The Prom at Phoenix Productions (at the Count Basie Center for the Arts)

CINDY CHAIT

CINDY CHAIT (Dee Dee Allen) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix Productions debut! Regional theatre credits include: Into the Woods (The Witch; Eagle Theatre), Assassins (Emma Goldman; Eagle Theatre), and Sister Act (u/s Sister Mary Theresa, The Walnut Street Theatre). Other credits Cindy considers favorites are: Man of La Mancha (Aldonza, Algonquin Arts Theatre), Kiss Me, Kate (Kate, Algonquin Arts Theatre), and Mamma Mia! (Tanya, Plays in the Park). Cindy is a wife and mom who teaches theatre to kids. She is also an avid reader, jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, and mommy of two beagles!

MATTY PRICE

MATTY PRICE (Barry Glickman) is thrilled to be here today doing what he truly loves after a long hiatus from the stage. Most recently, Matty has been behind the scenes, choreographing and directing musical theatre in NJ. The last major role Matty performed was Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee over 10 years ago! Matty is proud, blessed, and grateful to be living his most authentic and rewarding life alongside his husband and their two beautiful daughters. Lives like his are only possible because of brave people who stood up to adversity like the characters in our show tonight. Telling a story like this is a dream come true. Love to ALL my family and friends.

CATHRYN HARDY

CATHRYN HARDY (Angie) is thrilled to be working with Phoenix Productions once again. She’s had the best experience with this talented, funny, wonderful cast and crew. When not on stage, she is usually running, continuing a daily run streak for over 5 years, while gearing up to run the NYC Marathon this fall! She hopes that will distract her from the fact that her son will be heading off to college in the fall!

MATT DeMARCO

MATT DeMARCO (Trent Oliver) is thrilled to be back on stage with Phoenix after recently taking part in their gala production of Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas). After seeing several of his students in a HS production of The Prom, Matt was inspired to audition and can't wait to bring this heart-warming story to more. Past credits include: 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. "BUILD A PROM FOR EVERYONE!"

REBECCA GRODEK

REBECCA GRODEK (Emma) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut as Emma Nolan! This past summer she attended a four-week musical theater intensive at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, where she was awarded a scholarship. She also won a Basie Award for her role in Les Misérables. Offstage, she's all about thrifting and half apps! Big thanks to the crew for this beautiful storytelling opportunity, and to her loved ones for their constant support!

KENDALL THORNER

KENDALL THORNER (Alyssa) is thrilled to have been cast as Alyssa Greene in Phoenix Productions’ The Prom! This year she is graduating high school and will study musical theatre in college. Having recently played Wednesday Addams with Phoenix at The Basie, she thanks James Grausam, Justin Christopher Odon, Jo Wymer, and the entire Phoenix family for their endless support and encouragement over the years. She also thanks the crew and the amazing cast for such a wonderful experience. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoys performing in it! 😊

FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ

FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ (Mrs. Greene) is thrilled to be returning to the Basie stage after last appearing 19 years ago in Phoenix Productions’ The Scarlet Pimpernel. Some of Fran’s favorite roles include: Noises Off! (Poppy), Into the Woods (Little Red), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), Daughters (Cetta), and 1776 – All Women’s Version (Roger Sherman). When not on stage, Fran enjoys baking and watching football. Fran is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and production team, but most importantly to finally share the stage with her daughter, Sydney!

KASON JACKSON

KASON JACKSON (he/him) (Mr. Hawkins) couldn’t be more thrilled to finally return to the stage after 10 years. Kason was previously the Director of Vocal Music at Carteret High School, where he created and developed an award-winning choral program. In addition, he was musical director for eight of their productions. This year, Kason became an Assistant Principal at Ocean Township HS. Still passionate about the arts, Kason is frequently hired to sing for different occasions and serves as the NJ ACDA President-Elect. Break a leg to the cast and crew!

KYLE KENNEDY

KYLE KENNEDY (Sheldon Saperstein) is thrilled to be in his tenth Phoenix Productions show! He was recently in Ragtime this past March. Kyle is a high school English teacher at Long Branch High School and an adjunct professor at Montclair State University. Kyle wishes to thank the production team of The Prom, friends, and family for their constant love and support.

ESTHER FOSU

ESTHER FOSU (Kaylee) is excited to be making her Phoenix debut as Kaylee in The Prom! Esther frequently did shows at Matawan Regional High School, and loves to travel and write. She’d like to thank God and the amazing cast and production team. Enjoy The Prom!

IRLEY VALLEJO

IRLEY VALLEJO (Shelby) is excited to return to the Basie stage as Shelby in The Prom with an amazingly kind team and cast! Her most recent credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Girl, Dance Ensemble), Carmela Full of Wishes (Carmela), Something Like a Fairytale (Butterfly, Dance Captain), and In the Heights (Yolanda). She would like to give a huge thank you to God, Bernie, Ayden, Mom, Dad, and all those who support her. Now, it’s time to dance! @elita2496 irleyvallejo.com

DREW HAYES

DREW HAYES (Nick) is a singer/songwriter and actor based in NYC. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, he moved east to pursue a career in music and theatre. He has released numerous singles and a full length LP, and gigs around New York. In his embryonic musical theatre career, Drew has played roles including Bobby in Company and Jimmy Ray in Bright Star. He would like to thank his friends and family for their never-ending love and support.

MARK EDELSTEIN

MARK EDELSTEIN (Kevin, u/s Trent Oliver) is flamboyantly ecstatic to be returning to Phoenix for his fourth production. His credits include: Ragtime (Featured Ensemble/Swing; Phoenix Productions), Dogfight (Bernstein; Main Street), Spring Awakening (Melchior; Rose Nagelberg Theatre), Footloose (Shaw; The John Cullum Theatre), and Legally Blonde (Warner; Miles Square). Mark holds a B.S. in Music Education and is a music teacher. He’d love to thank his friends, family, his boyfriend, Dakota, and the incredible company of The Prom!

JONES ALMEIDA

JONES ALMEIDA (Teen Ensemble) is so excited to be in his second Phoenix Productions show!!! He is thrilled to be part of such a fun and exciting show! Recent credits include: Ragtime (Immigrant Ensemble), Little Women (Mr. John Brooke), Guys and Dolls (Mission Band/Crapshooter), The SpongeBob Musical (Ensemble), The Addams Family (Pugsley), and Seussical (Who Ensemble). He is a Junior at Holmdel High School and is part of the Holmdel Theatre Guild, and also servies on their board. He hopes you have a wonderful time watching this amazing show! 🪩Instagram/Facebook: @jonessalmeida

TRAVIS GASTON

TRAVIS GASTON (Teen Ensemble) is very optimistic to share the stage with such an incredible and beautiful cast as this one. This will be Travis’s fourth Phoenix show, having just closed up Ragtime, and he is now making his way to Indiana to build a prom! Travis would like to take a moment and thank God and the amazing production staff for giving him this opportunity to do what he loves and does best.

JESSIE HEITMANN

JESSIE HEITMANN (Teen Ensemble, u/s Emma) attends Middletown High School North and plans to further her theatre education as a Musical Theatre major at DeSales University in the fall. She couldn’t be more ecstatic to be in the ensemble of Phoenix Productions’ The Prom! Some of her recent credits include: Matilda (Miss Honey; Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts), The Crucible (Mary Warren; Middletown High School North Performing Arts Department), Les Misérables (Cosette; MHSN), The Lightning Thief (Silena Beauregard; Pegasus Productions), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Mary Hatch; MHSN), and Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth Benning; MHSN).

SYDNEY KATZ

SYDNEY KATZ (Teen Ensemble) is a senior at Marlboro HS and is so excited to be involved in her 8th Phoenix production! Previous shows: Chicago (Roxie Hart; Marlboro HS Theatre Society), Hello Dolly! (Minnie Fay; Algonquin Arts Theatre), and A Chorus Line (Connie MacKenzie; Spring Lake Theatre Company). She’d like to thank the production team for the great experience and for the opportunity to dance with you all!

JULIA MONSEY

JULIA MONSEY (Teen Ensemble, Dance Captain) is thrilled to be back at Phoenix for the second time this season after having so much fun in Ragtime! A St. Louis native, she grew up training and performing with St. Louis Ballet, and additionally made her professional musical theater debut as Lina Darling in New Line Theater's Nine. She graduated from Steps on Broadway's Conservatory, where she performed rep pieces such as Fosse's Rich Man's Frug and Mosley's Rain on Your Head. One ping only, Monsey cult <3

CONNOR NASPO

CONNOR NASPO (Teen Ensemble) is a Junior in the FPAC acting program at Howell High School, and this is his sixth Phoenix production. He is looking to pursue theatre through college. Outside of theatre, he enjoys being a soccer goalie. Some favorite past credits include: Midsummer Jersey (Lyle), Matilda (Michael), Guys and Dolls (Crapshooter/Mission Band), The Music Man (u/s Tommy Djilas/Dance Ensemble). Big thanks to his vocal coach Jo Wymer, his family, and cast mates. @connor_naspo_official (Instagram)

ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO

ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO (Teen Ensemble) is so ecstatic to be returning to the Basie stage with Phoenix! Previous Phoenix credits include: The Addams Family (Conquistador Ancestor), Ragtime (Harlem Ensemble), and Jesus Christ Superstar (James Alphaeus). Ariel would love to thank Celsius for keeping him alive during this back to back rehearsal period, but not NJ Transit. “Enjoy the show!”

STEFANIE WORTON

STEFANIE WORTON (Teen Ensemble, u/s Alyssa) is so grateful to be back at Phoenix Productions for The Prom! Past Phoenix shows include: School of Rock, The Music Man, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Stefanie is currently in her last semester at Brookdale Community College studying Audio Production, and she has spent the last few months interning at 90.5 The Night. Thank you to everyone involved in this special production!

DUANE BANKS

DUANE BANKS (Second Reporter, Motel Clerk, Adult Ensemble) is so excited to join this stellar cast of The Prom! Duane is a NYC/NJ-based performer. Off Broadway: Two Gentlemen of Verona, Little Princess. Local/Regional: Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.), Beauty and The Beast (Beast), Once on This Island (Ensemble), In the Heights (Ensemble). TV/Film: Sandy and Source. He also serves as the Co-Founder of the Inspired Tomorrow. @_duanebanks

SOFIA BARRIONUEVO

SOFIA BARRIONUEVO (Adult Ensemble, u/s Angie) is excited to return to the Count Basie stage after recently playing Daniela in In the Heights. Favorite credits include: A Bronx Tale (Rosina) and Urinetown (Little Sally). Offstage, you can find the Jersey native working on her Etsy business (Monina Studio) or doing background work for TV/film. She would like to thank the production team for this opportunity, the cast & crew for making this experience so memorable, and her family & friends for their continued support!

LAUREN FRIEDMAN

LAUREN FRIEDMAN (Adult Ensemble, u/s Dee Dee Allen) is thrilled to be back on stage with Phoenix after nearly a year, having last been seen as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn in The Music Man this past July. Other credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Grandma Tzeitel), Elf (Deb), The Bridges of Madison County (Marge), and Xanadu (Calliope). When not on stage, Lauren teaches preschool and loves to bake. Much love to Lex, Ani, Sierra, and Liam, and a million thanks to the production staff!

MARIO L.P. GALLARDO

MARIO L.P. GALLARDO (Adult Ensemble, u/s Mr. Hawkins) is excited to be back for his 4th Phoenix Productions show (Joseph…, Mamma Mia!, Elf). In real life, he has a busy Internal Medicine practice. He is also extremely proud to have made his Broadway Co-Producing debut (Marikit Ventures) in 2023 for the groundbreaking, immersive musical Here Lies Love. Much love to his lovely wife Dr. Rose and his talented kids, Kathleen (On/Off Broadway Stage Management) and MG (Medical Physicist). VCL

DANA MALEY

DANA MALEY (Olivia Keating, Adult Ensemble, u/s Mrs. Greene) is beyond thrilled to be in her second Phoenix Productions show at the Count Basie Center for the Arts! Dana would like to thank the fabulous production team, cast, and crew for making The Prom such an amazing experience. And, she is so grateful for her family and friends’ continued support of her theatrical endeavors. Enjoy the show!!💜

MAX SHERMAN

MAX SHERMAN (Adult Ensemble) is thrilled beyond words to be a part of his sixth Phoenix production, working with an ensemble of amazing artists. He is a recent alumnus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, as well as a professional vocal coach. His most recent credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar (Apostle Thomas; Phoenix Productions), Into The Woods (Milky White; Premier Theatre Company), and Matilda (Rudolpho; Premier Theatre Company). This show holds a special place in his heart as it shines a light on how special and beautiful the LGBTQ+ community is. As always, many thanks and love to the cast, the production team, and his family and friends.

GABRIEL ANGEL VALLE

GABRIEL ANGEL VALLE (they/them) (Adult Ensemble, u/s Barry Glickman) is so honored to be a part of this production. Their credits include: In the Heights (Piragüero; Phoenix Productions & CDC), The Addams Family (Uncle Fester; NJCU) and more. Gabriel is truly happy that you get to see them be a new mother, a heteronormative father, and a non-equity performer in this production. Gabriel dedicates these performances to those who didn’t get the chance to go to prom with the person that they loved. This is for you.

JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ODON

JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ODON (Director) is a multi-faceted NJ-based theatre artist who has worked in directing, choreography, stage & production management, set, lighting, sound, costume & prop design, theatre education, music direction, and performing. This show marks Justin’s third production in the director’s seat for Phoenix’s mainstage productions. The past two shows he has directed for Phoenix are The Wizard of Oz (2022) and A Christmas Carol The Musical (2022). Having been part of Phoenix since 2015 as a volunteer in the scene shop and backstage, Justin is delighted to have grown and continue to grow with Phoenix. Justin Christopher is the founder and artistic director of Theatre@Home and Junior Theatre Productions (JTP). He has worked on many productions in the Monmouth/Ocean County area and is recognized for his dedicated work in helping young theatre artists to create and grow. As a performing arts educator, Justin works for many performing arts academies, schools, dance studios, and private studios to help young artists develop their performance skills. A few show credits include: A Chorus Line, In the Heights, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical, Chicago, The Wizard of Oz, and A Christmas Carol The Musical.

MICHAEL GILCH

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 first show with Phoenix Productions. Thanks to James for the opportunity, Justin and Haley for the creativity, and love to Bertie -- who was thrice his prom date -- and will be for any weird future adult proms.

HALEY SCHMALBACH

HALEY SCHMALBACH (Choreographer) has been making rounds through the New Jersey community theatre scene for some time, and is excited to be at Phoenix! Favorite recent credits include: Matilda, Something Rotten!, Cabaret, and Seussical. Big shout out to my amazing husband and little Elora for letting Mommy go to PROM!

TOM HESSMAN

TOM HESSMAN (Production Manager) 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: 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 his Phoenix family, his incredible friends, and his wonderful sister Kat. TomHessman.com

KYLE SANTOPADRE

KYLE SANTOPADRE (Technical Director / Lead Carpenter) has a BA in Theatre with a Design concentration from Rowan University. After college, Kyle worked for Royal Caribbean as Technical Stage Staff on board the Oasis of the Seas (CATS, Frozen In Time, Come Fly With Me, Oasis of Dreams). He is currently the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for The Count Basie Center for the Arts. Past designs include: Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, The Wizard of Oz (Phoenix Productions), Hello, Dolly! (Capital Productions), and Noises Off (Raritan High School). Many thanks to a wonderful production team!

JOANNE PENROSE

JOANNE PENROSE (Costumer) is a retired middle school FACS teacher and is happy to have more time to work on Phoenix productions. She has costumed many shows in her 12 years with Phoenix and is looking forward to many more. Enjoy the show.

ASHLEY CUSACK

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 six year old daughter's imagination.

MARY GARVEY

OLIVIA GRAUSAM

JO WYMER

JO WYMER (Production Stage Manager) is elated to be returning to Phoenix Productions as the Production Stage Manager of The Prom. Recent Phoenix Production credits: Ragtime (Properties, Deck Chief), Once on This Island (Properties, Deck Chief), In the Heights (Assistant Production Manager), Guys and Dolls (Production Stage Manager), Evil Dead The Musical (Production Stage Manager), and The Wizard of Oz (Assistant Stage Manager). Jo is a two-time AMA award winner and two-time Grammy nominee for her original music written for TV and Film. Jo was recently recognized as one of the leading teaching artists by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for 2023. Much love to Dan, Hudson, and Saydee. @jowymermusic or jowymer.com

RYAN ALGER

RYAN ALGER (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back for her third show with Phoenix Productions! Recent credits include: Always Patsy Cline (Asbury Park Theatre Company), The Who's Rock Album TOMMY starring Remember Jones (Axelrod Performing Arts Center), Evil Dead The Musical (Phoenix Productions), and Ragtime (Phoenix Productions). Thank you to the Phoenix family for always being so kind and welcoming. (Hi M&D!)

FRANCESCA RAE SHALOUM

FRANCESCA RAE SHALOUM (Production Assistant) is so excited to have worked on this show! Her plans include graduation from MHSN and attending SUNY Purchase in the fall for a BFA in Stage Management! Former credits include: Young Frankenstein (SM; MHSN), It's a Wonderful Life (SM; MHSN), The Lightning Thief (ASM; Pegasus Productions) Les Misérables (ASM; MHSN), and The Crucible (SM; MHSN).

ANTHONY VIERA

ANTHONY VIERA (Assistant Production Manager) - Thank you for coming to The Prom with us! You might recognize Anthony from some of his onstage appearances in several Phoenix shows through the years; most recently: Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Evil Dead The Musical. Anthony is so happy to be on the other side of the table again after working as the Assistant Director on last season's The Music Man. Break legs, everyone. The night belongs to YOU! This and everything I do is for you, Nan <3.

AMANDA MARINO

AMANDA MARINO (Assistant Director) is thrilled to be part of her 6th Phoenix show. When not at the theatre, Amanda is working for A+E TV Networks and playing music around NJ. She recently wrote/directed/produced the short film That's When the Music Died. Amanda thanks Justin for being a great leader and for trusting her throughout. Amanda thanks the production team and the cast for continuing to let her do what she loves. She also wants to thank her mom, family, and friends for their support. "Enjoy the show."