Gay Bride of Frankenstein (2009)

Billy Butler (Writer, Composer, Musical Director)

Billy Butler was born into a musical family. His mother is a classically trained pianist and his brother is a virtuoso jazz violinist. Some writing credits include Weapons of Mass Construction, Jungle Book and his last album, The Lot 20 Sessions. He is an award winning actor and director and a 15 year member of Actor's Equity Association. In 2007 he was awarded the Excellence in American Theatre by the New England Theatre Council along with his colleagues, president of the Dramatists Guild, Gary Garrison and Oscar winning screen writer, Ernest Thompson. He has written and/or performed with Seacoast Repertory Theatre, comedy troupe Rebels Without Applauze, the Players' Ring Theatre, David Shepherd, The Music Hall, The Palace Theatre, the subways under Manhattan, Catch a Rising Star in Boston and New York, Improv Boston, and Stand Up NY. He sings and plays piano for the bands The Donkey Show and Tim McCoy and the Papercuts. He is also a founding member of New Theatre Works and produced the Gay Bride of Frankenstein Original Workshop Cast recording.

Buy the soundtrack on ITUNES

Dane Leeman (Writer, Production Designer)

Dane E. Leeman graduated from Ithaca College in 1995 with a BFA in Theatrical Production Arts and a minor in Writing. He is currently technical director and resident scenic designer for the Barnstormers Theatre and production manager for New Theatre Works. As a designer some of his favorites include, A Midsummer Night's Dream, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Odd Couple, Of Mice and Men, Bat Boy and Ragtime. Gay Bride of Frankenstein is Dane's second full length play.

Dan Drew (Comic Book Artist)

Dan Drew is a comic book artist from Dover, NH. He does a weekly editorial comic for the "Bay State Banner" in Massachusetts and is on staff at Severed Head Comics. He is also writes his own comic "Dig Up Her Bones." www.myspace.com/MightyFooda

Stephen Nachamie, SDC (Director)

Stephen Nachamie’s New York credits include: Into the Woods for CAP21/NYU, The 25th Anniversary Production of Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy (starring Sirius Radio’s Seth Rudetsky), Faraway Bayou (in development), Choreographer of Like You Like It for NAMT/NYMF, Assistant Director for Broadway Concerts of Funny Girl (with Peter Gallagher and Whoopi Goldberg) and Chess (starring Josh Groban). Regional credits include: Oliver! at the John W. Engeman Theatre, tick, tick…BOOM! and the Boston Area Premiere of Gutenberg! The Musical! at New Repertory Theatre, MA, 1776 at Olney Theatre Center, Dreamgirls, Joseph…, and Jesus Christ Superstar at WV Public Theatre, The King and I at Gretna Theatre, The Fantasticks at Emelin Theatre, Miss Saigon and The Full Monty at Maine State, Hank Williams: Lost Highway and Italian American Reconciliation at Depot Theatre, Driving Miss Daisy, The Sunshine Boys, and Urinetown at the Barnstormers Theatre, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Hedwig at Capital Playhouse, Cabaret at TriArts, Chicago at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, A Chorus Line (two national tours and several regional productions), West Side Story (Italian tour, NC Theatre, Gateway Playhouse), …Charlie Brown at Emelin Theatre and Cherry County Playhouse, Tommy and Evita at Pittsburgh Musical Theater and Gateway Playhouse, as well as many industrials and new works in development. Stephen is also an author and teacher. Upcoming: Camelot at Olney Theatre Center. www.stephennachamie.com

Adrienne Maitland (Choreographer)

Adrienne Maitland is a Philadelphia based performer and choreographer. A graduate of Penn State's Musical Theatre Program her work has been seen in many venues in the tri-state region as well as the New England area. Choreography credits include: ...Forum (Dir/Chor, Seacoast Rep, NH), The Wall - Live in Concert (BCKSEET productions, PA), Urinetown - The Musical, Oklahoma!, Bat Boy, Footloose (Seacoast Rep, NH), Forever Plaid (Tri-State Actors Theatre, NJ), Rocky Horror Picture Show (SRT - NH & Roadhouse Theatre - PA), Equus (Players' Ring, NH), Guys and Dolls (Penn State). This and every production is dedicated to her mother... Dream and Believe Always!

Dana Aber (Daphne)

Dana Aber (Daphne) is delighted to appear onstage with the talented crew of GBoF and thanks Billy, Dane, Stephen, and Adrienne for adding her to the flock!  She was most recently seen as Bess in FDCAC/Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Pirate Bess at Ft. Greene Park, in Squiggy and the Goldfish at the Workshop Theatre, and in Tartuffe at the Studio @ Theatre Row.  Last summer, she famously helmed the Alpha Corp’s pushup number in NYFringe’s KNB the Musical in full navy fatigues.  A super-big believer in the artistic integrity of the American musical, she enjoys working with new writers and recently worked on the new musical, Four, for NYU’s musical theatre writing grad presentation.  Dana’s work has been featured at Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Cleveland Play House, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Musical Theater and in Trinity Rep’s acclaimed restaging of My Fair Lady.  Dana also toured the eastern states as a riffing-Eleanor Roosevelt opposite gospel heavyweights Margaret Bell and Tony Terry, played 11 shows as the second-understudy Aunt Blanche for Brighton Beach Memoirs at the historic Walnut Street Theatre, wept through Albee's The Play About the Baby at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was understudy for Blanche Du Bois in Syracuse Stage’s A Streetcar Named Desire.  Dana is currently working on a cabaret project with her BFF Amanda Taraska featuring new music by several awesome NYC composers.  She loves her parents and Broadway superstar brother immensely, who constantly create space in the world for her to be an artist and travel great distances to support her work.  Follow her journey at DanaAber.com.

Ashley Kate Adams (Chloe / Liza)

Ashley Kate Adams is thrilled to be making her New York debut with the creative team and cast of GBoF!  In New York she has been seen as Traute in The White Rose reading at the York Theatre.  Regional credits include Young Edie in Grey Gardens and Pippi in The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati.  Love and Thanks to Abrams, Station 3, and to her roomies and parents.

Christopher Hudson Myers (Hairy)

Christopher is originally from Fort Worth, TX and is totally stoked to be a part of Gay Bride's New York debut!  He has lived in NYC and been working regionally and in NYC for the last three years.  Some of his work includes Les Miserables (Marius), Altar Boyz (Abraham), The Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart), The Full Monty (Harold), Soul Searching (Swing), Romeo & Juliet (Romeo), West Side Story (Riff) and Disney's Aladdin (The Sultan). Christopher also spent three years touring the world with his beautiful and talented wife, performing on Holland America Cruise Lines.  Thanks to Billy and the whole creative team for this opportunity!  Also thanks to his family and friends for their continued love and support!  Proud to be GAE!

Emma Hunton (Edna)

Emma Hunton is thrilled to be a part of Gay Bride of Frankenstein and honored to be performing with such a talented cast and creative team.  She was recently seen on Broadway in Spring Awakening as Ilse, the 3rd National Tour of Les Miserables as young Cossette/young Eponine, and has appeared in numerous national network commercials and voice overs, as well as Don Roos' Feature Film Happy Endings.  Love to Mom, Feenie, Ta-da, Sam, and Toran.  I'ma chill Shirley, Salad!

Jeremiah James (Dr. Shocker)

Jeremiah James is a proud graduate of the Hamilton Academy of Music. Most recently, Jeremiah appeared as Billy Bigelow in the critically acclaimed West End revival of Rogers and Hammerstein's Carousel.  Other favorite roles include:  Curly in Oklahoma! (Cameron Mackintosh revival US first national tour), Bobby Child in Crazy for You (Madrid Theatre, Ovation nominee Best Actor), Bob Wallace in White Christmas (Hilton Head Theatre), Wayne Frake in State Fair (Struthers Theatre), George Gibb in Our Town (Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum), Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls (Palace Theatre), Sheik in Sideshow (Colony Theatre), and Tom Sawyer in Big River (James Armstrong Theatre). Film and Television: May Day starring Geoffrey Lewis, General Hospital, Port Charles, This Morning, GMTV, The Paul O’Grady Show.  Jeremiah is also member of international singing group, Teatro (Teatromusic.com).  Backed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Teatro’s debut album went gold within three weeks of its release, making them one of the fastest selling musical theatre acts of all time.  In December 2007, Teatro had the honor of performing for, and meeting HM Queen Elizabeth on The Royal Variety Show.  Most recently, Jeremiah has a signed a two album deal with "The Yellow Sound Label" in NYC and is very excited to release his first solo album (due out at the start of 2010). Jeremiah is thrilled to be a part of Gay Bride of Frankenstein!  Jeremiahjames.net

Christian D. White (Wolfman)

After graduating from Circle in the Square, Christian White starred for two years as Seaweed in the national tour of Hairspray.  NY stage:  Scarecrow in The Wiz (City Center Summer Stars).  Readings:  Scottsboro Boys directed by Susan Stroman, music by Kander and Ebb.  Regional:  Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray (The Muny).  Christian would like to thank God, his beautiful mother, grandmother, Bookie, Shamicka, J.Jones, T.Lavell, Larry, Erica Bines, and Headline Talent.

Darryl Winslow (Janitor / Nurse / Agent Simowitz)

Darryl Winslow is ready to rock it out with Gay Bride of Frankenstein and to return to NYMF where he has appeared in six productions including Bonnie & Clyde:  A Folktale (Most Promising New Musical 2008) and Unlock’d (Best in Fest 2007).  Darryl created the role of “Good Old Reliable” Jake in the Off-Broadway cult hit, Evil Dead the Musical (Original Cast Recording) and stood by for the role of Brian in Broadway’s Avenue Q.  New York:  Luck! (Coachman) & In the Theatre (Pip) The York; 1812! The Musical (Bertrand) MITF.  Regional:  Season Preview Event (Red Sox Nation – Crazy Bastard) A.R.T.; The Full Monty (Dave) Northern Stage; Joseph … with Sheena Easton (Simeon) NCT;  Jekyll & Hyde with Sebastian Bach (Proops) NCT; Assassins (Hinckley) LATC.  TV/Film:  The View, Later, Breaking In.

Jonathan B. Wright (Thad)

Spring Awakening (Original Cast), Off-Broadway:  Spring Awakening, Departure Lounge.  Film:  Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Youth in Revolt (Open October 30th).  Training:  The Actors Center.  Love to Mom, Dad, G, D, and J.

Angie Hesterman (Stage Manager)

Angela Hesterman is thrilled to be a part of Gay Bride of Frankenstein!  New York:  Out of Mind, Exposed! The Curious Case of Shiloh and Zahara. Off-Broadway:  ASM/Stunt Double The Shanghai Gesture.  Regional favorites include:  Hairspray, A Street Car Named Desire; (Walnut Street Theater) Macbeth Co Director Teller, Our Town; (Two River Theater Co.) Opera:  Carmen, My Fair Lady; (Ash Lawn Opera) PA with the Santa Fe Opera. Thanks to New Theatre Works for this wonderful opportunity!

Daryl Eisenberg, CSA  (Casting Director)

Daryl Eisenberg’s theatre credits include: My First Time, Altar Boyz, The Awesome 80s Prom, VOTE! A New Musical (Fringe '09), Street Lights (NYMF '09), F#@king Up Everything (NYMF '09), Tales From The Tunnel (Fringe '09), The Garage Band Project, Tully (NYMF '07), and Jihad: The Explosive New Musical (Edinburgh Fringe '07). Film credits include: You Can't Fix Her, S.O.L., The Book of Caleb, and Tabitha's Aquarium. TV credits include: Casting Associate on Gossip Girl (Warner Bros/The CW) and Cashmere Mafia (Sony/ABC). Web credits include: thebatterysdown.com and Standard Deviants.  Daryl is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and a member of Casting Society of America. www.decasting.com

Matt Guminski (Lighting Designer)

Matthew Guminski is a graduate of Boston University with a B.F.A. in Lighting Design. Matt is thrilled to be designing the New York area premiere of Gay Bride of Frankenstein having designed the original workshop production. Past NYMF designs include Jason & Ben for MLC Productions and Love Kills for Boston Theatre Works. Recent design credits include the North American tour of Sleeping Beauty and the Great Russian Nutcracker for Moscow Ballet, Urinetown at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, and Forever Plaid, Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath and Always…Patsy Cline at Allenberry Playhouse. Matt’s work has also been seen at Seven Angels Theatre, Worcester Foothills, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Massasoit Theater Company, The Company Theatre, and North Shore Music Theatre. Matt is a four-time recipient of the New Hampshire Theatre Award for best Lighting Design for Proof, The Woman in Black, Two Rooms, and The Glass Menagerie all at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse. www.mglightingdesign.com

Steve Devino (A/V Designer)

Steve Devino is thrilled to be at NYMF with Gay Bride of Frankenstein.  Steve has worked previously with composer Billy Butler on Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Off-Broadway and regionally).  Previous sound design and engineering clients include Dan Zanes and Friends (Boston), Jason Robert Brown, and Circle in the Square Theatre School Showcase.  Recent sound design credits include: Altar Boyz, Sweeney Todd, Once On This Island, Little Shop of Horrors, Into the Woods, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Urinetown.  Thanks to Billy, Dane and all the GAE Gang!

Amanda Bujak (Costume Designer)

Amanda Bujak is an MFA graduate in design from New York University.  She designs for film, television, and theatre.  Some of her recent credits include:  Bedbugs!!! The Musical (dir: Samuel Buggeln), A Touch of the Poet (dir: Alex Lippard), Manhattan Melody (dir: Sasha Gordon), The Magnificent Cuckold and Necessary Monsters (dir: Paul Bargetto), Women of Trachis (dir: Alice Reagan), Father Joy (dir: Pam MacKinnon), Krapp’s Last Tape (dir: Will MacAdams), The Uneventful Deaths of Agathon and Don Juan (dir: Javier Gonzales), The Cripple of Inishmaan (dir: Victor Pappas), The Fifth of July (dir: Julia Gibson), The Washing Machine (dir: Michael Chamberlain), and Cantus Articus choreographed by Karole Armitage.  Amanda is also the resident costume designer for East River Commedia and she lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Leon Joosen (Animation Consultant)

Leon Joosen was born in Canada and eventually found his way to California working for Disney Feature Animation as an animator on such films as Little Mermaid and Oliver and Company.  This led to working with Roy Disney to create public service spots in South America and Africa for UNICEF.  Later, Leon worked at DreamWorks with Director Ivan Reitman on a proposed animated / live-action feature called Wish before eventually becoming animation director on various live-action pictures such as Scooby Doo 1 and 2 and the recent Aliens in the Attic.  Leon now lives in NYC and is thrilled to be involved in Gay Bride of Frankenstein - a gothic fairytale with music, dance and a twist.  You can’t get much more Disney than that.

The Monster Makers (Band)

The Monster Makers are a group of undead musicians whose big gig in the over world is Dr. Shocker's annual Monster Ball, which they do just for the love of it. They are:

Tim McCoy - Bass

Jamie Perkins - Drums

Billy Butler - Keys/Vocals

Jon McCormack - Guitar

Buy the soundtrack on ITUNES

Visit their undead MYSPACE page

Lowell Williams (General Manager)

Lowell Williams is the Producer of New Theatre Works which he founded in 2008.  NTW's first production was a stage reading of his play, Six Nights in the Black Belt in New York City followed by the workshop of Gay Bride of Frankenstein.

As a playwright, Lowell won the 2006 NTTA Best Original Script for his MFA thesis, The Warmth of the Cold.  His other works include Six Nights in the Black Belt, which has had two productions and reading nationwide.   He has also been the playwright-in-residence for Yellow Taxi Productions in Nashua, N.H. since 2002.

 

Paula Place (General Manager)

Paula Place is an artist and theater professional who has been involved with the artistic community in New England for the past twenty years.  After receiving her Masters in Arts Administration from Boston University, she moved to the seacoast of New Hampshire to work as a development professional in the non-profit sector.  She now resides in New York City and is a founding member of New Theatre Works.

New Theatre Works, LLC  (Executive Producer)

New Theatre Works, L.L.C. was formed in 2008 to produce new musicals, plays and other new works. In 2009, NTW brought the new musical, Gay Bride of Frankenstein to NY. NTW plans to continue to develop and produce new material in the New York area for years to come.