The Jewish Community Center of Cleveland
in association with
Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus Theatre Arts Department
presents

Book by Terrance McNally
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow

STAFF, CAST & ORCHESTRA BIOGRAPHIES

Meet the Company ...

Allen M. White (Conductor, Bureaucrat, Candidate, Ensemble) Allen is thrilled to work with Fred again after performing in Cain Park's Fiddler on the Roof last year. He recently staged his musical review To My Pious Friends and Drunken Companions and has directed and performed in area theatre for 27 years. He thanks his wife Cindi and daughter Ryle, and sends hugs to the Taco Night crew!

Amiee Collier (Emma Goldman) is proud to make her JCC debut in her third show with Fred. Recent shows include Footloose (Vi), Blood Brothers (Mrs. Lyons), Beehive (Janis Joplin) and Reefer Madness (Mae). She has been seen in the area at Cain Park, Beck Center, Cleveland Public Theater, Near West Theatre, Rocky River Community, Mercury Summer Stock and Lakeland. She will next be seen in the Beck Center's production of Seussical. For R.S. – you’re a fine boy.

Amy Pawlukiewicz (Brigit, Ensemble) Amy is thrilled to be making her JCC debut with such a talented cast. She was last seen in Little Shop of Horrors at Huntington Playhouse, and previous productions include Steel Magnolias at Beck Center, Hay Fever at Clague Playhouse, and It’s a Wonderful Life at Huntington Playhouse. In her free time she enjoys yoga, pilates, and kickboxing. Love to her Jacks.

Anne Markt (Ensemble) is a junior at Mayfield and proud to be a part of this wonderful production. Her favorite past roles include Delfy in Missionaries, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Wendy in Peter Pan, and the title role in Annie. She would like to thank her family for their support and God for his many gifts. “Break a leg cast and crew!”

Beverly Simmons (Ensemble) is elated to work with Fred Sternfeld again, after he type-cast her as a Jewish mother in Fiddler on the Roof (Cain Park). She has performed with Apollo’s Fire, Cleveland Opera Chorus, Beachwood Community Theatre, and St. Paul's Episcopal Choir. Offstage, she's an arts consultant and graphic designer. Thanks to her family for role models, inspiration, and support!

Briana Payne (Ensemble) is an 11th grade student at the Andrews School. She has been in choirs at her church, school and the Singing Angels. She has been in plays at the East Cleveland Theatre. She has also been in African dance for four years. Ragtime is her debut with the JCC.

Brian Zoldessy (Associate Producer - Ragtime) is Assistant Professor and Director of the Theatre Arts Department at Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus. In 1995 he received CCC’s prestigious Ralph M. Besse Award for Teaching Excellence and was honored with The Outstanding Achievements Award for Teaching by the International Conference for Teaching and Leadership, Austin, Texas. As a professional actor, Brian has worked in New York, L.A., Chicago, and Cleveland (ART, Crossing Delancey, Awake and Sing, Talley’s Folly) and has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in television and films, working with Eli Wallach, Jack Gilford, Kevin Bacon, Matthew Broderick, Fisher Stevens, John Travolta and Woody Allen. A winner of the Kennedy Center’s Irene Ryan Acting and Directing Award, his directing credits include: Amadeus, Six Degrees of Separation, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Glengarry Glen Ross, Agnes of God, The Male and Female Odd Couple, Othello, The Taming of the Shrew, Jeffrey (Beck Center), The Sunshine Boys, (Halle Theatre), Hamlet ESP(Cleveland Stage Company), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Comedy of Errors, and Coriolanus, (The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival) as well as the highly acclaimed Lord of the Flies at the Beck Center for the Arts. Brian is also a theatre faculty member for both the Special Studies Program, at the Chautauqua Institution, as well as the Beck Center Conservatory program.

Casey Jones (Sound Amplification) has showcased his sound design talents at many Cleveland area stages, including the Halle (JCC), Beck, Karamu, BST, Clague, Elyria Summer Theater, Willoughby Fine Arts, Cassidy, Dobama, Lorain Community Music Theater, Elyria, Westlake & Parma High Schools. In December, he will once again be working Karamu’s Black Nativity.

C.J. Bonde (Ensemble) 13, happily joins the Ragtime cast. Professional experience includes: GLTF’s Christmas Carol (5 seasons, Tiny Tim/Sarah/Belinda); Actors’ Summit; Beck; Cain Park; CCC-E; Halle; HYT; Adelphia; independent and industrial films. Favorites: Fiddler… (Shprintze), The Sound of Music (Marta), Mr. Bundy (Cassidy); …Mockingbird (Dill); Child’s Christmas (Brenda); and Pooh’s Holiday Tail (Piglet). In April, Kalliope’s Little Night Music (Frederika). Enjoy Ragtime!

Charles Anthony, Jr. (Coalhouse Walker, III) Ragtime is Charles (3 yrs. old) stage debut and he hopes to be in many more shows in the future.

Cheryl Eitman (Welfare Official, Ensemble) Cheryl is thrilled to perform with this amazingly talented team. She has performed with Cain Park, Fine Arts Association and Beachwood Community Theater, and made her independent film debut in "The Way Home" (www.littlebeth.com). She performs as cantorial soloist at The Temple Tifereth Israel, in the choir at Park Synagogue and teaches Kindermusik. Love to Scott, Blaise, Tanner, Saige, Jolie and my parents for your support!

Chris McCarrell (The Little Boy) is ecstatic to be a part of such a big production. He says, “It’s an honor to work with such talented actors!” Chris would like to thank his Mom and Dad and especially his older brother, Mitch, for being a role model for his acting career. Chris gives a big thanks to Fred for such a wonderful opportunity.

Colleen Dowling (Lighting Designer) works all over the Cleveland area, and has toured to many major US cities lighting productions, concerts, dance, and performance art. Some of her favorites include Hot ‘N’ Throbbing at Convergence-Continuum, Cyndi Lauper at Lakewood Civic Auditorium, and Spring Dance at Hollins University. Ms. Dowling has her MFA in Lighting Design from the University of California, Irvine.

Cornelius Showers (Ensemble) has returned to the theater after his initial performances last season at the East Cleveland Theater in Once on this Island and Tambourines to Glory. He also performs as a Jazz musician on Sax locally, as well as in his Church Choir at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

Courtney Payne (Ensemble) is a sophomore at the Andrews School. She enjoys singing and dancing and has been in other plays at the East Cleveland Community Theatre. Ragtime is her debut with the JCC.

Dana Romeo (Costume Designer) Dana's work has been seen at the Cleveland Ballet, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Cleveland Public Theater, Cleveland Institute of Music, La Mama Etc, Dobama Theater and Tri-C Western Campus Theater, where she served as resident costume designer for 3 years. Ragtime marks her final show. She wishes to thank Fred for this incredible opportunity to go out with a bang! Thanks also go out to her 4 children, The Spaniard, and all those who have made being a part of Cleveland theater such a wonderful experience.

Dani Apple (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful cast and crew. Favorite roles include Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio, Skylar in Rolling into Rock - an Adelphia TV show airing 2004/2005), Sally in Charlie Brown, Amaryllis in The Music Man, and Gretl in The Sound of Music at Cain Park (under an awesome director, Fred Sternfeld). She thanks Sheri Gross, Jill Koslen and Staci Vincent who are always inspirational.

Darryl Lewis (Booker T. Washington) has appeared in 2 shows in the Cleveland area: King Marchant in Victor/Victoria at the Willoughby School of Fine Arts, and as an ensemble member of the Beck Center's Miss Saigon. This is his JCC debut.

David Williams (Music Director) is a native Clevelander, grew up in a musical family, and has a genealogy that can be traced back to W.C. Handy. He began his professional career while in Alexander Hamilton Junior High School as pianist on the "Gene Carroll/Entertainment 5" variety show (WEWS-TV) for the last five years of its run. During this time, he sang with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus under the direction of Robert Page and attended Summer Music Experience at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. While in Hudson, he studied choral music with William Appling and Robert Shaw. That experience culminated when he sang "Comfort Ye/Every Valley" from Handel's Messiah in the honors recital. David then left Cleveland to attend the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (Carousel; Flora, the Red Menace; Chess; Evita; Into The Woods; Two Gentlemen Of Verona). In 1988, he earned his bachelor's in Jazz and Studio Music. Upon graduation, he was hired by Princess Cruises and began a life entertaining at sea where he worked with the likes of Gladys Knight, Chuck Berry, Marty Allen, Fred Travalena, and the Pointer Sisters. In 1991, he returned to Cincinnati and in 1993 earned his master's in Orchestral Conducting. He then moved to Ft. Lauderdale where he musically directed Broadway and Vegas style shows for Jean Ann Ryan Productions and the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet (George M; Chorus Line; Dreamgirls; Hello Dolly; My Fair Lady; Will Roger's Follies; Pippin; Meet Me In St. Louis). David left Ft. Lauderdale when he started conducting over six hundred performances of Smokey Joe's Cafe in Reno, Nevada; Germany; Switzerland; and Brazil. He later returned to Germany for productions of Grease and Beauty And The Beast. Since returning home, David has performed at Severance Hall with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra; Elliot Ness In Cleveland and Side Show (directed by Victoria Bussert) at The Cleveland Playhouse: She Loves Me (directed by Martin Friedman) at Lakeland Community College: 1940's Radio Hour (directed by Deb Wentz) at The North Ridgeville Town Hall: The Boys From Syracuse (directed by Maryann Nagel) at St. Ignatius High School: and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palace and Lake Catholic High School. He currently conducts a gospel choir at St. Henry's Parish and is working on his production company, Auralart Productions.

Denise C. Edwards (Ensemble) is not new to the performing stage. She has directed church choirs, performs on the flute and danced in local ensembles around the greater Cleveland area for over 20 years. The Karamu House and The Beck Center are two stages where she performed and played the flute. Ms. Edwards presently teaches band and choir in the Warrensville Heights school district.

Emily Grodzik (Ensemble) A Beck Center theater and dance student, Emily is very happy to be involved in this production of Ragtime. Her most recent performances include Bye-Bye Birdie, Joseph....Dreamcoat, & The Witch in Into the Woods, Jr. Emily is an eighth grader at Ruffing Montessori and a student of the Interlochen Center for the Arts.

Emma Schriebman (Ensemble) is a 10th grader at Orange High School and is simply ecstatic to be performing in such a talent filled cast! She has been performing for 5 years at many area theatres, including: Mercury Summmer Stock, Stagecrafters Community Productions / Teen Academy, Brecksville Theatre on the Square , Garfield Heights Little Theatre and Western Reserve Players. Some of her favorite roles are Big June in Gypsy and the title roles in both Peter Pan and Annie. Emma also enjoyed Fairmount Performing Arts Camp last summer where she got to work with Fred Sternfeld and some of the actors in Ragtime. She
wants to thank Fred for letting her have such a wonderful experience with so many wonderful people and wishes luck to all the cast and crew of Ragtime!!

Emma Wahl (Little Girl) recently completed a 72-performance run in the title role of Annie at Carousel Dinner Theatre. She has performed at many theaters in Northeast Ohio. Next, she returns for her third season in Great Lakes Theater Festival’s A Christmas Carol. In early 2005, Emma leaves for New York to join the original Broadway cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She will return to Cleveland briefly for the area premiere of Was at Baldwin-Wallace College, directed by Victoria Bussert. Emma is a fourth-grader at Hawken School. Thanks, Fred!

Evin Rose Lipman (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in her first production with the JCC theatre. A junior at LS4G, Rosie is currently studying voice with Joan Ellison and performing with The Cabaret Troupe. Her favorite past role was Young Wendy in Peter and Wendy: an afterthought with Mercury Summer Stock. Thanks to Fred and the entire cast and crew for an amazing experience. For dad!

Faye Sholiton (Dramaturg), is the award-winning playwright of The Interview, A Form of Hope, and V-E Day; and winner of two Ohio Arts Council Individual Artists Grants. Her newest play, All Things Being Equal, was inspired by a reverse discrimination lawsuit. A longtime writer for the Cleveland Jewish News, she is now theatre writer for Northern Ohio Live Magazine.

Frank Mularo (Grandfather) Frank’s career covers 55 years and some 300 productions professional and non-professional. Favorite roles include Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, Tevye in Fiddler, Ben Franklin in 1776 and Fiorello LaGuardia in Fiorello. He is pleased and honored to be a part of this extremely talented cast.

Fred Sternfeld (Producer & Director - Ragtime, Acting Artistic Director, JCC Arts & Culture) is pleased to be given the opportunity to strengthen the arts in the region by serving as Acting Artistic Director for the JCC’s 2004-05 Arts & Culture season. He is widely represented on Northeast Ohio stages through diverse projects. Most recently he directed Proof at Geauga Theater, Of Mice and Men at the Beck Center and Underneath the Lintel at Cesear’s Forum at Playhouse Square. Fred previously served as Artistic Director at Lakewood Little Theatre - Beck Center for the Arts and the Seattle & Dallas Jewish Community Centers. He is a free lance director in the Cleveland area, garnering numerous honors and awards: Fiddler on the Roof at Cain Park received six ‘Times Theatre Tribute 2003’ awards and a mention as one of the best productions of the year in Cleveland Scene; The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife at Dobama Theatre was named ‘best production of 2003’ by critic Herb Hammer; Man of La Mancha at the JCC Halle Theatre received five ‘Times Theatre Tribute 2002’ awards; Stephen Sondheim’s Saturday Night at Beck Center was honored with a Cleveland Scene ‘Best of Cleveland 2002’ Award as ‘Best Musical’; The Sound of Music at Cain Park received a ‘Times Theatre Tribute 2001’ award for direction and The Cleveland Scene honored Fred as ‘Best Theatrical Dynamo’ in 2002. Other selected credits: The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek at Dobama; Rags, The Twilight of the Golds, The God of Isaac, The Immigrant, Crossing Delancey, Beau Jest & Conversations With My Father at the JCC Halle Theatre; Bad Seed at Ensemble Theatre; Amadeus & Chicago at Willoughby Fine Arts; Broadway Bound, The Diary of Anne Frank, Cantorial, Isn't It Romantic, Table Settings & A Shayna Maidel at Center Stage in Seattle; La Cage aux Folles, Foxfire, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Noises Off, Peter Pan, Gypsy, Biloxi Blues, Joseph..., Play It Again, Sam, Side by Side by Sondheim, The Foreigner, Children of a Lesser God & The Importance of Being Earnest at Beck Center; The Time of Your Life at Karamu; Mass Appeal & Suddenly Last Summer at Cabaret Dinner Theater; Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe at CVLT; The Man Who Came to Dinner at Berea Summer Theater; All My Sons, Milk and Honey, Grease & Enter Laughing at the Dallas JCC. Fred’s next directing project will be Leonard Bernstein’s On The Town at Beck Center, opening in March. Fred also has a strong interest in educating young people. He directs the Fairmount Performing Arts Camp, offering training to children, teens and young adults with professional aspirations & he teaches the Musical Theatre class for the Beck Teen Conservatory. He lives in Beachwood with his wife Randi, and sons Danny and Adam. For pictures, reviews or more information about anything in this bio: http://www.fredsternfeld.com.

Hans Holznagel (JP Morgan, Ensemble) has appeared at Cleveland’s Near West Theatre as Zorba, Cratchit, Warbucks and in the ensembles of Halle Theatre’s Man of La Mancha and its staged reading of Alexandra of Judea. Born in Portland, Oregon, he lives in Cleveland with -- and sends love to -- his wife, Kathryn Harlow, and children Clifton and Alyssa.

Heather Farr (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be performing in her first show at the JCC with her sisters of all kinds. She appeared in Fiddler on the Roof at Cain Park, also directed by Fred Sternfeld. She has played the title role in Annie at Beck Center, and Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank at Magical Theatre Company. Her next project will be at MTC performing as Beth in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Jared Sampson (Harry K. Thaw, Ensemble) makes his JCC debut in this production. Other Cleveland-area credits include Beck's Miss Saigon, RRCT's Jesus Christ Superstar (Peter), West Side Story (Tony) and numerous shows with the Footlighters at CWRU, where he earned a BA in Chemistry and Spanish. special thanks to his parents for a lot of things, and to Kristin for being his favoritest dance captain ever.

Jasmen Woodson (Ensemble, Pas de deux) Jasmen was a theater major at Cleveland School of the Arts and just recently graduated. She portrayed Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker and toured Philadelphia and New York portraying Helena in A Midsummer Nights’ Dream.

Jason Dixon (Ensemble) is a recent graduate of Cleveland School of the Arts. He has been in numerous productions including Troy in Fences. He has also been in three movies including Antwone Fisher, directed by Denzel Washington. He bases his success on the support from his mother, family and friends. He thanks all his supporters.

Jeanne Task (Houdini's Mother, Baron's Assistant, Ensemble) is happy to return in another JCC production. Her other JCC appearances include The Twilight of the Golds (Phyllis), Fiddler on the Roof (Golde) and Conversations With My Father (Guste), all directed by Fred Sternfeld. Other theater credits include The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (Marjorie), The Laramie Project (Ensemble) and Angels in America (Hannah, etc.) at Dobama Theater, and numerous other projects in the Cleveland area.

Jim McCormack (Bureaucrat, Ensemble) Jim has appeared at theaters throughout NE Ohio including Beck Center, Berea Summer, Bodwin, Cain Park, CVLT, Fine Arts Association, JCC/Halle, Mapleleaf; also print, voiceover and television commercial work. Represented by Gretchen Thompson of Docherty agency. Thanks to Fred Sternfeld. A lifetime of love to Beth. For Joe Bandille…WE ALL SHINE ON.

Joey Cayabyab (Ensemble) is glad to be back at JCC with these talented actors. He was recently seen as Thuy in Miss Saigon at the Beck Center. Joey is a former member of PETA (equity), Metropolitan Dance Theatre and the Repertory home of Lea Salonga. His favorite roles are Paul in A Chorus Line, Simon in JC Superstar, Ali Hakim in Oklahoma, Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music, King in The King and I, Jester in Once Upon a Mattress & Sal in Tony and Tina’s Wedding. When not on stage, he is a Training Coordinator for JFSA. He dedicates this show to his wife June for her support and understanding.

Josh Morgan (Stage Manager) is pleased to make this his first show with the JCC. Josh is an undergraduate student at KSU studying theatre. He has served as stage manager for several productions there including Hamlet, Crimes of the Heart, Dancing at Lughnasa and Kent Dance Ensemble.

John Lynch (Willie Conklin, Ensemble) has performed in hundreds of productions in the Cleveland area and he’s the first to admit he only does it to meet chicks.

Jolene McPherson (Ensemble) is an Actors Equity Membership Candidate and has been seen in many local, as well as touring productions and at Carousel Dinner Theatre. Appearances include-Nine (Liliane LeFleur), Annie (Lily), Oliver! (Nancy), Music Man (Alma), Anything Goes, Carousel, 42nd Street, The King and I (Eliza), Jekyll and Hyde, Chicago (Hunyak), Victor/Victoria (Simone), Sound Of Music (Elsa) and A Chorus Line (Cassie)-just to name a few. She has been a professional choreographer, dance teacher and director for over 15 years. She teaches Broadway tap, classical ballet, pointe and jazz. She has also taught children’s theater classes, Broadway Camps and toured nationally as a dance competition judge. She has studied throughout the Cleveland Area, New York City and Chicago where she has had the pleasure of classes with such renowned professionals such as Gus Giordano, Bebe Neuwirth, Ann Reinking, Rob Ashford, Bob Audy, Randy Skinner, Karen Callaway-Williams, Frank Hatchett, Chet Walker, Savion Glover, Andy Blankenbueler and others. She currently studies voice here in Cleveland and has received training at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Mime training was obtained under the instruction of Stephan Neidzialkowski (of Poland) and at the Goldston and Johnson School for Mimes. Her choreography has been seen in musicals, show choirs, Miss America Preliminaries, Junior Miss Scholarship Programs, and synchronized swim teams as well as performances featuring her own students, who have been accepted to many top university programs. In addition, some former students are members/coaches of performance companies including Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team, Cleveland Barons Dance Team, Pacific Northwest Ballet and many have become accomplished teachers. Theatrical training includes Second City TV , Creative Acting School NYC and the Cleveland Play House. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University (B.A., B.S). Former titles include Miss Ohio Hemisphere Model and Photogenic, Ms. Ohio American Woman, Miss Ohio Derby (finalist), first runner-up to Miss International Music Association, was named an Outstanding Young Woman of America and appeared in the Cleveland Cav’s Calendar. By far her favorite role is that of Wife in “Scotts World” and Mom in “Andrea and Shawna's World”

Jonah Weinstein (Ensemble), an outstanding student in the fifth grade at Gross Schechter Day School, enjoys sports, playing the trumpet and Boy Scouts. He has appeared in many local dance and musical theater productions with the Cleveland-San Jose Ballet, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Cain Park, Jewish Community Center, Playmakers and Cleveland City Dance.

Katelyn Blockinger (Ensemble) is a junior at Normandy High School. She was last scene as Yvonne in Beck Center's Miss Saigon. Other credits include Beehive, Les Mis, West Side Story, Joseph..., Jesus Christ Superstar and many others. In her free time she competes with Center Stage Dance Studio in Northfield. The swan sends love to her wonderful parents and her loving sisters.

Kelvette Beacham (Ensemble) is excited to make her JCC debut in this amazing show. Past shows include Funny Girl, Footloose, Joseph…, Once on this Island and Fame. She would like to thank her family for believing in her and God for blessing her with the ability to sing.

Kimberly Fain-Bryant (Ensemble) Former member of the singing group Black Magic of Strictly Rhythm Records, NY. With hits such as Freedom (Make it funky) and Dance (Do that thing). Member of ASCAP, New York. Fain is a graduate of Cleveland State University & is currently pursuing her MBA in Business and HR Management at the University of Phoenix.

Kristin Netzband (Evelyn Nesbit) happily returns as Evelyn Nesbit, after originating the role in the National Community Theater premier of Ragtime at Cassidy Theater. Recent shows include Reefer Madness & The Fix (regional premieres), and Little Me. Kristin would like to thank her family, Fred and David for the opportunity, voice teacher Leslie Varnick, and Martin for inspiration. Love and Kisses to Jared.

Kyle Primous (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) has danced and/or taught with The University of Akron, Ohio Dance Theatre (ODT), Pittsburgh’s Dance Alloy, Footpath Dance Co., at Jacob’s Pillow, on the Drew Carey Show and is presently on faculty at Cleveland School of Dance, Keithe Williams Performing Arts Academy, Lorain County Community College and ODT. His choreography includes: Trees of Hope, Once on this Island, LCCC’s Serendipity III, The Wiz, Centerfest’s Sneak Peak, Full Moon, Steelbound, The Odyssey, The Little Tommy Parker Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show, Treemonisha and Famous Orpheus. Stage credits: Five Guys Named Moe, ODT’s Journey, Parade, Full Moon, The Hostage, truth, I Could Stop on a Dime and get Ten Cents Change, and Mule Bone. Kyle’s four-octave range has been heard at Jacobs’ Field, Cleveland Opera, Tri-C Jazz Fest, throughout the Caribbean and, currently, he fronts the band Redline. Kyle is grateful and considers himself blessed for this opportunity. He dedicates his performance to his late parents and thanks them for their continual influence.

Lauren Berger (Ensemble) is fifteen and a sophomore at Hathaway Brown. Her previous productions include: Cinderella, Stage Door, Flowers, Anything Goes, Children of Eden, and many others. She has trained at Stagedoor Manor in New York and recently at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. She has also trained with respected professionals around Cleveland in the areas of dance, music, and acting.

Leilani Barrett (Matthew Henson, Moses McWilliams, Ensemble) The Cleveland native is an actor/ dancer/ choreographer and teacher. In addition to his stage and commercial work Mr. Barrett, formerly with Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Co. of New York City, is currently a member of Inlet Dance Theater, adjunct faculty at Tri-C West and co-host of the Ohio Lottery’s Cash Explosion TV show. He sends thanks to his family for all their love and support.

Maggie Stahl-Wirfel (Mother) is thrilled to be working with Fred again in a beautiful show that has always captured her heart. She wishes love and thanks to her babies, Kevin, Bubeleh and Belle. Congratulations to the JCC on the opening of a new season! “If I’m flying solo, at least I’m flying free…Tell them how I am defying gravity.”

Marc Moritz (Tateh) is thrilled to be back in Cleveland and appearing in Ragtime. Marc originated the role of Talk Show Host in the original Broadway production of the Sondheim/Prince musical Merrily We Roll Along. Favorite roles include Chairman in Drood, Baker in Into the Woods, Grumio in Taming of the Shrew, Malvolio in Twelfth Night, Victor in Private Lives, and Emperor Joseph in Amadeus. Theatres include the Cleveland Play House, Long Wharf, Goodman, New Harmony, Cain Park, Dobama, and many others. Marc most recently appeared as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Vicky Bussert's production of Anything Goes at Carousel Dinner Theatre. Marc was the Founder/Director of the Cleveland based Giant Portions Improv Troupe. He currently teaches acting at Lakeland Community College as well as Improv at Beck Center and is on staff at Chicago's Second City Training Center. His next project is as Cat In The Hat in Seussical at Beck Center. Marc is proud father of Sarah and Joseph and honors his wife, Rachel, for getting his whole acting thing.

Mark Cipra (Adm. Peary, Henry Ford, Whitman, Conductor, Ensemble) appeared at the JCC Halle in Many Small Worlds, Zalman, and Man in the Glass Booth, and in several recent Silver Award readings. He was Robert in Fred Sternfeld's production of Proof, and has played many roles with the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, Bad Epitaph, Beck, Ensemble, Fine Arts and others.

Marvin L. Mallory (Black Lawyer, Ensemble) recently appeared as Crooks in Of Mice and Men at the Beck Center. He has been active in theater in the Cleveland area for a number of years. Some of his favorite roles are Chicken in Kingdom of Earth, Dr. Armstrong in Ten Little Indians, Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy and The Creature in Frankenstein, 1930. He has also performed staged readings: at Dobama, Charles Houston in Now Let Me Fly, The Cleveland Playhouse, Belize in Angels In America: Part II Perestroika, Karamu Arts Center, various roles in The Black Mariner, and WakeUp and Live Studios/CCC, Vernon Maxton in Three Sisters: A Black Version and Johnson in Intimate. Marvin dedicates his acting career to the loving memory of his parents.

Martín Céspedes (Choreographer) most recently directed and choreographed the critically acclaimed Five Guys Named Moe and Smokey Joe’s Café at Beck Center and My Way (the Music of Frank Sinatra) at Weathervane Playhouse. Martín is a frequent collaborator with Fred Sternfeld, having choreographed Man of La Mancha at the JCC, La Cage aux Folles and Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night at Beck Center and Chicago at Willoughby Fines Arts. He last appeared in the Broadway tours of Man of La Mancha with Jack Jones and Ron Holgate where he completed over 300 straight performances in the role of Pedro, Lun Tha in The King and I with Hailey Mills, Marie Osmond, and Faith Prince,and Maureen McGovern South Pacific with Robert Goulet, and West Side Story with Bebe Neuwirth. Martin has directed and staged the off-Broadway production of Scrooge and Marley to rave reviews, and restaged Israel Horiwitz’ long running production of Line with Keith David at the 13th Street Repertory Company in New York City. He served as assistant choreographer in Great Lakes Theater Festival's production of The Tempest. He has danced in the nationally reknowned Denver Dance Theater, performed in the Alvin Ailey school recital, and, along with night clubs, has appeared on TV’s “Dance Fever” and NBC’s “Weekday Fever”. His most recent opera credit was the lavish PBS production of Le Cid with Placido Domingo and the Washington Opera (Live From Kennedy Center) where he served as dance and fight captain. He has performed in over twenty Cleveland Opera productions, taught theater dance for the School of Cleveland Ballet, as well as theater dance workshops for National Dance Conventions. Martin was recently featured in Bravo magazine honoring his contribution to the Theater and naming him one of Ohio's up and coming Hispanic artists. In 2004 Martin was awarded a mayoral proclamation from the city of Medina for his choreography with the three time grand champion show choir Encore, under the direction of Frank Bianchi. He is currently working on the untitled documentary on the life of Benjamin Matthews, the Negro spirituals scholar. His next theater projects include Aint Misbehaven, Seussical, On the Town, Moby Dick and Sweet Charity. {for Meghan,.i adore you.}

Mary Faktor (Kathleen, Mrs. Whitstein, Ensemble) A graduate of Second City, her films include AMERICAN SPLENDOR, FIGHTING GRAVITY, and YOU ARE HERE. She travels with her one woman comedy show, Six Ages of Woman and presents workshops on esteem/life balance. Mary owns Faktor's Talent Network and The Angel's Nest B&B. Favorite roles include Mrs. Daigle in Bad Seed, and Doris in Same Time, Next Year.

Matthew Wright (Father) is a recent arrival to northern Ohio and has appeared locally in The Fix and Reefer Madness, both at The Beck Center. Among his regional credits are The Matchmaker and 80 Days at La Jolla Playhouse; A Christmas Carol, Julius Caesar and On the Town at Trinity Repertory; The Boyfriend at Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo; The Dawns are Quiet Here at McCarter Theatre; Jesus Christ Superstar, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre; Exact Center of the Universe at Florida Stage; Love! Valour! Compassion! and Angels in America at the New Theatre in Coral Gables. Matthew won the Carbonell Award (South Florida Critics’ Association) for best actor in 1997 for his performance as Prior in Angels in America. He is Associate Professor of Theater at Oberlin College and holds an MFA in Acting from the University of California, San Diego.

Meryl Trimble Johnson (Sarah's Friend) is thrilled to perform Ragtime twice in two years. She was last seen in Cassidy Theater's (Parma) version of the same show. Meryl has been a Cleveland school teacher for
32 years. Her favorite role was Mama Euralie in Once On This Island at Beck Center. Meryl dedicates her performance to her mother, her greatest inspiration.

Monique J. Christian Long (Ensemble) is a junior at Cleveland School of the Arts majoring in Creative Writing, formerly a vocal music major. She was in Trees of Hope. Monique plans to attend Grambling University as a journalism major, and she is an aspiring playwrite.

Monty Townsend (Ensemble) Previous roles: The Voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, Aide Turkle in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest & 3rd Priest in Jesus Christ Superstar! He thanks God, this crew and cast and his family, friends and loved ones.

Mort Goldman (Ensemble) is very happy to be back at the JCC (and even happier that the JCC is back)! He will miss that Mayfield stage where he was most recently seen as Reuben in Joseph … He has also appeared in several Cain Park productions. Mort lives in Beachwood with his soul mate Lisa, children Mike, Molly and Sam, and way too many cats.

Nikki LoPresti (Ensemble) is thrilled to be working and singing with this amazing cast. Nikki has also been seen at such theaters as: The Cleveland Playhouse, The Beck Center, Beachwood, Huntington, and Dobama. Her favorite roles include Johanna in Sweeney Todd at Willoughby F.A and Pam/Popo in Fat Men in Skirts. She has also worked in various children's theater shows, in local tv and radio commercials, and in modeling.--Journey on...

Patrick Carroll (Doctor, Child Buyer, Judge, Ensemble) Patrick has been performing in Northeast Ohio for over 40 years and is very happy to be part of this incredible cast. He is a graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City and by day is a Licensed Massage Therapist at Gabriell’s Salon in Downtown Cleveland. Patrick will next be seen in Seussical at the Beck Center in December.

Paul Hoffman (Ensemble) is very pleased to be making his JCC debut. He was last seen this past summer in Miss Saigon at the Beck Center in Lakewood, and before that in Fred Sternfeld’s productions of Fiddler on the Roof and La Cage aux Folles. Paul has done Cabaret & Theater and was featured in the Northeast Ohio premier of My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra. He has been seen at Cain Park, Carousel Dinner Theater, and 2 seasons at Porthouse Theater. Favorite roles include Mitch in Nite Club Confidential, Baker in Into the Woods, June Moon and Nicely-Nicely in Guys and Dolls.

Re'shawna Gregory (Ensemble) A junior attending the Cleveland School of the Arts, Re’shawna is currently majoring in theatre under the direction of Dr. Scott Miller. Since she was younger she’s enjoyed writing stories in hopes of one day seeing them come to life on stage. Being in Ragtime is giving her the chance to help bring this play to life.

Richard Gould (Set Designer) Richard has worked at all the major theaters in the area: 17 years as resident designer at Cleveland Playhouse, 2 shows a year for six seasons at Beck Center, Baldwin-Wallace, 5 seasons with the Opera Company, 5 seasons with Lyric Opera, Berea Summer Theater, JCC, Dobama, Geauga Theater and Ensemble Theater. Shows with Fred Sternfeld: Proof at Geauga Theater; Saturday Night, La Cage aux Folles, Of Mice and Men and the upcoming On the Town, all at Beck Center. Richard says he is “the oldest designer still working in the area.”

Richard B. Ingraham (Projections and Sound Effects Designer) is very happy to be able to work on his first production for the JCC. Richard is a freelance Sound Designer in the Cleveland area, the Resident Sound Designer for Hope Summer Repertory Theatre in Holland Michigan, and a former Resident Sound Designer at The Cleveland Play House. Richard has worked at several theatres in the area and around the country including: The Beck Center, Dobama Theatre, University of Evansville, Shakespeare and Company, and Willoughby Fine Arts.

Robert Gibb (Houdini, Ensemble) is an award-winning theater director and actor. Previous JCC productions include the area premieres of Rags (Saul) and Falsettos (Whizzer). Prior projects with Fred Sternfeld include Brighton Beach Memoirs (Stanley) and Gypsy (Tulsa), both at Beck Center. Professionally, Rob pays his bills as a Technology Training Specialist at Jones Day, an international law firm based in Cleveland.

Sara Masterson (Ensemble) Ragtime marks Sara's 14th show since she began performing at age 7. Favorite roles include Mary Lennox in Secret Garden, Tessie and Molly in Annie, Young Jane in Jane Eyre, and Stepmother in Into the Woods, Jr. She has performed at Beck Center, Mercury Summer Stock, Magical Theatre Company, Beachwood Community Theater, and Rocky River Theaters. Thanks to Fred and her very supportive parents for this awesome opportunity.

Sean Szaller (Mother's Younger Brother) has been seen on almost every major Cleveland stage over the past 10 years. Favorite roles include Motel in Fiddler on the Roof at Cain Park, Young Reuven in The Chosen at the JCC, Maria's Son in Wozzeck at the Cleveland Orchestra, and Monkshood in A Midsummer Night's Dream at Great Lakes Theater Festival. Sean works full time as an actor/singer/dancer, teacher, musician, and waiter. He wishes to thank God, family, friends, and this remarkable cast and crew for "journeying on" with him. Peace!

Sha' Jourdan Spears (Understudy – Little Coalhouse) is an actress and model. She is represented by the Docherty Agency (Cleveland). She has appeared at the Cleveland Playhouse in Snow White (Dopey) and Jack and the Beanstalk (Mother) Sha' is studying ballet at the Great Lakes Ballet School. She attended Creative Drama Camp at the Cleveland Playhouse. Sha' attends Creative Playrooms Montessori School.

Sharon Epstein (Prop Master) Crafty since childhood, Sharon discovered stagecraft and earned her BA in Theatre from CSU. Besides "Prop Master" Sharon has held titles including Makeup Artist, Costumer and Stage Manager for GLTF, Geauga Lake, Community Theatres and College Campuses throughout the Cleveland area. Sharon is delighted to be working with Fred Sternfeld and the fabulously talented designers and cast of Ragtime.

Sierra Matthews-Heard (Ensemble) Sierra is 11 and attends Monticello Middle School in Cleveland Heights. Sierra has performed in Adelphia’s Rolling Into Rock, The Music Man at Carousel Dinner Theatre, Once On This Island (Little TiMoune) at Porthouse Theatre, and Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding (Jr. Bridesmaid) at Playhouse Square. She has also performed in Jesus Christ Superstar at Cuyahoga Community College West, The King and I, The Wizard of Oz and Pinocchio at Greenbriar Theatre, and Grease at Cleveland Heights Youth Theatre. She is also a model and is represented by the Docherty Agency. She sends her love to all supporting family and friends.

Stefan Mazur (Trombone) holds a B. A. in Music from Akron University, where he also studied jazz as an undergraduate. He is currently a professional trombonist who has performed in orchestras for theatrical productions and events all over Northeast Ohio including: The Beck Center, Euclid Shore Cultural Center, E. J. Thomas Hall, Jewish Community Center, Canton Civic Theater, and North Ridgeville. Plus he has also performed at several churches and high schools in the greater Cleveland area. He is also a children’s music director who has worked on productions at Karamu House, Brady Middle School in Orange, and Amherst Junior High. He has previously been the assistant director for The Tower City Barbershop Chorus in Rocky River, and he has been a long time member of the St. Raphael Chancel Choir. He composes and arranges music in his spare time, and is also a piano accompanist.

Theresa Benyo-Marzullo (Ensemble) Theresa feels honored to work with this talented cast and crew. She last appeared in Quilters at CVLT. Her 13 years in theatre are highlighted by La Cage Aux Folles at Beck and The Sound of Music at Cain Park. Favorite roles include Annelle in Steel Magnolias and Philia in Forum. She sends her love to husband Jim and daughter Regina.

Tisha A. Eisenhuth (Ensemble) is excited to be part of such a talented cast. She holds a BFA in Acting from KSU, where credits include: Witness for the Prosecution, The Lady from Maxim’s, A Christmas Carol. Ohio credits include: Paul Green’s Trumpet in the Land, Titanic, Jekyll & Hyde, Guys and Dolls, Crimes of the Heart and The Secret Garden.

Vincent James Polowy (Magic Consultant) has been performing magic since he was five years old. Since then his love for magic has grown, as well as his knowledge and ability in the art. He is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) and the Magicians Alliance of Western New York (MAWNY). He has performed all across the United States at schools, theatres, festivals, renaissance faires, universities and at major theme parks including Sea World and Six Flags Worlds of Adventure. He is a dedicated family performer, having toured throughout the US as a puppeteer, performing and conducting workshops with adults and children of all ages. Vincent has toured schools throughout western New York, conducting assembly programs for Western New York United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse. He performed as a member of the Hands Down Puppet Theatre, of Buffalo, New York, and has worked extensively with the internationally recognized Das Puppenspiel Puppet Theatre, of Westfield, New York. Vincent has performed at the Louisville Childrens Theatre (KY), the Birmingham Childrens Theatre (AL), Artpark (NY), Chautauqua Institution (NY), and with the Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra (LA). He is a professional theatrical lighting designer, as well as a clown, and has performed as a professional musician for over twenty years. His love for magic, music, theatre and performing make it a pleasure for him to bring his magic to your audience. http://www.vincentmagic.com/performers.htm

Yolanda Christine Davis (Sarah) is thrilled to be a part of this production. Past shows include Guys and Dolls (Sarah), Children of Eden (Eve/Mama Noah), On the Verge (Fanny) and Once on This Island (Erzulie). Yolanda studied musical theatre at Kent State University. Eternal gratitude and love to Mom and Dad. RW-ICYIMHA.