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Cast | Production Team | Crew
Pit Orchestra | Original Artistic Team
CAST
Aubree Allen, She/Her (Gargoyle) is incredibly excited to be back for another SMCT production! Previous credits include: Apostle (Jesus Christ Superstar), Ensemble (Fiddler on the Roof), Veruca Salt (Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory). “Thank you to everyone here for making this amazing show possible and thank you to my family, who had to deal with me playing the soundtrack in my headphones 24/7.”
Caroline Allessi, She/Her (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in her first production with SMCT. Previous credits include: Young Sandra (Big Fish), Rapunzel (Into the Woods), Bowery Beauty/Elmer (Newsies). Caroline is passionate about traveling, and has traveled solo to 12 countries. “I’m so thankful to have been welcomed into such a kind, talented, and FUN group of performers! I hope that this show moves you as much as it has moved all of us.”
Marissa Badaczewski, She/Her (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on stage with her SMCT family this spring. Previous credits include: Josephine (Big Fish), Edna (Bright Star), and a Russian Solider/Daughter (Fiddler on the Roof). Marissa’s favorite SMCT tradition is the pre-show hype session that occurs behind stage while you’re all reading this program. “Immense gratitude to all who made this show possible. Special thanks to my friends who took the leap and joined me on stage this year! Love to Tim and Lily <3”
Abigail Blue She/Her (Esmeralda) is beyond excited to be a part of this beautiful show! Previous credits include: Jenny Hill (Big Fish), Spirit (Bright Star), Pattie (Beehive: The 1960’s Musical). “I’m grateful to have discovered this community. Both the theater and the church have been amazing sources of encouragement, support, and love. Thank you for being my chosen family.”
Dan Britt, He/Him(Choir) is excited to be in his first SMCT show! Previous credits include: Franz Liebkind (The Producers), Monsieur Darque (Beauty and the Beast), The Big Bad Wolf (Shrek). A fun nerdy fact about Dan is that he knows the exact amount of snow (by memory) that was recorded at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport every winter for the last 50 years. “Thank you to my family and friends and my wonderful cross stitcher Sam! 🙂”
Cara Brown, She/Her (Choir) is elated to be part of SMCT’s Hunchback and share this incredible music with you!! Previous credits include: Fruma Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof), along with roles in Mary Poppins and 42nd Street. A fun fact about Cara is that she wonders if her love of theatre is in her dna because her family is (distantly) related to Drew Barrymore! “So honored to be part of this incredible show and perform the music, thank you for being here and I hope you are moved, inspired, or simply enjoy the powerful score and story!”
Xander Condie, He/Him (Ensemble) Xander will be making eye contact with you at some point during the show. Previous credits include: Jesus (Jesus Christ Superstar), Motel (Fiddler On The Roof), Jojo (Seussical). FUN FACT: the biggest bell in Notre Dame is named Emmanuel, and it weighs 28,000 lbs. “Thank you to all of the cast and creative team on this show, for all the work they put in that you will see, and all the work that you won’t see. Thanks for laboring in love to make something beautiful.”
Chris Dansby, He/Him (King Louis XI) is honored to be back for SMCT’s production of Hunchback. Previous credits include: Mordcha (Fiddler on the Roof), Principal Clark (Footloose), Jesus (Last Supper Drama at First Lutheran). Something interesting about me is that I am an avid cribbage player and love playing in tournaments. “Thank you to all of our cast, musicians, and stage crew for spending countless hours on making this production the best yet at SMCT. Also my girlfriend for supporting my love for theater. I hope you enjoy the show!”
Isaiah Dietz, He/Him (Jehan Frollo) is a local musician and songwriter. Previous credits include: Perchik (Fiddler on the Roof), Peter (Jesus Christ Superstar), and Bert (Mary Poppins). In his free time, Isaiah enjoys watching films, rehearsing with his band, and procrastinating on his website. “Surround yourself with people that make you better!”
Julie Erickson, She/Her (Clopin Trouillefou) is thrilled to be back on stage with SMCT for this production of Hunchback. Previous credits include: Tzeitel (Fiddler on the Roof), Apostle (Jesus Christ Superstar), and Percy (The Spitfire Grill). One fun fact about Julie is that outside of work and performing, she dabbles in metalsmithing. “Thank you to my friends and family, and shout out to my cat, Alfie, for being the most helpful dance partner at home. We’ve put a lot of love into this production, and I hope you enjoy the show!”
Mason Esposito, They/Them (Gargoyle) thrilled to return to the SMCT stage for Hunchback of Notre Dame. Previous credits include: Yussel (Fiddler on the Roof), Florinda (Into the Woods), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls). Mason loves to decorate cakes to share with friends and family. “Thank you to my amazing friend and roommate Dana, who probably knows the Hunchback soundtrack better than me at this point. Thank you to my mom, for remote crisis management.”
Cassie Froese, She/Her (Ensemble) is still in a state of delighted shock that she’s back in her favorite musical, this time with SMCT! Previous credits include: Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady), Emily (A Christmas Carol), Ensemble (Tuck Everlasting). One fun fact about Cassie is that she can correctly identify the flags of all 197 countries, except for Chad and Romania. “Much love and gratitude to family, friends, and all who show up to support the arts.”
MaryKate Gaurke, She/Her (Ensemble / Co-Dance Captain) is thrilled to make her debut with SMCT. Previous credits include: Maria (Sound of Music), Marty Maraschino (Grease), Ensemble (Once Upon a Mattress). MaryKate’s professional background is in philosophy and clinical ethics – when not philosophizing you can catch her attempting any “DIY” project thrown her way. “Many thanks to my life partner, Drew, and to my family and friends who have encouraged me to jump back into the arts. You are a constant source of inspiration!”
Erin Gallion, She/Her (Madam) After many years enjoying SMCT as an audience member, Erin is thrilled to be joining the magic onstage. Erin spent many years prior to moving to Minnesota performing on her hometown stage at Theatre Salina. Favorite roles include Benjamin Franklin (1776), Mae Tuck (Tuck Everlasting), and Laura (Glass Menagerie). She plans to use the skills learned for this production to make a tiny gargoyle costume for her dog, Tumble. Erin is of the firm belief that “Janu-urvy” walked so that “Swankified place in town” could run.
Kari Grundmeier, She/Her (Choir)
Gabriel Gomez, He/Him (Quasimodo) is nervous but excited to be tackling suck a challenging but important show. Previous credits include: Edward Bloom (Big Fish), Baker (Into The Woods), Donkey (Shrek). Gabe is the Artistic Director for Trapped Puzzle Rooms where he designs and builds puzzles for a living. Neat. “An unfathomably massive thank you to those in the Deaf community who educated me about Deaf culture and helped develop my clunky signing skills. I hope that I am able to convey my immense respect for the Deaf community and communicate the power and import”
Adam Hebeisen, He/Him (Captain Pheobus de Martin) is honored to be back on stage with SMCT. Previous credits include: Will Bloom (Big Fish), Billy Cane (Bright Star), John Wilkes Booth (Assassins). Adam is constantly humming, whistling, or thinking about one of the nerdy hobbies he enjoys, such as MTG. “Thank you all for supporting community theater!”
Jim Hebeisen, He/Him (Father Dupin) is so grateful to be back for his fifth show at SMCT. Previous credits include: Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof), Ensemle (Jesus Christ Superstar), Mayor Dobbs (Bright Star), and Edward Bloom (Big Fish). When not acting, Jim is the proud principal of Tanglen Elementary School in the Hopkins School District. (Ask to see his tattoo to prove it.). “Thank you, Adam, for continuing to let me share the stage with you. Huge thanks also to Sue, Ian, and Alex for putting up with me singing around the house as I learn the songs. I love you all more than you know!”
Paul Johnson, He/Him (Choir) is happy to be back on stage in the choir and has always enjoyed being a part of SMCT. Previous credits include: Just being there. I was an extra for a movie (Foolin’ Around-Gary Busey). “Thank you to Jane for being patient while learned my music.”
Janelle Karlsrud, She/Her (Esmeralda in Flames) is excited to return for SMCT’s production of Hunchback. Previous credits include: Mary Magdalene (Jesus Christ Superstar), Alice Murphy (Bright Star), Bomballeria (CATS). One interesting fact about Janelle is she went scuba diving and became friends with a sea turtle. “Shout out to all the support in the audience and on stage: my incredible family, my loves (Oscar and Jorgen), MSP Peeps, V, G4L, PPC, Sibling Revelry, Soul Girls, Egos, and Zealots!”
Josh Krauskopf, He/Him (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the SMCT stage with this ridiculously talented cast. Previous credits include: Mal Beineke (Addams Family), Avram (Fiddler on the Roof), and Zacky Price (Big Fish). Josh figures after literally falling flat in front of one of his acting idols years ago and not dying from embarrassment, he can do just about anything on stage. “Thank you for coming out to support our community. This show is incredibly meaningful and we’re excited to get to share it with you.”
Laura LaBree, She/Her (Foley Artist / Graphic Designer) is very excited to be a part of her very first production at SMCT. She can’t imagine a more talented or enthusiastic theater family to join for her first time on stage in 10 years. Fun fact about Laura, she was once asked to leave a Red Lobster. “Shout out to my Momma Mary Walus for always being a light in my life, and to my Husband Tony who remains free, pending investigation.”
Elin Larson, She/Her (Ensemble) is so excited to be back for her second show at SMCT. Previous credits include: Urchin (Little shop of Horrors), Ensemble (Fiddler on the roof), and Pepper/Duffy (Annie). One fun fact about Elin is that she has had 7 pets in her life. “Thank you so much to everyone who is coming to see the show and support us at SMCT! And thank you to my mom who is in the choir, you’re such a good role model.”
Trisha Larson, She/Her (Choir / Props Master) is excited to be back for another SMCT and her second over all in almost 30 years! After her SMCT debut in Fiddler on the Roof in 2024, Trish has was the first musical she saw as a young child and has been hooked on musical theater since! “It is a dream come true to come full circle by being a part of this production and to also have the opportunity to share the stage with my daughter Elin who shares my love of theater!” is an interior designer and real estate design consultant.
Abbey Lowenstein, She/Her (Gargoyle) is thrilled to be singin’ again after a decade-long musical theater hiatus. Abbey can be found primarily on screen in short films by Oxford Comma Films like: “Look Back and Laugh”, “50ML”, and “A Line of Verse”, all directed by SMCT’s own Vanessa MH Powers. Keep an eye out for Abbey in the role of Kate for the feature film “Silly Little Wounds”. One fun fact about Abbey is that Kathleen Turner once told her that she made “one of the worst cups of coffee I’ve ever had in my life.”. “Thank you to Jerod (husband) for the constant love and support. Thank you to Dill and Earl (pupps) for only running away that one time when I was practicing the songs.”
Amanda Madison, She/Her (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back for SMCT’s production of Hunchback. Previous credits include: Frenchie (Grease), Ensemble (Fiddler on the Roof), Teen Ensemble (Footloose). When she is not onstage, she is avidly reading or playing with her nieces and nephew. “Thank you to my husband and family for their continued support! Enjoy the show!”
Hazen Markoe, He/Him (Choir) is pleased to make his first appearance with SMCT with this timely classic! Previous credits include: Thenardier (Les Miserables), Fagin (Oliver!), Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof). Hazen is a collector of film adaptations of classic novels and plays, which includes 10 different versions of Victor Hugo’s novel. “Thank you all for coming to see our show and supporting live theatre!”
Noah Nelson, He/Him (Gargoyle) is thrilled to be returning to SMCT after a year away. Previous credits include: Riff Raff (The Rocky Horror Show), The Lover (Machinal), and Apostle (Jesus Christ Superstar). In addition to various standard theatrical productions, Noah also works for the Murder Mystery Company performing in various immersive murder mystery shows. “No matter how difficult things may get, I will continue doing what I love: entertaining people and telling stories.”
Emily Patterson, She/Her (Choir) is excited to be singing a lot of Latin in SMCT’s Hunchback. Previous credits include: Creepy puppet/Ensemble (Fiddler on the Roof), Ensemble (Bright Star), Ronette (Little Shop of Horrors). Emily is a third degree black belt in Isshin-Ryu karate. “Thank you to my family for traveling to see this show, and to my fiance for all of his support during the many weeks of rehearsals.”
Erin Pecha, She/They (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of her first SMCT production! Previous credits include: Erin has not acted on stage in almost 20 years (yikes, has it been that long??) but she has found a home again in theater. Off stage, Erin can often be found snuggling with her dog, Charlie. “Thank you to all of my friends and family who encouraged
Sammi Penick, She/Her (Florika) is thrilled to be making her SMCT debut, especially because it is also her first show with her fiancé Michael! Previous credits include: Disney Cruise Line (Ariel, Cruella de Vil, Bo Peep), Tokyo Disneyland, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Recently she was seen as Gabrielle (Cinderella) at ODCT. When not performing, Sammi works as a flight attendant for Delta. “Break legs to the entire cast and crew, especially her (not actually scary in real life) Frollo.”
Gary Peterson, He/Him (Choir) is thrilled and honored to be back for SMCT’s production of Hunchback. Previous credits include: Modern Major General (Pirates of Penzance), Cogsworth (Beauty & the Beast), King Herod, (Jesus Christ Superstar). A funs story from Gary is that during tech week of Pirates, he had to use the bathroom. “I heard the line that was my cue to make my grand entrance on stage. Needless to say it was a late entrance.” “Thank you to my beautiful wife for her love and support and driving me to and from rehearsals. I hope you enjoy the show!”
Michael Rigney, He/Him (Claude Frollo) is excited to share the stage with so many talented performers in SMCT’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Though this is Michael’s first role in a musical, he’s no stranger to the stage as a pianist. Some past memorable performances include: Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No.2 (Tulane Symphony Orchestra), Orfeo International Music Competition Gala Concert (Vipeti. When not rehearsing or working, Michael can usually be found in the kitchen whipping up some over the top cuisine. “Thank you to my wonderful, talented, and amazing fiancé for encouraging me to audition for this role and opening me up to a whole new type of music making!”
Ricardo Riley, He/Him (Choir) is ambivalent about being a part of this show. Previous Ricardo rolls include Brioche, Kaiser, and Crescent. Nutella makes a great spread on the aforementioned rolls. “Thanks to the appreciators and supporters of art. May the show be to your liking.”
Lahiru Samarasinghe, He/Him (Ensemble) is thrillified to be joining SMCT for their production of Hunchback. Previous credits include: Giuseppe Zangara (Assassins), John Brooke (Little Women), Will (The Brave and The Bold). A fun fact about Lahiru is that he is a stand-up comedian that performance around the Twin Cities and would love to see you at a show. “Thank you to my dog, Farlow, who won’t see the show, or this shout-out, and is probably wondering where I am. I’ll be home to play tug-of-war with you soon!”
Ryan Schlepp, He/Him (Gargoyle) is pumped to be doing Hunchback at SMCT after a long break from theatre! Previous credits include: Gomez Addams (Addams Family), Archibald Craven (Secret Garden), Barnaby (Hello, Dolly!). A fun fact about Ryan is that he has pet Tarantulas (and a cat). “Thanks to my partner Ella for getting me involved in theatre again, and to my parents for instilling in me a love of music!”
Flora Scherr, They/Them (Choir) is so excited to be back for another show with SMCT! Previous credits include: Son (Fiddler on the Roof), Fraulein Schneider (Cabaret), Alonso (The Tempest). One fun fact about Flora is that they have performed in multiple roles in the past that required them to wear a fake beard. “Shoutout to my choir teachers in high school and college for preparing me for all of these eight part harmonies.”
Jack Stetler, He/Him (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in his first show with SMCT! Previous credits include: Vlad (Anastasia), Mr. Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors), and the Puppet King (Brave and the Bold). One fun fact about Jack is that he has never been haunted by eldritch horrors and apocalyptic visions! He promises. “Thanks to his amazing friends and family for always supporting him!”
Laura Wacker-Hansen, She/Her (Ensemble / Co-Dance Captain) is excited to be back at her favorite theater for this production of Hunchback. Previous credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar, Pirates of Penzance, and Fiddler on the Roof. Laura is the Director of Nutrition Services for a suburban school district and is as avid cook and food stylist. “Thank you to my support system- especially my mother, for supporting me in my love of music and theater.”
James Wilsford, He/Him (Ensemble) On a cold winter day James got in line for what he thought was a line for soup. Though it was strange to have to sing and dance for said soup, he did it anyway. Lo and behold he was cast in this production. He is extremely grateful to be on stage but is still on the hunt for a hearty broth. Previous roles include: Potato (On Thanksgiving), Crescent (Wrapped Around A Hotdog), and Cinnamon (On Saturday Mornings). He once ate 2 pounds of nachos when he weighed 198 pounds so that he could say he was 1% nacho. “Special thanks to my wife for allowing me to embark on this endeavor. I think to celebrate this accomplishment, we should go out to eat!”
PRODUCTION TEAM
Sarah Berg (Head Costumer)
James Erickson He/Him (Technical Director) is a skilled builder who works for Target during the daytime. James is also very tall. He did not write his own bio.
Christine Janiak She/Her (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back at SMCT for The Hunchback of Notre Dame as the stage manager. Previous credits include Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar), Paulette (Legally Blonde), and Fruma Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof). One fun fact about Christine is that THE Bill Murray once hit her in the head with a tennis ball! “Thank you to my loving husband for supporting me during this process, and taking care of our two pups, you’re a rockstar. Enjoy the show“
Ella Kooyer She/Her (Choreographer) is honored to choreograph for SMCT. Previous choreographer credits include Kate Hamil’s Pride and Prejudice. Ella speaks French and was also the French language consultant for the show. “Thank you to my darling gargoyle Ryan (so proud of you), and the Taco Bell on Herschel Ave in Roseville. Got me through all the late nights!”
Gem Marchetti They/Them (Dramaturge) is honored to have worked with the cast on the history and dramaturgy of SMCT’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame! Previous credits include: Assistant Dramaturg (The Rocky Picture Show), Witch (Macbeth), Florinda (Into the Woods). Something interesting about Gem is that they collect Build-A-Bear frogs! They currently have a family of seven. “Thank you to my lovely friend Zeldie and my fiancé, Andy, for helping me finish and rehearse my dramaturgical presentation! Couldn’t have done it without you.”
Zakary Thomas Morton They/He (Intimacy Coordinator) is thrilled to be working with SMCT for the first time. Primarily an actor, they are exploring new opportunities in intimacy coordination. Previous credits include: Major-General Stanley (Pirates of Penzance), Charlie Baker (The Foreigner), Vocalist with Silversea Cruises. Zakary taught in China for two years after college. “Thanks again to SMCT for the opportunity, and enjoy the show!”
Kate Peters (Fight Coordinator)
Vanessa M. H. Powers She/Her (Director) is a theater director, visual artist, coffee enthusiast, and occasionally, a human being. She is usually found trying to be in too many places at once. She is the resident director at SMCT in Columbia Heights, and she has done theater work at Lakeshore Players Theater, Cross Community Players, and as part of the MN Fringe Festival. She has also produced theatrical work independently under the company name, ‘Oxford Comma Theater.’ She is also an award-winning filmmaker whose projects with her company, Oxford Comma Films, have been seen around the country and around the world. In her (clearly abundant) free time, she can be found spending time with her supportive partner, family, friends, and snort-tastic French Bulldogs.
Lily Russ She/Her (Asst. Technical Director) Lily delighted to be working with SMCT for Hunchback! Previous theater experience includes: Stage Manager (Godspell), Light Board (Evita), and General Techie (Various Shows). One fun fact about Lily is that she is equally passionate about kickboxing and knitting (life is all about balance)! “Shout out to Mabel Bagel and Blueberry (the world’s greatest dogs) for their patience and giving me all the love when I get home late… I promise we’ll go on lots of extra walks after the show.“
Drew Wagner He/Him (Pit Director) is excited to be waving his baton once more, and for one of his favorite scores! Previous credits include: Lead Lighting Designer (Urinetown), Pit Director (Jesus Christ Superstar), Bassoon (Into The Woods). This is the first ever bio that Drew has actually written himself! Growth. “I would like to thank you, reader, for joining us on our journey tonight. Thank you for supporting art in our community, and for supporting our little theatre that could.. no, CAN!”
Amanda Weiss She/Her (Vocal Director) is a Twin Cities-based music director, stage director, and vocal instructor. Ms. Weis has worked with such companies as Minneapolis Musical Theatre, History Theatre, Masquers Theatre, Eden Prairie Players, Journey North Opera, Opera Reading Project, Open Window Theatre, Lyric Arts, The Phipps, and Duluth Playhouse, among others. She vocal directed the 2019 National tour of Nick JR LIVE and is a teaching artist at the Guthrie and Children’s Theatre Company. Amanda teaches private voice lessons at her home studio in Lino Lakes. She volunteers frequently with her certified therapy dog Bucky, visiting their local library, Crestivew Memory Care in Blaine, and Ecumen hospice patients. www.weisamanda.com
CREW
Drew Gaurke (Spotlight Operator)
Jason Zemke (Sound Board Operator) is back assisting with sound for yet another SMCT production – his first being in 2008. Favorite shows include Beauty and the Beast, Big Fish, and Bright Star. When not working for the Three Rivers Park District, in his spare time Jason enjoys refereeing soccer, reading, golfing, and bowling. “Thank you for your continued support of our community theatre. Enjoy the show!”
PIT ORCHESTRA
Frankki Allen (Trumpet)
Aaron Barrett (Cello)
Walter Bauman (Percussion) Once again, the blood pact has bound Walter to return for SMCT’s production of Hunchback. Previous credits include: Drummer/Percussionist for Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Poppins, Hairspray, and Fiddler on the Roof. “Thanks to my wife, my sweet muppet of a dog, and all who take the time to come see us perform.”
Laura Bidgood (Viola)
Christine Eid (Flute/Piccolo) It’s wonderful to playing in the pit for this production of Hunchback! Too many credits to list, but love playing in the pit again. Christie and her husband love to try out new recipes. “Enjoy the show!”
Lisa Engler (Trumpet)
Mandy French (Trumpet)
Lya Jordan (Trumpet)
Lisa Kappel (Horn)
Karin Kimble (Cello)
Erin Larson (Piano)
Hannah Lutz (Horn)
Abbie Marshall (Clarinet)
Betsy Preston (Trombone) Relatively new to the musical theater scene, Betsy is happy to be welcomed into the pit orchestra family. Previous credits include: Trombone (Ragtime). In addition to playing the trombone, Betsy enjoys graphic design, photography, knitting, and sewing. “Thank you to the audience for supporting live music and theater.”
Alex Rhoads (Horn)
Talya Zien (Violin)
ORIGINAL ARTISTIC TEAM
ALAN MENKEN (Composer). Theater: God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Little Shop Of Horrors, Real Life Funnies, Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy, Kicks, The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz, Beauty And The Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap Of Faith, Aladdin and Newsies. Film: Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life With Mikey, Lincoln, Home On The Range, Noel, Enchanted, Shaggy Dog, Tangled and Mirror Mirror. Songs: Rocky V, Home Alone 2 and Captain America. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London’s Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
PETER PARNELL (Book) most recently wrote the new book for the Broadway revival of Lerner and Lane’s On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, starring Harry Connick Jr. and Jessie Mueller. His plays include Trumpery (Atlantic Theatre Company), QED starring Alan Alda (Mark Taper Forum, Vivian Beaumont, LCT), a two-part stage adaptation of John Irving’s The Cider House Rules (Seattle Rep, Taper, Atlantic, American Theatre Critics Association Award). His other plays, Sorrows of Stephen, The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket, Romance Language, Hyde in Hollywood, Flaubert’s Latest, and An Imaginary Life, were first produced by the Public Theater and at Playwrights Horizons. For television, Parnell was a co-producer for “The West Wing” (two EMMY Award citations), and a producer for “The Guardian,” “Inconceivable,” and “Six Degrees.” His children’s book And Tango Makes Three, co-authored with Justin Richardson, was an American Library Association Notable Book, a Henry Bergh Award winner, and has either headed or been on the ALA’S Top Ten List of Most Banned Books from 2006-2012. Parnell has served on the Literary Award Committee of PEN, and has taught writing at Dartmouth, the New School, Columbia, the Yale School of Drama, and currently at NYU. He proudly serves as Vice-President of The Dramatists Guild.
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (Lyrics) wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit WICKED. In addition, he has contributed music and lyrics to many other shows available for licensing by MTI, including GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE BAKER’S WIFE, WORKING, CHILDREN OF EDEN, RAGS (music by Charles Strouse), SNAPSHOTS: A MUSICAL SCRAPBOOK, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (music by Alan Menken) and THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, as well as two musicals for younger audiences, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON PINOCCHIO.
Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a special Tony Award for his support of young theatre artists.