Meet the Company...

Bob Abelman (Seaman Tom O’Brien) left professional theater in New York and Connecticut for graduate school in the late 1970s. Twenty years later he returned to acting by replacing an ailing 12-year-old in an all-kids production of Oliver at Heights Youth Theatre. Thereafter, he's been a regular in Chagrin Valley Little Theatre productions including Rooster in Annie, Milt in Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Chet in Over the Tavern. His favorite role was playing a dead guy in Stephen Sondheim’s Getting Away with Murder.

Crevita Ball (Poenui) is thrilled to be cast in South Pacific, having been "discovered" by Fred while selling him a tuxedo for last month's Northern Ohio Live Awards of Achievement dinner. She thanks family and friends for their support and encouragement. She is a student in the Theater Department of CCC East.

Melanie Beck (Flute) received a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music where she studied with Kathleen Chastain and George Pope. She performed in France in the international chamber music festival, Music en Ecrins, and she also performed live as a soloist on WCLV, Cleveland’s classical radio station. A member of the National Flute Association, Melanie currently teaches flute at West Geauga High School and Skyline Music and is a freelance performer.

Martin M. Bluestein (CCC Eastern Campus Technical Director) is in his sixth year at CCC previously working as Technical Director for The Juilliard School in New York City, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Parkland College of Champaign, Illinois. He has been invited to share ideas and concepts in technical design and production in the People's Republic of China (’97), in the former Soviet Union (’98), Australia (’00) and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam ’05).

Jeffrey E. Braun (Pte. Victor Jerome) is known to audiences at Near West Theatre, Strongsville Community Theatre, CCC Western Campus, Cassidy Theatre, JCC Halle Theatre, and Beachwood Community Theatre, having performed in Deathtrap, Dracula the Comedy, Godspell, Brigadoon, Annie, Scrooge, Carousel and National Community Theatre premieres of Jekyll and Hyde, Ragtime, and Pets. Jeffrey is a voice teacher for musical theatre and also known for his make-up design.

Kirk Brown (Commander William Harbison, U.S.N.) has been involved with various Cleveland theaters since moving here in 1984. His last performance was with Charenton Theater’s production of Waiting for Lefty. Before that he appeared in Dobama Theatre's The Exonerated. Favorite performances include Glenngary Glen Ross, Crowbar, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Beast on the Moon and The Speed of Darkness. He lives in Cleveland Heights with his wife and two sons.

Trad A Burns (Lighting Designer). Mr. Burns’ career has spanned theatre, dance, amusement parks, as well as architectural and retail lighting. He is also the resident scenic and lighting designer for Cleveland Public Theatre. Designing over 400 productions during the last decade, his varied work has been seen around the world: Cincinnati Ballet, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey, La Mama ETC and The Public Theatre (New York City), Indiana Repertory Theatre, Cedar Point, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland, Disneyland Japan, Disney and Carnival Cruise Lines, Universal Studios Florida & Japan, and The Family of Charles M. Schulz.

Cheryl J. Campo (Bloody Mary) – Her peculiar onstage fascination with shrunken heads aside, Cheryl is thankful for the opportunity to play a role she’s been pegged for since the age of 17 as well as the audience’s continued support of theatre. Having performed in NJ, CT, and OH, Cheryl’s Columbus and Cleveland credits include Moon Over Buffalo (Eileen), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), The Great Nebula in Orion (Louise), Moby Dick! The Musical (Queequeg), and Aida (Nubian Ensemble). This is Cheryl’s first show with the JCC and probably her last in the area before graduating from Case Western Reserve University with a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering sometime next year.

Joey Cayabyab (Henry, Aitu) is excited to be back at the JCC. Thanks to Fred. Joey was a member of The Repertory Philippines with Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga of Miss Saigon fame. Favorite roles include Thuy in Miss Saigon, the Wizard in Wizard of Oz, Bernardo in West Side Story, Paul in A Chorus Line, King in The King and I, Jester in Once Upon A Mattress, Simon in Jesus Christ, Superstar, Ali in Oklahoma!, and Sal in Tony 'n Tina's Wedding. I dedicate this show to my supportive wife, June.

Deanna Cechowski (Assistant Costumer) is thrilled to be working with Esther Montgomery again on her first project for the JCC. Her costume design credits include Topdog/Underdog at Beck Center and Run For Your Wife, The Unexpected Guest, Out Of Order and It’s a Wonderful Life for Huntington Playhouse. Deanna was delighted to have her first opportunity as the costume designer for a feature length film, Dreaming On Christmas, shot in Cleveland. Deanna would like to thank her husband and family from the bottom of her heart for all their support, patience and encouragement.

Martín Céspedes (Choreographer) most recently choreographed Urinetown (Beck Center for the Arts), directed and choreographed Smokey Joe’s Café and Five Guys Named Moe (Beck Center for the Arts), and My Way (the Music of Frank Sinatra) at Weathervane Community Playhouse Playhouse. He is a frequent collaborator to Fred Sternfeld, having choreographed Ragtime, the musical, On the Town, La Cage aux Folles, Man of La Mancha, Saturday Night and Chicago. He has appeared in the Broadway tours of Man of La Mancha, The King and I, South Pacific, and West Side Story with Bebe Neuwirth. His most recent opera credit was the lavish PBS production of Le Cid with Placido Domingo and the Washington Opera (Live From Kennedy Center). His next theater projects include Disney's Beauty and the Beast and The Full Monty.

Kristy Chen (Liat) is currently a sophomore at Kent State University studying Fashion Design. “This is my first production with Fred, and though I am still a novice in the theater world, I enjoy every moment of it.”

Kat Clover (Ensign Catherine Parkman, Desiree) just moved to the Cleveland area a few months ago and is excited to get involved in theatre here. Kat has traveled all over doing shows, acting, singing and modeling, and still works out of New York quite frequently. She would like to thank her fiancé, Matt, and her dog, Perry, for all their support.

Caitlin Coleman (Ensign Lisa Manelli) is thrilled to be back onstage after an unplanned three-year hiatus from performing. Previous shows include Finnian’s Rainbow and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, both at Capital University. She wishes to thank her incredible support system, especially Jamie and Marya for their constant encouragement. “I love you guys!”

Colin Cook (Lt. Joseph Cable, USMC) is very pleased to be making his JCC debut. Colin was last seen as Bobby Strong in Urinetown at Beck Center for the Arts. Other favorite credits include: The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek , Saturday Night , Zombie Prom , Parade , Fiddler on the Roof, and Forever Plaid. When not wooing islanders, Colin supports his theatrical habit by working as a freelance personal trainer. He invites you to bring the kids to the Cleveland Play House's holiday production of Alice in Wonderland where you will see him as the Mad Hatter. Colin would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support, and a special shout out to the love of his life and fiance, Stephanie, "She's Got a Way."

Lesley A. Dohrn (Ensign Pamela Whitmore, Sister Violetta) is thrilled to be part of such a talented cast and crew in her second stage experience with Fred. She appeared in On The Town at the Beck Center for the Arts last March. She wishes to thank Fred for the opportunity, and her friends and family for their understanding and support.

Ben Drenik (Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey). Though this is Ben’s first outing with the JCC, he is no stranger to the stage, most recently seen as Harry Witherspoon in Lucky Stiff at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre. Ben has portrayed a wide variety of roles including Chris in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, George Reed in 1776, Hamlet in All The World’s A Stage, and Jesus in Godspell. He has also starred as "just-another-college-kid" Cale C. Wright in Andrew Rudd and Christopher Heisey’s independent film, "Independent Study." Thank you Sarah, parents, loved ones.

Tisha A. Eisenhuth (Ensign Dotty Rich) was seen last fall in Ragtime. She is was a 2001 BFA Theatre graduate of Kent State University where she performed in Witness for the Prosecution, The Lady from Maxim's, Extremities, among others. Area credits include The Sound of Music, Anyone Can Whistle, Titanic! and Crimes of the Heart. Tisha would like to thank the Lord as well as family and friends for love and support.

Joan Ellison (Ensign Nellie Forbush) recently made her Severance Hall debut as a featured soloist with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra opposite Broadway baritone William Michals. She appeared as Julie Jordan in Carousel at Kalliope Stage and will play Lizzie in 110 in the Shade there next spring. Joan performs a revue of 1930s songs, Circa 1939 (www.Circa1939.com) with her husband, Mark Flanders. She dedicates her performance to her grandfather, Dr. Richard Ellison Paul, who served as a Navy surgeon in the South Pacific.

Sharon Epstein (Prop Master) has been a theatre artist in northeast Ohio for more than 10 years performing the roles of prop master, makeup artist/instructor, costumer, stage manager and scenic artist. Recent credits include prop master for Ragtime and To Know Him (JCC), and The Secretaries (Cleveland Public Theatre). Sharon will also be the resident prop master for the 2005/06 season at Beck Center for the Arts. She is thrilled to be working on another epic production with Fred Sternfeld and this truly talented cast and crew.

David Erdei (Sgt. Kenneth Johnson) is appearing in his first production with the JCC. He was most recently seen as Rochester in Cassidy Theatre’s production of Jane Eyre: The Musical. Other favorite roles include El Gallo in The Fantasticks (Clague Playhouse), and Georg in She Loves Me (Workshop Players). He is also a member of Oberlin’s Black River Singers.

Thomas Q. Fulton, Jr. (Emile de Becque) A theatre director, actor, teacher for the past 30 years, Tom has served as Artistic Director for three professional theatre companies in Northeast Ohio. He spent five years as an actor and director at The Cleveland Play House and was artistic director at Cain Park for three summers. He recently directed Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull at Beck Center for the Arts. He also starred as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at Cain Park, and played Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha at the JCC Halle Theatre, both directed by Fred Sternfeld. He serves part time as executive director for the Fairmount Center for the Creative and Performing Arts and works full time with a marvelous group of colleagues as director of web development at John Carroll University. Tom lives with his wife, Kathy and three beautiful step-daughters amidst the gentle, rolling hills and "enchanted evenings" of Trumbull County.

Rachel Galambos (Ensign Jennifer Stanley, Adele) is a high school senior and an aspiring theatre professional. She recently spent her summer in New York City training at Tisch School of the Arts in their prestigious CAP21 Musical Theatre program. Rachel has performed at Carousel Dinner Theatre, Beck Center for the Arts, Cassidy Theatre, and Chagrin Valley Little Theatre. Special thanks to Fred for his encouragement and opportunities to shine. Love to all who believe “this is something born in me!”

Larry Goodpaster (Orchestra Conductor) is happy to be working again with Fred Sternfeld on his first production for the JCC. Most recently, Larry musically directed On The Town, Moby Dick, Aida, and Urinetown at Beck Center for the Arts. Having grown up with the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein (albums, Kenley Players), he is excited to tackle the challenges of the old masters.

Jennifer Hayek (Manava) is excited to be back in northeast Ohio and working with Fred for the first time! A recent graduate of the American Academy of Dramatics Arts in New York City, she’s been busy playing Conrade in an Off-Off-Broadway production of Much Ado About Nothing and numerous independent films. She thanks mom, dad, George, and Joey in helping her go for her dreams!

Heidi Herczeg (Vocal Director) is thrilled to be working on this production of South Pacific. A vocal music teacher at Bay Middle School and a master teacher in the Metropolitan Opera’s Creating Original Opera program, Heidi holds a Master’s degree in Music from Case Western Reserve University and is a graduate of the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory. She has performed with the Cleveland Opera Chorus and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, and has been music director for the Fairmount Performing Arts Camp for the last two summers.

Naomi Hill (Ngana) is a fifth grader at Woodbury Elementary School in Shaker Heights. Her theatre experience includes JCC Playmakers productions of The Music Man and Gypsy, and Into the Woods at Heights Youth Theatre. She has attended Interlochen Arts Camp for two summers. She has two brothers, a sister, a dog and a gerbil.

Bernadette Hisey (Lt. Genevieve Marshall, Sister Mary Joseph) is in her first show with the JCC. Hailing from Lorain County, she has had leading and supporting roles, choreographed, and directed drama, chorus, and orchestra. Favorite roles include Kiss Me, Kate (Kate), Annie, Get Your Gun (Annie Oakley), and Pirates of Penzance (Mabel). Her proudest achievement is directing Titanic: The Musical with her husband. Special thanks to her family for supporting her dreams and to Fred for helping them come true.

Jennifer Mae Hoffman (Ensign Rita Adams, Gabrielle) is delighted to be working on her second Cleveland production after receiving her BFA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. She was last seen in the female ensemble of Aida at Beck Center for the Arts. Other favorite roles include Witch #1 (Macbeth), Katrinka (Hans Brinker) and Dyspeppsia (The Masque of Beauty and the Beast). To A & C with all my love.

Casey Jones (Sound Designer) has showcased his sound design talents at many Cleveland area stages, including the JCC Halle Theatre, Beck Center for the Arts, Karamu House, Berea Summer Theater, Baldwin-Wallace College, Clague Playhouse, Ensemble Theatre, Elyria Summer Theater, The Fine Arts Association, Cassidy Theatre, Dobama Theatre, Lorain Community Music Theater, and many local schools. Recent productions include Anna in the Tropics at Ensemble Theatre, Something to Hide at Clague Playhouse, Urinetown at Beck Center for the Arts and Nunsense II (Fourth annual AIDS Benefit Concert).

Min Keung (Tehani) is happy to be performing in her first production ever. She thanks her family and friends for their support.

Assad Khaishgi (Temana, Marcel) has imported himself from Karachi, Pakistan to Lakewood. Back home, he has been the Tin Man, done lots of Neil Simon, the occasional offbeat play and then went on break for 13 years. Now he’s back with On The Town at Beck Center for the Arts and South Pacific with JCC. He’s looking forward to working with Fred and the crew. In his spare time, he’s a physician.

Derek Koger (Stewpot) has performed at almost every theater in Cleveland, including the critically acclaimed The Gulf and any number of villains for the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival. He is also a graduate of the Second City Conservatory, a founding member of Habitat for Insanity (sketch comedy troupe), a former actor/teacher with Great Lakes Theater Festival, and a Top 100 finalist in both the Project Greenlight screenplay competition and the San Diego film festival. He recently served as scenic ghost writer and associate producer on the film "Dreaming on Christmas" for Waterstreet Productions. Thanks to mom, dad, Malia, and the Inferno’s crew.

Jason-Michael Kulnane (Staff-Sgt. Thomas Hassinger). Favorite roles include Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Smee in Peter Pan, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz at The Fine Arts Association, Sky Masterson in Guys And Dolls at Rabbit Run Theatre, Mercedes in La Cage Aux Folles at Beck Center for the Arts and Greg in A Chorus Line at Lake Erie College. Jason is an alumnus of the Ohio State Choir with whom he traveled to Europe. He'd like to thank Mr. Sternfeld for the opportunity to work with him again.

Karen Langenwalter (Clarinet/Bassoon) has played for numerous Cleveland theater productions including the Beck Center, Cassidy, and Rocky River as well as for numerous high school productions. This is Karen’s third JCC production, having previously played Ragtime and A My Name is Alice. Karen is a woodwind specialist and plays all clarinets, saxophones, and the bassoon. She also plays the electronic wind midi controller, which can duplicate most instrument sounds. Thanks to Larry for your continued encouragement.

Darryl Lewis (Lt. Buzz Adams) is making his second appearance with the JCC having appeared as Booker T. Washington in Ragtime. He would like to thank Fred, Brian, Martin, Heidi and Larry for this wonderful opportunity. Thank you for coming to see the show.

Allie Lint (Violin) is a high-school senior currently enrolled in the Young Artist Program at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Allie plans to attend conservatory next fall to major in violin performance. She is in her fourth year as a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and has attended the prestigious Encore School for Strings over the past three summers. Allie is thrilled to be involved in her first JCC production, as she has loved musicals for as long as she can remember. In addition to violin, Allie also studies piano, and enjoys playing Irish fiddle.

Ailani Lovett (Hoani), age 8, has participated in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as part of the Children’s Choir. She also was in The Wizard of Oz as a Munchkin (Lullaby League), one of the Poppies and a Manicurist of Oz.

Ko-Rhee Lovett (Jerome), age 9, has already participated in two plays. He was part of the Children’s Choir in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Coroner, A Flying Monkey and a Polisher of Oz in The Wizard of Oz.

John Lynch (Captain George Brackett, U.S.N.) would like to thank the patrons of the JCC for supporting the arts this evening by attending our show. Over the years John has learned that performing onstage is a heck of a lot more fun with an audience.

Monique MacGregor (Ensign Cora MacRae) is new to the JCC. Her stage credits include Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Emily in Sweet Charity, and many more. She would like to thank her mom, dad, and grandmother for supporting and loving her – no matter what! “I love you AIN.”

David Malinowski (Professor) is elated to be making his debut with the JCC. You may remember him as the “one with all the hair” in Seussical last winter at Beck Center for the Arts. He would like to thank his roommate, Jarred, for the long, evening character-building conversations. “Whoop to you, buddy”!

Marvin L Mallory (Seabee Richard West) is pleased to be appearing in his fourth production with Fred Sternfeld. He was Crooks in Of Mice and Men, Black Lawyer/Ensemble in Ragtime, and First Workman in On The Town. His movie credits include “Dead Silent,” “Passing the Bar,” and “Farmhouse.” He also plays Lt. Foster on the television series, “Out of Darkness.” He dedicates this, as he does with all performances, to the loving memory of his parents.

Keith A. Mausser (Percussion) While a student at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Keith was a founding member of the acoustic folk/alternative rock trio, “Paisley.” “Paisley” attained moderate success performing in some of Boston’s most influential clubs such as “T.T. the Bear’s” and “The Middle East.” Since returning to his native Cleveland, Keith has been an active freelance musician performing in over 60 theatre productions. Besides his work as a performer, Keith works as a private percussion instructor and often works as an arranger and/or percussion instructor for local high school marching bands.

Alexandra May (Ensign Sue Yaeger, Jeanette) is thrilled to be starring in her first production with Mr. Sternfeld. Her recent credits include Godspell, Yohal in Children of Eden, and Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Alex is a student at Kent State University majoring in Vocal Performance. She thanks her beautiful friends and family for their love and support.

Stefan Mazur (Trombone) Stefan holds a B. A. in Music from Akron University. He has performed in orchestras for several theatrical productions and special events all over Northeast Ohio including: The Beck Center, Cassidy Theater, E.J. Thomas Hall, Euclid Shore Cultural Center, East Cleveland Theater, and Canton Civic Theater. He is currently the principal trombonist for The True North Symphony in Avon Lake. 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 also composes and arranges music, as well as teaches private music lessons for trombone and piano.

Jason Modica (Yeoman Herbert Quale) is a senior at Mentor High School and is overjoyed to make his JCC debut. Recent credits include You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), Anyone Can Whistle (John, Magruder), A Streetcar Named Desire (Collector), Brighton Beach Memoirs (Eugene), and The Man Who Cam to Dinner (Sheridan Whiteside). Thanks to his ever supportive family and friends, as well as Fred for giving him the opportunity to be a part of this outstanding production!

Esther Montgomery (Costume Design) holds a BFA in Theater Design from SUNY Fredonia. She is on the costume staff at Great Lakes Theater Festival and Cleveland Opera and was wardrobe supervisor throughout the run of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at the Hanna Theatre. Recent designs include Chalk Circle and The Secretaries for Cleveland Public Theatre and La Finta Gardiniera for CIM Opera Theater. Esther also designs regularly at The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby. Many thanks to Ali, Deanna, and Richard for their support.

Jennifer Nee (Maeva) is a freshman at Orange High School and has been in many community plays since fourth grade. Her hobbies include modeling (four years), acting, singing karaoke, dancing, movies, and playing piano (eight years). Thanks to Fred for giving me this great opportunity to be in South Pacific.

Ben Needham (Set Designer/Technical Director) is pleased to be working at the JCC again. He is the founder of Digital Squirrel Studio (www.digitalsquirrel.net), a full-service theatre design, 3D- animation and architectural illustration studio. Ben has designed over 90 productions for a number of theaters in the Cleveland and Atlanta area. He has worked with Geauga Lake, Signstage on Tour, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, The Fine Arts Association, Beck Center for the Arts, Porthouse Theatre, LaGrange Opera, and Lyric Opera of Cleveland.

Larry Nehring (Luther Billis) As a cast member of Playhouse Square's I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, he logged 100 performances before leaving to star as George Washington in a PBS miniseries, "The War That Made America" (airing in January 2006). He performed in Beck Center for The Arts' By Jeeves and The Fine Arts Association's Anyone Can Whistle; staged the fights in JCC's Ragtime; and directed Cymbeline at Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, where he is artistic director. Larry is a professional sign language interpreter and a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors' Equity Association. "Nearly 30 years ago my mom took me to see some show, and all I remember is laughing at a guy in a grass skirt and coconut bra. Life is funny."

Kimberly Nisius (Clarinet) holds a M.M. in woodwind performance from East Carolina University and a B.M. in music education from Miami University. Through this extensive training she has studied all woodwinds and can truly accept herself as a woodwind specialist. Kimberly performs professionally around the Cleveland and Akron area primarily for musicals but also for orchestras and chamber ensembles. The list of shows is too long to list, but this is her second show with JCC having played Ragtime last season. Besides her night job of performing Kimberly enjoys teaching at Cuyahoga Community College and Royal Redeemer Lutheran School.

Andrew Parmalee (Abner) discovered his passion for acting while backpacking through Europe. In a small town near Paris, he witnessed a homeless man performing Shakespeare on a bench. It was then that Andrew realized that all the world truly is a stage! He has since been seen in Jane Eyre and Into the Woods at the Cassidy Theatre and Aida at Beck Center for the Arts.

Don Pedley (Sgt. Jack Waters) is a member of the North Coast Men's Chorus and Up With People. This is Don’s first show with the JCC. He has appeared in Grease (Roger) and Little Shop of Horrors (Orin) at the Huntington Playhouse; My Fair Lady (Freddy Eynsford-Hill) and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Mr. Twimble) at the Cassidy Theatre; Gypsy (Herbie) and Meet Me in St. Louis (Mr. Smith) at Garfield Heights Little Theater; and On The Town (Ensemble) at Beck Center for the Arts.

Eden Raiz (Puatea) is an actress/singer/dancer from Solon, who has been onstage since she was 4, and acting since she was 6. Eden is a freshman at Solon High School. She loves to surf and play cello, having recently been accepted into the Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra as a cellist. Her latest performance was in Anyone Can Whistle at The Fine Arts Association. She has also participated in Cap 'O' Rushes-an English Folktale as the character of Catherine. Eden would like to give a shout out to her friends for being so supportive in her aspirations to be a performer. You guys rock!

Steven Ritz (Seabee Morton Wise) has appeared in many community productions including those with the Mt. Carmel Players. When not on stage, Steve can be found acting as a lawyer with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

Michael J. Rogan (Marine Corporal Hamilton Steeves) is excited to be making his first appearance with the JCC. Michael has appeared at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, Weathervane Community Playhouse Playhouse, the Shore Cultural Centre, and the Lakeland Community College Theatre. His favorite roles include Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sir Robarts in Witness for the Prosecution, and Thesius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Michael would like to send his love and thanks to his wife, Helen, and his children, Eric and Anne Marie.

Sara Rouse (Ensign Betty Pitt) started acting as a child, appearing in Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Pinocchio at the Beachwood Community Theater as well as A Tribute to Cole Porter and Steven Sondheim and South Pacific at the Geauga County Lyric Theater. Last March she appeared in Sugar at the Brecksville Little Theatre.

Courtney Schloss (Ensign Dinah Murphy). Favorite roles include Morse in One Flea Spare (Cleveland Public Theatre), Becca in Refuge (Dobama Theatre) and Luisa in The Fantasticks (CCC Western Campus). She would like to thank everyone for everything, but she would especially like to thank you. . . for just being you!

Beverly Simmons (Sister Catherina, Ensign Jane Hoffman). As a Jewish mother (Fiddler on the Roof, Ragtime), nurse (South Pacific, The Secret Garden, HMS Pinafore), or nun (The Sound of Music), Beverly Simmons rejoices in musical theater. A former music professor, radio announcer, artist manager, and choral conductor, she is currently a freelance graphic designer, marketing director of CityMusic Cleveland, and singer with Apollo's Fire and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She is grateful to her family for their loving support.

Lauren Skirbunt (Ensign Janet McGregor) is a graduate of Miami University where she studied psychology and neuroscience and now hopes to pursue her dream of being an actor. She has been working on the independent film "Crops," and is helping produce the local television show "Wake Up and Live With the Arts." Lauren has performed in By Jeeves, Oedipus Rex, Godspell, and The Dining Room. She'd like to thank Ricky for being such an amazing friend and companion, Mom for all her incredible help and being my friend, and Dad and Sharon for downtown lunch and letting her shovel their horse manure.

Melissa Smith (Ensign Connie Walewska). This is musical number two thanks to Fred Sternfeld. Melissa started dancing ballet at an early age and pursued a professional career. She then performed at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando. Currently she hangs around "Slider" at Jacob's Field. Thanks to all who have tolerated Melissa throughout her many journeys.

Fred Sternfeld (Director, South Pacific; JCC Arts & Culture Project Theater Producer) is an award-winning director with over 70 productions to his credit at numerous theaters in Cleveland, Dallas and Seattle, including the JCC Halle Theatre, Cain Park, Dobama Theatre, Beck Center for the Arts, Ensemble Theatre and The Fine Arts Association. Last season's Ragtime, the musical won the Cleveland Theatre Collective ‘Critic’s Choice Awards’ for "Best Local Musical" & "Best Director," “Best Musical” from Cleveland Scene’s “Best of 2005” Awards and an "honorable mention" from Northern Ohio Live's 25th Annual Awards of Achievement. Fred also serves with Tom Fulton as Co-Artistic Director of Fairmount Conservatory Theatre, a new professional theatre at Fairmount Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, that is slated to begin producing in the fall of 2006. He is also founder and camp director of Fairmount Performing Arts Camp, which drew over 150 young people to its second season of professional training. Previously, he served as artistic director at the Seattle and Dallas JCC's and Beck Center for the Arts. Upcoming projects include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast for Beck Center for the Arts (December 2005) and From Door to Door for the JCC (May 2006).

Sean Szaller (Production Stage Manager) is once again thrilled to be working at the JCC for his third production. Past credits include Younger Brother in last season's smash hit Ragtime and Young Reuven in The Chosen. As an actor, Sean has been seen on almost every professional stage across the Northeast Ohio (and around the state) such as The Cleveland Orchestra, Cain Park, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Beck Center for the Arts, and many more. In addition to performing, Sean is a busy teacher who serves as a freelance vocal coach and dance teacher. This one is for AMM...my sunshine on a rainy day. Peace!

Shaina Vencel (Ensign Bessie Noonan, Charlotte) is a voice major at Kent State University and is very excited to be appearing in South Pacific. She last appeared in Godspell singing “O Bless the Lord”, and her favorite past roles include Philia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Eve in Children of Eden. She would like to thank her incredible family for their constant love and support!

Julia Wilson (Bridgette) is a freshman at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School. She loves to draw and play guitar as well as perform in shows. Former credits include Fern in Charlotte’s Web and a bobby-socks girl in Guys and Dolls (Brecksville Theatre on the Square), and Rosalie in The Children’s Hour (Beck Center for the Arts). She would like to thank her father, Frank Wilson, for joining her in this FANTASTIC show. “I love you Dad”!

Frank Wilson (Pte. Sven Larson). During the daylight hours, Frank is the director of educational multimedia for WVIZ/PBS. He recently moved here from Pennsylvania where he appeared as Harold Hill in The Music Man and Fagin in Oliver! His Ohio credits include Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls at Brecksville Theatre on the Square.

Matt Wirfel (Trumpet) has played trumpet for many theater productions in the Cleveland area. Some favorites include, Chicago at the Cassidy Theatre, Saturday Night, Annie and Evita at the Beck Center, Beehive, The Music Man at the Rocky River Community Theater and Les Miserables and Suessical for Stagecrafters at Orange High School. Aside from theatre productions, Matt plays trumpet for wedding ceremonies, church services and occasional big band gigs. Before coming back to Cleveland in 1999, Matt was a member of U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes, in Chicago, IL. Matt wishes a "Bravo Zulo" to all members of the cast, crew and orchestra and a special "hello" to Aidan, Abby & MD. GO NAVY!!

Brian Zoldessy (Associate Producer) is Assistant Professor and Director of the Theatre Arts Department at Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus. As a professional actor, Brian has worked in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Cleveland and has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in television and films. Additionally, Brian performed stand-up comedy at many of New York’s famous comedy clubs. Brian is also a theatre faculty member for the Special Studies Program at the Chautauqua Institution, the Beck Center Conservatory program, and the Fairmount Performing Arts Camp.