Home > Past Buzz > FAME Bursts Onto the NSMT Stage
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FAME bursts onto the NSMT stage on May 31!
May 31, 2005

At the award winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT), the stage will be bursting with youthful energy when they present the global stage phenomenon, FAME. This production, conceived and designed for NSMT's unique in-the-round stage, will run from May 31 - June 19, 2005. Press Night is scheduled for June 2, 2005 at 8pm. The 2005 musical season is sponsored by Comcast.

FAME began as an Academy Award®-winning movie. Then it became an Emmy Award-winning TV series and finally, an international musical theater sensation created by David De Silva (Originator), Jose Fernandez (Book), Jacque Levy (Lyrics) and Steve Margoshes (Music). With its high-octane blend of youthful energy, hope and passion, FAME follows a group of gifted students through four grueling, exhilarating years at New York's renowned High School for the Performing Arts.

"FAME captures America's fascination with the creative spark," explained NSMT Artistic Director and Executive Producer Jon Kimbell. "By looking at the creative process through the eyes of students, we all catch a glimpse of the sacrifices these young performers make in order to chase their dream. Together we will see what it takes to make great artists."

The fame cast includes:

ERIC ANTHONY (Tyrone) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: New York credits include Hairspray, The Lion King, Bye Bye Birdie, Golden Boy, Africa & Plumbridge, and ABK...For Life. Eric has been seen regionally in his hometown of Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Stamford; and internationally in the Macao Music Festival's production of Chicago. Eric is the recipient of an ARTS Level 1: Theater Award from the NFAA, and an ACT-SO Gold Medal from the NAACP. He also received "The Eubie" for outstanding achievement in the arts from the Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Arts Center. "Thank you to my supportive family and friends for the unconditional love. Thank God for the blessings. PEACE!"

JULIE CRAIG (Ensemble, u/s Iris) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: NY Credits: City Center Encores! -The Apple Tree, Bye Bye Birdie; NY Gilbert and Sullivan Players at City Center - The Pirates of Penzance, The Gondoliers, Iolanthe, Ruddigore. Regional: Westchester Broadway's Bye Bye Birdie (Kim MacAfee), 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), The Fantasticks (Luisa), Into the Woods (Cinderella), Chicago, Crazy for You. BFA Drama from NYU/Tisch. "Love and thanks to Lori Swift and the greatest family and friends a girl could ask for."

WARREN FREEMAN (Goodman "Goody" King, u/s Nick) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: A Pittsburgh native, Warren is thrilled to be back in New England for the summer. Last July he appeared in Cats at the Ogunquit Playhouse, and three years ago played the Shubert in Boston on the National Tour of that same show. Favorite credits include Bye Bye Birdie at City Center Encores!, Me and My Girl at the Goodspeed Opera House, and featured roles at Westchester Broadway, Fulton Opera House, and North Caronia Theatre. "Thanks to Dad, whose own high school trumpet makes a special appearance in this production."

JENNA GAVIGAN (Serena Katz) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Jenna is a proud original cast member of the Sam Mendes Broadway Revival of Gypsy, starring Bernadette Peters. Not only did she happily perform nightly as a Hollywood Blonde, but she also had the honor of playing June at over 40 performances. Regional: The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Annie Get Your Gun. Workshops: Spring Awakening (Roundabout Theatre Company, dir. Michael Mayer), Yes, Please and Thank You (dir. Randy White). Film /TV: Kinsey (opposite Liam Neeson and Laura Linney); "Rescue Me," "Law and Order: SVU," "Commander-in-Chief," starring Geena Davis (coming soon to ABC!). Recordings: "Gypsy," "Carols for a Cure." Jenna recently completed her first year at Columbia University. "Thanks again, Matt."

JONATHAN GROFF (Nick Piazza) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Jonathan is thrilled to join the cast of Fame! Other favorite roles include Rolf in the National Tour of The Sound of Music, the title role in Bat Boy, Ugly in Honk!, Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and Jesus in Godspell. He has also been in other productions including Ragtime, Evita, My Fair Lady and The Pirates of Penzance at the Fulton Opera House in his hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A proud new member of Actors Equity. "Thanks to my family for your love and support, and to everyone at NSMT for this amazing opportunity. Special thanks to Matt Schreiber for believing in me."

ERIC HATCH (Ensemble, u/s "Goody") With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Originally from Iowa, Eric graduated from Point Park College and now resides in New York City. He was last seen in Santa Meets the Ice Dragon in NYC. Other Credits are Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Tokyo Disneyland, and My One and Only (Pittsburgh Playhouse). "Much Thanks to family, friends, God and especially Mom and Dad, who never stop believing in me."

GARETT HAWE (Ensemble, u/s Schlomo) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Garett joins the cast of Fame having just completed the 1st National Tour of Oklahoma! (Jesse). Regional Credits include A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Crazy For You, Pirates of Penzance, and Titanic. Some of Garett's training includes Ann Reinking's Broadway Theatre Project (2003/2004) and the American Ballet Theatre. This Fall, he will attend the University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music (CCM) as a BFA Musical Theatre major.

KRISTIE KERWIN (Ensemble, u/s Serena) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Kristie tapped her heart out in the premiere of Irving Berlin's White Christmas at San Francisco's Curran Theatre. She appeared in New York's City Center Encores! production of Bye Bye Birdie. Additional credits include On Your Toes (Cape Playhouse), Anything Goes (Shubert Theatre, Cape Playhouse), Gypsy (Louise), Annie Get Your Gun (Annie u/s) and Carousel (Louise). An NYU Tisch School of the Arts CAP21 conservatory graduate (B.F.A. in Theatre), Kristie's thrilled to be with NSMT's Fame!

NICOLE MANGI (Ensemble, u/s Carmen) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Nicole is thrilled to make her NSMT debut in Fame! Favorite roles have been Jennyanydots in Cats and Agnes in Gypsy, both at Gateway Playhouse. She has also toured nationally with The Unsinkable Molly Brown and most recently in Holiday Spectacular. She is a proud graduate of Webster Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theatre. "Much love to my K- town girls, amazing family and my 1 guy."

LYNNETTE MARRERO (Carmen Diaz) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Lynnette made her Off-Broadway debut in 4 Guys Named Jose. Regional credits include the World Premiere's of Frank Loesser's Senor Discretion Himself at Arena stage, Frank Wildhorn's Dracula at La Jolla Playhouse, and the World Premiere of Stephen Schwartz's Children of Eden at Paper Mill Playhouse. She was the Standby for Petra in City Opera's recent revival of A Little Night Music with Jeremy Irons. Recordings include: "Dracula" the concept Album, "Children of Eden," and "But I'm a Cheerleader the Musical." Lynnette is a graduate of Columbia University and a proud member of Actor's Equity. "Thanks to Ty and my family for their love and support."

DENNIS MOENCH (Schlomo Metzenbaum) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Dennis is thrilled to be reprising this role on the NSMT stage. Dennis originated the role Off-Broadway and can be heard on the "FAME on 42nd Street" original cast recording. Most recently, Dennis played Woof in the Downtown Cabaret's production of Hair, directed by Julie Arenal and Wesley Fata. Training: NYU/Tisch. "Many thanks to my agent, Craig Holzberg. Love to Mom, Bruce and Dad."

KATHLEEN NANNI (Iris, Dance Captain) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: A proud Actors Equity member, Kathleen is excited to be making her NSMT debut in Fame. Kathleen was seen touring the country in The Music Man (Dance Captain/ Zaneeta u/s performed) and has performed at Radio City Music Hall in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Regionally she has performed in Cats (Tantomile), Kiss Me, Kate (Lois), The Music Man (Zaneeta) and West Side Story (Carmen). Kathleen has also performed as a principal/ soloist with the Ohio Ballet and corps dancer in Pennsylvania Ballet. This fall, she will be seen touring the country as Sophie the Seal in the North American Premiere of Doctor Doolittle. "Thanks to my family, Michael and friends for their support."

KRYSTLE N. PYRAM (Mabel Washington) With NSMT: Aida. Elsewhere: Krystle is happy to return to her "theatre home." She was last seen in the tour of Theater Garden's Lady of Copper, where she played the Statue of Liberty. "Thank you lord for grace, mercy, love and the profound gift of communication through art; Mommy, for your never-ending faith in me; Betty for encouraging me; Pop for always being there for me; Ronald for support; Marlyne for always telling me I can; Tony for your ridiculous amount of patience and love for me; To P.P.A.S - my Fame School. I dedicate this run of Fame to Sylvana."

VINCENT RODRIGUEZ III (Ensemble, u/s Joe Vegas / Tyrone) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Just played Andy Lee in Surflight Theatre's production of 42nd Street in Atlantic City's Trump Plaza. This past October, he had the honor of being world premiere of Irving Berlin's White Christmas in San Francisco. National tour: 42nd Street. This July, Vincent will be playing Garvin in Stages St. Louis' production of Footloose. Proud member of Actor's Equity Association. "Love & thanks to family, friends & PCPA Theaterfest." Please visit vrodrigueziii.com.

AMBERE ROGERS (Grace "Lambchops" Lamb, u/s Mabel) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Last seen in the ensemble of Fame (u/s Lambchop) at the Little Shubert Theatre on 42nd St. She toured America with the incredibly fun national tour of Mamma Mia!. She has worked the high seas as Dance Captain and Flying with Foy, with Royal Caribbean International Cruises. Danced for Ellen Stokes Shadle, Dance Works, Kota Yamazaki, Jaime Rogers Dance Company, and Paul Hall Dance Company. Commercials: McDonalds, BlueCross/Blue Shield and Keds. B.F.A. in Dance, UMass Amherst. Ambere is happy to be groovin' on the drums again. "It's because of you Dad - Thanks. Love to my Family."

GERARD SALVADOR (Joe "José" Vegas) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: A graduate of the High School of Performing Arts and Music & Art, Gerard is thrilled to be making his NSMT debut with Fame. He last appeared as Pepper on the national tour of Mamma Mia! Other theatre credits include Honk! (Ugly u/s, Helen Hayes PAC), Dogeaters, The Music Man (Tommy Djilas, Sundance Theatre), The King & I (Lun Tha, TBT5), The Boy Friend (Bobby), Divorce Me, Darling (Pierre), Sweeney Todd (CAP21). He has also done extensive voice-over and sketch work for Nickelodeon Television. Gerard received his BFA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Proud member of Actor's Equity Association.

INGA BALLARD (Miss Ester Sherman) With NSMT: Nine. Elsewhere: Recent performances include Matron Mama Morton in Chicago (Arts Center in Costal Carolina), Jewel in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Lyric Theatre) and Vera in Mame (Cohoes Music Hall). She has appeared in the National Tour of Ragtime as Sarah's Friend. Her Regional Credits include All My Sons, The Crucible, Ragtime, Showboat, Finian's Rainbow, Abyssinia, Gypsy, Over The Rainbow, Kwanza Song and Nunsense 2. Other Credits include; Ballad of the Sad Café, Agnes of God, A Piece of My Heart", "A Streetcar Named Desire, and House of Flowers; Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Film: Aurora Bridge. Training: B.A. Drama University of California at Davis and M.F.A. in Acting from the University of Southern California. "Special thanks to my family." Inga is a proud member of Actors Equity Association.

MICHAEL BRIAN DUNN (Mr. Myers) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Some Broadway highlights: Cy Coleman's The Life in the starring role of Jo-Jo, Gus/Growl Tiger in Cats, original company of Big River, the revivals of Guys & Dolls, Sweeney Todd, And his B'way debut in Baby. National tours include Amadeus, and HMS Pinafore as Ralph Rackstraw a role he repeated at Canada's Stratford Festival. He had the great fortune of working for Joe Papp in the N.Y. Shakespeare Festival productions of Lenny & the Heartbreakers, The Death of Von Richthoffen, and The Human Comedy. Regionally he has performed lead roles at Baltimore Center Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, South Coast Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse, St. Louis Rep, Goodspeed Opera House and Philadelphia's Walnut St. Theatre. Most recently, Michael was soloist in a concert of Irish music with The Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

REX HAYS (Mr. Sheinkopf) With NSMT: Evita. Elsewhere: Mr. Hays was last seen on Broadway heading south on the M104 bus. Prior to that he has acted in a number of Broadway hits including Evita, Grand Hotel, La Cage aux Folles, Showboat, Big, Woman of the Year, King of Hearts, Angel, Onward Victoria and Dance With Me. He lives in NYC with his wife Lisby Larson and their two sons Connor and Matthew. He received his M.F.A. in Acting and Directing from Brandeis University.

ROSEMARY LOAR (Ms. Greta Bell) With NSMT: Mame, Footloose Elsewhere: Most recently played Marcy in The Audience (2005 Drama Desk nomination for Best New Musical). Broadway: Sunset Boulevard, Cats, Chess, Once Upon A Mattress and You Can't Take it With You. Off Broadway: Gladys Fritts in Radio Gals. National Tours: Cats (Grizabella), 42nd Street (u/s Dorothy Brock). Regionally: Mame (Mame), Phantom (Carlotta), Fair and Tender Ladies (Phoebe Award for Best Actress). As a composer, Ms. Loar has released three CDs and is working on her fourth, which is the score of her new musical, Spoolie Girl. She is also an adjunct professor at NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, where she teaches private voice. For more information got to www.rosemaryloar.com .

KELLY BUCK (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: A Christmas Carol '03. Elsewhere: Kelly is thrilled to be back performing with NSMT. Entering her senior year at Central Catholic High School, Kelly has been acting, dancing and singing for the past thirteen years. Over the summer she traveled to New York City and trained with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Musical credits include The Wizard of Oz and The Pajama Game. "Thanks to my Mom, family and friends for their support, and NSMT for this incredible opportunity."

ALEX DeLEO (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: The Wizard of Oz. Youth Performance Academy: Holiday Pops, Godspell Junior, Disney's Aladdin Junior, Cinderella Kids. Elsewhere: Alex was a featured dancer in North Reading High's 2005 production of Guys and Dolls, Walnut Hill Summer Theatre's Seussical the Musical, Woody Allen's God and Guys and Dolls. He has performed in MTI Showcases in New York and Atlanta. Alex was also in "Lil' Iguana," a safety pilot with Cramer Productions and Comcast HDTV "Chins" commercial. Dance/Vocal training: Boston Youth Moves, LeAnne Leslie's School of Theatrical Dance and Music is Art with Barbara Morash.

ASHLEY ALEXANDRA FICHERA (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Performing with New England Civic Ballet for 8 years, Ashley recently performed the role of The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, as well as roles in The Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. She has performed solo for U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, and Southern Maine Ballet. In July, Ashley will attend summer intensive programs at Ballet Met (Columbus Ohio) and Radio City Music Hall (NYC) with the Rockettes.

MOLLY GACHIGNARD (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Molly is thrilled to be making her NSMT debut in Fame. She is currently a Sophomore at Salem High School and was recently seen as a Hot Box Girl in their production of Guys & Dolls. A 10-year veteran of the piano, Molly hopes to attend the Interlochen Camp for the Arts this summer to pursue her interest in music. "Thanks to all my family and friends for their continued support!"

JACOB LIBERMAN (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Recent credits include Rolf in The Sound of Music, Howie Kemp in Ramona Quimby (Wheelock Family Theatre), Jack in Into the Woods (Wellesley Players), and Jeff in Kimberly Akimbo (Boston Theatre Works), for which he received an IRNE nomination. A junior at Gann Academy, Jacob spends his summers at Stagedoor Manor, the closest he can get to P.A. Jacob is thrilled to make his NSMT debut. "Thanks to Mom, Dad, Katie, and Mimi for their support."

CHRIS MARTEL (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Chris is happy to be making his NSMT debut in Fame. He has performed in many other shows at school and in community theatre. Chris also plays drums in his school's marching, concert and jazz band, as well as their percussion ensemble that placed 2nd in the country in their division.

PRESILAH MERCEDES NUÑEZ (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Youth Performance Academy: Honk! Junior, Godspell Junior, Ragtime: School Edition, Disney's Aladdin Junior. Elsewhere: After performing in various productions with NSMT's Youth Performance Academy, she is thrilled to be in a main-stage production. Presilah attended the International Model and Talent Association in NYC last summer, and won three awards including second runner up for Junior Miss Actress of the Year. She is currently signed with Model Management Group in NYC. "All performances are dedicated to my late Abuela Elsa."

MELODY OLESON (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Showboat, Phantom. Elsewhere: Melody has performed in A Chorus Line (dancer/chorus) at MHS and competed in Showstoppers and International Dance Challenge competitions. She is a member of MHS Dance Troop and studies at A Dancer's Dream, in Marblehead.

AMANDA RODHE (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Youth Performance Academy: The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Elsewhere: Amanda most recently appeared as Cinderella in her school's production of Into the Woods. Amanda has worked with local theater groups including Gloucester Stage Company, Manchester Summerstage and Neverland Theatre. Her favorite roles include Polly Browne in The Boyfriend, Fantine in Les Misérables, and Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie.

PETER ROMAGNA (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Peter has recently appeared in Burlington High School's production of Jekyll and Hyde (Sir Danvers Carew). He also has appeared as Horton the Elephant in the Reagle Players Youth Theatre production of Seussical. Other credits include Fiddler on the Roof and The Music Man. "Love to Mom and Dad! Thanks to my friends - you're all great!"

ALISON SABEAN (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Alison was last seen in Seussical the Musical (Who Child). Prior to that, she played and orphan in Annie. She has also appeared in Two By Two Productions' Comedy Tonight, T'was One Crazy Night Before Christmas and Around the World on Broadway. Alison attends Dunn Middle School where she enjoys performing with the band and jazz band.

AMY SABEAN (Youth Ensemble) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Amy has performed with her school in Seussical the Musical (Who Chorus) and Annie (Orphan Chorus). She has also performed T'was One Crazy Night Before Christmas (Trisha), Comedy Tonight (Rita), and Day of Peace (Chorus/Reader) with Two by Two productions. During the school year she plays trumpet in her school's band and jazz band.

FAME marks the return of Director and Choreographer Richard Stafford. Mr. Stafford was the Director and Choreographer of NSMT's smash hit productions of Swing! and Cats. His work has been seen around the country and around the world in directing and/or choreographing productions of Cats along with The Full Monty, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver!, The Who's Tommy, Phantom, Evita, Oklahoma!, On the Town, Camelot, My Fair Lady, Sweeney Todd, She Loves Me, Grand Hotel and The Goodbye Girl.

The creative team for FAME will be Andrew Graham (Musical Director), Jonathan Stahl (Associate Director & Choreographer), Howard C. Jones (Scenic Design), Joanna E. Murphy (Costume Design), David Neville (Lighting Design), John A. Stone (Sound Design), Gerard Kelly (Hair & Wig Design), Bethany Ford (Production Stage Manager), Matt Schreiber (Casting).

Tickets for FAME are priced from $63 to $30. Performances are Tue. - Sun. For show times, tickets and information log onto www.nsmt.org, call (978) 232-7200, or visit the Box Office in person at 62 Dunham Rd. Beverly, MA 01915.

Related free events: 6/7: Meet the Theatre after the 7pm performance, post show audience discussion with the artists; 6/12: Spotlight on History, a free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance; 6/16: Out at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post show reception; 6/18: Meet the Theatre after the 2pm performance, post-show audience discussion with the artists.

3-Pack special offer (buy 2 shows get 1 free) is now available, but only by phone (978) 232-7200. Offer can not be combined with any other discount.

 

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