WHO'S WHO | achorusline

Nadine Bourne (Connie) is a junior at the University, double-majoring in Theater and Communication (Journalism). Nadine did multiple plays and musicals before her arrival at the university. Since her arrival, Nadine has been in six productions at the University of New Haven, starting with Crisis her freshman year to last year’s How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Nadine is very excited to join an amazing cast and be a part of A Chorus Line this semester. She give thanks to her wonderful cast and crew that helped to make this musical happen.

Amanda Cohen (Val) is a sophomore Criminal Justice and Theater Performance double major. She is honored to portray Val and be a part of such a beautiful and inspiring show. This is Amanda’s third production with the University of New Haven. Previous credits include: Titanic: The Musical in Avery Fisher Hall (choir/ensemble), Les Miserables, The Crucible, The Diary of Anne Frank, and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Favorite credits include: The Nether (Iris), Twelfth Night (Viola/Cesario), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena). She would like to thank Jonathan, Diana, Matt, the incredible cast and crew, and the design and production team!

Francesca Fontanez (Diana) is ecstatic to be finishing her senior fall semester by performing in A Chorus Line. She double-majors in English and Communication. Francesca loves being involved with the University of New Haven Theater Program, and her past credits at the university include As You Like It (Audrey), Our Town (Mrs. Gibbs), and How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Miss Jones). She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support, her fellow A Chorus Line cast and crew members for all their hard work, and the creative team for putting her on their line.

Christina Genovese (Lori) is a sophomore double majoring in English-Writing and Communication-Journalism. She is ecstatic to be in her first production at the University of New Haven. Christina loves dancing and performing; she has been a dancer since she was 5 years old, and performed in musicals at her high school. She would like to give a big thank you to the wonderful cast and crew for all of their hard work, and to Jonathan, Diana, and Matt for the opportunity to be in this amazing production.

Dalimar Irizarry (Tricia) is a senior Theater major with a Criminal Justice minor. She is humbled and excited to be both a member of the cast and production team. Through the Theater Program Dalimar has been blessed with doing The Rocky Horror Show (Phantom), Student New Works Festival 2015 (Bubba/Emily/Adrian), Crisis: A Play About Racism in America from 1915-2015 (Pastor Wepa/Sorority Girl), Cabaret 1 (Cast), Cabaret 2: Electric Boogaloo (Vocal Coach/Cast)¸ Our Town (Louella Soames)¸Cabaret 3 (Cast), Empathy (Writer/Cast), How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Jenkins), and “The Bear” (Popova). She deeply thanks her parents, siblings, and boyfriend for their continuous support and love. To her fellow cast and crew, with love; break legs, enjoy, and bravo/brava.

Rose-Emma Lambridis (Vicki) is a junior majoring in Theater Arts with a concentration in performance and a minor in English. Rose-Emma has previously performed in Henry VI Part 1 (Sir Walter Blunt) with the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Ensemble), Our Town (Professor Willard), and As You Like It (Rosalind) at UNH. She thanks the cast and crew for making this show an amazing experience, and her mom, for giving birth to a legend.

Joshua Lodge (Zach) is proud to be a part of this unforgettable show. He is a senior Music and Sound Recording major. This is Joshua's fifth production at the University of New Haven; previous credits include How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying (Book Voice/T.V. Announcer), The Nether (Woodnut), Our Town (Constable Warren), and As You Like It (Le Beau). He has also been featured in several commercials for Dykeman's Farm this year. Joshua would like to thank Jonathan Yukich, Diana Harris, and the entire cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication to creating a fun, entertaining, and powerful show.

Erica Quaedvlieg (Cassie) is honored to be a part of this amazing production. She is a senior Theater major at the University of New Haven. Erica has previously performed in Our Town (Emily), Psycho Beach Party (Bettina Barnes), The Rocky Horror Show (Phantom), and many others at the University as well. Erica has also been an assistant stage manager and run crew for other productions at the University. She would like to thank all her friends, family, boyfriend, cast, and crew members for the unconditional love and support they have given her throughout her years at the University of New Haven.

Jacob Ruggerio (Don) is overjoyed to be working with the wonderful cast of this wonderful show here at the University of New Haven. He is a freshman majoring in Legal Studies. This is Jacob's third time performing on stage, with previous performances including Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (Prince Christopher) and Curtains! (Oscar Shapiro). Jacob would like to thank the all of cast and crew for their love and support throughout the process, his parents and sisters for always believing in him, and his closest friends for always being there for him. He hopes you enjoy this amazing show!

Tim Sheehan (Mark) is glad to be back for his third year of theater at the University of New Haven. He is a Psychology and Theater double major. His school related shows include Psycho Beach Party (Provoloney), Our Town (Wallace Webb) How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (Gatch), as well as a short play festival, and multiple cabaret performances. His summer performances include Musicals at Richter in Danbury, CT, with West Side Story (Ensemble/Indio).

Elizabeth Brissette (Maggie) is a junior Forensic Psychology major. She is thrilled to be performing in the University’s production of A Chorus Line. This is Elizabeth’s first production with the University of New Haven, and she previously spent ten years performing with Broadway Kids and Company School of Performing Arts. Elizabeth’s favorite performances with BKC include Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), The Wizard of Oz (Tinman), Mary Poppins (Mrs. Banks), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Grinch), and Bye Bye, Birdie (Rosie). She has also competitively danced with BKC, and spent 7 years attending Camp Broadway. Elizabeth would like to thank the cast, crew, director, choreographer, and music director for their hard work putting together this wonderful show.

Bobby DellaCamera (Paul) is happy to be working on this stunning concept musical. He is a junior majoring in Theater Arts. Last year at UNH, he was cast in Our Town, Empathy, and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Coming this December he will appear in the Radio Plays. This past summer Bobby was a student at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC. He would like to thank the cast, crew, and creative team for their support and dedication to the production.

Charles Forte (Bobby) is a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He is thrilled to be working with this spectacular cast and crew. This is his first production with the University. Notable previous works include Beauty and the Beast (LeFou) and Les Misérables (Marius) among others. Charles would like to thank the cast and crew, as well as his family and girlfriend.

Brian Guski (Roy) is excited to be involved in A Chorus Line! He is a junior with a double major in Theater and Communication. Brian has previously performed in Psycho Beach Party, Indulgence, and Our Town at the University of New Haven. He appreciates everyone who has dedicated so much hard work to this show almost as much as his beautiful thick hair and his amazing fashion sense. Once again he gives his sincerest thanks to everyone involved in the show!

Michael Kennedy (Mike) is a junior Theater Arts major. He is very excited to be appearing in his sixth production with the University of New Haven Theater Program. Previous performance credits include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Finch), Empathy (Donald Trump Jr.), Our Town (George), As You Like it (Oliver), and Psycho Beach Party (Star Cat). Some of Michael’s favorite performances outside of UNH include The Star-Spangled Girl (Norman), Damn Yankees (Mr. Applegate), and Anything Goes (Evelyn). Michael would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work, and Jonathan, Diana, and Matt for their constant dedication and leadership throughout this whole process.

Ariana Lasher (Kristine) is a sophomore majoring in Theater (Performance). She is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production. This is Ariana’s 3rd production with UNH; previous credits include Our Town and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Other favorite credits include Cinderella (Ella), South Pacific (Nellie), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Drowsy). She would like to thank Jonathan, Matt, Diana, and the fabulous cast and crew for the opportunity to perform this iconic show with such incredibly talented and fun people.

Samantha Paquette (Judy) is a senior Theater Arts major. This is her fifth show with the Theater Program, having previously performed in The Rocky Horror Show (Phantom), Our Town (Choir), and worked backstage on A School for Wives and Psycho Beach Party. Other roles have included The Passage (Captain Ahab), High School Musical (Mrs. Darbus) and Annie (Tessie). She is also a lifelong dancer, and an alum of the Seacoast Civic Dance Company. She would like to thank her family, friends, and girlfriend for supporting her and the incredible cast and crew for making this experience so much fun. She would like to dedicate this performance to Val Corradino, and what she did for love.

Jared Reynolds (Al) is a senior Theater Arts major with a minor in Political Science. At the University of New Haven, Jared has performed in As You Like It (Charles/Sir Oliver Martext), How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying (Mr. Bratt), and Our Town (Mr. Gibbs), among others. Outside of the University, his credits include The Wild Party (ActorSingers), The Curious Savage, and Urinetown: The Musical. He is also working on lighting design for the University's upcoming collection of Radio Plays. Jared would like to thank his family for always supporting him, his girlfriend for putting up with him, and the production crew of A Chorus Line for teaching him throughout the rehearsal process.

Stefania Sassano (Lois) is thrilled to be working on this amazing production. She is a first year student currently undeclared, but is determined to choose a major she loves. Stefania has previously been in her high school’s production of Bye Bye Birdie as one of the teen girls in the ensemble and a reporter. She would like to thank the cast and crew for making her feel welcomed into UNH Theater.

Haley Sickell (Bebe) is excited to be working on her first show at the University of New Haven. She is a freshman majoring in forensic science. Some of Haley’s theater credits include in 42nd Street (Anytime Annie), Seussical (Bird Girl), Ashland Falls (Heather/Leah), 9 to 5 (Margaret), Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In (Edith Ann), and Big Bad (Evil Stepmother). Haley would like to thank the cast and crew of A Chorus Line for making this spectacular show a reality, and Mom, Dad, Dylan, and Miles for their continuous support.

Samantha Slaza (Sheila) is a sophomore majoring in Theater. She is beyond excited to be playing her dream role as Sheila in her first main stage show at the university. Previous experience in theater includes: Indulgence (mom), “The Proposal” (Natasha), Lost In Yonkers (Grandma Kurnitz), and Legally Blonde (Margot), among several other musicals and plays. Samantha also choreographed and directed productions in high school in Lawrenceville, NJ. She gives thanks to Jonathan, Diana, and Matt for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this amazing show. She would also like to thank the amazing cast and crew, her parents, and friends who inspire her and support her every day to pursue her dreams.

Aaron Townsend (Richie) is a junior Cyber Systems major. He is ecstatic to be part of such a wonderful cast. This is Aaron’s 3rd show with UNH, with previous productions being As You Like It (Corin) and How to Succeed... (Ovington). Other favorite credits include: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (VP Panch), Catch-22 (Chaplain Tappman), and Don’t Drink the Water (Father Drobney). Outside of theater, Aaron enjoys binging all the hot shows of the season, is the President of the UNH chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, and his favorite language is Java. Aaron would like to thank the cast and crew for all the time and heart that they put into the show.

Xela (Greg) is elated to be in his second production on the Bucknall stage as part of the University of New Haven’s Theater Program. Last season he played Mr. Wally Womper in How To Succeed In Business without Really Trying. Outside of the theatre, Xela is a Sound Recording and Music Industry double major and wishes desperately that he could have the time and credits to minor in Theater. Xela is currently working on writing three different solo albums and a musical, which he hopes to debut in the near future.

Cookie Brownstein (Production Manager, Assistant Stage Manager) is a Senior Criminal Justice major. This is her fifth time trying to remain hidden at a production here with the Theater Program. She is glad that this show has helped her become better versed in the world of theater. She would like to thank everyone who has been a huge support of her doing this production and in particular would like to especially thank the people who have kept her grounded, who have gotten her to strive for the highest, and stayed up with her until 4am and later.

Terrence Dowdye (Sound Design) is a University of New Haven alumnus who got his start designing UNH Productions such as Grey and The Student New Works Festival 2015. His sound designs were recognized at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for the UNH production of Psycho Beach Party. After graduating from UNH in 2016 with a degree in music and sound recording, he went on to intern in audio engineering at The Huntington Theatre Company in Boston, MA. He then went on to be the Production Audio Engineer at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He has since come back to UNH to design Our Town and A Chorus Line.

Matt Durland (Music Director, Keyboard I, Conductor) is thrilled to be working on this brilliant show with UNH. Previous Music Directing credits include Rock of Ages, Thirteen, Cabaret, La Cage Aux Folles, The Rocky Horror Show, Hair, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Wizard of Oz, Starmites, Annie, and several others. Many thanks to Jonathan and Diana for all their hard work and a few laughs along the way! -"5, 6, 7, 8"

Sarah Eaton (Flute and Piccolo) is excited to be performing in her first show at UNH. She is a senior majoring in Genetics and Biotechnology. Sarah has previously played flute for A Passion Play at her church in New Hampshire and has previously played A Chorus Line in the Hollis Town Band. She is a current member of the Concert Band and Marching Band at UNH where she also plays the baritone.

Austin Eskeli (Trombone) is a senior Music & Sound Recording major. This is his second show with the University of New Haven's Theater Department, having been the trombone and kazoo player in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Austin would like to thank the cast and crew, as well as the music director, Matt, for the opportunity to work with a great group of talented individuals.

Brandon Fuller (Technical Director)

Amanda Grillo (Publicity/Costume Crew) is excited to be working on this inspiring show. She is a senior majoring in Theater. Amanda’s technical credits include The Rocky Horror Show, Psycho Beach Party, As You Like It, and many others. She also performed in Our Town at the university. Theater Club credits include performing in two cabarets and directing for the short play festivals. Some favorite roles have been with the West Haven Council on the Arts for their summer Shakespeare series (Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Luciana in The Comedy of Errors, and the Widow in The Taming of the Shrew). Many thanks to Jonathan, Diana, and everyone in the program for helping shape her theatre experience.

Sydney Guye (Dramaturg/Front of House Manager)

a true Long Islander, has always loved seeing Broadway shows. Now a Junior, she is double majoring in Theater and History with a minor in English. She has always wanted to be involved in theater at school but unfortunately, she cannot “Sing!” When she heard about dramaturgy for this production she said, “I Can Do That.” Since then, her life has been a “Montage” from “One” rehearsal to another yet she regrets none of it. It’s just what you do for love (of the theater). She has also worked at the box office for How to Succeed.... Thanks to Meg and Angela for all of their support and input during this process and to her roommate Leah for pun consultation.

Diana Dart Harris (Choreographer/Costume, Hair and Make Up Designer) (Choreographer & Costume Designer) teaches dance in the theater department here at University of New Haven and dance, dance pedagogy, dance history and dance kinesiology in the Naugatuck Valley Community College Dance Department. She holds degrees in Dance Education and Exercise Science and has been a dance educator and musical theatre choreographer for almost 30 years. She is the author of the college textbook Beginning Musical Theatre Dance published by Human Kinetics and has her own blog, The Healthy Dancer, which seeks to aid the development of intelligent, thinking, healthy dancers and to draw attention to ways that dancers can improve their technique through cross-training, better nutrition, and body awareness. Diana has worked on shows here at UNH in various capacities for the past five seasons.

Matt Hodulik (Audio Tech) is a junior majoring in Music and Sound Recording and was thrilled when he was asked to join this production. This is Matt’s 3rd UNH production, the first two being Our Town and last semesters How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. He has been involved in live theater since 2014 and was a local stagehand on three nationally touring productions, Smokey Joes Café, Flashdance and Saturday Night Fever. Matt would like to thank Terrence and Jonathan for allowing him the opportunity to be involved with this production.

Max Kintner (Sound Crew) is studying music and sound recording at the University of New Haven and has been composing and mixing music for the past four years. He is excited to be working with the audio crew and helping with A Chorus Line.

Heather Konish (Set Design) is currently in her 3rd year of study towards earning her MFA in Design and Technical Theater at Brooklyn College, Heather is excited to be back at UNH to bring A Chorus Line to life. Recent shows include Must Wash Hands (Scenic Design), Bring A Weasel and a Pint of Your Own Blood 2017 Festival (Scenic Design), 40’s and Chestnuts (Scenic Design), and Fen (Scenic Designer). Congratulations to the cast and crew on this lovely production!

Pepper Lavoie (Assistant Costume Designer) is a sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice – Investigative Services and minoring in Theater. She is extremely excited to be working on this show with such a great group of people. Pepper has previously worked on UNH’s productions of The Nether and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in the Spring of 2017 and looks forward to future shows. She would like to thank Jonathan, Diana, and all of the cast and crew for all of their hard work.

Leakana Ly (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore majoring in CJ - Forensic Psychology and Theater with a minor in Physics. She is very excited to be joining the production team this semester as an ASM. Leakana's previous theater experience involves directing, however, she is not limited to the role of director; highlights being The Odd Couple, The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Our Town, Beauty and the Beast, Romeo and Juliet, Godspell and The Proposal. She wants to thank Jonathan, Diana, Matt, and the amazing cast and crew for all their hard work on the show!

Megan Maloney (Props) is a junior majoring in Theater. She is very excited to be working on this show with the great cast and crew. Megan has also worked on Crisis: A Performance About Race in America from 1915-2015 and As You Like It as Assistant Stage Manager as well as Our Town, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Nether as Props Manager. Megan would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for their hard work and dedication these past few months.

Angelina Meccariello (Stage Manager)

Ted Samodel (Trumpet) has played lead trumpet for over 40 musical theater productions, including Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, The Sound Of Music, In the Heights, Hairspray, Shrek, Seussical: The Musical, and Newsies, to name a few. He has also played trumpet in Pops Orchestras for special events, Big Bands backing up guest performers, church groups, as a soloist, or as leader of his own band. Ted has also been a public school music educator for over 30 years, teaching Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He is currently an elementary school music teacher in Branford. He considers his music to be a God-given gift to be shared and seeks to bless others with each performance.

Mary Paul (Technical Director)

Meg Savilonis (Dramaturg) is an Associate Professor of English and Theater at UNH. She has served as dramaturg for several UNH Theater Program productions over the past 7 years and has provided dramaturgical support for college and professional productions, working most recently on the development of the new work: The Art of Hijab, Kohl Black and the Right Way to Pray , produced by Polybe + Seats. She teaches courses in Production Dramaturgy and New Play Dramaturgy and supervises student dramaturgical work on Theater Program production

Ilya Shavrov (Sound Crew) is a part of the class of 2020 and is currently working towards a bachelor's degree in Cyber Security & Networks. In addition to A Chorus Line, he has also been a part of In the Heights, Crazy for You, Les Misérables, and Mary Poppins.

Leslie Smith (Lighting Designer) is based in New York City. Designs include: A Comedy of Errors, Spring Awakening: A New Musical (Post Theatre Company); The Acquittal, Lost in Shanghai (PanAsian Repertory); Eternal Spring (Gelsey Kirkland Ballet); How to Succeed . . . , The Nether (UNH); Ralph Lauren Windows; Homo Sapiens Interruptus (NYC Fringe Festival); Bat Boy: The Musical (Horace Mann School); Stilled (CEMA Dance); Resident Lighting Designer/Supervisor (NYU 2012 - 2014); Dark Matters excerpt (ch. Crystal Pite, NYU Tisch); Puppet Titus Andronicus (Theatre Row); The Dwarfs, Footfalls, and Rockaby (dir. JoAnne Akailitis, NYU Tisch); MeanTime (dir. Stephen Fried, NYU Tisch). B.A. Lewis and Clark College; M.F.A. NYU Tisch. Adjunct Faculty Juilliard School of Dance and University of New Haven. www.lesliesmithdesign.com.

Angela Tricarico (Dramaturg/Front of House Manager) is a junior Communications major. She is so excited to be working with the Theater department again. Previously, she worked on Our Town (Box Office) and How To Succeed... (Dramaturgy). She is also working on the upcoming Radio Plays. She'd like to thank Sydney for being the best partner in crime and dramaturgy, Meg for all of her helpful guidance, and the entire cast and crew for making this one of the best experiences of her college career.

Jonathan Yukich (Director) has been a Lecturer in the Theater Program for the past five years. Previously directed productions include The Rocky Horror Show, Our Town, Psycho Beach Party, The Nether, and The Maids. Beyond the university, Jonathan is known primarily as a playwright. His plays receive over 200 full productions each year, and have been performed across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia; as well as in South Africa, India, China, and Oman.