Always Young The Musical at Theater For The New City

Mark Tunstall is a writer, producer, actor and director. His career spans 25 years. 2024/2025 Current films include: 'Unlicensed' as lead 'Jon' (a boxing trainer), POPEYE: Requiem as lead 'Derek', 'Once Upon a Time in Hollyweird as engineer 'Ted', (with Cillian Murphy, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen and Red Rock Entertainment), 'Death Cries Alone' as gang leader 'Damien' and the role of a snide copper in the gangster feature film ‘Hit’. Mark also joins the cast as lead role ‘Mike’ in thriller ‘Stop Gap’. 2024-26 Stage and TV roles: 'Haywire' in ALWAYS YOUNG The Musical - Off-Broadway, ‘Oleg Salt’ in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Appearing as 'Marc' in new Alan Partridge series 'Who Are You?' and as Warren 'Warnie' Lewis in docu/drama Netflix series 'The Forge of Friendship' and as Keith Cheeseman in crime docu/drama ‘heist’ for SkyTV. Mark appears in ten commercials so far this year for: Emma Finance, NOS Global, ORA AI, BikerGuard, Hello Batch, Primal Queen, Tailored and Forge Skincare, but he loves the stage! Theater, Radio and TV Credits include: Ryan in Idiot Hero, Orin in Little Shop of Horrors, Antipholus in A Comedy of Errors, Edgar Valpor in The Waterhen, Montague in Romeo & Juliet (Royal Opera House), Sir Toby in Twelfth Night, Lt. Ralph Clark in Our Country’s Good, Ryan in Idiot Hero (radio series), Aerys Targaryen in Robert’s Rebellion (Game of Thrones podcast series), Adam Leigh in Brookside (C4), Officer M in Concord: Race for the Supersonic (C4), Hal in Freeride (C4 Films) For further information: https://www.spotlight.com/5314-6723-0611

Eleanna Finokalioti is a Greek-born, New York City–based actress, mezzo-soprano singer, dancer, and activist. She studied Theater (BA in Performing Arts with Distinction) at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and Music and Piano at the National Conservatoire of Athens. Early in her career, she won the 2nd Best Actress Award for her role as Juliet in Romeo & Juliet at the pan - European Olive Festival 2010 in Milan. Theater & Musical Career Highlights Broadway & Off-Broadway: She made her 54 Below debut in the Broadway-bound Goodbye New York: A New Musical by Andrew Beall and Evan McCormack, and has also performed there in Let’s Be Bad: Celebrating Broadway Villains and 54 Sings Céline Dion. Her Off-Broadway credits include GBNY at Theatre 555, Anne Frank, a Musical as Edith at Actors Temple Theatre, and Onassis as Maria Callas at the American Theatre of Actors. Most recent work, Bald Boy: The Musical at The Tank NYC and US, a dance theatre piece for human rights and identity at Theater for the New City. In the U.S., she starred as S. Vembo in Sophia Vembo, I Remember You at THESPIS Theatre of the Hellenic Cultural Center NYC during the GRis Festival 2024, earning strong reviews. Other performances include A Chorus Line at CDC Theatre, The Miracle of Christmas at Queens Theatre. Regional/Theatrical Performances: Her earlier work in Europe includes Cabaret, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Nightingale and The Rose, and Idomeneus at the Ancient Stadium of Epidaurus. Film & TV She starred as Fotini in the popular TV series One August Night, based on Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel. Her film credits include The Waiter (Netflix) , The Penal Colony, Ein Sommer in Griechenland (ZDF), and the short No Good Deed. Concerts & Music As a musician, she released her first album "Taxidia Psichis" in 2017 under Polymusic Records, and has performed at Carnegie Hall with Manhattan Concert Productions in Requiem (Mozart) and LUX (Dan Forrest). She is also a jury member at the 2025 ALPINALE Kurzfilmfestival and the 2025 San Francisco Greek Film Festival, and continues her live concert appearances along the East Coast.

Tony Azzaro is a professional actor, dancer & choreographer based in the Philadelphia & NYC region, currently repped by Glitter Talent Agency and Suite Talent Management. Some of his highlights include working with Kenny Ortega (Dirty Dancing, High School Musical & Descendants), Luis Salgado (On Your Feet) and Jason Segal (How I Met Your Mother & Dispatches from Elsewhere). Some other credits include: AMC, CBS, Telemundo, ABC, Discovery, Comedy Central, plus various indie films & commercial work. He would like to first thank his incredible wife, and family, for always running side by side with him through the crazy adventure that is life. He would also like to thank anyone who has ever seen something in him (particularly Hilda & Ryan), and given him the chance to tell a story. May the Force be with you, and stay Always Young.

LEXI ROSENBLUM is thrilled to be a part of Always Young! Previous theatre credits include Good Morning New York (Workshop/Off-Broadway), Smile (NJACT Perry Association Nom.) and Runaways (Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical at Bucks County Playhouse’s Annual Theatre Festival). She also can be seen in the short film Shidduch (Anastasia Fetisova) and was a part of the podcast play A Christmas Fart (Jacklyn Thrapp), which can be heard on Spotify/Itunes/Apple Music. She would like to thank AMDA for her training and her family for their constant love and support!

Zach Liddick (He/Him) is an actor based in NYC with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Fredonia University. Off-Broadway: The Things We Know (AMT Theatre). Regional: Romeo and Juliet (Greycliff Manor), Mason Wright is Not a Mother (Alleyway Theatre), All Shook Up (Paul Bunyan Playhouse). Legally Blonde (Priscilla Beach Theatre), Spamalot (Priscilla Beach Theatre), Mince Pie of Doom (Main Street Studios), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Main Street Studios), A Christmas Carol (Main Street Studios), and Footloose (Lockport Palace Theatre) Live Entertainment: Valleyfair (3 seasons), Hawks Cay (2 seasons), Dollywood (1 Season), Anakeesta (1 Season). Zach is DEI certified and SAFD Certified in 7 weapon disciplines. Website: zach-liddick.com

Marion Avila is a Mexican American, New York City-Based Actress, Singer, and Musician. Originally from Syracuse, New York, Marion graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a BPS in Musical Theatre Performance before moving back home to focus on family. After performing in several local productions, Marion made the decision to pursue her passion and relocate to NYC where she is currently based. Marion made her regional debut in Geva Theatre Center’s A Christmas Carol in 2021 as a Londoner and Understudy for Mrs. Cratchit and Mrs. Dilber. Her other credits include Sunday in the Park with George (Dot/Marie), The Spitfire Grill (Percy Talbot), The Drowsy Chaperone (The Drowsy Chaperone), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park, Big Fish (Jenny Hill), and Prescription Murder (Susan). Marion is excited to announce that Always Young at Theater for the New City will be her first off-Broadway credit! She is so excited to start this next chapter of her life with the team of Always Young and would like to thank her friends and family for their unwavering support!!

Lily (she/her) is stoked to be making her Off-Broadway debut as a part of the cast of Always Young. She is a New York City-based actor and Intimacy Coordinator with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch, where she studied at the New Studio on Broadway and Stonestreet Film Studios. Her favorite stage credits include Dromio of Ephesus (Comedy of Errors) and Martha Bessell (Spring Awakening). Film Credits include Peyton (Somewhere/Nowhere), Charlotte (Charlotte's Turn) and Georgia (French Bisexuals). She is currently earning her Intimacy Coordinator's Certification through IDC Professionals Training Program so that she can dive deeper into the work of fashioning personal and powerful stories while making sure everyone is feeling safe and having fun. She wants to thank her loved ones for their unconditional support. Visit her at lilyaman.com

Max Hunkler is a New York City based actor, and is thrilled to be playing Quiet Thomas in Always Young! Originally from Cincinnati, OH, and attending Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN , Max has acted in several professional and college level productions in those areas. Notable Professional credits include: Denny in “Shboom! Life Could Be a Dream” at Cumberland County Playhouse, Sam u/s and Ensemble in “Ghost the Musical” at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, Monsieur D’arque and Ensemble in “Beauty and The Beast Jr.” at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Bob Wallace in “White Christmas”, Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof”, and also Dmitry in “Anastasia” at Audience of One Productions. Notable credits in college productions at Lipscomb University include: King Claudius u/s in “Hamlet”, Lord Lovelace in “Ada and the Engine”, Peter Stockman in “An Enemy of the People”, and Man 2 in “Songs for a New World”. In New York City, Max was just recently in “Sleepy Hollow The Musical” Off-Broadway at The Players Theatre, playing the role of The Headless Horseman, ensemble, and Brom/Henry Understudy. Always Young is just Max’s second production in NYC, as he just moved here in June, and he can’t wait to see what is in store for this awesome show! Website: maxhunkler.com

Darren Kenzie (He/Him) is a New York based actor with training in classical voice and musical theatre from Belmont University and AMDA. He is an apprentice voice teacher with the New York Singing Teachers Association and is under the guidance of it's president, Elizabeth Saunders. He also currently teaches at the New Windsor School of Music. His most recent credits for stage include multiple voice roles in Storme (staged reading with PPADC), fairy god parent Orchid with the Disney company Spoonful of Sugar Ent. and as a guest singer at the annual Beatles Fest in Jersey City. Darren is also a drag performer, part of the idol dance team Stargazers and a competitive cosplayer at the master level.

Max is thrilled to be making his Off-Broadway debut! Selected theatre credits include: For The Birds (Reverie Room NYC), The Greenhouse (KCACTF, J. Harvey Stone), MAD Lucy (World Premiere Production, William Schermerhorn). Max wants to thank everyone who helped him reach this moment, especially his mom — without her none of this would be possible.

James Trained at Italia Conti Arts Centre Guildford, and is represented by Unique Castings After Studying Musical Theatre at Italia Conti James later went on to work as a vocalist and entertainer for TUI, as well as working as a vocalist and entertainer in the UK, James has also had the opportunity to work on TV (Made In Chelsea) James’ Newer Credits include American Idiot, Rent, and landing a lead role in the the first in a 3 part horror ANTHOLOGY called Rendlesham James is excited to make his Off-Broadway Debut, and is looking forward to bringing the Character of Johnny to life.

Since Michelle started ROOMS101 LTD with Mark Tunstall in 2022, the Production House has grown rapidly. Michelle first became involved in production as an Associate Producer for the film ‘Five Cars’, and then Executive Producer of ‘Unlicensed’, both feature films, written by Mark Hampton. Last year, Rooms101 began filming on ‘Death Cries Alone’, written by Sean Staab. Currently, Rooms101 is also casting for a triple bill horror anthology, with filming starting in 2026. In addition to the feature films, Rooms101 Has also become home to singer-songwriter Ben Hughes, producing his first album, available now on Spotify. We also have several TV, radio and stage projects in the pipeline, but this year has been all about Always Young. This has been a huge career change for Michelle, having spent the last 30 years working as a nurse, specialising in Neurodiversity and mental health.

Mark Tunstall is a writer, producer, actor and director. His career spans 25 years. As a writer Mark has written a six part radio comedy series 'Idiot Hero' for Vision Radio. An upcoming radio sitcom 'Alma-Mater' and television series pilot 'BIG When they Were little' begin production in 2026. His first play 'Idiot Hero' premiered at The Tabard Theatre, London in 2010 and transferred to The New End Theatre, London in 2011. His first musical 'Always Young' is based on his book 'Cautionary Tales for Kidults' published by Novum House. Mark Tunstall is a journalist and writes articles for various publications. As a director Mark is in production for the first film in a three part horror anthology titled 'Rendlesham', filming began in September 2025.

Tony Azzaro is a professional actor, dancer & choreographer based in the Philadelphia & NYC region, currently repped by Glitter Talent Agency and Suite Talent Management. Aside from his work as a performer, Tony is heavily involved in arts education as the co-owner of Impact Dance Complex, and director of a local school drama program.

Lena Broach (she/her) is a lighting designer and programmer, recently graduated from Boston University with a BFA in Lighting Design. Recent design credits include Something Rotten (TheaterUp), Urinetown (Swampscott High School), Siren Song (Boston University Opera Institute), and i love you and i always will or charlie's play (MSDL Theater). See more of her work at lenabroach.com

Jonathan Castro is a multifaceted artist who has worked both in front of and behind the scenes. While working mostly in television and film the last several years, he is thrilled to return to the art of live theatre, and to assist in this production coming alive on the New York City stage.

Lulu Chen is a New York-based Taiwanese independent producer, film composer, pianist and oboist. Lulu received her B.A. in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music. Her music style combines elements of orchestral, acoustic, electronic, and synthesized genres to create an imaginative and diverse soundscape. As a keyboardist, Lulu has been a part of the China tour of Cats: The Musical, Off-Broadway productions including Shrek, High School Musical, and Bubble Boy, and served as the music director at The Gingerbread Players’ production of Little Women. She has performed at events/venues including Make Music New York, Steinway x JFK concert, Carnegie Hall, and NYC piano week 2024. She also played for Hong Kong pop singers Adia Chen and Chris Huang. Lulu’s score for the short film, One Last Monster, won the top prize at the 2020 Lonely Wolf: London International Film Festival. Most recently she produced hip-hop piano music with various rappers, and scored the movie “Welcome”, directed by Drica Armstrong. In 2024, Lulu composed music for the new musical “Always Young”

Tom started playing the piano in childhood, and has always tried to remain in that state as much as possible in the intervening years. In primary school, playing the hymns taught him a lot about playing the piano that he kept close in mind. The biggest lesson that he learned was that if a piece begins and ends consummately and decisively, the audience rarely notices what happens in between. Always Young is his first professional Pianist role, besides playing for a large village wedding, where he was asked to play in a corridor, while guests dined noisily in a room nearby. In the past Tom has usually been paid for his piano playing skills in drinks, but to this day, he has never found a reliable method of storing them for use in the future.

Brad has always loved music, he studied Music Performance at BIMM Brighton. This is where he formed his current band “could be ghosts”; A post-hardcore band, gigging regularly in Brighton and London. They released their first album in November 2025, with a number of singles also available for download. Always Young is Brad’s first venture into Musical Theatre, as lead guitarist, and loved the challenge of developing the composed music to include guitar accompaniment.

Carlos Bain has a PhD in nuclear physics, and is a heavy metal drummer, having been a part of several bands within his youth. At university,Carlos was part of a band that released a charity CD. Now he is currently a session drummer for the Ben Hughes band. He also works as a support artist. Carlos has enjoyed adding the drum accompaniment to the musical numbers, although found "tuning down" his drums from heavy metal to musical volume a challenge!

Carlo grew up in Kent and is a professional musician and composer, he has written over two hundred songs and scored plays and short films. At seventeen he was featured on BBC introducing and since then he has received airplay on national and international radio stations. The scope of his work is broad, including a soundtrack of traditional Indian music and several songs in the French language. Carlo’s idiosyncratic arrangements conjure soundscapes that are unique and innovative. He can play a multitude of instruments, ranging from the guitar to the penny whistle. As well as writing music, he also produces and masters other artists work, having recently worked on a meditation album and a classical solo piano collection. Later this year, he will release his third solo album, entitled “Poets Corner”.

After passing her LAMDA exams and Teaching Diploma, she started her acting career. She played Jenny Diver in Brecht’s ‘The Threepenny Opera’ at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, as a part of NYMT, worked with Richad Stilgoe’s ‘Bodyworks’, and the NYMT’s ‘the Ragged Child’ in Toronto, New York, and the Royal Aalbert Hall. At 19, Tiffany studied classical opera, solfege, and drama, at the Conservatoire De Bordeaux. It was at this time that she also started singing semi-professionally, accompanying various French rock bands. On her return to England, She joined the band ‘The Young Punx’, and commenced tours all throughout Japan, The US, Europe and the Uk, With audiences as big as 12,000 (JAPAN’S AKG NANO-MUGEN FESTIVAL). Following her success in japan, Tiffany began recording with Replay Heaven and Uniting Nations, including collaborations with Chicane, Cassius, Tom Jones, Kraak & Smaak, Estelle, Cabin Crew, Medcab, Ezio, and The Boogaloo Band. More recently, she has become a big part of the UK music scene, most notably singing BV-s With ‘The Floyd Effect’ – A tribute group to Pink Floyd – playing in theatres across the Country. Alongside this, She has also been a part of ‘MR Griff’, an up and coming funk soul band, taking festival crowds by storm.

Zach brings his experience working in marketing to the Always Young Production Team, producing our engaging and eye catching social media and poster. His wealth of experience working in theater also extends to qualifications as an Intimacy Coordinator and Stage Combat Coordinator. Certified by the SAFD in 7 weapon disciplines for fight choreography. Both these skills were priceless during the development of the show.

Darren's extensive experience working as a Drag Performer and at Master level in Competitive Cosplay brought excellent skilled wig design to the Always Young team.