Program Celebrating Sondheim

Director: Kevin Ohlweihler*

Music Director: Darren Gage & Jim Millar

Production Team

Director’s Note

Sondheim said it best “All the best performers bring to their role something more, something different than what the author put on paper. That’s what makes theatre live. That’s why it persists.” Tonight, over thirty performers will do exactly that for you the audience. These performers will bring their special something to the songs of Stephen Sondheim. Tonight, we pay tribute to (as the New York Times said) “theater’s most revered and influential composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century, if not its most popular.” Mr. Sondheim this is for you thank you for the music.

Cast

Act I

• Buddy’s Blues – Ian Federgreen 
• Greenfinch and Linnet Bird – Jennifer Robertson 
• Moments in the Woods – Meaghan Beese 
• Unworthy Of Your Love – Stephanie Wortel-London & Richard Pearson Broadway Baby – Melissa Vogt 
• It Takes Two – Janine Barboza & Kevin Ohlweiler 
• Happiness – Elle Michaeli 
• Not While I’m Around – Julian Novoa 
• Losing My Mind – Julie Galorenzo 
• What More Do I Need? – Rachel Babashak 
• Happily Ever After – Peter Phillips 
• Ladies Who Lunch – Sharon Garry 
• Another Hundred People – Abi Zellner 
• Drive a Person Crazy – Nina Bogosian, Michela Wallach & Val Orozco-Herrera
• Marry Me a Little – Kevin Ohlweiler

Intermission (15 min)

Act II:

• Everybody Loves Louis – Nicolette Boillotat 
• I Remember Sky – Brett Lowell 
• Sooner Or Later – Kate DiFonzo 
• Ballad of Guiteau – Kay Koch & Jessi Baden 
• Lesson #8 – Matthew Prepis 
• Not A Day Goes By – Rachael Gareau 
• I Never Do Anything Twice – Elle Rose Fraser 
• Leave You – E. Dale Smith-Gallo 
• Boy Like That / I Have A Love – Michela Wallach & Val Orozco-Herrera Finishing The Hat – Brett Lowell 
• So Many People – Gaby Bubrick 
• Know Things Now – Chloe Novoa 
• Giants In The Sky – Spencer Morvillo 
• Steps of the Palace – Amber Smith 
• Children Will Listen – Molly Neff

About

Alphabetical Order

Jessi Baden (she/her) The Ballad of Guiteau

Jessi Baden is ecstatic to be performing with Studio Playhouse for this special production. She has toured the US and globally as a performer in operas such as, the Medium, Hansel & Gretel, La Cenerentola, and Don Carlo. Other regional productions include: Pump Boys & Dinettes, Cabaret, Mamma Mia! and an all-female version of 1776. Come see her in May in Studio’s production of Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play.

Rachel Babashak (she/her) What More Do I Need?

Rachel Babashak has loved theater since the age of six, when she played Friend #2 in the school play. Since then, she has performed in several musicals, including Mame, Bye Bye Birdie, The Wiz, A Chorus Line, and Annie. Straight play credits include The Skin of Our Teeth, A Christmas Carol, The Life of Galileo, Escape from Happiness, The Littlest Mermaid, and The Cell. Her performance in this production marks her return to the stage after a hiatus, and she thanks her family for the unconditional support that made it possible.

Meaghan Beese (she/her) “Moments in the Woods”

Meaghan Beese is a NJ/NYC-based actor, singer, and writer. She is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Musical Theatre program as well as the core Improv program at Upright Citizens Brigade. Regionally, she has appeared in Cool Yule at Kings Dominion, Ragtime (Brigit), and Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre’s A Hollywood Christmas. Meaghan also originated the role of Monica in her original one-act comedy Fish, Chicken, Beef at Manhattan Repertory Theatre. IG/Twitter: @meg_beese Tiktok: @meglikesmusicals

Nina Bogosian (she/her) “Being Alive” and ” You Could Drive a Person Crazy”

Nina is a junior at Tenafly High School and is honored to be celebrating the life of Sondheim. Some of Nina’s favorite roles include Ilse in Spring Awakening, Serena in Legally Blonde, and Lauren in Circle Mirror Transformation. Although she has not yet been in a Sondheim show, she would love to play Cinderella in Into the Woods “more than anything”. She would like to thank the entire creative team for their hard work, with extra appreciation for her choir director, mentor, and biggest supporter Mr. Jim Millar, who is playing piano for this beautiful performance.

Nicolette Boillotat (she/her) “Everybody Loves Louis”

Nicolette Boillotat is so excited to be returning to the Studio Playhouse stage! She was last seen here as Wendla Bergmann in New Jersey Summer Theatre Workshop’s SPRING AWAKENING. Since then she has notably been seen as Heather Duke in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, Rosie in NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, and Val in A CHORUS LINE. She is a New York City-based actor and a graduate of Drew University’s Theatre and Dance Department.@nicolette_boillotat

Gabby Bubrick (she/her) “So Many People”

Gabby is thrilled to be performing in the Celebrating Sondheim Cabaret with Studio Playhouse! Gabby is currently a junior at Montclair High School. She is a member of SVPA and The Passing Notes, MHS’s student-run acapella group. Her favorite roles include Ilse in Spring Awakening and The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods with Gas Lamp Players! Gabby would like to thank her wonderful voice teacher, Emily Kristen Morris, and her family and friends for their continuous support and love! @gabbybubrick on all socials!

Janine Miscia Barboza (she/her) “It Takes Two”

JANINE MISCIA BARBOZA is grateful to return to Studio after 15 years! Favorite roles include Baker’s Wife (ITW), Amy (Company), Catherine (Pippin), Rona (Spelling Bee). Over 150 productions to her credit in various capacities; experience in several choral and a cappella groups, and short-form improv. Janine has spent nearly 20 years in Cedar Grove Schools: Math Teacher and K-12 Supervisor, Theatre Program (Assistant Director, Hair/Make-up, Vocal/Acting Coach), currently the Supervisor of Elementary Education. Janine’s most significant role is “Mommy” to Ella and Mia, and hopes that music and theatre will continue to enrich their lives

Kate DiFonzo (she/her) “Sooner Rather Than Later”

Kate DiFonzo is an eclectic performer with experience in a wide number of styles ranging from jazz and musical theater to classical and contemporary. Ms. DiFonzo is a graduate of Muhlenberg College where she studied vocal performance and music education. Her years since have included numerous live performances including regional theater cabaret shows, The Bolshoi Studio Concert Series, and even rock bands! Currently, she is a member of the Soundscape Singers Cabaret troupe which performs throughout the tri-state area. She is currently a vocal music teacher and musical theatre director in Elizabeth, NJ. @katiedifonzo @soundscapesingerscabaret

Ian Federgreen (he/him) Buddy’s Blues

Ian Federgreen will next play Benny Southstreet in Brook Arts Center’s Guys & Dolls, and last played George Spelvin in The Actor’s Nightmare here at Studio. New York credits include Off Broadway’s Truffles, and the long-running interactive comedy Accomplice. Favorite local roles include Lenny in Rumors, Charlie in The Foreigner, Allan in Play it Again, Sam, and Panch in Spelling Bee. Ian has also worked as a stand up, improviser, and magician. His first grown up show was Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. www.ianfedergreen.com. @ianfedergreen

Elle Rose Fraser (she/her) “I Never Do Anything Twice”

Elle Rose Fraser is a New Jersey based Events Producer (hello @eventage) and Operations Director at Rugby New York. She is thrilled to be back on stage, and is so grateful to Studio Playhouse for the opportunity. Special thanks to Manny, for letting her turn the dining room into a theater workshop and to her friends and family for cheering her on the whole way. @ellerosefraser

Julie Galorenzo (she/her) “Losing My Mind”

Regional credits include: Xanadu (Melpomene, Arizona Broadway Theatre), Ragtime (Emma Goldman: Mac-Haydn, BCEFA, Axelrod PAC), The Secret Garden (Mrs. Winthrop, Palace Theatre NH), Damn Yankees (Meg, Mac-Haydn), Legally Blonde (Paulette: CST, UCPAC, various), Oliver (Widow Corney, Palace Theatre NH). Select NYC/Additional: Wendy’s Shadow (Smee: NYMF, UCPAC), Show Choir! (Millie, NYMF), Metropolitan Music (York Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett, Light Opera NJ), It Shoulda Been You (Jenny, 4th Wall), 25th..Bee (Rona, various). AEA. BA Marymount Manhattan. juliegalorenzocoaching.com TikTok & IG: @juliegalorenzocoach

Sharon Garry (she/her) “The Ladies Who Lunch”

Sharon Garry is happy to return to the stage after a 20 year career as a high school theatre teacher and director. Sharon was a founding member of Ironbound Theatre in Newark and Twelve Miles West Theatre in Montclair. Favorite roles include Mazeppa in Gypsy, and Kate Keller in All My Sons at Montclair State University, Dinner with Friends at the Summit Theatre, Bunny in House of Blue Leaves at Ironbound Theatre, and at 12 MIles West, Doris in The Loman Family Picnic, and Maggie in Three Viewings. Sharon is thrilled to be back on the boards!

Rachael Gareau (she/her) “Not a Day Goes By”

Rachael is currently a K-8 vocal and general music teacher in Morris county. She has an avid love of theatre and performing and is so excited to be a part of this cabaret. @rachaelg821

Kay Koch (she/her) “The Ballad of Guiteau”

most recently appeared here at Studio in last fall’s “Welcome Home Cabaret” after a memorable run of “Into the Woods” as the Baker in 2018. Additional local credits: “The Sound of Music” (Maria Von Trapp – Y Arts), “1776” (Thomas Jefferson – OffBook Productions), “Mamma Mia!” (Tanya – Gas Lamp Players) and “Gutenberg! The Musical!” (Dee – OffBook Productions). Sending my thanks and gratitude to Kevin & Darren, fist-bumps and hugs to Jessi, and endless love to my husband Packy! @Kelonzi (Instagram/TikTok) @kaykoch (Twitter)

Brett Lowell (he/him) “Finishing the Hat”, “I Remember”

Brett’s last show in the “before time” was “Superior Donuts” (Max Tarasov) at Studio Players, so he’s thrilled to be here for his first time back on stage. Most recently he was in “My Way. A Tribute to the Music of Frank Sinatra” (Man 1) and “The Fantasticks” (girl’s father) at Monmouth U’s professional Shadowlawn Stage, and “The Fantasticks” and “Harvey” at Algonquin Arts in Manasquan. Originally from South Orange, he lives in NYC and Asbury Park.

Elle Michaeli (she/her) “Happiness”

Elle Michaeli was most recently seen in A Chorus Line (Bebe) and Rumors (Claire) at Cranford Dramatic Club, and will be appearing in 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (Marcy) at The Barn Theater next month. Other recent credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Fruma Sarah) at Plays in the Park, Disenchanted (Belle/Badroulbadour) at Chester Theatre Group, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Lucy) at Edison Valley Playhouse. Thanks to Kevin and Darren for the chance to join this talented group of singers to celebrate Sondheim!

Molly Neff (she/her) “Children Will Listen”

Molly is excited to be back at Studio Playhouse after participating in the Welcome Home Cabaret last fall. Some favorite credits include Next to Normal (Diana), Smokey Joe’s Café (Pattie), How to Succeed… (Rosemary), Into the Woods (Jack’s mom), Company (Jenny), Big Fish (the Witch), and Morticia and Alice in two productions of The Addams Family. Molly is a member of the Soundscape Singers cabaret troupe and the Celebration Singers community choir. Offstage, Molly teaches middle school vocal music in Teaneck. Special thanks to mom for pushing me to give Sondheim a try. @mollypf6 and @soundscapesingerscabaret

Chloé Novoa (she/her) “I Know Things Now”

Chloé is thrilled to be a part of Celebrating Sondheim cabaret! She has just finished performing her dream role, Carmen Diaz, in her school production of Fame. Another favorite role of hers is Nina from In the Heights (Gas Lamp Jr Broadway is Back cabaret, November 2021). Chloé is also a life-long dancer with many years of ballet training at NJ School of Ballet and loves dancing in their annual performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at MPAC in Morristown. IG: chloesnovoa

Julian Novoa (he/him) “Not While I’m Around”

Julian is excited to be honoring Stephen Sondheim at Studio Playhouse tonight! Favorite roles: Sam Carmichael (Mamma Mia) Glen Ridge HS Drama Club, March 2022; Paul (A Chorus Line) Gas Lamp Players, February 2022; Angel (Rent) NJSTW, July 2021; Jack (Into the Woods) Gas Lamp Players, August 2021; Ernst (Spring Awakening) Gas Lamp Players, May 2021; Amahl (Amahl and the Night Visitors) Opera Theatre of Montclair, December 2019. IG: juliantnovoa

Kevin Ohlweiler (he/him) “Marry Me A Little” “It Takes Two”

Kevin is THRILLED to be bringing another cabaret to Studio Playhouse. Kevin most recently directed the “Welcome Home Cabaret”. Kevin was previously seen in It’s Only a Play, Into The Woods, and Assembled Parties. Outside of Studio Playhouse Kevin has been seen in shows such as Matilda, Hairspray, Elf, Beauty and The Beast, and more! Kevin would like to thank his family and friends for the constant support! Break a leg to the cast and amazing band! www.kevinohlweiler.com

Peter Phillips (he/him) “Happily Ever After”

Peter Phillips is a Montclair-based attorney practicing exclusively as a commercial arbitrator and mediator, and the Director of the ADR Skills Program at New York Law School. He is a 1975 graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was a professional actor and stage director for 15 years, appearing on and off Broadway, in regional theatre, on TV and in films. His wife Elaine Bromka is an actor.

Jennifer Robertson (she/her) “Green Finch and Linnet Bird”

Jennifer Robertson is so thrilled to be performing in the Sondheim Cabaret. She was recently seen in the Welcome Home Cabaret and in Pleasant Valley Productions Smokey Joe’s Cafe! Past credits include Grease (Marty) with Cranford Dramatic Club, Sweeney Todd (Young Lucy), 1776 (Martha Jefferson), Carousel (Ensemble/ u/s Julie Jordan) and Ragtime (Dance Captain/ Ensemble) all with the New Jersey Youth Theatre performing at NJPAC and the Algonquin Arts Theatre. She’s also had the opportunity to work for Royal Caribbean on the ‘Navigator of the Seas’ (Featured Singer) and performed with RWS Entertainment Group at Kennywood Amusement park in PA. Also one of her proudest career accomplishments was performing in “Midnight Madness” which performed at the Citigroup Theatre at Alvin Ailey as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) in 2008. Jen would like to thank her husband, family, friends and teachers for their continuous love and support.

E.Dale Smith-Gallo (he/him) “Leave You”

A 2009 graduate of Columbia University’s Playwriting MFA program, Dale has been involved with both professional and community theatre productions in the NYC area for 18 years. He has appeared at Studio Players in several shows including “Into the Woods” (The Witch) and “Greater Tuna” (Arles/Vera/Charlene) earlier this season. His most recent original play, “Fruma-Sarah (Waiting in the Wings)” received its world premier at The Cell in NYC starring Jackie Hoffman last summer. Love to Mike. Insta: e.dale.smith, edalesmith.com

Amber Smith (she/her) “Steps of the Palace”

Amber is pleased to be on Studio’s stage! @AmberErinKatherine

Richard Taylor Pearson (he/him) “Unworthy of Your Love”

Richard is thrilled to make his Montclair debut by celebrating Sondheim with his great friend and co-singer Stephanie Wortel-London. Originally from Arkansas, Richard grew up singing and performing in local shows, and has performed in Tennessee, Texas, New York and New Jersey. He has been married for ten years to his husband Brian and they have a wonderful 7 year old daughter named Natalie. When not acting, Richard spends his days as a real estate attorney. He has written one book “The Role,” which explores the fabulous backstage drama of a Broadway play. Favorite past roles include: Elton in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Albert in Bye Bye Birdie, Marco in Giianni Schicchi, Giuliano in Big Love, and Butch St. Marie in the traveling Murder Mystery show “Murder I do.” Twitter & Facebook: AuthorRTP Website: http://www.richardtpearson.com/

Stephanie Wortel-London (she/her) “Unworthy of Your Love”

Steph is so proud to be making her debut with Studio Players. After an 11 year productive hiatus from performing, it feels so good to dip a toe back into musical theater. Roles in New York City include The Little Mermaid (Little Mermaid) and If You Give a Pig a Party (Main Girl) at Manhattan Children’s Theater, and A Royal Mess (Anne of Cleves) at the Amateur Comedy Club. Favorite roles: The Pajama Game (Babe), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Snoopy), Rocky Horror (Columbia), NerdBait Band (Singer), and most of all Daniel (wife) and SWL (mother). Grateful for this beautiful family life together! @stephwortel

Melissa Vogt (she/her) “Broadway Baby”

Melissa has enjoyed building a community, performing here as a new resident of NJ this past year in Smokey Joes Cafe at OSPAC, and the Welcome Home Cabaret with Studio Playhouse. Originally from Austin, Texas, she also spent 10 years in NYC doing children’s theater and other shows around Manhattan and Queens. Next up she has the biggest role of her lifetime: Opening Night circa end of May 2022!

Abi Zellner (she/her) “Another Hundred People”

Abi is a senior at Montclair High School and is so excited to be performing in this cabaret. She has been performing nonstop for the past few years and has most recently played Cassie in A Chorus Line with Gas Lamp Players at Studio Playhouse. Abi is working with Alison Bolshoi for her vocal training and is attending Boston Conservatory at Berklee for Musical Theater in the fall as a freshman. She is so grateful to be apart of this performance.