Cast
Nikki Casseri (Harley)
Nikki was born and raised in the snowy tundras of Buffalo, NY, where she attended the University at Buffalo (B.F.A. in Musical Theatre). After a short stint of theatre outside of St. Louis, MO. she continued onto NYC. NYC Credits: Booth! (Skirball Theatre: off-Broadway), Such Sweet Sorrow (Theatre for the New City), Moon 2 @ Tyrston (Roy Arias Theatre), The Seduction of Time (Theatre for the New City), No Greater Love (Xavier Theatre Co.), Judy in A Date with Judy (live radio show, SAG-AFTRA). Regional: 39 Steps (Midtown Arts Center, CO), Martha in White Christmas (Midtown Arts Center, CO), Judy in A Chorus Line (Artpark & Co., NY), Kathy Seldon in Singin' In the Rain (Lancaster Opera House, NY), Lady Percy in King Henry IV: Part I & II (Governor French, IL) Mrs. Gould in Mrs. Gould Biography Series (St. George Productions, NY). TV Credits: Damages, Ask The Doctor (NET TV), Elementary. Film Credits: Experimenter, Lola Versus, The New Roommate, Surviving The Out Break, Tachito, Anandha Thandavam. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Equity-eligible, Horseback rider and stunt driver! For more Nikki, www.nikkicasseri.com
Nikki was born and raised in the snowy tundras of Buffalo, NY, where she attended the University at Buffalo (B.F.A. in Musical Theatre). After a short stint of theatre outside of St. Louis, MO. she continued onto NYC. NYC Credits: Booth! (Skirball Theatre: off-Broadway), Such Sweet Sorrow (Theatre for the New City), Moon 2 @ Tyrston (Roy Arias Theatre), The Seduction of Time (Theatre for the New City), No Greater Love (Xavier Theatre Co.), Judy in A Date with Judy (live radio show, SAG-AFTRA). Regional: 39 Steps (Midtown Arts Center, CO), Martha in White Christmas (Midtown Arts Center, CO), Judy in A Chorus Line (Artpark & Co., NY), Kathy Seldon in Singin' In the Rain (Lancaster Opera House, NY), Lady Percy in King Henry IV: Part I & II (Governor French, IL) Mrs. Gould in Mrs. Gould Biography Series (St. George Productions, NY). TV Credits: Damages, Ask The Doctor (NET TV), Elementary. Film Credits: Experimenter, Lola Versus, The New Roommate, Surviving The Out Break, Tachito, Anandha Thandavam. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Equity-eligible, Horseback rider and stunt driver! For more Nikki, www.nikkicasseri.com
Audrey Federici (Rachel)
A native of Massachusetts, Audrey was seen at the Merry Go Round Playhouse where she performed both Miss Andrew and the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins (Ed Sayles, Director) and recently as Sylvia Smothers in the off-b’way production of Fabulous! She has originated roles in Bobby Cronin’s Til Death us do Part and Sunset City. Other Theater Credits include: Mama in Mama and her Boys, Marrisol/Edith in The Price of Admission (Ferro), Mrs. Medlock in Secret Garden, Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress, Matron Mama Morton in Chicago, and General Matilda Cartwright in Guys and Dolls. She was featured as Evelyn in Ringer$ (Cornelius Bethea, Director) a new comedy webseries. Originally with a background in Opera, she has performed with the Sarasota Opera Company, Natchez Opera, Connecticut Opera and the Crested Butte Opera Festival. She has been an Artist-in-Residence with the New School Theatre Program, guest soloist with the St. George's Choral Society, Great Neck Choral Society, St. Paul’s Choral Society and Colonial Symphony Orchestra. Full credits at: www.audreyfederici.com
A native of Massachusetts, Audrey was seen at the Merry Go Round Playhouse where she performed both Miss Andrew and the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins (Ed Sayles, Director) and recently as Sylvia Smothers in the off-b’way production of Fabulous! She has originated roles in Bobby Cronin’s Til Death us do Part and Sunset City. Other Theater Credits include: Mama in Mama and her Boys, Marrisol/Edith in The Price of Admission (Ferro), Mrs. Medlock in Secret Garden, Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress, Matron Mama Morton in Chicago, and General Matilda Cartwright in Guys and Dolls. She was featured as Evelyn in Ringer$ (Cornelius Bethea, Director) a new comedy webseries. Originally with a background in Opera, she has performed with the Sarasota Opera Company, Natchez Opera, Connecticut Opera and the Crested Butte Opera Festival. She has been an Artist-in-Residence with the New School Theatre Program, guest soloist with the St. George's Choral Society, Great Neck Choral Society, St. Paul’s Choral Society and Colonial Symphony Orchestra. Full credits at: www.audreyfederici.com
Laura Kaldis (Bianca)
Laura Kaldis (Bianca): Delighted to play with this lovely cast and creative team! Laura originally hails from the great state of Texas, where she graduated Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Sam Houston State University. She has since made NYC her home with husband, Spencer Plachy. Locally, Laura has been seen in FringeNYC as Abby in the witty 4-person dark comedy, FriendAndy.com, caroled for 3 seasons with Goode Time Carolers, including a voiceover for Nickelodeon’s Degrassi Holiday Parody, as well as taking part in numerous staged readings and concerts. Regionally Laura has performed at Houston’s own Theatre Under the Stars and The Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre, among others. Additional select credits include: Boeing, Boeing (Gabriella), A Year With Frog and Toad (Mouse, and others), The Secret Garden (Rose), Little Women the Musical (Meg/Clarissa), Crossing Delancey (Isabelle). Laura is currently seeking representation.
Laura Kaldis (Bianca): Delighted to play with this lovely cast and creative team! Laura originally hails from the great state of Texas, where she graduated Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Sam Houston State University. She has since made NYC her home with husband, Spencer Plachy. Locally, Laura has been seen in FringeNYC as Abby in the witty 4-person dark comedy, FriendAndy.com, caroled for 3 seasons with Goode Time Carolers, including a voiceover for Nickelodeon’s Degrassi Holiday Parody, as well as taking part in numerous staged readings and concerts. Regionally Laura has performed at Houston’s own Theatre Under the Stars and The Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre, among others. Additional select credits include: Boeing, Boeing (Gabriella), A Year With Frog and Toad (Mouse, and others), The Secret Garden (Rose), Little Women the Musical (Meg/Clarissa), Crossing Delancey (Isabelle). Laura is currently seeking representation.
Tyler Knauf (Alex)
Tyler has been playing on stage since he was 8 years old when he played Tommy in Ah Wilderness! (Barrow Civic Theatre). Born and raised in the small Amish town of Franklin, PA. Tyler holds a M.M. in vocal performance/pedagogy (NYU) and B.M. in classical vocal performance. He has an active vocal coaching studio in NYC. Tyler is also a NYC based pianist and music director, most recently music directing the NYC workshop premiere of Frank Wildhorn’s Zelda. A few other theatre favorite credits include A Funny Thing…Form (Hero), Little Red Riding Hood (Wolf/Woodsman), and Grand Night for Singing (Huron Playhouse) tylerknauf.com.
Tyler has been playing on stage since he was 8 years old when he played Tommy in Ah Wilderness! (Barrow Civic Theatre). Born and raised in the small Amish town of Franklin, PA. Tyler holds a M.M. in vocal performance/pedagogy (NYU) and B.M. in classical vocal performance. He has an active vocal coaching studio in NYC. Tyler is also a NYC based pianist and music director, most recently music directing the NYC workshop premiere of Frank Wildhorn’s Zelda. A few other theatre favorite credits include A Funny Thing…Form (Hero), Little Red Riding Hood (Wolf/Woodsman), and Grand Night for Singing (Huron Playhouse) tylerknauf.com.
Alex Lamb (Victor)
Alex Lamb is a graduate of the University of Iowa and has been singing and acting around the Midwest since childhood. Most recently he appeared in Write Act Rep's Fabulous! The Queen of New Musical Comedies as Rock Henderson. Favorite past credits include Urinetown (Bobby Strong), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Greydon), Reefer Madness (Jimmy u/s), Anything Goes (Sir Evelyn), and Frankenstein (the Creature). In his spare time you can almost always find Alex at Modo Yoga NYC, where he is a teacher and manager.
Alex Lamb is a graduate of the University of Iowa and has been singing and acting around the Midwest since childhood. Most recently he appeared in Write Act Rep's Fabulous! The Queen of New Musical Comedies as Rock Henderson. Favorite past credits include Urinetown (Bobby Strong), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Greydon), Reefer Madness (Jimmy u/s), Anything Goes (Sir Evelyn), and Frankenstein (the Creature). In his spare time you can almost always find Alex at Modo Yoga NYC, where he is a teacher and manager.
April Leonhard (Carrie)
April is a Kentucky native with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Northern Kentucky University. Since moving to New York City, she has found a home in cabaret and comedy writing, and is currently working on her first album of comedy songs. A former band geek, April plays trombone, guitar, and ukulele, and really enjoys harmonizing with herself in recording sessions. Solo Shows: Dirty Thirty (The Duplex) and This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things (Horse Trade Theatre Group). Favorite Roles: Claire de Loone in On The Town, Jellylorum in CATS, and Rose in Make Someone Happy: The Jule Styne Revue. April is also excited to produce her second annual benefit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Songs in the Key in A and DDD: A Bawdy, Bosomy Benefit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, coming this October. This is April’s first show with Write Act Repertory. For More Information: www.aprilleonhard.com.
April is a Kentucky native with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Northern Kentucky University. Since moving to New York City, she has found a home in cabaret and comedy writing, and is currently working on her first album of comedy songs. A former band geek, April plays trombone, guitar, and ukulele, and really enjoys harmonizing with herself in recording sessions. Solo Shows: Dirty Thirty (The Duplex) and This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things (Horse Trade Theatre Group). Favorite Roles: Claire de Loone in On The Town, Jellylorum in CATS, and Rose in Make Someone Happy: The Jule Styne Revue. April is also excited to produce her second annual benefit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Songs in the Key in A and DDD: A Bawdy, Bosomy Benefit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, coming this October. This is April’s first show with Write Act Repertory. For More Information: www.aprilleonhard.com.
Max Meyers (Davis)
Max hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he trained at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music growing up, as well as Washington, DC. He will soon complete his BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts where he studied at Stella Adler Studio of Acting, RADA in London, International Theatre Workshop in Amsterdam, and New Studio on Broadway for Musical Theatre. Credits Include: Norman and U/S Buddy in the National Tour of BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story, The Christians (Playwrights Horizons), Dogfight (Boland), Midsummer (Lysander, Demetrius, Tytania), A Little Night Music (Carl-Magnus), Next to Normal (Dan), Timon of Athens (Timon), Bonnie and Clyde (Buck). In addition to being an actor and a singer, Max also is the founder of Madcap Repertory Theatre (madcaprep.com), a guitarist, songwriter, dancer, rollerblader, director, teacher, and octuple-chin master. Max is actively seeking representation. A huge thanks to my loving family for their constant support!
Max hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he trained at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music growing up, as well as Washington, DC. He will soon complete his BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts where he studied at Stella Adler Studio of Acting, RADA in London, International Theatre Workshop in Amsterdam, and New Studio on Broadway for Musical Theatre. Credits Include: Norman and U/S Buddy in the National Tour of BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story, The Christians (Playwrights Horizons), Dogfight (Boland), Midsummer (Lysander, Demetrius, Tytania), A Little Night Music (Carl-Magnus), Next to Normal (Dan), Timon of Athens (Timon), Bonnie and Clyde (Buck). In addition to being an actor and a singer, Max also is the founder of Madcap Repertory Theatre (madcaprep.com), a guitarist, songwriter, dancer, rollerblader, director, teacher, and octuple-chin master. Max is actively seeking representation. A huge thanks to my loving family for their constant support!
Georgia Sackler (Wendy)
Georgia is exceedingly proud to be making her off-Broadway debut and is honored to be telling this story. A South Florida native, Georgia moved to the city last year and she is thrilled to call it her new home. Her theatrical credits include the National Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Dracula The Musical (Mina) directed by Tom Wojtunik at the Theresa Lang Theatre. She will receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College in the Fall of 2017. Georgia has studied classical voice under the tutelage of such esteemed instructors as Marilyn Mims and Dale Dietert. She also enjoys writing, yoga, and petting unsuspecting dogs on the streets of New York.
Georgia is exceedingly proud to be making her off-Broadway debut and is honored to be telling this story. A South Florida native, Georgia moved to the city last year and she is thrilled to call it her new home. Her theatrical credits include the National Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Dracula The Musical (Mina) directed by Tom Wojtunik at the Theresa Lang Theatre. She will receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College in the Fall of 2017. Georgia has studied classical voice under the tutelage of such esteemed instructors as Marilyn Mims and Dale Dietert. She also enjoys writing, yoga, and petting unsuspecting dogs on the streets of New York.
Cruz Santiago (Terry/Ensemble)
Cruz is thrilled to be making his off-Broadway debut in this beautiful piece of work. Cruz is originally from Miami, Florida where he attended New World School of The Arts for 2 years and is currently enrolled at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee (B.F.A in Musical Theatre) He also previously attended The Professional Performing Arts School here in Manhattan (Class of 2015) and studied jazz voice at the Frost School of Music for 7 years. Previous credits include: All Shook Up (Dennis), Holes – Original Musical (Magnet), West Side Story (Tony), Into The Woods (Jack), High School Musical (Ryan), Seussical (Jojo), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Cookie), Les Miserables, Hello, Dolly!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Stephen Sondheim Revue, Tony Bennett Annual Gala, Carmen (Florida Grand Opera), La Boheme (Broward Center for the Performing Arts), Law & Order: SVU (Cory Banks) GWB – film – (Robbie). Cruz would like to thank the amazing team behind this musical, the lovely cast, and his parents.
Cruz is thrilled to be making his off-Broadway debut in this beautiful piece of work. Cruz is originally from Miami, Florida where he attended New World School of The Arts for 2 years and is currently enrolled at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee (B.F.A in Musical Theatre) He also previously attended The Professional Performing Arts School here in Manhattan (Class of 2015) and studied jazz voice at the Frost School of Music for 7 years. Previous credits include: All Shook Up (Dennis), Holes – Original Musical (Magnet), West Side Story (Tony), Into The Woods (Jack), High School Musical (Ryan), Seussical (Jojo), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Cookie), Les Miserables, Hello, Dolly!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Stephen Sondheim Revue, Tony Bennett Annual Gala, Carmen (Florida Grand Opera), La Boheme (Broward Center for the Performing Arts), Law & Order: SVU (Cory Banks) GWB – film – (Robbie). Cruz would like to thank the amazing team behind this musical, the lovely cast, and his parents.
Charles Baran (Jake)
Proud winner of the 2016 MAC Cabaret Award for Best NYC Male Debut for his solo show Recipes for Disaster! Charles recently returned from the Winnipesaukee Playhouse playing Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher. Other recent credits include Andrew McNair in 1776 at Cortland Rep, NY, and Mortimer in The Fantasticks at Allenberry Playhouse, PA, Horace Vandergelder in Hello Dolly at Interlakes Summer Theater, NH, Larry Foreman in The Cradle Will Rock, Theatre 80 St Marks, NY, Burke Kendall in Stand Up Tragedy at The Church of the Nativity, NYC and Sir Alfred Dooalot in Fabulous the Musical at Times Square Arts Center. Charles plays Melvin Xaxa in the zany web series The Demo Guy on YouTube. Thanks to John and the cast and team of Pillars of New York! www.charlesbaran.com
Proud winner of the 2016 MAC Cabaret Award for Best NYC Male Debut for his solo show Recipes for Disaster! Charles recently returned from the Winnipesaukee Playhouse playing Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher. Other recent credits include Andrew McNair in 1776 at Cortland Rep, NY, and Mortimer in The Fantasticks at Allenberry Playhouse, PA, Horace Vandergelder in Hello Dolly at Interlakes Summer Theater, NH, Larry Foreman in The Cradle Will Rock, Theatre 80 St Marks, NY, Burke Kendall in Stand Up Tragedy at The Church of the Nativity, NYC and Sir Alfred Dooalot in Fabulous the Musical at Times Square Arts Center. Charles plays Melvin Xaxa in the zany web series The Demo Guy on YouTube. Thanks to John and the cast and team of Pillars of New York! www.charlesbaran.com
Jack Utrata (Marty)
Jack was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A. in Dramatic Art, B.A. in Media Production.) New York Credits include: Twelfth Night (Access Theater), Like Money in The Bank (Theatre Row), The 2016 One Minute Play Festival (The New Ohio), July House (NYC International Fringe Festival), The BiPartisan: A Musical Comedy (Thespis Festival 2015); Regional work includes Cabaret (Playmakers Repertory Company, Dir. Joseph Haj); Recent Tragic Events, A Tuna Christmas (Carolina Actors Studio Theatre of Charlotte); Film: Hello Again, My Father, Machina; Other: Zapped: An Electrifying Experience (Discover Place Museum in Charlotte, NC, as Nikola Tesla); Also works as a freelance videographer and editor www.utratabydesign.com. For a full list of credits and all things Jack, visit www.jackutrata.com.
Jack was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A. in Dramatic Art, B.A. in Media Production.) New York Credits include: Twelfth Night (Access Theater), Like Money in The Bank (Theatre Row), The 2016 One Minute Play Festival (The New Ohio), July House (NYC International Fringe Festival), The BiPartisan: A Musical Comedy (Thespis Festival 2015); Regional work includes Cabaret (Playmakers Repertory Company, Dir. Joseph Haj); Recent Tragic Events, A Tuna Christmas (Carolina Actors Studio Theatre of Charlotte); Film: Hello Again, My Father, Machina; Other: Zapped: An Electrifying Experience (Discover Place Museum in Charlotte, NC, as Nikola Tesla); Also works as a freelance videographer and editor www.utratabydesign.com. For a full list of credits and all things Jack, visit www.jackutrata.com.
Additional Cast
Brandon Schraml (Jake)
Brandon is excited to be performing in his third Off Broadway show! He's originally from Kansas City, MO, double majored in Biology and Theatre Performance at the University of Missouri, and has performed in 48 of the 50 states on five national tours (including Ring of Fire 1st national). Brandon has played some of his dream roles regionally in the past two years (Sweeney Todd, Javert, Sky Masterson, Bob Wallace). He was a lead in two off Broadway plays (The Deathly Ones, 27 Heaven) and three independent feature films (After the Outbreak, Leading Lady, Us Sinners). The feature After the Outbreak just won the Best of Fest Audience Choice Award at the Hoboken International Film Festival! His work also includes shorts, TV, VO, and he's a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and is AEA-eligible. Finally, Brandon is also an accomplished puppeteer, horseback rider, and athlete, and is a HUGE fan of the 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. Check him out at www.brandonschraml.com!
Brandon is excited to be performing in his third Off Broadway show! He's originally from Kansas City, MO, double majored in Biology and Theatre Performance at the University of Missouri, and has performed in 48 of the 50 states on five national tours (including Ring of Fire 1st national). Brandon has played some of his dream roles regionally in the past two years (Sweeney Todd, Javert, Sky Masterson, Bob Wallace). He was a lead in two off Broadway plays (The Deathly Ones, 27 Heaven) and three independent feature films (After the Outbreak, Leading Lady, Us Sinners). The feature After the Outbreak just won the Best of Fest Audience Choice Award at the Hoboken International Film Festival! His work also includes shorts, TV, VO, and he's a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and is AEA-eligible. Finally, Brandon is also an accomplished puppeteer, horseback rider, and athlete, and is a HUGE fan of the 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. Check him out at www.brandonschraml.com!
Creative/Production
Jim Blanchette (Director/Dramaturg)
As a director, Jim Blanchette has helmed mostly original works and is once again happy to be working with the creative team that presented the successful run of Renewal at the Brickhouse in August 2014. Also for the stage, he directed the critically acclaimed world-premiere of The Devil’s Bride at the Write Act Repertory Theatre in 2005, and its subsequent remount in 2006. In 2005, Jim also directed Power in the Blood, the critically acclaimed hit for the award winning Alliance Repertory Company and producer Kyle Kulish. Jim completely reimagined the work in 2012 for Pocketful Productions with an entirely African American cast. In 2006, he directed the one-act play The Table of the Heart as part of the event celebrating the works of author/playwright Joan Kessler. In 2008 he helmed Andrew Moore’s Three Small People in Very Big Shoes at Theatre Unleashed in Los Angeles. He directed Martini Shots at the Matrix Theatre in 2002, as well as Paul Casey’s An Evening for the Dear Departed at the Jewel Box Theatre Center. Also at the JBTC, he was the co-director of The Last Laugh, the story of the infamous trial of Fatty Arbuckle. Other directing credits include GBLT: Gays, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomatoes and Patriotism Unleashed, both at Theatre Unleashed, an original version of Peter Pan at the Melodrama in Bakersfield and The Magic Flute at his alma mater, South Dakota State University. He also wrote, directed and musical directed Capers at SDSU, a campus variety show with a cast of over 100 singers, dancers and actors. No stranger to directing behind the camera, in 2009 Jim directed the entire first season of the web series Misadventures in Matchmaking starring Bodhi Elfman. That same year he also wrote, directed and appeared in the short film, Kerfuffle, for producer Tracy Littlejohn and Pocketful Productions.
Jim Blanchette has acted as dramaturg on productions for Write Act and other theatres for over a decade and is happy to help guide this production of Pillars of New York as well. Himself a prolific writer, Jim enjoys working in many different mediums. He has written several plays concerning sensitive subject matter, including the award winning one-act play Happy Hour, a black comedy about the issue of alcoholism, which was produced by John Lant at the Write Act Theatre in Los Angeles. He recently completed a companion piece to Happy Hour entitled The Last Testament of Will, and the two plays will be presented together in an evening of theatre called The Omega Chronicles, which will be mounted at the Write Act Eastside in New York in January of 2014. In 2010 Jim wrote, produced and starred in The Grass Was Never Greener, a play about a tumultuous relationship between an agoraphobic man and the woman who takes him in. This production at Write Act NY as well as the subsequent remount at Write Act LA were greeted with enthusiastic audience response. Jim is currently adapting this work for the big screen. While in Chicago, Jim wrote the book, the lyrics and co-wrote the music for a full-length musical version of Rumplestiltskin, which had a successful run with the Papai Players. Jim also co-wrote an original adaptation of Peter Pan, which he directed in two separate productions at the Melodrama in Bakersfield, California. Two of his short plays, KABLAM!, about the cancellation of a kid’s television show, and Calling Him Out, about a man’s disastrous results in professing his homosexuality over the phone, were produced by Theatre Unleashed in Los Angeles in 2010. Jim is currently writing the screenplay for an untitled horror feature, which has already been slated for production by the Little Company for the summer of 2016. He co-wrote the spec pilot for Anonymous Confessions with John Lant, who produced and directed it. His first screenplay Locked Out, partially developed at The Little Company, is being adapted for the stage. Jim has also recently become a dramaturg, having been hired to do script work on four scripts, two of which have been mounted for production. He is also working on a series of short stories and a novel that he hopes to publish in 2016. In his spare time, Jim acts.
As a director, Jim Blanchette has helmed mostly original works and is once again happy to be working with the creative team that presented the successful run of Renewal at the Brickhouse in August 2014. Also for the stage, he directed the critically acclaimed world-premiere of The Devil’s Bride at the Write Act Repertory Theatre in 2005, and its subsequent remount in 2006. In 2005, Jim also directed Power in the Blood, the critically acclaimed hit for the award winning Alliance Repertory Company and producer Kyle Kulish. Jim completely reimagined the work in 2012 for Pocketful Productions with an entirely African American cast. In 2006, he directed the one-act play The Table of the Heart as part of the event celebrating the works of author/playwright Joan Kessler. In 2008 he helmed Andrew Moore’s Three Small People in Very Big Shoes at Theatre Unleashed in Los Angeles. He directed Martini Shots at the Matrix Theatre in 2002, as well as Paul Casey’s An Evening for the Dear Departed at the Jewel Box Theatre Center. Also at the JBTC, he was the co-director of The Last Laugh, the story of the infamous trial of Fatty Arbuckle. Other directing credits include GBLT: Gays, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomatoes and Patriotism Unleashed, both at Theatre Unleashed, an original version of Peter Pan at the Melodrama in Bakersfield and The Magic Flute at his alma mater, South Dakota State University. He also wrote, directed and musical directed Capers at SDSU, a campus variety show with a cast of over 100 singers, dancers and actors. No stranger to directing behind the camera, in 2009 Jim directed the entire first season of the web series Misadventures in Matchmaking starring Bodhi Elfman. That same year he also wrote, directed and appeared in the short film, Kerfuffle, for producer Tracy Littlejohn and Pocketful Productions.
Jim Blanchette has acted as dramaturg on productions for Write Act and other theatres for over a decade and is happy to help guide this production of Pillars of New York as well. Himself a prolific writer, Jim enjoys working in many different mediums. He has written several plays concerning sensitive subject matter, including the award winning one-act play Happy Hour, a black comedy about the issue of alcoholism, which was produced by John Lant at the Write Act Theatre in Los Angeles. He recently completed a companion piece to Happy Hour entitled The Last Testament of Will, and the two plays will be presented together in an evening of theatre called The Omega Chronicles, which will be mounted at the Write Act Eastside in New York in January of 2014. In 2010 Jim wrote, produced and starred in The Grass Was Never Greener, a play about a tumultuous relationship between an agoraphobic man and the woman who takes him in. This production at Write Act NY as well as the subsequent remount at Write Act LA were greeted with enthusiastic audience response. Jim is currently adapting this work for the big screen. While in Chicago, Jim wrote the book, the lyrics and co-wrote the music for a full-length musical version of Rumplestiltskin, which had a successful run with the Papai Players. Jim also co-wrote an original adaptation of Peter Pan, which he directed in two separate productions at the Melodrama in Bakersfield, California. Two of his short plays, KABLAM!, about the cancellation of a kid’s television show, and Calling Him Out, about a man’s disastrous results in professing his homosexuality over the phone, were produced by Theatre Unleashed in Los Angeles in 2010. Jim is currently writing the screenplay for an untitled horror feature, which has already been slated for production by the Little Company for the summer of 2016. He co-wrote the spec pilot for Anonymous Confessions with John Lant, who produced and directed it. His first screenplay Locked Out, partially developed at The Little Company, is being adapted for the stage. Jim has also recently become a dramaturg, having been hired to do script work on four scripts, two of which have been mounted for production. He is also working on a series of short stories and a novel that he hopes to publish in 2016. In his spare time, Jim acts.
Rocco Vitacco (Music Director)
Rocco is a terrific guy, as well as an actor, composer and lyricist having written music and lyrics for the musicals Hollywood! Hollywood!, Blues for Central Avenue, Haywire, Have You Tried Sexxx I & II, and the upcoming Gold Rush Follies. He has written special material for Las Vegas revues such as Bottoms Up!, Red, Hot and Blue, and Tickle My Fancy. He was also accompanist for Totie Fields, Martha Raye, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Robert Morse, as well as recording albums with Vivian Blaine and Virginia O’Brien. Pillars of New York is Rocco’s fourth show as musical director/arranger for Michael Antin. Though he no longer works as a chef, he can still make a lasagna to rival the best restaurants of NY’s Little Italy. He owns a sewing machine as has made matching outfits for himself and his dog Max. He can do pushups on four watermelons while singing the last 16 bars of Oklahoma!, and he still thinks of himself as a sex symbol, but his family says he’s too old and delusional.
Rocco is a terrific guy, as well as an actor, composer and lyricist having written music and lyrics for the musicals Hollywood! Hollywood!, Blues for Central Avenue, Haywire, Have You Tried Sexxx I & II, and the upcoming Gold Rush Follies. He has written special material for Las Vegas revues such as Bottoms Up!, Red, Hot and Blue, and Tickle My Fancy. He was also accompanist for Totie Fields, Martha Raye, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Robert Morse, as well as recording albums with Vivian Blaine and Virginia O’Brien. Pillars of New York is Rocco’s fourth show as musical director/arranger for Michael Antin. Though he no longer works as a chef, he can still make a lasagna to rival the best restaurants of NY’s Little Italy. He owns a sewing machine as has made matching outfits for himself and his dog Max. He can do pushups on four watermelons while singing the last 16 bars of Oklahoma!, and he still thinks of himself as a sex symbol, but his family says he’s too old and delusional.
John Lant (Executive Producer)
John is a 35+year veteran in the entertainment industry and has been involved in over five hundred television, film, and theatrical productions as a creative entity and/or production manager. He currently lives in New York, works at Carnegie Hall, and out of producing offices here and in LA. John professionally apprenticed at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, and in New York with the Lincoln Center, Julliard, Circle Rep, Circle in the Square, WPA, Hudson Guild, LOOM and Ensemble Studio Theatre. National tours include Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Singin' in the Rain, One Mo' Time, Gypsy, The Three Musketeers, Connecticut Ballet, and Aeros. He has worked with such musical touring artists as Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and The Beach Boys. An award-winning producer, director, lighting and set designer, his productions at Cal Arts, The Odyssey, Ivy Substation, Ricardo Montalban, Powerhouse, Glendale Center, Hollywood Playhouse, Long Beach Playhouse, the Jewel Box Theatres, and Write Act Repertory, garnered DramaLogue Awards, Diamond Awards, NAACP Awards, LA Weekly Awards, with Garland, ADA, Ethel Casey nominations and LA Weekly and Backstage Picks of the Week/Recommends, including World Premiere LA Times Recommended Pilgrim (Associate Prod). Other notable ventures include XM Radio’s #1 Rated Radio Theatre Show New Frequency-Theatre of the Mind (Executive Producer – 50 Live Shows), Symphology and Carrot Talk (TV Pilots - Director), Interlochen (Resident Lighting Designer – 2 years), Bakersfield Musical Theatre Camp (Executive / Director – 7 years), 3-time DramaLogue winner Out On a Whim; Best Direction, Actress, and Musical Direction (Producer), DramaLogue winners Hunchback of Notre Dame (Lighting Designer), Modigliani; Choreography (Director), NAACP Winner Reap the Whirlwind and Blues on Central Avenue (Producer), West Coast Premieres of Kafka’s The Trial (Producer of Ovation nominated Set Design), Wallace Shaw’s The Fever, Theresa Rebeck’s Loose Knit (Producer), Picks Penis Monologues (Producer- 6 month sold-out run). Film and TV work include Army of Darkness, The Hard Way, Year of the Dragon, King of New York, TV Emmy winner The Washing Machine Man, Sundance Finalist Moment of Gracie (Producer), Upside Down, Rightside Up (Feature Film – Producer), Power Rangers (Coordinator), Renegade, Fallen Angels, Mike Hammer, and the CBS Radford Directing Workshop 2-year program under Howard Storm. John received the California Service Award from the State Legislature for his Community Outreach and Service to the Arts in 2000 and 2001, additionally the 2008 and 2009 California Legislative Award for Excellence and Recognition in Honor for Dedication to Raising Awareness of Domestic Violence through the Arts for Write Act Repertory. John lives with writer Joan M. Kessler and their carousel of theatrical house-guests and recently produced the 150 performance run of Fabulous! The Queen of Musical Comedies, with Roy Nevans, currently under contract for theatrical licensing. John's last two musicals, Renewal and Pillars of New York, with collaborators Michael Antin, Jim Blanchette, Rob Bowers and Lou Vitacco, garnered seven nominations and one win at the 2016 Los Angeles Valley Theatre League Awards.
John is a 35+year veteran in the entertainment industry and has been involved in over five hundred television, film, and theatrical productions as a creative entity and/or production manager. He currently lives in New York, works at Carnegie Hall, and out of producing offices here and in LA. John professionally apprenticed at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, and in New York with the Lincoln Center, Julliard, Circle Rep, Circle in the Square, WPA, Hudson Guild, LOOM and Ensemble Studio Theatre. National tours include Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Singin' in the Rain, One Mo' Time, Gypsy, The Three Musketeers, Connecticut Ballet, and Aeros. He has worked with such musical touring artists as Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and The Beach Boys. An award-winning producer, director, lighting and set designer, his productions at Cal Arts, The Odyssey, Ivy Substation, Ricardo Montalban, Powerhouse, Glendale Center, Hollywood Playhouse, Long Beach Playhouse, the Jewel Box Theatres, and Write Act Repertory, garnered DramaLogue Awards, Diamond Awards, NAACP Awards, LA Weekly Awards, with Garland, ADA, Ethel Casey nominations and LA Weekly and Backstage Picks of the Week/Recommends, including World Premiere LA Times Recommended Pilgrim (Associate Prod). Other notable ventures include XM Radio’s #1 Rated Radio Theatre Show New Frequency-Theatre of the Mind (Executive Producer – 50 Live Shows), Symphology and Carrot Talk (TV Pilots - Director), Interlochen (Resident Lighting Designer – 2 years), Bakersfield Musical Theatre Camp (Executive / Director – 7 years), 3-time DramaLogue winner Out On a Whim; Best Direction, Actress, and Musical Direction (Producer), DramaLogue winners Hunchback of Notre Dame (Lighting Designer), Modigliani; Choreography (Director), NAACP Winner Reap the Whirlwind and Blues on Central Avenue (Producer), West Coast Premieres of Kafka’s The Trial (Producer of Ovation nominated Set Design), Wallace Shaw’s The Fever, Theresa Rebeck’s Loose Knit (Producer), Picks Penis Monologues (Producer- 6 month sold-out run). Film and TV work include Army of Darkness, The Hard Way, Year of the Dragon, King of New York, TV Emmy winner The Washing Machine Man, Sundance Finalist Moment of Gracie (Producer), Upside Down, Rightside Up (Feature Film – Producer), Power Rangers (Coordinator), Renegade, Fallen Angels, Mike Hammer, and the CBS Radford Directing Workshop 2-year program under Howard Storm. John received the California Service Award from the State Legislature for his Community Outreach and Service to the Arts in 2000 and 2001, additionally the 2008 and 2009 California Legislative Award for Excellence and Recognition in Honor for Dedication to Raising Awareness of Domestic Violence through the Arts for Write Act Repertory. John lives with writer Joan M. Kessler and their carousel of theatrical house-guests and recently produced the 150 performance run of Fabulous! The Queen of Musical Comedies, with Roy Nevans, currently under contract for theatrical licensing. John's last two musicals, Renewal and Pillars of New York, with collaborators Michael Antin, Jim Blanchette, Rob Bowers and Lou Vitacco, garnered seven nominations and one win at the 2016 Los Angeles Valley Theatre League Awards.
Tamra Pica (Casting Director)
Tamra's recent theater casting credits include casting for Caldwell's Bomb for the Venus/Adonis Theater Festival (2 Actors nominated for Best Actor Awards), Renewal at the Brickhouse Theater (3 Actors nominated, 1 win in the NOHO Theater Awards) and replacement casting for the long running show Fabulous! The Queen of New Musical Comedies. She started her casting career as an associate casting director for companies including Robin Lippin Casting, Stiner/Block, Molly Lopata and Maureen Arata Casting. Credits include: Jonas Brothers (pilot), Zeke and Luther (Pilot), and Princess Protection Program for Disney Channel, and The Bill Engvall Show (Season 1) for TBS. She's cast over 20 features, movies and series. Her theater and television work spans nearly 30 years and she’s been involved in over 250 productions as a prop designer, AEA stage manager, and lighting designer of plays, musicals, dance and ice shows. Tamra has worked in television for companies such as Disney, Sony, Cartoon Network, NBC Studios, TBS, CBS, MTV, ABC and FOX, but it is her work as a Producer of television and theater that she is most proud. She is currently in development for theater and television projects both in Los Angeles and New York.
Tamra's recent theater casting credits include casting for Caldwell's Bomb for the Venus/Adonis Theater Festival (2 Actors nominated for Best Actor Awards), Renewal at the Brickhouse Theater (3 Actors nominated, 1 win in the NOHO Theater Awards) and replacement casting for the long running show Fabulous! The Queen of New Musical Comedies. She started her casting career as an associate casting director for companies including Robin Lippin Casting, Stiner/Block, Molly Lopata and Maureen Arata Casting. Credits include: Jonas Brothers (pilot), Zeke and Luther (Pilot), and Princess Protection Program for Disney Channel, and The Bill Engvall Show (Season 1) for TBS. She's cast over 20 features, movies and series. Her theater and television work spans nearly 30 years and she’s been involved in over 250 productions as a prop designer, AEA stage manager, and lighting designer of plays, musicals, dance and ice shows. Tamra has worked in television for companies such as Disney, Sony, Cartoon Network, NBC Studios, TBS, CBS, MTV, ABC and FOX, but it is her work as a Producer of television and theater that she is most proud. She is currently in development for theater and television projects both in Los Angeles and New York.
Genevieve Estanislau (Choreographer)
Previous choreography credits include The Graduate, The Addams Family, Into The Woods, Clue: The Musical, and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is a resident teacher at The European School of Dance in Fords, NJ and a former Tap Instructor at Rutgers University where she received her degree in Psychology and Public Health. She is currently in production for a new workshop with Phat Kat Productions to debut in NYC and has done work for Vinyl, Madam Secretary and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of The Shadows. She is very grateful for this opportunity and is humbled to work alongside the Write Act Repertory Theatre team.
Previous choreography credits include The Graduate, The Addams Family, Into The Woods, Clue: The Musical, and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is a resident teacher at The European School of Dance in Fords, NJ and a former Tap Instructor at Rutgers University where she received her degree in Psychology and Public Health. She is currently in production for a new workshop with Phat Kat Productions to debut in NYC and has done work for Vinyl, Madam Secretary and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of The Shadows. She is very grateful for this opportunity and is humbled to work alongside the Write Act Repertory Theatre team.
Stephen Sunderlin (Press)
Stephen of Sun Productions does press for Pillars of New York and is an all around cool guy. To contact Stephen, email him at stephen.sunderlin@gmail.com. www.sun-productions.net
Stephen of Sun Productions does press for Pillars of New York and is an all around cool guy. To contact Stephen, email him at stephen.sunderlin@gmail.com. www.sun-productions.net
Sindy K. Schneider (Marketing & Promotions)
SKS Theatrical Marketing, headed by Sindy K. Schneider, is a comprehensive marketing agency for theatrical productions, musical events and cultural institutions. Some current clients include the long-running hit Sistas The Musical (5 years) as well as Ruthless! The Musical, 2 By Tennessee Williams and Conversations With An Average Joe. Other productions include Soul Doctor, I Don't Know Why He Loves Me, Black Angels over Tuskegee (6 years), Fabulous! The Queen of New Musical Comedies, Cougar The Musical, Search: Paul Clayton, Olympics Über Alles, among others. www.skstheatrical.com
SKS Theatrical Marketing, headed by Sindy K. Schneider, is a comprehensive marketing agency for theatrical productions, musical events and cultural institutions. Some current clients include the long-running hit Sistas The Musical (5 years) as well as Ruthless! The Musical, 2 By Tennessee Williams and Conversations With An Average Joe. Other productions include Soul Doctor, I Don't Know Why He Loves Me, Black Angels over Tuskegee (6 years), Fabulous! The Queen of New Musical Comedies, Cougar The Musical, Search: Paul Clayton, Olympics Über Alles, among others. www.skstheatrical.com
Dana De Siena (Web Mistress)
Dana is a proud native New Yorker and musician. This is her second show with Write Act Repertory, previously working with the wonderfully eclectic cast and crew of Fabulous! The Queen of Musical Comedies. She studied French horn and piano performance at Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music for four years and remains involved within the musical community. Dana currently works with Distinguished Concerts International New York, where she helps produce shows at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She also works stage and events at one of her favorite places in the city: Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Invested in community and youth cultural education, Dana works Front of House at Lincoln Center Education and at Snug Harbor Music Hall, and teaches children of all ages how to swim at the Y. In between her various jobs, Dana finds time to play piano and write. You can find some of her editorial pieces at zumic.com.
Dana is a proud native New Yorker and musician. This is her second show with Write Act Repertory, previously working with the wonderfully eclectic cast and crew of Fabulous! The Queen of Musical Comedies. She studied French horn and piano performance at Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music for four years and remains involved within the musical community. Dana currently works with Distinguished Concerts International New York, where she helps produce shows at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She also works stage and events at one of her favorite places in the city: Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Invested in community and youth cultural education, Dana works Front of House at Lincoln Center Education and at Snug Harbor Music Hall, and teaches children of all ages how to swim at the Y. In between her various jobs, Dana finds time to play piano and write. You can find some of her editorial pieces at zumic.com.
