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annie program cover

Annie
Directed by JoAnn Oakes
April 25, 26, 27
May 2,4,5,9,10, & 11, 2003

Annie's a peppy orphan whose life at the New York City Municipal Orphanage has grown intolerable, thanks to the gin-guzzling matron Miss Hannigan. Enter billionaire Oliver Warbucks, who has decided to invite a lucky orphan to his home for the Christmas holidays. Warbucks and Annie hit it off and he decides to offer a reward to whoever can find her parents. Miss Hannigan, who has inside information on Annie, concocts a wicked plan to collect the reward using her crooked brother and his dimwitted girlfriend as accomplices. But the scheme is foiled, Warbucks adopts Annie, and along the way, Annie meets a faithful dog and inspires FDR's New Deal.

Pictures From Our Production:
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Photos courtesy of Laura Luc
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Production Staff
Director JoAnn Oakes
Musical Director Lois Buesser
Stage Manager Maureen Rogalski
Choreography Lauren Moran
Dance Captain Angelina Paez
Set Engineer. Laurie Hall
Set Crew J. Oakes, M. True, C. Oakes
Lighting Design Christie Oakes
Light Board Patrick Mannix
Sound Devin Sommer
Costumes Pat Lepkowski, Mary Lou Musciano
Props JoAnn Oakes
Program David Minor
Sandy provided by Goldie Theatrical Dogs, Inc.
 
Cast
Annie Alyssa DeAlesandro
Daddy Warbucks David Conley
Grace Christie Oakes
Ms. Hannigan Mary Ryzuk
Rooster Michael Healy
Lily St. Regis Angelina Paez
FDR Ken Nickel
Tessie (Annie May 3-7:30pm) Jessica P. Minor
 
Ensemble
Howe, Soundman, Dog Catcher Jon Bernstein
Sophie, Mrs. Greer, Perkins Claire Gricko
Star to Be, Boylan Sister Laura Luc
Lt. Ward, Morganthau, McCraken Dave McDonald
Mary, Boylan Sister Kirsten Musciano
Ira, Marine Guard, Thief Mark Princiatti
Bert Healy, Drake, Iches Robert Rasczyk
Jane, Boylan Sister Angela Retano
Paper Lady Maureen Rogalski
Mrs. Pugh, Peggy Helen Trgala
Bundles, Hull, Dog Catcher Michael True
Cecile, Apple Lady Lizette Zuccalmaglio
 
The Orphans
Molly Jacqueline Casolaro, Krysten Wagner
Pepper Emily Corrao
Kate Claire Buesser
July Allison Brustofski
Abby (dance captain) Allie Altieri
Duffy (dance captain) Nicole Sperone
Sunny Beth Bernstein
Isabella Sara Cerasiello
CC Chelsey Sorbo
Candy Jessica Lepkowski
Emma (Tessie) Samantha Turret
 
Orchestra
Lois Buesser Keyboard
Regan Ryzuk Keyboard
Pat Cerasiello Guitar/Banjo
Ron Buesser Bass/Keyboard
Charlie Zelany Percussion
Alex Bocchino Percussion
 
Who's Who in the Cast
Allie Altieri-Abby (dance captain) - Allie is a fifth grader at Center Grove School. She's been performing for 5 years at The Baker Theatre with Entre' Acte Theatre Ensemble. She sings in Saint Matthew's Church choir, Center Grove Choir, District Choir. Allie's hobbies are singing, dancing, reading, playing piano/violin. She plays softball and has been a Girl Scout for 6 years.
Beth Bernstein - Sunny - This is Beth's 7th show with EPI. Recently she appeared with RFKT at the Pepsico Theater in Hansel & Gretel and will return this summer to play “Molly” in Annie. Beth is thrilled to be sharing the stage with Mary Ryzuk, her role model and friend. Beth, a member of SAG and AFTRA can be seen and heard regularly on television and radio. Her hobbies include, camping and working in Community Theater.
Jon Bernstein- Sound Man, Howe, Asst. Dog Catcher, Ensemble- Jon is thrilled to be sharing the stage once again with daughter Beth. He has worked with EPI both on and offstage for the past two years. Jon is an avid fan of music and plays guitar, banjo and blues harmonica. He taps at Mary Lou Hale School of Dance and would like to dedicate this performance to Mary Lou Hale. His full time job is “Driving Miss Beth” to her various auditions and booking in New York City.
Allison Brustofski - July - Allison recently played “Ellie” in the feature film, Four Dead Batteries, and the title character in the short film, The Tea Fairy. She was also in Smiling Rhino Theatre's production of Oliver. Allison thanks JoAnn, Linda Flynn, Lynda Madison, and everyone she's learned from; mostly Mom, Dad, and Connor for their love and support.
Claire Buesser - Kate - Claire enjoys performing, and is thrilled to be in Annie at the Darress Theatre. She has appeared in Rumpelstiltskin here, The Wizard of Oz at the Carolina Theatre, talent shows and drama camp shows. She wants you to know that she isn't actually an orphan, and she really does love Miss Hannigan (Mary Ryzuk).
Jacqueline Casolaro - Molly - Jackie made her debut as “Molly” in the Florham Park Players production of Annie. Previously she attended acting class at The Playwrights Theatre in Madison. Currently she perfroms with the musical group "Merlin's Mistrels". Jackie's love for entertaining began at age two and grows stronger daily. She also enjoys creative writing and choreography.
Sara Cerasiello - Isabella - Sara is currently in her second year of piano and vocal lessons. Her first recital included singing a pop song and performing her own composition on piano entitled "The Cat in the Window". Recently Sara was in the cast of The EPI production of Hansel and Gretel at The Darress Theatre.
Dave Conley - Daddy Warbucks - Dave Conley is a resident of Allendale, NJ and works for the United Parcel Service. He has worked on EPI productions almost from the beginning with Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. He has also worked with Mary and Regan Ryzuk in the Town Square Playhouse original production of Jack the Ripper and Parsippany Playhouse's production of Run For Your Wife. Dave was last seen in the 2002 Baker Theater production of Fiddler On The Roof as “Tevya”. Thanks and love go to his wife Debbie for letting him pursue his passion!
Cooper-Sandy-Sandy, played by Cooper was truly an “orphan Annie dog”. An emanciated stray found on the streets of NYC and deemed un-adoptable, he was rescued and nursed back to health. Paul Goldie adopted him, and has been training him to perform on stage ever since.
Emily Corrao - Pepper- Emily has been performing since age 5. Annie is her 4th production here at the Darress. She made her debut in 2000 as a munchkin in the Wonderful World of Oz. She was also in Heidi as “Barli”, and in the chorus for Hanzel & Gretel. Em enjoys studying voice, dance, and acting. This is her favorite role so far, and she thanks JoAnn for this awesome opportunity.
Alyssa DeAlesandro - Annie - Alyssa recently appeared in the BG Theatre Club's production of Bye Bye Birdie and The Music Man at the Barn Theatre. Other performances include the All Children's Theatre production of The Sound of Music, West Side Story, and Peter Pan. Alyssa was selected to attend the Intensive Division of the Paper Mill Summer Musical Conservatory. She is in the 6th grade at Lazar Middle School in Montville. Special thanks to Mr. Kramer, Mia, and JoAnn for their guidance and support.
Claire Gricko - Sophie, Mrs. Greer, Perkins, Ensemble - This is Claire's 1st production with EPI. Past performances included appearances with Entr'Acte Theater Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz as the “Wicked Witch”, Steel Magnolias as "Mlynn”, Scrooge as “Mrs Fezziwig”, La Cage Aux Folles as “Jacqueline”. Claire has also worked with the production side of theater, directing, costumes and set design. To the Cast and Crew of Annie. Thanks you were wonderful. Working with this group has been a joy. To JoAnn: "Thanks for letting me join the fun”. To my family: “I love you all very much!”
Michael Healy - Rooster - This is Michael's first production with EPI. He is an assistant principal at Columbia High School in Maplewood. He recently directed their production of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Other directing credits include The Small Town and Fancy Players of Mahwah productions of Barnum, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, Rumors, Lend Me A Tenor, and Mousetrap. In the fall of 2001, he appeared as “Charlie Brown” in the Barn Theatre's production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. He is an accomplished magician and resides in Boonton with Sam, Delilah, and Peter. He has enjoyed being part of this production.
Alison Klein - December - Alison is thrilled to be doing her first show with Enchanted Players! She is also currently appearing in The People Garden at the York Theatre in New York with Sandcastle Productions. She previously appeared as “Dila Mina” in Gone With the Breeze for Spotlight Productions, and as “Snoopy” in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown at French Woods Festival for the Performing Arts. Alison also played “Kate” in Annie for GB Productions.
Jessica Lepkowski - Candy - Jessica's favorite past shows include Annie (“Tessie”), Sleeping Beauty (“Beauty”), Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (“Nymph”) and Rumplestiltskin (“Retinue”). Currently, she is performing in the traveling show, The New Kid (Sandcastle Productions). She also plays piano and flute, and studies acting, dance and voice. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her.
Laura Luc - Star to Be, Boylan Sister, Ensemble - Credits include The Nutcracker (“Party Child/Hoop”), A Mid Summer Nights Dream (“Copellia”), Once Upon A Mattress (“Lady Lucelle”), Santa & The Naughty Gnome (“Sabrina”), and Nucrackers (“Jonah Kelly”). Laura has modeled , recorded two CD's & has trained with Tomorrow Talent Managment in NYC. Thanks to Laura Menard, EPI, family and friends! www.LucSisters.cjb.net.
Dave McDonald - Lt. Ward, Morganthau, McCraken, Ensemble - This is Dave's sixth show with EPI. Previously he was the Father in Hansel & Gretel, The “Cowardly Lion” in The Wizard of Oz, “Grandfather” in Heidi, and “Sir Charles Warren” in Jack the Ripper. He has also done shows with Allegro Productions, The Baker Ballroom, Jefferson Township, and The Barn Theatre. Dave hopes you enjoy the show. So let's "gussy her up" because "he thinks you're going to like it here."
Jessica P. Minor - Tessie, Annie Understudy - Jessica is thrilled to be back with EPI. She was last seen at EPI as “Marta” in The Sound of Music. This winter, she played the girl swing in the Broadway production of A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden. She currently performs with the Sandcastle Productions show The New Kid. She can also be seen on TV in numerous commercials. This fall she will be playing “Becky” in the opening of the American Girls Revue show in NYC. "Best wishes to our talented cast! Love and thanks to my family." Jessica is performing courtesy of The Actors Equity Association.
Kirsten Musciano - Boylan Sister, Mary, Usherette, Ensemble - Kirsten is a 14 year old honor roll student at Rockaway Valley School in Boonton Township. She studies Ballet, Pointe, flute and piano. Kirsten is a member of the school band and choir and the St. Peter's Episcopal Church Choir. She plays Soccer, Lacrosse and Volleyball as well as being a veteran Equestrian. Kirsten first appeared with the EPI in The Sound of Music. She would like to thank Lois Buesser and JoAnn Oakes. She would also like to thank her loving family for their support. Break A Leg!
Ken Nickel - FDR - After a long absence from the theater, Ken recently performed as “Harry McAfee” in Bye Bye Birdie and “Jacob” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, both with the Ente' Acte Theater Ensemble. With stage experience in his youth, he has continued to perform vocally in various settings, including his church, and in choral performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Christie Oakes- Grace, Lighting Design - Christie is happy to be on the Darress Theatre stage once more with such a talented cast. Last year at this time she played “Maria” in The Sound of Music, and has been in many of the wonderful Ryzuk fairytales. She has just recently completed the role of “Suzy” in Wait Until Dark this past March at Brundage Playhouse. She has also performed in two years of the September Song productions that the Ridge Light Opera puts on annually. She would like to thank all her family & friends for their love and support, especially her mother. Also, thanks to the cast and crew who did a wonderful job putting on the show.
Angelina Paez - Lily St. Regis - Angelina absolutely adores the stage! She's been dancing, singing, and acting for several years now and intends to do it for as many more as she can. Her most recent role was “Adelaide” in the Morris Knolls High School production of Guys and Dolls. She would like to thank Mom & Dad for all their love, support, understanding, all her friends, and Dan.
Mark Princiatti - Ira, Marine Guard, Thief, Ensemble - Mark has just finished his theater debut as a police officer in the production of Wait Until Dark at the Brundage Park Playhouse. He has studied at TVI Actors Studio in New York City and looks forward to working with the cast of Annie at the Darress Theater. Thanks Christie for all your support!
Robert Rasczyk - Drake, Bert Healy, Iches, Ensemble - Robert is a graduate of Montclair State University and a teacher with the Newark Board of Education. He is making his second appearance with EPI. His first was as “Max” in The Sound of Music. Other roles included “Kralahom” in The King and I, and “Max” in The Sound of Music with the Play House in East Hanover, the “Guitar Player” and “Muleteer” in Man of LaMancha, the “Dog Catcher” and part of the ensemble in Annie with the Monclair Operetta Club.
Angela Retano - Boylan Sister, Jane, Ensemble - Angela is excited to make her debut with The Enchanted Players in their production of Annie. She would like to thank her family for all their support as she entered the new and exciting world of Community Theater.
Mary Ryzuk - Miss Hannigan - Co-founder of The Enchanted Players, Inc., Mary is a published author of non-fiction books and oft-produced playwright, including all of The Enchanted Players original fairy-tales. As a singer/actress, she has been performing since she was three and has been acting ever since, (and as her husband would probably say, not only onstage). Having a great time.
Chelsey Sorbo - CC - Chelsey has been in The Wizard of Oz, Annie Jr., The Nuncracker, and many church plays. She is in her school chorus and studies voice with Laura Menard. Chelsey studies dance, tap, ballet and jazz. She is 11 years old and in the 5th grade. She hopes to become a professional actress some day and would like to perform on Broadway. She would like to be in many more shows in the future.
Nicole Sperone - Duffy (dance captain) - Nicole Sperone is a 6th grader at Randolph Middle School. She has 10 yrs. of dance & 5 yrs of voice. She loves theater, dancing, singing, cheerleading, summers at the beach. To my parents, thanks for all your support, love and encouragement. I love you guys. And Jasper too.
Helen Trgala - Mrs. Pugh, Peggy, Ensemble - This is Helen's second EPI production. She made her debut in The Sound of Music playing a nun and is probably most remembered for her “bowing prowess”. She has also appeared in several productions with the Radburn Players and Saddle Brook Community Theater. Helen wishes to thank her family for their continued support, and Maureen for her gentle persuasion because without it, Helen never would have had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great group of people. Break a leg everyone!
Michael True - Bundles, Hull, Dog Catcher, Ensemble - Michael has performed in many EPI productions now, but who could ask for a better role - smooching it up with Mary. As always though, he is proud to be a part of these wonderful musicals and to be involved with so many talented people. Off stage, Michael is a private piano teacher wirh over 35 years experience.
Samantha Turret - Emma - This is Samantha's 3rd production with EPI, having previously performed in Hansel and Gretel, and Rumpelstiltskin. Other theatre credits include "Fili" in The Hobbit, a member of singing/dancing troupe in Kids Cabaret 2002, and a "Mouse" in The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe. Samantha is in the 6th grade at Randolph Middle School and would like to thank everyone at The Darress for this wonderful opportunity.
Krysten Wagner - Molly - Krysten is an aspiring actress and has appeared in national television commercials as well as doing voice-over work . This is Krysten's first local theatrical performance and she looks forward to having fun! Special thanks to vocal coach Rona Leslie in New York, Denville Dance Arts Center, and her many friends and supporters. Love to Mom, Dad, Alyssa, Jazzy, and all family & friends!
Lizette Zuccamaglia -Apple Lady, Cecile, Ensemble - Lizette has been seen on the EPI stage in many of the fairy tales. She has worked both on stage and behind the scenes in many productions. She would like to thank all her friends and family.
Who's Who in the Crew
JoAnn Oakes - Director - Along with Heidi, and The Sound of Music, Annie will be the third show JoAnn has directed for the EPI. She is delighted to be working with this very talented cast and crew. When not running their horse farm, chairing the “Save our Split Rock Committee” or serving on the EPI board as President, she enjoys directing, reading and riding. She has worked in almost every aspect of theatre, both onstage and behind the scenes in both the U.S. and abroad. She would like to thank Dave, Christie, Tiffany, and Anthony for their ever present support.
Lois Buesser - Musical Director - After having three babies and living away from NJ/NY for ten years, Lois is back! She is happy to be a part of the EPI family, and has had a blast with this cast. A pianist and singer, musical theatre is one of her greatest loves. She has sung in numerous choruses, accompanied Broadway and TV stars, entertained troops on USO/DOD tours, and taught music to ages one to 81. Many thanks to Ron for his musical expertise.
Maureen Rogalski - Stage Manager, Paper Lady- Maureen is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew. Previously she worked as assistant director on Sound of Music and Heidi with the Enchanted Players. When not on stage, she can be seen behind the camera making films. She wishes to thank JoAnn for this opportunity.
Lauren Moran - Choreography-Annie is Lauren's 1st show with The Enchanted Players. She is a drama instructor for the Kidz Cabaret and works as a teaching artist for Pushcart Players, The Growing Stage & The Women's Theater Co. Her Choreography has been seen in The Most Happy Fella, Hair, City of Angels, Godspell, Nunsense, and Jeckyl and Hyde to name a few. She choreographed the NJ Community Theatre premier of Ragtime with the Barn Theatre. Much love and luck to the cast and crew of Annie.
Laurie Hall - Set Engineer-Laurie is primarily a singer and actress, but is always happy to pick up a paint brush! She is the past winner of the N.J. Art Directors Award, Art Director for the Montclair Operetta Club, and designs sets for several NJ high school's annual musicals. She also won the Paper Mill Playhouse award for Steel Pier. She has designed sets for Once Upon A Mattress and The Family Deli here at the Darress Theatre, and has provided sets for several theater's in New York.
Patrick Mannix- Light Board- This is Patrick's first time doing lights for the Enchanted Players. He graduated from William Patterson University in 1998. Previously at Morris Knolls High School, he was the primary lighting tech for all plays and musicals as well as the Friday Evening Club's performances there. He currently plays saxophone in the Denville String Band, assists with the Morris Knolls Marching Band, and enjoys model railroading.