Sophia's Fall

Philip Deyesso (Death)

Philip Deyesso (Death) is excited to be home in New York performing in his first NYMF show. New York credits: Broadway Bares 18, Triumph of Love, Silk Stockings, 365 Days Plays, Idol:The Musical, Cold As Ice w/Oksana Baiul. He also is an accomplished pianist and plays for the TJ MOSS BAND (Featured on BRAVO's "Step It Up And Dance"). Special thanks to the entire creative team, I would be nothing without you. Brian Kuchta Casting(oops did I just start something?)- now I know what being in the right time at the right place means. To all my teachers, fellow auditioners at AEA, and random New Yorkers who day after day drive me to drink. All my Love to the Deyesso Family, Kiara, and the house of 28-10. I love my job. FIERCE!

Meghann Dreyfuss (Raphael)

Meghann Dreyfuss (Raphael) is a member of the original Broadway cast of Mamma Mia, in which she has performed in the ensemble and understudied the role of Sophie Sheridan for six years. Other New York roles include Gabby/Bobbi in City of Angels, Guenevere in Camelot, and Miriam in the recent staged reading of the new musical Delilah at the York Theater. She has appeared on Television with the cast of Mamma Mia on NBC's The Today Show, Broadway on Broadway, the 2002 Tony Awards, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as Guiding Light. Meghann is an NYU Tisch graduate, a proud member of Actors Equity, and is happily married to actor Kevin T. Collins.

Liberty Edwards (Eve)

Liberty Edwards (Eve) a Palm Beach Atlantic University graduate and Equity member is ecstatic to be making her New York Musical Theatre Festival debut. Some of her favorite rolls include Lilli Vanessi in Kiss Me Kate, Anita in West Side Story, Catherine in Proof and Mary Ann in Gilligans Island the Musical. It would be her honor to thank her fabulous cast of angels and equally angelic director and producers. Thank you Mamma and my incredible fam-bly for constant humor and love, your friendship is my rock, I lub you! To the Most High...this one's for you. Jer 29:11 LibertyEdwards.com

Tessa Faye (Gabriel)

Tessa Faye (Gabriel) NY Theatre: Only A Lad (NY Fringe), Kidnapping Laura Linney (Stella Adler Studio), Please Remove This Stuffed Animal From My Head (Gene Frankel Theatre). Regional credits include Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah (Seven Angels Theatre). Tessa provides the voice of Siara on the award-winning Pokemon Learning League animation series. Proud grad of the University of Michigan's musical theatre department and client of The Krasny Office. Love to Craig. Now and always, for Ryan Waldheger. www.tessafaye.com

Chris Gleim (Beelzebub)

Chris Gleim (Beelzebub) NY Theatre: Dispatches (Naked Angels Theatre Co.), White Widow (Peppuzzo), Radio City Xmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall), Fairest of Them All (York Theatre Co.), Paradise Lost: The Musical (off-off-Bway). Nat€™l Tours: Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley (Peter, u/s Jesus), The Best Little Whorehouse... Faves include: The Threepenny Opera (Street Singer), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Valentine), and Company (Paul). Workshops: Take Flight, dir. Richard Maltby, Jr. (Charles Lindbergh). Film: The Good Shepherd (dir. Robert De Niro).

Clarissa Grace (Mammon)

Clarissa Grace (Mammon) is originally from Tucson, Arizona. Credits include: US national tour of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), US national tour and German companies of Starlight Express (Pearl), Las Vegas company of Saturday Night Fever (Annette), German company of CATS (Grizabella). This Christmas Clarissa will be returning to the New York production of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular as one of the six singers. Proud AEA member.

Graham Kurtz (Adam)

Graham Kurtz (Adam) is very excited to be participating in his first NYMF production. His favorite credits include the international tour of West Side Story, as well as regional productions of Cats, Gypsy, Hello Dolly, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. He was most recently seen as "Perseus" in The Wrath Of Aphrodite for GayFest NYC. BFA in Music Theatre from Western Michigan University.

Joe Paparella (Michael)

Joe Paparella: Broadway: Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Good Vibrations; Tours: Mamma Mia!, Ragtime, Martin Guerre; Regional: A Little Night Music (Baltimore Centerstage), Martin Guerre (Guthrie Theatre), Mame (Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts), 1776 (Sacramento Music Circus).

Danielle Erin Rhodes (Sophia)

Danielle Erin Rhodes (Sophia) - a pianist, composer, and songwriter is proud to be returning to NYMF after last year's successful: Back Home- The War Brides Musical. She is also thrilled to be reprising the role of Sophia in this project once known as Paradise Lost. Danielle toured all over the world with such shows as Grease, Oliver! and The Three Irish Tenors. Reg: The Buddy Holly Story, They're Playing Our Song, Rags, 42nd St., Damn Yankees.... thanks to voice teacher: Candace Goetz, acting mentor: Marilyn Sokol, agent Bernard Liebhaber and strength trainer and kickboxing instructors: Brad and Eddie. Love to family for picking Dani up if she falls. Log on to www.broadwayworld.com for Sophia's fall video diaries.

Nikki Van Cassele (Sin)

Nikki Van Cassele (Sin ) Nikki is thrilled to be a part of the NYMF series and this exciting new show! Last seen as the Spider Woman in the Vortex Theater Company's re-imagined production of Kiss of the Spider Woman directed by drama desk nominated director Gisela Cardenas. Other favorite credits include: Cabaret-1st National tour, Godspell at Walnut Street Theatre, Pump Boys & Dinettes, Jesus Christ Superstar and Brilliant Traces. Thank you so much to the entire Sophia's Fall team for this opportunity. Proud member of Actors' Equity. Paul, as always, you are the best!

Ryan Williams (Lucifer)

Ryan Williams (Lucifer) is thrilled to be joining this exciting new show's talented cast. National tour: Les Miserables (Enjolras u/s), Grease! (Danny& Kenickie). Off Broadway: Evil Dead The Musical. Regional: Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas), Bye Bye Birdie (Conrad Birdie), Romance Romance (Alfred), Sweeney Todd (Pirelli). TV :"All My Children". Love to my super Mom and Dad.

Michael Wolland (Belial)

Michael Wolland (Belial) is thrilled to be part of Sophia's Fall. Some of his favorite credits include the First National Tour of Cameron Mackintosh's Oliver! (Noah u/s), Lefou in Beauty and the Beast (Allenberry Playhouse) and Foufie in The Happy Time (Musicals Tonight!). Many thanks to KTA, and much love to mom and dad for all their love and support.

Jason Summers (Director/Choreographer)

Mr. Summers has worked extensively as a director, choreographer, teacher, and performer regionally and throughout New York. He received his BFA in Drama at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he graduated with honors and was presented with two outstanding achievement awards, one from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and the other, the Seidman Award, for his work as a performer and a scholar. As a director and choreographer, his work has been seen off-Broadway in New York (most recently as writer and director of the new musical Growing Up 70's, starring TV's Greg Brady, Barry Williams) and in countless regional and college theaters throughout the country. His productions have been favorably reviewed in many national publications, including The New York Times. Mr. Summers also teaches acting and dance, most recently for Stars of Tomorrow in Syosset. In addition, his work as a coach for the Iona Prep Forensics Team has brought the school numerous nationally-ranked finalists, including two national champions. Mr. Summers is also the co-founder and Artistic Director of the Hope for Change Foundation, a Westchester-based not-for-profit organization that raises money for breast cancer research through theatrical programming. He has been a member of Actors' Equity Association since 2002 and a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers since 2005.

Mary Ann Ivan (Musical Director, Arranger)

Mary Ann Ivan (Musical Director, Arranger) Mary Ann Ivan has over 20 years of experience as a musical director and pianist in musical theatre. With a degree in Music Therapy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, Mary Ann moved to NYC in 1993 where she received her MA in Music Composition from NYU. Studying composition privately with Joseph Church, musical director of Disney's The Lion King and The Who's Tommy, she began her Broadway career as a keyboardist and rehearsal pianist. She has played such shows as Tommy, The King and I , Jekyll & Hyde and toured with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, My Fair Lady, and is currently with Jersey Boys. Becoming interested in composing at age 15, she now has over 600 songs, orchestral pieces, ensemble works, 4 Film credits, and 11 musicals. In addition to being a composer and theatre musical director.

Mary Ann was a piano and music theatre instructor at Concordia College in Bronxville, NY and also a professor of Music Theory and Sight-Singing at Circle in the Square Broadway Theatre School in New York City. She is the founder of Mary Ann Studios, located in Westchester County , NY.

Sara Haley (Assistant Director/Choreographer)

Sara Haley (Assistant Choreographer / Director) is a choreographer, actor, and dancer. She began her career as a teacher and choreographer for dance studios and competitive dance teams throughout the U.S. and has now established herself as a top choreographer in the dance team world. Sara has worked as a head choreographer and instructor for Universal Dance Association, choreographed competition pieces for high school and collegiate dance teams, and judged international dance competitions. Her work has earned her national championships and top rankings in hip hop, jazz, and pom. As an actor, Sara has performed with the Periwinkle National Theatre, Vital Theater, Paddywack Players, Hudson Shakespeare, and Ratutu Collaborative and has danced for the NBA and AFL. She most recently choreographed the Paramount Theater's production of Forever Plaid. www.sarahaley.com

Sonny Paladino (Assistant Musical Director)

Sonny Paladino: (Assistant Music Director) Music Supervisor for Disney's High School Musical (Milan/Italy tour.) Broadway (piano/keyboard): Grease, Mama Mia. 1st National Tours: Disney's High School Musical and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Musical director/vocal arranger/orchestrator for 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. Accompanist for singer Jane Monheit. 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. B.F.A. in Jazz Piano from CUNY City College. www.sonnypaladino.com

Lisa Weinshrott (Production Stage Manager)

Lisa Weinshrott (Production Stage Manager) Lisa is excited to stage manage her first NYMF show and to work again with Jason Summers. She stage managed for Jason on the Off-Broadway production of Growing Up 70€™s (starring Barry Williams). NYC credits: Les Miserables (Theatre of the Stars Tour), Prospect Theatre, Vital Theatre, American Opera Projects, La MaMa Etc., Fringe 07. National Tours: Damn Yankees (Windwood Theatricals), Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty (AFT). Ballet: Nevada Ballet Theatre in Las Vegas (3 seasons).

Michael Kimmel (Lighting Designer)

Michael L. Kimmel and Lisa Weinshrott (Lighting Design) - Michael and Lisa have been designing lights together for over seven years. They recently started their own design company, Sharp Edge Lighting Design. Design credits include Off-Broadway: Growing Up 70's (also directed by Jason Summers), Nevada Ballet Theatre: East Meets West (With Seoul Ballet Theatre), A Midsummer Night's Dream. Westfield High School: Jesus Christ Superstar (Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Best Lighting), Children of Eden, Laramie Project. NJPAC/NJYT: Carousel. Opera Idaho: Jacques Brel is Alive and Well€¦ National Tours: Urban Cowboy, Unsinkable Molly Brown, Ain't Misbehavin' (Dir. Ken Page). Lisa and Michael design across the country for theatre, dance, opera, concerts and other events and were recently awarded Apollo Design's Standing O award. www.SharpEdgeLighting.com.

Eugenia Furneaux-Arends (Set Designer)

Eugenia Furneaux-Arends (Set designer) is free-lance scenic designer and scenic artist who is a recent transplant to New York. Previously she has worked at Shakespeare & Company and other theatres in Massachusetts and Arizona. She received her MFA in scenic design at The University of Arizona. Eugenia is thrilled to be a part of this production and would like to thank Lauren for keeping her busy.

Hop Nguyen (Costume Designer)

Hop Nguyen (Clothing Designer) is a Vietnamese-American clothing designer and seamstress living and working in North Yarmouth, Maine. She inherited her talent from her family, skilled seamstresses in North Vietnam. While Hop mainly specializes in custom-tailored womens' clothing, she has enthusiastically joined the Sophia's Fall team to create mens' and womens' costumes based on Chad Beatty's concept art.

Brett Singer (Publicist)

Publicity by Brett Singer & Associates, LLC

Chad Beatty (Concept Artist)

Chad Beatty was born in Ft. Myers, Florida in 1972.
He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with honors.
Soon after college he moved to Miami, FL where he worked as a self employed artist. He worked with Galleries in Miami and Naples selling original works and gaining commissions mostly for oil paintings and charcoal drawings (portraits). He also made connections with Ceramics N More of Santa Ana, California who requested his creative abilities to design several groups of ceramic decorative home accessories over the course of 3 years.

In 2000 Chad moved to Hutchinson, Kansas following a spontaneous invitation from his brother where he continued to work as a self employed artist. In 2001 he began working as a full time graphic designer for large graphics company. In 2006 Chad reduced his full-time hours as a graphic designer in order to focus more of his efforts on his own art. Soon after he was required to return to Florida to help with family matters. He is currrently residing there continuing his freelance and commission work.

Benjamin Birney (Composer)

Ben Birney (Lyrics, Music) is a graduate of Williams College with degrees in Music and Computer Science. While in college he wrote and produced a full-length fantasy musical entitled Villains!, and received numerous performances of other composition works. Since college he has composed a complete score for a computer game, a series of motets for church choirs, and many drafts of a musical-theatre adaptation of John Milton's Paradise Lost. Paradise Lost was performed in New York's Theatre District in February and March of 2006.

Ben lives with his wife Hop in a cottage in Maine, where he works as a technology consultant in the Other Portland. In his spare time he raises chickens, enjoys Scrabble and plays Dungeons and Dragons. He sings in the choir at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church and refuses to be stereotyped.

Rob Seitelman (Lyricist/Book Writer)

Rob Seitelman (Lyrics, Book) has worked professionally in theater for over 15 years. He received a BA in theatre arts from Williams College in 2001 and an MFA in acting from American Conservatory Theater in 2004. As an actor, he has worked at Lost Nation Theater in Vermont, American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, Bank Street Theater in New York, The Gallery Players in Brooklyn, and many more. Rob has directed many musical, classical, and modern plays including Into The Woods, Waiting for Godot, Les Miserables (Student Edition), West Side Story, Merrily We Roll Along, Goodnight Desdemona (Goodmorning Juliet), Fiddler on the Roof, and Children's Crusade among others. Most recently, Rob directed the off-off-Broadway premier of Paradise Lost at The Producer's Club in New York and Only a Lad, featuring the music of Oingo Boingo, for the New York International Fringe Festival. Writing credits include Paradise Lost (Book and Lyrics), aMUSEing, and The Freedom Roast/Political Idol.