Back to WST History page




Company Bios

 

Shannon Michael Algeo (Ensemble), a junior at Blake HS, is in MTC's Singular Sensations and played Mark in A Chorus Line and Enjolras in Les Mis.  Ashley: "I love you and will forever cherish our everlasting memories."

Tania Allen (House Manager, Assistant Director of Fundraising) is the most beautiful ticket-seller WST has seen in years. This Haitian sensation came to the area via Ohio, where she plans to return for college next year. She’s having fun with WST and sends her love to David, the best twin ever, and to Pat and Mike.

Melanie Askin (Asst. Choreographer), 14, a rising freshman at River Hill HS is a member of Singular Sensations at MTC.  She takes tap, jazz, ballet, and voice.  She thanks the cast, friends, and family for their love and support. 

Alex Barron (Amos Hart, US Billy Flynn) is thrilled to be making his WST debut in Chicago.  He would like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support, as well as the cast and crew for all of their hard work and patience.

Kate Broderick (Crew) is studying fire science at Montgomery College so she can be a firefighter at Burtonsville Fire Station.  This is her fifth summer participating in WST.  She was also active in St. John’s theatre. Fire plus theatre equals Kate.

Mikey Cafarelli (Ensemble) will be a senior at St. John’s next year.  Mikey was last seen in Joseph... (Dan) at SJC.  He is ecstatic to be in his first WST production, and hopes to be in future productions. He thanks his family/friends for their support.

Jane Calvert (Trombone), an award-winning short story author, involves herself musically in this production. The full extent of her musical  prowess, however, includes songwriting and playing a wide spectrum of instruments, from trombone to electric guitar, and singing.

Erica Chiusano (Ensemble, US Mama) is ecstatic to be a part of her favorite musical.  It’s been a blast. She thanks Branden for this opportunity and her family and friends for being so supportive.  Enjoy the show!

Rachel E. Cooke (Director of Public Relations) is so extremely tickled that you came to what has to be the “must see” theatrical event of the season-right. Forget the “competition.” Her first year with WST wouldn’t have been quite the same without the mandates of “Spock,” and without Lisa May and M. Saffan to do the dirty work.

David Crawford (Ensemble), 16, is the second youngest member of the WST cast. This is his first production with WST and hopefully will not be his last.  David would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support.

Eileen Cuff (Crew), 19, is a theatre major at Towson University. This is her third year with WST, first on crew. Her most recent stage production was Italian American Reconciliation by John Patrick Shanley, directed by Paul Jerue at TU.

Russell Curtis (Crew) is new to WST. Outside of WST, he goes to Walter Johnson High School, and plays guitar in many untalented bands. He also enjoys exposing secret card carrying members of the Communist Party. A pig in a cage on antibiotics.

Anh Dang (Crew) is the short one running around onstage during scene changes.  She’s such a girly girl, thanks to Shira and four years of WST.  Now a WJ graduate (booyah!), she’ll attend UMCP next year and hopes to study theatre.

Lauren Beth DeRocco (Choreographer) is in her fifth season with WST, her second summer as choreographer, and her third year on the board. Previous duties include producing, costume, hair and makeup design, and participation in the cast. In all, LBD has contributed to over 70 productions. Melanie, Pat, and Amelia: thank you for everything.

Jessica Dunckel (Hunyak), a rising senior at St. John’s CHS, is pleased to be performing in “Hungarian” for the first time in her theatre experience.  Thanks to everyone who supported her in her WST endeavors, which would decidedly not include her parents.

Michelle Gaffney (Piccolo) is 22 years old.  This is her third year playing piccolo in the orchestra, and she has the smallest instrument and the smallest part in this highly jazz-oriented show.  She recently graduated from CUA and is currently working as an Electrical Engineer.

Emily Gallivan (Assistant Sound Designer) is enjoying her third year at WST and is trying, along with Rasputin Michael Latislav, to incite a communist insurrection against the fascists.  She would like to give props to the Moped Gang, Mnemosyne, the crew, and, of course, the Izzyworship Cult.  However, she sends death rays to Doris’ mother.

Anna Gillen (Crew) doesn’t know how to write bios. But she loves lions and l.m. and just sorta movin.

Harry Glaser (Sound Designer) is in his second summer at WST, having  designed sound for last summer’s West Side Story. He has also worked on several productions at Walter Johnson High School, from whence he graduated in June. Most recently, he stage managed WJ’s Spring 2003 production of Les Misérables. He now attends the University of Rochester, studying computer science.

Jared Goldstein (Stage Manager) is in his third year with WST, and has previsouly been Master Carpenter and Set Designer.  He is a sophomore at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.  Jared is proud of the work that everyone put in this summer and is very happy with their production.  S6’06.

Abigail Graber (Crew) plans to sign a lucrative contract with the residents of the small but flourishing town of George, Washington, to become their local fish feeder. Failing that, she will return to Montgomery Blair as a senior in the fall.

Alice Hawfield (Violin, Assistant House Manager) is thrilled to be returning for her second season with WST. This is her eighth mainstage production including those with WJ S*T*A*G*E, where she works on crew and down in the pit. Thanks to Josh, Tania, Lisa May, Rachel, Denise, and the exceptional cast, crew, and orchestra of Chicago!

James Hazen (Director of Fundraising) is on the board in his fifth WST summer. After four years playing trumpet, he’s left the pit but couldn’t bring himself to leave WST altogether. Thanks to Paul for getting him involved and Izzy for keeping him here. Sadly, this is James’ last summer with WST.  It’s been fun. Best of luck to the new generation.

Megan Heithaus (Crew) has greatly enjoyed WST; thanks to Denise, Brian, Harrison, Dan, Harry, Tom, Emily, Abby, Lauren, Graham, Laura and especially Mandy and Ben. She maintains that being a lackey, gopher, dorq, and general minion all in one person is wonderful fun.

Daniel Hoffman (Lighting Designer) returns to WST for a third summer after a successful year at UMCP. This summer, he is interning at DC’s Studio Theatre. His past work includes Singin’ in the Rain (WST, 2001) and elaborate productions at Churchill HS. For want of a nail...

Megan Israel (Asst. Set Designer) recently graduated from WJHS and will attend Clemson University for production of the performing arts.  This is her third and a half year of WST.

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Director) was a director and co-founder of Evening of Scenes: 2001, among other roles at SJC. At Princeton, Branden’s credits include the first amateur production of the award-winning The Fix (Grahame); he was named “best of the…company.” Past roles include: Waiting for Godot (Vladimir), …Forum (Pseudolus), and Pippin (Leading Player). This fall he will direct The Laramie Project.

Benjamin Juang (Crew) is new at WST and thanks Lady and Mander for introducing him.  He also thanks his dad for use of the car.

Amanda Kaplan (Ensemble) is a rising sophomore at Blake HS. She takes tap, jazz, ballet, voice, and belongs to Singular Sensations at MTC.  Amanda thanks the cast and family for all their love and support.

Ashley Kaplan (June, US Velma Kelly) will be a freshman at Muhlenberg College. A tenured board member in her third WST summer, she's been performing for nine years and belonged to Singular Sensations. Love to SAJMSAJMCAF for an amazing summer.

Joan Keller (Trombone) is participating in her second WST production. She will be a student at the University of Maryland in the fall. She would like to thank Dave for getting her involved and her fabulous conductor for an awesome show.

Joshua Keller (Music Director, Conductor) is a music education major at University of Maryland where he studies trumpet with Chris Gekker.  A graduate of Walt Whitman, he has played at the Kennedy Center and toured the UK last summer with a traditional jazz group.  This is his second year with WST and his conducting debut!

Julianne Keller (Bass) is usually onstage in productions like this, but she decided to try something new and play in the pit for her first WST show. She wants to thank her big brother (the conductor) and big sister for getting her involved!

Kim Khoo (Assistant Stage Manager) loved working on this summer’s production of Chicago, her first show with WST. She’d like to thank everyone for the great time. She managed many shows at The Bullis School before graduating in 2001. A junior at NYU, where she studies film, Kim is happy to return to theatre.

This is Katherine Kingsley’s (Crew) second WST production. SWF, 16, blonde/blue-green eyes, 5’4. Enjoys long walks on the beach, candlelit dinners, reading, theatre, and dancing. Seeks SWM for fun, laughs, and a good time. She loves David Wagner.

Barry “gizmo” Kline (Crew) is an 0100001001000001010001000010000001001101010000010100110101000001001000000100101001000001010011010100110101000001.

Shira Kolnik (Crew) can’t wait for her sophomore year at UMCP.  WST helps her bide her time, as do her exploits with Anh.  This is her third show running around backstage, and she hopes the ladies of running crew will beat bushes better than ever before!

Yaara Kolnik (Business Manager, Associate Producer, Piccolo) is sad not being WST’s cutest flutist again this summer, but she finds that the checkbook and high-pitched stick of pain that she now carries almost make up for it.  When not writing checks, playing piccolo, or carrying out Denise’s nefarious bidding, Yaara is a sophomore chemistry major at UMCP.

Jen Kovacevich (Liz) is a sophomore double majoring in theatre and dance at George Washington University, is very excited to be playing Liz in her first show with WST. She would like to thank the entire company for making this such an amazing and memorable experience.

Thomas Grafton Lee (Properties Designer) has spent three years studying design, two of them in theatre at Towson University.  He has worked professionally throughout the mid-Atlantic, including the Ashlawn Opera Festival and the Olney Theater Center.  GRF thanks Alex, Dan, Kristen, and Denise for dragging him (kicking and screaming!) into his first year with WST.

Denise Levitan (Producer), in numbers.  Age: 19.  Height: 5’5”.  Shoe size: 8. Summers with WST: 4. Semesters completed at Yale University: 2 (oh six!).  Bios in this program she wrote: 11.  Phone calls made on behalf of WST: 20 billion (approx.).  Thanks: 2 the company (especially the staff, like lm), Branden’s roommate Daniel, Billy Max, J.Lew, and booboohead.

Thomas Lincoln (Crew) is proud to be joining WST for Chicago. This is his second show with WST, again working as an Overqualified Nameless Lackey. He’d like to thank his parents supporting his endeavors in theatre.

Harrison Long (Scenic Designer) is participating in his fourth year in WST and third as a member of the Board of Directors. Harrison would like to use this space to thank everyone on the crew for working so incredibly hard to put together what is by far the largest, most ambitious set in WST history.

Katie Maguire (Annie) just graduated from BCC HS and will attend Ithaca in the fall.  Her favorite parts were Roxanne in Cyrano De Bergerac and Quisen in Steel Magnolias.  She loves theatre, Adam, and all.

Joellen Mallard (Velma, Hair & Makeup Designer) is thrilled to be spending her 5th summer with WST. She would like to thank the staff for their endless patience and faith. Much love to her Hot Mess Divas, she couldn’t have made it without your support. Putt-Putt... in the bathroom!

Bradley Mariska (Vocal Director) is a Minnesota native currently pursuing a Master’s of Musicology at the University of Maryland, emphasizing in musical theatre.  Brad also researches American band history and is music director at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Pasadena, MD.  Active as a composer, Brad released a CD of original piano works in 2001.

Amelia Meyers’ (Go-to-Hell Kitty, US Merry Murderesses, Ensemble, Dance Captain) second WST show has been an incredible experience.  Amelia thanks her family and friends who have helped her through this difficult year. She loves you all, and she wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. ENJOY!

Amy Millican (Crew) has finished her first year at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is majoring in theatre and business. This is Amy’s first year at WST, made more fun by working full time. Sleep? Who needs sleep?

Max Morawski (Saxophone) is a student at Blair High School where he plays alto saxophone in the Jazz Band. For Chicago he’s playing soprano and alto in the pit and is doubling the clarinet part. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Alexandra Nemcosky (Costumes Designer) is scary. She’s utterly terrifying.  As both an avid seamstress and a nursing student at the University of Delaware, her familiarity with needles strikes fear into the hearts of many.

Kevin O’Reilly (Aaron, Ensemble) is appearing in his second WST show after last summer’s West Side Story. He recently graduated from St. John’s CHS where he appeared in six shows, most recently as the title role in Joseph...

David Peckarsky (Crew) is happy to be back on stage left for his fourth Wildwood show, even if he is stuck in a cage.  He thanks his family for putting up with him and the crew for being generally awesome. Enjoy the show.

Kristen Amanda Penner (Matron Mama Morton)  would like to thank everyone in the cast, crew, and staff who have made Chicago possible.  She would also like to thank her SLG and boys for shelter.  She loves you all!  Mrow!  Goodnight Folks!

Allison Pottern (Assistant Director) proclaims “WST is more fun than a barrel of monkeys!” Chicago is her first WST show and she’s having a blast. She sends the WST staff a metaphorical muffin basket for being the bestest ever. All that Polka, No substitute for chocolate, and 4 most awesomest people!  Love&strawberries.

Daniel Rehbehn (Costumes Designer) is an Eagle Scout.  He can lead you through the woods and start fires with sticks!  Though these skills are invaluable, he has yet to find a way to employ them as a theatre-costume design student at Towson.  He thanks Alex (his partner-in-crime), his family, Tom, Kristen, Rachel, and Denise.

Lesley Ridge (Clarinet) is excited to be a part of Chicago.  She performed with SJC in …Murders…, Romeo and Juliet, and Joseph… Lesley works at Hill International and will be graduating SJC in the Spring.

This is Amanda Rosen’s (Crew) first WST show, and she has loved every minute of it.  She hopes to be a part of WST for many more years to come.  She send her love to Aaron, Dad, and Mom.

Michael Saffan (Director of Fundraising, Director of Recruitment, Assistant Director of Public Relations) debuted with WST last year as Baby John, a role that capitalized on his boyish good looks.  “He’s too cute.” --Shira.  “If Harry Potter were in WST, he’d totally be Mike Saffan.” –Denise.  Mike will attend UMCP, but what he studies will be up to the Sorting Hat.

Andrew Schlosberg (Billy Flynn) returns to WST for his third year after Sugar (Jerry/Daphne) and WSS (Schrank). Andrew is a news Producer for TV TOKYO but stays active in the arts by singing with the Capitol Hill Chorale and being a self-proclaimed “king of karaoke.”

This is Andrea Shaw’s (Violin) first summer with WST. She just graduated from Atholton High (yay Howard County) and will attend Cornell this fall. She enjoyed working on Chicago. Good luck to everyone!

Brooke Shoemaker (Crew) enjoys being involved with WST!  This is her second summer, and she’ll most definitely be back next summer. She’d like to thank her family for driving her everywhere, and her friends! WEENIS, SASA McGEE, MAHANAHAN, SHTOPPY, FLANANANAN.

Max Spitulnik (Court Clerk, Ensemble, US Amos) performs with MTC’s Singular Sensations. Credits include Thenardier in Les Mis, Don in Chorus Line, Pharoah/Reuben in Joseph... Max thanks his family for their support.

Jessica Stamler (Mona, US Roxie) is thrilled to perform in her first WST production.  An incoming freshman at Northwestern University, she will soon be moving to Chicago.  Once there, she plans to take a lover, kill him, and become an incarcerated showgirl.  No joke.

Brian Szabo (Technical Director) has been building theatrical sets for the last twelve years with  SJC. (Yes, “I’m OLD”) This is his last “official” year with WST, he thanks all those who have made the past summers memorable. Wishing the company all the best in years to come.

Diego Vásquez (Harry, Ensemble) has studied tap, jazz, and street jazz dance for eight years. Diego is a musician and plans to study clarinet performance at Ithaca College this fall.

This is Jessica Verest’s (Assistant Hair and Makeup Designer) fourth year with WST. She is always a crew member and never an actor, she has done stage crew and running crew. She is partly responsible for the beautiful people you will see tonight.

David Wagner (Crew) is participating in his second WST show.  SWM, 17, brown hair eyes, 5’8.  This dynamite loves to relax, watch movies, and sleep (sometimes accused of laziness).  Seeks SWF for romance.

Lisa May Walker (Assistant Director of Public Relations, Director of Audience Development, Program Designer) is WST’s resident physics/calculus/astronomy dork.  She tells jokes accordingly: “If you were x, I’d want to be x2/2, so I could be the area under your curves.”  This fall, Lisa will take her passion for bad math jokes to Dickinson College, where she hopes the physics department will appreciate it.

Carolyn Walter (Crew) looks sexer than ever in her third WST show.  Amelia also looks sex.  In fact, this whole company looks sex! 
Jacksonville University rocks her world.  She thanks Denise (who also looks sex) for helping write this bio.

Frances Wang (Ensemble, US Merry Murderess) will be a senior at Damascus High School. She is really excited to be appearing in her very first WST production. She would like to thank her parents for driving her to rehearsals and maybe.......allowing her to drive to rehearsals.

Roger Whyte (Sgt. Fogarty, Martin Harrison, Ensemble) played Diesel in WST’s West Side Story last summer.  He has also been involved in many shows at St. John’s CHS, including Joseph… and Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.  He is very excited to be involved in Chicago.

Mary Wiseman (Roxie) is a WST newcomer, having recently graduated from Quince Orchard.  She will be attending Towson University in the fall.  She would like to thank her family, friends, and the wonderful people she has met through this experience.

Mandy Yu (Dramaturg) is elated to participate in her second WST show.  Props to Hoffman because she is a lighting lackey, and Tom because she is a broken feather.  Some (old) guys just can’t hold their arsenic... a pyroclastic farewell to Brian the turtle racer and Harrison the crowbar enabler.


wst.org | Chicago