2024 Summer of Musicals
June - August 2024
Cultural District
Benedum Center
10-TIME TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL THEATER MASTERPIECE!
Love transcends the harsh realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. Set on a tropical island during World War II, this timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein classic features some of the most beautiful music ever composed woven into an inspiring story cherished the world over. The beloved score’s songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” amidst big, Broadway performances and a chorus of American sailors and Navy nurses ready to take you to Bali Ha’i.
"Gorgeous! SOUTH PACIFIC doesn’t just float; it soars!” -USA Today
LORETTA ABLES SAYRE (Bloody Mary) NYC and Broadway debut as Bloody Mary in Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of South Pacific (Tony Award nomination and Theatre World Award) and London debut at Barbican Theatre, and U.K. tour. Theater: Bloody Mary in South Pacific (The MUNY) (Paper Mill Playhouse), Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (Hawaii Theatre), You Somebody (Diamond Head Theater), Dreamgirls (Hawaii Theatre), Song of the Navigator (Honolulu Theater for Youth - U.S. tour including Kennedy Center and Australia). Concerts: opening for Beach Boys, Kenny Loggins, James Brown, Four Tops. TV: “Hawaii Five-0,” ”Beyond the Break,” “North Shore,” “Hawaii,” “Baywatch Hawaii,” “Byrds of Paradise.” Movies: “Sex and The City 2,” “dress.” www.lorettaablessayre.com
GENSON BLIMLINE (Luther Billis) A native of Reading, PA, Genson is happy to visit yinz on this side of the state. Since arriving in the burgh he has definitely had his share of pierogies, Primanti, and indigestion. Broadway/NY: Rock of Ages, (Lonny Barnett), South Pacific (LCT, original Broadway cast), The Searchers (Atlantic Theater Co.), Waitress (Cal), It Started on Kingley Street (Rich the Hammer), Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas (Fred Lizard) National Tours: South Pacific, A Chorus Line, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Grease, Footloose, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Film/TV: “The Blacklist”, “Elementary”, “The Affair”, “Law and Order SVU”, ”LFE”(pilot), ”Flesh and Bone”, ”Glee”, ”Her Composition”, ”As the World Turns”, ”ED”. Love to my beautiful Ladies, Mama, Sophie and Vivie!
BEN DAVIS (Emile de Becque) recently played Capt. von Trapp in Jack O’Brien’s The Sound of Music. International credits include Kiss Me Kate at London’s Royal Albert Hall and Sondheim at 80 in Dublin, Ireland. Broadway: Violet, A Little Night Music, Les Misérables, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Baz Luhrmann’s La Boheme (Tony Honor). Tour: Spamalot. Regional: Oklahoma! (The Muny) and South Pacific (The Muny & Asolo Repertory Theatre). He performed opposite Kelli O’Hara and Victor Garber in Kurt Weill’s Knickerbocker Holiday and opposite O’Hara in concert, as well as in the NYC Opera/BAM production of Anna Nicole, The Opera. TV/Film: “The Magic Flute” directed by Kenneth Branagh, “30 Rock,” “Numb3rs” and “Miriam.” www.benjaminjaydavis.com
CURT DENHAM (Capt. George Brackett) is thrilled to join Pittsburgh CLO for this exciting season. Recent appearances include Sheriff/Henry Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde at TUTS, the title role in The Wizard of Oz at Casa Manana, and The Husband in Sondheim’s Putting It Together at Cabrillo Stage in California. Other Regional: Maltz Jupiter, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, Theatre By The Sea, TheatreWorks and Sierra Repertory.
MONTEZE FREELAND (Stewpot) is proud to make his Pittsburgh CLO debut this season! Monteze has worked with the Arena Players, The Pittsburgh Playhouse, Kuntu Rep (Radio Golf), Pittsburgh Playwrights (The Piano Lesson), City Theatre, Quantum Theatre (The Electric Baby) and many more in the Pittsburgh region. He is also the Artistic Director of The LAB Project. Monteze is a proud new member of AEA. He couldn’t do this without the support of Zina White and all of Baltimore.
ERIKA HENNINGSEN (Ensign Nellie Forbush) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut in South Pacific. Broadway: Les Misérables (Fantine). New York: Show Boat: Live from Lincoln Center w/ the NY Philharmonic (Kim Ravenal). REGIONAL: Originated the role of Beth in the world premiere of Sheryl Crow’s musical Diner at the Signature Theater. Carousel (Carrie Pipperidge), Hairspray (Penny). Erika is a graduate of the University of Michigan BFA program and recipient of the Alan Eisenberg Actors’ Equity Award.
JEFFREY HOWELL (Cmdr. William Harbison) is happy to be back for another season. Most recently seen at the REP in Choir Boy and Souvenir. Some favorite CLO shows include Man of La Mancha, 42nd Street, Singin’ in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll and Hyde, A Musical Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit) Beauty and the Beast, Bells are Ringing, Pajama Game, The Most Happy Fella. Other credits include Candide, Tigers Be Still, Chicago, and Tribute to Lerner and Loewe with Marvin Hamlisch and the PSO.
ALEX MANALO (Liat) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut in this beautiful show! Her childhood training stems from the Pittsburgh CLO Academy as a Mini Star, and she now teaches there as well. Alex is a recent musical theatre graduate from Point Park University. Recent/favorite credits include: Luna with Pittsburgh Playhouse Jr. and Tink with Stage Right. Hats off to the amazing cast, crew and production team. Lastly, a big thank you to her friends and family for their love and support. Mabuhay!
IG: a_manalo11
MASON ALEXANDER PARK (Professor) is thrilled to be back at the Benedum after becoming the first countertenor to play Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins at CLO last summer. Recent credits include Mark in CLO’s Altar Boyz, Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Dr. Frank-n-Furter in Rocky Horror. He was introduced to Pittsburgh CLO through the National High School Musical Theater Awards, during which time he was featured on PBS’s reality series “Broadway or Bust.” he recently performed at the Kennedy Center in D.C. as the 2013 Presidential Scholar in the Arts for Musical Theatre, featuring him in the PBS documentary, “Becoming and Artist.” Mason can be seen in other popular shows such as Nickelodeon’s “iCarly.” www.masonapark.com
JAMES SNYDER (Lt. Joseph Cable) Broadway: If/Then, Cry-Baby (Drama League Nomination). Other theatre: Casa Valentina (West Coast premiere), Rock Of Ages, Ever After (Papermill Playhouse), Carousel (Goodspeed Opera House), Fanny (Encores) and Johnny Baseball (Williamstown Theatre Festival). He has sung at Carnegie Hall with the NY Pops and with the Hartford Symphony. Some TV: “The Good Wife,“ “Rizzoli and Isles,“ “Blue Bloods,“ “Drop Dead Diva,“ “Gilmore Girls,“ “The Suite Life.“ Film: “She’s The Man,“ “An American in China,“ “Shuttle,“ “Pretty Persuasion,“ (Sundance), and “Meth Head.“ Recordings: “bare: a pop opera,” solo album “LA Curse” on iTunes. www.JamesSnyder.com
EVAN LEE (Jerome) is very excited about his debut performance for Pittsburgh CLO. He loves to beat box, break dance and create his own science experiments. He will be going into second grade at Propel Braddock Hills Elementary School.
OWEN LEE (Island Boy) is four years old and thrilled to be in his first Pittsburgh CLO production. He loves singing, swimming and making people laugh. Thank you to his family and friends for supporting him and his brother Evan, always!
JULIA SLAGLE (Ngana) is honored and delighted to be back on stage with the Pittsburgh CLO. In her fifth year of studies at the CLO Academy, she has appeared in numerous productions including Mary Poppins, Annie Jr. (Annie), Cinderella kids (Cinderella), and recently, Hairspray (Little Inez). Julia wishes to thank her instructors, family, and friends for their support.
CAMERON AMANDUS (Ensemble) just graduated from the University of Michigan Musical Theatre program. While at school, Cameron enjoyed roles in Guys & Dolls, The Music Man, Caroline or Change and Romeo & Juliet. Outside of school, he worked at Thunder Bay Theatre, Summer Repertory Theatre, and looks forward to adding Pittsburgh CLO to his resume. Cameron sends his love and gratitude to his mother, for always being his hero. Thank you Wonder Woman!
Go Blue!
DAVID BARNES (Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Pittsburgh CLO premiere this summer. Previous credits include Oklahoma! (Curly), How To Succeed... (Bud), and Antony and Cleopatra (Antony). David is a proud 2016 graduate of the University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program. Thanks to my family, Mel, Linda, and everyone at Pittsburgh CLO.
GERALD CAESAR (Ensemble) is a recent graduate of Elon University, where he obtained his BFA in Music Theatre. Previous regional credits include: Hairspray (MUNY), Les Misérables, How to Succeed..., West Side Story (Connecticut Rep.), Romeo and Juliet (Virginia Stage Company). After Pittsburgh CLO, Gerald will be joining the original Broadway cast of A Bronx Tale, directed by Jerry Zaks and Robert DeNiro. Gerald would like to thank his amazing family for all of their support. He dedicates every performance to his grandmother. Instagram: gcaesar1
CHRISTOPHER CAMPBELL (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Pittsburgh CLO debut! Christopher is a rising Junior pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Community Action and Social Change from The University of Michigan. Credits: Hairspray (Seaweed), American Idiot (Declan), The Music Man. Proud new member of Actor’s Equity. Endless thanks and love to my family, Linda and the entire Pittsburgh CLO staff!
RYAN CAVANAUGH (Lt. Buzz Adams, Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of another Summer Season! Pittsburgh CLO Credits: Aida, Shrek The Musical, Damn Yankees (Smokey), Mary Poppins & Man of La Mancha, and as a teenager Ryan was a Pittsburgh CLO Mini Star for several years as well as a part of numerous productions at the Benedum in the Pittsburgh CLO Teen Ensemble. Credits: Damn Yankees (Goodspeed Opera House), South Pacific (Asolo Repertory Theatre), Parade (NYC), Damn Yankees (National Tour), The Wild Party (NYC) and more. Visit www.RyanCavanaugh.net for more! Thanks Mom, Dad, and Jenna for your endless love and support!
IXCHEL CUELLAR (Ensemble) is so happy to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO for her second Summer Season! This past May, Ixchel graduated with her BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University and shortly after made her Broadway debut as a swing in Finding Neverland. Thank you so much to my friends, family and teachers for all of the love and endless support. @itsixchel
MICHAEL GREER (Yeoman Herbert Quayle, Ensemble) is so happy to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO! He was last seen in Altar Boyz (Luke) at the CLO Cabaret. Regional credits: Shrek (Big Bad Wolf) North Shore Music Theatre, Guys & Dolls Pittsburgh Public Theater, Miss Saigon (2010 Tour) & You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! at the Denver Center. Endless love to Mara and his family.
MYHA'LA HERROLD (Ensemble) is a musical theater major at CMU making her Pittsburgh CLO debut this season. Previous: The Mother…with the Hat, Jekyll & Hyde, AIDA, Hairspray, Once on This Island, Into the Woods, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Drowsy Chaperone. She recently starred as Lily Polkadot in the new musical Polkadots. Miss Herrold hopes to continue to create meaningful theater for all audiences.
JUSTIN LONESOME (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at the Pittsburgh CLO! Tours: Jersey Boys First National (Barry Belson.) Regional: Pittsburgh CLO (Oliver!, Curtains, Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, Sunset Boulevard, A Chorus Line, The Wedding Singer.) Local: PICT (Narrator-Two Tales of Terror, Henry-For the Tree to Drop.)
CARINA-KAY LOUCHIEY(Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! A rising Junior B.F.A Musical Theatre major at The University of Michigan, credits include: Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Girl), Hotel California (Yolanda). Other favorite credits: West Side Story (Margarita) and Bye Bye Birdie (Sad Girl/Penelope) at Wagon Wheel. Proud new member of AEA! Endless thanks to Pittsburgh CLO, her supportive parents, Linda Goodrich, RISPA and BDF! GO BLUE!
BILLY MASON (Henry, Ensemble) is thrilled to be spending the summer with Pittsburgh CLO! Billy’s favorite past roles include “Shrek” in Shrek The Musical (PMT), “Horton” in Seussical the Musical, “Kerchak” in Disney’s Tarzan and “Lucien P Smith” in The Boys Next Door. EZT. God Bless! 1 Corinthians 13:13 LDTB! Follow me!
twitter: @mason_billy instagram: billymason07
MARA NEWBERY (Dance Captain, Ensemble) is honored to return to the Pittsburgh CLO, where she met and later married her handsome husband, Michael. Credits: A Christmas Story, the Musical (Broadway, Tour), Shrek The Musical (Tour, London), On Your Toes (Encores) and Honeymoon In Vegas (Paper Mill Playhouse). BFA University of Michigan. Love to Mom and Dad, J&K, CTG, JPot, Jook, and the big man upstairs.
JJ NIEMANN (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be making his Pittsburgh CLO debut this summer in Damn Yankees, Shrek, Aida, and South Pacific! Rising senior BFA Music Theatre major at Elon University. Recent credits: Hairspray (The MUNY), Peter Pan (Artpark), Oklahoma! and In the Heights (Elon). Many thanks to God and to my parents for their endless support. www.jjniemann.com
IG: @jjniemann
EMILY NIES (Ensemble) just finished her junior year in the B.F.A Musical Theatre Program at Pace University, and is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Recent university credits include: Cassie in A Chorus Line (Baayork Lee), Pepe/The Servant in Bernarda Alba (Graciela Daniele), and Nina in The Seagull. Sending gratitude to Pittsburgh CLO, mom, dad, and Al.
NKEKI OBI-MELEKWE (Ensign Dinah Murphy, Ensemble) is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan. She made her Pittsburgh CLO and Actor’s Equity debut earlier this summer as Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek The Musical. Other recent credits include: American Idiot and Peter and the Starcatcher. Many thanks to everyone at Pittsburgh CLO, with special thanks to Linda Goodrich. For my loving family.
IG: @nkekio
TAYLOR KELLAS WARREN (Ensemble) is thrilled to be taking part in his very first season with Pittsburgh CLO! He is a 2016 graduate of Point Park University’s BFA Musical Theatre Conservatory. Recent regional credits include Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), West Side Story (Bernardo), Urinetown (Caldwell B. Cladwell) and The Boyfriend (Pepe/Dance Captain). He would like to thank his family for their unyielding love and support! IG: @taylor_warren23
ROSS YODER (Ensemble) is honored to be making his Pittsburgh CLO debut! A proud graduate of the University of Michigan Musical Theatre department, he was most recently seen in American Idiot (Will). Regional: Romance in Hard Times, Kiss Me, Kate (Barrington Stage Company). Love and thanks to his family and friends for all their guidance and support, Linda, and everyone at CLO! rossyoder.com @rossyoder
LINDA GOODRICH (Director) has directed and choreographed throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. Pittsburgh CLO: Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins. New works: Hotel California with music by The Eagles, Dance with Me featuring the music of Air Supply, Gibson Fleck, and A Good Boy, world premieres of Everything’s Ducky, and the adaptation of Good News! Tours: Cabaret—Europe, Singin’ in the Rain—U.S. and Japan. NY Theatre: Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall. NYMF–best Choreography. Other Theatres: Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, St. Louis Rep, TUTS, Walnut Street, North Shore, Seattle’s 5th Ave., the MUNY, Sacramento’s Music Circus, Kansas City Starlight and Music Theatre Wichita. Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan.
MARK ESPOSITO (Choreographer) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after choreographing over 12 shows throughout the years. Other credits include: Pasadena Playhouse, The Hollywood Bowl (South Pacific with Reba McEntire), The Reprise Series in Los Angeles, La Miranda Theater, Musical Theater West, Sacramento Music Circus, CV Rep Theater Company, Universal Studios, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, Globus Theater Company in Russia and Signature Theater in New York. Mark has served as Associate Director and Choreographer for The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show and as chorographer for Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in over 16 Broadway and National Tours and has taught or choreographed at several major universities across the country.
TOM HELM (Musical Director) happily returns for his 21st Pittsburgh CLO season, having conducted more than 60 productions. His other adventures include conducting the Broadway productions of the Brigadoon revival, CATS, Me and My Girl, Les Misérables and Souvenir. Tom was musical director of the first national tour of CATS, Radio City’s 5-6-7-8 Dance!, and television productions of Mornings at Seven and Crazy For You. Tom supervised touring productions of Me and My Girl, Dora the Explorer, Diego Live, Rugrats and Madagascar. He has also been music director of some 50 Paper Mill Playhouse productions, among other regional and national theaters.
MICHAEL YEARGAN (Scenic Designer) Broadway includes: Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I (Tony Nom.), Bridges of Madison County, Golden Boy (Tony Nom.), Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Tony nom.), South Pacific (Tony Award), Awake and Sing! (Tony Nom.), The Light in the Piazza (Tony Award). Various Off-Broadway, Regional Theater, London, Metropolitan Opera. Co-chair Design Department, Yale School of Drama.
PAUL MILLER (Lighting Designer) Broadway: Amazing Grace, Legally Blonde, Freshly Squeezed, Laughing Room Only; Irma La Douce, Where’s Charley?, Lost in the Stars, Of Thee I Sing, and Music in the Air (Encores). Off-Broadway: Out Of The Mouths Of Babes, Clinton – The Musical, Lucky Guy, Nunsense, Vanities - the Musical, Waiting for Godot, Addicted, Balancing Act. Regional: Stratford Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare, Idaho Shakespeare, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Cleveland Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Bay Street, Lookingglass, Goodspeed. Tours: Elf, Shrek, Storytime Live, Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd, Legally Blonde, Nunsense, Scooby Doo, The Sound of Music. Television: Live from Lincoln Center; “New Year’s Eve Celebration in Times Square.”
CATHERINE ZUBER (Costume Designer) Broadway includes: Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I (Tony), Gigi, South Pacific (Tony), The Light in the Piazza (Tony), Awake and Sing! (Tony), The Coast of Utopia (Tony), Twelfth Night, Dinner at Eight, The Royal Family (Tony), Bridges of Madison County, Doubt. Various Off-Broadway, Regional Theater, International, and Metropolitan Opera. TV: NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!” Yale School of Drama.
ALICIA REECE (Production Stage Manager) Entering her sixth season with Pittsburgh CLO, “Lish” is also the Stage Manager for the Pittsburgh Ballet. Her roots are in the Illinois cornfields, but after traveling the theatre world, she now proudly calls Pittsburgh home. Huge shout out to the unparalleled SM Team (Karyn, Mark, Kelly, Laura, Olivia) for tirelessly keeping this boat afloat. Much love and gratitude to “Jacquie-Christie!”
KATHIE SULLIVAN (Costume Coordinator) This is Kathie’s 30th season at Pittsburgh CLO as Costume Supervisor. She coordinated Hairspray and shows at the CLO Cabaret. She also serves as the Costume Supervisor for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and has on several national and international tours. Thanks to my staff of dressers and stitchers, my sister Debbie, Karin, Roza and Joanie. Special thanks to my family for supporting my long hours. I couldn’t do this without these people.
DANIEL KOYE (Hair Designer) is thrilled to be back at Pittsburgh CLO. Broadway: Love Letters, Cinderella, Trip to Bountiful, Follies, Hair, Book of Mormon, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Curtains, Chicago, Gypsy and Spring Awakening. Film/Television: “The Blacklist,” “Trip to Bountiful,” “Royal Pains,” “Blue Bloods.” Clients- Vanessa Williams, Carly Rae Jepsen, Cicely Tyson, Mia Farrow, Carol Burnett, Candice Bergen, Brian Denhany, Patti Labelle, Fantasia, Gladys Knight, Paul Rubens, Toni Shalhoub, Cuba Gooding Jr, Dan Stevens, Jessica Chastain, Heidi Klum, Seal, Susan Lucci, Carol Channing, Elaine Paige just to name a few. Check out Daniel’s own hair product line DKOYE the product. www.dkoye.com
KELLY HAYWOOD (Assistant Stage Manager) is happy to be back at Pittsburgh CLO. Past productions include: 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 at Soldiers and Sailors museum. Kelly has also done several productions with the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet.
MARK A. STYS (Assistant Stage Manager) This year marks his 20th musical with Pittsburgh CLO! Selected Credits: Broadway: Honeymoon in Vegas, Big Fish, Act One, Newsies. Paper Mill Playhouse: West Side Story, Oliver!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Sound of Music, A Chorus Line, Newsies. TV: NBC’s The Wiz Live! Events: Times Square New Years Eve Celebration 2014, 2015, 2016, A Night of Serious Fun Celebrating the Legacy of Paul Newman.
TELSEY + COMPANY (Casting) Broadway/Tours: Motown, Paramour, Waitress, Fiddler on the Roof, The Color Purple, On Your Feet!, Hamilton, Something Rotten!, An American in Paris, Finding Neverland, Kinky Boots, Wicked, If/Then, The Sound of Music, Newsies, Rock of Ages. Off-Broadway: Atlantic, MCC, Signature. Film: “Into the Woods,” “Margin Call,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Across the Universe,” “Camp,“ “Pieces of April.” TV: “This Is Us,” “Grease Live!,” “The Wiz Live!,” “Flesh and Bone,” “Masters of Sex,” “Smash,” “The Big C,” commercials. www.telseyandco.com
Aug 05, 2016 - Aug 14, 2016
Benedum Center
Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including intermission
Find directions, traffic alerts and affordable parking options.
Sat, Aug 6 at 2:00pm
Sat, Aug 13 at 2:00pm
Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted to the theater.
Benedum Center
10-TIME TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL THEATER MASTERPIECE!
Love transcends the harsh realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. Set on a tropical island during World War II, this timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein classic features some of the most beautiful music ever composed woven into an inspiring story cherished the world over. The beloved score’s songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” amidst big, Broadway performances and a chorus of American sailors and Navy nurses ready to take you to Bali Ha’i.
"Gorgeous! SOUTH PACIFIC doesn’t just float; it soars!” -USA Today
LORETTA ABLES SAYRE (Bloody Mary) NYC and Broadway debut as Bloody Mary in Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of South Pacific (Tony Award nomination and Theatre World Award) and London debut at Barbican Theatre, and U.K. tour. Theater: Bloody Mary in South Pacific (The MUNY) (Paper Mill Playhouse), Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (Hawaii Theatre), You Somebody (Diamond Head Theater), Dreamgirls (Hawaii Theatre), Song of the Navigator (Honolulu Theater for Youth - U.S. tour including Kennedy Center and Australia). Concerts: opening for Beach Boys, Kenny Loggins, James Brown, Four Tops. TV: “Hawaii Five-0,” ”Beyond the Break,” “North Shore,” “Hawaii,” “Baywatch Hawaii,” “Byrds of Paradise.” Movies: “Sex and The City 2,” “dress.” www.lorettaablessayre.com
GENSON BLIMLINE (Luther Billis) A native of Reading, PA, Genson is happy to visit yinz on this side of the state. Since arriving in the burgh he has definitely had his share of pierogies, Primanti, and indigestion. Broadway/NY: Rock of Ages, (Lonny Barnett), South Pacific (LCT, original Broadway cast), The Searchers (Atlantic Theater Co.), Waitress (Cal), It Started on Kingley Street (Rich the Hammer), Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas (Fred Lizard) National Tours: South Pacific, A Chorus Line, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Grease, Footloose, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Film/TV: “The Blacklist”, “Elementary”, “The Affair”, “Law and Order SVU”, ”LFE”(pilot), ”Flesh and Bone”, ”Glee”, ”Her Composition”, ”As the World Turns”, ”ED”. Love to my beautiful Ladies, Mama, Sophie and Vivie!
BEN DAVIS (Emile de Becque) recently played Capt. von Trapp in Jack O’Brien’s The Sound of Music. International credits include Kiss Me Kate at London’s Royal Albert Hall and Sondheim at 80 in Dublin, Ireland. Broadway: Violet, A Little Night Music, Les Misérables, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Baz Luhrmann’s La Boheme (Tony Honor). Tour: Spamalot. Regional: Oklahoma! (The Muny) and South Pacific (The Muny & Asolo Repertory Theatre). He performed opposite Kelli O’Hara and Victor Garber in Kurt Weill’s Knickerbocker Holiday and opposite O’Hara in concert, as well as in the NYC Opera/BAM production of Anna Nicole, The Opera. TV/Film: “The Magic Flute” directed by Kenneth Branagh, “30 Rock,” “Numb3rs” and “Miriam.” www.benjaminjaydavis.com
CURT DENHAM (Capt. George Brackett) is thrilled to join Pittsburgh CLO for this exciting season. Recent appearances include Sheriff/Henry Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde at TUTS, the title role in The Wizard of Oz at Casa Manana, and The Husband in Sondheim’s Putting It Together at Cabrillo Stage in California. Other Regional: Maltz Jupiter, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, Theatre By The Sea, TheatreWorks and Sierra Repertory.
MONTEZE FREELAND (Stewpot) is proud to make his Pittsburgh CLO debut this season! Monteze has worked with the Arena Players, The Pittsburgh Playhouse, Kuntu Rep (Radio Golf), Pittsburgh Playwrights (The Piano Lesson), City Theatre, Quantum Theatre (The Electric Baby) and many more in the Pittsburgh region. He is also the Artistic Director of The LAB Project. Monteze is a proud new member of AEA. He couldn’t do this without the support of Zina White and all of Baltimore.
ERIKA HENNINGSEN (Ensign Nellie Forbush) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut in South Pacific. Broadway: Les Misérables (Fantine). New York: Show Boat: Live from Lincoln Center w/ the NY Philharmonic (Kim Ravenal). REGIONAL: Originated the role of Beth in the world premiere of Sheryl Crow’s musical Diner at the Signature Theater. Carousel (Carrie Pipperidge), Hairspray (Penny). Erika is a graduate of the University of Michigan BFA program and recipient of the Alan Eisenberg Actors’ Equity Award.
JEFFREY HOWELL (Cmdr. William Harbison) is happy to be back for another season. Most recently seen at the REP in Choir Boy and Souvenir. Some favorite CLO shows include Man of La Mancha, 42nd Street, Singin’ in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll and Hyde, A Musical Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit) Beauty and the Beast, Bells are Ringing, Pajama Game, The Most Happy Fella. Other credits include Candide, Tigers Be Still, Chicago, and Tribute to Lerner and Loewe with Marvin Hamlisch and the PSO.
ALEX MANALO (Liat) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut in this beautiful show! Her childhood training stems from the Pittsburgh CLO Academy as a Mini Star, and she now teaches there as well. Alex is a recent musical theatre graduate from Point Park University. Recent/favorite credits include: Luna with Pittsburgh Playhouse Jr. and Tink with Stage Right. Hats off to the amazing cast, crew and production team. Lastly, a big thank you to her friends and family for their love and support. Mabuhay!
IG: a_manalo11
MASON ALEXANDER PARK (Professor) is thrilled to be back at the Benedum after becoming the first countertenor to play Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins at CLO last summer. Recent credits include Mark in CLO’s Altar Boyz, Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Dr. Frank-n-Furter in Rocky Horror. He was introduced to Pittsburgh CLO through the National High School Musical Theater Awards, during which time he was featured on PBS’s reality series “Broadway or Bust.” he recently performed at the Kennedy Center in D.C. as the 2013 Presidential Scholar in the Arts for Musical Theatre, featuring him in the PBS documentary, “Becoming and Artist.” Mason can be seen in other popular shows such as Nickelodeon’s “iCarly.” www.masonapark.com
JAMES SNYDER (Lt. Joseph Cable) Broadway: If/Then, Cry-Baby (Drama League Nomination). Other theatre: Casa Valentina (West Coast premiere), Rock Of Ages, Ever After (Papermill Playhouse), Carousel (Goodspeed Opera House), Fanny (Encores) and Johnny Baseball (Williamstown Theatre Festival). He has sung at Carnegie Hall with the NY Pops and with the Hartford Symphony. Some TV: “The Good Wife,“ “Rizzoli and Isles,“ “Blue Bloods,“ “Drop Dead Diva,“ “Gilmore Girls,“ “The Suite Life.“ Film: “She’s The Man,“ “An American in China,“ “Shuttle,“ “Pretty Persuasion,“ (Sundance), and “Meth Head.“ Recordings: “bare: a pop opera,” solo album “LA Curse” on iTunes. www.JamesSnyder.com
EVAN LEE (Jerome) is very excited about his debut performance for Pittsburgh CLO. He loves to beat box, break dance and create his own science experiments. He will be going into second grade at Propel Braddock Hills Elementary School.
OWEN LEE (Island Boy) is four years old and thrilled to be in his first Pittsburgh CLO production. He loves singing, swimming and making people laugh. Thank you to his family and friends for supporting him and his brother Evan, always!
JULIA SLAGLE (Ngana) is honored and delighted to be back on stage with the Pittsburgh CLO. In her fifth year of studies at the CLO Academy, she has appeared in numerous productions including Mary Poppins, Annie Jr. (Annie), Cinderella kids (Cinderella), and recently, Hairspray (Little Inez). Julia wishes to thank her instructors, family, and friends for their support.
CAMERON AMANDUS (Ensemble) just graduated from the University of Michigan Musical Theatre program. While at school, Cameron enjoyed roles in Guys & Dolls, The Music Man, Caroline or Change and Romeo & Juliet. Outside of school, he worked at Thunder Bay Theatre, Summer Repertory Theatre, and looks forward to adding Pittsburgh CLO to his resume. Cameron sends his love and gratitude to his mother, for always being his hero. Thank you Wonder Woman!
Go Blue!
DAVID BARNES (Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Pittsburgh CLO premiere this summer. Previous credits include Oklahoma! (Curly), How To Succeed... (Bud), and Antony and Cleopatra (Antony). David is a proud 2016 graduate of the University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program. Thanks to my family, Mel, Linda, and everyone at Pittsburgh CLO.
GERALD CAESAR (Ensemble) is a recent graduate of Elon University, where he obtained his BFA in Music Theatre. Previous regional credits include: Hairspray (MUNY), Les Misérables, How to Succeed..., West Side Story (Connecticut Rep.), Romeo and Juliet (Virginia Stage Company). After Pittsburgh CLO, Gerald will be joining the original Broadway cast of A Bronx Tale, directed by Jerry Zaks and Robert DeNiro. Gerald would like to thank his amazing family for all of their support. He dedicates every performance to his grandmother. Instagram: gcaesar1
CHRISTOPHER CAMPBELL (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Pittsburgh CLO debut! Christopher is a rising Junior pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Community Action and Social Change from The University of Michigan. Credits: Hairspray (Seaweed), American Idiot (Declan), The Music Man. Proud new member of Actor’s Equity. Endless thanks and love to my family, Linda and the entire Pittsburgh CLO staff!
RYAN CAVANAUGH (Lt. Buzz Adams, Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of another Summer Season! Pittsburgh CLO Credits: Aida, Shrek The Musical, Damn Yankees (Smokey), Mary Poppins & Man of La Mancha, and as a teenager Ryan was a Pittsburgh CLO Mini Star for several years as well as a part of numerous productions at the Benedum in the Pittsburgh CLO Teen Ensemble. Credits: Damn Yankees (Goodspeed Opera House), South Pacific (Asolo Repertory Theatre), Parade (NYC), Damn Yankees (National Tour), The Wild Party (NYC) and more. Visit www.RyanCavanaugh.net for more! Thanks Mom, Dad, and Jenna for your endless love and support!
IXCHEL CUELLAR (Ensemble) is so happy to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO for her second Summer Season! This past May, Ixchel graduated with her BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University and shortly after made her Broadway debut as a swing in Finding Neverland. Thank you so much to my friends, family and teachers for all of the love and endless support. @itsixchel
MICHAEL GREER (Yeoman Herbert Quayle, Ensemble) is so happy to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO! He was last seen in Altar Boyz (Luke) at the CLO Cabaret. Regional credits: Shrek (Big Bad Wolf) North Shore Music Theatre, Guys & Dolls Pittsburgh Public Theater, Miss Saigon (2010 Tour) & You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! at the Denver Center. Endless love to Mara and his family.
MYHA'LA HERROLD (Ensemble) is a musical theater major at CMU making her Pittsburgh CLO debut this season. Previous: The Mother…with the Hat, Jekyll & Hyde, AIDA, Hairspray, Once on This Island, Into the Woods, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Drowsy Chaperone. She recently starred as Lily Polkadot in the new musical Polkadots. Miss Herrold hopes to continue to create meaningful theater for all audiences.
JUSTIN LONESOME (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at the Pittsburgh CLO! Tours: Jersey Boys First National (Barry Belson.) Regional: Pittsburgh CLO (Oliver!, Curtains, Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, Sunset Boulevard, A Chorus Line, The Wedding Singer.) Local: PICT (Narrator-Two Tales of Terror, Henry-For the Tree to Drop.)
CARINA-KAY LOUCHIEY(Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! A rising Junior B.F.A Musical Theatre major at The University of Michigan, credits include: Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Girl), Hotel California (Yolanda). Other favorite credits: West Side Story (Margarita) and Bye Bye Birdie (Sad Girl/Penelope) at Wagon Wheel. Proud new member of AEA! Endless thanks to Pittsburgh CLO, her supportive parents, Linda Goodrich, RISPA and BDF! GO BLUE!
BILLY MASON (Henry, Ensemble) is thrilled to be spending the summer with Pittsburgh CLO! Billy’s favorite past roles include “Shrek” in Shrek The Musical (PMT), “Horton” in Seussical the Musical, “Kerchak” in Disney’s Tarzan and “Lucien P Smith” in The Boys Next Door. EZT. God Bless! 1 Corinthians 13:13 LDTB! Follow me!
twitter: @mason_billy instagram: billymason07
MARA NEWBERY (Dance Captain, Ensemble) is honored to return to the Pittsburgh CLO, where she met and later married her handsome husband, Michael. Credits: A Christmas Story, the Musical (Broadway, Tour), Shrek The Musical (Tour, London), On Your Toes (Encores) and Honeymoon In Vegas (Paper Mill Playhouse). BFA University of Michigan. Love to Mom and Dad, J&K, CTG, JPot, Jook, and the big man upstairs.
JJ NIEMANN (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be making his Pittsburgh CLO debut this summer in Damn Yankees, Shrek, Aida, and South Pacific! Rising senior BFA Music Theatre major at Elon University. Recent credits: Hairspray (The MUNY), Peter Pan (Artpark), Oklahoma! and In the Heights (Elon). Many thanks to God and to my parents for their endless support. www.jjniemann.com
IG: @jjniemann
EMILY NIES (Ensemble) just finished her junior year in the B.F.A Musical Theatre Program at Pace University, and is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Recent university credits include: Cassie in A Chorus Line (Baayork Lee), Pepe/The Servant in Bernarda Alba (Graciela Daniele), and Nina in The Seagull. Sending gratitude to Pittsburgh CLO, mom, dad, and Al.
NKEKI OBI-MELEKWE (Ensign Dinah Murphy, Ensemble) is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan. She made her Pittsburgh CLO and Actor’s Equity debut earlier this summer as Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek The Musical. Other recent credits include: American Idiot and Peter and the Starcatcher. Many thanks to everyone at Pittsburgh CLO, with special thanks to Linda Goodrich. For my loving family.
IG: @nkekio
TAYLOR KELLAS WARREN (Ensemble) is thrilled to be taking part in his very first season with Pittsburgh CLO! He is a 2016 graduate of Point Park University’s BFA Musical Theatre Conservatory. Recent regional credits include Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), West Side Story (Bernardo), Urinetown (Caldwell B. Cladwell) and The Boyfriend (Pepe/Dance Captain). He would like to thank his family for their unyielding love and support! IG: @taylor_warren23
ROSS YODER (Ensemble) is honored to be making his Pittsburgh CLO debut! A proud graduate of the University of Michigan Musical Theatre department, he was most recently seen in American Idiot (Will). Regional: Romance in Hard Times, Kiss Me, Kate (Barrington Stage Company). Love and thanks to his family and friends for all their guidance and support, Linda, and everyone at CLO! rossyoder.com @rossyoder
LINDA GOODRICH (Director) has directed and choreographed throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. Pittsburgh CLO: Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins. New works: Hotel California with music by The Eagles, Dance with Me featuring the music of Air Supply, Gibson Fleck, and A Good Boy, world premieres of Everything’s Ducky, and the adaptation of Good News! Tours: Cabaret—Europe, Singin’ in the Rain—U.S. and Japan. NY Theatre: Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall. NYMF–best Choreography. Other Theatres: Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, St. Louis Rep, TUTS, Walnut Street, North Shore, Seattle’s 5th Ave., the MUNY, Sacramento’s Music Circus, Kansas City Starlight and Music Theatre Wichita. Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan.
MARK ESPOSITO (Choreographer) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after choreographing over 12 shows throughout the years. Other credits include: Pasadena Playhouse, The Hollywood Bowl (South Pacific with Reba McEntire), The Reprise Series in Los Angeles, La Miranda Theater, Musical Theater West, Sacramento Music Circus, CV Rep Theater Company, Universal Studios, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, Globus Theater Company in Russia and Signature Theater in New York. Mark has served as Associate Director and Choreographer for The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show and as chorographer for Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in over 16 Broadway and National Tours and has taught or choreographed at several major universities across the country.
TOM HELM (Musical Director) happily returns for his 21st Pittsburgh CLO season, having conducted more than 60 productions. His other adventures include conducting the Broadway productions of the Brigadoon revival, CATS, Me and My Girl, Les Misérables and Souvenir. Tom was musical director of the first national tour of CATS, Radio City’s 5-6-7-8 Dance!, and television productions of Mornings at Seven and Crazy For You. Tom supervised touring productions of Me and My Girl, Dora the Explorer, Diego Live, Rugrats and Madagascar. He has also been music director of some 50 Paper Mill Playhouse productions, among other regional and national theaters.
MICHAEL YEARGAN (Scenic Designer) Broadway includes: Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I (Tony Nom.), Bridges of Madison County, Golden Boy (Tony Nom.), Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Tony nom.), South Pacific (Tony Award), Awake and Sing! (Tony Nom.), The Light in the Piazza (Tony Award). Various Off-Broadway, Regional Theater, London, Metropolitan Opera. Co-chair Design Department, Yale School of Drama.
PAUL MILLER (Lighting Designer) Broadway: Amazing Grace, Legally Blonde, Freshly Squeezed, Laughing Room Only; Irma La Douce, Where’s Charley?, Lost in the Stars, Of Thee I Sing, and Music in the Air (Encores). Off-Broadway: Out Of The Mouths Of Babes, Clinton – The Musical, Lucky Guy, Nunsense, Vanities - the Musical, Waiting for Godot, Addicted, Balancing Act. Regional: Stratford Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare, Idaho Shakespeare, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Cleveland Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Bay Street, Lookingglass, Goodspeed. Tours: Elf, Shrek, Storytime Live, Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd, Legally Blonde, Nunsense, Scooby Doo, The Sound of Music. Television: Live from Lincoln Center; “New Year’s Eve Celebration in Times Square.”
CATHERINE ZUBER (Costume Designer) Broadway includes: Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I (Tony), Gigi, South Pacific (Tony), The Light in the Piazza (Tony), Awake and Sing! (Tony), The Coast of Utopia (Tony), Twelfth Night, Dinner at Eight, The Royal Family (Tony), Bridges of Madison County, Doubt. Various Off-Broadway, Regional Theater, International, and Metropolitan Opera. TV: NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!” Yale School of Drama.
ALICIA REECE (Production Stage Manager) Entering her sixth season with Pittsburgh CLO, “Lish” is also the Stage Manager for the Pittsburgh Ballet. Her roots are in the Illinois cornfields, but after traveling the theatre world, she now proudly calls Pittsburgh home. Huge shout out to the unparalleled SM Team (Karyn, Mark, Kelly, Laura, Olivia) for tirelessly keeping this boat afloat. Much love and gratitude to “Jacquie-Christie!”
KATHIE SULLIVAN (Costume Coordinator) This is Kathie’s 30th season at Pittsburgh CLO as Costume Supervisor. She coordinated Hairspray and shows at the CLO Cabaret. She also serves as the Costume Supervisor for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and has on several national and international tours. Thanks to my staff of dressers and stitchers, my sister Debbie, Karin, Roza and Joanie. Special thanks to my family for supporting my long hours. I couldn’t do this without these people.
DANIEL KOYE (Hair Designer) is thrilled to be back at Pittsburgh CLO. Broadway: Love Letters, Cinderella, Trip to Bountiful, Follies, Hair, Book of Mormon, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Curtains, Chicago, Gypsy and Spring Awakening. Film/Television: “The Blacklist,” “Trip to Bountiful,” “Royal Pains,” “Blue Bloods.” Clients- Vanessa Williams, Carly Rae Jepsen, Cicely Tyson, Mia Farrow, Carol Burnett, Candice Bergen, Brian Denhany, Patti Labelle, Fantasia, Gladys Knight, Paul Rubens, Toni Shalhoub, Cuba Gooding Jr, Dan Stevens, Jessica Chastain, Heidi Klum, Seal, Susan Lucci, Carol Channing, Elaine Paige just to name a few. Check out Daniel’s own hair product line DKOYE the product. www.dkoye.com
KELLY HAYWOOD (Assistant Stage Manager) is happy to be back at Pittsburgh CLO. Past productions include: 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 at Soldiers and Sailors museum. Kelly has also done several productions with the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet.
MARK A. STYS (Assistant Stage Manager) This year marks his 20th musical with Pittsburgh CLO! Selected Credits: Broadway: Honeymoon in Vegas, Big Fish, Act One, Newsies. Paper Mill Playhouse: West Side Story, Oliver!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Sound of Music, A Chorus Line, Newsies. TV: NBC’s The Wiz Live! Events: Times Square New Years Eve Celebration 2014, 2015, 2016, A Night of Serious Fun Celebrating the Legacy of Paul Newman.
TELSEY + COMPANY (Casting) Broadway/Tours: Motown, Paramour, Waitress, Fiddler on the Roof, The Color Purple, On Your Feet!, Hamilton, Something Rotten!, An American in Paris, Finding Neverland, Kinky Boots, Wicked, If/Then, The Sound of Music, Newsies, Rock of Ages. Off-Broadway: Atlantic, MCC, Signature. Film: “Into the Woods,” “Margin Call,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Across the Universe,” “Camp,“ “Pieces of April.” TV: “This Is Us,” “Grease Live!,” “The Wiz Live!,” “Flesh and Bone,” “Masters of Sex,” “Smash,” “The Big C,” commercials. www.telseyandco.com