Directed by
CAROL ZISKE 2023 SEASON SPONSORS
Executive Producer - Ed Bassett
Production Manager - Lori Poulin Facilities Manager - Tim Phillips Marketing Coordinator - Agnes M. Dann Social Media Coordinator - Shanelle Dupree Volunteer Coordinator - Laurie Phillips Playbill/Website - Sharon W. Houk Photographer - Paula Meehan Photography THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 ANNUAL FUND DONORS!Lesli Anderson
Frances Barth Mrs. Susan C. Beatty Regina & Joseph Cillizza Daisy Decker Mary L. Dooley Sheila & Mike Elser Eileen Russo & Michael Frenis Christopher & Theresa Guertin Karl & Jeanine Gallmeyer Melanie Hilpert James & Barbara Juhas Betty Lamay Paul Leduc John Magnesi Bonita A. Mazzaferro And to all of those who chose to remain anonymous! |
ABOUT THE SHOWJoin us for the WORLD PREMIERE staged reading of HURRICANE JIMMY - A New Musical at Phoenix Stage Company, featuring live local actors and the complete recorded score.
Jimmy Blalock, a Brooklyn parolee, reunites with his ex-lover Nadya while working construction on the Louisiana bayou. Featuring an electrifying score and exceptional storytelling, HURRICANE JIMMY takes audiences on an emotional journey of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Don't miss out on this unforgettable musical that asks all of us just how far we would go for the ones we love. * MATURE CONTENT ADVISORY: HURRICANE JIMMY contains language and suggestive themes that may be unsuitable for children. STAGED READING CAST BIOSTINA VLAMIS (Nadya)
Tina Vlamis is a recent Theatre Performance graduate from Western Connecticut State University, where she was in multiple productions such as Dockdaisy (u/s, ensemble) A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), and Noises Off (Poppy). In addition to being an actor, Tina is also a comedian, improviser, writer, and theatre arts educator. For more information on all of Tina’s creative endeavors, check out tinavlamis.com. She is so grateful to the HURRICANE JIMMY team for bringing her on board and allowing her to be a part of this exciting project! NOAH MOULTON (Jimmy) Noah Moulton has always had a love for the arts ever since he was a little kid. He currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in musical theatre from Dean College. For the past nine years, he has been in many musicals and a handful of plays. Throughout his time at Dean College, Noah appeared in several Mainstage productions including The Importance of Being Earnest (Jack Worthing), Mr. Burns (Matt), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Bert Bratt), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ensemble/Jimmy Understudy), The Theory of Relativity (Mike), Rabbit Hole (Jason), Wonderful Town (Ensemble), as well as a virtual production of Angels in America (Joe Pitt). He also had the privilege of attending The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival as an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nominee for his role in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. CAREY CANNATA (Benny) Carey Cannata is thrilled to be a part of this reading of HURRICANE JIMMY. Originally from Middlebury, CT, he attended The Taft School and later pursued his passion for acting at Occidental College. Graduating in 2022 with a BA in Theater and Performance Studies, he now resides in the heart of Los Angeles. Carey extends his heartfelt thanks to the brilliant William Linster and the late Lawrence Alexander, as well as the entire team for their unwavering dedication and passion in bringing this brilliant new work to life. KAYLEIGH JOSEFF (Luanne) An artist on the rise, Kayleigh has appeared in several productions at regional theaters in Connecticut—including Stand Up & Speak Out, Grease, and HURRICANE JIMMY. As well as acting, Kayleigh has directed and stage-managed regional productions. She loves to showcase her voice, most recently at Don’t Tell Mama’s Comeback Cabaret in New York City. She has received invaluable training from such prized faculty as Blake Hackler, Gabe Levey, Stephanie Machado, and others during her time at Yale’s Conservatory for Actors. She has had the pleasure of working under musical director and composer Jill Nesi, director Neil Fuentes, voice teacher Sandy Connolly, and with the staff and members of Vista Life Innovations. Kayleigh prioritizes the promotion of human connection through the art of storytelling in its various forms. Kayleigh works to create a kinder world with more collaboration, creativity, and community. KATIE BOYLE (Desiree) Katie's journey into acting began in 2022 in her 40s. Her life experiences fuel the passion, boldness and positivity she brings to each project. Previous roles include the lead role of Etta Mae Downing in a historical production, Hauntings at the Bond (2023), and the supporting role of Maggie Collins in the student film, The Divide (2024). Katie believes in the importance of always inviting laughter, love and human connection into life. She lives in Simsbury, CT with her husband of 13 years, Brian, daughters, Allison and Samantha, and two pups, Clover and Dasher. RICK PEGNATARO (Steve) Rick most recently finished a stint as Reb Nachum in the ensemble cast of the Newbury Musical Theater Company’s wonderful production of Fiddler on the Roof. His love for theater started at the age of 5 when he was cast in The King and I as one of the children of the King of Siam, but after high school life had other plans and theater fell by the wayside until ten years ago. For life’s “second act”, the Standardized Patient program at Quinnipiac University’s Frank Netter School of Medicine rekindled Rick’s acting chops and he took advantage of improv acting classes at The Legacy Theater in Stony Creek CT. Rick is an extra in the Hallmark movie, Mystic Christmas, to be released this holiday season, and is currently in rehearsal for Elf the Musical at Broadway On Main in East Haven, CT. After having sat for the first table read of HURRICANE JIMMY, he is so excited to be following up with this staged read! “Many thanks to my wife and children for their love and support, and for giving me two wonderful grandkids!” JOE STANGO (Carlo Monterissi) Joe Stango has been a Connecticut community theatre mainstay for over forty years. Recent credits include White Christmas (General Waverly) at Thomaston Opera House, Legally Blonde (Professor Callahan) at Newbury Musical Theatre Company, and A Christmas Carol (Fezziwig) at the Warner Theatre. When not performing, Joe works as a financial professional and resides in Southbury, CT. BRITTANY-PAIGE KIMLINGEN (Act I Narration / Smaller Female Roles / Stage Manager) Brittany-Paige Kimlingen is thrilled to be working with the cast and crew of HURRICANE JIMMY! Her recent credits include the Skit Nurse in The Sunshine Boys and the Recorder in Nuts, both at the Bradley Playhouse. Brittany has previously studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and T. Schreiber Studio. When she is not on stage, Brittany works in real estate and coaches boys AAU basketball. She would like to thank her grandmother for introducing her to theatre as a little girl and Carol Ziske and William Linster for giving her this wonderful opportunity! MICHAEL CARRANO (Act II Narration / Smaller Male Roles) Michael is thrilled to return to the world of Hurricane Jimmy, this time taking on the roles of the Act II Narrator, as well as Jerry, Rosensweig, and Buster. While this marks his second involvement with the production, he originally played the role of Benny Monterissi during the first table read of HURRICANE JIMMY. A classically trained upright bassist, Michael has a rich and diverse background in the world of music. His talent and dedication have taken him through a wide range of musical experiences, from jazz bands and trios to orchestras including the CT Pops. Michael is incredibly grateful to the director, Carol Ziske, for this wonderful opportunity to be part of HURRICANE JIMMY once again… Michael would also like to thank William Linster, whose work has added a musical depth and vibrancy to the show that is unlike any other he has heard before. Michael is thrilled to be a part of this incredible cast and crew and looks forward to sharing this experience with all of you. BEHIND THE SCENESCAROL ZISKE (Director)
Carol Ziske is an accomplished theatre director, choreographer, and actor with over five decades of professional experience in the industry. This past summer she directed One Touch of Ava which was part of Gracewell Productions' Staged Intent Series at Ivoryton: New Play Readings for Boomers by Boomers. Most recently she directed Holidays at this year’s Ivoryton Women Playwrights Festival. She has numerous Off-Broadway and regional directing credits including Evita at Sacred Heart University, in Fairfield, CT. Carol's credits as an actor include Fiddler On The Roof (Broadway) and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (1st National Tour). Carol is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and is on the steering committee of the Connecticut Chapter-League of Professional Theatre Women. She is a recipient of the Colgate-Palmolive Achievement Award for Kids On The Block and the NJ Drama Critics Award for A Little Night Music. Carol wishes to thank composer William Linster, and promotions/production consultant Kathleen Brown-Carrano for the opportunity to direct HURRICANE JIMMY. She would also like to acknowledge her cast for their time and commitment as well as Ed Bassett and the entire Phoenix Stage Company community who graciously gave us a welcoming opportunity to present HURRICANE JIMMY for the very first time. Reach me on Linkedin or contact carolzdirector@gmail.com. WILLIAM LINSTER (Music) William Linster is a Connecticut native and New York-based pianist, composer, music director, and arranger. A graduate of the world-renowned New School For Jazz And Contemporary Music, William has studied and worked with some of the greatest musicians in the world, including Grammy® nominees Bobby Sanabria, Dave Douglas, Charles Tolliver, Cecil Bridgewater, and Andy Mckee, as well as Grammy® winners Bill Kirchner, Robert Sadin, and Hank Schocklee (Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee, Public Enemy). As an accompanist and session musician, he has worked with artists such as Katie Stevens (American Idol, The Bold Type), Coyle Girelli (Your Vegas, The Chevin), Ron McClure (Blood, Sweat & Tears), R&B hitmaker James "D-Train" Williams, and numerous other Broadway stars and opera singers. Upon first working with William, the late acclaimed librettist Roger O. Hirson (Tony Award®-nominee, Pippin) simply said, "He's a genius." He made his Carnegie Hall debut at age 16 and was featured on NBC Nightly News at 17 while at the Havana International Jazz Festival in Cuba. He served as the Music Director for the Off-Broadway production of Fringe Deaths (2019) and was recently named a 2022 Jonathan Larson Grant Finalist by the American Theatre Wing. HURRICANE JIMMY is one of four full-length original musicals that William Linster and Lawrence Alexander wrote together. William would like to thank the extraordinary actors, production team, and everyone who helped to make this possible, especially Carol Ziske, Kathleen Brown-Carrano, and most of all, Larry Alexander for bringing this story to life. Social Media: @WilliamLinster LAWRENCE ALEXANDER (Book & Lyrics) The late Lawrence Alexander was a prolific writer and master of his craft. His credits included numerous popular series, including the iconic Charlie's Angels, Streets of San Francisco, Baretta, Barnaby Jones, and ChiPs. His exceptional writing skills captivated audiences and earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile television writers of his time. In addition to his work in television, Alexander wrote the lyrics for Lincoln Center’s production of Dandelion Wine—a musical adaptation of Ray Bradbury's novel—which was optioned for Broadway by acclaimed producer Stu Ostrow. Bradbury himself wrote the book for this musical, while renowned composer Billy Goldenberg wrote the music. He authored several novels, including The Big Stick, which were published by Doubleday. His writing talent attracted the attention of major producers and directors, including Gene Kirkwood and John Avildsen, director of Rocky. Avildsen also directed Alexander's own comedy-drama, The Stoolie, starring legendary comedian Jackie Mason. He passed away in February 2021. All future productions of HURRICANE JIMMY are lovingly dedicated to his memory. KATHLEEN BROWN-CARRANO (Promotions/Production Consultant) Kathleen Brown-Carrano wishes to thank William Linster and Carol Ziske for the opportunity to assist with the many behind-the-scenes details that have gone into this production. Kathleen is an enthusiastic theatre lover and music lover. She is an associate Dramatists Guild member, a copyrighted composer, and a published cartoonist. Kathleen has experience in special events, project management, digital artwork as well as research and development. 
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