2025 SEASON SPONSORS

KING LEAR

THE CAST

King Lear 
PARKER SCOTT
 
Goneril
KC ROSS
 
Regan
TORI RICHNAVSKY
 
Cordelia
CAROLINE AHLMAN
 
Fool
LAURA STURGES-CORTEZ
 
Duke of Albany
CHRISTOPHER GUERTIN
 
Duke of Cornwall
ARIC CALABRESE
 
Oswald 
TIM PHILLIPS
 
King of France 
ROB RICHNAVSKY

• • •​ • • •

AS YOU LIKE IT

THE CAST

Rosalind
GRETCHEN ZIEGLER
 
Orlando
ROB RICHNAVSKY
 
Duke Senior
TIM PHILLIPS
 
Jacques
KC ROSS
 
Celia
LAURA STURGES-CORTEZ
 
Oliver
CHRISTOPHER GUERTIN
 
Silvius
ARIC CALABRESE
 
Phoebe
CAROLINE AHLMAN
 
Charles
FRANK BEAUDRY

• • •​ • • •

BEHIND THE SCENES

Director/Adaptations
JOHN LONG
 
Fight Choreographer
ROB RICHNAVSKY

Stage Manager
TERESA ALEXANDRU
 
Assistant Stage Manager
EMILY SCOTT
 
Costumes 
ED BASSETT
 
Props
LORI POULIN

Set Crew
ED BASSETT, TIM PHILLIPS & JOHN POULIN
 
Lighting Design
ED BASSETT
 
Sound Design
JOHN LONG

SPECIAL THANKS

​Cameo Photo Video

Black Hog Brewing
​
Kaso Dezine, LLC
​

PHOENIX STAGE COMPANY

Production Manager -
​Lori Poulin
Volunteer Coordinator - 
Jeannie Martin
Photographer -
Paula Murphy Meehan
Videography - 
Jeffrey Barber Schlichter
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Ed Bassett
Agnes M.Dann 
​​Sharon W.Houk

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 
Lori Poulin (Chair)
Tim Phillips (Vice-Chair)
Al Hathway
Michael P.M.Calabrese
Laurie Phillips
Laura Sturges-Cortez

THANK YOU TO OUR 2025
​GIVE LOCAL DONORS!

Mary-Ellen Yezek
Helen Adams & Larry Bolduc
Laurie Phillips
Anonymous
John Cummings
Tim Cleary
Chrissy Flynn
Amber Lynn Dunphy
Don & Kathy Carten
Ann & Michael Feinberg
Diane & Don Smith
Ed Bassett
Linda Acton 
in honor of Marilyn Lopez
Nancy Sasso-Janis
in honor of Prof. Ruth M. Sasso
Chris & Theresa Guertin
Maurice Steinber
Gretchen Zeigler
Marilyn Plaskiewicz
Cryan Family
Bonita Mazzaferro
Jeanne Martin
Beth Steinberg
Kathy Jones
Karen Streeter
Colleen Renzullo
 in honor of Moe
Virginia Way
Lynda Mazzaferro
Carlos MacRican
Lori Richnavsky
Barbie Bassett
Siephen W.
Aric & Michael Calabrese
Michael Cassidy
 in honor of Joe Cassidy Sr.
Jocelyn Miller 
in honor of Ed Bassett & Tim Phillips
Laura Cortez
Anonymous
in honor of Jeff Savage, Jane Coughlin, Mike Ritts & Donna Storms
Sarah Hinson
Teem0
Tori Richnavsky
Rob Richnavsky
Cynthis Tremaglio
Anonymous
Shanelle Dupre
Roland & Donna Perreault
Jonathan & KC Ross
Jonathan Jacobsen
J. Michael Elser
Karen Willey
Anonymous
Edwina Simmons
Deborah Forish
Jen & Fran Vincent
Nancy Dugbartey
Michael Accuosti
Diane Ploch 
in honor of Ed Bassett
Mary Ann Boulanger 
​in honor of Val Vitalo
Mary Chiappalone
Mark Yuabov
Jim Hilby
 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Do you love Shakespeare but don't have 3 hours? 
Curious about Shakespeare, but don't have 3 hours to try it out? 
Have we got a solution for you! 

KING LEAR in 30 minutes, followed by AS YOU LIKE IT in 30 minutes! Full costumes, Full production, Stage Combat and comedy! 

​Great performances by some of the local theater's most talented performers!

KING LEAR Synopsis

King Lear divides his kingdom among the two daughters who flatter him and banishes the third one who loves him. His eldest daughters both then reject him at their homes, so Lear goes mad and wanders through a storm. His banished daughter returns with an army, but they lose the battle and Lear, all his daughters and more, die.

*Synopsis from Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

AS YOU LIKE IT Synopsis

Rosalind and her cousin escape into the forest and find Orlando, Rosalind's love. Disguised as a boy shepherd, Rosalind has Orlando woo her under the guise of "curing" him of his love for Rosalind. Rosalind reveals she is a girl and marries Orlando during a group wedding at the end of the play.  

​*Synopsis from Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

WHO'S WHO

CAROLINE AHLMAN (Cordelia / Phoebe)  returns to Phoenix after appearing in BE A GOOD LITTLE WIDOW.  Past stage credits include THE REVOLUTIONISTS (Charlotte Corday) with PSC, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Logainne Schwartziandgrubenierre) with Warner Theatre PLAB, DRACULA (Von Helsing) with the Warner Stage Company. All my love to my parents for nurturing my desire to perform with their unwavering support, and just for loving me. A huge thank you to my PSC family for welcoming me so warmly from the beginning and for making this place feel like home. Thank you all for coming to see Pocket Shakes Pt. 4!
FRANK BEAUDRY (Charles) returns to the Phoenix stage after appearing in last year’s Pocket Shakespeare productions of HAMLET and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Other stage credits include ALL IS CALM (Actor 6) and SOMETHING ROTTEN (Nick Bottom) Thanks to Mrs. Davenport, Sayler B., Mom & Dad, Amy, Kevyn and Charlize.
ARIC CALABRESE (Duke of Cornwall / Silvius) is back on the PSC stage, having appeared in, DECK THE HALLS, THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF THEATER ABRDIGED, KILL ME DEADLY, SHERWOOD; THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, NEVERLAND CHRISTMAS, MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, ANY BODY HOME?, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, LADY PARTS, FARCE OF NATURE, THREE MURDERS AND IT’S ONLY MONDAY, and MACBETH. He has also done Makeup for THREE MURDERS AND IT’S ONLY MONDAY and MACBETH. Other stage credits include GODSPELL, WE WILL ROCK YOU and ELF THE MUSICAL with Landmark Community Theater. Thank you to Michael Calabrese, for his unending patience and support, to my family (both biological and found), and my mother, who is also family
LAURA STURGES-CORTEZ (Fool / Celia) returns after recently appearing in SEX by Mae West. Stage credits include; SMELL OF THE KILL, DECK THE HALLS!, POCKET SHAKESPEARE, IF THE SHOE FITS, KILL ME DEADLY, SHERWOOD; THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, FOUR WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS, FOOLS, JEKYLL & HYDE, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, FEMALE TRANSPORT, MOON OVER BUFFALO AND ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST with Phoenix Stage Company after a long absence from theater. Thank you to my family and new friends for all the laughter and support! And thank you to my husband Carlos and all my pets for all the love!
CHRISTOPHER GUERTIN (Duke of Albany / Oliver) is thrilled to be back at Phoenix Stage Company This is Chris’ fourth time here at Phoenix, having previously appeared in SMELL OF THE KILL, FARCE OF HABIT (Jock McNair) and THE MEMORY BOX (Mitch). Chris appeared most recently at Goshen Players in URINETOWN as Officer Barel and in 9 to 5 (Dwayne). He has also been onstage at Landmark Community Theatre in BEAUTY IN THE BEAST (Lumiere), IT’S ONLY A PLAY (Frank Finger), LOVE, SEX AND THE IRS (Jon), and ELF (Macy’s Manager) at Seven Angels Theatre. Thank you to my supportive theater family, and to my lovely and intelligent wife who always writes my bios for me.
TIM PHILLIPS (Oswald / Duke Senior) After more than 25 years in community theatre, Tim is taking his second plunge into the world of the Bard. He is extremely grateful to John and Teresa for giving him this chance!  He also thanks his extremely talented castmates for making him feel welcome in this new world. Tim is a board member of Phoenix Stage Company and co-hosts a podcast “Take Flight Live with Phoenix Stage Company” with Ed Bassett. Thanks as always to his one true love, Laurie, and their cats, Dash and Oliver
ROB RICHNAVSKY (King of France / Orlando) While Rob is thrilled to return to the Phoenix stage, he is also way too forgetful to write his own bio, so his beautiful, charming, smart wife is doing it for him.  As a founding member of Pocket Shakespeare, Rob is very happy to trod the boards once more with this very talented cast and crew (including aforementioned wife).  A few favorite past shows include: COPS, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD and SHERWOOD (at least those are some that he didn’t complain about too much to his wife while he was in rehearsal).  He would like to thank John, Teresa and Ed for making this happen and of course his incredible daughter and amazingly funny wife for all the joy they bring him.
TORI RICHNAVSKY  (Regan / Production Assistant) Tori is honored to return for the third year of Pocket Shakespeare! Favorite past roles include Sybil in COVER OF LIFE, M’Lynn in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Mary in DEAD RINGER and Marie Antoinette in THE REVOLUTIONIST. She adores performing with this brilliant group of performers who know how to have fun!  She is eternally thankful to John for his incredible talent in cutting and directing the plays, and the strong guidance of Teresa, and Ed for all the production help he provides as well as the stage in which to do it! Enjoy the show!
KC ROSS (Goneril /Jacques) This is KCs third leap into Pocket Shakespeare; after appearing in last years of Richad III as the Dutchess of York. Other stage credits include Jane in the world premiere of THE CAYUGA CANAL GIRLS, Mrs. Barrymore and Mrs. Hudson (among others) in BASKERVILLE and Ann in THE OCTETTE BRIDGE CLUB. A big THANK YOU to the amazing cast, director and stage manager of Pocket Shakespeare! My heartfelt to John Long for entrusting me with Jacques and indulging my nagging about doing King Lear.
PARKER SCOTT (Lear) a graduate of UConn and UConn-Irvine, Parker has appeared regionally at the McCarter Theater, Hartford Stage, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Upstate Repertory Company, Yale Repertory Theater, Millbrook Playhouse, Long Wharf theatre and off-Broadway at the Abington Theatre Company. Some of his favorite roles include Erie Smith in HUGHIE, G=Henry Berlin in LUV, and Gayev in THE CHERRY ORCHARD.
GRETCHEN ZIEGLER (Rosalind) is thrilled to be returning to Pocket Shakespeare this year after playing Queen Elizabeth and Feste in last year's RICHARD III and TWELFTH NIGHT, respectively. Other recent and notable performances include: Phoebe Reece (A FARNDALE CHRISTMAS CAROL) with Phoenix Stage Company; Soupy Sue (URINETOWN), Sylvia Fowler (THE WOMEN), Marianne Wilson (DISASTER!), and Roz Keith (9 TO 5) with Goshen Players; Karen the Computer (THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL) at the Warner; Gingy (SHREK), Julia Budder (IT'S ONLY A PLAY), and Alice Beineke (THE ADDAMS FAMILY) with Landmark Community Theatre. She extends many thanks to the cast and crew for their hard work, and to her friends and family for their continued support

BEHIND THE SCENES

TERESA ALEXANDRU (Stage Manager) is a familiar face at Phoenix Stage Company. Credits include stage manager for THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF THEATER (abridged), POCKET SHAKESPEARE, THE REVOLUTIONISTS and DEAD RINGER. Acting credits include THE MEMORY BOX (Fanny), THE CAYUGA CANAL GIRLS (Eliza), STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Anelle), THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE (Rachel), OCTETTE BRIDGE CLUB (Nora), MRS. BOB CRATCHITS WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE (Ghost of Christmas Past, Present & Future), DEATH BY FATAL MURDER (Ginny), FEMALE TRANSPORT (Pitty), COVER OF LIFE (Weetsie), THE BUTLER DID IT (Charity Haze) and ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (Elaine), all with Phoenix Stage Company! Thanks to John & the Pocket Shakes crew for another joyous year and to Ed & Lori for everything, always!
EMILY SCOTT (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working with Phoenix Stage Company for the first time. This is only the second time she’s worked as a stage manager, the first being Lorca in a Green Dress(University of California Irvine). She has worked as a dramaturg with Berserker Theatre Company on Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Measure for Measure, and on the new play Bulgaria, Revolt! at Quinnipiac University. Acting credits include: Romeo and Juliet (Romeo), Twelfth Night (Olivia), Measure for Measure(Mariana), Pride and Prejudice (Charlotte Lucas), and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (The Player). Thanks to John Long and everyone at Phoenix for the opportunity to work on Pocket Shakespeare!
JOHN LONG (Adaptation / Director) has adapted plays for Pocket Shakespeare and directed productions for four years at Phoenix Stage Company. He also wrote the adaptation of the Mae West play, Sex, for the recent production at Phoenix. John’s work as a playwright has been produced at Ensemble Studio Theatre, Seven Sign Theatre in New York City as well as the Alliance Theatre, Little Theatre Workshop, Warner Studio Theatre in Connecticut. Other shows at Phoenix directed by John include DAED RINGER, HAMLET, and THE THREE MUSKETEERS. John has also directed at off-off – Broadway theaters in NYC and the New York Fringe Festival. He was a professor in Drama and Film at UConn Torrington and Waterbury campuses. He is the producer, writer and director of the documentaries A Christmas Village Story and Pursuit of Precision, which won a Gold Aurora Award and was broadcast on CPTV. John wishes to thank the actors, technical people and all the volunteers at Phoenix Stage that return every year to produce Pocket Shakespeare