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THE MUSIC MAN

Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024

Benedum Center

Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Willson; Story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey

THE MUSIC MAN follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef! Featuring Broadway hits like "76 Trombones," "Til There Was You," "Ya Got Trouble," and so many more!

Click here for a full listing of showtimes, special events, & more. 

Arrive early, embrace the spirit of River City’s community with performances by some of the regions finest Barbershop Quartets. They'll entertain you before the show and during intermission; bringing THE MUSIC MAN to life with their harmonious melodies!

Tuesday, July 9: 3 Rivers 4
Wednesday, July 10: The Keystone Chorus
Thursday, July 11: North Hills Harmony Line Chorus
Friday, July 12: Minor Inconvenience
Saturday, July 13 (matinee): The Keystone Chorus
Saturday, July 13 (evening): North Hills Harmony Line Chorus
Sunday, July 14: Hot Metal

Cast

CHARLES ESTEN (Harold Hill) a celebrated storyteller as an actor and artist-songwriter, global entertainer Charles Esten is best known for his hit roles: Ward Cameron on Netflix’s Outer Banks and Deacon Claybourne in ABC/CMT’s Nashville. With an illustrious 30-year career of television and film projects like The Postman, The OfficeWhose Line Is It Anyway?, and more, Esten first made his theatrical debut in London in the ‘90s, portraying Buddy Holly in the West End musical, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. Notably, he was honored to perform for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in the Royal Variety Performance and President George H. W. Bush at The White House. Likewise, with his own music, Esten has performed multiple headline tours on the most renowned stages across the U.S., Germany, Amsterdam, and U.K., including over 170 appearances at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry. Making history as a 2018 Guinness World Records title holder for the most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act after releasing 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks, he’s also surpassed 21 MILLION streams to date. Recently delivering his independent debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty, to much acclaim, Grammy.com hailed “the album is the purest representation of his artistry possible,” as Forbes praised his 14-song co-write as “written with the wisdom and breadth that comes with time, Esten captures the dimensions of love, loss, growth, and hope.” Among his many charitable efforts, Esten serves as the National Honorary Spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light the Night Walk, and is a board member and volunteer for Musicians On Call.

NIKKI RENÉE DANIELS (Marian Paroo) recently played Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress at New York City Center. She has done 11 Broadway shows including Company (Jenny), The Book of Mormon (Nabulungi), The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (Clara), Les Misérables (Fantine), Anything Goes, and Promises, Promises. She played Angelica Schuyler in the Chicago company of Hamilton. Her television credits include Billions, The Equalizer, Modern Love, and Madam Secretary. Her debut solo CD, Home is available on iTunes. All my love to Jeff, Lena, and Louise. | @nikkireneesings

Katherine Harkins

NICK ALVINO (Tommy Djilas) is overjoyed to be back in River City after making his Broadway debut in the The Music Man in 2022. City Center Encores!: The Light in the Piazza. Love to my Mom and Dad, family, friends, and the Daniel Hoff Agency! @Nickalvinoo

RYAN CAVANAUGH (Marcellus Washburn) Pittsburgh CLO credits: The Perfect Mate (world premiere), Guys & Dolls, Anything Goes, South Pacific, AIDA, Shrek The Musical, Damn Yankees, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, and Man of La Mancha. Favorite Regional Theatre: Goodspeed Opera House, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and a couple national tours. When Ryan is not on stage, he's teaching theatre at CAPA High School with the best students a teacher could ask for. Always thankful for my Mom, Dad, and Jenna. I would like to dedicate my performance to my late Granny who signed me up for the Pittsburgh CLO Academy when I was around 10 years old and changed my life forever.

E. CLAYTON CORNELIUS (Mayor Shinn) is a 2-time Tony nominated producer and a 26-year Broadway actor, who was a featured singer on the Grammy winning musical theatre album, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. He most recently closed the 1st National Tour of Ain’t Too Proud playing the role of Paul Williams, after being honored with the Legacy Robe for his feature role of Richard Street in the original Broadway production. He is currently co-producing on two Broadway shows this season: Spamalot Revival & The Who’s Tommy Revival, and the new Broadway bound Midnight In The Garden Of Good & Evil. Broadway acting credits: The Caterpillar in Wonderland, POTUS:, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, Kat & the Kings, and The Lion King. West End: Sammy Davis Jr. in Rat Pack: Live from Vegas! Tours: Kinky Boots, Sister Act, Jersey Boys, Dirty Dancing, The Goodbye Girl, and The Wiz. TV/Film: One Life to Live & Meet Dave with Eddie Murphy. In addition to his theatre credits, he is now a 6-year Broadway Investor/Producer. Investments: Magic Mike Live, MJ: The Musical, Caroline or Change Revival, Hadestown and Ain't Too Proud. Producing Credits: HITCity Temptations Edition, New York New York, Little Girl Blue, When It Happens to You, Little Did I Know (podcast), and a lead producer on Chicken & Biscuits.  He is a proud member of BIV (Broadway Inspirational Voices) and a proud graduate of Point Park University. 

Emmett Kent

KAMMIE CRUM (Zaneeta Shinn) Thrilled to be doing The Music Man once again! Most recently, she was in the Original Broadway Cast of the revival of The Music Man with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. Doing this show again, and playing this character, has been the biggest treat. It feels like coming home! Thanks to Mom and Dad always, I wouldn’t be anywhere without you! | @kammiecrum

AARON GALLIGAN-STIERLE (Oliver Hix) Pittsburgh CLO: Guys and Dolls (Benny Southstreet). Broadway: Phantom of the Opera (Monsieur Andre), Ragtime (Henry Ford), and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Papa Who). National Tour: White Christmas (Mike Nulty) Regional: Utah Shakespeare (10 seasons), Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, The Rev, Oregon Shakespeare, Paper Mill Playhouse, TUTS,  MSMT and many more. Head of Musical Theatre at Slippery Rock University. Training: BFA Shenandoah University (Musical Theater) MFA Penn State (Acting). Love to Shannon, Devin, and Zoe. @Aarongs1

MICHAEL GREER (Charlie Cowell) is thrilled to be back at the Benedum this summer! Favorite credits: Puffs (Cedric/Voldy), Hand to God (Timmy, City Theatre), You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! (Jeff Kahn, Denver Center and National Tour), Shrek The Musical (Big Bad Wolf, North Shore Music Theatre), Altar Boyz (Luke), Grease (Johnny Casino), and over 30 productions with Pittsburgh CLO. Endless love to Mara and Maple Rose, the best Dad ever, and Mom, smiling down from the top mezzanine.

Anthony Marino

ASHLEY HARMON (Alma Hix) is a Pittsburgh native making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Currently a Pittsburgh based choreographer and performer, she has worked for regional companies Front Porch Theatricals, Split Stage Productions, and Stage 62. Ashley recently choreographed Woodland Hills High School's pilot production of Wonderland. She is thrilled to be performing at the Benedum Center, and dedicates this performance to her Mom.

J. Alex Noble

JENNA KANTOR (Ethel Toffelmier) is excited for her Pittsburgh CLO debut alongside her talented husband, Ryan Cavanaugh. Her past roles include Trina in Falsettos, Tanya in Mamma Mia!, Rizzo in Grease, Betty in Great American Trailer Park Musical, Velma in Chicago, Paulette in Legally Blonde, Maria in Lend Me a Tenor, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Vicki in The Full Monty, and Pennywise in Urinetown. Jenna, a performing arts physical therapist, enjoys rehabilitating singers, actors, and dancers in Allegheny County. She thanks her husband, family, friends, and pets. jennakantor.com

EMMETT KENT (Winthrop Paroo) is an 8th grade Musical Theatre major at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School and a proud member of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy where he has been training for 6 years. His previous credits include Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s The Little Prince (Little Prince) and Freaky Friday (Fletcher), 4 years of Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol  (Tiny Tim, Daniel, Turkey Boy, Ignorance), Pittsburgh CLO’s The Sound of Music (u/s Kurt), Heritage Player’s A Wrinkle in Time (Charles Wallace), and Pittsburgh CLO’s The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin). Emmett wants to thank the cast and crew for this fun opportunity.

CHRISTINE LAITTA (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn) a staple of the Pittsburgh theater community, Laitta was last seen as Mrs. Dilber and Mrs. Fezziwig in Pittsburgh CLO’s  A Musical Christmas Carol and Ms. Lynch in PMT’s Grease. Favorite shows: Book of Merman, Forbidden Broadway, On The Town, Sister Act, Damn Yankees, Into the Woods, Guys & Dolls, Game On, and Up and Away, to name a few. She directs and choreographs Off The Record (the yearly spoof of Pittsburgh to benefit the Pittsburgh Food Bank) and is the co-author of The Dramatically Different Classroom (Kagan Publishing). chrislaitta.com

NATALIE MCGOVERN (Amaryllis) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! She is a proud member of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy Pre-Professional program. Recent credits include A Christmas Story: The Play (Esther Jane, Pittsburgh Public Theater), The Wizard of Oz, Youth Edition (Aunt Em, Pittsburgh CLO Academy), Matilda Jr. (Lavender, Pittsburgh CLO Academy), and The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon (The Ellis School).  She thanks her family and her Pittsburgh CLO teachers for all their support!

BRADY D. PATSY (Ewart Dunlop) is thrilled to be returning for another summer with Pittsburgh CLO. Some favorite Regional Credits include Toad in A Year With Frog and Toad, Tonton Julian in Once on This Island, Javert in Les Misérables, Father in Children of Eden, and Cecelia’s Dad in Everyday Life. In addition to performing this summer, Brady is starting his role as Pittsburgh CLO's Community Engagement Manager. Let’s create a neighborhood of make-believe together! bpatsy@pittsburghclo.org!

CISSY REBICH (Mrs. Paroo) is happy to be working with Pittsburgh CLO! Broadway: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rags, Mame with Angela Lansbury, Premiere company Les Misérables. National Tours: On the Twentieth Century, Evita, The Merry Widow. Off-Broadway: Annie Get Your Gun, Gifts of the Magi. Favorite role: Agnes Gooch in Mame with Sally Kellerman. Concert: Broadway’s Chess at Carnegie Hall, original production of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Local: Baruška in Once at PMT. She was a frequent attorney guest commentator on Court TV and MSNBC, along with other television and film appearances.

ERIN SEABERG (Maud Dunlop) is elated to be part of The Music Man cast. Regional Theater: Nunsense (Rev Mother), Moon Over Buffalo (Charlotte Hay), Unnecessary Farce (Mary Meekly) at St. Vincent Summer Theatre, Nunsense (Sr. Julia Child of God), The Sound of Music, Sister Act at Pittsburgh Musical Theater, and Titanic (Marian Thayer) at Split Stage Productions. Thank you for supporting live theater and the Pittsburgh CLO. How did we get here?

DAVID TOOLE (Jacey Squires, Conductor) Recent regional credits; The Last 5 Years (Jamie), Count of Monte Cristo (Edmond Dantès), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Pierre), Once (Guy), a featured vocalist performing alongside Jason Robert Brown in concert at the CAM Raleigh and collaborating with Frank Wildhorn at the Tuacahn PAC. Outside of theater;  Anthem singer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, certified voice instructor and vocalist for Identity X & Streetlight Amber. Glory to Jesus, and all my love to wife Katie & sons Barrett & Elijah! | @davidmichaeltoole

JOSEPH TORELLO (Olin Britt) Pittsburgh CLO: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), Oliver! (Knife Grinder). NYC: Show Boat (Carnival Barker), and Carousel (Policeman) at Lincoln Center with the NY Philharmonic (both aired on Live From Lincoln Center on PBS); Guys & Dolls (Mission Quartet) alongside Nathan Lane & Megan Mullally at Carnegie Hall. This is Joseph’s 11th production of The Music Man, having played Olin in over 600 performances with: National Tour, MUNY, Asolo Rep, Walnut St, Fulton, Houston TUTS, and was alongside Shirley Jones in productions at Sacramento Music Circus, Bushnell, and a midwest tour. | @torellojoe

SKY BENNETT (Swing) is elated to join Pittsburgh CLO for his fourth summer season! He has previously danced in the ensemble of previous Pittsburgh CLO productions of Disney’s Newsies, Mamma Mia!, Grease, Oklahoma!, and Kinky Boots. Sky also performed in the international tour of West Side Story (A-Rab, u/s Action), spanning ten countries in two continents including the show’s premiere performance in India. Other appearances include Carousel at Riverside Theatre, and Broadway Bares 2022. Much love to Pittsburgh CLO, Dad, Tori, the devilishly attractive audience member reading this, and my Aleena. Pace University 2020.

SAVANNAH LEE BIRDSONG (Mrs. Squires) is a recent graduate of CMU and is so excited to be returning for her third summer with Pittsburgh CLO! Past credits include Kinky Boots, The Sound of Music, and Sister Act. Many thanks to her beautiful mother. A wee hello to Emma and Callum all the way in Glasgow. 

SARAH BISHOP (Ensemble) was recently seen as Susan in tick, tick…BOOM! in Pittsburgh CLO's Kara Cabaret Series! National Tour: Cabaret (Roundabout). Regional: World Premiere of Broadway Vacation (5th Avenue Theater), The Other Josh Cohen (Geva), 42nd Street (Pittsburgh CLO), Ulla in The Producers (The Strand). Favorites: Legally Blonde (Elle), Singin’ in the Rain (Lina), The Sound of Music (Maria), and Guys & Dolls (Sarah). Loves connecting with singers as the owner of Sarah Bishop Vocal Studio. Love to Kyle! | @singwithbish

MELISSA BURKE (Ensemble) 23, was born and raised in Hartford County, Connecticut. She’s performed in musicals including West Side Story, A Chorus Line, and In the Heights. She received her BFA in dance in 2022 from Point Park University where she performed in works by Martha Graham, Rennie Harris, and Martha Nichols. Melissa began her career traveling with Disney Cruise Lines and recently completed her first season performing with Lawrenceville based dance company Attack Theatre.

BOBBY M. DAVIS (Ensemble, Dance Captain) is thrilled to be back in Pittsburgh after making his Pittsburgh CLO debut last summer with Anything Goes and Guys & Dolls! Select regional: Tuacahn (White Christmas u/s Phil Davis, Joseph..Dreamcoat, Mary Poppins, Wonderland), The Rev (42nd Street), John W. Engeman (A Christmas Story). National Tour: The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical. Marymount Manhattan College. Much love to Mom, Dad, Kelsey, Andrew and everyone at Clear Talent Group! bobbymdavis.com

JULIAN DEGUZMAN (Ensemble) is a performing artist, writer, producer, and educator, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Julian received his BFA in Dance and BA in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine. Julian’s Broadway credits include Disney's Newsies, Miss Saigon, Hello, Dolly!, and Beetlejuice. Julian loves his family, and he is unapologetically Filipino. @julianofguzman

ZACH DORAN (Ensemble) is so excited to be returning to Pittsburgh! In the fall, he will be entering his 3rd year as a Musical Theatre major at Penn State University. Previous theatre credits include: Anything Goes (Pittsburgh CLO), Urinetown (Penn State Centre Stage), Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Penn State Centre Stage). Upcoming: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Penn State Centre Stage). He would like to thank his parents for their unwavering support in the pursuit of his dreams! | @zacharydoran_

LUCAS FEDELE (Ensemble) a Julia Deberson Award winner and 15-year veteran of the Pittsburgh CLO ensemble, is happy to be back on the boards. Favorite Pittsburgh CLO credits include the title role in Fiddler on the Roof, Coricopat in CATS opposite Katie Terza, and most importantly, the guy selling balloons at the beginning of Kopit and Yeston’s Phantom. TV: Outsiders. National tours: Hello, Dolly!, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Regional: Arena Stage, Drury Lane, Kansas City Starlight, West Virginia Public Theatre, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, City Theatre.

DANIEL FRONTZ (Ensemble) is a rising senior and musical theater major at PPS CAPA and studies dance and acting Pittsburgh CLO Academy. Past shows include Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (CAPA), Damien in Mean Girls High School Version (Pittsburgh CLO Academy), Lewis in Pippin (CAPA), and Sheldon Saperstein in The Prom (CAPA). Daniel is extremely thankful and excited to be back on the Benedum stage for the first time since middle school. Daniel would like to dedicate this show to their younger siblings, Molly and Matthew.

SLOANE GRIFFITH (Ensemble) is so excited to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut all the way from Southern Utah! Regional: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tarzan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Wonderland, and School of Rock (Tuacahn Amphitheatre). She is a soon to be graduate from the University of Utah, Dutch Bros lover, and a big fan of boating. Much gratitude to Mara, Sara, her parents, little sister Harper, friends, and mentors! | @sloane.griffith

LAURA GULEY (EnsembleAssistant Dance Captain) is so excited and grateful to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO! Previous Pittsburgh CLO credits: Anything Goes. National Tour: Tootsie (u/s Sandy). Select Regional: The Music Man (u/s Marian, Marriott Theatre); White Christmas (u/s Judy), Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins (Miss Andrews, u/s Bird Woman), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wonderland (u/s Mad Hatter, TUACAHN); Rock of Ages (u/s Waitress #1: Sherrie/Regina, Engeman Theatre); A Chorus Line (Bebe), The Music Man (Zaneeta, Lexington Theatre Company). Immense gratitude to my role models - Sara, Mara, Michael, and Robbie for trusting me with this season and love always to Katie and the team at PMA, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Jilly. Penn State. | @lauraguley

HANNAH GUNDERMANN (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in River City to make her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Hannah is a Hershey, PA native and based in NYC. Credits include: Carousel at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, RWS Entertainment, and MGM. Recently she has been working on the team of Maddie: A New Musical. Proud OCU alum, Go Stars! Lots of love to her support system. Big thank you to the creative team and to everyone at Pittsburgh CLO! | @hannydancy

JESSICA ICE (Swing) is a Pittsburgh native and is thrilled to be returning to the Benedum Stage this summer! Jessica has been seen in over a dozen Pittsburgh CLO productions, most recently Guys and Dolls. Other credits: Guys and Dolls (The Rev), Cabaret (Theatre SilCo), and Elf The Musical (Broadway National Tour). Jessica would like to thank Hunter, Mom, Dad, Josh, Liv, George, Ira, and sweet baby Penny for their support, love, and babysitting while I twirl. | @icejm

LENA KREADY (Ensemble) just finished 5th grade at the Special Music School in Manhattan. She played the title role in Matilda at the Childrens' Acting Academy. Lena has appeared in concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and at Symphony Space in New York City. She loves doing gymnastics and playing the violin, and she is very excited to be a part of this production!

LOUISE ELIZABETH KREADY (Ensemble) just finished 1st grade at the Special Music School in Manhattan. She has performed in concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, in the Kready Holiday Spectacular, at the Kaufman Music Center Gala, and at the Grand Teton Music Festival. Louise plays the flute, and loves art, and swimming. She is very excited to be a part of this production!

BRADY J. KUNTZ (Ensemble, u/s Winthrop) is an 8th grade student at Chartiers Valley Middle School performing in his first show with Pittsburgh CLO. He has previously been cast  in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar. Notable roles include Peter Pan (Peter Pan, Jr.), Randolph McAfee (Bye Bye Birdie), Winthrop Paroo (The Music Man Jr.), and Tiny Tim (A Lyrical Christmas Carol). Brady's film credits include appearing as Ethan in Hope (2023) and he was an extra in Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022).  Brady also studies piano and drum.

SAWYER O. LINCOLN (Ensemble) is 10 years old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has been studying at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy for 5 years and will attend Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 in the fall, majoring in musical theater. She also enjoys playing softball and soccer.  This will be her first main stage production!

LAYLA MILLER (Ensemble) is 10 years old and thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She is a proud student of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and recent credits include Annie, Kids (Annie). She studies dance at Dance Mechanics and is a member of the competition team. In addition to her love for the stage, she enjoys playing chess and rocking out to The Beatles. Layla is grateful to her family, teachers and friends for their endless support and guidance.

ANDERSON MILLER (Ensemble) is excited to perform on the Benedum stage for his first Pittsburgh CLO show.  Anderson attends Westinghouse Arts Academy, where he will be a sophomore Musical Theatre major, and the Pittsburgh CLO Academy Professional Development Program.  Favorite roles include Les in Disney’s Newsies and The Artful Dodger in Oliver!. Anderson thanks Lori Kolodziej and the Mon River Arts team, Nick Lenz and the Westinghouse Musical Theatre Dept., the Conways and Kristy Ochs for all of their support and guidance.

COTY PERNO (Ensemble) is so pumped to be returning to the Benedum after making his Pittsburgh CLO debut earlier this season in West Side Story! Sending love and thanks to the family, friends, and all the educators along the way. UC College- Conservatory of Music (CCM) MT '25. Let's do this! | @cotyperno

RORY PRICHARD (Gracie Shinn) is eight years old and thrilled to make her Pittsburgh CLO debut in The Music Man! Rory is a proud student at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School. As a survivor herself, Rory is also an advocate for Childhood Cancer awareness and research. Rory would like to thank her teachers, friends, and family for their incredible support.

MYAH SEGURA (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO! She is based in NYC and graduated from Point Park University with her Dance BFA and Arts Management BS 24’. Before Anything Goes with Pittsburgh CLO ‘23, she was in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and in works by Maud Arnold and Rennie Harris. Myah attended LaGuardia HS for the Performing Arts in NYC. She trained at Ballet Hispanico and Shuffles NYC. Her connection to dance is rooted in her music training. | @mishmyah

DONOVAN ELLIOT SMITH (Farmer, Ensemble) a Pittsburgh native, has just recently moved back from Switzerland. After getting his Master's degree, he worked as a tenor full-time in the opera chorus at Opernhaus Zürich (Zurich Opera House) and at Theater Basel. Credit include Mozart's The Magic Flute and Shostakovich's The Nose. He has also appeared as the tenor soloist in McCullough's Let My People Go with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. Most recently he performed the role of Serano in Rossini's La Donna del Lago with Resonance Works. His other solo credits throughout Europe include roles such as Ferrando in Mozart's Così Fan Tutte, Beppe in Donizetti's Rita, the title role in Mozart's Idomeneo, and Beppe in Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. Before he moved to Europe, Donovan sang several leading roles including Enjolras in Les Misérables with PMT and Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime.

ALLAN SNYDER (Constable Locke, Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Pittsburgh CLO this summer. Previous PCLO credits include Anything Goes, Titanic, The 39 Steps, and A Musical Christmas Carol. Broadway/Off-Bway/Tour: The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and The Fantasticks. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Public, PICT Classic Theatre, Front Porch Theatricals, Lincoln Park PAC. Thank you, Kate, for supporting my theatre habit!

HENRY THOMAS (Ensemble) is an 11 year old student of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and is excited to return to the Pittsburgh CLO stage. Prior PCLO credits: A Musical Christmas Carol ‘22 and ‘23 (Wyatt Cratchit), The Sound of Music (Kurt von Trapp), Kinky Boots (Young Charlie), and The Wizard of Oz (Coroner). He wishes to thank his family, friends and instructors at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy, South Park Children’s Theatre and KO Middle School for their continued guidance and support.

DAVIS WAYNE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO for his 14th show! He was last seen as Riff in West Side Story. Favorite credits, Broadway: Hadestown and New York, New York!, Tours: Hello, Dolly!, Regional: Riff in Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Muny), Joey in Pittsburgh CLO’s Sister Act, as well as other shows at The Muny, Pioneer Theatre, and North Shore. Love to everyone from the front of the house to the back. @davis_wayne

Creative Team

SARA EDWARDS (Director) has performed and created for many Broadway productions: HarmonyThe Music Man with Hugh Jackman, Hello Dolly! with Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Donna Murphy and Betty Buckley, After Midnight (Tony Award Winner - Best Choreography), Follies, Chaplin, White Christmas. Regional as director and choreographer: Let the Good Times RollAnything Goes, White Christmas, Medora MusicalGreasetick, tick…BOOM! and is Bette Midler’s choreographer for her annual fundraiser, Hulaween.

MARA NEWBERY GREER (Choreographer) is honored to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO after choreographing Anything Goes last season. Directing and/or choreography credits include Tuacahn, North Shore Music Theatre, Broadway at Music Circus, The Fulton Theatre, Front Porch Theatricals, Seattle 5th Avenue, The John Engeman Theatre, Gateway Playhouse, Lexington Theatre Company, Music Theatre Wichita, and Paper Mill Playhouse. As a performer, Mara has worked on Broadway, National Tours, and London’s West End. University of Michigan BFA Musical Theatre. Upcoming: Little Shop of Horrors (Ogunquit Playhouse), A Christmas Story (Goodspeed Opera House), A Christmas Carol (Tuacahn). Endless love to her husband, Michael (whom she met at Pittsburgh CLO), and daughter, Maple.

ROBERT NEUMEYER (Music Director, Conductor) balances duties as a music director, conductor, arranger, orchestrator and composer. At the Pittsburgh CLO, Robert has served as conductor, arranger, orchestrator and pianist for over 35 productions at the Benedum Center and Greer Cabaret Theater. Robert serves as a resident teaching artist and music director at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland, PA. He is the conductor and arranger of the Gene Kelly Awards, the Henry Mancini Awards and serves as an associate music director and arranger for the Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theater on Broadway. Regionally, Robert has music directed and arranged for productions and special events at Carnegie Mellon, Point Park, Robert Morris and Duquesne Universities and has appeared with the national touring company of Jersey Boys. Robert has created arrangements and special material for Stephen Schwartz, David Yazbek, Titus Burgess, Clay Aiken, Norm Lewis, Arielle Jacobs and Jenn Colella. Robert is a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians and ASCAP.

JAMES FOUCHARD (Scenic Designer) Over the past 50 years, Mr. Fouchard has created the sets for over 350 productions in regional, stock, opera and educational theater. Previous design credits include the national tours of Can-Can (starring Chita Rivera), Joseph...Dreamcoat (starring Patrick Cassidy), The Show-Off (starring Jean Stapleton), 42nd Street (Asia Tour), Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Phantom of the OperaLittle Shop of HorrorsSouth PacificSound of Music (USA and Asia), Crazy For YouGreaseOklahoma!Singinʼ in the Rain and the Charleston production of Porgy and Bess. He has also served as Scenic Supervisor for tours of The Will Rogers FolliesSmokey Joeʼs Cafe and Evita (supervised by Harold Prince). Other designs include productions for Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Syracuse Stage, American Musical Theater, Fordʼs Theater, Walnut Street Theater,  Everyman Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Peabody Conservatory,  Rep Stage, John F. Kennedy Center, Theatre of the Stars, OperaDelaware, Theatre J, Summer Opera Theater, Opera Columbus, Feld Entertainment, and Harrahʼs (Atlantic City and Lake Tahoe). He has served as Resident Scenic Designer for 42 summers at the famed Totem Pole Playhouse in Pennsylvania. | jamesfouchard.com

PAUL MILLER (Lighting Designer) 8th season at Pittsburgh CLO. Internationally, Paul’s work has been seen on stage at the Stratford Festival, London’s West End, Vienna, Teatro alla Scala (Milan), South Africa, China, Manila, Iceland and São Paulo. On Broadway, he has designed 5 musicals and been the Associate/Assistant on 22 others. Notable Off-Broadway favorites include: Desperate Measures, Clinton!, Pageant, Vanities - the Musical, Waiting for Godot, Nunsense, Encores! (9 shows). National Tours: Hairspray, Elf, The Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd, The Producers, Rent, Shrek. Regional: Arizona Theatre Company, The Old Globe, Dallas Theatre Center, Chicago Shakespeare, Idaho Shakespeare, Asolo Rep, ACT, Cleveland Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Goodspeed, and others. Television: Evil (CBS & Paramount+), Live from Lincoln Center, more than 20 Netflix specials, and the internationally-televised New Year’s Eve Celebration from Times Square (for 25 years).

SANTO LOQUASTO (Costume Designer)

CHRIS EVANS (Sound Designer) is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (Drama ’83). He has been teaching the Advanced Sound System Design course in the School of Drama for the past 8 years and also advises student sound designers who are assigned to musical productions. He has served as the House Sound Engineer at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, PA since 1987. During this time he has also designed and engineered shows for the Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet and Pittsburgh CLO. In addition to his professional career in Pittsburgh, he has lectured for the Broadway Sound Master Class Series in New York City and designed sound for the Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theater.

JEFF KNAGGS (Hair and Makeup Designer) is a proud pug daddy and has been working in theatre for 25 years. After designing the 25th Anniversary Mamma Mia! tour, he has returned to Royal Caribbean to design four shows, including The Wizard of Oz. For The Engeman Theatre, he has designed Beautiful, Beauty and the Beast, Jersey Boys, and Margaritaville. For NCL he has designed Kinky Boots, Footloose, SIX, and After Midnight. Royal Caribbean: Hairspray, Flight: Dare to DreamThe Silk Road, Showgirl!, The Effectors. Pittsburgh CLO: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023 Seasons. TUTS: Memphis, 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, The Music Man. Theatre Aspen: Beautiful. Regional: Mamma Mia!, Peepshow, Young Frankenstein, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dancing with the Stars, America’s Got Talent, Rica’s Got Talent, and Into the Woods at The Hollywood Bowl.

GEOFF JOSSELSON (Casting Director) is a New York-based casting directors, handling productions for theatre, film and television. Recent work includes productions for Arena Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Baltimore Center Stage, Cape Playhouse, Denver Center, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Irish Repertory Theatre, Merrimack Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Round House Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Theaterworks Hartford, Weston Playhouse. | www.jz-casting.com

MEREDITH WILLSON (Book, Music, Lyrics) was born in 1902 in Mason City, Iowa. He became musical director for various radio programs throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, including Tallulah Bankhead's program, The Big Show, for which he wrote the hit song "May The Lord Bless and Keep You." He composed the scores for the movies The Great Dictator and The Little Foxes, as well as symphonic, band, and choral works, including The Jervis Bay: Symphonic Variations on an American Theme and Anthem of the Atomic Age. Willson wrote three Broadway musicals: The Music Man, his first and most successful; The Unsinkable Molly Brown (music and lyrics), and Here's Love (book, music and lyrics). As an author he has published two autobiographical works (And There I Stood with My Piccolo and Eggs I Have Laid), one novel (Who Did What to Fedalia) and a memoir about the making of The Music Man (But He Doesn't Know the Territory).

RENÉE RIMLAND (Production Stage Manager) is so happy to be back for another fabulous summer at Pittsburgh CLO! Broadway: Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Fosse, Jekyll & Hyde, Steel Pier. National Tours: 42nd Street, Beauty…, Les Misérables, Joseph ... Dreamcoat, The Phantom of the Opera, Savion! Footnotes, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Evita, Bye Bye Birdie. PSM for over 13 seasons at Pittsburgh CLO. Other credits include Off-Broadway productions and regional theatre. For JRR, always! Proud AEA member.

KELLY HAYWOOD (Assistant Stage Manager) Is excited to spend her 9th summer at Pittsburgh CLO. Favorite past Pittsburgh CLO productions: Aida, Shrek The Musical, Peter Pan, In the Heights, Mamma Mia!, A Musical Christmas Carol, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, Disney’s High School Musical, Into the Woods, Titanic. Pittsburgh Public Theater: A Christmas Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Steel Magnolias, Dragon Lady. Baltimore Centerstage: The Importance of Being Earnest.

CHRISTINE SCHOTT (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Pittsburgh-based stage manager who has worked for many local companies including Pittsburgh Public, City Theatre, Quantum Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, and Pittsburgh CLO. Elsewhere, she has stage managed for numerous dance, theatre, and opera companies, and (long ago) spent some time touring with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey. Favorite shows include Carmen, The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night's Dream (in all of its forms), and Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812. Love, hugs, and kisses to the Brown family!  

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THE MUSIC MAN

Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024

Benedum Center

Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Willson; Story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey

THE MUSIC MAN follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef! Featuring Broadway hits like "76 Trombones," "Til There Was You," "Ya Got Trouble," and so many more!

Click here for a full listing of showtimes, special events, & more. 

Arrive early, embrace the spirit of River City’s community with performances by some of the regions finest Barbershop Quartets. They'll entertain you before the show and during intermission; bringing THE MUSIC MAN to life with their harmonious melodies!

Tuesday, July 9: 3 Rivers 4
Wednesday, July 10: The Keystone Chorus
Thursday, July 11: North Hills Harmony Line Chorus
Friday, July 12: Minor Inconvenience
Saturday, July 13 (matinee): The Keystone Chorus
Saturday, July 13 (evening): North Hills Harmony Line Chorus
Sunday, July 14: Hot Metal

Cast

CHARLES ESTEN (Harold Hill) a celebrated storyteller as an actor and artist-songwriter, global entertainer Charles Esten is best known for his hit roles: Ward Cameron on Netflix’s Outer Banks and Deacon Claybourne in ABC/CMT’s Nashville. With an illustrious 30-year career of television and film projects like The Postman, The OfficeWhose Line Is It Anyway?, and more, Esten first made his theatrical debut in London in the ‘90s, portraying Buddy Holly in the West End musical, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. Notably, he was honored to perform for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in the Royal Variety Performance and President George H. W. Bush at The White House. Likewise, with his own music, Esten has performed multiple headline tours on the most renowned stages across the U.S., Germany, Amsterdam, and U.K., including over 170 appearances at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry. Making history as a 2018 Guinness World Records title holder for the most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act after releasing 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks, he’s also surpassed 21 MILLION streams to date. Recently delivering his independent debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty, to much acclaim, Grammy.com hailed “the album is the purest representation of his artistry possible,” as Forbes praised his 14-song co-write as “written with the wisdom and breadth that comes with time, Esten captures the dimensions of love, loss, growth, and hope.” Among his many charitable efforts, Esten serves as the National Honorary Spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light the Night Walk, and is a board member and volunteer for Musicians On Call.

NIKKI RENÉE DANIELS (Marian Paroo) recently played Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress at New York City Center. She has done 11 Broadway shows including Company (Jenny), The Book of Mormon (Nabulungi), The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (Clara), Les Misérables (Fantine), Anything Goes, and Promises, Promises. She played Angelica Schuyler in the Chicago company of Hamilton. Her television credits include Billions, The Equalizer, Modern Love, and Madam Secretary. Her debut solo CD, Home is available on iTunes. All my love to Jeff, Lena, and Louise. | @nikkireneesings

Katherine Harkins

NICK ALVINO (Tommy Djilas) is overjoyed to be back in River City after making his Broadway debut in the The Music Man in 2022. City Center Encores!: The Light in the Piazza. Love to my Mom and Dad, family, friends, and the Daniel Hoff Agency! @Nickalvinoo

RYAN CAVANAUGH (Marcellus Washburn) Pittsburgh CLO credits: The Perfect Mate (world premiere), Guys & Dolls, Anything Goes, South Pacific, AIDA, Shrek The Musical, Damn Yankees, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, and Man of La Mancha. Favorite Regional Theatre: Goodspeed Opera House, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and a couple national tours. When Ryan is not on stage, he's teaching theatre at CAPA High School with the best students a teacher could ask for. Always thankful for my Mom, Dad, and Jenna. I would like to dedicate my performance to my late Granny who signed me up for the Pittsburgh CLO Academy when I was around 10 years old and changed my life forever.

E. CLAYTON CORNELIUS (Mayor Shinn) is a 2-time Tony nominated producer and a 26-year Broadway actor, who was a featured singer on the Grammy winning musical theatre album, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. He most recently closed the 1st National Tour of Ain’t Too Proud playing the role of Paul Williams, after being honored with the Legacy Robe for his feature role of Richard Street in the original Broadway production. He is currently co-producing on two Broadway shows this season: Spamalot Revival & The Who’s Tommy Revival, and the new Broadway bound Midnight In The Garden Of Good & Evil. Broadway acting credits: The Caterpillar in Wonderland, POTUS:, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, Kat & the Kings, and The Lion King. West End: Sammy Davis Jr. in Rat Pack: Live from Vegas! Tours: Kinky Boots, Sister Act, Jersey Boys, Dirty Dancing, The Goodbye Girl, and The Wiz. TV/Film: One Life to Live & Meet Dave with Eddie Murphy. In addition to his theatre credits, he is now a 6-year Broadway Investor/Producer. Investments: Magic Mike Live, MJ: The Musical, Caroline or Change Revival, Hadestown and Ain't Too Proud. Producing Credits: HITCity Temptations Edition, New York New York, Little Girl Blue, When It Happens to You, Little Did I Know (podcast), and a lead producer on Chicken & Biscuits.  He is a proud member of BIV (Broadway Inspirational Voices) and a proud graduate of Point Park University. 

Emmett Kent

KAMMIE CRUM (Zaneeta Shinn) Thrilled to be doing The Music Man once again! Most recently, she was in the Original Broadway Cast of the revival of The Music Man with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. Doing this show again, and playing this character, has been the biggest treat. It feels like coming home! Thanks to Mom and Dad always, I wouldn’t be anywhere without you! | @kammiecrum

AARON GALLIGAN-STIERLE (Oliver Hix) Pittsburgh CLO: Guys and Dolls (Benny Southstreet). Broadway: Phantom of the Opera (Monsieur Andre), Ragtime (Henry Ford), and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Papa Who). National Tour: White Christmas (Mike Nulty) Regional: Utah Shakespeare (10 seasons), Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, The Rev, Oregon Shakespeare, Paper Mill Playhouse, TUTS,  MSMT and many more. Head of Musical Theatre at Slippery Rock University. Training: BFA Shenandoah University (Musical Theater) MFA Penn State (Acting). Love to Shannon, Devin, and Zoe. @Aarongs1

MICHAEL GREER (Charlie Cowell) is thrilled to be back at the Benedum this summer! Favorite credits: Puffs (Cedric/Voldy), Hand to God (Timmy, City Theatre), You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! (Jeff Kahn, Denver Center and National Tour), Shrek The Musical (Big Bad Wolf, North Shore Music Theatre), Altar Boyz (Luke), Grease (Johnny Casino), and over 30 productions with Pittsburgh CLO. Endless love to Mara and Maple Rose, the best Dad ever, and Mom, smiling down from the top mezzanine.

Anthony Marino

ASHLEY HARMON (Alma Hix) is a Pittsburgh native making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Currently a Pittsburgh based choreographer and performer, she has worked for regional companies Front Porch Theatricals, Split Stage Productions, and Stage 62. Ashley recently choreographed Woodland Hills High School's pilot production of Wonderland. She is thrilled to be performing at the Benedum Center, and dedicates this performance to her Mom.

J. Alex Noble

JENNA KANTOR (Ethel Toffelmier) is excited for her Pittsburgh CLO debut alongside her talented husband, Ryan Cavanaugh. Her past roles include Trina in Falsettos, Tanya in Mamma Mia!, Rizzo in Grease, Betty in Great American Trailer Park Musical, Velma in Chicago, Paulette in Legally Blonde, Maria in Lend Me a Tenor, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Vicki in The Full Monty, and Pennywise in Urinetown. Jenna, a performing arts physical therapist, enjoys rehabilitating singers, actors, and dancers in Allegheny County. She thanks her husband, family, friends, and pets. jennakantor.com

EMMETT KENT (Winthrop Paroo) is an 8th grade Musical Theatre major at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School and a proud member of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy where he has been training for 6 years. His previous credits include Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s The Little Prince (Little Prince) and Freaky Friday (Fletcher), 4 years of Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol  (Tiny Tim, Daniel, Turkey Boy, Ignorance), Pittsburgh CLO’s The Sound of Music (u/s Kurt), Heritage Player’s A Wrinkle in Time (Charles Wallace), and Pittsburgh CLO’s The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin). Emmett wants to thank the cast and crew for this fun opportunity.

CHRISTINE LAITTA (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn) a staple of the Pittsburgh theater community, Laitta was last seen as Mrs. Dilber and Mrs. Fezziwig in Pittsburgh CLO’s  A Musical Christmas Carol and Ms. Lynch in PMT’s Grease. Favorite shows: Book of Merman, Forbidden Broadway, On The Town, Sister Act, Damn Yankees, Into the Woods, Guys & Dolls, Game On, and Up and Away, to name a few. She directs and choreographs Off The Record (the yearly spoof of Pittsburgh to benefit the Pittsburgh Food Bank) and is the co-author of The Dramatically Different Classroom (Kagan Publishing). chrislaitta.com

NATALIE MCGOVERN (Amaryllis) is thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut! She is a proud member of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy Pre-Professional program. Recent credits include A Christmas Story: The Play (Esther Jane, Pittsburgh Public Theater), The Wizard of Oz, Youth Edition (Aunt Em, Pittsburgh CLO Academy), Matilda Jr. (Lavender, Pittsburgh CLO Academy), and The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon (The Ellis School).  She thanks her family and her Pittsburgh CLO teachers for all their support!

BRADY D. PATSY (Ewart Dunlop) is thrilled to be returning for another summer with Pittsburgh CLO. Some favorite Regional Credits include Toad in A Year With Frog and Toad, Tonton Julian in Once on This Island, Javert in Les Misérables, Father in Children of Eden, and Cecelia’s Dad in Everyday Life. In addition to performing this summer, Brady is starting his role as Pittsburgh CLO's Community Engagement Manager. Let’s create a neighborhood of make-believe together! bpatsy@pittsburghclo.org!

CISSY REBICH (Mrs. Paroo) is happy to be working with Pittsburgh CLO! Broadway: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rags, Mame with Angela Lansbury, Premiere company Les Misérables. National Tours: On the Twentieth Century, Evita, The Merry Widow. Off-Broadway: Annie Get Your Gun, Gifts of the Magi. Favorite role: Agnes Gooch in Mame with Sally Kellerman. Concert: Broadway’s Chess at Carnegie Hall, original production of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Local: Baruška in Once at PMT. She was a frequent attorney guest commentator on Court TV and MSNBC, along with other television and film appearances.

ERIN SEABERG (Maud Dunlop) is elated to be part of The Music Man cast. Regional Theater: Nunsense (Rev Mother), Moon Over Buffalo (Charlotte Hay), Unnecessary Farce (Mary Meekly) at St. Vincent Summer Theatre, Nunsense (Sr. Julia Child of God), The Sound of Music, Sister Act at Pittsburgh Musical Theater, and Titanic (Marian Thayer) at Split Stage Productions. Thank you for supporting live theater and the Pittsburgh CLO. How did we get here?

DAVID TOOLE (Jacey Squires, Conductor) Recent regional credits; The Last 5 Years (Jamie), Count of Monte Cristo (Edmond Dantès), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Pierre), Once (Guy), a featured vocalist performing alongside Jason Robert Brown in concert at the CAM Raleigh and collaborating with Frank Wildhorn at the Tuacahn PAC. Outside of theater;  Anthem singer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, certified voice instructor and vocalist for Identity X & Streetlight Amber. Glory to Jesus, and all my love to wife Katie & sons Barrett & Elijah! | @davidmichaeltoole

JOSEPH TORELLO (Olin Britt) Pittsburgh CLO: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble), Oliver! (Knife Grinder). NYC: Show Boat (Carnival Barker), and Carousel (Policeman) at Lincoln Center with the NY Philharmonic (both aired on Live From Lincoln Center on PBS); Guys & Dolls (Mission Quartet) alongside Nathan Lane & Megan Mullally at Carnegie Hall. This is Joseph’s 11th production of The Music Man, having played Olin in over 600 performances with: National Tour, MUNY, Asolo Rep, Walnut St, Fulton, Houston TUTS, and was alongside Shirley Jones in productions at Sacramento Music Circus, Bushnell, and a midwest tour. | @torellojoe

SKY BENNETT (Swing) is elated to join Pittsburgh CLO for his fourth summer season! He has previously danced in the ensemble of previous Pittsburgh CLO productions of Disney’s Newsies, Mamma Mia!, Grease, Oklahoma!, and Kinky Boots. Sky also performed in the international tour of West Side Story (A-Rab, u/s Action), spanning ten countries in two continents including the show’s premiere performance in India. Other appearances include Carousel at Riverside Theatre, and Broadway Bares 2022. Much love to Pittsburgh CLO, Dad, Tori, the devilishly attractive audience member reading this, and my Aleena. Pace University 2020.

SAVANNAH LEE BIRDSONG (Mrs. Squires) is a recent graduate of CMU and is so excited to be returning for her third summer with Pittsburgh CLO! Past credits include Kinky Boots, The Sound of Music, and Sister Act. Many thanks to her beautiful mother. A wee hello to Emma and Callum all the way in Glasgow. 

SARAH BISHOP (Ensemble) was recently seen as Susan in tick, tick…BOOM! in Pittsburgh CLO's Kara Cabaret Series! National Tour: Cabaret (Roundabout). Regional: World Premiere of Broadway Vacation (5th Avenue Theater), The Other Josh Cohen (Geva), 42nd Street (Pittsburgh CLO), Ulla in The Producers (The Strand). Favorites: Legally Blonde (Elle), Singin’ in the Rain (Lina), The Sound of Music (Maria), and Guys & Dolls (Sarah). Loves connecting with singers as the owner of Sarah Bishop Vocal Studio. Love to Kyle! | @singwithbish

MELISSA BURKE (Ensemble) 23, was born and raised in Hartford County, Connecticut. She’s performed in musicals including West Side Story, A Chorus Line, and In the Heights. She received her BFA in dance in 2022 from Point Park University where she performed in works by Martha Graham, Rennie Harris, and Martha Nichols. Melissa began her career traveling with Disney Cruise Lines and recently completed her first season performing with Lawrenceville based dance company Attack Theatre.

BOBBY M. DAVIS (Ensemble, Dance Captain) is thrilled to be back in Pittsburgh after making his Pittsburgh CLO debut last summer with Anything Goes and Guys & Dolls! Select regional: Tuacahn (White Christmas u/s Phil Davis, Joseph..Dreamcoat, Mary Poppins, Wonderland), The Rev (42nd Street), John W. Engeman (A Christmas Story). National Tour: The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical. Marymount Manhattan College. Much love to Mom, Dad, Kelsey, Andrew and everyone at Clear Talent Group! bobbymdavis.com

JULIAN DEGUZMAN (Ensemble) is a performing artist, writer, producer, and educator, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Julian received his BFA in Dance and BA in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine. Julian’s Broadway credits include Disney's Newsies, Miss Saigon, Hello, Dolly!, and Beetlejuice. Julian loves his family, and he is unapologetically Filipino. @julianofguzman

ZACH DORAN (Ensemble) is so excited to be returning to Pittsburgh! In the fall, he will be entering his 3rd year as a Musical Theatre major at Penn State University. Previous theatre credits include: Anything Goes (Pittsburgh CLO), Urinetown (Penn State Centre Stage), Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Penn State Centre Stage). Upcoming: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Penn State Centre Stage). He would like to thank his parents for their unwavering support in the pursuit of his dreams! | @zacharydoran_

LUCAS FEDELE (Ensemble) a Julia Deberson Award winner and 15-year veteran of the Pittsburgh CLO ensemble, is happy to be back on the boards. Favorite Pittsburgh CLO credits include the title role in Fiddler on the Roof, Coricopat in CATS opposite Katie Terza, and most importantly, the guy selling balloons at the beginning of Kopit and Yeston’s Phantom. TV: Outsiders. National tours: Hello, Dolly!, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Regional: Arena Stage, Drury Lane, Kansas City Starlight, West Virginia Public Theatre, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, City Theatre.

DANIEL FRONTZ (Ensemble) is a rising senior and musical theater major at PPS CAPA and studies dance and acting Pittsburgh CLO Academy. Past shows include Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (CAPA), Damien in Mean Girls High School Version (Pittsburgh CLO Academy), Lewis in Pippin (CAPA), and Sheldon Saperstein in The Prom (CAPA). Daniel is extremely thankful and excited to be back on the Benedum stage for the first time since middle school. Daniel would like to dedicate this show to their younger siblings, Molly and Matthew.

SLOANE GRIFFITH (Ensemble) is so excited to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut all the way from Southern Utah! Regional: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tarzan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Wonderland, and School of Rock (Tuacahn Amphitheatre). She is a soon to be graduate from the University of Utah, Dutch Bros lover, and a big fan of boating. Much gratitude to Mara, Sara, her parents, little sister Harper, friends, and mentors! | @sloane.griffith

LAURA GULEY (EnsembleAssistant Dance Captain) is so excited and grateful to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO! Previous Pittsburgh CLO credits: Anything Goes. National Tour: Tootsie (u/s Sandy). Select Regional: The Music Man (u/s Marian, Marriott Theatre); White Christmas (u/s Judy), Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins (Miss Andrews, u/s Bird Woman), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wonderland (u/s Mad Hatter, TUACAHN); Rock of Ages (u/s Waitress #1: Sherrie/Regina, Engeman Theatre); A Chorus Line (Bebe), The Music Man (Zaneeta, Lexington Theatre Company). Immense gratitude to my role models - Sara, Mara, Michael, and Robbie for trusting me with this season and love always to Katie and the team at PMA, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Jilly. Penn State. | @lauraguley

HANNAH GUNDERMANN (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in River City to make her Pittsburgh CLO debut! Hannah is a Hershey, PA native and based in NYC. Credits include: Carousel at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, RWS Entertainment, and MGM. Recently she has been working on the team of Maddie: A New Musical. Proud OCU alum, Go Stars! Lots of love to her support system. Big thank you to the creative team and to everyone at Pittsburgh CLO! | @hannydancy

JESSICA ICE (Swing) is a Pittsburgh native and is thrilled to be returning to the Benedum Stage this summer! Jessica has been seen in over a dozen Pittsburgh CLO productions, most recently Guys and Dolls. Other credits: Guys and Dolls (The Rev), Cabaret (Theatre SilCo), and Elf The Musical (Broadway National Tour). Jessica would like to thank Hunter, Mom, Dad, Josh, Liv, George, Ira, and sweet baby Penny for their support, love, and babysitting while I twirl. | @icejm

LENA KREADY (Ensemble) just finished 5th grade at the Special Music School in Manhattan. She played the title role in Matilda at the Childrens' Acting Academy. Lena has appeared in concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and at Symphony Space in New York City. She loves doing gymnastics and playing the violin, and she is very excited to be a part of this production!

LOUISE ELIZABETH KREADY (Ensemble) just finished 1st grade at the Special Music School in Manhattan. She has performed in concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, in the Kready Holiday Spectacular, at the Kaufman Music Center Gala, and at the Grand Teton Music Festival. Louise plays the flute, and loves art, and swimming. She is very excited to be a part of this production!

BRADY J. KUNTZ (Ensemble, u/s Winthrop) is an 8th grade student at Chartiers Valley Middle School performing in his first show with Pittsburgh CLO. He has previously been cast  in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar. Notable roles include Peter Pan (Peter Pan, Jr.), Randolph McAfee (Bye Bye Birdie), Winthrop Paroo (The Music Man Jr.), and Tiny Tim (A Lyrical Christmas Carol). Brady's film credits include appearing as Ethan in Hope (2023) and he was an extra in Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022).  Brady also studies piano and drum.

SAWYER O. LINCOLN (Ensemble) is 10 years old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has been studying at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy for 5 years and will attend Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 in the fall, majoring in musical theater. She also enjoys playing softball and soccer.  This will be her first main stage production!

LAYLA MILLER (Ensemble) is 10 years old and thrilled to be making her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She is a proud student of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and recent credits include Annie, Kids (Annie). She studies dance at Dance Mechanics and is a member of the competition team. In addition to her love for the stage, she enjoys playing chess and rocking out to The Beatles. Layla is grateful to her family, teachers and friends for their endless support and guidance.

ANDERSON MILLER (Ensemble) is excited to perform on the Benedum stage for his first Pittsburgh CLO show.  Anderson attends Westinghouse Arts Academy, where he will be a sophomore Musical Theatre major, and the Pittsburgh CLO Academy Professional Development Program.  Favorite roles include Les in Disney’s Newsies and The Artful Dodger in Oliver!. Anderson thanks Lori Kolodziej and the Mon River Arts team, Nick Lenz and the Westinghouse Musical Theatre Dept., the Conways and Kristy Ochs for all of their support and guidance.

COTY PERNO (Ensemble) is so pumped to be returning to the Benedum after making his Pittsburgh CLO debut earlier this season in West Side Story! Sending love and thanks to the family, friends, and all the educators along the way. UC College- Conservatory of Music (CCM) MT '25. Let's do this! | @cotyperno

RORY PRICHARD (Gracie Shinn) is eight years old and thrilled to make her Pittsburgh CLO debut in The Music Man! Rory is a proud student at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School. As a survivor herself, Rory is also an advocate for Childhood Cancer awareness and research. Rory would like to thank her teachers, friends, and family for their incredible support.

MYAH SEGURA (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO! She is based in NYC and graduated from Point Park University with her Dance BFA and Arts Management BS 24’. Before Anything Goes with Pittsburgh CLO ‘23, she was in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and in works by Maud Arnold and Rennie Harris. Myah attended LaGuardia HS for the Performing Arts in NYC. She trained at Ballet Hispanico and Shuffles NYC. Her connection to dance is rooted in her music training. | @mishmyah

DONOVAN ELLIOT SMITH (Farmer, Ensemble) a Pittsburgh native, has just recently moved back from Switzerland. After getting his Master's degree, he worked as a tenor full-time in the opera chorus at Opernhaus Zürich (Zurich Opera House) and at Theater Basel. Credit include Mozart's The Magic Flute and Shostakovich's The Nose. He has also appeared as the tenor soloist in McCullough's Let My People Go with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. Most recently he performed the role of Serano in Rossini's La Donna del Lago with Resonance Works. His other solo credits throughout Europe include roles such as Ferrando in Mozart's Così Fan Tutte, Beppe in Donizetti's Rita, the title role in Mozart's Idomeneo, and Beppe in Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. Before he moved to Europe, Donovan sang several leading roles including Enjolras in Les Misérables with PMT and Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime.

ALLAN SNYDER (Constable Locke, Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Pittsburgh CLO this summer. Previous PCLO credits include Anything Goes, Titanic, The 39 Steps, and A Musical Christmas Carol. Broadway/Off-Bway/Tour: The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and The Fantasticks. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Public, PICT Classic Theatre, Front Porch Theatricals, Lincoln Park PAC. Thank you, Kate, for supporting my theatre habit!

HENRY THOMAS (Ensemble) is an 11 year old student of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and is excited to return to the Pittsburgh CLO stage. Prior PCLO credits: A Musical Christmas Carol ‘22 and ‘23 (Wyatt Cratchit), The Sound of Music (Kurt von Trapp), Kinky Boots (Young Charlie), and The Wizard of Oz (Coroner). He wishes to thank his family, friends and instructors at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy, South Park Children’s Theatre and KO Middle School for their continued guidance and support.

DAVIS WAYNE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO for his 14th show! He was last seen as Riff in West Side Story. Favorite credits, Broadway: Hadestown and New York, New York!, Tours: Hello, Dolly!, Regional: Riff in Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Muny), Joey in Pittsburgh CLO’s Sister Act, as well as other shows at The Muny, Pioneer Theatre, and North Shore. Love to everyone from the front of the house to the back. @davis_wayne

Creative Team

SARA EDWARDS (Director) has performed and created for many Broadway productions: HarmonyThe Music Man with Hugh Jackman, Hello Dolly! with Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Donna Murphy and Betty Buckley, After Midnight (Tony Award Winner - Best Choreography), Follies, Chaplin, White Christmas. Regional as director and choreographer: Let the Good Times RollAnything Goes, White Christmas, Medora MusicalGreasetick, tick…BOOM! and is Bette Midler’s choreographer for her annual fundraiser, Hulaween.

MARA NEWBERY GREER (Choreographer) is honored to be returning to Pittsburgh CLO after choreographing Anything Goes last season. Directing and/or choreography credits include Tuacahn, North Shore Music Theatre, Broadway at Music Circus, The Fulton Theatre, Front Porch Theatricals, Seattle 5th Avenue, The John Engeman Theatre, Gateway Playhouse, Lexington Theatre Company, Music Theatre Wichita, and Paper Mill Playhouse. As a performer, Mara has worked on Broadway, National Tours, and London’s West End. University of Michigan BFA Musical Theatre. Upcoming: Little Shop of Horrors (Ogunquit Playhouse), A Christmas Story (Goodspeed Opera House), A Christmas Carol (Tuacahn). Endless love to her husband, Michael (whom she met at Pittsburgh CLO), and daughter, Maple.

ROBERT NEUMEYER (Music Director, Conductor) balances duties as a music director, conductor, arranger, orchestrator and composer. At the Pittsburgh CLO, Robert has served as conductor, arranger, orchestrator and pianist for over 35 productions at the Benedum Center and Greer Cabaret Theater. Robert serves as a resident teaching artist and music director at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland, PA. He is the conductor and arranger of the Gene Kelly Awards, the Henry Mancini Awards and serves as an associate music director and arranger for the Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theater on Broadway. Regionally, Robert has music directed and arranged for productions and special events at Carnegie Mellon, Point Park, Robert Morris and Duquesne Universities and has appeared with the national touring company of Jersey Boys. Robert has created arrangements and special material for Stephen Schwartz, David Yazbek, Titus Burgess, Clay Aiken, Norm Lewis, Arielle Jacobs and Jenn Colella. Robert is a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians and ASCAP.

JAMES FOUCHARD (Scenic Designer) Over the past 50 years, Mr. Fouchard has created the sets for over 350 productions in regional, stock, opera and educational theater. Previous design credits include the national tours of Can-Can (starring Chita Rivera), Joseph...Dreamcoat (starring Patrick Cassidy), The Show-Off (starring Jean Stapleton), 42nd Street (Asia Tour), Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Phantom of the OperaLittle Shop of HorrorsSouth PacificSound of Music (USA and Asia), Crazy For YouGreaseOklahoma!Singinʼ in the Rain and the Charleston production of Porgy and Bess. He has also served as Scenic Supervisor for tours of The Will Rogers FolliesSmokey Joeʼs Cafe and Evita (supervised by Harold Prince). Other designs include productions for Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Syracuse Stage, American Musical Theater, Fordʼs Theater, Walnut Street Theater,  Everyman Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Peabody Conservatory,  Rep Stage, John F. Kennedy Center, Theatre of the Stars, OperaDelaware, Theatre J, Summer Opera Theater, Opera Columbus, Feld Entertainment, and Harrahʼs (Atlantic City and Lake Tahoe). He has served as Resident Scenic Designer for 42 summers at the famed Totem Pole Playhouse in Pennsylvania. | jamesfouchard.com

PAUL MILLER (Lighting Designer) 8th season at Pittsburgh CLO. Internationally, Paul’s work has been seen on stage at the Stratford Festival, London’s West End, Vienna, Teatro alla Scala (Milan), South Africa, China, Manila, Iceland and São Paulo. On Broadway, he has designed 5 musicals and been the Associate/Assistant on 22 others. Notable Off-Broadway favorites include: Desperate Measures, Clinton!, Pageant, Vanities - the Musical, Waiting for Godot, Nunsense, Encores! (9 shows). National Tours: Hairspray, Elf, The Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd, The Producers, Rent, Shrek. Regional: Arizona Theatre Company, The Old Globe, Dallas Theatre Center, Chicago Shakespeare, Idaho Shakespeare, Asolo Rep, ACT, Cleveland Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Goodspeed, and others. Television: Evil (CBS & Paramount+), Live from Lincoln Center, more than 20 Netflix specials, and the internationally-televised New Year’s Eve Celebration from Times Square (for 25 years).

SANTO LOQUASTO (Costume Designer)

CHRIS EVANS (Sound Designer) is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (Drama ’83). He has been teaching the Advanced Sound System Design course in the School of Drama for the past 8 years and also advises student sound designers who are assigned to musical productions. He has served as the House Sound Engineer at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, PA since 1987. During this time he has also designed and engineered shows for the Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet and Pittsburgh CLO. In addition to his professional career in Pittsburgh, he has lectured for the Broadway Sound Master Class Series in New York City and designed sound for the Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theater.

JEFF KNAGGS (Hair and Makeup Designer) is a proud pug daddy and has been working in theatre for 25 years. After designing the 25th Anniversary Mamma Mia! tour, he has returned to Royal Caribbean to design four shows, including The Wizard of Oz. For The Engeman Theatre, he has designed Beautiful, Beauty and the Beast, Jersey Boys, and Margaritaville. For NCL he has designed Kinky Boots, Footloose, SIX, and After Midnight. Royal Caribbean: Hairspray, Flight: Dare to DreamThe Silk Road, Showgirl!, The Effectors. Pittsburgh CLO: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023 Seasons. TUTS: Memphis, 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, The Music Man. Theatre Aspen: Beautiful. Regional: Mamma Mia!, Peepshow, Young Frankenstein, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dancing with the Stars, America’s Got Talent, Rica’s Got Talent, and Into the Woods at The Hollywood Bowl.

GEOFF JOSSELSON (Casting Director) is a New York-based casting directors, handling productions for theatre, film and television. Recent work includes productions for Arena Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Baltimore Center Stage, Cape Playhouse, Denver Center, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Irish Repertory Theatre, Merrimack Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Round House Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Theaterworks Hartford, Weston Playhouse. | www.jz-casting.com

MEREDITH WILLSON (Book, Music, Lyrics) was born in 1902 in Mason City, Iowa. He became musical director for various radio programs throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, including Tallulah Bankhead's program, The Big Show, for which he wrote the hit song "May The Lord Bless and Keep You." He composed the scores for the movies The Great Dictator and The Little Foxes, as well as symphonic, band, and choral works, including The Jervis Bay: Symphonic Variations on an American Theme and Anthem of the Atomic Age. Willson wrote three Broadway musicals: The Music Man, his first and most successful; The Unsinkable Molly Brown (music and lyrics), and Here's Love (book, music and lyrics). As an author he has published two autobiographical works (And There I Stood with My Piccolo and Eggs I Have Laid), one novel (Who Did What to Fedalia) and a memoir about the making of The Music Man (But He Doesn't Know the Territory).

RENÉE RIMLAND (Production Stage Manager) is so happy to be back for another fabulous summer at Pittsburgh CLO! Broadway: Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Fosse, Jekyll & Hyde, Steel Pier. National Tours: 42nd Street, Beauty…, Les Misérables, Joseph ... Dreamcoat, The Phantom of the Opera, Savion! Footnotes, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Evita, Bye Bye Birdie. PSM for over 13 seasons at Pittsburgh CLO. Other credits include Off-Broadway productions and regional theatre. For JRR, always! Proud AEA member.

KELLY HAYWOOD (Assistant Stage Manager) Is excited to spend her 9th summer at Pittsburgh CLO. Favorite past Pittsburgh CLO productions: Aida, Shrek The Musical, Peter Pan, In the Heights, Mamma Mia!, A Musical Christmas Carol, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, Disney’s High School Musical, Into the Woods, Titanic. Pittsburgh Public Theater: A Christmas Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Steel Magnolias, Dragon Lady. Baltimore Centerstage: The Importance of Being Earnest.

CHRISTINE SCHOTT (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Pittsburgh-based stage manager who has worked for many local companies including Pittsburgh Public, City Theatre, Quantum Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, and Pittsburgh CLO. Elsewhere, she has stage managed for numerous dance, theatre, and opera companies, and (long ago) spent some time touring with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey. Favorite shows include Carmen, The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night's Dream (in all of its forms), and Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812. Love, hugs, and kisses to the Brown family!