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BIG The Musical

BIG The Musical
Directed by Michael Healy
Book by John Weidman-Music by David Shire
Lyrics by Richard Maltby
Based on the motion picture "BIG" by Gary Ross & Anne Spielberg
June 11 - 13, 18 - 19, 2004

When frustrated adolescent Josh Baskin wishes he were "big" and wakes up the next morning a 30 year-old man, he discovers there's much more to being an adult than he'd bargained for - and learns we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time. A witty, moving, insightful book and a dazzling, energetic, heartfelt, contemporary score make this already-classic motion picture fantasy into an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Pictures From Our Production:
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Photos courtesy of Laura Luc
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Production Staff
Director Michael Healy
Asst. Director Angie Retano
Producer Maureen Rogalski
Musical Director Chick Barnes
Choreographer Barbara Hoon
Set Designer/Builder/Scenic Artist Laurie Hall
Asst. Stage Manager Michael True
Technical Director/Light Designer Patrick Mannix
Sound Engineer Douglas Boissonault
Stage Crew Ruth Abernathy, Todd Abernathy, Erich Jost
Props Tracy DeAlesandro
Props Assistant Laura Bernstein
Assistants to the Scenic Artist
 Maureen Rogalski, Regan Ryzuk, Michael True
 
The Cast
Young Josh Alexander Zelenty
Billy Kopecki Taylor Bernstein
Mrs. Baskin Annette Winter
Mr. Baskin Michael True
Grown-up Josh Brian Merrill
Susan Lawrence Vanessa Bellardini
George MacMillian Stewart Schneck
Paul Seymour Kevin Lyon
 
Adult Ensemble
Barbara Aihini, Paul Bettys, Alexandra Boissonault Deborah Burns, Matt Harden, Stacy Howie, Dana Jenkins Kevin Johnson, Lizette Zucca
Children's Ensemble
Chelsea Aihini, Cara Bernstein, Alyssa DeAlessandro, Eric Dubnoff, Spencer Kiely, Laura Luc, Sarah Luc, Ian McPhail, Briana Wolf
The Musicians
Piano-Chick Barnes
Bass-Mark Paradiso
Percussion-Charlie Zeleny
 
ACT I
Opening Entire Cast
Say Good Morning to Mom Mrs Baskin
I Want To Go Home Josh
The Time of Your Life Salespeople
Fun MacMillan, Josh
Welcome to MacMillan Toys Junior Executives
My Secretary's In Love Susan
MacMillan Toys - Part II Paul, Susan, Junior Executives
Let's Not Move Too Fast Susan
Do You Want to Play Games? Josh
Stars Josh, Susan
Little Susan Lawrence Susan
Cross the Line Josh, MacMillan, Ensemble
ACT II
It's Time Billy and the Kids
Stop, Time Mrs Baskin
The Nightmare Kids, Zoltar
Dancing All The Time Susan
I Want To Know Josh, Little Josh
Coffee, Black Josh, Susan, Miss Watson, Junior Executives
The Real Thing Susan's Friends
The Real Thing (reprise) Susan
Big Josh
We're Gonna Be Fine Josh, Susan
 
Who's Who in the Cast
Barbara Aihini (Diane, Adult Ensemble) This is Barbara's first performance with the Enchanted Players. Barabara has been singing locally and has enjoyed this experience on Big tremendously. She is a makeup artist and the mother of Aaron, Danielle and Chelsea, the latter is also in this production. She has loved working with her daughter, Chelsea in this show. Sincere thanks go out to her husband, Joe and Aaron & Danielle. Without their support she would not be able to achieve this. She loves them very much.
Chelsea Aihini (Children's Ensemble) Chelsea is excited to be in her first EPI production. Previously she has played Mollie in Annie Jr., Shulie in Schoolhouse Rock Live with the Woman's Theater Company. She played Adelaide in Guy's & Dolls Jr. for the Dwyer Theater Company and recently starred as Alice in the production of Wonderland. She has truly enjoyed this production and wants to thank the whole cast, including my mom, and Michael & Angie for this opportunity.
Vanessa Bellardini (Susan Lawrence) This is Vanessa's second production with The Enchanted Players. She played the Queen in EPI's fall production of Cinderella. She performs regularly with The Conservatory Players of Clifton, NJ. This past March she played "Titania" in their production of A Midsommer Night's Dreame. Vanessa has a BA in Speech Communication with a Double Minor in Musical Theater and English from Montclair State University. Listen for her as the voice of "Mermaid Bomber" in Bomberman Jetters, a newly released Nintendo Gamecube game.
Cara Bernstein (Children's Ensemble) This is Cara's first show with the Enchanted Players. She's been with Allegro Productions though, for 4 years. Some shows she's enjoyed being in were Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), Seize the Day (Medda), and Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown). Cara hopes to do more shows and pursue her acting talent.
Taylor Bernstein (Billy) This is Taylor's first performance with the Enchanted Players. He is 10 years old and has been acting for 4 years. Some of his favorite shows have been Guys and Dolls (Benny), Scrooge (Bob Crachit), and Chicago (Amos). Taylor is also in The New Kid traveling troupe for the Sandcastle Organization.
Paul Bettys (Mr. Kopecki, Panhandler, Nick, Jr. Exec) This is Paul's first appearance on the Darress stage. Paul has performed all over NJ, NYC and even PA in various shows including Mousetrap, Midsummer Night's Dream and Lend Me a Tenor. He would like to thank his friends and family for continuing to support him as he pursues his dream. He would like to dedicate this show to his Grandma Dot and always to Poppa watching from the "cheap seats".
Alexandra Boissonault (Adult Ensemble) Big will be Ali's third show with EPI. Earlier this year she was featured in Cinderella and The Music Man here and played Mollie Ralston in The Mousetrap and Arvida Abernathy in Guys and Dolls with the Parsippany Hills Players. She has also been featured in many other shows and studies voice and dance.
Deborah Burns (Mrs. Kopecki, Adult Ensemble) Deborah is so very pleased and honored to be "onstage" for her first time. Being with such a fun and talented cast has made it a wonderful experience. BIG thank-yous to her husband and her family for their musical and theatre talents.
Alyssa DeAlesandro (Children's Ensemble) Alyssa has appeared in The EPI's productions of The Music Man-"Peggy Manning / Featured Dancer", The Best of Broadway- "Annie", "July", & "VonTrapp Child", Cinderella-ensemble, and Annie- "Annie". She has also performed in numerous productions with the BG Theatre Club and is a member of Sandcastle Production's traveling performance of The New Kid.
Eric Dubnoff (Children's Ensemble) Eric is 14 years old and lives in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. He has only been in one previous play. His first play was for Briarcliff School in Mountain Lakes. He played the role of Pierre's father in Really Rosie.
Matt Harden (Tom, Adult Ensemble) Matt has been performing his entire life. Recently, he appeared as the Miller in Rumplestilzskin at 12 Miles West and as Jean-Michel in La Cage for Ent'racte. Offstage, Matt works his music project Matter. Currently, Matt is producing his second CD. Matt takes his coffee plain.
Stacy Howie (Miss Watson, Adult Ensemble) Stacy is thrilled to be making her "big" debut with the Enchanted Players. She has appeared as the Milk Maid in Oliver at Allegro Productions, A Night of Broadway Magic, The Queen in Sleeping Beauty and most recently Philia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at The Smiling Rhino. All my love to Chick, Carmella and the S.R.T. gang.
Dana Jenkins (Abigail, Adult Ensemble) This is Dana's first performance with EPI. Her recent credits include "Helena" in the Conservatory Players' Production of A MidSummer Nights Dream. Dana has enjoyed working with an incredibly talented cast and crew. A special thanks to her friends and family for their love and support.
Kevin Johnson (Adult Ensemble) This is Kevin's first show with EPI. He will be going into his senior year at Boonton High School. Kevin has previously been seen as Ephrainn in the production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Boonton High School.
Spencer Kiely (Children's Ensemble) This is Spencer's 3rd show with EPI: Cinderella, and The Music Man. Some favorite roles in theater have been Rooster, and Mr.Bundles in Annie, Johnny in Really Rosie, and John in Peter Pan. Spencer is performing in The New Kid along with other cast members. Much love to family & friends.
Laura Luc (Cynthia Benson, Children's Ensemble) Age 14, Theatre: Smile, Grease, Annie, The Nutcracker, Copelia, A Mid Summer Nights Dream, Once Upon A Mattress, Santa & The Naughty Gnome, Les Miserables Jr., and Nuncrackers, has modeled and been featured on two CD recordings. This summer, Laura will be directing/producing The Sound of Music with her company Kids of the Arts. She would like to thank Laura Menard, and her loving family! www.KidsoftheArts.cjb.net
Sarah Luc (Children's Ensemble)13, has performed in Once Upon A Mattress, Santa & The Sugar Plum Princess, The Nutcracker, Copelia, A Mid Summer Nights Dream, Nuncrackers, Annie (Pepper) and Oliver. She has modeled and was on the cover of a Benchmark educational book. Sarah currently tours with Sandcastle Productions in The New Kid, which is bound to make its NYC debut this fall! Many thanks to Laura Menard, friends and family!
Kevin Lyon (Paul Seymour/Voice of Zoltar), is thrilled to be with the Enchanted Players once again after appearing as Oliver Hicks in The Music Man. His voice has also been heard singing over the years at Our Lady of Mercy church in Whippany.
Ian McPhail (Children's Ensemble) Ian is 15 and he has a passion for acting. He was in the Chorus for Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Townsquare Playhouse. In school, Ian has portrayed Albert in Bye Bye Birdie, the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz, and more. He wishes good luck to the cast and crew.
Brian Merril (Grown-Up Josh Baskin) Brian is excited to be 13 again and reconnecting to his inner child. He also has performed in many theatre companies. Some of his favorite roles include Bengen in Hair, Michael in Boys in the Band, Ace in The Who's Quadrophenia and Jean Michael in La Cage Aux Folles for which the Hudson Merrit Awards nominated him as "Most Promising Actor." In complete darkness we are all the same. It is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us, don't let your eyes deceive you.
Stewart Schneck (George Macmillan) This is Stewart's debut with The Enchanted Players. Past roles: Albert Peterson Bye Bye Birdie; Tevye Fiddler on the Roof; The Cowardly Lion The Wizard of Oz; Avi In the Beginning; Drake Honk!; Bottom A Midsummer's Night Dream and The Young Gentleman La Ronde. Thanks to my wife Jill.
Michael True (Mr. Baskin, Asst. Stage Manager) As always, Michael is very happy to be either on stage or backstage for EPI. He thanks all those involved with these wonderful productions for all their support and encouragement. Off stage, Michael is a private piano instructor.
Annette Winter (Mrs. Baskin) Annette was in EPI's last production, The Music Man (Eulalie McKechnie Shinn). Other EPI productions include Best of Broadway, Cinderella (Stepmother), Steel Magnolias (Truvy) and … Mattress (Agravane). She was also in Broadway's Prince of Grand Street, starring Robert Preston. Annette will soon be seen in The Ryzuk's original musical thriller, Jack The Ripper at The Barn Theatre. She would like to thank Michael and the rest of the Big cast.
Briana Wolf (Children's Ensemble) is a 7th grader from Montville. This is her third performance with ECT. Currently she appears regularly with Sandcastle Organization's traveling production of The New Kid. Recently she was seen in the Off-Broadway production of Little Princess. Briana would like to thank her voice teacher, Patty Montano, for inspiring her.
Alexander Zelenty (Young Josh) is making his EPI debut. In the past two years, Alex has appeared in four Growing Stage productions in Netcong, most recently playing Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This year he also played Flick in Trilogy Rep's production of A Christmas Story, and the Tin Woodsman in a school production of Oz, a Twisted Musical.
Lizette Zucca (Adult Ensemble) Lizette is happy to be on stage again at the Dareess and with Annette - except this time we are never on stage at the same time are we??? Thanx to all involved who put such a BIG effort into this show!!!
Who's Who in the Crew
Michael Healy (Director) This is Michael's first role as director for Enchanted Players, Inc. He was seen on stage as Rooster Hannigan in last year's EPI production of Annie. He was also seen as "Uncle Lon" in Little Red Riding Cap. During the day, Michael is an Assistant Principal at Columbia High School in Maplewood. Aside from his administrative duties, he directs the annual musical. This year, the Paper Mill Rising Star Awards Program has recognized his production of Peter Pan. The production is the recipient of three nominations. When not being an Assistant Principal or Director, Michael is an accomplished magician and performs throughout the tri-state area.
Chick Barnes (Musical Director) Chick has musically directed at Smiling Rhino, Brundage Park, Iron Mountain, and West Milford and accompanied for many others, including MOC. She is a Financial Advisor with Wachovia Securities and Music Director at Annunciation Church in Wayne. A special event was the Chick & Friends Concert at Weill Recital Hall in 2001. Thanks to all of the "Enchanted Players!"
Angie Retano (Assistant Director) This is Angie's third production with EPI. She has previously appeared in The Best of Broadway as well as Annie (Boylan Sister, Ms Pugh, and ensemble). However, this is Angie's first try at assistant directing. She would like to thank Michael Healy for giving her this opportunity to work with such a talented cast, crew, and an awesome director. She would also especially like to thank her NBF, MO for all her support, and encouragement. Finally, thanks Mom, Dad and Maddie Mae for all your love and understanding.
Maureen Rogalski (Producer) This is Maureen's first try at producing. Previously she worked with EPI as the assistant director for Music Man, Sound of Music and Heidi and as the stage manager for Annie and Steel Magnolias. She also appeared on stage in the Best of Broadway. She will be seen this July in the Ryzuk's original musical, Jack the Ripper at the Barn Theatre. She would like to thank Michael H., Chick, Angie, Laurie, Aaron and the rest of the cast and crew for pouring their "Heart and Soul" into this production. And a special thanks to her NBF, Angie for everything.
Barbara Hoon (Choreographer) Barbara holds a BFA in Dance from The Juilliard School. She was a member of Twyla Tharp Dance where she performed on Broadway, Off Broadway, in T.V. and films. Films: including Amadeus, Bugsy and Zelig. Broadway credits include Jerome Robbin's Broadway and Singin' in the Rain. National Tours-West Side Story, Carousel and more. Thanks to Amanda, Callie & everyone in Big for their love and patience.
Patrick Mannix (Technical Director, Light Designer, Light Board Operator) This is Pat's seventh production with the Enchanted Players, having previously worked on The Music Man, Cinderella, Steel Magnolias, Little Red Riding Hood and Annie. 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 just finished running the lights for Me and My Girl at the Barn Theatre and will be running lights for Jack the Ripper also at the Barn.
Doug Boissonault (Sound Engineer) This is Doug's seventh show at the Darress Theater having been involved with Music Man, Annie, Little Red Riding Hood, Steel Magnolia's, Cinderella, and The Best of Broadway. Doug is also a board member of EPI. His work with The Enchanted Players has been "the most rewarding" and looks forward to many more productions. "Break a leg, Guy's."
Laurie Hall (Set Designer, Scenic Artist, Set Builder) 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. Arts Directors Award, Art Director for the Montclair Operetta Club, and designs sets for several N.J. high school's annual musicals. She also won the Paper Mill Playhouse Award for Steel Pier. She has designed sets for The Music Man, Once Upon a Mattress, The Family Deli, Annie and Cinderella here at the Darress Theatre and has also provided sets for several theater's in New York.