The ToyMaker (2009)

Rosena M. Hill (Sarah Meeks)

Broadway: The Color Purple, Spamalot, Imaginary Friends, Oklahoma,  Riverdance on Broadway, Marie Christine and Ragtime. Favorite  regional credits: Dreamgilrs (Michelle), Ain’t Misbehavin (Armelia), And the World Goes Round, Man of La Mancha (Aldonza).  Concert soloist with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, Memphis Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, Teatro Masimo Symphony in Palermo, Sicily and Teatro Lirico Symphony in Cagliari, Sardegna . Three European tours with The Harlem Gospel Singers& Band. BFA  Carnegie Mellon University. Debut solo CD “If You Believe” sold at www.RosenaHill.com.

Rob Richardson (Petr Klimes)

Last seen on Broadway in the epic musical A Tale of Two Cities as a member of the ensemble and understudy for Sydney Carton. Most recently: The Full Monty with Elaine Stritch and Michael Rupert at Paper Mill Playhouse (Reg, Jerry u/s and performed). Other favorites include Disney's Beauty and the Beast (the Beast, Walnut Street Theatre), Kiss Me, Kate (Fred/Petruchio, Flat Rock Playhouse), Oklahoma! with Sandy Duncan (Curly, Cherry County Playhouse), 1776 (Thomas Jefferson, Olney Theatre Center), Camelot (Lionel, Arthur u/s, Geva Theatre Center) The Scarlet Pimpernel (Chauvelin, Surflight Theatre), and the National Tours of Showboat (Ravenal) and 1776 (Rutledge). 

Jessica Burrows (Anna Klimes)

Hailing from California, she has been in productions such as Zhivago The Musical at the La Jolla Playhouse directed by Des McAnuff, originating the role of Lara.  She was also in Baz Luhrmann's La Boheme at the Ahmenson and The Ten Commandments at the Kodak.  Her favorite roles by far have been 110 in the Shade at Pasadena Playhouse (u/s Marin Mazzie) and Philia in Forum directed by Larry Sousa.  Other roles Carousel - Julie Jordon, Hello Dolly - Irene Molloy.  She was recently seen at Joe's Pub in a night of Lucy Simon music and this past year has enjoyed singing in concerts and cabarets in New York and California.

Greg Stone (Jason Meeks)

Earlier this year Greg was nominated for a Helen Hayes award for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the critically acclaimed Signature Theatre reimagining of Les Miserables.  Broadway: The Pirate Queen, Urban Cowboy, Oklahoma! and Les Miserables.  Other NY credits: Juno, Of Thee I Sing, Under The Bridge and Summer of '42.  Some favorite roles include Chris in the national tour of Miss Saigon,  Jerry in The Full Monty, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and The Snake Preacher in Whistle Down the Wind.  Greg gew up in the Pacific Northwest and is a graduate from the Universtiy of Washington.

Bryan Welnicki  (Doby)

A Junior in NYU Steinhardt's Vocal Performance Program, he just returned from a study abroad in Florence for his spring semester.  Last year Bryan took part in Alan Menken's King David as Absalom, and earlier this summer was featured in FringeNYC's ICanHasCheezburger the Musiclol! as the part of Drop.  Other favorite roles include Seymour Krelborne (Little Shop of Horrors), Charlie Brown (You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown) and Bobby Strong (Urinetown). 

Darren Biggart (Capek)

A recent graduate of the University of Michigan's Musical Theatre department, he has performed in NYC with Prospect Theatre Co (Charley/Sam, Onward) and at Lincoln Center (Dramatist's Guild Concert). Reigonally, Darren has performed at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (A- Rab, West Side Story), and the Muny (Hello, Dolly!, Oklahoma!). Other favorites include Jack (Into the Woods), Pippin (Pippin), and Scott in the world and NYC premieres of A Good Boy. A proud AEA member.

Dale Soules (Johanna)

Has performed On-Bway, Off-Broadway, regionally and internationally for over forty years: making her B'way debut in Hair (Jeanie.) Other B'way credits include; The Magic Show (Cal) co-starring with magician Doug Henning and introducing Stephen Schwartz's songs "Lion Tamer" and West End Avenue", The  Crucible (Sarah Good) directed by Richard Eyre and most recently Grey Gardens (covering and playing (Edith Bouvier Beale) recreating this role for Theatre Works and Portland Center Stage. Her many Off-B'way roles include Marsha Norman's award winning Getting Out (Arlene) and most recently Catherine Filloux's Killing the Boss where her creation of (Monique) was reviewed by Caryn James (NY Times) as "Pitch Perfect.": TV&Film include: Maurice Sendack's Really Rosie, American Playhouse, and the upcoming film with Uma Thurman, Motherhood.

Joan Barber (Uta)

Has been performing, teaching voice, coaching and directing for over 35 years.  Her Broadway credits include Man of the Mancha (with Richard Kiley and Raul Julia), the revivals of Follies and The Sound of Music , Big, Beauty and the Beast, King David, and A Christmas Carol.  Joan recently returned from vocal coaching the Royal Danish Ballet in West Side Story Suite, and has a vital voice studio in Manhattan.  She is currently the co- producer/writer/star of "50ToDeath" a comedy web series which can be seen at www.50todeath.com. (www.joanbarberstudio.com)

Ira Denmark (The Old Man)

Last appeared in New York in The Time of Mendel's Trouble (Beckett Theatre). His most recent regional theatre appearances include Crazy For You (Theatre By The Sea) and The Fantasticks (Merrimack Rep). Other theatre work includes Theatre Under The Stars (42nd Street, Crazy For You), Sacramento Music Circus (Man of La Mancha), International City Theatre (Awake and Sing) St. Louis MUNY (Fiddler On The Roof), South Bay Cities (Into The Woods), Alex Theatre (Parade), Matrix Theatre (Anyone Can Whistle), Musical Theatre West (She Loves Me), Musical Theatre Guild (Falsettos, Grand Hotel, Carnival), Reprise! (Passion, Finian's Rianbow), Downtown Cabaret Theatre (Sweet Charity). Ira can be heard on, Kurt Weill: The Centennial CD and has appeared on Ally McBeal, Stacked and General Hospital. A proud member of AEA.

Sara Jayne Blackmore (The Girl)

Off-Broadway: Growing Up 70's starring Barry Williams. NY readings include Bathory, Jihad, and Genie. Regional Credits include Chicago (Annie); Footloose (Ariel Moore). Sara was a participant in The Song Continues Festival...2007 at Carnegie Hall.  Proud AEA member.

Shawna Hamic (Ensemble)

Thrilled to be a part of NYMF once again after last appearing in the festival in The Screams of Kitty Genovese.  Other credits include Betty in Glen or Glenda, Mrs. Hurley in The Molly Maguires, Ernestina Money in Hello Dolly, Mme de la Grande Bouche in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Smitty in How to Succeed…, Winnifred in Once Upon A Mattress, and Sister Hubert in Nunsense. Shawna was named the winner of last year’s NYMF’s Next Broadway Sensation and as such won a fully produced cabaret.  www.ShawnaHamic.com

Kim Rachelle Harris (Ensemble)

Off B'way: Room Service (SoHo Playhouse).  Regional:  "Nancy" in Oliver (Mill Mountain Playhouse), "Annie Oakley" in Annie Get Your Gun (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre).  Performed in The Hoop Dee Doo Revue, The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  Other credits include The Sound of Music (Lyric Stage, Irving, TX), The Phantom of the Opry (Tidewater Dinner Theatre, Virginia Beach, VA), The Stephen Foster Story (Bardstown, KY).  Kim also performs stand up comedy, and has starred in her original one-woman musical, It's Today!, based on the life and career of Angela Lansbury.

Frederic Heringes (Ensemble)

Ubaldo Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera with the Broadway, Toronto, and San Francisco companies. Regional: Trelawney of the "Wells", The Tempest, Lend Me a Tenor, Mud, The Pajama Game, Bubba's Revenge, The Learnèd Ladies, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Training: Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, CA.  Recent Film: The Scoundrel (Mark Thiedeman, director). TV: As the World Turns and The Guiding Light (CBS) www.Frederic-Heringes.com

Gregory Maheu (Ensemble)

NYC debut. Favorite regional credits include: Ragtime (Kennedy Center), Hair (Hangar Theatre), Sunday in the Park With George (Heritage Rep.), among many others.  He attended Elon University, earning a BFA in Music Theatre.

Michael Scibilia (Ensemble)

He was last seen, with The ToyMaker, at the York Theatre last year.  Recent credits include: 1776 (Paper Mill Playhouse), A Wonderful Life (Westchester Broadway), On The Town (with the Philharmonic), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (National Tour), Man of La Mancha (National Tour), Evita (Fireside), and many many more.

Stacey Scotte (Ensemble)

Most recently appeared as Bunny in The Gallery Players’ production of The House of Blue Leaves.  She has appeared Off-Broadway in Stormy Weather (workshop starring Leslie Uggams, slated for Broadway), Boobs! The Musical, Eat The Runt and Strictly Personal.  Regional favorites include Hairspray, A Marriage Minuet, Ruthless! The Musical, Absurd Person Singular, Company, An Ideal Husband, Oklahoma! and Carousel. Film and television credits include Julie & Julia, Me & Will, Looking For Someone (Award-winning short), The Finalists (RIPFest), The Practice, Perfect Strangers, Unsolved Mysteries, Zoobilee Zoo, The Gong Show and various commercials.

Kristen Sharpley (Ensemble)

A CA native, is reuniting with The Toymaker team after appearing in last year's reading at the York.  She holds voice degrees from Rice University and CCM.  Career Highlights:  Mabel in Pirates of Penzance with Dayton Opera, Marietta in Naughty Marietta with Lyric Theatre of San Jose, CA, Kay in The Taffetas at PA's Millbrook Playhouse and A Wonderful Life with The John W. Engeman Theatre, NY.

Abby C. Smith (Ensemble)

Abby holds a BA in Vocal Performance from Harding University and an MM in Music Theater from Oklahoma City University.  She recently ended a national tour of James and the Giant Peach with Two Beans Productions.  Some of her favorite roles include Penelope Pennywise (Urinetown: The Musical), Queen Aggravaine (Once Upon a Mattress), and Woman 2 (Songs for a New World).   www.abbycsmith.com

Christopher Brian Williams (Ensemble)

He was recently seen playing Ryan in High School Musical 2 at North Shore Music Theatre. A graduate of The University of Cincinnati (CCM) with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. NYC stage debut.

James Zannelli (Ensemble)

Since joining AEA in 2001, James has performed regionally with the Sacramento Music Circus, North Carolina Theatre, Fulton Opera House, Phoenix Theatre, Actors Theatre of Phoenix, Media Theatre, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Santa Fe Opera and Arizona Opera. Most recently James played Thenardier in Les Miserables at the Tuacahn Ampitheatre in St. George, UT. Other career ighlights (and favorite credits) include Jesus Christ Superstar (Caiaphas), Jekyll & Hyde (Simon Stride), Chess (Molokov).  www.jameszannelli.com

Bryan Putnam (Composer/ Playwright)

A NYC-based Writer/Composer/Playwright, and a proud member of ASCAP, recent accomplishments include an award-winning FringeNYC production of Trouble in Shameland, starring Evita's Florence Lacey and a staged Reading of The ToyMaker at the York Theatre starring Christiane Noll, Zachary James Joan Barber and an amazingly talented cast. More recently Bryan teamed up with orchestrator Josh Clayton for a DEMO recording of The ToyMaker. Both pieces have been finalists for the Richard Rodgers Award through the American Academy of Arts and Letters.  Earlier works include several plays, short stories, screenplays and the musical Mannekin, produced in Wilmington, NC in 1998. Upcoming musical works: Lullaby Street, Ghost Train and Dischord. A member of AEA (Actor's Equity Association), he has performed all over the country in roles such as Leading Man Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, John Jasper in Drood, Dr. Neville Craven and Capt. Albert Lennox in The Secret Garden, Kodaly in She Loves Me, Jigger in Carousel, Christian in Cyrano de Bergerac, Delmount in The Miss Firecracker Contest, Riff-Raff in The Rocky Horror Show, El Gallo in The Fantasticks, Cinderella's Prince/Wolf in Into The Woods, Bobby in Company and most recently Dr. Parker in Bat Boy, The Musical. www.thetoymakermusical.com

Lawrence Edelson (Director)

Credits include directing and choreographing for New York City Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Hawaii Opera Theater, Sarasota Opera, The New York New Music Ensemble, Opera Columbus, Des Moines Metro Opera, Ballet West, and Boston Ballet. His directing has been hailed as “stunningly touching and entertaining” (The Washington Post), and he has been complimented for doing a “splendid job of making (opera) relevant and understandable” (Opera Now).  Lawrence studied Voice and Musicology at The University of Ottawa, Canada, and received his Bachelors Degree in Stage Direction from New York University.  He has served as a staff director for Glimmerglass Opera, where he taught for the Young American Artists Program, and where he was the Assistant Director on multiple productions. He has been a guest member on the directing staff of New York City Opera, where he has restaged Little Women twice; for the work’s Lincoln Center premiere, and for NYCO’s tour to Japan. Other career highlights include: directing the American Premiere of Telemann’s Orpheus for Wolf Trap Opera; directing and Choreographing Carmen for Toledo Opera; directing Il Barbiere di Siviglia for Hawaii Opera Theater; and choreographing Patience for New York City Opera with Michael Ball. Lawrence is the Producing Artistic Director of American Lyric Theater (www.altnyc.org) in New York City. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing ALT's artistic programs, including the only full time mentorship program for emerging opera composers and librettists in the United States. Currently for ALT, Lawrence is overseeing the development of The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as a trilogy of one-act operas inspired by the fiction of Edgar Allan Poe. Lawrence directed the 2008 workshop of The ToyMaker at The York Theatre Company, and is thrilled to continue working with Bryan and Kenneth to bring this wonderful new musical to the stage.

Kenneth Gartman (Musical Director)

An accomplished pianist, music director, vocal coach & singer.  Most recently he music directed the DEMO recording of the ToyMaker after a staged reading at the York Theatre.  Kenneth has enjoyed a partnership with composer Bryan Putnam over the past 3 years, music directing the award-winning Fringe NYC production of Trouble In Shameland along with various recordings of Mr. Putnam’s other works. Kenneth is a proud member of AEA and will be making his cabaret debut later this year. www.kennethgartman.com

Joshua Clayton (Orchestrator)

is currently a music copyist for City Center Encores (7 years) and a freelance orchestrator.

Anita La Scala (Scenic Designer)

Credits include: Once On This Island, Anything Goes, Sweet Charity, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Into the Woods (New Players Company, Ridgewood NJ) Stage Door, Twelfth Night and The Secret Garden (Bergen County Academies), Dinner (Horace Mann Theatre Company), Beauty and the Beast (Harlequin Productions), Trojan Women: A Love Story (Michael Howard Studios), The Green Bird, (Purchase Theatre Ensemble). Selected Assistant Design: Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark (Broadway), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (American National Tour), Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Off-Bway), Pirates of Penzance (Goodspeed), Pirates! (Paper Mill Playhouse), SpongeBob Squarepants Live! The Sponge Who Could Fly! (International Tour).  Assistant on Industrials all over America, most recently the National Association of Broadcasters 2009, Las Vegas convention.  Film Design: Love is a Dog From Hell, Genesis. Art Director: Montclaire, Kosmos, Bellclair Times, Midnight Sun.

Katie Irish (Costume Designer)

She has designed numerous world premiere productions including Les Noces and12A (Dance Theater Workshop, NYC); Apple Cove (Todd Mountain Stage); and Back From the Front (NYC Fringe Festival). Other favorites include Faust and La Traviata (Opera Memphis),  L’elixir d’amore (Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia), Suite (2nd Avenue Dance Company, NYC),  In the Boom Boom Room and Hello Again (Marymount Manhattan College) as well as numerous commercials and music videos. Katie received her MFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she designed All My Sons and Top Girls. She is also an accomplished assistant designer:  Recent Broadway credits include The Seagull, Is He Dead?, Shrek; also Jersey Boys (U.S. tour); Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (U.S. tour); Don Giovanni (Prague National Theatre). www.katieirish.com

Al Crawford (Lighting Designer)

Has worked as a lighting designer extensively in many areas of the visual and performing arts including dance, theater, opera, corporate and social events and themed entertainment.  He is enjoying his 12th season as the Lighting Director for the Alvin Ailey ® American Dance Theater and also designs extensively for the company.  He has designed numerous high profile works such as Judith Jamison’s Love Stories with Rennie Harris and Robert Battle, Double Exposure for the Lincoln Center Festival and scenic and lighting designs for HERE…NOW. , a work commissioned by the Cultural Olympiad at the Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games. Al also enjoys designing projects such as corporate and social events, themed dinners and architectural installations. Clients include companies such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, XM Radio and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.  Some of Al’s favorite collaborators have been choreographers Melissa Hayden, Judith Jamison, Mark Dendy, Hope Boykin, Abdur-Rahim Jackson, Matthew Rushing, Uri Sands, Durrell Moultrie, Jessica Lang, Francesca Harper, Troy Powell, Doug Varone, Rennie Harris and Robert Battle. Al has had the opportunity to work all over the globe taking him to 48 states and over 27 countries.  It is this diversity of travel that has allowed him to discover his enjoyment of touring large-scale productions overseas in a wide variety of venues.

Christopher Cronin & Carl Casella (Sound Designers)

Christopher Cronin: Broadway designs include Will Ferrell’s Your Welcome America, The Vertical Hour, Faith Healer, Bridge and Tunnel, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Life (x) 3, The Graduate (B’way and Tour), Jackie Mason’s Prune Danish, and Much Ado about Everything. As Associate Designer: Boeing Boeing, Rock and Roll, Thurgood, Macbeth, Frost/Nixon, Butley, Festen, Primo, The Pillowman, A Streecar Named Desire, Democracy, Jumpers, Retreat from Moscow, Frog and Toad, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Def Poetry Jam, Hollywood Arms, and Noises Off. Mr. Cronin holds an M.F.A. from the Yale School of Drama. 

Brierpatch Productions Laura Janik Cronin / Scott Newsome (General Management / Line Producers)

In addition to working on The Toymaker for NYMF 2009, Brierpatch Productions is currently managing Rest, In Pieces starring Marcia Wallace, Wallenberg, The Musical, Marrying Meg for NYMF 209, and new musicals The Frog Kiss, and Tokio Confidential.   Last year Brierpatch Productions managed the 2008-2009 run of Glimpses of the Moon at the Algonquin’s Oak Room.

Prior to Brierpatch Productions, Laura Janik Cronin worked for over 10 years in theatrical management on and Off-Broadway, including The Lion King, Chicago, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, August: Osage County, November, The Look of Love, Jackie Mason: Prune Danish, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, Triumph of Love, Hamlet with Ralph Fiennes, Beauty and the Beast, Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well…,Spalding Gray: Stories Left to Tell, 25 Questions For A Jewish Mother, Don’t Quit Your Night Job, and My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy.  Laura has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Mount Holyoke College, and holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama.  Previous to his forming Brierpatch Productions, Scott Newsome has worked on Off-Broadway productions for over eight years, including the shows Dinner With Friends, Menopause The Musical, Harmony (Broadway out of town), Once Around The Sun, I Love You Because, Shout! The Mod Musical, and My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m In Therapy.  Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Houston.

Katie Rosin (Press Agent and Marketing Consultant)

Off-Broadway: …Another Man’s Poison, Jay Sharp Theater; Swimming With The Polar Bears, 45 Bleecker Street; Glimpses of the Moon, Algonquin Hotel; Elizabeth Rex, Center Stage; Mother Load, Sage Theater; Wasps in Bed, Beckett Theater; Anaïs Nin: One Of Her Lives, Beckett Theater; Triple Threat: 2007 Drama Desk Nominee (mis)UNDERSTANDING MAMMY: The Hattie McDaniel Story, Theatre 5.  Rosin was instrumental in the launch of the Broadway musical Brooklyn and the National Tour of Mother Load. Clients include: Astoria Performing Arts Center, New York Innovative Theatre Awards, Nicu's Spoon, and Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. Rosin teaches Arts Marketing at NYU. www.kampfirefilmspr.com

Mike Kemp (Technical Director)

Jamie Rog (Stage Manager)

Most recently Jamie was the stage manager for the world premiere of Rest, In Pieces. Other credits include Love Stinks...A Song Cycle, Night Sky, Glimpses of the Moon, Perez Hilton Saves the Universe the musical (2008 NY Fringe), My Mother's Italian My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy, and numerous staged readings and workshops. Jamie is a graduate of Syracuse University and proud member of Actors Equity.

Geoff Josselson (Casting Director)

Previous shows for the New York Musical Theatre Festival include Such Good Friends, The Jerusalem Syndrome, Sympathy Jones, Going Down Swingin andBehind the Limelight. Also New York productions of Perfect Harmony, Glimpses of the Moon, Night Sky, The Jazz Age, Fire Throws and multiple productions for the York Theatre Company (including the acclaimed Enter Laughing: The Musical) . Regionally: The Last 5 Years and Girls Only for Denver Center; Bye Bye Birdie, 42nd Street and High School Musical 2 for North Shore Music Theatre; and Anything Goes and The Music Man for Kansas City Starlight. Previous casting includes the off-Broadway productions of AltarBoyz, Mimi Le Duck and Fanny Hill and the European tour of West Side Story. In addition to his independent casting office, Geoff also works with Calleri Casting and is currently casting the upcoming Broadway musical Pure Country with Cindy Tolan.   

Matt Hagmeier (Assistant Director)

Received his BA from the University of Northern Colorado, where he directed and assistant directed several productions in association with the university and their summer repertory company, The Little Theatre of the Rockies, including She Loves Me, Annie, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.  Recently, Matt has been developing and collaborating on a handful of cabaret acts you will be able to catch later this summer.

Bryan L. Wade (Assistant Musical Director)

A vocal coach, accompanist and instructor. National Tours: Whistle Down the Wind, Chicago.  NYC Theater: Alice (MITF), I Love You, Madame President (NYMF), Ragtime, She Loves Me (Marymount Manhattan). Served on the faculties of Marymount Manhattan and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and as vocal director for entertainment productions for NCL and RCCL.  Received his M.M. from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Ph. D. in Music from The Catholic University of America.

Todd Alan Johnson (Graphic Designer)

Louie Luiz (Skateboarding consultant)

Born and raised in New York City. After spending the first thirteen years of his life in Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown, his family moved to Brooklyn, where he picked up his first skateboard - and he hasn’t stopped since. Louie will skate just about anywhere but his favorite spots are usually out on the streets, ledges, the Brooklyn Banks, and Riverside Skate Park. Some of his favorite tricks are nollie flips, 360 flips switch, frontslide flips, and blunt slides but he also enjoys the challenge of learning anything new. Louie has been a professional skateboarder sponsored by numerous companies for the past 12 years. He has been teaching children and adults how to skateboard for over 10 years, and is the founder of SKATEBOARDING SCHOOL ( www.skateboardingschool.com ).  Louie has also taught at renowned private schools and sports camps across the tri-state area.

Melanie Hopkins (NYMF Dramaturg)