Petrouchka (2010)

Ron Todorowski comes from Pittsburgh, PA where he began his training at the age of 8. He has worked professionally in musical theater, concert and commercial dance. He recently appeared on Broadway in the Twyla Tharp/Frank Sinatra show, Come Fly Away. Other Broadway credits include:  Wicked, Guys and Dolls, The Times They Are A Changin, Movin Out and Footloose. Ron received the 2005 Best Actor Helen Hayes Award for his performance as Eddie in Movin' Out for the first national tour and was part of London's West End production in 2006. Off Broadway he played Kegs in Andrew Lippa's, The Wild Party and was part of the first national tour of Barry Manilow's Copacabana. As a concert dancer he's been a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, The Parsons Dance Company and Mia Michaels RAW as well guesting for many others. Recent TV credits include appearances on SNL, The Tony Awards, The Today Show and the VH1 Video Music Awards. Ron was the Assistant Choreographer for the Lyric Theater's production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and assisted Mia Micheals in the creation of Celine Dion's A New Day at the Colosseum in Las Vegas.

Ed Kresley began his career as one of Jerome Robbins’ dancers in West Side Story.  He went on to appear in Bye Bye Birdie and to assist Gower Champion on Hello Dolly!  As Supervising Archivist and Associate Director of the American Dance Machine, he recreated many Broadway dance classics for the repertoire and occasionally appeared with the company.  Mr. Kresley has choreographed major rock videos, TV shows and movies.  He has also choreographed and directed musical theatre throughout the US, England, France, Italy, Japan and Israel.

Trevor Downey is so excited to be back performing in NYMF! A native from Ohio, Trevor started dancing at the age of 4. Most recently he was seen dancing along side the Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall in the Christmas Spectacular, and will be back there this Christmas. Favorite credits include Mr. Mistoffelees in CATS at LaComedia, Circa' 21, and Lyceum Theatre, as well as the 25th Anniversary National Tour where he played Pouncival. After playing Nicole in La Cage Aux Folles at Riverside Theatre, Trevor was seen in Las Vegas with So You Think You Can Dance. He has performed in NYMF in Platforms in 2007, and Andy Warhol Was Right in 2009. Other credits include A-Rab in West Side Story, Sugar at Gateway Playhouse, the 2010 Easter Bonnet opening number: Gaga For Broadway, Odyssey Dance Company, Disney World, Cirque Productions, Cirque Le Masque, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Paramount Parks. Trevor thanks MSA, Matthew Neff, and his family and friends for their love and support.

Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, Ashley grew up dancing and performing in New York City. She holds a BFA in Dance (and a BA in English Literature) from the Tisch School of the Arts/NYU. Ashley has performed professionally in musical theatre, concert dance and commercial contexts and has worked with Jill Johnson, Susan Marshall, Monstah Black, Tina Croll, Kelly Donovan and Hee Ra Yoo. Notable roles include The Dreydl Princess in Vital Theatre’s “The Klezmer Nutcracker” and Viva in Turtle Shell Productions’ “Puck’d”. Her own choreography has been seen regionally and Off-Broadway. When she is not performing or choreographing, Ashley teaches ballet, tap, hip hop, acrobatics and improvisation. For more information, please visit www.ashleymarinelli.weebly.com.

Courtney is honored to be apart of Petroucka. She is a 2007 NFAA YoungArts Modern Dance Award Recipient. Production Shows: The Show (Showboat Casino Atlantic City), The Spirit of Broadway (Canada), Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme (Royal Caribbean), Video: 'Got Milk' Campaign, Dept of Eagles Music Video, The Key of Awesome Webisode, Live Stage: Goodwill Games Opening Ceremonies (Australia), Broadway on Broadway (Broadway Cares), Dancers Responding to Aids, Jazz Dance World Congress, Youth American Grand Prix, Flash Mob America. www.courtney-ortiz.com

Brandon Porter is from Detroit, MI where he trained with Performing Arts Dance Theater under the direction of Ginger Glenn. Brandon’s experience ranges from theatre to film to concert dance, credits include 1st National Tour of Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man as Darius Lyons understudy as Winthrop dir. Ray Roderick choreography by Susan Stroman, Crazy Head Space the Musical role as dancer dir. Gabriel Barre, choreography by Matthew Neff, IMS-International Motorcycle Show Tour as choreographer, stage manager and performer. Twister Moves Perpetual Tour dancer/assistant choreographer with Hasbro, South Street Sea Port Concert with Nick and Aaron Carter under the production of Grey Alliance, along with other industrial appearances with Toys R’ Us, Milton Bradley to name a few.

Matthew Allen, Kansas City native, is thrilled to be a part of Petrouchka.  Favorite past credits include NYMF’s Fat Camp (Titus), All Shook Up at Artpark, HAIR 25th Anniversary European National Tour (Tribe/U/s Woof), Westside Story (Action), Grease (Doody), Cabaret and The Secret Garden (Dickon).  Thanks for Mom, Dad, T&E, J&T, friends, MSA and Matthew Neff and the cast of Petrouchka for the opportunity.  Enjoy!  

Chivas Merchant-Buckman, a native of Washington, DC graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts. He received his BFA in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College where he performed works by Robert Battle, Chris D'Amboise, Donald Byrd, Jiri Kylian, Jose Limon, Sean Curran, and Bahiyah Sayyed-Gaines. Chivas was also a member of Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

Brandon Cournay is originally from Walled Lake, MI. He has had the privilege of dancing the works of Ohad Naharin, Nacho Duato, Mark Morris, and Larry Keigwin. He has danced the work of Twyla Tharp at the Fall for Dance Festival and with the Lar Lubovich Dance Company, both at NY City Center. Brandon has appeared in a Puma commercial and industrials for Sesame Street and Target.  He has also been an assistant choreographer for the Miss America Organization. BFA- Juilliard ‘09

Arthur Cuadros was born in Fresno California.  It was early on that he felt passion for the arts in various forms, from song to dance.  At the age of 6 he performed with the Fresno Opera Association as a singer in the Matchgirl.  An opera written by Conductor Nicola Iacovetti.  It was'nt until his freshman year in high school at the age of 14 he started dancing with the Varsity Dance team.  His natural ability propelled him to a lead position early on.After high school he moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina to train with the North Carolina School of the arts and Triple threat.  After that he moved to New York City.Since being in New York he has performed in the following:Alvin Ailey Showcases,Sue Samuels Dance Company,Choregapher Canves,Roschman Dance Company and Jessica Taylor Dance Company.

Matthew is excited to make his NYMF debut with "Petrouchka." He began his dance training under his mother's instruction and went on to train at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Rock School in Philadelphia. From there he built a successful ballet career with the Kansas City Ballet. While with KCB he was seen in many principal roles and received acclaim for his theatricality.  He also enjoys anything "circus" and is a juggler, unicyclist and clown. As always, he dedicates his performance in loving memory of his teacher and friend, Duncan Noble. www.matthewdonnell.com

Jennifer Grossi is thrilled to be a part of Petrouchka and NYMF! Originally from Morris, Illinois, Jennifer is a graduate from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and is currently receiving her B.F.A. in musical theatre at New School University. She is a NFAA scholarship recipient, and credits range from stage, film, and vocal recordings. Jennifer has studied with Lou Conte, VirginiaSandifur, and Stephanie Scott. Favorite regional credits include Damn Yankees (Lola), Crimes of the Heart (Babe), and Eating Out (Shea Theatre Company). Besides performing and attending school, Jennifer is a yoga instructor at Strala Yoga in Noho, founded by Tara Stiles. Thanks to my family and friends for support, and to Mathew Neff and the entire cast of Petrouchka for this amazing experience andopportunity!

Stage: Christopher D'Amboise's "Six Degrees", Alwin Nikolais' "Tensile Involvement", Broadway Cares, The Michael Awards, Brighton Enterprises, Jazz Dance America, Television/Video: "Simply Funk", Theatre: "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum", "Pippin". Also a proud member of ALUMinate, and the International Thespian Society, and holds a BFA degree in dance from Marymount Manhattan College.

Jessica LaChance is a native of St. Louis, MO. She received her B.F.A. in dance from Marymount Manhattan College this past May.  Here she was able to perform works by choreographers such as Kate Weare, Erik Hawkings, and Anthony Ferro. Jessica is very excited to be a part of Petrouchka and would like to thank Matthew and the entire cast for making this such an amazing and exciting experience.

Amanda Mondoro graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance. A native of New Jersey, she received her training from New Jersey Ballet and Gotta Dance. She has performed in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular National Tour, TranscenDance Group, Design Cares Fashion Show, and numerous industrials. Amanda is so excited to be a part of the cast of Petrouchka! Much love to Mom, Dad, and Ross!

Christine Mueller is totally jazzed to be a part of NYMF!  Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, she holds a BFA in dance from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.  She has performed in original works by Ronen Koresh and Zane Booker, and has made a guest appearance with the Martha Graham Dance Company. In addition to numerous theater credits, she has performed for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and is a Broadway Theatre Project alum. She is so proud to be a part of Petrouchka and thanks Matthew for all of his hard work, all of the laughs, and for giving her this opportunity.

Jackie Nowicki is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production of Petrouchka! Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Jackie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University, where she was named Presidential Scholar.  During those four years she worked with renowned choreographers such as Robert Battle, Lou Conte, and Eddie Taketa, among others.  She recently finished a West Coast Tour with the Contemporary Dance Company, Shiroun, and her New York credits include working with: Mark Dendy, Brice Mousett, DAMAGEDANCE, Banana Peel Dance Company, and Malleable Dance Theater.  Special thanks to Matthew Neff, and her family and friends for their constant support!

Performances- KTU's Beatstock Concert, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sweet Charity, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dancers Responding to Aids Benefit, Jon Stewart at Lincoln Center, Nothing Like a Dame, Bette Midlers Hulaween Extravaganza. Companies- Kelly Peters Dance Company, Dean College Dance Company. Big Thank You to my Family, David Sanders and Matthew Neff

Sarah Singer has been Matthew Neff's assistant for the past 4 years and is so excited to see Petrouchka come to life. She is a born and raised New Yorker and has been dancing since age 2.  Her experience ranges from stage to video.  Sarah has had opportunity to work with director Gabriel Barre as a dancer in a production of a new musical, Crazy Headspace, and can be found dancing behind Antonella Barba (American Idol Season 6) in her debut music video Jersey Girl.

Alexandra Smith is excited to be a part of Petrouchka and NYMF! After graduating from Marymount Manhattan College in 2008, she has continued to pursue a career in both dance and modeling. She most recently modeled in Madame, the debut collection of Nicolas Putvinski, in fall fashion week. Other credits include: Crazy Head Space, an AEA showcase, and several television appearances. She is determined to keep the list growing!

Matthew Neff has experience that varies from theater to film, to concert dance. His performances in musical tours include: George M! (Archie/Dance Captain),The Music Man (Linus Dunlop), and Oklahoma! (Jesse Chalmers/Dance Captain).and many regional theater productions. He can be seen dancing in Sony Pictures/Revolution Films’ musical movie, Across The Universe, directed by Julie Taymor. You can also find him in Avril Lavigne’s music video He Wasn’t and Clear Blue Tuesday directed by Elizabeth Lucas. In the world of concert dance, he has had the opportunity to perform works by Charlotte Griffin, Jose Limón, Mark Morris, Chet Walker and had the opportunity to be a part of Anna Sokolow’s Memorial at the Joyce Theater.

Neff’s choreography has also been performed in various showcases and competitions including the finals for the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) in NYC. His choreography has also been seen in Puck'd: What Fools These Mortals Be, The Telluride AIDS Benefit, Oklahoma! at Summer Lyric Theatre in New Orleans, musical numbers for Pacific Encore's upcoming film, the music video Junk for Project Jenny Project Jan, both the reading and showcase of the new rock musical, Crazy Head Space, The Who’s Tommy directed by Gabriel Barre at Connecticut Repertory Theatre. He currently is choreographing for recording artist Antonella Barba, from American Idol, on her live performances as well as her debut music video, Jersey Girl.

web.mac.com/matthewneff

Michelangelo has written music for HBO, The History Channel, VH1, USA Network, Animal Planet, PBS, Phillips Norelco, Garnier Fructîs, Acuvue, CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) TCM and ABC. He has also scored Independent Short Films such as Spirit, The Underground, Soldier Boy, Lazy Sundays, See Me, Aamala and is currently scoring his first feature length film, A Novel Romance starring Steve Guttenberg and Shannon Elizabeth. Current projects also include the original rock musical Crazy Head Space with creator Elisabeth Davis, which ran at the @ Seaport Theater in NYC, and the score to the original play Peking Roulete, which was featured in the 2010 Midtown Int’l Theater Festival. Michelangelo has also composed music for Industrial Films, Off-Off Broadway Theater, Children's Theater, Public Radio, Television Pilots, TV Show Intros, Commercials, Video Games, World Documentaries, Rock/Pop demos, Elevator Muzak (seriously!), Video Magazines, Aerobics Music (seriously!) and music for the Jumbotron at Madison Square Garden, (sung by the Harlem's Boy's Choir). Michelangelo also writes and plays for the all-star band, Rabbits Against Magic, performing at numerous colleges, music festivals and clubs, as well as a steady stream of shows in NYC and the North East. His music has been played on hundreds of college radio stations across the United States, making CMJ's Top 100 Most Added List at #11, and featured on several AAA and Internet radio stations, including Pandora. His music and reel can be found at www.nomeansyesproductions.com

Katherine is working on two NYMF shows, Petrouchka and POPart. Off Broadway: The Merchant of Venice, The Winter's Tale(The Public Theater) Regional Theater: Boeing Boeing, Whisper House, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Pastorella Noel( The Old Globe) Intimate Apparel (ACT) Three Mo' Divas, A Christmas Carol(SD Rep).  Other Credits include the Diversionary Theater, Starlight Theater, Golden Thread, Killing My Lobster, North Coast Rep, and Custom Made Theater.