Bat Boy: The Musical at The Vogel

MATT DeMARCO (Bat Boy) is thrilled to be back on stage with Phoenix Productions after recently taking part in their production of West Side Story (Tony). Past credits include: The Prom (Trent Oliver; Phoenix Productions), Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas; Phoenix Productions), Viking Cruises (Principal Vocalist), Passion of Verismo (Opera at Florham Park), and many more. He runs Jersey Shore Vocals and teaches at Montclair Music. He also manages a moving company, Certified Relocation Solutions, with his cousin. This marks Matt’s 20th year performing with Phoenix, so a huge thanks to all those involved in that time for the instruction, opportunity, and community you’ve provided.

TANYA WILLS (Meredith Parker) recently returned to performing after a 12 year absence. Favorite roles include: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona; Theatreworks), Next to Normal (Diana; Cultural Arts Playhouse, NY), and Into the Woods (Baker's Wife; College of New Rochelle, NY). A NJ native, Tanya celebrates one of the best things ever to come out of her theatre world: 25 years of dear friendship with the one and only James Grausam. For Charlie and Milo: Don't deny your beast inside.

JOHN C. SHORT (Dr. Thomas Parker) is thrilled to be back with Phoenix Productions. Favorite previous credits: Ragtime (Tateh; Phoenix Productions), Avenue Q (Trekkie Monster; Algonquin Arts Theatre), and Pippin (Pippin; Park Players Productions). Thanks to Mom and Dad and my siblings for your support, and Elisabeth for everything.

CHRISTINA FREEMAN (Shelley Parker) is in a SHELL-ebratory mood making her Phoenix Productions debut! Her past regional credits include: The Fantasticks (Luisa; Kelsey Theatre - 2023 BroadwayWorld NJ “Best Actress in a Musical”), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van De Graaf; Roxbury Arts Alliance), and Ella Enchanted (Olive; The Growing Stage). Off-Broadway credits include: 54 Sings Big Fish and 54 Sings Holiday Inn. Christina holds two BA’s in Theatre and Psychology, and two minors in Music and Philosophy, from Muhlenberg College. Fun fact: she eats bacon every single day (she had some before today’s show)! Huge FANGS to God, her family, cast, and crew! christinaleefreeman.com @christina.lee.freeman

LEX FRIEDMAN (Sheriff Reynolds) performs improv with ComedySportz Jersey Shore multiple Saturdays each month. He also publishes nine word games each day at Lex.Games, and he hosts a daily podcast called Your Daily Lex. Recent credits include: Misery (Paul; Algonquin Arts Theatre), Elf (Walter; Algonquin Arts Theatre), Avenue Q (Brian; Algonquin Arts Theatre), and a variety of weirdos in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Asbury Park Theater Company). Lex’s last Phoenix appearance was as Theo in School of Rock. Lex and his now 13-year-old son Liam have released three albums, available everywhere, as Liam & Lex. Much love to Lauren, Ani, Sierra, Liam, and various disinterested pets.

ZACK BLISS (Rick Taylor, Lorraine, Mr. Dillon) is having a great time in West Virginia with this amazing cast and crew! When he's not performing on stage, Zack is a freelance lighting designer and technical director. Previous Phoenix credits: The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke). Other favorites: Be More Chill (Jeremy Heere; Exit 82 Theatre Company), Spring Awakening (Ensemble / Ernst; Algonquin Arts Theatre), and The Rocky Horror Show (Rocky Horror; Exit 82 Theatre Company). As always, Zack would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support.

CARMEN MATARAZZO (Ron Taylor, Maggie, Clem) is returning for his second show with Phoenix Productions! Past theatre credits include: Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg), Almost, Maine (Male Actor), Clue: On Stage (Professor Plum), and Spring Awakening (Moritz). He loves his cats, and would like to thank everyone involved for sharing this experience, along with his family and friends who never fail to support him.

JAIME SEVERUZE (Ruthie Taylor, Ned) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut! She’s done over 40 community theatre shows all over NJ. Top 2 faves are her dream role of Maureen in RENT (BACC) and Avenue Q (Villagers Theatre). She’s also done several indie films and makes TikTok videos (@comedy_tragedy). Jaime loves waterfalls and going to conventions (especially 90s Con & Fan Expo), and her trademark is doing prom poses with celebs (top 3 being Sasha Mitchell, Garrett Hedlund, and Patrick Flueger). She dedicates her performance in loving memory to her stepfather. Enjoy the show! Love to fam, friends, coworkers, and this awesome cast & crew! End scene.

RICH ARMSTEAD (Mrs. Taylor, Roy, Rev. Billy Hightower, Institute Man) celebrates his 20 year anniversary in the NJ Community Theatre family since his inaugural portrayal of Tonton Julian in Once on This Island with Villagers Theater in 2004. Rich spent several years involved with Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York, especially concentrating on cultivating inclusivity within the community. He once got to do the cold open for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Rich would like to thank God, his family, and friends for their continued support. May We All Be Blessed to Grow.

ALEC KELSEY (Pan, Bud, Doctor) is thrilled to be performing with Phoenix Productions. Past credits: Next to Normal (Gabe), She Loves Me (Stephen Kodaly), and Spring Awakening (Hanschen). Alec is excited to tell this story alongside this amazingly talented cast. He thanks his partner George Platis for his continuous love and support.

RACHEL SIEVERS (Daisy, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut! Favorite past shows include: Blood Brothers (Mrs. Lyons; Ghostlight Productions), Shrek the Musical (Fiona; MAC Players), and All Shook Up (Miss Sandra, Brookdale PAC). She most recently appeared in Fiddler on the Roof at Algonquin Arts Theatre alongside her nine-year-old daughter, who shined as Bielke, and who constantly reminded Rachel that she had a bigger part. Thank you to James, Michael, and the whole team for this joyous opportunity. Love to Mira and Jeff, always.

JAMES GRAUSAM (Director) has directed several productions for Phoenix at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, including: Fiddler on the Roof, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, The 30th Anniversary Gala Concert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Songs for a New World, Smokey Joe’s Café, Spring Awakening, Elf, Putting It Together, Evil Dead The Musical, American Idiot, and The Music Man. He continues to direct and perform other places as time allows. As always, for Olivia.

MICHAEL GILCH (Music Director, Conductor) is a versatile Asbury Park-based musician, composer, and arranger. He has played in Broadway pits, Village jazz clubs, and conducted pit orchestras in many NYC/NJ regional theaters and universities. He is delighted to MD and conduct his second show with Phoenix Productions. Thanks to James for the opportunity and the creativity.

TOM HESSMAN (Production Manager, Sound Effects Designer / Operator) is a lifelong theatergoer, and spent 15 years on the media crew for Staples Players (Westport, CT) before fully transitioning to the New Jersey community theatre scene. In addition to seeing shows all around NJ, Tom loves volunteering in various capacities. Tom had a brief walk-on role in Phoenix’s 2019 production of Young Frankenstein as one of the hangmen, and Phoenix hasn’t been able to get rid of him since! Favorite credits include: The Prom, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Doll’s House, American Idiot, Evil Dead The Musical, Carrie The Musical, and Spring Awakening. Tom also serves on the Phoenix Operations Committee, and as a board member at Exit 82 Theatre (Toms River, NJ). Tom would like to thank James, this amazing production team, his incredible friends, and his wonderful sister Kat. TomHessman.com

ASHLEY CUSACK (Scenic Design, Scenic Charge) is a freelance designer and artist throughout the tri-state area. She holds her MFA in Set Design from Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts. Since 2007, Ashley has worked in the Phoenix shop mixing paint, building and dreaming up set pieces to fill the Basie stage. Favorite past Phoenix designs include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Once on This Island, Elf, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. When not designing for the stage, she is busy starting new home projects and keeping up with her seven year old daughter’s imagination.

EMILY LOVELL (Lighting Designer) is excited to be lighting designer for her third Phoenix production. She has been a lighting designer professionally for ten years, starting at The Strand Theater in Lakewood. She has gone from theatre to concerts (Asbury Lanes), to corporate events (Bentley Meeker), and finally back here at The Vogel where she is currently Lighting Director and Assistant Production Manager. She is so thrilled to be designing her first musical here in The Vogel. Enjoy the show!

NIKKI KETCH (Makeup Artist) is a makeup artist who loves making monsters. This is her first production working for Phoenix and she is thrilled for the opportunity to bring one of her favorite characters to life.

RYAN ALGER (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to be making her PSM debut! This past year she has been working closely with the company as the ASM for Evil Dead The Musical, Ragtime, and The Prom; designed props for West Side Story; and hair and makeup for RENT. Ryan has a BA in Theatre, with a concentration in Technical Theatre and a minor in Dance from Rider University. Thank you Gill, Mike, Kevin, and Tom for their hard work and support. Special thanks to James for trusting Ryan with this opportunity and for creating an environment where she feels so comfortable to learn and grow. Ryan hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoyed spending rehearsals with this wonderful cast and production team. This performance is dedicated to RARA. (hi m&d!)

GILLIAN RISPOLI (Assistant Stage Manager) is so excited to be back at Phoenix Productions! She is a recent graduate from Coastal Carolina University, earning her BFA in Theatre Arts: Design and Production, and is now working towards her MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Idaho! Some of her recent credits include: Cabaret (Stage Manager; CCU); Cinderella (Stage Manager; CCU); The Green Bird (Stage Manager, CCU), and more! She would like to thank everyone at Phoenix for giving her the opportunity to share her art with everyone! She would especially like to thank Ryan, James, Kevin, Tom, Michael, Fran, her cast/crew, family, and friends for all their support!

KEVIN T. McGEE (Assistant Director) is pleased as punch to be assistant directing this tremendous show! Previous directing credits include: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Camelot, and Peter and the Starcatcher. Kevin enjoys unicorns, novels, and chocolates. Many thanks to James, Gilchy, Ryan, Tom, and the delightfully batty members of the cast! Kevin sends all the love to his family! Kevin’s next project will be helming A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play at the Basie Cinemas!