatchers and the family classic turned musical A Christmas Story.
Sonny Paladino: Music Supervisor for Disney’s High School Musical (Milan/Italy tour.) Broadway: Grease (Assistant Conductor,) Billy Elliot, Guys and Dolls, Mama Mia (Keyboard.) 1st National Tours: Disney’s High School Musical and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Musical Director/Vocal Arranger/Orchestrator: Jammin’ for Godot (The Culture Project,) Stuck in the Zipper, White Noise, and Mandragola (York Theatre.) Off B’way: Naked Boys Singing and The Open Gate. As a composer: The Return of the Blue Cat, (with poet F.D. Reeve, OtherPress-publisher.) Currently, Sonny is writing music for Matthew Morrison’s debut album and musically directing the new musical Street Lights as well as the The Happy Embalmer. B.F.A. in Jazz Piano from CUNY City College. www.sonnypaladino.com
Daniel Reichard, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, is best known for his portrayal of songwriter and one of the original Four Season(s), Bob Gaudio in the box-office smash JERSEY BOYS, a role he originated both on Broadway and in the show’s La Jolla Playhouse premiere. He followed JERSEY BOYS with a critically acclaimed performance as Candide in Leonard Bernstein’s CANDIDE at the New York City Opera. Daniel made his New York City debut with the original cast in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: 20th Celebration. As a concert singer, he has had sold-out engagements at Joe’s Pub, the Metropolitan Room, and Ars Nova. Other concert appearances include three performances at Carnegie Hall, Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve—which had an attendance of 100 million guests, Radio City Music Hall, Symphony Space, BB Kings, Town Hall, Firebird, and the Cutting Room, as well as with the Arkansas Symphony.
Tituss Burgess recently starred as Nicely Nicely Johnson in the New Broadway Revival of Guys and Dolls. He originated the role of Sebastian the Crab in Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys (OBC) and Good Vibrations(OBC). Regionally he was seen in The Wiz (Cowardly Lion, La Jolla), Songs For A New World w/ Jason Robert Brown, Brian D'arcy James and Alice Ripley, Father in Children of Eden, Jim in Big River. In the concert world, Tituss has served as soloists with the Prague Symphony Orchestra as well as for Academy Award Winner, Ennio Morricone. Television: “2009 Tony Awards”,“The View,” “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” “Late Night with David Letterman.” Solo CD: “Here's to You" is available on iTunes. www.titussburgess.com
Megan Sikora was most recently seen on Broadway in Curtains as Bambi Bernet for which she received an LA Ovation Nomination during their out of town tryout. Other NY credits include: Showboat (Ellie) at Carnegie Hall, Applause (Bonnie) for City Center's Encores! , Wicked (u/s Glinda/ Nessarose), Dracula (u/s Lucy/Mina), Wonderful Town, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ruth), 42nd Street (Lorraine), MTC’s The Wild Party (Peggy), A Connecticut Yankee (Angela) for Encores! More fun things: Important Things with Dimitre Martin (co-star/Comedy Central) White Christmas (Judy Haynes) at the Fox Theater in Detroit, Oklahoma! (Ado Annie) at Paper Mill Playhouse, 81st Annual Academy Awards with Hugh Jackman, 29th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, five original cast recordings. B.A. in Dance from Point Park University, and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1996.
Noah Aberlin (Jimmy, George) feels like updating his bio is like updating his facebook status. Noah recently returned from the real Iceland and encourages everyone to visit. As an actor he has toured the US & Canada in three shows: The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), The Producers (Ensemble, Leo u/s), & Contact (DC, Swing). He has also done other regional and NY productions. Noah is a graduate of Syracuse University. Thanks & love to Daniel, M, D, K, & PJ. Enjoy the show!
Candi Boyd is a bit confused as to why she's been cast as a 67 year old, but is ecstatic nonetheless. She hails from Pittsburgh where she went to Point Park University and moved to NYC after a couple years of cruise ship employment. Recent credits include The Crack-Free Handyman, Jesus Christ Superstar, Anything Goes, Hair, and Contact. She needs to thank her ridiculously wonderful Parents, Husband, Agent and Cast. Love you Bubba!
Favorite credits include: Crazy for You! (Moose), Ferdinand the Bull (Ferdinand), Annie Get Your Gun (Sitting Bull), Rebels (McIntoch), Jesus Christ Superstar (Pilate) Appeared regionally: Paper Mill Playhouse, Arden theater, Marriott Lincolnshire, Ogunquit Playhouse, Stage door theater, National Tour: The Full Monty (Dave), Film: Hot Baby, Inside Man. TV: Law & Order SVU. Joe is originally from Winnebago IL, thanks Kelly!
Off-Broadway: Awesome 80's Prom, Minimum Wage. New York/Regional/Tours: Underwear: A Space Musical, Junie B. Jones, Bush of Troy, Ping-Pong Diplomacy, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Dooley Award, Column Award Nom.), Damn Yankees, Lost in Yonkers. Co-wrote, directed, and starred in Life by Default ("Official Selection" at the NY Independent Int'l Film Fest and at The Great American Film Project). BFA Marymount Manhattan College: The Old Law, Inspector General, The Wild Party. Love and thanks to family and friends! Proud member of AEA. www.tonydaussat.com
Steven Hauck made his Broadway debut last season in Irena’s Vow. Other New York credits: the Directors Company, Emerging Artists (company member), and the Young Playwrights Festival at the Cherry Lane. He toured in Phantom to Berlin, Vienna and Paris. Regional: Art (Geva), Cyrano (Milwaukee Rep) and How I Learned to Drive (Tennessee Rep.) Film: Confessions of a Shopaholic. TV: Law & Order CI and a smitten suitor of Susan Lucci on All My Children.
Most recently seen in the world premiere of Vices: A Love Story. Off-Broadway: Rock of Ages (U/S Sherrie, Regina). Favorite roles: Wicked-Japan (Elphaba), Aladdin (Jasmine), Dvorak in America (Otilie). Workshops: Angry Housewives, Cross-Body Lead. Numerous national Applebees commercials, films, and voiceover work for Yu-Gi-Oh! and Mattel (commercials, Princess Anneliese Barbie Doll singing voice, Barbie and the Diamond Castle- Melody). Solo CD Its My Time is available on itunes and www.larajanine.com. Special thanks to Ivan, family, friends, and KSR!
Cedric Leiba, Jr.: NYMF debut! Off-Broadway: Kingdom (Juan), The Public Theater/ QTIP. Regional: Kingdom (Juan), The Old Globe, Aida (Mereb), Five Guys Named Moe (Nomax). National Tours: Rent (Angel), Go Diego Go Live! (Diego), Miss Saigon (Ensemble). Featured soloist with the Boston Pops, the Orlando Philharmonic and the Songbook Series at Lincoln Center. Education: MM in Musical Theater, The Boston Conservatory; BM in Vocal Performance, Stetson University. "Para mi Dios, mi familia y mi tierra."
is excited to be returning to the NYMF for the third year in a row after having appeared in "Max and the Truffle Pig"(2008) and "With Glee"(2007). Recent credits: Vote!(Fringe),Craig Stevens Guide to Making it on Broadway, Dog Sees God, The Awesome 80s Prom, Flora the Red Menace, Snapshots, or doing musical improv with Zamboni!. Kevin holds a M.A. from NYU, and a B.M. from JMU. www.kevinmichaelmurphy.com
most recently originated the role of Kate in the regional premiere and NY reading of the new Wright Brothers musical, Flyer. This is her NYMF debut, as well as her first foray into sepulchral enactments. Favorite roles include: Percy (Spitfire Grill), Cinderella (Into the Woods), Roxie (Chicago), Kitty (POPart), Hedy LaRue (How to Succeed...). BFA in Music Theatre and BA in Dance - Elon University. Proud Equity Member. 1 Corinthians 13:13.
Christopher Spaulding was a member of the Original Broadway Cast of Curtains starring David Hyde Pierce. Off-Broadway: Rock of Ages. Principal Regional credits include Godspell and High School Musical (St. Louis MUNY), High School Musical 2 (NCT), Footloose (Marriott Lincolnshire), and Sweeney Todd (NYC's Skirball Center). Television performances include the Tony Awards and the 81st Annual Academy Awards. BFA: NYU, Tisch School of the Arts (CAP21).
Tiffany Sudol has toured with Mamma Mia!, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Evita, Joseph…Dream Coat, and Camelot. New York: Hot Feet; Favorite Regional credits include: Sarah in Seven Brides, White Christmas, playing the Carpet in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and lead dancer at the CMA’s 2008 for Big and Rich. Tiffany graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a BFA in Musical Theatre and Dance. Love to Mom and Dad, Honoring Gram.
Noody – Mark Noonan & Nick Oddy – wrote most of this show in a crappy Boston apartment under the sponsorship of Beck’s beer (Beck’s was unaware of this sponsorship, of course). Nick was raised in the shadow of Abbey Road studios in London and educated at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Mark grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Holy Cross where he studied English & Theatre. Nick’s music can be heard in the documentary film Splitting Hairs. Mark’s writing can be seen in a new play called Teach. Nick and Mark both agree that writing a musical basically means giving up five years of your life. But it’s better than cooking stir-fry at a fast food joint or moving boxes around all day.
Jo Winiarski- Selected Credits- Off Broadway- Love Loss and What I Wore, J.A.P. The Jewish American Princess of Comedy, I Love You Because, A Likely Story. OFF OFF Broadway- Stretch (New Georges), Gone (E59E59), Associate Broadway Design: Rock of Ages, Jay Johnson's Two and Only, LoveMusik, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Regional:The Great American Trailer Park Musical (National Tour), Utah Shakespearean Festival, Alpine Theater Project, The Hangar. Art Direction: A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All (Emmy Award Nomination), The Real World Brooklyn, 2009 NHL Awards.
Costume Design - Three Days of Rain (Amphibian); Lifetime Fairytale, The Glass Menagerie (Columbia Stages); Rock-A My Soul (The Riant Theatre); Der Kaiser von Atlantis (Greenwich Music Festival); Trouble in Mind (Yale Rep); Venus, Richard III (Yale School of Drama); Two Small Bodies, Miss Julie (Williamstown Theater Festival Workshop); Hotel: Eight Rooms, A Number, An Evening of Cabaret (Yale Cabaret). Assistant Costume Design - Off-Broadway: The Toxic Avenger, Music in the Air. Regional: The Toxic Avenger (Toronto); La Bohème (Santa Fe Opera); Sweet Bird of Youth, Demon Dreams (Williamstown Theater Festival): The Three Sisters, Hamlet (Yale School of Drama). Director Bone Songs (Yale Cabaret); Dwight/Edgewood Project 2008 (Yale School of Drama/Yale Rep).
Broadway: Rock of Ages, The Threepenny Opera, Barefoot in the Park, Good Vibrations. Recent: Uncle Vanya (CSC), Rock of Ages (New World Stages), Clay (LCT3), Scarcity (Atlantic), The Piano Teacher (South Coast Rep), Vigils (Goodman), Evil Dead the Musical (NYC and Toronto), Shout! the Mod Musical, Sive, The Field (Irish Rep), Once Around the Sun, Kiki & Herb: Coup de Theatre. The New Group: Mourning Becomes Electra, Rafta Rafta, Two Thousand Years, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Abigail's Party, Hurlyburly, Aunt Dan and Lemon, Comedians. Faculty: Purchase College.
Austin Switser (Projection Designer) Off Broadway: ¡El Conquistador! at New York Theater Workshop, Continuous City with The Builders Association, Piano Starts Here at The Apollo, My Wandering Boy at Theater Row (SPF 2007). Regional: Atlanta at The Geffen Playhouse; Mask, Ray Charles Live!, & Matter of Honor, at the Pasadena Playhouse; The History Boys at The Ahmanson; Apollo at The Kirk Douglas Theater; Bell Solaris, & Peach Blossom Fan at REDCAT. Austin graduated from CalArts.
Matthew DiCarlo (Production Stage Manager) - Broadway/ Off-Broadway: Rock of Ages. Paper Mill Playhouse: The Full Monty, Little Shop of Horrors, Steel Magnolias, Meet Me In St. Louis, Nutcracker, Carnival!, Cinderella. Other NY credits include The Brain from Planet X (NYMF) and Australia Plays Broadway (Carnegie Hall). BFA from Rutgers University. Love to Mom and Dad ..."do the math".
Adam John Hunter - has been the Associate Director for John Doyle on his three Broadway musicals and the new Stephen Sondheim musical Road Show. He is currently the Associate Director for Kristin Hangii on the TONY nominated new musical Rock of Ages, choreographed by Kelly Devine.
Lainie Sakakura - Dance Reconstruction & Dance Captain for the Broadway hit FOSSE (Tony Award, Best Musical). Director: Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, A Train (re) Plays “Hal & Joann”. Director/Choreographer: Neighborhood Playhouse, A Train Plays Volume XVI. Choreographer: Marriott Theatre, Hot Mikado (Joseph Jefferson Nomination); Penguin Rep, Syncopation; Jimmy Buffett - Daydreamin’ In Havana Tour; Edith Head – A Retrospectacular; SSDC DanceBreak 2004. Co-Choreographer: Damn Yankees (Joseph Jefferson Award); Pittsburg CLO Tour; Casper The Musical. Performer Broadway: Chita Rivera The Dancer’s Life, FOSSE, Flower Drum Song, The King & I, Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public. SSDC
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Daniel Reichard & Tituss Burgess Star in THE HAPPY EMBALMER
Daniel Reichard & Tituss Burgess Star in THE HAPPY EMBALMER As Part of 2009 NYMF, Opens 10/6 At Acorn Theater
Reichard, Burgess, Sikora and More Join Happy Embalmer
Daniel Reichard, Tituss Burgess and Megan Sikora will star in the New York Musical Theatre Festival production of The Happy Embalmer.
