1. art and entertainment
2. theatre

Northeastern Illinois University
Department of Music
presents
GUYS AND DOLLS
A Musical Fable of Broadway
Based on a story and characters of
Damon Runyon
Music and Lyrics by
FRANK LOESSER
Book by
JO SWERLING and ABE BURROWS
Directed by Sasha Gerritson
Conducted by Travis Heath
Choreographed by Andrew Waters
GUYS & DOLLS
is presented through special arrangement with
Musical Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684
www.MTIShows.com
The videotaping or other video or audio recording
of this production is strictly prohibited
Performance running time: approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes
(including one 15 minute intermission)
Guys and Dolls
1
L E T T E R F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R
Dear friends,
Thank you so much for being here tonight to celebrate and support
this production of Guys and Dolls. It has been SUCH a fun semester!!
The cast, crew and orchestra have worked really hard and I am really
proud of this show.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw this work, as a young girl. I was
so blown away by the fact Sky Masterson took Sarah Brown to Havana for dinner in his
private plane! And truth be told, I’ve been carrying my passport in my purse ever since
that day! So, please let me know if you can work that out for me.
Very special thanks to all of my extremely generous friends and family who bought
ads in the program book. They made this possible through their donations. Please take
a look at the ads, utilize their services when and if you can, and try to say thank you if
you see them.
I am truly grateful for the support of the NEIU Dept. of Music, the NEIU Foundation and
the NEIU Administration. Special thanks to Dr. Shayne Cofer, the NEIU Music Dept. Chair.
You are such a wonderful friend to me!
Certainly there is NO way I could’ve pulled this off without the hard work and dedication
of so many people – especially Kay M, Sarah, Chris, Drew, Kay K, Jane, Paul, Travis, Jessica,
Billy, Brandon, my mom Alicen and my wonderful husband Eugene Jarvis, who supports
my efforts in every way.
Thanks my friends – I don’t know what I’d do without you!
So, to conclude I can only say mille grazie, merci beaucoup, muchas gracias, danke schön
and in every other way thank you for making this show possible. Next year at this time
we will present an opera or operetta in English, as it is our tradition to rotate every other
year. Please keep in touch.
Fondly,
Sasha Gerritson
Director
GLENVIEW METHODIST
PRESCHOOL
PROUDLY SUPPORTS the
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
MUSIC PROGRAM
& GMPS FAMILY MEMBER
SASHA GERRITSON
727 Harlem Ave., Glenview, IL 60025 • 847-729-3606
2
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
Dearest Sasha,
Break A Leg!
Lalu,
Eugene
Guys and Dolls
3
LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO RADIO BROADCASTS ON 98.7WFMT
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S
SUNDAY, APRIL 12 | 7:15 PM
HOSTED BY SUZANNE NANCE AND ROGER PINES
STARRING Steven Pasquale, Laura Osnes, Jenn Gambatese, Matthew Hydzik,
Denyce Graves, Jarrod Emick, Tony Roberts, Charlotte D’Amboise, and David Lively.
Directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford and conducted by David Chase.
Swaggering, carefree carnival barker Billy Bigelow captivates and marries the naive millworker
Julie Jordan. But all too soon, they fall on hard times and unbearable loss. Yet the power of
love perseveres, as do the tuneful hits, in this masterpiece of American musical theater. You’ll
hear “If I Loved You,” “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and many more.
Steven Pasquale as Billy Bigelow and Laura Osnes as Julie Jordan.
Photo by Brad Trent.
WFMT.com
TUNE IN TO
4
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL. Music by RICHARD RODGERS. Book and Lyrics by OSCAR
HAMMERSTEIN
Based on Ferenc
Molnar’s Play “Liliom.”
As adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer. Original Dances by Agnes de Mille
Northeastern
IllinoisII.
University
Department
of Music
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Nicholas
Brubaker
Erica
Sauder
Brennan
Roach
Emma
Oberdick
Neydi
Jimenez
Christopher
Hatcher
Jessica Lauren
Fisher
Christopher
Zeglin
Wellington
DaSilva
Miguel
Long
Robert
Heitzinger
David Wesley
Mitchell
Matt
Dumay
Fred
Sivils
Erik
Kivi
Lety
Ortega
Nancy
Kabat
Laura
Oker
Megan
Bieschke
D’Angelo
Hampton
Guys and Dolls
5
CAST LIST
Sky Masterson....................................................................................... Nicholas Brubaker (April 8 & 10)
Brennan Roach (April 9 & 11)
Sarah Brown......................................................................................................Erica Sauder (April 8 & 10)
Emma Oberdick (April 9 & 11)
Nathan Detroit..................................................................................Christopher Hatcher (April 8 & 10)
Christopher Zeglin (April 9 & 11)
Miss Adelaide............................................................................................... Neydi Jimenez (April 8 & 10)
Jessica Lauren Fisher (April 9 & 11)
Nicely Johnson...................................................................................Wellington Da Silva (April 8 & 10)
Miguel Long (April 9 & 11)
Benny.......................................................................................................................... David Wesley Mitchell
Rusty Charlie.......................................................................................................................Matthew Dumay
Arvide Abernathy (Mission).......................................................................................Robert Heitzinger*
General Matilda Cartwright (Mission)..................................................................................Lety Ortega
Martha (Mission)........................................................................................................................Nancy Kabat
Agatha (Mission)............................................................................................................................Laura Oker
Mary (Mission).....................................................................................................................Megan Bieschke
Calvin (Mission).............................................................................................................D’Angelo Hampton
Corporal (Arvide Understudy)............................................................................ Anthony DeFrancisco
Hot Box Girls................................................................................................. Erica Bland, Danielle Bohrer,
Dwan K. Buetow, Ahriel Mullings,
Ariana Pecoraro, Sasha Rashidee
Hot Box Girl Alternate............................................................................................................... Sarah Peace
Mimi/Cigar Girl in Havana................................................................................................Kassandra Sivils
Harry the Horse.......................................................................................................................... Billy Jozwiak
Lt. Brannigan.................................................................................................................................... Fred Sivils
Angie the Ox (plus Mission Band)........................................................................................ Corey Gallai
Joey Biltmore/MC/Waiter in Havana.................................................................................Jose Aviles Jr.
Big Jule....................................................................................................................................................Erik Kivi
Society Max...............................................................................................................................Eugene Jarvis
*Appears by permission of Actors’ Equity Association,
the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Ensemble
John Albergo, Kendall Battaglia, Jerry Lee Brown, Kim Coday, Jean Collier,
Derrick Colon, Siobhan Cronin, Zoe Dalton, Kristine Falck-Pedersen,
Greg Landowski, Brian Lavery, Gabe Muenzer, Kyrie Nelson, Zach Nelson,
Courtney Nielsen, Connor O’Shea, Andre Owens,
Cathy Parrilli, Phil Platakis, Evelyn P. Priebe, Dora Quinones, Gretchen Sheirok,
Allen Shub, Emma Wagner, Caroline Wattelle
Cuban Dancers
Tevin Rice & Omar Vazquez
Andrew Waters,
choreographer
6
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
ORCHESTR A
Violins
Jaime Gorgojo,
Concertmaster
Dmytriy Melkumov
Sylvia Myintoo
Penelope Riley
Travis Heath,
conductor
Cello
Nazar Dzhuryn
Andrew Snow
Bass
Jason Heath
Reeds
David Tuttle
Rose Sperrazza
Gail Crosson
Matthew Bordoshuk
Jim Ramey
Trumpets
Chris Hasselbring
Greg Strauss
Katie Samayoa
French Horn
Anna Mayne
Trombone
Steven Duncan
Percussion
Jonathan Goldstein
John Agno
Contractor
Sasha Gerritson
Special thanks to:
DR. VENETIA STIFLER AND THE NEIU DANCE PROGRAM,
for the generous use of the Dance Studio while preparing this show.
SENSEI JEFF KOHN AND THE NORTH SHORE DOJO,
for the lending of some of our props.
DR. CHRISTOPHER OWEN,
for working around our crazy rehearsal schedule.
LYN TALIAFERRO AND ANDREW SHAYO-MUSHI,
for making it possible to get everyone paid on time.
ALL OF THE SPOUSES, PARTNERS, FAMILY MEMBERS
AND FRIENDS OF A CAST MEMBER,
for putting up with us. Seriously.
We know we can be crazy during shows...
Guys and Dolls
7
TECH / NEIU PERSONNEL
Director...................................................................................................................................Sasha Gerritson
Conductor.....................................................................................................................................Travis Heath
Choreographer......................................................................................................................Andrew Waters
Production Manager & Lighting Designer.........................................................Christopher Burpee
Scenic Designer....................................................................................................................Kay Lea Meyers
Technical Director.......................................................................................................................Rick Combs
Costume Designer......................................................................................................................... Bill Morey
Hair/Makeup Designer...................................................................................... Sienna Macedon-Kusek
Props Designer......................................................................................................................Kay Lea Meyers
Stage Manager...............................................................................................................Shannon Gonzalez
Production Assistants.............................................Jessica Lauren Fisher, Billy Jozwiak & Brandon
Costume Assistant...........................................................................................Kate Setzer-Kamphausen
Hair/Makeup Assistant............................................................................................................ Alice Salazar
Accompanists...................................................................Paul Hamilton, Jane Kenas-Heller, Kay Kim
Master Electrician........................................................................................................................ Casey Diers
Videographer................................................................................................................ Anthony Schiavone
Audio Recording Engineer............................................................................................. Charles Johnson
Sound Engineer.............................................................................................................................Dan Mayer
House Manager............................................................................................................................. Steve Zivin
Assistant to Director................................................................................................................. Sarah Linske
Poster Design.................................................................................................................... Veta Schweighart
Poster/Flyer/Postcard Printing............................................................................................... The Ink Well
Programs........................................................................................................................ Marcus Promotions
Security............................................................................................................................................Brian Starai
Photography......................................................................................................................................Joe Davis
Costume Shop............................................................................................................ Broadway Costumes
Scenic Shop..........................................................................................................Bocca Lupo Productions
Ushers.................................................................................................................................................The Saints
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THEATRE: hottix.org
Half-price tickets are available
BLOCK THIRTY SEVEN
108 N. State, Chicago
mon-sat: 10am – 6pm
sun: 11am – 5pm
8
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
ONLINE or IN-PERSON!
EXPO 72
72 E. Randolph, Chicago
tues-sat: 10am – 6pm
sun: 11am – 4pm
WATER WORKS
163 E. Pearson, Chicago
tues-sat: 10am – 6pm
sun: 11am – 4pm
GUYS AND DOLLS SYNOPSIS
Act I
A pantomime of never-ceasing activities depicts the hustle and bustle of New York City
(“Runyonland”). Three small-time gamblers, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet,
and Rusty Charlie, argue over which horse will win a big race (“Fugue for Tinhorns”). The
band members of the Save-a-Soul Mission, led by the pious and beautiful Sergeant Sarah
Brown, call for sinners to “Follow the Fold” and repent. Nicely and Benny’s employer,
Nathan Detroit, runs an illegal floating crap game. Due to local policeman Lt. Brannigan’s
strong-armed police activity, he has found only one likely spot to hold the game: the
“Biltmore garage.” However, the owner, Joey Biltmore, requires a $1,000 security deposit,
and Nathan is broke (“The Oldest Established”). Nathan hopes to get $1,000 by winning
a bet against Sky Masterson, a gambler willing to bet on virtually anything. Nathan
proposes a bet which he believes he cannot lose: Sky must take a doll (a woman) of
Nathan’s choice to dinner in Havana, Cuba. Sky agrees, and Nathan chooses Sarah Brown.
At the mission, Sky claims he wants to be saved, impressing Sarah with his knowledge of
the Bible. He offers Sarah a deal: He will bring the mission “one dozen genuine sinners”
if she will accompany him to Havana the next night. Sarah rebuffs him, telling him that
she plans to fall in love with an upright, moral man. Sky replies that he plans on being
surprised when he falls in love (“I’ll Know”). Sky kisses Sarah, and she slaps him. Nathan
goes to watch his fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide, perform her nightclub act (“A Bushel
and a Peck”). After her show, she asks him, as she has many times before, to go down
to city hall and get a marriage license. She is distraught to find out that Nathan is still
running the crap game. She consults a medical book, which tells her that her chronic
cold is a psychosomatic reaction to her frustration with Nathan’s failure to marry her
(“Adelaide’s Lament”).
The next day, Nicely and Benny watch as Sky pursues Sarah, and Nathan tries to win back
Adelaide’s favor. They declare that guys will do anything for the dolls they love (“Guys and
Dolls”). General Cartwright, the leader of the Save-a-Soul organization, visits the mission
and explains that she will be forced to close the branch unless they succeed in bringing
some sinners to the upcoming revival meeting. Sarah, desperate to save the mission,
promises the General “one dozen genuine sinners”, implicitly accepting Sky’s deal. The
gamblers, including a notorious gangster from Chicago named Big Jule, are waiting
for Nathan to secure the spot for the game and Lt. Brannigan becomes suspicious. To
convince him of their innocence, they tell Brannigan their gathering is Nathan’s “surprise
bachelor party”. This satisfies Brannigan, and Nathan resigns himself to eloping with
Adelaide. Adelaide goes home to pack, promising to meet him after her show the next
afternoon. The Save-A-Soul Mission band passes by, and Nathan sees that Sarah is not in
it; he realizes that he lost the bet and faints.
In a Havana nightclub, Sky buys a drink for himself and a “Cuban milkshake” for Sarah.
She doesn’t realize that the drink contains Bacardi rum, and she innocently drinks
multiple glasses, becoming progressively tipsier. Outside the club, Sarah kisses Sky and
proclaims that she is truly enjoying herself for the first time in her life (“If I Were A Bell”).
She wants to stay in Havana with Sky. Sky is surprised to find, though, that he truly cares
about Sarah’s welfare, and he insists that they go back to the airport and return to New
York. Back in New York, it is 4:00 AM, and as Sky and Sarah (now sober) stand in the
street outside the mission, Sky explains that this is his favorite time of day, and Sarah
is the only woman he’s ever wanted to share it with him (“My Time of Day”). They both
spontaneously admit that they’re in love (“I’ve Never Been in Love Before”). A siren rings
out and gamblers run out of the mission, where Nathan has been holding the crap game.
Sarah assumes that Sky took her to Havana and pretended to be in love with her just so
Nathan could use the mission for the game, rejecting his protests of innocence.
Guys and Dolls
9
GUYS AND DOLLS SYNOPSIS
co nt.
Act II
The next evening, Adelaide performs her act at the Hot Box (“Take Back Your Mink”).
Nathan doesn’t show up for the elopement because he’s still running the crap game.
She soon realizes that Nathan has stood her up again and turns to her book for comfort
(“Adelaide’s Second Lament”).
Sarah admits to Arvide Abernathy, her uncle and fellow mission worker, that she loves
Sky but will never see him again because she believes he is responsible for the previous
night’s crap game. Abernathy expresses his faith in Sky’s inherent goodness and urges
Sarah to follow her heart (“More I Cannot Wish You”). Sky tells Sarah he intends to deliver
the dozen genuine sinners for the revival. She doesn’t believe him and walks off, but
Arvide subtly encourages him.
Nicely shows Sky where the game is being held: the sewer (“Crapshooters Dance”). Big
Jule has lost a large amount of cash and insists on playing on credit. To change his luck
he uses his own dice, which are blank, and proceeds to cheat Nathan out of all of his
money. Sky then arrives with Nicely. Big Jule isn’t impressed in the slightest but Sky
responds by punching him out. He then gives Nathan $1,000, saying that Nathan won
the bet and implying that Sarah refused to go to Havana with him. Sky, determined to
get the dozen sinners he promised Sarah, bets every man at the game a thousand dollars
against their souls. If he loses, everyone gets a thousand dollars each, but if he wins,
they must all attend the revival at the mission (“Luck Be a Lady”). He tosses the dice. The
gamblers head towards the mission, and it is clear that Sky has won his bet. On his way
there, Nathan runs into Adelaide and tells her that he has to attend the prayer meeting.
10
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
Sasha,
BEST WISHES ON A
SUCCESSFUL RUN OF
SINCERELY,
Bert Scott
Guys and Dolls
11
12
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
GUYS AND DOLLS SYNOPSIS
co nt.
Adelaide does not believe him. She asks
herself why she keeps putting up with
Nathan’s lies, and he tells her that he loves
her (“Sue Me”).
Sky and the gamblers arrive at the mission,
much to Sarah’s surprise. General Cartwright
asks if anyone wishes to give testimony to
their sins. Benny and Big Jule testify but
another gambler named Harry The Horse
lets slip that Sky only got them to the
meeting because he won their souls in a
dice game. The General is very pleased by
this as it shows that good can come out of
evil. Attempting to appear contrite, Nicely
invents a dream which encouraged him
to repent, and the gamblers join in with
revivalist fervor (“Sit Down, You’re Rockin’
the Boat”). Brannigan arrives and threatens
to arrest everyone for the crap game in the
Mission, but Sarah clears them, saying that
none of the gamblers were at the mission
the previous night. After Brannigan leaves,
Nathan gives testimony and confesses that
they held the crap game in the mission.
He also confesses the bet he made with
Sky about taking Sarah to Havana. He adds
that he won the bet, to Sarah’s shock, and
she realizes that Sky wanted to protect her
reputation and must genuinely care about
her.
Sarah and Adelaide run into each other,
and they commiserate and then resolve to
marry their men anyway and reform them
later (“Marry the Man Today”). Several weeks
later, Nathan has opened a newsstand and is
going to marry Adelaide at the mission. Sky
and Sarah have just been married, and Sky
is playing in the mission band (“Guys and
Dolls” (Finale/Reprise)).
**taken from wikipedia**
Guys and Dolls
13
BIOGR APHIES
Jose Aviles, Jr. (Joey Biltmore/Master
of Ceremonies/Waiter in Havana) is
attending NEIU for music education. Finally
figuring out what he wants with his life,
Jose seeks to be a music teacher. He has
played various characters for the NEIU
music program’s productions since spring
2014.
John Albergo (Ensemble), a community
listener at NEIU, is enjoying his fifth
production of Guys & Dolls, having
previously played Nathan Detroit, Benny
Southstreet, Big Jule and Angie the Ox.
Bringing fiction to life, this “Nathan”
married a Hot Box girl, with whom he has
shared nearly 30 wonderful years. John
started in community theater playing
Tommy Djilas in The Music Man and, years
later, stormed back into River City as anvil
salesman Charlie Cowell. Other roles
include Billy in No, No Nanette, the Vicomte
Ribaud in The New Moon and various
chorus roles.
Kendall Battaglia (Ensemble) is thrilled
to be a member of the Guys and Dolls
cast. This is her sixth opera under Sasha’s
direction. Previously she has been in La
Vie Parisienne, Sweeney Todd, Street Scene,
A Christmas Carol and La Bohème. Sasha
has been her mentor since she was five
years old. She currently is in the Park Ridge
Community Church Angeli Choir and
takes voice lessons with Theresa Egan.
Kendall attends Lincoln Middle School in
Park Ridge and loves music, Instagram,
her friends and family. She was born in
Changzhou, China, and came to the United
States when she was seven months old.
Megan Bieschke (Mary) is a NEIU Vocal
Music Education major and hopes to
graduate next year. She was last seen in
Street Scene and A Christmas Carol. “I’m
back! I’ve missed being on stage so much, I
decided to come back! I’m excited to share
the stage with this talented cast! Thank you
to Sasha for this opportunity and a huge
14
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
thank you to my friends and family for their
continued love and support! I dedicate these
shows to my theatre teacher in high school
Mr. Wall, and my Uncle Phil. Miss you every
day!”
Erica Bland (Hot Box Girl) is a Vocal
Performance Major at NEIU, studying
with Dr. Heitzinger. She is excited to be
playing a Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls
after performing the role of Pauline in La
Vie Parisienne, Julie Jordan in scenes from
Carousel and Musetta in scenes from La
Bohéme. Prior to attending Northeastern,
Erica attended the University of Colorado.
Erica has been in performances of Le
Nozze di Figaro (Barbarina), L’Elisir D’Amore
(Chorus), Dido and Aeneas (Chorus), and
Grease (Patty Simcox). She would like to
thank her parents and siblings for being
there to support her all the way.
Danielle Bohrer (Hot Box Girl) is excited
to be in her first production at NEIU as
a community listener! By day, she can
be found working as a nuclear medical
technologist, by night she enjoys doing
karate. While attending school at the
University of Vermont, Danielle performed
with theatre groups around Vermont.
Some of her recent roles include Chrissy
in Hair, Renfield in Dracula and Gloria/
Stenographer in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
“Thank you to Sasha and Drew for allowing
me to return to the stage in my home state!”
Jerry Lee Brown (Ensemble) A graduate
of the NEIU TCP program in 2009, Jerry has
longer connections with NEIU through
stage work. He has appeared in several
Opera Workshop productions including
Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience, Stephen
Sondheim’s Into The Woods, Puccini’s La
Bohème and, more recently, productions
of The Secret Garden, A Christmas Carol,
Sweeney Todd and La Vie Parisienne. He is
pleased to appear here again, working
with this fine ensemble of friends and
musicians.
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Guys and Dolls
15
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Nicholas Brubaker (Sky Masterson) is
currently a pursuing a second master’s
degree in vocal pedagogy at NEIU and
studies voice with Dr. Heitzinger. While
at NEIU, he has been seen as Guglielmo
in Cosi Fan Tutte and Gardefeu in La Vie
Parisienne. Roles of note include Giuseppe
in The Gondoliers, Count Bogdonovitch
in The Merry Widow, Colonel Calverley in
Patience or Bunthorne’s Bride, Available
Jones in Li’l Abner, Sam in Trouble in Tahiti,
Dr. Bartolo and Figaro in The Marriage of
Figaro, The English Ambassador in The
Ghosts of Versailles, Boatswain in H.M.S.
Pinafore, Speaker in The Magic Flute and
Mr. Olson in Street Scene. In addition to
Operatic work Mr. Brubaker is also an active
recitalist and church musician.
Dwan K. Buetow (Hot Box Girl) is an
NEIU Alumna and full time employee in
the Pedroso Center, currently working on
a second BA in Vocal Music Performance.
Dee, the name she prefers, has been cast
as Dorabella in Cosi Fan Tutte, Café owner
in La Vie Parisienne, Meg in Falstaff, Meg
in Little Women, the Musical and Rona
Lisa Peretti in Spelling Bee. Dee studies
voice with Dr. Phyllis Hurt. Prior to Opera
Workshop at NEIU, she performed in
several community operettas and musicals,
a long time ago. At her church, Dee serves
as choir member, Bell ringer, Lay worship
leader, and Praise Dance coordinator. Dee’s
biggest fans are her daughters, and a small
host of family and friends. Dee spends her
spare time cooking for family and friends,
cheering for the Chicago White Sox and
Bears, dancing, reading and traveling. I’m
humbled by the opportunity to follow
my dreams. “I’m thankful for the people
who believed in me, when I didn’t believe
in myself. Most of all I thank God for His
goodness.”
Christopher Burpee (Lighting Designer/
Production Manager) Chris is happy to
be returning to NEIU for this production
of Guys And Dolls. Previous NEIU design
16
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
credits include La Vie Parisienne, Sweeney
Todd, Street Scene, A Christmas Carol and
Secret Garden. Chris designs theatrical,
dance, and corporate shows around the
Chicagoland area, and works full time
as the Technical Services Manager at
Northwestern University.
Kim Coday (Ensemble) is a vocal student
of NEIU Instructor Kathy Cowan. She is
delighted to be participating in her third
NEIU production. Past credits include Baby
(Lizzie), Our Town (Mrs. Gibbs), and Dames
at Sea (chorus). Kim also performs with the
Women’s Choir of the Old Town School of
Folk Music.
Jean Collier (Ensemble) is appearing
in her fifth NEIU production, having
previously performed in The Secret Garden,
A Christmas Carol, Street Scene and Sweeney
Todd. Jean is an active member of her
church choir, and occasionally sings and
tours with Sasha and the PRCC choir. “Once
again, it’s a privilege to be part of such a
talented cast and crew under the direction of
the amazing Sasha.”
Derrick Colon (Ensemble) as an Alum
of NEIU, Derrick Colon makes sure he is
constantly involved in productions hat
the university. He currently works in the
Chicago Public Schools as a Student
Advocate. “Enjoy the show, everyone!”
Siobhan Cronin (Ensemble) is a junior
year flute player majoring in Music
Education at NEIU. This is her third
production after being seen in last year’s
production of La Vie Parisienne.
Wellington Da Silva (Nicely Johnson)
is a student in NEIU’s Vocal Performance
program, studying voice with Sarah
Hibbard. He has performed leading roles
in numerous operas and musicals at
Northeastern and is so pleased to have
been a part of this production. He was
last seen as Ferrando in Cosi fan Tutte,
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
and previous credits include The Brazilian
Millionaire in La Vie Parisienne The Beadle in
Sweeney Todd, Sam Kaplan in Street Scene,
the Narrator in Into the Woods, the Ghost
of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol,
Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden and
Marcello in La Bohemè. Wellington is a past
winner of the Orvieto Musica Scholarship
award, the McGowan Scholarship in music,
among others.
Square Theatre). Associate designs include
Chesapeake Bay (Remy Bumppo), The
Farnsworth Invention (Timeline) and War
With the Newts (Next). Other credits include
assistant and associate work for The
Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden,
Steppenwolf, the TV shows The Playboy
Club, Mob Doctor, Chicago Fire, Chicago
Code and others. For more information
visit: www.CaseyDiers.com
Zoe Dalton-Colley (Ensemble) is a Music
Education major at NEIU. She is a junior
year flute player, and this is her third time
being involved in a musical production.
She is thrilled to participate in this
production of Guys and Dolls.
Matthew Dumay (Rusty Charlie) is an
NEIU vocal music education major here at
NEIU. He is no stranger to the stage, but
this is only his second show with Sasha. He
thanks Sasha dearly for the opportunity
of being able to participate in her
productions, and has grown quite fond of
the NEIU community. He hopes to continue
in the beautiful tradition here at NEIU.
Anthony DeFrancisco (Corporal, Arvide
Understudy) is a junior at NEIU majoring
in instrumental music education in which
his primary instrument is the trombone (he
can be seen playing it on stage tonight!),
although he is steadily becoming an active
vocalist at NEIU as well! Anthony currently
studies with Steve Duncan for trombone
and with Kathy Cowan for voice. He has
been seen on the NEIU stage several times
most memorably as Leaf Coneybear from
Spelling Bee in summer opera scenes and
most recently as Don Alfonso in the fall
production of Cosi fan Tutte. Anthony also
hopes to soon pick up the tuba for his own
enjoyment and for the comedic relief of
others.
Casey Diers (Master Electrician) Recent
Chicago includes Stones in His Pockets
(Northlight Theatre) and relighting
Outgoing Tide (Northlight Theatre) at the
Galway Arts Festival in Galway, Ireland.
Other recent lighting design credits
include Speaking in Tongues (MPAACT)
[Black Theatre Alliance Award – Best
Lighting Design], Pretty Ballet (Joffrey
Ballet), What Once We Felt (About Face
Theatre), Black Nativity (Congo Square
Theatre) and Brothers of the Dust (Congo
Kristine Falck-Pedersen (Ensemble)
received her MA in Learning/Behavior from
NEIU, and has her BA in Theatre/Music from
Columbia. She relishes Sasha’s brilliance,
which has enticed her re-emergence into
theater. Kristine is delighted to be working
on her sixth show with the fabulous staff,
and students of NEIU’s Opera Workshop.
Jessica Lauren Fisher (Miss Adelaide)
is currently pursuing her degree in music
at NEIU after completing her degree
in theater from DePaul University.
She is thrilled to be performing in
this production! She has performed
throughout the Chicagoland and Indiana
areas in both operatic and theater
productions portraying many characters
from mice to men. She is a proud student
of Dr. Hibbard and gives her thanks to
her family, friends and partner in crime,
Andrew. “LVYA Mom!”
Corey Gallai (Angie the Ox (plus Mission
Band)) is a percussion/music education
major here at NEIU. This is his first show
here. He usually plays in the pit or does
Guys and Dolls
17
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
spotlights for musicals. Favorite shows he
has done include Beauty and the Beast, The
Producers, Seussical, and Rent. “Enjoy the
show!”
Sasha Gerritson (Director) is extremely
grateful to all the people who helped
make Guys and Dolls possible. A graduate
of NEIU and DePaul, Sasha has been the
NEIU Opera Director for seven years, in
addition to teaching Music Theory. She
also serves Recruitment and Scholarship
Coordinator for the Department of Music,
a job she loves! In her spare time she sings
opera and musical theatre and is the Music
Minister of the Park Ridge Community
Church. Additionally Sasha takes karate
at the North Shore Dojo in Glenview and
is very grateful to Sensei Jeff Kohn for his
support and belief in her progress and
abilities. She lives in Glenview with her
husband, Eugene Jarvis, and their sons,
Nate and Josh.
Shannon Gonzalez (Stage Manager) is
excited to be once again stage managing
with NEIU’s opera program. A Texas native,
Shannon has been working in professional
theater in the Chicago area for the past
8 years. Recently, Shannon has stage
managed for the Lyric Opera of Chicago
(Madama Butterfly, Parsifal, Die Fledermaus,)
Florentine Opera (Julius Caesar) in
Milwaukee, and the Chicago College of
Performing Arts (Il Viaggio a Reims, Three
Fables).
Paul Hamilton (Vocal coach,
Accompanist) a native of Savannah,
Georgia, has developed a versatile
career as a pianist, composer and music
director. Venues: Carnegie Hall; Cappella/
Smolny Cathedral, St. Petersburg, Russia;
Tokyo International Oboe Competition;
Galway Music Festival, Ireland; Ravinia
Festival, Chicago. Pianist/coach: The Secret
Garden & La Bohème, NEIU; Redwoods
Opera Workshop with Elizabeth Vrenios,
18
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
Mendocino, California; conductor/
pianist, The Barber of Seville, Opera
Fresca, Mendocino; Odetta & Robert Sims
in Norfolk, Virginia; Simon, Sykes, & Sims
with Robert Sims, Sony recording artist
Jubilant Sykes, and opera veteran Simon
Estes. Composer: The Winter’s Tale, Equus,
On Golden Pond, Tartuffe, Sadako and a
Thousand Cranes, Alice in Wonderland, and
The Emperor’s New Clothes. Theatre: A Lot
of Living with Charles Strauss, New York.
The Light in the Piazza, Goodman Theater;
Jesus Christ Superstar, Drury Lane Theatre;
Sweeney Todd, Ravinia.
D’Angelo Hampton (Calvin) “D’lo” is
a full time Vocal Music Performance
major at NEIU. This is his first year doing
a show at NEIU; however, he has also
done professional, mainstage shows
with About Face Youth Theatre as well as
stage managed at Malcolm X College, one
of the City Colleges of Chicago. He has
also participated in the annual singing
competition, Windy City Gay Idol and does
promotional performances with others
in the competition. In his spare time, he
enjoys playing competitive indoor and
beach volleyball as well as composing and
producing popular and contemporary
music for himself as well as others. Music
and volleyball are his two top passions, and
is excited to join the cast of Guys and Dolls
at NEIU.
Christopher Hatcher (Nathan Detroit) is
a grad student at NEIU studying under Dr.
Heitzinger. He feels fortunate to be able to
participate in his second show with NEIU.
Recent past roles include Don Alfonso in
Cosi fan tutte, Papageno in Die Zauberflöte,
and Masetto in Don Giovanni. He was
recently awarded second place in the
Orvieto Musica scholarship competition,
and will represent NEIU studying chamber
music in Orvieto, Italy this summer. He
hopes you enjoy the show!
Guys and Dolls
19
Your Future Starts
in Chicago
With Undergraduate Degrees In:
Performance
Composition
BA in Music
Music Education
Jazz Studies
Sound Recording Technology
Performing Arts Management
music.depaul.edu | 773.325.7260 | [email protected]
facebook.com/depaulschoolofmusic | @DePaulSOM
20
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Travis Heath (Conductor) is Associate
Professor of Trumpet at NEIU where he
teaches applied lessons, brass methods,
and conducts the Brass Ensemble. Equally
at home with classical and jazz genres,
Travis Heath’s international performances
have included solo works, big band, and
chamber music. Travis has been a soloist,
featured artist and clinician in 43 states and
abroad. In addition to several live radio,
television, and webcast performances,
Travis was recently honored by the Obama
administration’s invitation to perform at
the White House for the President and First
Lady. Throughout his career, Travis has
had the honor of sharing the stage with
musical legends including Ray Charles,
Kansas, Moody Blues, Larry Combs, and
Arturo Sandoval, to name a few. Outside of
the U.S., Dr. Heath has performed in Japan,
England, Ireland, and Canada at prestigious
musical festivals. His performances can
also be heard on the Naxos, BRT, and Mark
recording labels. As a brass clinician, he has
presented his work at several universities
throughout the country, which includes
work at ITG Festival Lectures. Dr. Heath’s
articles have been published in the
Instrumentalist Magazines and ITG Journal.
He is director and founder of the Chicago
Brass Festival.
Robert Heitzinger (Arvide Abernathy)
is an Assistant Professor of Voice at NEIU.
He has performed with the Broadway,
National, and European tours of Evita
and worked in Music Theater for over
25 years in the Chicago area. He has
also appeared with the Lyric Opera of
Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, and
Cincinnati Opera as well as with numerous
symphony orchestras around the country.
He has given master classes and recitals
in Europe and China and continues to
pursue his interests in voice pedagogy and
future.
Find your
Begin your journey! Visit us today.
neiu.edu/visitus
Four Chicago-Area Locations
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Day, Evening and Weekend Classes
Guys and Dolls
21
www.ruthpage.org/gala
22
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
technology. In his spare time he enjoys
playing with his dogs and baking bread.
player and also enjoys performing in the
opera productions here at NEIU.
Eugene Jarvis (Society Max) has
appeared in numerous operas and
musicals at Northeastern and other places.
In fact, he previously performed the role of
Society Max in his high school production
of Guys and Dolls! He loves to sing, play
piano and guitar, as well as write songs.
When not pursuing music, he also creates
video games. He is married to the director,
hence his extensive solo roles…
Nancy Kabat (Martha) earned her
Master’s Degree in Music Ed from NEIU
long ago and is in her 28th year of teaching
General Music in Glenview. She is thrilled
to once again be working with Sasha.
In addition to singing and playing the
flute, she loves performing music with
her husband Brian and her two sons, Nick
and Vinny. This is her fifth production
at NEIU. She would like to dedicate her
performance to her family.
Neydi Jimenez (Miss Adelaide) is a junior
at NEIU, studying vocal performance and
taking private lessons with Dr. Robert
Heitzinger. This is her 7th production
with NEIU and she is ecstatic to have the
privilege of working with such a wonderful
and extremely talented cast. She was last
seen as Leona in La Vie Parisienne, Jenny
Hildebrand in Street Scene, Martha Cratchit
in A Christmas Carol and Ayah in The
Secret Garden. Her other credits include
Nina Rosario in In the Heights (The Miracle
Center) Sweeney Todd, Violet, Louise, and
Grease. She would like to dedicate this
performance to her mother, Eneida, and
aunts, Ramona and Laura, for supporting
and attending all of her performances! She
would like to give special recognition to
her three dogs Maxx, Rubi, and Beethoven
for quietly sitting and listening to her
countless hours of practicing! “If your heart
is in your dream, no request is too extreme!”
Charles Johnson (Audio Recording
Engineer) is Northeastern’s resident
recording engineer. Throughout his career
he has worked in several Chicago-area
studios, radio and audio publishing. In
addition to recording all of the university’s
music events, he’s a sought-after Mastering
Engineer, singer/songwriter and N.A.R.A.S.
member.
Billy Jozwiak (Harry the Horse) is a music
education major at NEIU. He is a brass
Jane Kenas-Heller (Accompanist, Vocal
Coach) Dr. Kay Kim’s predecessor as staff
pianist for the NEIU Music Department,
Jane is thrilled to continue her association
with Opera Workshop. As pianist for the
modern dance company, Concert Dance,
Inc., Jane has performed at the Ravinia
Festival and at the New Dance Festival in
Prague, Czech Republic. She is fortunate to
have toured twice for the USO, performing
on US military bases in Europe, Iceland,
Greenland, and Canada. Also a singer, Jane
was a finalist in the Bel Canto Competition,
has sung with Chicago Opera Theatre,
and toured with the Lyric Opera Center.
As a composer, Jane’s one-act opera,
Romance Novel, was premiered at NEIU.
Jane received her Master of Arts in Vocal
Pedagogy degree from NEIU as a student
of Dr. Phyllis Hurt, and her Bachelor of
Music Degree from the University of
Wisconsin-Stevens Point as a voice student
of Dr. Ronald Combs.
Kay Kim (Accompanist, Vocal Coach)
an active collaborator, pianist Kay Kim
performs an average of over 50 concerts a
year both domestically and internationally.
She has been one of the pianists of
Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s conductor’s
rehearsals, performed with the Stradivari
Society artists and collaborated with
Chicago Chamber Musicians. As a member
of musical ambassador group Trio Chicago
Guys and Dolls
23
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
and Friends, Ms. Kim performs worldwide
in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia.
She has been heard in CBS ‘Early Show’,
WFMT ‘Impromptu’ and Dame Myra Hess
Series. Ms. Kim serves as a full-time staff
pianist and as an instructor of piano
accompanying at NEIU. Her previous
teaching and staff positions include
Northwestern University, Indiana University
and the Juilliard School. She holds a
doctoral degree in piano performance
from Northwestern University.
Erik Kivi (Big Jule) is an alumnus of NEIU’s
instrumental music education program. He
currently teaches band, choir, and general
music at Mary Lyon elementary school in
Chicago. This is his fourth production at
Northeastern, and he is extremely happy
to be able to continue to work with an
amazing group of performers. He would
like to thank Sasha Gerritson for the
opportunity and her continued support.
Greg Landowski (Ensemble) is currently
a senior at NEIU and is completing his
Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance. He
is the Music Director at Our Lady Mother
of the Church Catholic Church in Willow
Springs.
Brian Lavery (Ensemble) is happy to
come home and perform at his alma mater!
He studied conducting under Simon
Carrington (founding member of the King’s
Singers), voice under Drs. Ronald Combs
and Phyllis Hurt and the art of keeping
students (and their teachers) in line an
on-task from Drs. Howard Bultinck and
Lynn Bush. Mr. Lavery is a reformed stage
and musical thespian who, many moons
ago in far off places, has performed in
Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, Dido and
Aeneas, West Side Story, The Fantasticks,
Jesus Christ Superstar, Sweeney Todd and
a staged version of the oratorio Elijah as
well as music director for West Side Story,
Congratulations Sasha
on another fabulous production
from Kay Guyette and your friends on The Women’s Board
24
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and Once
Upon a Mattress. Mr. Lavery is a National
Board Certified Teacher and Chair of the
Performing Arts Department at William
Howard Taft High School. He is married
to a beautiful dancer and choreographer
and is once again grateful to her and their
daughter for putting up with the late night
rehearsals!
Miguel Long (Nicely Johnson) Miguel
is a CMT Major and Music/Voice Minor,
as well as senior here at NEIU. He is so
excited to be in one of his favorite shows,
and in a role he’s always wanted! He was
last seen here in Sweeney Todd. Some other
favorite roles include Audry (Little Shop)
and Seaweed (Hairspray). All the love and
thanks to his blue man group, friends and
family.
Sienna Macedon-Kusek (Hair/Make-up
Designer) has been the NEIU Make-up/
Hair Designer for the last several seasons
and is very excited to be a part of the
team for Guys and Dolls. She has also been
a designer with Evanston’s Light Opera
Works. She has worked in the Chicagoland
area as a costumer and make-up artist
for companies such as McDonald’s and
Walgreens.
Kay Lea Meyers (Production Manager/
Scenic Design) would like to thank this
fantastic crew and design team for all
their hard work. She sends big hugs to
the Meyers siblings and to Miss Sasha
Gerritson, in thanks for all their love,
support and generosity.
David Wesley Mitchell (Benny), NEIU
alum, is very happy to be working with
Sasha again- past roles under her direction
including Sweeney Todd (Tobias) and The
Secret Garden (Dickon) among several
more. Other credits include The Merry
Cong�at�lations
to the cast & crew of
Guys and Dolls!
Sarah Linske, Soprano
773.331.3323 | [email protected]
Professional Singing for all occasions.
Guys and Dolls
25
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Widow (Light Opera Works), Elephant and
Piggie (Emerald City Children’s Theatre),
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling
Bee, The Stinky Cheese Man [National Tour]
(Griffin Theatre), Urinetown, Little Shop of
Horrors (Awkward Pause Theatre), as well
as work with Chicago Fusion Theatre, The
Right Brain Project, Livewire Chicago,
Wishbone Theatre, and Hobo Robo. He also
appears as Brad on the award-nominated
webseries The Dreamers. “Thanks again
Sasha and Drew!”
Bill Morey (Costume Design) designed
NEIU’s La Vie Parisienne, Sweeney Todd,
Street Scene, The Secret Garden and
A Christmas Carol. He is a two time
Equity Jeff Award winner as well as the
recipient of two After Dark Awards and a
BroadwayWorld Chicago Award. For more
info please visit www.billmorey.com
Gabriel Muenzer (Ensemble) has recently
started taking voice lessons with Dr.
Ronald Combs and is part of a recruitment
program here at NEIU. This is his third
opera/musical performance, although he
has performed as an actor several times at
the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He also studies
violin and guitar.
Ahriel Mullings (Hot Box Girl) is currently
enrolled at NEIU as a vocal performance
major with a dance minor. Ahriel has a
musical background with the Chicago
Children’s Choir for 10 years prior to
26
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
attending NEIU. Ahriel is currently in her
senior year at NEIU and has been a part of
previous musical productions on campus.
She is really excited to be a hot box girl in
Guys and Dolls.
Kyrie Nelson (Ensemble) is a freshman
here at Northeastern, majoring in
Secondary Education with a concentration
in Mathematics. Though she is not
pursuing music in school, she really
appreciates the opportunity to be in Guys
and Dolls.
Zach Nelson (Ensemble) is in the 9th grade
at Maine West HS and is 14 years old. Zach
has appeared in many shows at NEIU and is
excited to return.
Courtney Nielsen (Ensemble) is a Music
Education Major (vocal focus) at NEIU. She
is a freshman and thankful to experience
her first show with Sasha Gerritson.
Emma Oberdick (Sarah Brown) is a
twenty-year-old transfer student studying
Vocal Performance here at NEIU. This is
her second semester and she is under the
wonderful direction and guidance of Dr.
Robert Heitzinger, her vocal teacher. She
was in the fall 2014 production of Sasha
Gerritson’s adaptation of Mozart’s Cosi fan
tutte. She is very excited to be in this show.
Laura Oker (Agatha) is a Junior at NEIU
as a Vocal Performance major and studies
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
with Kathy Cowan. She was a cast member
for the Fall production of Cosi fan Tutte as
well as the Understudy for Despina. Laura
also played the character of Ännchen
in Der Freischütz in an Opera Scenes
recital. She is proud of the performance
opportunities here at NEIU and glad to be a
part of this production of Guys and Dolls.
Lety Ortega (General Matilda
Cartwright) is currently pursuing her
Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and
Spanish at NEIU. This is her second year
in the program and she is also a member
of Northeastern’s Chamber Singers
choir. Previously, she performed in Sasha
Gerritson’s adaptation of Cosi fan Tutte as
a member of the chorus and she played
Amy in the Fall of 2013 musical scene
recital of Little Women. Lety would like to
thank Adam Gustafson, Angela Weber,
Christopher Owen, and Sasha Gerritson,
the teachers that have helped her grow
as a musician and performer. She is also
immensely grateful and lucky to have such
a supportive and musical family.
Connor O’Shea (Ensemble) is 11 years old
and very happy to be singing at NEIU for
his 4th show. Past performances include
La Bohème, Sweeney Todd, and his favorite,
A Christmas Carol, in which he played
Tiny Tim. Connor also studies the guitar
and ukulele. In addition to music, Connor
paints, draws and creates art out of found
objects.
Andre Owens (Ensemble) is a previous
student of the NEIU music department
and a veteran of many NEIU productions.
Andre enjoys singing at church and with
a community choir. He was afforded the
opportunity to tour Europe with his choir
this past December and plans on recording
with them in upcoming July 2015. He is
planning on returning to his scholastic
activities soon to finish his undergrad and
graduate degrees in Music Education.
Cathy Parrilli (Ensemble) is an NEIU
Community Listener and friend of Sasha
Gerritson. This is Cathy’s third production
with NEIU, and is excited to be performing
in Guys and Dolls. When not performing
on stage, Cathy sings with the Park Ridge
Chorale. “I’m grateful to Sasha for this
opportunity, and want to thank my husband
and children for their support.”
Sarah Peace (Hot Box Girl Alternate)
is a music education major at NEIU. She
transferred from HWC and this is her
second year here. Her teacher is Kathy
Cowan. This is her first time being a part of
such a large production but she is excited
to sing and act her heart out! “Hope you
enjoy the show!”
Ariana Pecoraro (Hot Box Girl) is a dance
student at NEIU. This is her first year at NEIU
and her first time in a musical production
here at NEIU. She’s so thrilled to be in this
The NEIU Chapter of the State
Universities Annuitants
Association congratulates the
cast and crew of Guys and Dolls.
www.suaa.org
Paid for by an anonymous donor
Guys and Dolls
27
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
show, and hopes to be in many more to
come!
Philip Platakis (Ensemble) is happy to
be a part of this production of Guys and
Dolls. Phil is an NEIU Music alum and has
appeared in numerous productions here,
most recently in La Vie Parisienne, Sweeney
Todd, Street Scene and as Major Holmes in
The Secret Garden. Special thanks to Sasha
and a ridiculously talented cast and crew
for a wonderful experience. Phil would also
like to thank his friends and family for their
continued encouragement and support.
Evelyn P. Priebe (Ensemble) has a long
history of performing. She has a particular
affinity for the musical stage, having
performed in many operas, operettas and
Broadway-style musicals. She again returns
to the NEIU stage as a Community Listener
in Musical Theatre.
Dora Quinones (Ensemble) is in her
second semester here at NEIU. She is better
known as D’Aamber when she does any
creative work. Last semester she enjoyed
being a part of the opera Cosi fan Tutte.
She hopes you have fun watching more of
these wonderful works by Sasha Gerritson.
In this production of Guys and Dolls, Dora is
a part of the tourist scene. She hopes you
enjoy the show!
Sasha Rashidee (Hot Box Girl) is a NEIU
Vocal Pedagogy graduate student studying
voice with Robert Heitzinger. On Camera
credits: Divergent, Empire, Chicago Fire,
Shameless, Boss, The Onion, Sirens, The
Playboy Club and others. Theater: A Chorus
Line (Maggie) Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dream Coat (Narrator) Seussical
(Sour Kangaroo) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(Usherette), Fiddler on the Roof (Fruma
Sara), The Marriage of Figaro (Susanna),
Rigoletto (Glilda), Beauty and the Beast (Silly
Girl), Hair (dance soloist), Candide (featured
dancer). Four appearances with the Lyric
Opera of Chicago including Doctor Atomic,
Abduction from the Seraglio, Carmen and
The Magic Flute.
Tevin Rice (Cuban Dancer) is a student
at NEIU, studying Communication, Media,
and theater with a minor in dance. He
graduated from Dunbar Vocational Career
Academy High School. As a child he always
liked to dance and would assemble all the
dances others would do and put them
together. He started his first professional
dance class at the age of 13 in elementary
school with the Joffrey Ballet, where
he was able to learn swing dance for a
year and perform at different schools.
Making his transition into high school, he
was accepted into a professional dance
company for teens by the name of Red
Clay Dance Youth Ensemble. He danced
NEIU Class of '80
GE Antares Capital
Antares
David K. Swanson
Managing Director
28
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
T 312 697 3955
[email protected]
www.geantares.com
500 W. Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60661
The Park Ridge Community Church
is proud to support the
NEIU Department of Music
Guys & Dolls
Join us for worship every Sunday
8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
All are welcome!
In the heart of Park Ridge!
Rev. Dr. Brett W. McCleneghan, Senior Minister
Sasha Gerritson, Music Minister
100 S. Courtland Avenue Park Ridge, IL 60068
847.823.3164 | www.parkridgecommunitychurch.org
Guys and Dolls 29
2083 Johns Court
Glenview, IL 60025
847-729-0001
www.northshoredojo.com
30
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
with them for his last two years of high
school, doing many concerts and learning
from many choreographers. Prior to that
he danced with After School Matters Dance
Program for about 3 years under the same
instructor. Learning different styles of
dance started his choreography work. He
reconnected with Joffrey Ballet in a year
internship through a program called Urban
Alliance his senior year of high school, and
was able to take professional classes at the
Joffrey Ballet as well as Gallery 37, along
with a variety of opportunities. He is a
trained dancer and choreographer and his
goal is to progress in his craft and share it
with the world.
Brennan Roach (Sky Masterson) is
a graduate student in the NEIU Vocal
Pedagogy program, where he studies
with Dr. Heitzinger. Brennan has been
seen performing leading roles in La Vie
Parisienne, Sweeney Todd, Street Scene, A
Christmas Carol and The Secret Garden at
NEIU. He has spent time performing and
directing regionally around Chicago as
well as in the Greater Boston Area with
such theatres as Fox Valley Repertory,
The Artistic Home, Light Opera Works,
Seanachai Theatre Company, Jedlicka
Performing Arts Center, Terra Mysterium
and Reagle Music Theatre of Greater
Boston. Graduate of The Boston
Conservatory. “Many thanks to my family
and friends for their love and support!”
Erica Sauder (Sarah Brown) is a vocal
performance major at NEIU, studying with
Dr. Sarah Hibbard. She has performed in
Cosi fan Tutte (Fiordiligi), La Vie Parisienne
(Baroness) Sweeney Todd (Core Ensemble),
Street Scene (Mrs. Olsen) and A Christmas
Carol (Chorus). She has been featured
Guys and Dolls
31
Real Love Stories
don’t have endings . . .
100½ Main Street
32
Est. 1986
Park Ridge
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
(847) 823-4354
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
in Opera Workshop Recitals as Mimi
in La Boheme, Cio Cio San in Madama
Butterfly, Konstanza in Abduction from the
Seraglio, Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte, and
Mercedes in Carmen. She was recently
awarded the Orvieto Musica scholarship,
and represented NEIU studying chamber
music in Orvieto, Italy last summer. She
was a winner of the 2014 NEIU Concerto
Competition and performed Dove Sono
i bei momenti with the NEIU Orchestra
as a featured soloist. Outside of school
she works as an administrative assistant
for Ensemble Español Spanish Dance
Theatre and leads Patchwork, a folk rock
band through Park Community Church
in Chicago. “Thank you Sasha, for this
wonderful and fun opportunity, and thanks
to my family, friends, and fellow cast mates
for your love and friendship. Break legs!”
Kate Setzer-Kamphausen (Costume
Assistant) is delighted to work with NEIU
once again. She has been costuming
live theater and indie film in Chicago for
eleven years, lately with Hell in a Handbag
Productions and Lifeline Theater. She also
creates clothing for special occasions,
textile sculptures for worship spaces - and
modern kilts for men (and women) who
are tired of bifurcation! You can find her on
Facebook.
Gretchen Sheirok (Ensemble) is thrilled
to be in another show at NEIU. This makes
her 23rd appearance singing and being
the prop mistress. She also enjoys singing
in local choir groups around the city and
suburbs.
Allen Shub (Ensemble) is Professor
Emeritus of Management and former
Associate Provost at NEIU. Prior to his
SASHA
Any Guy would know
YOU are the DOLL.
Break a leg!
Love Lauran and Myrna Bromley
Guys and Dolls
33
Luck be a lady tonight
Compliments of Joe and Benita Kaminkow
34
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
retirement from NEIU in July 2012, after 27
years of service, Allen served as Chair of the
Management and Marketing Department,
as Acting Dean of the College of Business
and Management, and as Professor
of Management, teaching courses in
Organizational Behavior and in Human
Resource Management. He has appeared
at NEIU’s Stage Center Theatre in Around
the World in Eighty Days, Bleacher Bums, and
Lounging. Allen would like to thank Sasha
Gerritson for providing this wonderful
opportunity to debut in musical theatre
and to work with such an amazing cast and
crew.
Fred Sivils (Lt. Brannigan) appeared in his
first musical production for Sasha Gerritson
as a Community Listener in the April 2010
presentation of La Bohème. He is currently
a Graduate-Student-At-Large at NEIU and
is studying Music Theory with Sasha. This
is his 11th appearance in one of Sasha’s
productions. He is grateful for the chance
to appear again with so many highly
talented fellow singers and actors.
Kassandra Sivils (Mimi/Cigar Girl in
Havana) is a former NEIU student who is
now a Pastry Chef, working at RPM Italian,
preparing pastas and pastries. This is her
first show with Sasha but has been in
several dance shows at NEIU, under the
direction of Rachel Burton.
Brian Starai (Security) returns to the
production team for the sixth time after
working on La Vie Parisienne, Sweeney
Todd, Street Scene, The Secret Garden and
A Christmas Carol. In addition to this work
at NEIU, Brian is an avid trumpet player,
having studied at DePaul University School
of Music.
Omar Vazquez (Cuban Dancer) is a junior
at NEIU majoring in music education major
with a concentration on flute as well as a
dance minor. This is his second musical at
NEIU and this time he will be a lead dancer.
Emma Wagner (Ensemble) is a junior at
Maine South High School. She is excited to
return to NEIU for her sixth show. She is a
member of her school choir and the Angeli
and Chancel Choirs at PRCC. In her spare
time she enjoys reading, badminton and
softball.
Caroline Wattelle (Ensemble) last seen
as Maid Servant in Madama Butterfly
and Nanetta in Falstaff, Caroline is a
junior at NEIU double majoring in Music
Performance and Psychology. While part of
the Chicago Opera Theater Apprenticeship
Program, she played Mabel in Pirates
of Penzance. She is thrilled for tonight’s
performance and hopes for many more to
come!
THANK YOU ! ... SASHA
FOR CHALLENGING & INSPIRING
US TO SING & ENJOY BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
The Park Ridge Community Church Chancel Choir
Guys and Dolls
35
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Andrew Waters (Choreographer) is
thrilled to collaborate with Ms. Gerritson
on another production for NEIU. Other
memorable shows include La Vie
Parisienne, Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods,
The Secret Garden, Susannah and Street
Scene by Kurt Weill. Most recently he
choreographed Legally Blonde for Maine
West and assistant choreographed Mercury
Theater’s hit production of Addams Family.
He is a freelance choreographer who has
created material for over 60 productions
in the Chicagoland area. “Thank you for
supporting live theater and enjoy the show!”
Christopher Zeglin (Nathan Detroit) is a
music education major currently attending
NEIU. This is Chris’s third production on
the Northeastern stage. He was seen
36
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
previously in La Vie Parisienne as Bobinet,
and most recently as Ferrando in Così
fan Tutte. He was recently awarded first
place in the Orvieto Musica scholarship
competition, and will represent NEIU
studying chamber music in Orvieto, Italy
this summer. In addition to the cast, crew,
and pit, Chris would like to thank Sasha
Gerritson, for the opportunity to be in
this production, and Sarah Hibbard, for
constantly pushing him to be the best he
can be.
1423 W 55th ST•Countryside IL 60525
708 354-6969
To all those who enrich
our lives through music
Cheers!
Wine Tastings
Every Saturday
3:00-6:00 PM
Providing the best in
Fine Spirits & Wine
Since 1959
Guys and Dolls
37
Congratulations to the incomparable
SASHA GERRITSON &
THE TALENTED CAST & CREW.
SO PROUD OF YOU
Guys and Dolls!!!
LOVE YOU A BUSHEL AND A PECK,
Carla Knorowski
38
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
A B O U T T H E O P E R A / M U S I C A L T H E AT R E P R O G R A M AT N E I U
In order to give our students a variety of experiences, as they go forward with their performing
and teaching careers, an intentional four year repertoire rotation was established in 2007.
In between major productions we supplement the student learning experience with scene
recitals drawn from all types of repertoire.
YEAR ONE: Modern opera, sung in English.
YEAR TWO: Modern musical theater
YEAR THREE: Standard repertoire opera/operetta
YEAR FOUR: Standard/”legit” style musical theater.
2007- 2008 (Year one)
Susannah by Carlisle Floyd
The Medium by Gian Carlo Menotti
2008-2009 (Year two)
Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim
2009-2010 (Year three)
La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini
(sung in Italian)
2010-2011 (Year four)
The Secret Garden by Lucy Simon
2011-2012 (Year one)
A Christmas Carol by Ronald Combs
Street Scene by Kurt Weill
2012-2013 (Year two)
Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim
2013-2014 (Year three)
La Vie Parisienne by Jacques Offenbach
The Worst One Ever by Gary D. Belshaw
2014-2015 (Year four)
Cosi Fan Tutte (in Italian) by Mozart
Guys and Dolls by Frank Loesser
Guys and Dolls
39
IT’S NOT TOO LATE!
Contact NEIU Music Department Recruitment
Coordinator Sasha Gerritson for information
on how YOU can can be a part of the
NEIU Music Department.
Auditions and scholarship money
still available for FALL 2015.
BE A PART OF OUR TEAM!
[email protected]
773-442-5906
40
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music