JOHN CARNEY Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Based on the Motion Picture
Written and Directed by
JOHN CARNEY
Directed by MARK CUDDY
Book by ENDA WALSH Music Director
Music and Lyrics by DON KOT
GLEN HANSARD Choreography by
and MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ WHITNEY G-BOWLEY
A Co-production with SYRACUSE STAGE
February 19 - March 22, 2020
Lead Co-Producers: Co-Producer: Associate Producer: Media Sponsors:
Honorary Producers: Ken & Joan Slater
1
ABOUT GEVA
THEATRE CENTER
Geva Theatre Center is your not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to creating and producing professional
theatre productions, programs and services of a national standard. As Rochester’s flagship professional
theatre, Geva is the most attended regional theatre in New York State, and one of the 25 most subscribed in
the country, serving up to 160,000 patrons annually, including 20,000 students.
Founded in 1972 by William Selden and Cynthia Mason Selden, Geva was originally housed in the Rochester
Business Institute building on South Clinton Avenue. In 1982, Geva purchased and converted its current
space – formerly a NYS Arsenal designed by noted Rochester architect Andrew J Warner and built in 1868
– and opened its new home at the Richard Pine Theatre in March 1985. Geva operates two venues – the
516-seat Elaine P. Wilson Stage and the 180-seat Ron & Donna Fielding Stage.
As one of the country’s leading theatre companies and a member of the national League of Resident
Theatres, Geva produces a varied contemporary repertoire from musicals to world premieres celebrating the
rich tapestry of our diverse community. We draw upon the talents of some of the country’s top actors, directors,
designers and writers who are shaping the American Theatre scene.
Geva’s education programs serve 20,000 students annually through student matinees, in-school workshops,
theatre tours, career day, the acclaimed Summer Academy training program, and opportunities such as the
Stage Door Project, which pairs a local school with a production in the Geva season giving students an
exclusive look into the entire process of producing a show.
Geva has presented approximately 360 play readings and workshops since its inception. Geva’s New Play
Development Programming offers new and established writers a nurturing environment from which to take
their work to the next level. Programs such as the Festival of New Theatre, Plays in Progress, and Regional
and Young Writers Showcases offer writers to have their plays workshopped and performed before an
audience in a reading setting. Nearly 70 Geva-developed plays have had subsequent productions around the
country. Geva’s nationally-recognized and innovative “Hornets’ Nest” series of play readings uses theatre to
facilitate community discussions on contemporary topics.
An active member of the Rochester community, Geva offers a multitude of opportunities for our audience and
community members to engage with live theatre and the country’s best artists. Since the breadth of Geva’s
programming cannot be sustained on ticket sales alone, this contribution to the region’s cultural, social and
economic vitality is recognized by grants and charitable contributions from federal, state and local government
agencies, national and local foundations, and businesses and individuals from throughout the region.
For more information: GevaTheatre.org
2019-2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Hope Drummond Sergio Esteban*
Dennis Bassett, Chair Mary Anne Fox David L. Fiedler*
Kelly Shea, Treasurer and Chair Suzanne Gouvernet Ronald H. Fielding
of Finance Committee Richard Gray Betsy T. Friedman*
Frank Novak, Secretary Christina Gullo Patrick Fulford*
Lloyd Holmes Joanna Grosodonia*
Philip L. Burke, Chair of Barbara LaVerdi A. Thomas Hildebrandt
Advancement Committee Dawn Lipson David L. Hoffberg*
Peggy Boucher, Co-Chair of Faheem Masood Arthur M. Holtzman
Education/Summer Curtain Call Diane McCue Maureen D. Holtzman
Committee Suzanne Nasipak-Chapman John F. Kraushaar*
Barbara Bruning, Co-Chair of Michael Ninnie Carol Love*
Education/Summer Curtain Call Frank Novak Peter Messner*
Committee Pamela O’Connor-Chapman Michael B. Millard*
Faheem Masood, Vice President Wolfgang Pfizenmaier Emily Neece*
at Large Loren Ranaletta Nannette Nocon
Ted Boucher, Immediate Past Jean Gordon Ryon David Perlman
Chair and Chair of Committee on Kelly M. Shea John C. Rasor*
Trustees Matt Squires Joseph R. Rulison*
Maggie Symington Robert Saltzman
TRUSTEES Mimi Tilton Paul Seidel
Dennis Bassett William Weir Paul L. Smith
Peggy Boucher Kathleen Whelehan Mary Kay Taber
Ted Boucher John Williams John Tyler Jr.
Barbara Bruning Linda Cornell Weinstein*
Philip Burke HONORARY TRUSTEES Henry W. Williams Jr.*
Margaret Busch Helen H. Berkeley* Deborah Wilson
Essie Calhoun-McDavid William A. Buckingham
Gloria Culver Barry B. Clements*
Trustees are volunteers and receive no compensation. *Indicates Former Board Chair
4 2019-2020 Season
MESSAGE FROM GEVA'S
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
IT’S NOT THE FINISH LINE
We all know that if a story begins with “Once
upon a time” then it inevitably ends with “And Christopher Mannelli and Mark Cuddy
they lived happily ever after”, right? Which
EXCEPTIONAL THEATRE
actually sounds like a very long time, and most
of their lives…whomever “they” are. So for me, Welcome to the fourth show in our Wilson
most fables or fairy tales involve a challenging Stage series for the 19-20 season! We are so
journey toward a beginning – not an ending. pleased to have been able to craft our very own
Sometimes it takes a huge effort just to get to production of Once right here in Rochester.
the starting line. We strive to create the most outstanding
theatre productions we can for you each
In our story, pointedly titled “Once”, two people
season, and Once is no exception. This show
generically named Guy and Girl happen upon
is extraordinary for many reasons, especially
each other as each is trying to get to the starting
for how it showcases the talented performers
line. In fact, Guy is ready to drop out of the
who not only act and sing – but also play all
race altogether. He has become disillusioned
the instruments live on stage each and every
with just about everything: love, music and
night. I know many of you have loved this
the future. When once he had dreams, he now
music for so long, and we are thrilled to have
sees only dead ends. Girl, on the other hand,
you experience it live, right here in the Wilson
is an immigrant to a new country that she
Stage. The event of live theatre is like no other,
hopes will lead to a new life. She has also left
and we know that is why so many of you come
complications behind her as she directly and
back show after show.
determinedly points herself forward. Here are
two people going in different directions yet the We feel so fortunate to have you as enthusiastic
fates have thrown them together. Before they members of our audience, especially our
realize it, they are tethered. Bound together subscribers and donors, without whom, shows
by music. With the help of a Dublin community like this would not be possible. If you have
formed by songs and strings, they clarify each not yet become a subscriber, please take a
other’s path. moment and consider joining us for all of our
shows. We have several amazing productions
Neither Girl nor Guy can completely shed their
left in our 19-20 season in both the Wilson and
past, however. In Ireland – and I was fortunate
Fielding stages and, we are about to announce
to live there for a year with my family about
an incredible 20-21 season next year that you
fifteen years ago – the past is always present.
won’t want to miss! Subscribers also receive
History is active. Ghosts seem to occupy
first choice of seats and the best discount on
minds, poetry and landscapes. Ireland is an
tickets!
ideal setting for a story about confronting one’s
past while trying to forge a future. It is amidst Thanks you again for all of your support – you
this mystical atmosphere, as well as the hustle keep theatre vibrant in Rochester. Enjoy!
and bustle of Dublin, that our story unfolds.
Will they live happily ever after? Well, raise
your pint glass and toast the possibilities of
love and music. Christopher Mannelli
Executive Director
Sláinte.
Mark Cuddy
Artistic Director
Join us on and on . You can read Geva’s blog at gevajournal.wordpress.com.
6 2019-2020 Season
The Joseph & Irene Skalny
Charitable Trust
is proud to support the nonprofit
and educational organizations that
enhance the quality of life
that we enjoy in the
Greater Rochester region...
...and supporting
Geva Theatre Center’s
education programs
is an investment in the
future of our youth
and our community.
Proud Lead Producer of Once
www.GevaTheatre.org 7
SU PPO RT TO TAKE YOU
TO T H E N EX T LE V E L
ESL is committed to helping businesses grow.
We start with sound partnership and a full range of commercial
and business banking products and services that meet your
cash management and lending needs. Backed by extensive
financial and local market expertise, diverse resources and a deep
understanding of businesses of all sizes. So we are able to tailor
solutions that work for you. Now and in the future.
esl.org > 585.336.1000 > 22 branches
Membership subject to eligibility. ESL is a registered service mark of ESL Federal Credit Union.
Federally insured by NCUA. ESL is an Equal Opportunity Lender.
ESL09097_45x75_Ad, 4.5”w x 7.5”h finished, 4CArtistic Director Executive Director
MARK CUDDY CHRISTOPHER MANNELLI
In association with
SYRACUSE STAGE
ROBERT M. HUPP, Artistic Director
JILL A. ANDERSON, Managing Director
Present
ONCE
Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by JOHN CARNEY
Directed by MARK CUDDY
Musical Director Choreographer
DON KOT WHITNEY G-BOWLEY
Scenic Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer
TIM MACKABEE CHRISTINA SELIAN ALEX MANNIX
Sound Designer Dialect Coach Dramaturg
ANDREW MARK WILHELM BLAKE SEGAL JEAN GORDON RYON
Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager
JENN LYONS* DANA ANGELLIS*
Casting
KOPPEL CASTING
KARIE KOPPEL, CSA
Originally Produced on Broadway by
Barbara Broccoli John N. Hart, Jr. Patrick Milling Smith Frederick Zollo
Brian Carmody Michael G. Wilson Orin Wolf The Shubert Organization
Robert Cole, Executive Producer
In association with
New York Theatre Workshop
Once was originally produced Off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop in December 2011
Jim Nicola, Artistic Director; William Russo, Managing Director
Once was originally developed at the American Repertory Theater, Cambridge, Massachusetts, in April 2011
Diane Paulus, Artistic Director; Diane Borger, Producer
Once is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.MTIShows.com
The sets, costumes and props used in this production were created by Geva Theatre Center production staff.
Lead Co-Producers: Co-Producer: Associate Producer: Media Sponsors:
Honorary Producers: Ken & Joan Slater
www.GevaTheatre.org 9THE CAST
(In order of appearance)
Guy..........................................................................................................................Elliot Greer*
Guitar
Girl................................................................................................................. Samantha Sayah*
Piano
Billy............................................................................................... Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper*
Guitar, Ukelele, Cajon, Tambourine, Cymbals
Da..........................................................................................................................Kurt Zischke*
Mandolin
Ex-Girlfriend..................................................................................................... Rachel Mulcahy*
Violin
Andrej...................................................................................................................Adrian Lopez*
Ukelele, Electric Bass, Guitar
Réza................................................................................................................. EJ Zimmerman*
Violin
Švec.........................................................................................................................Billy Cohen*
Guitar, Mandolin, Cajon, Drum Set
Baruška....................................................................................................... Maggie Hollinbeck*
Accordion
Bank Manager.......................................................................................... Benjamin Magnuson*
Cello, Guitar, Mandolin
Eamon................................................................................................................ Kent M. Lewis*
Guitar, Melodica, Piano, Cajon, Castanets, Harmonica
Emcee..............................................................................................................Kris Saint-Louis*
Guitar
Ivonka*.............................................................................................. Kennedy Kleps, Mia Marin
*Kennedy Kleps and Mia Marin will alternate the role of Ivonka.
SETTING
Dublin, Ireland
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ann Kreitman, Assistant Director
*Members of Actors Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union.
The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by the United Scenic Artists,
Local USA-829 of the IATSE.
Geva Theatre Center operates under agreements between the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a consortium of
regional theatres throughout the nation; Actors Equity Association (AEA), the union of professional actors and stage
managers in the United States; the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), an independent national
labor union; and United Scenic Artists (USA), a union of scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers.
Geva Theatre Center is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for
the American Theatre.
Geva Theatre Center is an associate member of the National New Play Network, an alliance of non-profit
professional theatres dedicated to the development, production, and continued life of new plays.
Please note that the taking of photographs or use of recording devices
during the performance is not permitted. Cell phones and all other electronic
devices are strictly prohibited in the theatre.
10 2019-2020 SeasonMUSICAL NUMBERS
(all songs composed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová unless otherwise stated)
ACT I
“Leave”....................................................................................................................................... Guy
“Falling Slowly”....................................................................................................................Guy, Girl
“The North Strand”............................................................................................................Ensemble
“The Moon”............................................................................................................................. Andrej
“Ej, Pada, Pada, Rosicka”.................................................................................................Ensemble
“If You Want Me”.............................................................................................. Guy, Girl, Ensemble
“Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy”............................................................................. Guy
“Say It to Me Now”..................................................................................................................... Guy
“Abandoned in Bandon”............................................................................................Bank Manager
(composed by Martin Lowe, Andy Taylor and Enda Walsh)
“Gold”.................................................................................................................... Guy & Ensemble
(composed by Fergus O’Farrell)
ACT II
“Sleeping”................................................................................................................................... Guy
“When Your Mind’s Made Up”........................................................................Guy, Girl & Ensemble
“The Hill”...................................................................................................................................... Girl
“Gold” (a cappella)............................................................................................................ Company
“It Cannot Be About That”.................................................................................................Ensemble
“The Moon”........................................................................................................................ Company
“Falling Slowly” (reprise).................................................................................. Guy, Girl, Ensemble
THE 2019-2020 SEASON MARKS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MARK CUDDY’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY AT GEVA.
In tribute and to celebrate this remarkable milestone, the following friends have provided
additional generous annual support to Geva to underwrite Mark’s artistic season:
Nocon & Associates
Nan & Tom Hildebrandt
Dennis & Mary Bassett
Barbara LaVerdi & Bryan Donnelly
Norman Horton
Patrick & Barbara Fulford
Joanna & Michael Grosodonia
Carol & Nick Love
Chuck Lundeen+ & John Williams
Michael & Frances Millard
Wolfgang Pfizenmaier
Kelly & Kathleen Shea
Mimi & Sam Tilton
Linda Cornell Weinstein & Sherwin Weinstein
Jack & Barbara Kraushaar
Peter & Beth Messner
If you would like to join this group of donors by making an extra gift this season,
please contact the Geva Advancement Office at (585)420-2004.
www.GevaTheatre.org 11WHO'S WHO
BILLY ELLIOT MAGGIE KENNEDY
COHEN GREER HOLLINBECK KLEPS
KENT M. ADRIAN BENJAMIN MIA
LEWIS LOPEZ MAGNUSON MARIN
NICHOLAS RACHEL KRIS
MONGIARDO- MULCAHY SAINT-LOUIS
COOPER
SAMANTHA EJ KURT
SAYAH ZIMMERMAN ZISCHKE
12 2019-2020 SeasonWHO'S WHO
BILLY COHEN (Švec) is excited to be at Lucille DiCampli Artist Representation. IG: @
making his Geva Theatre Center debut. maggiehollinbeck. Web: www.maggiehollinbeck.
Credits include the tour of Soul Doctor, com. Music: grahamsobelman.bandcamp.
Billy Elliot at Goodspeed, Million Dollar com. Thank you for supporting your local arts
Quartet at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and organization! VOTE.
ZACH Theater, Oklahoma! at Weston
Playhouse, Peter and the Starcatcher at KENNEDY KLEPS (Ivonka at select
Theatre Aspen, Striking 12 at Prospect performances) is ecstatic to be making
Theater, Once at The Engeman, and Fiddler her theatre debut at Geva Theatre Center.
on the Roof at The Barn. Princeton Her previous experience include role as a
University. www.billyjcohen.com. page in The Nutcracker at Eastman Theater,
Commercial modeling for the YMCA, Print
ELLIOT GREER (Guy) is thrilled to be a part Modeling, Runway Model for Rochester
of this production and honored to be given the Summer Nights 2018, Runway Model for
opportunity to play one of his favorite roles. Rochester Fashion Week 2018 & 2019.
Originally from Scotland, Elliot is a singer/ Kennedy lives in Webster. She has two
songwriter who moved to NYC on a full brothers and is enrolled at St. Rita School. Her
scholarship to study musical theatre at AMDA. favorite subject is math. Kennedy is bilingual;
Select performances include playing the roles Spanish and enjoys traveling, especially to see
of John in Miss Saigon at Chicago’s Paramount her family in the Dominican Republic. She is
Theater and Liam in Held Momentarily at the in ice-skating, and swim lessons. In addition
Soho Playhouse, singing lead vocals for Deep to dancing and playing chef she likes spending
Purple’s Concerto for Group and Orchestra, time with her friends. Kennedy would like to
and performing alongside Broadway legends dedicate her performance to her Godmother
for Chita Rivera’s Tribute Concert at Carnegie Katherine Sarkis, Great Aunts; Mari Cabrera
Hall. Lately, Elliot has been touring with the and Minelis Ozoria who are cancer survivors.
Broadway Band, playing solo gigs around
NYC, and working on new music with Byron KENT M. LEWIS (Eamon) makes his Geva
Issacs from The Lumineers. Elliot’s first Theatre Center debut in Once. A veteran of the
album, No Good at Growing Up, is available first national tours of Billy Elliot (Swing) and Chitty
on Spotify and Apple Music. He’d like to thank Chitty Bang Bang (understudy for Caractacus
the heads of this production, The Mine, his Potts), the Las Vegas production of Mamma
parents, and Jess for believing in him. Mia (understudy for Bill and Sam), and the
Off-Broadway premiere of Lerner and Loewe’s
MAGGIE HOLLINBECK (Baruška) is thrilled The Day Before Spring (Harry Scott), Kent
to make her Geva Theatre Center debut and to enjoys portraying a wide variety of characters
be back in Dublin with some old — and new — on the stage. Originally from Clarendon Hills,
friends! National Tours include Once (Baruška Illinois, Kent has visited many towns across
standby) and Annie (Connie Boylan). Off- the U.S.A. in regional theatre productions as
Broadway credits include Red Roses, Green Gold actor, choreographer, and as director. Favorite
(Miss Glendine). Regionally, Maggie has worked Directing/Choreographing credits include
at Bucks County Playhouse, Ivoryton Playhouse, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Meet Me in St. Louis,
Pittsburgh CLO, Southeastern Summer Theatre Fiddler on the Roof, Freaky Friday, The Music
Institute, Utah Shakespeare Festival, B Street Man, and The Baker’s Wife. Favorite roles
Theatre, New Helvetia Theatre, Sacramento include: Will Parker in Oklahoma! at Mark II in
Theatre Company, Goodspeed Opera House, Orlando, FL; Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of
and Pasadena Playhouse. Big love to the team Music at Enchanted Hills Playhouse in Syracuse,
www.GevaTheatre.org 13WHO'S WHO
IN; and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at ukulele and enjoys piano. She loves soccer in
Bridge-Vu Dinner Theatre in Valparaiso, IN. Kent the summer and gymnastics class during the
has brought Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire musical winter months.
to six theatres, including the Mercury Theatre,
Chicago; The Milwaukee Rep; and The Wyoming NICHOLAS MONGIARDO-COOPER (Billy)
Theatre Festival. www.kentmlewis.com has appeared Off-Broadway in Rothschild &
Sons, Lonesome Traveler, and Julius Caesar.
ADRIAN LOPEZ (Andrej) is thrilled to join Regional appearances include 33 1/3: House
the cast of Once and make his Geva Theatre of Dreams at San Diego Rep; Matilda at
Center debut! He is excited to collaborate with 5Star; Sweeney Todd, Once, and Shakespeare
other actor/musicians as well as sharing this In Love at South Coast Rep; King Lear at
experience with the lovely people of Rochester. Rubicon; Harvey, and End Of The Rainbow at
Graduate of SHSU (B.F.A. Musical Theatre c/o Laguna; Our Lady of 121st St. at RedHouse;
2018) Adrian was recently Lin Manuel Miranda A Midsummer Night’s Dream at SBCCLO;
in the National Tour of Spamilton: An American Side Show at La Jolla; Of Mice And Men,
Parody! Endless gratitude to Clear Talent Side By Side By Sondheim, Sherlock Holmes,
Group, The Open Jar Institute, my friends, mi Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and Words By:
familia, and every teacher I’ve ever had. IG: Ira Gershwin at NCRT. His television credits
adrian_lopezz include Fuller House (Netflix, WB); Superstore
(NBCUniversal); and Casual (Hulu). He
BENJAMIN MAGNUSON (Bank Manager) is attended LaGuardia HS and received a B.F.A.
thrilled to be making his debut at Geva Theatre from NYU. He is a proud Equity member.
Center! Most recently, Ben played Lemml in the nicholasmongiardocooper.com
Chicago premiere of Paula Vogel’s Indecent at
Victory Gardens, directed by Gary Griffin. OtherRACHEL MULCAHY (Ex-Girlfriend) is beyond
regional credits include work with American excited to be making her Geva Theatre Center
Conservatory Theater, The Cape Playhouse, debut! She currently resides in NYC, but
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Drury Lane originally hails from Syracuse and is thrilled to
Oakbrook, Human Race Theater Company, be doing this special show so close to home.
La Jolla Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, Past credits include Bright Star at Florida
Marriott Lincolnshire and Paper Mill Playhouse. Studio Theatre; The Buddy Holly Story at
Favorite New York credits include Sweeney Forestburgh Playhouse; Once at Northern
Todd (2005 Broadway Revival, 2007 Stage, Ivoryton Playhouse, and The Engeman
Tour), Guys and Dolls (2009 Broadway Theater; Shakespeare in Love at Pennsylvania
Revival), Les Misérables (25th Anniversary Shakespeare Festival; Ring of Fire at
Tour), and Once (1st National Tour and Timberlake Playhouse; and the National Tour
Broadway). TV and Film credits include 30 of A Charlie Brown Christmas. She would like
Rock, Chicago Justice and The Other Guys. to thank this fabulous cast and creative team as
well as her family and ATB Talent. @raymulcay
MIA MARIN (Ivonka at select performances) www.rachelmulcahy.com
makes her Geva Theatre Center debut in
Once. She has participated in several Drama KRIS SAINT-LOUIS (Emcee) is thrilled to be
Kids International classes and plays. During a part of this Once company. Recent credits
the summer of 2019 she was excited to play include in George in Godspell at Saint Michaels
the co-lead and main villain in a comedic Playhouse and Bank Manager in Once at
circus production. Also, in the spring of 2019 Pioneer Theatre Company. Other credits
she played the role of a musical crew member include Benny in In the Heights and Berger in
of a pirate ship. Mia is currently studying the Hair at NYU and a subtle Distinction in Fortress
14 2019-2020 SeasonWHO'S WHO
of Solitude (NYU Grad Acting). He thanks the Julius Caesar (Brutus) to My Fair Lady (Henry
whole cast and creative team for a wonderful Higgins) at such theatres as The Repertory
experience. Follow his gaming stream at twitch. Theatre Of St. Louis, The Old Globe, Northern
tv/Saaucely Stage, The Alliance, The Huntington, The
Pioneer, Cincinnati Playhouse, Westport
SAMANTHA SAYAH (Girl) is ecstatic to be Country Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public, La Jolla
making her Geva Theatre Center debut. NYC/ Playhouse, Williamstown Theatre Festival,
Regional credits include West Side Story, Arkansas Rep, and the Utah, New Jersey,
Pippin, James and the Giant Peach at Summer and Alabama Shakespeare Festivals. He is
Theatre of New Canaan; In the Heights at a graduate of Stanford University and The
Pittsburgh Musical Theatre; and Joey and Ron Neighborhood Playhouse, where he studied
at the Players Theatre. Additional credits include under Sanford Meisner. Kurt is married to
Disney Cruise Line, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Actress Victoria Adams-Zischke, and they
the National Tour of Junie B. Jones. B.F.A. are most proud of their 15 year-old daughter,
Montclair State University. Special thanks to Scout, who is attending the Storm King School
The Luedtke Agency and Mark. Love to Mom & in Cornwall, NY
Dad, Michelle, and Dante. For Grandpa Julius.
www.samsayah.com / @samanthasayah. ENDA WALSH (Book) is an acclaimed
playwright, screenwriter and director. His
EJ ZIMMERMAN (Réza) makes her Geva
recent work includes the play Arlington and
Theatre Center debut in Once. Broadway credits
the opera The Second Violinist which both
include Les Misérables (Eponine u/s), and she
premiered at the Galway International Arts
appeared in the National Tour of Avenue Q.
Festival in 2016 and 2017 respectively. He
Other favorites: Nancy in Oliver! at Goodspeed
Opera House; Kim in Miss Saigon at Arvada also worked on the new musical, Lazarus,
Center (Henry Award), the Riverside Theatre, with David Bowie, which opened at New York
and others; Stuck; Sundance Institute Theatre Theatre Workshop in December 2015. His
Lab; Cabaret at Oguma Playhouse; Reza in work has been translated into many languages
Once at Pioneer Theatre; and especially all the and has been performed internationally since
roles originated and developed in readings and 1996. In 2014 he received an Honorary
festivals. Proud Terp and AEA member. “Love Doctorate from Galway University. Enda is
and enormous gratitude to my family, friends, currently adapting and directing Max Porter’s
and Avalon Artists Group for supporting me Grief is the Thing with Feathers for Complicité.
always. And Mrs. Vosough, who taught me to
play the violin.” #REPRESENTATIONMATTERS GLEN HANSARD (Music & Lyrics) is an
@ejzimmerman47 www.ejzimmerman.com award-winning musician with a host of real-
life songs and lilting vocals that reflect a
KURT ZISCHKE (Da) appeared at Geva passion for his diverse influences. Film: The
Theatre Center 34 years ago in Pump Boys Commitments and Once. Albums: Didn’t He
and Dinettes. Broadway, Off-Broadway and Ramble, Rhythm and Repose, Strict Joy,
National Tours include Signs Of Life, Whistle the soundtrack of Once (Academy Award for
Down The Wind, The Buddy Holly Story, Best Original Song, “Falling Slowly”; Olivier
The Three Sisters, Antigone, King Lear, A award for Outstanding Musical Contribution),
Doll’s House, The Beaux’ Stratagem, George The Swell Season, The Cost, Burn the Maps,
Abbott’s Broadway, Barbara’s Blue Kitchen, Set List, For the Birds, Dance the Devil,
and Ulysses In Nighttown, among others. Fitzcarraldo and Another Love Song. Glen is
Regionally he has appeared across the currently touring the world supporting his latest
country in over 130 productions ranging from solo album release Between Two Shores.
www.GevaTheatre.org 15WHO'S WHO
MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ (Music & Lyrics) is DON KOT (Music Director) is Resident Music
an Academy Award-winning musician and Director and Affiliate Artist at Geva Theatre
actor born in the Czech Republic. Film: Once Center where he celebrates his nineteenth
and Milluji tě Modře. Albums: Muna, Anar, season! Geva productions include La Cage
The Swell Season, the soundtrack of Once aux Folles, Hair, In the Heights, The Marvelous
(Academy Award for Best Original Song, ‘Falling Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns, A Funny
Slowly’, Olivier award for Outstanding Musical Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,
Contribution), Strict Joy. Markéta is currently The Marvelous Wonderettes, Little Shop of
writing songs for her third solo album alongside Horrors, The 25th Annual Putnam County
various other musical projects for stage and Spelling Bee, All Your Questions Answered
screen. She is due to have her third baby in (world premiere), Next to Normal, Sister’s
Iceland this year. Christmas Catechism, Avenue Q,
Company, The Music Man, Five Course
JOHN CARNEY (Motion Picture Writer and Love, Sweeney Todd, Cabaret, Urinetown, A
Director) is a Dublin-based writer-director who Chorus Line, Camelot, 1776, A Christmas
came to the world’s attention following the box Carol (2002 - present), Convenience and
office hit and critically acclaimed musical feature as part of the Festival of New Plays, The
film Once, which garnered multiple Independent Shaggs: Philosophy of the World, One For My
Spirit, Sundance and Raindance awards. Baby, right next to me, Tomorrowland and An
Previously, John was a bassist in the Irish rock Evening with Mrs. Kasha Davis, International
band the Frames, where he met Glen Hansard. Celebrity Housewife. He was also vocal
These musical roots continue to be evident in coach and music arranger for Slow Food,
John’s work with his latest production, Can a Song Private Lives, Katherine’s Colored Lieutenant
Save Your Life?. Other projects include Dogs of (world premiere), The Odd Couple, Informed
Babel for David Heyman and Nathan Kahane Consent, You Can’t Take It With You, A
starring Steve Carrell and a feature adaptation Midsummer Night’s Dream, The House in
of M.R. James’s Casting the Runes for Barbara Hydesville, Our Town, and Inherit the Wind.
Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Mr. Kot has performed Off-Broadway at the
Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at Pershing
MARK CUDDY (Director) is in his twenty-fifth Square Signature Center, 45 Bleecker Street
season as Artistic Director of Geva Theatre Theatre, Laurie Beechman Theatre, and at the
Center. He has directed over fifty productions Toronto Fringe Festival. Other regional credits
for Geva including the musicals Sweeney Todd, include The Music Man, The Best of Forbidden
Company, The Music Man, Urinetown, 1776, Broadway, Smokey Joe's Café, Leader of
Pump Boys and Dinettes, Five Course Love, and the Pack, Honk!, and The Most Happy Fella.
the world premieres of Convenience by Gregg National touring productions include Fosse,
Coffin and Famous Orpheus with Garth Fagan Footloose, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and
Dance. He is also the adaptor and directpor of I, Mamma Mia, and Hairspray. Mr. Kot is the
Geva’s annual holiday production, A Christmas Coordinator of the Musical Theatre degree
Carol. Plays directed at Geva include The program at the State University of New York
Humans, Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End, To Kill at Geneseo.
a Mockingbird, Sylvia, Fences, Clybourne Park,
Private Lives, and the East Coast premieres WHITNEY G-BOWLEY (Choreographer) is a
of House and Garden among many others. New York City-based performer, choreographer
Mr. Cuddy has also led, and directed plays at, and producer. She is very excited to be back in
the Cape Playhouse, the Sacramento Theatre her hometown for a third time to be part of this
Company and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. very special production. Off-Broadway credits
16 2019-2020 SeasonWHO'S WHO
include Merrily We Roll Along (Associate Company, Arden Theatre Company, Studio
Choreographer, Fiasco Theatre/Roundabout), Theatre, The Muny, Williamstown. Dance
Road Show (Associate Choreographer, New credits include Doug Varone & Dancers and
York City Center ENCORES! Off-Center), The Cedar Lake Dance. TV credits include Amy
Other Josh Cohen (Associate Director/Musical Schumer: Live at the Apollo, Gotham,
Staging, Westside Theatre.) NYC credits Smash, The Today Show. Education: North
include Huey Lewis’ The Heart of Rock & Roll Carolina School of the Arts, Yale School of
B’way Lab (Assistant Choreographer, New Drama. timothymackabeedesign.com
42 Studios), Home Street Home (Associate
Choreographer, Ideal Glass Studios), CHRISTINA SELIAN (Costume Designer)
Kicking & Screaming (Choreographer, has designed costumes for The Humans,
Symphony Space), Little Lord’s Skinnamarink The Road to Where, Superior Donuts, Evie’s
(Choreographer, New York Theatre Waltz, Tuesdays with Morrie, Below the Belt
Workshop), GIG (Artistic Director, Highline and Art at Geva Theatre Center and served
Ballroom/Joe’s Pub/University Settlement.) as assistant director for Beast on the Moon.
Regional credits include Guys & Dolls She graduated from Emerson College and
(Associate Choreographer/Dance Captain, began her professional career in New York
The MUNY) Million Dollar Quartet (Associate City working for the Riverside Shakespeare
Director, Geva Theatre Center), The Other Company, Theatre for the Open Eye and The
Josh Cohen (Associate Director/Musical Actor’s Outlet. Ms. Selian later became an
Staging, Geva Theatre Center), Connecticut artist-in residence with the Boston-based
Christmas Carol (Assistant Choreographer, TheatreWorks, where she met her husband
Goodspeed), TEDxYouth (Rochester, NY.) Mark Cuddy. For three seasons, she was
www.whitneyg-bowley.com associate producer of the Idaho Shakespeare
Festival, where she established and directed
TIM MACKABEE (Scenic Designer) returns the apprentice program and was assistant
to Geva where he designed The director for Othello, The Comedy of Errors and
Humans and The May Queen. Broadway Sherlock Holmes. When not designing, Ms.
credits include The Elephant Man (starring Selian teaches craft sewing classes to children
Bradley Cooper), and Mike Tyson: Undisputed out of her Highland Park home.
Truth (dir. Spike Lee). West End Credits include
The Elephant Man. Off-Broadway credits ALEX MANNIX (Lighting Designer) is a
include Describe The Night, Guards at the Taj, New York-based lighting designer for theatre,
Our New Girl (Atlantic), Vietgone, Important opera, and dance whose most recent design
Hats of the Twentieth Century (MTC), Heathers work includes: Carnival of the Animals (Hearst
The Musical, Luce (Lincoln Center Dance Theatre), DiSiac 2.0 (Berlind Theatre),
Theatre), Gigantic (Vineyard), Much Ado Eclipsed, (Berlind Theatre), The Fortress of
About Nothing (Public Theatre). Regionally, he Solitude (NYU), The Life of Bertolt Brecht
has designed for Geffen, ACT San Francisco, (Shapiro Theater), and The Cooperatives (NY
Ford’s Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Fringe). She spent many summers designing
The Old Globe, Center Stage Baltimore, both plays and musicals for Princeton Summer
Denver Center, Portland Center Stage, Theater, including Assassins, The Crucible
Cleveland Play House, Dallas Theatre Center, and Metamorphoses. Most recently, Alex has
Geva Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, been working as an assistant lighting designer
Syracuse Stage, South Coast Repertory, on Tina, The Tina Turner Musical (Lunt-
Victory Gardens Theatre, Bay Street Theatre, Fontanne Theatre) and Hadestown (Walter
Asolo Repertory Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Kerr Theatre). She graduated from Princeton
www.GevaTheatre.org 17WHO'S WHO
University in 2012 with a degree in Classics been the dramaturg on many productions
and from NYU’s graduate program in Design over the past twenty years, including 1776,
for Stage & Film in 2017. Her work can be The Underpants, Almost Maine, The Music
seen at AlexMannix.com. Man, Perfect Wedding, Little Shop of Horrors,
Spamalot, In the Heights, Steel Magnolias,
ANDREW MARK WILHELM (Sound Million Dollar Quartet, La Cage aux Folles,
Designer) is pleased to be starting his and Geva’s current production of A Christmas
second season at Geva Theatre Center. Carol. Ms. Ryon holds a degree in drama from
Previous Geva Designs include Revival: the Tufts University and a master’s degree in Arts
Resurrection of Son House, and Associate Administration from Goucher College. Her
Designs for Christmas Carol and Native most recent directing credits in the community
Gardens. Other regional theatre credits include The Royal Family and A Streetcar
include PCPA (The Crucible, Richard III, Named Desire for Screen Plays, Romeo
Peter & the Starcatcher); Hangar Theatre and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing and
(Clybourne Park, Lend Me a Tenor, Ever So Macbeth for Rochester Community Players:
Humble); Riverside Theatre (Faith Healer); Shakespeare Program, and Philadelphia,
and Performance Network (Little Shop of Here I Come, Closing Time, The Field, and
Horrors). He has his B.F.A in Theatrical Design Long Day’s Journey Into Night for Rochester
and Technology from Oakland University. Community Players: Irish Program. Ms. Ryon
is also the Artistic Director of The Geriactors, a
BLAKE SEGAL (Dialect Coach) is an actor/
traveling troupe of mature performers.
dialect coach, and he is thrilled to be working
with Geva Theatre Center for the first time. JENN LYONS (Stage Manager) is a
NYC and regional coaching credits include Rochester native happy to be working at Geva
productions for Syracuse Stage, Berkshire and currently serves as Director of Production.
Theatre Group, Two River Theater, Previous shows at Geva include A Christmas
PlayMakers Repertory Company, Ensemble Carol, Million Dollar Quartet, The Other
Studio Theatre, New Georges, The Araca Josh Cohen, In the Heights, Private Lives,
Project, Fault Line Theatre, Cleveland Musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the
Theatre, Luna Stage, Passages Theatre, Forum, A Moon for the Misbegotten, Miracle
and Walkerspace at SoHo Rep. Educational on South Division Street, The Mountaintop,
theatre coaching credits include productions Little Shop of Horrors, The Odd Couple and
for Yale School of Drama, Fordham University, Clybourne Park. National Tours include Mary
Columbia University, Syracuse University, Poppins, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast,
Kean University, and Stella Adler Conservatory.
Cinderella (starring Eartha Kitt), Showboat and
Blake currently serves on the Voice and Speech
The Who’s Tommy. New York credits include
faculty of Syracuse University’s Department of
work at Roundabout Theatre and Circle
Drama. As an actor, he has performed on film
Repertory Theater as well as the Broadway
and television, off-Broadway, in major regional
production of The Little Mermaid. Her two
theaters across the country, and on the national
favorite productions are Maddie and Jack.
of tour of Mary Poppins. M.F.A. in Acting:
Yale School of Drama. www.blakesegal.com
DANA ANGELLIS (Assistant Stage
JEAN GORDON RYON (Dramaturg) serves Manager) is delighted to be joining the
as Literary Associate/Dramaturg at Geva stage management team at Geva for her
Theatre Center where, among other duties, first production! Previous credits include: A
she produces the Regional Writers Showcase Christmas Carol and Candide at Clarence
and the Young Writers Showcase. She has Brown Theatre; The Book of Will and Macbeth
18 2019-2020 SeasonWHO'S WHO
at Utah Shakespeare Festival; The Producers, regional theatre powerhouse. Geva boasts one
Ripcord, Born Yesterday, The Whipping Man of the largest audiences of any professional
and Wittenberg at Peterborough Players. regional theatre in the Northeast, and has
Much thanks to the entire Geva team for the a reputation for excellence in education
warm welcome to Rochester. Proud member programming and new play production.
of Actors’ Equity Association. Having just completed a nine million dollar
facility renovation including the purchase of
KOPPEL CASTING, Karie Koppel, CSA, fourteen new artist lofts, Geva is now focusing
has been in operation for over 30 years. its future on engaging the Rochester region
Projects include: For PBS “Poisoner’s in meaningful theatrical experiences that
Handbook,” “Becoming Helen Keller,” and the unite and strengthen our community through
mini-series “Mystery of Matter.” Other PBS the celebration of our shared humanity. Mr.
projects include “The Abolitionists,” “Dolly Cuddy has directed over fifty productions here,
Madison,” “Alexander Hamilton,” “John and and in 2018 acted in the world premiere of
Abigail Adams,” “Benjamin Franklin” (Emmy Heartland. Mr. Cuddy is a founding member
Award), “Liberty” (Peabody Award), “God in of the Board of Directors for the Rochester
America,” “People vs. Leo Frank,” “Louisa May Fringe Festival, and served on the Board
Alcott,” as well as PBS “Great Performances” of Directors of the national organization for
(Artios Award in “Outstanding Achievement non-profit theatres, Theatre Communications
Group. Mr. Cuddy has also served as Artistic
in Casting”), “Murder of a President” for
Director of Sacramento Theatre Company,
American Experience, and “Edgar Allan Poe:
Producing Director of the Idaho Shakespeare
Buried Alive.” Additionally, three “Movies of
Festival and on the directing staff of the Denver
the Week,” as well as five pilots. Feature
Center Theatre Company. He received his
films include Hank and Asha (Audience B.A. in Theatre/Honors from the University
Award at Slamdance 2013 and five other of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he was
festival awards), and The Union. Theatre a Commonwealth Scholar. He resides in the
includes seven Broadway shows, including Highland Park neighborhood with his wife,
the Tony-nominated Having Our Say, as well theatre and visual artist Christina Selian. Their
as twenty-six Off Broadway shows. Regional older son, Maximilian, is writing his doctoral
theatre casting in the past two years includes dissertation in Sociology at the University of
Denver Center Theatre, Geva Theatre Center, Illinois, Chicago. Their younger son, Augustus,
Cleveland Play House, Alabama Shakespeare is an actor in New York City
Festival, Magic Theatre, Arena Stage, Alley
Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Cape CHRISTOPHER MANNELLI (Executive
Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival Director) joined Geva in 2016 from Victory
and Arizona Theatre Company. The office Gardens Theater in Chicago, a Tony Award-
has so farreceived sixteen nominations and winning institution dedicated to new plays
has won three Artios Awards for “Outstanding and playwrights, where he has served as
Achievement in Casting.” Managing Director. During his five-year tenure
he led the reorganization of the institution and
MARK CUDDY (Artistic Director) is was responsible for the strategic planning,
celebrating his 25th season as Artistic Director fundraising and audience development
of Geva Theatre Center. During his tenure he initiatives that created the theater’s new
has worked alongside talented and dedicated business model. Under his leadership, Mr.
staff, artists and trustees to build Geva into a Mannelli oversaw numerous award-winning
www.GevaTheatre.org 19WHO'S WHO
productions, increased contributed income, SYRACUSE STAGE (Co-Producer) Originally
and launched innovative membership and constructed as the Regent Movie House in
audience engagement initiatives. Prior to 1914, the physical space of Syracuse Stage has
his work with Victory Gardens, he served seen many films, musicians, actors and artists
as Deputy Director at Chicago Shakespeare
pass through its doors over the course of the
Theater, one of the largest nonprofit theatres
past century. The Syracuse Stage that exists
in Chicago. He oversaw operations and
helped to produce the theatre’s “World today is a non-for-profit professional theatre
Stage” international programming, including company founded in 1974, and a longstanding
Chicago Shakespeare’s first ever tour to League of Resident Theatres (LORT) member.
the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. Since its inception, Stage has produced over
Before moving to Chicago, Mr. Mannelli was 300 shows, both plays and musicals, within its
the Managing Director for HotCity Theatre walls. Now, Stage produces six to seven shows
in St. Louis, Missouri. In this capacity, he per season, while also offering educational
was instrumental in the company’s financial programs to students, various pre- and post-
and programmatic growth, which included
show events, and fundraising events each
educational outreach programs, new play
initiatives and several collaborations with year. Stage is Central New York’s only LORT
prominent arts organizations. He has served theatre and one of the largest performing arts
on the board of directors of the League of organizations in the area. Stage has a strong
Chicago Theatres, as a steering committee commitment to giving the community access to
member for Enrich Chicago (a group of arts a range of high-quality productions; it is equally
organizations in Chicago working collectively committed to bringing in actors, designers and
to address racial equity), as a board member directors who are among the leading theatre
for the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce professionals, both locally and across the
and the community board of Emerald City
nation.
Theatre. In 2017 he was appointed to the
New York State Council on the Arts’ Theatre
advisory panel where he has served for the ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR
last two years. He currently serves on the ONCE
board of directors for the League of Resident
Theatres (LORT), Rochester Downtown SHELBIE COLOMBO
Development Corporation, Washington JARED MORGAN
Square Park Community Association and Deck Crew
on the corporate board for the Joseph A.
Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention KYLE JENSEN
Center. Mr. Mannelli grew up on Long A2
Island and began his career as an actor
ADRIANA LIPOMI
and a musician, touring nationally and
KITTY LIPSKI
internationally. He holds a B.A. in opera
Wardrobe Crew
performance from the SUNY Geneseo
School of Performing Arts, an M.F.A. in
Arts Leadership from DePaul University,
and an Executive Scholars Certificate in
Nonprofit Management from Northwestern
University’s Kellogg School of Management.
20 2019-2020 Seasonwww.GevaTheatre.org 21
WHO'S WHO
Glen Hansard and The Frames
Once and a Series of Unlikely Events
By Jean Gordon Ryon, Dramaturg
T he musical Once is the story of new inspiration found as a result of chance meetings, unlikely
events, and unexpected alliances. It’s fitting, therefore, that the creation of the Tony-Award-
winning show was also the result of chance meetings, unlikely events, and unexpected alliances.
The musical is based on the Irish film Once, a low-budget feature that developed a cult following
after its release in 2007. The idea for the film germinated in an Ireland that was basking in the
glow of the Celtic Tiger phenomenon – experiencing sudden and unexpected prosperity as a
result of foreign corporate investment. The change in the country’s economic status made it an
attractive destination for immigrants, particularly from new members of the European Union such
as the Czech Republic. Against this backdrop, filmmaker John Carney was looking for an idea
for a feature film. He had made several short films, when not playing bass with his buddy Glen
Hansard in the band The Frames, but was ready to branch out. He hit upon a story and a theme:
as he explained in an interview for Clash Music, “My girlfriend was in London and I was feeling a
little bit alienated and cut off, in the changing city that is Dublin at the moment. I wanted to write
something about a Dubliner who was more like one of the immigrants and who identified more with
people who were coming into the country than, I suppose, people who were here, and striking up
a relationship with one of them.” He developed a story that would begin with a chance meeting
between a busker and a woman. Glen Hansard was brought on as musical advisor. Rising star
Cillian Murphy was brought on to play the lead. But Murphy felt he was wrong for the part, and
Glen Hansard fell into the role. Hansard insisted on introducing Carney to unknown Czech singer/
songwriter Markéta Irglová, who he happened to have met years ago at a music festival organized
by her father in the Czech Republic. Irglová was offered the role after she had performed a song
at a dinner party to which Carney had been invited. She had had no idea she was auditioning. The
22 2019-2020 Seasonmovie was shot in 2006 in seventeen days for an incredibly low budget of $150,000. But it was
impossible to find a distributor, so the creative team thought they might sell the DVD along with
other merchandize at The Frames concerts. But they sent it to film festivals, only one of which
(Galway Film Fleadh) picked it up, and, by the sheerest chance, the senior programmer at the
Sundance Film Festival saw it. The film was a hit at Sundance and suddenly it was being screened
in America and Ireland, and “Falling Slowly” won Best Original Song in the 2008 Oscars.
This sudden attention brought around a host of offers, including the idea to develop the piece as
a Broadway musical. Barbara Broccoli, most famous for producing the James Bond franchise,
acquired the rights. But the film creators were at first very resistant to the idea. They feared that
making the story into a musical would threaten the fragility and intimacy that characterized the film.
Hansard said, “In my mind, it was never a good idea…Mostly what we did was resist. Ironically, in
the resisting, some good decisions were made.” Good, but unconventional decisions. One of the
first decisions was to approach director John Tiffany, most famous at the time for his production of
Black Watch about a Scottish regiment serving in Iraq. Tiffany brought on choreographer Stephen
Hoggett, and together they turned to Irish playwright Enda Walsh, known best for his surrealistic,
disturbing plays about death, regret and deteriorating minds. Walsh, who had worked with both
Tiffany and Hoggett before, reacted with horror. In an article for The Guardian, Walsh said, “The
three of us have produced quite dark work over the years, and at first I thought it very stupid that
the producers should try and sling us together to take on something so sweet and delicate. A friend
of mine was particularly appalled at the idea. When he heard I had been approached to write Once
for the stage, he said it was ‘like giving Charles Manson the rights to adapt It’s a Wonderful Life.’”
Walsh, however, agreed to meet to discuss the idea, because of a deep love for the original film.
“I’m a practicing misanthrope,” he wrote, “but that movie turned me into a bunny rabbit.” At the
meeting, writes Walsh, “…it turned out I wasn’t alone in my indifference –but three hours later we
Enda Walsh
www.GevaTheatre.org 23Busking on Grafton Street were all hooked. The simplicity of the story, and particularly the power of those songs…knocked all the usual guff out of me.” “To make the musical work,” Walsh continues, “it would have to wear its heart on its sleeve…. It needed to find its own simple style….it needed to be a little awkward in itself. Simple is easy in film. On stage, something understated needs muscles if it’s going to live in an auditorium of a thousand people and speak to them….I went back home and gave it a go. The cast grew from two to 12; smaller stories spun around the central one; a time line of five days made the whole thing more delicate and transient; an inarticulate, hesitant language appeared ---even some comedy. It seemed to be a story about people finding a voice.” Perhaps “people finding a voice” has also been the secret element contributing to the story’s success in all its incarnations – from John Carney finding a way to express his own feelings of alienation (he freely admits identifying with the lead character in the movie) to Enda Walsh searching for the key that would preserve the spirit of the film while telling the story in a different medium, and, perhaps most importantly, through Hansard and Irglová finding a platform for their intensely emotional songs, which are the constant in the equation. The creation of Once came about through a series of happy accidents, but its progress was always motivated by the spirit expressed by Hansard and Irglová in their Academy Awards acceptance speech: “Fair play to those who dare to dream and don’t give up…Make art, make art!” 24 2019-2020 Season
2018 Stage Door: The Diary of Anne Frank in
collaboration with Pittsford Mendon High School
Top: Geva production
Bottom: Pittsford Mendon production
Join us on Monday, March 9th at 7:30pm in the Geva departments they were reflecting. In
the Geva Theatre Center Wilson Stage for turn, the Geva company of Once attended a
a special one-night-only production of The student cast rehearsal at Bishop Kearney High
Stage Door Project: Once. School, and will be in the audience to cheer on
their student counterparts at their performance
Continuing Geva Theatre Center’s mission of on Geva’s Wilson Stage on Monday, March 9th
placing our work at the crossroads of artistic (incorporating the existing lighting, sound, and
excellence and community engagement, we scenic elements created for our own production
invited Bishop Kearney High School to collaborate of Once, into their production, and with Geva’s full
with us on the award-winning musical, Once. crew and technical support).
The Bishop Kearney production of Once, directed The Stage Door Project is the only program of its
by Paula Steffen, includes a young company kind in the country. For students and educators,
of high school actors, Bishop Kearney alumni it is an incredibly thrilling and extremely rare
performing as the musicians, and students who opportunity to connect with a nationally-
have been learning about production, stage recognized regional theatre and to explore
management, publicity, dramaturgy, and more the birth and growth of a production from the
from Geva’s staff and creative team of Once. inside out alongside professionals in the theatre
Each onstage and offstage student participant industry. By embracing this young company from
shared the process of exploring Once alongside our community, we at Geva have the wonderful
their professional counterpart from within the privilege of learning with and from their energy
Geva company. and insights into youth, life, love, humor, and the
artistic process.
The student cast connected with their
professional actor counterparts from the Geva Tickets to the March 9th Stage Door Project
cast through character insight sharing sessions, performance of Once are $20 and may be
a cast-to-cast dinner, and visits to multiple purchased online at www.GevaTheatre.org, over
rehearsals at Geva including the first rehearsal, the phone at 585-232-4382, or in person at the
several working rehearsals, tech, and opening Geva Box Office. The Stage Door Project is made
night. The student creative team also met with, possible in part by the Guido and Ellen Palma
shadowed, and shared discoveries alongside Foundation.
“I observed how the professionals give each other respect to create art, and to learn and
grow. We did that because we saw them do that. It set a strong example for us to follow.”
www.GevaTheatre.org 25You can also read
