Utkarsh Ambudkar (Bienstock) is excited to be performing in his first show with WST. He has enjoyed spending the summer with all these goofballs. Thanks to mom & dad, and friends for support. Much love to all. Keep it real in the feel like a soggy banana peel. PEACE.
Asa Bass (Osgood) This is Asa Bass' 6th year in Wildwood, an organization where being 21 makes you an old guy. After years of playing the sleaziest guy in the show, he is overjoyed at playing a sleazy guy who at least means well.
Cecilia Bellagamba (Sound Designer) is now in her second year with WST, and, at the ripe age of 15, is ready to amaze audiences at how someone so young can operate such hefty equipment.
Rose Bernstein (Dolores, Director of Fundraising)- is in her 1st year on staff and 2nd year in the cast. She is a recent graduate of The Bullis School, where her theatrical credits include Ado Annie in Oklahoma and the title role in The Wizard of OZ. She will be attending The University of Maryland in the fall where she plans to study Drama. Rugrats Rock, Supahstah... and forever.
Jennifer Bien (Scenic designer) A drama and child development major at Tufts University, Jennifer is a 4-year WST veteran. She designed JCS in the spring and will be designing Charlie Brown this fall. She thanks WST for providing unforgettable summers, and life-long friendships. She will greatly miss this company and would like to thank Izzy and Quinn for providing stability during her time with the group.
Stefanie Brendler (Master Carpenter) This is Stefanie's 2nd (non-consecutive) production with WST, though her role has drastically changed from horn player to power-tool operator. She recently graduated from Walter Johnson HS where she worked with S*T*A*G*E; Cabaret is the new favorite. She sends love to her crew, her faeries, and her angels.
Kate Broderick (Society Syncopater) This is Kate's first time performing on the WST stage and she is thrilled. Kate is going into her senior year at St. John's CHS where she is involved in the theater and band programs. A huge thanks to Wendy and Mr. Griffin. JEJMNNK 4EVER!
Liz Bullock (Society Syncopater) This is Liz's first time performing with WST. She's soooooooooo happy to be involved. Hello to everyone! Yay!
Nate Butler (Second Hood) is performing in his first year with WST. He has been seen as Lewis in "Pippin" at St. John's CHS. He will be attending Virginia Tech this fall in the VT Corps of Cadets.
Margaret Byrns (Stage Manager) This is Margaret's 7th summer with WST, and her first time as Stage Manager. She is also a Social Studies Education Major at UMCP and one day hopes to teach technical theater. In the past she has been seen working with power tools on crew, as well as being Asst. Technical Director numerous times. She'd like to thank the cast, crew, orchestra, and staff for a fun, yet challenging summer. She'd also like to thank all those who came before her who have long since been forgotten, but whom she shall never forget. Every summer is different, yet remains the same. I still can't believe I stayed this long!
Nathan Claridad (Spats Palazzo) is happy to be in his 1st Wildwood production. He has been seen in productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream playing Bottom and Demetrius, A Christmas Carol as Bob Cratchit, & in The Night of January 16th as D.A. Flint. Other favorite roles include Jesus in Godspell and The Leading Player in Pippin.
Lauren Beth DeRocco (Costumes Designer) This is Lauren's 2nd year with WST. She premiered as a Hot Box Girl, Makeup/Hair Designer, and Dance Captain. Though she misses the stage, she's loved working on costumes-especially putting the guys in dresses! It's been great, and she's thrilled to be adding "Sugar" to the list of over 50 productions she's been involved in. Thanks to all!
Carlo Espinoza (Bell Boy, Tap Gangster) was last seen on stage as the title role in Pippin. Other roles include Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Doody in Grease. This honor student is a junior at St. John's CHS, where he is a cadet in the military program.
Nathaniel Haas (Technical Director) Silicon vs. carbon, who wins? This is the Technical Director's bio. It is not ha-ha funny. Born without eyes or ears, Nathaniel Haas has aspired to become someone in this crazy, crazy world. He enjoys melted cheese on his broccoli. The space here is available for advertising, natehaas.com for example. I ain't no robot, I is a monkey.
Mike Hadary (Musical Director) is enjoying his second season with Wildwood Summer Theatre. You may have seen him last year as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. Mike will be entering his 4th year at JMU as a musical theater major.
Paul Hazen (Conductor) This is Paul's 4th summer with Wildwood and his first time ever writing a bio. First and foremost, Paul would like to thank his pit orchestra because he knows what it's like to toil and slave and never be recognized. He would also like to thank Isabel, for getting him into Wildwood oh so many years ago (and getting him a job), and Will White, for being a great assistant conductor. He also feels obligated to give thanks to Quinn for being such a Wildwood legend. Paul also sends much appreciation and respect to Ron Kearns and Paul Carr, his music teachers, for teaching Paul everything he knows about the saxophone. Final thanks go out to all of Paul's family and friends (SURVIVOR COLLEEN RULES!!). The Pit abides.
In Isabel Hernandez-Cata's (Producer, Keyboards & Percussion) 8 WST summers, she has provided or assisted in the music direction of 4 shows; played in 3 orchestra pits and conducted one; and appeared onstage as Angel City Alto in City of Angels. Recently, In addition to playing the role of Research Manager at RMR & Associates and Music Director of St. John's CHS Theatre, Isabel is an "emerging Jazz vocalist". She performed on a co-stage at this year's East Coast Jazz Festival., among other venues.
Liza Kaplan (Society Syncopater, Tap Gangster, Asst. Choreographer) is 18 and about to enter NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Several credits include Frenchy in Grease, Annie in Annie, and Lucy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Liza teaches tap and jazz at the Musical Theater Center, where she performs with the Young Americans of Washington. Congrats and thanks to the cast, crew, and pit of "Sugar" for making this summer another great experience! Love and thanks to my parents, Ashley, Amanda, Mermeliza B. Jigs, Brian, all my YAWs, Amy, Willeke, Tricia, Diane and Mr. Hartzell for always supporting me. I will miss you all!
Erica Kaye (Make-up/hair designer) is happy to be a part of her third WST show. She plans to continue her involvement in theater at Yale University in the fall, both on and off stage. Erica also designed the make-up for such shows as Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Wiz, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Cabaret. She hopes you enjoy the performance!
Sarah Levin (Sweet Sue) In a recent interview, Sarah described
her 3rd season with WST as being "magical...a tour de force", and
repeatedly used the word "tantalizing" throughout the interrogation.
You may remember Sarah from such WST shows as the ever irascible How to Succeed
and last year's gem Guys and Dolls. You may also remember last fall's Hollywood
blockbuster "Girl, Interrupted" which Sarah had no part in but enjoyed
immensely. In closing, Sarah wishes to thank everyone for another great year!!
Marissa Levy (Choreographer) or as she likes to call it, Musically enhanced movement coordinator. Marissa is going to be a sophomore next year at New York University where she plans to do nothing but study music all day and listen to music all night. Tough life huh? She would like to thank all her wonderfully talented cast, Paul, Will, and the fabulous WST pit, Nate, Margaret, CiCi, Ryan, and the fabulous crew. Izzy, you are the proverbial woman. Jared, all I have to say is ha! And Mike, thanks for letting me have the choral room once in a while. You did such a good job. Liza and Steve, you guys were lifesavers. To David, I love you very much. Same to the fam, Mom, Dad, and Josh. And here's to you Mrs. Robinson…Support the arts, buy more cookies.
Joellen Mallard (Society Syncopater) is very excited to be involved in her second show with WST. She is a graduate of Walter Johnson HS, and will be attending Pepperdine University in the fall. As Supreme Goddess of the Universe she would like to acknowledge all the tributes given in her name by her loyal followers and thank all the little people she had to step on to get where she is today!
Jessie Marrero (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing with WST for the first time. She is a rising senior at St. John's CHS, where she has performed in Grease!, A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Night of January 16th. Thanks to mom for all the long nights and support.
Becki Pskowski (Ensemble, Assistant Costumes Designer) In her four years at Richard Montgomery, Becki costumed and performed, served on the Board of Directors and as an assistant director. She is best remembered for her blinking bikini in Gypsy. She'll be attending the wicked and windy University of Chicago this fall. This is her first WST production.
Danny Pushkin (Taxi Driver) is performing in his second show with WST. Previously he has been seen in WJ S*T*A*G*E musicals, West Side Story, Showboat, Fiddler on the Roof (as Tevye), and The Wiz (Cowardly Lion). He is presently on an educational hiatus, as he seeks deeper understanding of himself and refinement of his Jedi powers.
Kate Ramella (Ensemble) is delighted to be performing with WST for the first time. She is a graduate of the Bullis School and now a rising sophomore at Davidson College. Her favorite past performances include The Wizard of Oz and Music Man. Lots of love to Mom, Dad, Marie and Molly!
Joshua Rodgers (First Hood) Josh is pleased to be appearing in his third consecutive show with WST, having also appeared in How to Succeed and Guys and Dolls. Other recent roles have included Charlie/Fathers and Sons Soloist in Working with Park View High, and a Shark in West Side Story with Reston Community Players. Josh leaves the day after closing night for East Carolina University where he will major in Theatre Education. He'd like to thank his family and friends for all their emotional and financial support in this endeavor.
Rebecca Russell (Ensemble) is so glad to have been a part of WST this summer. After rejecting the original bio Jud wrote for her, she decided to simply say "thanks" to all, and send her love to Daisy, the Cow.
This is Molly Scofield's (House Manager) 4th summer with WST. She was PSM for last year's Guys and Dolls as well as PSM for six St. John's shows. Molly is looking forward to seeing the show from the audience rather than from back stage.
Andrew Schlosberg (Jerry/Daphne) is making his debut at WST this summer. He is currently a double degree in Int'l Business and Japanese at the University of Maryland and will be studying abroad in Hiroshima, Japan next year. Other stage credits include Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Sir Lancelot in Camelot at theaters in his home state of New Jersey. Andy wishes to thank all his fellow cast and crew members for making this production a memorable experience.
Ashley Scott (Society Syncopator, Tap Gangster) is an upcoming senior at BCC. This is her first production with WST, and she loves being a part of it!! Last spring she choreographed Anything Goes as an Angel at BCC. Dancing for 8 years at Wheaton Studio of Dance, Ashley specializes in ballet, tap, modern and jazz. She would very much like to thank first of all-my parents for being SO understanding, thank you; my friends, esp. Dana; Allison, DCC, FONZ peps, the Society Syncopators, GB's, Andy and Jud for making each night fun, Jared, Mike, Marissa, Marielena, crew, orchestra and, lastly, my family, Gin, Pixie, Mike and the kids- you light up my life!
This is Kristi Sherk's (Sugar Kane) first appearance with WST.
She is excited to be spending her summer with such a great group of people!
During the year, Kristi performs with the Young Americans of Washington, a
group that originated from the Musical Theater Center. Thanks to all the great
people here at WST for being so inviting! Love ya all!
Jared Stern (Director) is pleased as punch to find out how much of a hack he is as Director of WST this summer. This is his first time directing and his fourth season with the company. You may also know him from his exploits as Associate Producer of "Elliot in the Morning," on DC101 . . . yes, he's THAT Jared.
AnnaMaria Szabo (House Manager, Crew) likes doing everything and anything to help put on a show except be on stage. Anna is a graduate of St. John's where she followed a family tradition of helping with the theater. This will be her 3rd summer with WST. Last summer she helped choreograph the dances for Guys & Dolls and helped on crew. She is happy to be back again this summer and is looking forward to many more.
Steve Szabo (First Henchman, Tap Gangster, Asst. Choreographer) Use your imagination…but if television has stolen your imagination-he just graduated from St. John's C.H.S. on Military Rd (plug) and was in several shows through the theatre program (plug 2) such as Grease (plug 3) A Midsummer Night's Dream (plug 4) and Pippin (plug 5). Fin.
Kelly Theim (Director of Public Relations) is happy to be back for a second year, after being half-willingly convinced to manage the House last season. She has Courtney to thank for making this show such a great one (Binky & Skipper are directing PR for the first time!) and the overworked Isabel for saving our behinds on many occasions and for not leaving us "on the outs." Thanks to Will for the checks, and to family and friends for coming to see the show. After WJ STAGE, Kelly is now off to Amherst College in the fall, but she will inevitably be back next year.
Though Courtney Tisch's (Director of Public Relations, Auxiliary
Percussion) true love is being onstage, she has had an amazing experience
working the business front for WST this summer. Courtney just graduated from
WJHS and appeared in several S*T*A*G*E shows including, most recently, Cabaret
as Fraulein Kost. She would like to send special thanks to Kelly for being
such a devoted co-PR director, she couldn't have done this without you, Izzy
whom she will miss so much next season, thanks for having faith in me and
for constantly assuring me that we're not "on the outs," Will and
the rest of the staff for all their hard work and amusing staff meetings,
mom, dad, and Marissa for their constant support, and her friends for always
cheering her on. Courtney will be attending the University of Delaware in
the fall but she's sure she'll see everyone again next summer.
Cynthia Trevor, (Asst. Stage Manager, Associate Producer) proudly participates in her third WST show. After giving up the chicken in props, she's happily situated in both production and backstage work. Look for her as a freshman around College Park, she'll be lost in lot one.
Jud Wegner (Joe) is so fantastically, amazingly thrilled to be back for his 4th year with WST that he has decided to start cross-dressing with Andy. He would like to thank Jared, Mike, Marissa, all the awesome cats in the show, and his parents for putting up with one o'clock in the morning. Lastly, he would like to dedicate this show to John Harrison, his late father. Thanx and enjoy.
Becky Wexler (Hair/makeup designer, Clarinet) is very excited to be involved in her second production with WST. In addition to playing in the pit and braiding hair, Becky also enjoys acting and directing. Favorite roles include Helena, A Mid Summer Night's Dream; and Laurie, Brighton Beach Memoirs. She will be attending Macalester College in the fall. Thanx to Erica, Sara, and co.
Will White (Assistant Conductor, Business Manager, Viola) After his successful stint as conductor of WJ's production of Cabaret, Will has assisted the conducting efforts for Sugar. He is also taking the managerial torch from Darth Quinn. McShouts go out to Isabel Hernández-Catá (yeah!) my evil master (keep the crank turning), Paul (therapist), Court + Kell, Becky & Erica, Dan "Who needs that middle month of rehearsal?" Rittenstreich, the whole entire fabulous pit orchestra, and thanks always to the Dokta and Willimus.
David Wolff (Dude) is appearing in his first WST production.
He has portrayed the role of Sam in Crazy for You, Kurt in The Sound of Music,
and Mr. Goldstone in Gypsy. He has also appeared in Madame Butterfly and La
Boheme. He congratulates the cast and crew of Sugar for a great show.