Kissless (2011)

Chance McClain (Writer/Producer)

Prior to creating Kissless, Chance helped found 1560 The Game, Houston’s first independent sports radio station. In 2009 and with the help of many friends, he created Streamy Award nominated internet film Horrible Turn, the unauthorized prequel to Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. Chance has penned hundreds of forgettable songs and enough memorable ones to keep him trying in every creative outlet possible. He would like to thank his wife Kearstin, son, Noah, and daughter, Abbey for their unending patience and support. "Vis nobiscum."

Bob Clark (Producer)

Bob is a co-founder of Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) and has been Executive Director of HFAC since November 2008. Prior to working fulltime for HFAC, Bob was President of Sibling Theatricals, a New York-based company that produces Broadway shows. He was one of the producers for HATS! the Musical at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago, starring Melissa Manchester. Before entering the theatre business he has worked for some of the world’s best-known companies including the United States Air Force, Procter & Gamble, Nestle Foods and CarMax. Bob has produced 15 shows for HFAC including: The Diary of Anne Frank, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Come Blow Your Horn, Big River, Talley’s Folly, Oliver!, West Side Story, Anne of Green Gables, Willy Wonka and The Trip to Bountiful. In addition to Kissless the Musical, Bob is currently the producer for the HFAC World Premiere of Death by Design, commissioned by HFAC and written by Rob Urbinati, acclaimed NY playwright.

Sam Brown (Director)

Sam, a native of Sioux City, IA, holds bachelor’s degrees in vocal performance and in music education from Simpson College in Indianola, IA, and a master’s degree in music history/literature from the University of Houston. Performing credits: The title role in Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ben Vereen, West Side Story (Tony), Sweeney Todd (Pirelli), the title role in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Evita (Magaldi), The Music Man (Mayor Shinn) and Forever Plaid (Sparky). Directing credits: Little Women, Twelve Angry Men, Into the Woods, Children of Eden, Ruthless!, Jekyll and Hyde and Godspell. Music directing credits: Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma!, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Children of Eden and The Pajama Game. Special thanks to Becky for always being there. Thanks be to God!

Ilich Guardiola (Director)

Ilich has worked at various Houston theatres including Stages Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theatre, The Great Caruso, The Masquerade Theatre, Houston Shakespeare Festival, Hits Theatre, Applause Theatre, Mosaic Theatre, Town Center Theatre, Killdozer Productions and TUTS. Ilich’s credits with Houston Family Arts Center include directing Kids in Theatre productions of Alas! Alack! Zorro’s Back!, Big Bad, Whodunnit and to Whom? and Wonderland. He directed HFAC’s acclaimed production Big River. He directed and performed in the HFAC and Phoenix INC co-production of Songs for a New World. Film: hundreds of anime films for A.D.V. films as a voice-over actor. BA: University of Houston, acting and directing, where he studied with Sir Peter Hall, Jose Quintero, Stuart Ostrow, Dr. Sidney Berger, Edward Albee, Mark Olsen, Deby Kinghorn and Carolyn Boone. Ilich is co-founder and artistic director of Phoenix INC. Credits: Romeo & Juliet, King John, Taming of the Shrew, Othello, As You Like It, Pericles and Twelfth Night with Houston Shakespeare Festival; Zorro with TUTS; Baby (Nick) and Company (Robert) with Stages Repertory Theatre; Beauty and the Beast (Beast), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Chauvelin), The Last Five Years (Jamie), Chess (Freddi), The Wild Party (Black), Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson), City of Angels (Stone), Floyd Collins (Homer), Parade (Leo Frank) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (Valentin) with Masquerade Theatre. 

Sammy Green (Assistant Director)

Kissless is a special project for Sammy, as writer/producer Chance McClain was her theatre student at Spring High School. Sammy received her undergraduate degree in Theatre Education from Sam Houston State University. She received her Master of Arts in theatre from the University of Houston. Sammy recently retired from teaching after 30 years and has directed more than 70 plays. She would like to thank the HFAC family for making her feel at home and her parents who have supported her for a lifetime.

 

Kevin Ryan (Music, Orchestration, and Arrangement)

Kevin is a Houston-based producer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He helped write the songs for Kissless and hates lengthy bio blurbs. 

Frank Bullington (Music, Orchestration, and Arrangement)

Frank is a Texas-based arranger, producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He helped write the songs for Kissless and wishes Kevin and Chance's bios were half as lengthy and interesting as his. Alright chums, let's do this. Leeeeeroy ... Jenkins!

Bryan Ford (Music, Orchestration, and Arrangement)

Bryan is a songwriter/guitarist who believes the melody comes first. He resides in Alvin, TX with his wife Jennifer, son Xander and daughter Sydney.

Stephen W. Jones (Music Director)

A native of Charleston, SC, Stephen began playing the piano at age 7 and has since performed extensively as a solo and collaborative pianist regionally and nationally. He has been heard and seen on nationally broadcasted radio and television programs including KUHF and KUHT. Music director and conductor credits: Godspell, Once Upon a Mattress, Kiss Me Kate, Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables, Bye Bye Birdie, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Wizard of Oz, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty and the Beast, Into the Woods, Cats, Jekyll and Hyde, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray, Pirates of Penzance, Violet, The Music Man, Seussical the Musical, Always Patsy Cline and Dream Girls. Recently Stephen made his solo orchestral debut playing Rhapsody in Blue with the Fort Bend Symphony, under the baton of Maestro Héctor Agüero, Jr.  Stephen has studied piano with Dr. James Lent, Dr. Sasha Starcevich, and most recently, Timothy Hester at the Moores School of Music. Stephen was also musical director for Divergence Vocal Theater’s inaugural season, which included The Ottavia Project, Autumn Spectre and The 10th Muse. 

 

Ellen Dyer (Choreographer)

Choreography credits: Oklahoma, Thoroughly Modern Millie, West Side Story, Oliver!, Alas! Alack! Zorro’s Back!, Hairspray, The Drowsy Chaperone, Urinetown, Good Night Moon, Go, Dog, Go, Crazy For You. Acting credits: Our Town (The Alley Theatre), Songs for a New World and Hamlet (Phoenix INC Theatre Company), Nicholas and Alexandra (Stuart Ostrow’s Musical Theatre Lab), The Adventures of Pinocchio (UH Children’s Theatre Festival). Film/TV: The Cutting Room (Edit Gilmore/ Tick, Tick, Bang Productions). BA: University of Houston. Ellen currently teaches ballet, tap and jazz at Houston Family Arts Center and St. John’s in the River Oaks area of Houston, TX.

 

T. Rick Hayashi (Line Producer)

Works include: Catch Me If You Can (Tony Nomination - Best Musical) Hairspray (Olivier Award - Best Musical), Come Fly Away, The Wedding Singer. The Old Vic: The Bridge Project, The Norman Conquests, Three Sisters, The Taming of the Shrew. Japan: Wicked, Universal Studios Theme Parks. TV: A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House. BFA: NYU-Tisch.

Kevin Lambert (Associate Producer)

Produced and directed Jonathan Ehrlich’s Weekend Method and Abigail Taylor’s Fancy Meeting You Here (Manhattan Rep). He has produced and directed two of Ryan Gajewski’s comedies: What’s a China Cabinet Used For? at the 15-Minute Play Festival 2010 and George and Laura Bush Perform … Our Favorite Sitcom Episodes for the 2009 Fringe Festival. Currently he is working as producer and director for Laura Italiano’s new musical PERP! Kevin is the Associate Artistic Director of theatronproductions, nyc. A graduate of the Commercial Theater Institute’s 3-Day Intensive Producer’s Workshop, Kevin holds a BFA in Musical Theatre/Directing from Emerson College. His producing company BWAZ Theatricals is preparing Brought to You by … Betzy! for production.

 

Tony Moles (Graphic Design)

Tony is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer, thriving in Houston for over a decade. Tony's professional experience as an award-winning designer, art director and creative director has garnered national recognition and critical acclaim through a variety of mediums, ranging from graphic design and illustration to his greatest passion, fine art. Tony was honored with the first solo exhibition of his paintings earlier this year. In recent years Tony has used his art to actively support charitable endeavors in Houston and beyond. 

 

Teresa Zimmerman (Summer Stokely)

Teresa is a musical theatre student at Sam Houston State University. Favorite credits: Jesus Christ Superstar, starring Ben Vereen (featured ensemble), Nine (Luisa Contini),  Thoroughly Modern Millie (Dorothy Parker/ensemble) and Doubt (Sister Aloysius). Teresa is extremely grateful for the incredible opportunity to perform at NYMF and would like to thank Larry Smiglewski for his unending support and wisdom. She can hardly wait to get to the Big Apple!

Tyler Galindo (Derek West)

Tyler has been active in musical theatre for 5 years. Favorite credits: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Joseph), Pippin (Pippin), Lend Me a Tenor (Tito Morelli), Hairspray (Corny Collins), Oklahoma! (Jud) and Urinetown (Senator Fipp). He is totally stoked to be a part of NYMF and this amazing new work! 

 

Jordan McLaughlin (Caleb Wiener)

Credits: The Phantom Tollbooth, and The Shoemaker and The Christmas Elves (both with Theatre Under The Stars), Cats (Tumblebrutus), The Sound of Music (Rolf), The Buddy Holly Story (The Crickets, Jerry). Three independent films, including one he co-wrote through Quanah Production Company. Training: TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, where he interned. Jordan performed for former President George and Barbara Bush at the Literacy Celebration of Reading. 

Mark Jammal (Cory Smoot)

Mark is excited to be part of the World Premiere of Kissless and making his New York debut. Credits: The Who's Tommy (Minister, Theatre Under the Stars), My Son Pinocchio Jr. (World Premiere, TUTS), Dual Language Aladdin (World Premiere, TUTS), Flat Stanley (Regional Premiere, TUTS), The Phantom Tollbooth (Milo) at the Junior Theatre Festival with TUTS, Little Women (Professor Bhaer), Children of Eden (Abel/Ham), 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (Frank). 

Ryan Jacobs (Kyle Copperpot/Swing)

Credits: Kissless the Musical (Original Staged Reading), The Who’s Tommy (Theatre Under the Stars), Flat Stanley (Regional Premiere, TUTS), Street Scene (University of Houston’s Moores Opera House), Thoroughly Modern Millie, West Side Story, Oklahoma, A Midsummer's Night's Dream, Les Miserables, Little Women.  Outside of theater, Ryan enjoys contemplating the universe, philosophical discussion and military history. Many thanks to the incredible cast and creative team. 

Austin Jacobs (Kyle Copperpot/Swing)

Austin is ecstatic to be involved in this project!  Favorite credits: Kissless the Musical (Original Staged Reading), The Who’s Tommy (Theatre Under the Stars), Flat Stanley (Regional Premiere, TUTS), Street Scene (University of Houston’s Moores Opera House), Les Miserables, Aida, West Side Story, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Oklahoma, Hairspray. Many thanks to Ilich Guardiola, Todd Waite, Robin Cobb, Ellen Dyer, Sam Brown and Jody Haas.

Ryne Nardecchia (Bernie Bailey)

Favorite credits: Kissless (Bernie, Original Staged Reading and guide vocals), The Sound of Music (Friedrich von Trapp, Theatre Under the Stars), The Who’s Tommy (Pinball Lad, TUTS), 13 the Musical (SW Regional Premiere, TUTS), Urinetown (Bobby Strong, OCU Summer Music Program), Les Miserables (Enjolras), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear), Into the Woods (Jack), The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), Anything Goes (Moonface Martin). Equity membership candidate.

Raegan Roberts (Sally Dufresne)

Raegan is thrilled to continue the role of Sally after performing in the original staged reading of Kissless. Favorite credits include TUTS: Pinnochio (Marionette), Phantom Tollbooth (Princess Reason); STAGES: On a Glorious Day; Anne of Green Gables (Anne), Little Women (Young Amy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Flannery), Seussical (Mayzie). Training: TUTS Humphrey’s School of Musical Theatre. She thanks her family and God for giving her the world of theatre!

Julia Green (Elizabeth Oakley)

Julia is a musical theatre student at Sam Houston State University. She was recently seen in Jesus Christ Superstar with Sam Brown, starring Ben Vereen as Pilot. Julia is a transfer student from the University of West Florida and a Broadway Theatre Project alumnus. She is thrilled to be a part of the original cast of Kissless and hopes to see the show continue to grow!

Michael Chiavone (Damon Saint)

A 20-year-old Houston native, Michael studied Musical Theater at Oklahoma City University. Credits: Bye Bye Birdie (Tommy Tune nomination - Choreography), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), But I’m a Cheerleader, the Musical (Cheerleader), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Linus). Michael thanks his friends and family, the Kast and Kreative team, and especially Chance for this awesome show and great experience. Don't be Kissless, y'all!

Maddie Dennison (Holly Pepper)

Maddie is thrilled to be part of NYMF. Training: Theatre Under the Stars Humphrey's School of Musical Theater. Credits: Flat Stanley (Regional Premiere, TUTS), The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park). She thanks God for all his blessings, her family for their consistent love and support, and her Kissless family.

Matt Buzonas (Clint Maroon)

Matt is a senior from Spring, TX. Acting credits: Kissless (Derek, Original Staged Reading), By The Bog Of Cats (Carthage Kilbride), Hairspray (Link Larkin), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon III). Directing credits: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Thanks to Mom for all your support and BB for the constant pushes to be better.

Sierra Gant (Mary Ann Saint)

Sierra is a true country girl with a deep passion for country music. Credits: music industry workshop NOISE! 2011, Texas Opry guest performer, local finalist Colgate Country Showdown, finalist Best Singer in Houston, finalist Heartlands Got Talent, Whistle Down the Wind (Touring Production/Theatre Under the Stars), 13 (Patrice) and favorite role Peter Pan. Thanks to the McClains for showing her what commitment and love can create. Kissless for Eternity. 

Jessie Brownie (Gretchen Yelnats)

Favorite credits: The Sound of Music (Maria), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), West Side Story (Anybodys), Oklahoma (Featured Dancer/Dance Captain), Once Upon A Mattress (Winifred), and the staged reading of Kissless (Summer Stokely). Training: Houston Repertoire Ballet, voice coach Jody Haas. She would like to thank her family for their love and support and all of the wonderful people who made Kissless possible. 

 

Tyce Green (Dr. Leonardo Spinks)

Tyce is honored to make his New York debut in this amazing new work. Credits: Spring Awakening (Moritz/U.S. Regional Premiere), Les Misérables (Theatre Under the Stars), White Christmas (TUTS), Geppetto & Son (TUTS), An Evening with Linda Eder (Backup Vocalist), Urinetown (Mr. McQueen), The Miser (Cléante), The Sound of Music (Rolf), Forbidden Broadway (Various). Film: Horrible Turn (Billy). Published in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly and Broadway World.

Cameron Worthen (Chet West)

Cameron is a New York-based actor with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Sam Houston State University. Credits: Urban Cowboy (Steve Strange), Miss Saigon (ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Full Monty (Dave Bukitinsky), 42nd Street (Julian Marsh), Jesus Christ Superstar (High Priest), Color Me Dark (sheriff), A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Oberon), Of Mice and Men (Lenny) and Annie Get Your Gun (Frank Butler). Cameron thanks his mother and father for their endless support.

 

Megan Blackmon (Betsy West)

Megan has been seen previously in The Sound of Music (Casa Manana), Once Upon a Mattress (Winnifred), Fiddler on the Roof (Golde), Camelot, Oliver!, A Christmas Carol the Musical, The Full Monty. BFA: Sam Houston State University in Musical Theatre. Broadway Theatre Project alumnus. She sends love and thanks to her family.

 

Ronna Mansfield (Caroline Stokely)

Ronna is ecstatic to make her New York debut with such a passionate team of talent in Kissless! Credits: Oklahoma (featured singer) and 1st place in Greater Houston NATS's adult division. Thanks to her coaches Robin Cobb, Ellen Dyer and Ilich Guardiola for sharing their amazing skills with her! Ronna sends special thanks to Joel and Maddie for their patience and sacrifice, allowing her to pursue her passion in theatre. 

Natalie Patton (Ensemble Redneck)

Natalie was most recently seen in Camp Rock: The Musical with Theater Under the Stars’ Humphrey’s School of Musical Theatre, where she’s a student. Other credits: 13 The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, and Once Upon a Mattress. Film: Horrible Turn (Siren) 2009. She thanks her friends and family for their support, love, and for understanding why she never keeps her room clean.

Sarah Rentcome (Ensemble Redneck)

Sarah has greatly enjoyed being a part of the Kissless cast! Favorite credits: Les Miserables (Eponine), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van De Graff), Into the Woods (Cinderella) and the title role in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Sarah would like to thank her parents and sisters for their love and support, and she looks forward to her debut performance in NYMF.

Lindsey Vrana (Ensemble Jock)

Favorite credits: Pippin  (Ensemble), Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon), Les Miserables Student Edition (Eponine), Peter Pan (Wendy), Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larkin). Film: Horrible Turn (Siren) 2009. Qualified for main stage performance and duet musical at the International Thespian Convention, June 2010 and 2011. She is thrilled to be working with Chance on another production as well as the talented cast and crew of Kissless.

Christie Boriack (Ensemble Jock)

Christie is 14 and a homeschooled freshman from Tomball, TX. Favorite credits: Little Women (Amy), Twelve Angry Jurors (Juror Twelve), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Lucille), Willy Wonka (Verruca), and Anne of Green Gables (Mrs. Rachel Lynde). She would like to thank the best mom and dad ever for their amazing, support and love! She is eternally grateful for Christ her Savior.

Kristin Rice (Ensemble Nerd)

Kristin is so grateful for the opportunity to perform at NYMF. Favorite credits: Little House Christmas at Plum Creek (Laura Ingalls) and two productions of Charlotte’s Web (Charlotte, Wilbur). Kristin is a MusicaFest vocal medalist and an avid dancer. A special thanks to everyone who has assisted her on her journey. Soli Deo Gloria.

David Allen III (Ensemble Nerd)

David is a Houston singer, actor and director, excited to make his NYMF debut. Local credits: Seussical (Horton the Elephant), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder), Godspell (John the Baptist) and Big River (Jim). Acting, singing and teaching are David’s greatest passions, and he thanks God every day for opportunities like this to share with others. 

Rachel Broussard (Ensemble Goth)

Rachel studies musical theater in the Greater Houston area. Credits: The Music Man (Marian), Peter Pan (Tiger Lily), Beauty and the Beast (Babette), Les Miserables (featured soloist, ensemble). Film: The Wannabes (2 seasons), a sitcom airing in 90 countries. A Texas-size thank you to the producers and directors of Kissless, family and friends, vocal coach Suzanne Schell, and to the Lord, for God-sized adventures.

Noah McClain (Ensemble Goth)

Noah, 14, has been active in musical theater for four years and is thrilled to be a part of Kissless. Local credits: 13 the Musical (Evan), Les Miserables Student Edition (Thenardier) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Feldzieg). Film: Horrible Turn with Chance Productions, 2009. Noah enjoys singing, playing guitar, church, old-school video games, and hiding from the sun. 

Jelena Galagaza (Ensemble Goth)

Jelena is honored to be part of Kissless. Local credits: Once Upon a Mattress, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan. Film: Horrible Turn (Siren) 2009. Jelena studies guitar and voice. She thanks Chance McClain and Houston Family Arts Center for co-producing this incredible opportunity, and she’s grateful for the friendships and camaraderie of her cast mates. Let's Kiss!