2024 Summer of Musicals
June - August 2024
Cultural District
Benedum Center
“ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS!” - Daily Mail
Over 54 million people all around the world have fallen in love with MAMMA MIA!, the ultimate feel-good show! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. ABBA's timeless songs infuse this enchanting tale of family, friendship and love, with non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers that make MAMMA MIA! a smash hit. “The Winner Takes It All,” “S.O.S.,” “Take a Chance on Me” and more will have you dancing in the aisles like a “Dancing Queen!"
MATT BOGART (Sam Carmichael) is pleased to return to Pittsburgh CLO where he last played Curly in Oklahoma alongside Shirley Jones. Broadway: Jersey Boys, Aida, Miss Saigon, The Civil War, Smokey Joe’s Café, Camelot (National Tour). Premiered leading roles at Arena Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, Old Globe, Goodspeed and Cincinatti Playhouse. Performances at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and with the Oklahoma City, Philly Pops, Columbus, Wichita and Kentucky Symphony Orchestras. TV: Vinyl, Smash, Law and Order and Law and Order: SVU. B.F.A., Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Love to his wife Jessica and two boys, Easton and Trulane. Album available on iTunes. www.MattBogart.com
WILL BRANNER (Pepper) is thrilled to be joining the team at Pittsburgh CLO. Recent credits include October Sky (The Old Globe), Nikola Tesla Drops The Beat (Adirondack Theatre Festival), Jesus Christ Superstar (MTW), and Dogfight (Farmers Alley). Along with acting Will is an aspiring director. Recent directing credits include John Barrett Salon (Film), Gruesome Playground Injuries, and Rock of Ages. B.F.A. University of Michigan. www.willbranner.com. @lordbranner
MICHELLE DAWSON (Tanya) Broadway: Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark; Mamma Mia!; Ragtime; Show Boat; Cyrano, The Musical. National Tours: Mamma Mia!; Seven Brides ...; The Secret Garden; The Music of ALW. Pre-Broadway: First Wives Club. Regional: Jekyll & Hyde, Grease, A Little Night Music (Pittsburgh CLO), Evita (Pioneer), Man Of La Mancha among others (WBT). TV: Law & Order, All My Children, Tony Awards 2009 (featured performer), Carnegie Mellon (B.F.A.). www.Michelle-Dawson.com
LORI HAMMEL (Rosie) Broadway: Mamma Mia! National Tours: Mamma Mia!; 9 to 5; I Love Lucy Live (Ethel Mertz). Off Broadway: Forbidden Broadway; I Love You, You’re Perfect..; Unbroken Circle; Bardy Bunch. NY Fringe Acting Award (2015). Regional:The Bikinis (Goodspeed/Long Wharf); Happy Days; Forbidden Hollywood (Jeff/After Dark Award); Little Me (Jeff nomination), Singin’ in the Rain (Jeff nomination/After Dark Award). TV: 30 Rock; Colbert Report; The Following; Master of None. Film: Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading; She’s Lost Control; Coney Island Queen (Cannes). Visit: LoriHammel.com
ERIKA HENNINGSEN (Sophie Sheridan) is ecstatic to be back at the Benedum and on another island this season! She was last seen at Pittsburgh CLO as Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Broadway: Les Miserables. New York: Show Boat: PBS Live from Lincoln Center, Dear World starring Tyne Daly. Regional: Originated the role of Beth in Diner at Signature Theater; Found, Hairspray. Recordings: The Theory of Relativity. Concerts: 54 Below, Jazz at Lincoln Center. University of Michigan alum; recipient of the Alan Eisenberg Actors’ Equity Award.
BETH STAFFORD LAIRD (Ali) was last seen playing Katherine in Pittsburgh CLO’s Newsies, and is elated to be returning for Mamma Mia! Tours: Newsies 1st Nat’l (Female Swing), Beauty and the Beast Internat’l (Belle u/s), Ghost 1st Nat’l (Molly u/s). Regional: Nikola Tesla Drops The Beat (Anna/White Pigeon), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Sweeney Todd (Joanna), NSMT’s A Christmas Carol (Meg/Ensemble). Film: Newsies Live! (Nun/Bowery Beauty) Now available on iTunes. Emerson ‘11. Endless love and thanks to her family, Matty, and The Mine. @staffordlaird
BILLY MASON (Eddie) is thrilled to spend another summer at Pittsburgh CLO! Most recently seen as Piragua in In the Heights, Black Dude in The Toxic Avenger, and last summer in Aida and as Henri in South Pacific. Other favorite roles include Judas in JCS, Shrek in Shrek the Musical and Horton in Seussical. Billy Thanks God, his family and friends for strength and wisdom. Blessings! Corinthians 13:13. LDTB! Follow me: billy-mason.com
RICK NEGRON (Harry Bright) Rick was born and raised in Puerto Rico and received his BA from Sarah Lawrence College. Broadway credits: Leader of the Pack, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Legs Diamond, Man of La Mancha, The Goodbye Girl, Ragtime (L.A.), Mamma Mia! (Las Vegas), Kevin Rosario in In the Heights. National Tours: West Side Story (Action, Riff, Bernardo), Man of La Mancha. Danced in Michael Jackson’s Bad video and Chicago the movie. Rick resides in Los Angeles. Love to Leslie!
SALLY ANN TRIPLETT (Donna Sheridan) Broadway: Finding Neverland (Mrs Du Maurier), The Last Ship (Peggy White), Carrie (Sue Snell). West End: Follies (Young Phillis), Grease (Rizzo), Jolson (Ruby Keeler), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney and winner of What’s On Stage), Chicago (Roxy), Guys and Dolls ( Miss Adelaide), Mamma Mia! (Donna), Viva Forever (Lauren), Cats (Grizabella). International: Life Of The Party with Andrew Lippa, Next To Normal (Diana Goodman with Pangdemonium in Singapore), My Judy Garland Life (nominated for best actress for regional UK awards), Damsel In Distress (Chichester Festival). TV: Eastenders, Holby City, Doctors, Down To Earth.
ZURIN VILLANUEVA (Lisa) is thrilled to be a part of this production. Originally from Brooklyn, NY. Broadway: Shuffle Along. National Tour: Book of Mormon. Regional: Ruined (Everyman Theater), Ragtime (Barrington Stage), Good News (Goodspeed Opera House), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Crossroads) and Crowns (Arena Stage). B.F.A.: Howard University. Thanks to Telsey and BRS/Gage Agency. Love before all else!
RYAN VONA (Sky) makes his Pittsburgh CLO debut with Mamma Mia! A native of Boston, MA, he has been seen on Broadway as Andrej in Once and this year creating the role of Joey Green for Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour. Also a singer/songwriter, you can find his debut album, Somebody, on iTunes & Spotify and updates on RyanVona.com. Thanks & love to Caitlin, SMS, Moony & Joe Magarac. For mostly photos of his dog, follow @ryanvona
CHRISTIAN WHELAN (Bill Austin) Broadway/National Tours: Flashdance, Mamma Mia!, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Aida, Ragtime, Little House on the Prairie, Camelot. Off B’way: Ministry of Progress, Trolls, Emerald Man. Regional: Little Mermaid, Oliver!, Little Shop of Horrors, 110 In The Shade, Footloose, Johnny Guitar, Pollock, The Miracle Worker, Unsinkable Molly Brown, Working, Utah! Film/TV: Beach Ratz (Sundance Award winner), Nowhere Ever After, Celebrity, TomCats, Angel Town, Blacklist, General Hospital, Guiding Light, All My Children, Delaventura. B.F.A. from University of Southern California. Proud member of AEA.
SKY BENNETT (Ensemble) is titillated to be making his Pittsburgh CLO debut this summer! Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he is a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School and the Pittsburgh Musical Theater Pre-College Program. He has just finished his freshman year as a B.F.A. Musical Theater major at Pace University in New York City. Love to Dad, Joseph, PMT and Pittsburgh CLO!
IG: @whosthatguyitssky
KELLYANN COYLE (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be making her debut here at the Pittsburgh CLO. She just recently graduated from Point Park University with a major in dance and a minor in musical theatre. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their love and support! Kellyanncoyle.com
LYDIA RUTH DAWSON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Favorite regional credits: Mamma Mia! (Lisa), West Side Story (Anybodys), Rent (Alexi Darling), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Truly), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), The Sound of Music (Liesl). Grand Rapids Ballet, the Moscow Ballet, and the Joffrey Ballet in NYC. Hope College B.F.A.. Thanks to Joey. Love to Eric, my heart, my light! For you, Grammy.
ALEX DORF (Ensemble) is thrilled to join Pittsburgh CLO for the first time this summer! Alex was raised in Lancaster, PA and has recently graduated from Penn State (B.F.A. Musical Theatre). Recent credits include Mamma Mia! at Ogunquit Playhouse, Gypsy (Tulsa) and Big River (Tom Sawyer) at Sharon Playhouse and Falsettoland (Whizzer) at Penn State. Thanks to my family and mentors!
CAMERON ANIKA HILL (Ensemble) Pittsburgh CLO debut! Last seen as Lisa in Mamma Mia! at WBT & MTW! Credits - MTW: Aida (Aida u/s), Big Fish, Oklahoma, Pinocchio (Viola), Jesus Christ Superstar. Gretna: Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon). CCM: American Idiot (Extraordinary Girl), 110 in the Shade (Lizzie u/s). CCM class of 2016. Thanks to everyone at CLO, Mom & Dad, and Judy Boals Inc.
JESSICA ICE (Dance Captain, Ensemble) is thrilled to make her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Credits: Cabaret (Rosie), Bat Boy (Shelly), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Cora). Jessica would like to thank her Mom, Dad, brother and sister for their constant support and Abby and Mrs. Miller for years of life (and dance) lessons. Jessica is a graduate of James Madison University. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Mamma Mia!. JessicaIceNYC.com
MICHAEL JAMES (Ensemble) This proud Point Park alumnus is thrilled to return to Pittsburgh this summer! He was last seen as Race in Newsies and Matthew in Altar Boyz at the CLO Cabaret. Recent credits include Bye Bye Birdie (Goodspeed) and the world premiere of Back Home Again (featuring music by John Denver). Special thanks to Barry, Tony, Keven, and his family. @mjbrown815
CASSIE LEVINE (Ensemble) is so excited to make her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She just returned from a four month concert tour in Japan with Disney On Classic. Favorite credits include Stars of David with Daryl Roth Productions, and Pirates at the Muny. CCM grad. Endless thanks to Barry for this opportunity! Shout out to T, and love to my family. BBZC.
CARINA-KAY LOUCHIEY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO for her second season after appearing as The Fairy Godmother in Shrek, along with Aida, Damn Yankees and South Pacific! Carina-Kay is a rising Senior B.F.A. Musical Theatre major at The University of Michigan. Endless thanks to Pittsburgh CLO, her supportive parents, RISPA and BDF! Go Blue! Instagram: carinalouchiey
HAILIE LUCILLE (Ensemble) is currently a Junior Musical Theatre Major at Point Park University where she has performed in Sweet Charity and The Who’s Tommy. Other favorite credits include West Side Story (Anita) and Anything Goes (Reno). She is ecstatic to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! She is grateful for her supporters and to God for making all things possible.
JAVIER MANENTE (Ensemble) is very excited to be performing at the Benedum! Born and raised in Argentina. Recent credits: The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Phoebus,) Spring Awakening (Melchior), Oklahoma (Joe, Ali Hakim u/s), Altar Boyz (Juan). He was last seen at the CLO Cabaret playing Paco in Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage. B.F.A: Point Park University. Follow his adventures @JavierManente
NKEKI OBI-MELEKWE (Ensemble) is a rising senior Musical Theatre major at the University of Michigan. School credits include: The Drowsy Chaperone (The Chaperone), American Idiot (Rebecca). Other credits: All Shook Up (MUNY), Shrek, Aida, South Pacific, (Pittsburgh CLO). Proud member of Actor's Equity. Endless love to her family. Thank you Barry butters! @nkekio
KEVIN PAUL (Enemble) is stoked to be back on stage in Pittsburgh, performing in his second summer season with Pittsburgh CLO! A rising senior B.F.A. Musical Theatre major at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, Kevin is also an avid musician and writer. Favorite roles include: Danny Zuko in Grease, Melchior in Spring Awakening and Jamie in The Last Five Years. Thank you to my teachers and family, for your continuing love and support. Instagram: @kevinwilliampaul
ISAAC COLE POWELL (Ensemble) Recently seen as Nikola Tesla in Nikola Tesla Drops The Beat (Adirondack Theatre Festival). UNCSA B.F.A. Acting Class of 2017. Native of Greensboro, North Carolina. Thrilled to be at Pittsburgh CLO for the first time!
TAYLOR KELLAS WARREN (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the Benedum Stage and Pittsburgh CLO after performing in the resident ensemble in last summer’s season! Graduating from Point Park University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theater (’16), he is pumped to be back in Pittsburgh. All his love and gratitude to his wonderful family for their unyielding support!
DAVIS WAYNE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be at Pittsburgh CLO! Davis is a Pittsburgh native and recent graduate of Pace’s musical theatre program. Favorite credits include: North Shore Music Theatre, Theatre by the Sea, The World Premiere of Chasing Rainbows the Musical, and countless PMT productions. Thank you and love to the entire team at Pittsburgh CLO from the back of the house to the front. RKHDKP Instagram: @Davis_wayne
BARRY IVAN (Director / Choreographer) National and International directing credits range from Yale to the German State Opera. Highlighted Pittsburgh CLO credits: Sunset Boulevard, Company, A Little Night Music, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Footloose, Aida, West Side Story. Mr. Ivan’s regional premiere production of Hairspray won the Best Musical IRNE award, as did his The Full Monty; and he is IRNE nominated as Best Director for Nine and Les Misérables. As producer, his production of Showboat received the Elliot Norton Award for Best Musical. New development works include the US Premiere of Dracula: A Chamber Musical; #Love is Love featuring the music of Bobby Cronin at Broadway at the W; at the Dramatists Guild: the new play Power Plays; and TV Pilots: Nightstand, Fan Girl and Insomnia. Barry is thrilled to be working with the incredibly talented Pittsburgh CLO staff, cast and crew!
JAMES CUNNINGHAM (Music Director) New York: Avenue Q, music director for Bunnicula (TheaterworksUSA and original cast recording) and Happy Birthday (TACT). National Tours: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Spamalot, Evita and Cats. Regionally, he has conducted productions for Casa Mañana, North Carolina Theatre, Sharon Playhouse, Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Engeman Theater, Paper Mill Playhouse, The MUNY and Cape Fear Regional Theatre. He holds degrees from Manhattan School of Music and New York University.
J BRANSON (Set Designer) is a Chicago-based designer who began his career as a student Apprentice at Music Theatre Wichita more than 30 years ago. Credits for MTW include: Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie¸ Mary Poppins (also for the Walnut Street Theatre), Legally Blonde, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. National tour credits: The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and Brigadoon. Recent work includes A Christmas Story at the Walnut Street Theatre.
ED McCARTHY (Lighting Designer): Southern Comfort at the Public Theater. Broadway: Adaptation of Coram Boy (2007 Tony nomination); Benefit of Once on This Island. Over 70 Off-Bway and regional shows. Associate Lighting Designer for all companies of Mamma Mia! in the Western Hemisphere. Television: Peter Pan Live, Sound of Music Live, Grammy Awards, 2-time Emmy nominee, the last 17 Tony Awards. NYU Tisch School of the Arts alum and teacher.
DIXON REYNOLDS (Costume Designer) is an Associate Professor of Costume Design at State University of New York at Fredonia and a freelance designer. Dixon is the resident costume designer at the Kavinoky Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Designs have been seen at Music Theatre Wichita, Irish Classical Theatre, ART Park, Summer Repertory Theatre, Buffalo United Artists, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Hartt School of Music, Triad Stage, and American Dance Festival.
JEFF KNAGGS (Hair Designer) TUTS: Dreamgirls, Into The Woods, How to Succeed…, The Rocky Horror Show, Million Dollar Quartet, Heathers, Mary Poppins, Sweet Potato Queens, Bonnie & Clyde, A Christmas Story, Music Man. Broadway: Spamalot, Les Misérables, The Woman in White, Beauty and the Beast, Dracula, Movin’ Out, 42nd Street and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Regional: Mamma Mia!, Peepshow, Young Frankenstein, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dancing With The Stars and America’s Got Talent.
RENÉE RIMLAND (Production Stage Manager) is happy to be back at Pittsburgh CLO! Broadway: Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Fosse, Jekyll & Hyde, Steel Pier. National Tours: 42nd Street, Beauty…, Les Misérables, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Phantom of the Opera, Savion! Footnotes, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Evita, Bye Bye Birdie. She is proudest of her latest production, her beautiful daughter, Jocelyn! Longstanding AEA member.
HEATHER ANKLEY (Assistant Stage Manager) has recently worked with The REP, Pittsburgh CLO, PICT, Pittsburgh Opera, Utah Opera and many more. She is a member of AEA, AGMA, and IATSE Lo. #3, Recent Credits: Woody’s Order, A Musical Christmas Carol, Wig Out, Merchant of Venice, Choir Boy, Souvenir, Last Five Years, Man of La Mancha, Carmen, Falstaff, Dead Man Walking, Magic Flute, Billy Budd, Grapes of Wrath, Hansel and Gretel, Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme.
KELLY HAYWOOD (Assistant Stage Manager) Past productions with Pittsburgh CLO include: Disney’s Newsies, In the Heights, Aida, Damn Yankees, South Pacific, Shrek, Mary Poppins, Monty Python’s Spamalot, A Musical Christmas Carol and 42nd Street. Pittsburgh Public Theater: Born Yesterday, Noises Off, An Iliad and True West. World Premiere of Tell it to the Marines. Kelly has also done several productions with the Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet.
TONY GONZALEZ (Assistant to Director / Choreographer) Tony has thoroughly enjoyed a 9 year run with the Broadway, National Tour, Las Vegas, and Royal Caribbean productions of Mamma Mia! Other credits include the National Tours of Saturday Night Fever, Joseph; Las Vegas productions of We Will Rock You; and two Japan tours of Disney On Classic. Most recently he has been directing, choreographing, and performing in many productions with The Transcendence Theatre Company, Sonoma CA. Thank you Mom, Dad, Angie, Becca, Barry, and the team at Pittsburgh CLO!
TELSEY + COMPANY (Casting) Broadway/Tours: Anastasia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hello, Dolly!, War Paint, Present Laughter, Come from Away, Waitress, On Your Feet!, Hamilton, Kinky Boots, Wicked, Something Rotten!, The King and I, An American in Paris, The Sound of Music. Film: Miss Sloane, Into the Woods, Margin Call, Rachel Getting Married, Across the Universe. TV: This Is Us, I’m Dying Up Here, One Day at a Time, Julie’s Greenroom, commercials. www.telseyandco.com
Jul 28, 2017 - Aug 06, 2017
Benedum Center
Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, including intermission
Find directions, traffic alerts and affordable parking options.
Tue, Aug 1 at 8:00pm
Children under the age of 3 will NOT be admitted to the theater.
Benedum Center
“ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS!” - Daily Mail
Over 54 million people all around the world have fallen in love with MAMMA MIA!, the ultimate feel-good show! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. ABBA's timeless songs infuse this enchanting tale of family, friendship and love, with non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers that make MAMMA MIA! a smash hit. “The Winner Takes It All,” “S.O.S.,” “Take a Chance on Me” and more will have you dancing in the aisles like a “Dancing Queen!"
MATT BOGART (Sam Carmichael) is pleased to return to Pittsburgh CLO where he last played Curly in Oklahoma alongside Shirley Jones. Broadway: Jersey Boys, Aida, Miss Saigon, The Civil War, Smokey Joe’s Café, Camelot (National Tour). Premiered leading roles at Arena Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, Old Globe, Goodspeed and Cincinatti Playhouse. Performances at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and with the Oklahoma City, Philly Pops, Columbus, Wichita and Kentucky Symphony Orchestras. TV: Vinyl, Smash, Law and Order and Law and Order: SVU. B.F.A., Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Love to his wife Jessica and two boys, Easton and Trulane. Album available on iTunes. www.MattBogart.com
WILL BRANNER (Pepper) is thrilled to be joining the team at Pittsburgh CLO. Recent credits include October Sky (The Old Globe), Nikola Tesla Drops The Beat (Adirondack Theatre Festival), Jesus Christ Superstar (MTW), and Dogfight (Farmers Alley). Along with acting Will is an aspiring director. Recent directing credits include John Barrett Salon (Film), Gruesome Playground Injuries, and Rock of Ages. B.F.A. University of Michigan. www.willbranner.com. @lordbranner
MICHELLE DAWSON (Tanya) Broadway: Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark; Mamma Mia!; Ragtime; Show Boat; Cyrano, The Musical. National Tours: Mamma Mia!; Seven Brides ...; The Secret Garden; The Music of ALW. Pre-Broadway: First Wives Club. Regional: Jekyll & Hyde, Grease, A Little Night Music (Pittsburgh CLO), Evita (Pioneer), Man Of La Mancha among others (WBT). TV: Law & Order, All My Children, Tony Awards 2009 (featured performer), Carnegie Mellon (B.F.A.). www.Michelle-Dawson.com
LORI HAMMEL (Rosie) Broadway: Mamma Mia! National Tours: Mamma Mia!; 9 to 5; I Love Lucy Live (Ethel Mertz). Off Broadway: Forbidden Broadway; I Love You, You’re Perfect..; Unbroken Circle; Bardy Bunch. NY Fringe Acting Award (2015). Regional:The Bikinis (Goodspeed/Long Wharf); Happy Days; Forbidden Hollywood (Jeff/After Dark Award); Little Me (Jeff nomination), Singin’ in the Rain (Jeff nomination/After Dark Award). TV: 30 Rock; Colbert Report; The Following; Master of None. Film: Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading; She’s Lost Control; Coney Island Queen (Cannes). Visit: LoriHammel.com
ERIKA HENNINGSEN (Sophie Sheridan) is ecstatic to be back at the Benedum and on another island this season! She was last seen at Pittsburgh CLO as Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Broadway: Les Miserables. New York: Show Boat: PBS Live from Lincoln Center, Dear World starring Tyne Daly. Regional: Originated the role of Beth in Diner at Signature Theater; Found, Hairspray. Recordings: The Theory of Relativity. Concerts: 54 Below, Jazz at Lincoln Center. University of Michigan alum; recipient of the Alan Eisenberg Actors’ Equity Award.
BETH STAFFORD LAIRD (Ali) was last seen playing Katherine in Pittsburgh CLO’s Newsies, and is elated to be returning for Mamma Mia! Tours: Newsies 1st Nat’l (Female Swing), Beauty and the Beast Internat’l (Belle u/s), Ghost 1st Nat’l (Molly u/s). Regional: Nikola Tesla Drops The Beat (Anna/White Pigeon), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Sweeney Todd (Joanna), NSMT’s A Christmas Carol (Meg/Ensemble). Film: Newsies Live! (Nun/Bowery Beauty) Now available on iTunes. Emerson ‘11. Endless love and thanks to her family, Matty, and The Mine. @staffordlaird
BILLY MASON (Eddie) is thrilled to spend another summer at Pittsburgh CLO! Most recently seen as Piragua in In the Heights, Black Dude in The Toxic Avenger, and last summer in Aida and as Henri in South Pacific. Other favorite roles include Judas in JCS, Shrek in Shrek the Musical and Horton in Seussical. Billy Thanks God, his family and friends for strength and wisdom. Blessings! Corinthians 13:13. LDTB! Follow me: billy-mason.com
RICK NEGRON (Harry Bright) Rick was born and raised in Puerto Rico and received his BA from Sarah Lawrence College. Broadway credits: Leader of the Pack, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Legs Diamond, Man of La Mancha, The Goodbye Girl, Ragtime (L.A.), Mamma Mia! (Las Vegas), Kevin Rosario in In the Heights. National Tours: West Side Story (Action, Riff, Bernardo), Man of La Mancha. Danced in Michael Jackson’s Bad video and Chicago the movie. Rick resides in Los Angeles. Love to Leslie!
SALLY ANN TRIPLETT (Donna Sheridan) Broadway: Finding Neverland (Mrs Du Maurier), The Last Ship (Peggy White), Carrie (Sue Snell). West End: Follies (Young Phillis), Grease (Rizzo), Jolson (Ruby Keeler), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney and winner of What’s On Stage), Chicago (Roxy), Guys and Dolls ( Miss Adelaide), Mamma Mia! (Donna), Viva Forever (Lauren), Cats (Grizabella). International: Life Of The Party with Andrew Lippa, Next To Normal (Diana Goodman with Pangdemonium in Singapore), My Judy Garland Life (nominated for best actress for regional UK awards), Damsel In Distress (Chichester Festival). TV: Eastenders, Holby City, Doctors, Down To Earth.
ZURIN VILLANUEVA (Lisa) is thrilled to be a part of this production. Originally from Brooklyn, NY. Broadway: Shuffle Along. National Tour: Book of Mormon. Regional: Ruined (Everyman Theater), Ragtime (Barrington Stage), Good News (Goodspeed Opera House), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Crossroads) and Crowns (Arena Stage). B.F.A.: Howard University. Thanks to Telsey and BRS/Gage Agency. Love before all else!
RYAN VONA (Sky) makes his Pittsburgh CLO debut with Mamma Mia! A native of Boston, MA, he has been seen on Broadway as Andrej in Once and this year creating the role of Joey Green for Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour. Also a singer/songwriter, you can find his debut album, Somebody, on iTunes & Spotify and updates on RyanVona.com. Thanks & love to Caitlin, SMS, Moony & Joe Magarac. For mostly photos of his dog, follow @ryanvona
CHRISTIAN WHELAN (Bill Austin) Broadway/National Tours: Flashdance, Mamma Mia!, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Aida, Ragtime, Little House on the Prairie, Camelot. Off B’way: Ministry of Progress, Trolls, Emerald Man. Regional: Little Mermaid, Oliver!, Little Shop of Horrors, 110 In The Shade, Footloose, Johnny Guitar, Pollock, The Miracle Worker, Unsinkable Molly Brown, Working, Utah! Film/TV: Beach Ratz (Sundance Award winner), Nowhere Ever After, Celebrity, TomCats, Angel Town, Blacklist, General Hospital, Guiding Light, All My Children, Delaventura. B.F.A. from University of Southern California. Proud member of AEA.
SKY BENNETT (Ensemble) is titillated to be making his Pittsburgh CLO debut this summer! Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he is a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School and the Pittsburgh Musical Theater Pre-College Program. He has just finished his freshman year as a B.F.A. Musical Theater major at Pace University in New York City. Love to Dad, Joseph, PMT and Pittsburgh CLO!
IG: @whosthatguyitssky
KELLYANN COYLE (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be making her debut here at the Pittsburgh CLO. She just recently graduated from Point Park University with a major in dance and a minor in musical theatre. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their love and support! Kellyanncoyle.com
LYDIA RUTH DAWSON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Favorite regional credits: Mamma Mia! (Lisa), West Side Story (Anybodys), Rent (Alexi Darling), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Truly), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), The Sound of Music (Liesl). Grand Rapids Ballet, the Moscow Ballet, and the Joffrey Ballet in NYC. Hope College B.F.A.. Thanks to Joey. Love to Eric, my heart, my light! For you, Grammy.
ALEX DORF (Ensemble) is thrilled to join Pittsburgh CLO for the first time this summer! Alex was raised in Lancaster, PA and has recently graduated from Penn State (B.F.A. Musical Theatre). Recent credits include Mamma Mia! at Ogunquit Playhouse, Gypsy (Tulsa) and Big River (Tom Sawyer) at Sharon Playhouse and Falsettoland (Whizzer) at Penn State. Thanks to my family and mentors!
CAMERON ANIKA HILL (Ensemble) Pittsburgh CLO debut! Last seen as Lisa in Mamma Mia! at WBT & MTW! Credits - MTW: Aida (Aida u/s), Big Fish, Oklahoma, Pinocchio (Viola), Jesus Christ Superstar. Gretna: Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon). CCM: American Idiot (Extraordinary Girl), 110 in the Shade (Lizzie u/s). CCM class of 2016. Thanks to everyone at CLO, Mom & Dad, and Judy Boals Inc.
JESSICA ICE (Dance Captain, Ensemble) is thrilled to make her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Credits: Cabaret (Rosie), Bat Boy (Shelly), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Cora). Jessica would like to thank her Mom, Dad, brother and sister for their constant support and Abby and Mrs. Miller for years of life (and dance) lessons. Jessica is a graduate of James Madison University. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Mamma Mia!. JessicaIceNYC.com
MICHAEL JAMES (Ensemble) This proud Point Park alumnus is thrilled to return to Pittsburgh this summer! He was last seen as Race in Newsies and Matthew in Altar Boyz at the CLO Cabaret. Recent credits include Bye Bye Birdie (Goodspeed) and the world premiere of Back Home Again (featuring music by John Denver). Special thanks to Barry, Tony, Keven, and his family. @mjbrown815
CASSIE LEVINE (Ensemble) is so excited to make her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She just returned from a four month concert tour in Japan with Disney On Classic. Favorite credits include Stars of David with Daryl Roth Productions, and Pirates at the Muny. CCM grad. Endless thanks to Barry for this opportunity! Shout out to T, and love to my family. BBZC.
CARINA-KAY LOUCHIEY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO for her second season after appearing as The Fairy Godmother in Shrek, along with Aida, Damn Yankees and South Pacific! Carina-Kay is a rising Senior B.F.A. Musical Theatre major at The University of Michigan. Endless thanks to Pittsburgh CLO, her supportive parents, RISPA and BDF! Go Blue! Instagram: carinalouchiey
HAILIE LUCILLE (Ensemble) is currently a Junior Musical Theatre Major at Point Park University where she has performed in Sweet Charity and The Who’s Tommy. Other favorite credits include West Side Story (Anita) and Anything Goes (Reno). She is ecstatic to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! She is grateful for her supporters and to God for making all things possible.
JAVIER MANENTE (Ensemble) is very excited to be performing at the Benedum! Born and raised in Argentina. Recent credits: The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Phoebus,) Spring Awakening (Melchior), Oklahoma (Joe, Ali Hakim u/s), Altar Boyz (Juan). He was last seen at the CLO Cabaret playing Paco in Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage. B.F.A: Point Park University. Follow his adventures @JavierManente
NKEKI OBI-MELEKWE (Ensemble) is a rising senior Musical Theatre major at the University of Michigan. School credits include: The Drowsy Chaperone (The Chaperone), American Idiot (Rebecca). Other credits: All Shook Up (MUNY), Shrek, Aida, South Pacific, (Pittsburgh CLO). Proud member of Actor's Equity. Endless love to her family. Thank you Barry butters! @nkekio
KEVIN PAUL (Enemble) is stoked to be back on stage in Pittsburgh, performing in his second summer season with Pittsburgh CLO! A rising senior B.F.A. Musical Theatre major at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, Kevin is also an avid musician and writer. Favorite roles include: Danny Zuko in Grease, Melchior in Spring Awakening and Jamie in The Last Five Years. Thank you to my teachers and family, for your continuing love and support. Instagram: @kevinwilliampaul
ISAAC COLE POWELL (Ensemble) Recently seen as Nikola Tesla in Nikola Tesla Drops The Beat (Adirondack Theatre Festival). UNCSA B.F.A. Acting Class of 2017. Native of Greensboro, North Carolina. Thrilled to be at Pittsburgh CLO for the first time!
TAYLOR KELLAS WARREN (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the Benedum Stage and Pittsburgh CLO after performing in the resident ensemble in last summer’s season! Graduating from Point Park University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theater (’16), he is pumped to be back in Pittsburgh. All his love and gratitude to his wonderful family for their unyielding support!
DAVIS WAYNE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be at Pittsburgh CLO! Davis is a Pittsburgh native and recent graduate of Pace’s musical theatre program. Favorite credits include: North Shore Music Theatre, Theatre by the Sea, The World Premiere of Chasing Rainbows the Musical, and countless PMT productions. Thank you and love to the entire team at Pittsburgh CLO from the back of the house to the front. RKHDKP Instagram: @Davis_wayne
BARRY IVAN (Director / Choreographer) National and International directing credits range from Yale to the German State Opera. Highlighted Pittsburgh CLO credits: Sunset Boulevard, Company, A Little Night Music, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Footloose, Aida, West Side Story. Mr. Ivan’s regional premiere production of Hairspray won the Best Musical IRNE award, as did his The Full Monty; and he is IRNE nominated as Best Director for Nine and Les Misérables. As producer, his production of Showboat received the Elliot Norton Award for Best Musical. New development works include the US Premiere of Dracula: A Chamber Musical; #Love is Love featuring the music of Bobby Cronin at Broadway at the W; at the Dramatists Guild: the new play Power Plays; and TV Pilots: Nightstand, Fan Girl and Insomnia. Barry is thrilled to be working with the incredibly talented Pittsburgh CLO staff, cast and crew!
JAMES CUNNINGHAM (Music Director) New York: Avenue Q, music director for Bunnicula (TheaterworksUSA and original cast recording) and Happy Birthday (TACT). National Tours: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Spamalot, Evita and Cats. Regionally, he has conducted productions for Casa Mañana, North Carolina Theatre, Sharon Playhouse, Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Engeman Theater, Paper Mill Playhouse, The MUNY and Cape Fear Regional Theatre. He holds degrees from Manhattan School of Music and New York University.
J BRANSON (Set Designer) is a Chicago-based designer who began his career as a student Apprentice at Music Theatre Wichita more than 30 years ago. Credits for MTW include: Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie¸ Mary Poppins (also for the Walnut Street Theatre), Legally Blonde, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. National tour credits: The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and Brigadoon. Recent work includes A Christmas Story at the Walnut Street Theatre.
ED McCARTHY (Lighting Designer): Southern Comfort at the Public Theater. Broadway: Adaptation of Coram Boy (2007 Tony nomination); Benefit of Once on This Island. Over 70 Off-Bway and regional shows. Associate Lighting Designer for all companies of Mamma Mia! in the Western Hemisphere. Television: Peter Pan Live, Sound of Music Live, Grammy Awards, 2-time Emmy nominee, the last 17 Tony Awards. NYU Tisch School of the Arts alum and teacher.
DIXON REYNOLDS (Costume Designer) is an Associate Professor of Costume Design at State University of New York at Fredonia and a freelance designer. Dixon is the resident costume designer at the Kavinoky Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Designs have been seen at Music Theatre Wichita, Irish Classical Theatre, ART Park, Summer Repertory Theatre, Buffalo United Artists, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Hartt School of Music, Triad Stage, and American Dance Festival.
JEFF KNAGGS (Hair Designer) TUTS: Dreamgirls, Into The Woods, How to Succeed…, The Rocky Horror Show, Million Dollar Quartet, Heathers, Mary Poppins, Sweet Potato Queens, Bonnie & Clyde, A Christmas Story, Music Man. Broadway: Spamalot, Les Misérables, The Woman in White, Beauty and the Beast, Dracula, Movin’ Out, 42nd Street and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Regional: Mamma Mia!, Peepshow, Young Frankenstein, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dancing With The Stars and America’s Got Talent.
RENÉE RIMLAND (Production Stage Manager) is happy to be back at Pittsburgh CLO! Broadway: Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Fosse, Jekyll & Hyde, Steel Pier. National Tours: 42nd Street, Beauty…, Les Misérables, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Phantom of the Opera, Savion! Footnotes, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Evita, Bye Bye Birdie. She is proudest of her latest production, her beautiful daughter, Jocelyn! Longstanding AEA member.
HEATHER ANKLEY (Assistant Stage Manager) has recently worked with The REP, Pittsburgh CLO, PICT, Pittsburgh Opera, Utah Opera and many more. She is a member of AEA, AGMA, and IATSE Lo. #3, Recent Credits: Woody’s Order, A Musical Christmas Carol, Wig Out, Merchant of Venice, Choir Boy, Souvenir, Last Five Years, Man of La Mancha, Carmen, Falstaff, Dead Man Walking, Magic Flute, Billy Budd, Grapes of Wrath, Hansel and Gretel, Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme.
KELLY HAYWOOD (Assistant Stage Manager) Past productions with Pittsburgh CLO include: Disney’s Newsies, In the Heights, Aida, Damn Yankees, South Pacific, Shrek, Mary Poppins, Monty Python’s Spamalot, A Musical Christmas Carol and 42nd Street. Pittsburgh Public Theater: Born Yesterday, Noises Off, An Iliad and True West. World Premiere of Tell it to the Marines. Kelly has also done several productions with the Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet.
TONY GONZALEZ (Assistant to Director / Choreographer) Tony has thoroughly enjoyed a 9 year run with the Broadway, National Tour, Las Vegas, and Royal Caribbean productions of Mamma Mia! Other credits include the National Tours of Saturday Night Fever, Joseph; Las Vegas productions of We Will Rock You; and two Japan tours of Disney On Classic. Most recently he has been directing, choreographing, and performing in many productions with The Transcendence Theatre Company, Sonoma CA. Thank you Mom, Dad, Angie, Becca, Barry, and the team at Pittsburgh CLO!
TELSEY + COMPANY (Casting) Broadway/Tours: Anastasia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hello, Dolly!, War Paint, Present Laughter, Come from Away, Waitress, On Your Feet!, Hamilton, Kinky Boots, Wicked, Something Rotten!, The King and I, An American in Paris, The Sound of Music. Film: Miss Sloane, Into the Woods, Margin Call, Rachel Getting Married, Across the Universe. TV: This Is Us, I’m Dying Up Here, One Day at a Time, Julie’s Greenroom, commercials. www.telseyandco.com