PUTTIN ON THE RITZ!
That nearly 100-year-old song found a new audience 50 years ago, when Mel Brooks used it in
his 1974 film, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. And I dare say if you ask any of my 14 nieces and nephews to sing those words, they'll come out sounding like a mostly nonverbal monster - a testament to how much we all have loved that film.
Seeing the original film version with my dad and two older brothers is one of my favorite memories of growing up, so it's no wonder that the joy of that film has been passed down to two more generations behind me. That's why I was so excited to work on this zany, bawdy musical adaptation.
This adaptation is very true to that original film version. If you have never seen, FIND IT ON A STREAMING SERVICE AND TREAT YOURSELF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO MORE LAUGHTER as only Mel Brooks can provide. Sometimes theatre can be thought-provoking and/or even educational, and then other times, like now, it can be just for sheer fun.
I truly hope you enjoy the work of our creative team, the cast, crew and musicians, who have had a lot of fun while creating this production for you.
As always, as a nonprofit organization, we're always faced with fundraising as tickets sales alone don't cover the costs of maintaining four buildings and offer 12 full-scale productions annually. We'll be launching our Annual Appeal soon, so I hope we can count on your support. One way you can help without spending a dime is by voting for us in a $10,000 advertising give-away sponsored by Hearst CT Media.
As we head into the holiday season, please accept the thanks from all of us at Curtain Call for your support. We wouldn’t be here without your regular patronage. We wish you the best this holiday season and in the coming New Year!
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR JOINING US!
Sincerely,
Lou Ursone
Executive Director
Curtain Call, Inc.
ACT I
Prelude
The Brain
Frederick & Students
Please Don’t Touch Me
Frederick, Elizabeth, Ensemble
Together Again For the First Time
Frederick & Igor
Together Again (Encore)
Frederick & Igor
Roll In The Hay
Frederick, Inga, & Igor
He Vas My Boyfriend
Frau Blucher
It Could Work
Frederick, Inga, Igor, Frau B
It Could Work (Reprise)
Frederick, Inga, Igor, Frau B
Hang Him ‘Til He’s Dead
Kemp & Villagers
He Vas My Boyfriend (Reprise)
Frau Blucher
Welcome to Transylvania
Kemp & Villagers
Transylvania Mania
Igor, Inga, & Frederick
THERE WILL BE A 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
ACT II
He’s Loose
Kemp & Villagers
Listen to Your Heart
Inga
Surprise
Elizabeth, Igor, Frau B & Ensemble
Please Send Me Someone
Hermit
Please Send Me Someone (Reprise)
Hermit
Puttin’ On The Ritz
Frederick, Monster, Igor, Inga
He’s Loose (Reprise)
Kemp
Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life
Elizabeth
Deep Love
Elizabeth
Hang the Doctor
Frederick & Villagers
Deep Love (Reprise-Finale)
Company
Bows
Finale Song - Together Again
Company
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein
Paul Johnson
The Monster
Kyle Runestad
Igor
Stuart Adelberg
Inga
Sarah Ford
Elizabeth Benning
Emma Sawch
Frau Blucher
Ellen Krinick-Porto
Inspector Hans Kemp
Michael Wright
Hermit/Quartet
James Ring-Howell
Quartet / Werewolf / Bob the Astrologist
Scott Ferrara
Felix/Purser / Ludwig/Quartet
Jonathan Wu
Bertram Batram / Steward/Quartet
David Chuba
Ensemble
Victoria Clougher, Eileen Dulmaine, Bridget Hartshorne, Sydney Kishimoto, Kaitlyn Moccia, Renata Montalto, Amy Morris, Kelly Nayden, Olivia Rose Perrone
Stuart Adelberg (Igor) Though part of Fairfield County’s theatrical world for more years than he admits, this is Stuart’s first time on the Kweskin Stage. Having played roles as varied as Seymour in Little Shop and the Emcee in Cabaret, Stuart stepped off the stage thirty years ago to direct. Two recent comedies on the Dressing Room Theater stage and his wife Marilyn’s encouragement gave him the bug to keep going and he’s loved working with this wonderful company!
David Chuba (Steward, Quartet, Ensemble) David’s excited to be back for his second production at Curtain Call. Recent credits include RTB’s The Prom (Kevin) and Curtain Call’s Fiddler on the Roof (Ensemble/Dance Captain). Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! Special thanks to the audience for bringing their laughter to the Kweskin Theater!
Victoria Clougher (Ensemble) Victoria is excited to be tapping again on the Kweskin stage. Most recently she was across the street at the DRT playing Helen in Mulberry Street. Past favorite shows include: Groundhog Day: The Musical, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Les Miserables, and Legally Blonde. A million thanks to my amazing friends, family, and of course Crrraaaiiiiggggg for all the support this year
Eileen Dulmaine (Ensemble) Eileen has been performing since she was a kid. Favorite past credits include: Bye Bye Birdie, L’il Abner, West Side Story, Miss Saigon, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Fiddler on the Roof. Thank you so CC for this opportunity and much love to her husband and three daughters.
Scott Ferrara (Bob The Astrologer, Quartet, Ensemble) Scott is thrilled to return to the Curtain Call stage after a year hiatus. Since then, he has appeared in Curtain Call’s She Loves Me, Cemetery Club, Shakespeare in Love, Newsies, The Tempest, Catch 22, Hello Dolly, 1776, Titanic, Goodbye Girl, Legally Blonde, Les Miserables, Wizard of Oz (2014), Tommy, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Annie, and The Foreigner. Scott was also in Bridgeport Theater Company’s The Music Man, as part of the singing quartet. He most recently appeared in Chess at the Carriage House Theater. When not appearing on stage, Scott’s passion for the theater spreads to working on crew to support his fellow actors. Scott is extremely thankful to be given this role and for the production team’s belief in him. As always, a big THANK YOU to his lobster for her never ending support. BREAK LEGS TO AN AMAZING CAST!!
Sarah Ford (Inga) Sarah is so excited to be back on stage after spending recent years doing regional stage management and theatre administration. Favorite recent credits include: Blues In My Soul (Passage Theatre), and Pippin (Broadway Theatre of Pitman). BFA in Musical Theatre, Rider University. Love to Mom, Dad, and Sean.
Bridget Hartshorne (Ensemble) Bridget is thrilled to be returning to Transylvania and the Curtain Call Stage! Favorite past roles include Janet Van de Graaff (Drowsy Chaperone) and Crystal (Little Shop of Horrors). Many thanks to family and friends for their support and love. Break legs to the cast and crew!
Paul Johnson (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein) Paul’s recent roles include Arsenic & Old Lace (Mortimer), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (George Bailey), Grease (Vince Fontaine), and The Last 5 Years (Jamie). Paul is also a stand-up comedian and recently headlined the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He lives in Stamford with his wife and son.
Sydney Kishimoto (Ensemble) Sydney is excited to be performing in the ensemble for her third production at Curtain Call following roles in Cabaret and The Sound of Music.
Ellen Krinick-Porto (Frau Blucher) Ellen is thrilled to be back at Curtain Call with this wonderful cast. Ellen has been seen in many Curtain Call productions most recently as Yente in Fiddler on the Roof. Other credits include Sisters Rosenzweig, Follies, Sweet Charity, Always Patsy Cline, Top of the Heap, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, It's Only A Play, Xanadu, Good People, Women of a Certain Age, Legally Blonde. Ellen would like to thank her family and friends for all their support. Mel Brooks holds a very special place in her family's heart...
Kaitlyn Moccia (Ensemble) An actress originally from Stockton, California, Kaitlyn got her BFA in Theatre from Texas State University. After graduating, she moved to Stamford to pursue the arts on the east coast. This is her first production with Curtain Call! She wants to thank her family for their constant support.
Renata Montalto (Ensemble) Renata is thrilled to join the cast of Young Frankenstein! Other stage appearances include Tootsie, The Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz (Curtain Call), Willy Wonka (St. Catherine's Players), and 42nd Street (Deering Players). Thank you to our incredible production team and crew for making it all happen! Much love to AJ, family, and friends for their ongoing encouragement and support.
Amy Morris (Ensemble) Amy is über excited to make her Curtain Call debut with this cast! A recent transplant, she is happy to have found a new troupe. Favorite roles include: Polly-Crazy For You, Millie-Thoroughly Modern Millie, Audrey-Little Shop, Amy-Company, Peggy-42nd Street, Brooke Wyndham-Legally Blonde. Love to Jay, Mom, Dad, Mark, and Candi.
Kelly Nayden (Ensemble) Kelly is thrilled to be back on stage at the Kweskin! Past credits: Tootsie, Cabaret, Grease, Mamma Mia!, A Chorus Line (Curtain Call) Cabaret (Lipstick Project/DAC), Grease, Evita, Guys & Dolls, Young Frankenstein, The Mystery of Edwin Drood (The Wilton Playshop). Much love to the cast & crew!
Olivia Rose Perrone (Ensemble) Olivia is an actress, theatremaker, filmmaker, writer, and educator who recently graduated from SUNY Purchase with a double Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance and Playwriting & Screenwriting. Olivia’s credits include The Witch in Into The Woods, Judy in 9 to 5: The Musical, and Donna in Mamma Mia!
James Ring-Howell (Hermit, Quartet< Ensemble) James is a graduate of the University of Texas, Austin and Mannes College of Music in NYC. James has performed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe. Locally, he has performed Teddy Roosevelt (Tintypes) Crystal Theater, Colonel Fairfax (Yeomen of the Guard) Troupers Light Opera, and Stuart (Tootsie) Curtain Call.
Kyle Runestad (Monster) Kyle is excited to finally play a role that is appropriate for his size. He has been seen recently as oversized characters in such shows as Fiddler on the Roof (Constable), The Wizard of Oz (Oz), and She Loves Me (Kodaly). In the Summers he directs Shakespeare on the Green here at Curtain Call. For Gwendolyn, Gabriel, and Zachary.
Emma Sawch (Elizabeth Benning) After graduating last year from Boston University, Emma is thrilled to be back performing at Curtain Call. Her most recent role here was Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof. Congrats to the entire cast and crew for all their hard work on this production!
Michael Wright (Inspector Hans Kemp) Michael returns to Curtain Call for his fourth production, last seen in 1776. He’s appeared in theaters from Stamford to Sharon and most points in between. Much love to Laurie, Jerusha & Ann. “Regrettably, no darts.”
Jonathan Wu (Ludwig, Felix, Quartet) Jonathan has been involved with Curtain Call since 2003 and is proud to be in this production of Young Frankenstein! His other on stage appearances include Newsies as Tommy Boy, Groundhog Day as Fred, and Spamalot as the Flying Nun and Killer Rabbit (of which he is most proud). Special thanks to the cast who have been a constant source of love and support throughout the process!
Producer
Lou Ursone
Director
Ben Frimmer
Music Director
Peter Randazzo
Choreographer
Caitlin Roberts
Set Design
Martin Scott Marchitto
Lighting Design
Ellie Mallardi
Costume Design
Helen Adams
Production Stage Manager
Jan Ursone
Technical Director
Wayne Yeager
Stage Manager
Tom DeSalvo
Sound Engineers
Bruce MacNair, Bruce Crilly
Production Assistant
Meghan Connolly
Assistant Director
Rachel Rosado
Assistant Choreographer
Gabriella Wolson
Assistant Stage Managers
Laurie Logan, Anmarie Galgano
Specialty Props
Megan Lima Boma
Props Team
Anmarie Galgano, Laurie Logan
Sound Effects
Joel Fenster
Dance Captains
Renata Montalto, Amy Morris
Helen Adams (Costume Design) Helen has been costuming shows for Curtain Call for over 20 years, including recent productions of The Sound of Music, The Diary of Anne Frank, and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Also an actor, Helen most recently appeared in Uncle Vanya with Goshen Players. and in The Memory Box at Phoenix Stage Company.
Meg Bona (Specialty Prop Master) Meg has been a theatrical prop designer since 2017 and served as Prop Master for various productions in the Fairfield County Area. She specializes in weird and difficult props with funky materials and strange techniques. Her favorite prop build was a detachable raccoon head complete with guts that her toddlers loved so much, she made a replica for them at home. Come say hello on the socials @propsbymeg
Ben Frimmer (Diirector) Ben is a producer, director, and theatre arts educator with over thirty years of experience. BFA in acting from Ithaca College, MA in educational theatre from NYU. Mr. Frimmer serves on the board of The Westport Country Playhouse and produced their events An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends with Kelli O’Hara & James Naughton and directed and produced for Voices for Volunteers. This fall Ben directed and produced Broadway Promise, a Sandy Hook Promise fundraiser. Ben also served as assistant to the producer for The TONY Awards Show. As a director he has been responsible for over 50 productions with both children and adults. Ben dedicates this production to his dad for teaching him "funny" and sharing his love of Mel Brooks's films.
Anmarie Galgano (Assistant Stage Manager) As a previous member of the cast, crew and audience at many Curtain Call shows, Anmarie is thrilled to be a part of the Production Team for Young Frankenstein! She has been fortunate to be surrounded by so many brains during the rehearsal process. Ben, Rachel, Caitlin, Peter, Tommy and Laurie thank you for all of your support and Jan, I could not ask for a better mentor! Congratulations to the cast and crew.
Laurie Logan (Assistant Stage Manager) Laurie is happy to be back in the Kweskin Theater! She was on stage management teams for Fiddler on the Roof and Sound of Music last season, and has worked in the booth and backstage running crew for numerous shows at Curtain Call. Thank you Lou, Ben, and the rest of this fabulous production team for this wild show, and thank you especially to the rockstar stage management team, Jan, Tommy and Anmarie! Most love to my theatre people at home.
Ellie Mallardi (Lighting Designer) Ellie is pleased to be lighting Young Frankenstein. Her usual design passions are haunt and dance, so this production is right up her alley! She is a professor for New York City College of Technology, where she teaches lighting and designs escape rooms. Past Curtain Call Shows include: The Sound of Music, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rent, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Beau Jest, Hallelujah Girls, & A Streetcar Named Desire
Martin Scott Marchitto (Scenic Designer) Martin is excited to be returning to Curtain Call after designing Into The Woods in the 21-22 season. A sample of his credits include; Off Broadway: Mack the Knife, The Life and Times of Bobby Darrin; The Theatre at Saint Peters, Regional Theatre Godspell, The Fantastics, Memphis; the Ivoryton Playhouse, Sweeney Todd for Opera Omaha, The Goat or Who is Sylvia, Rabbit Hole, God of Carnage; The Bluebarn Theatre. Martin serves as Players Director and teaches at Manhattan University.
Peter Randazzo (Musical Director) Peter is happy to be back at Curtain Call. He has been MD for many shows here including 1776, Grease, Forum, She Loves Me and Mamma Mia. Peter recently finished a run of The Music Man at Musicals at Richter in Danbury. He has also been Music Director for many shows at area high schools including Amity and Cheshire High, where they did Mean Girls last spring He has been nominated several times for best Musical Director at the CT. H.S. Musical Theater awards. He is an instructor for the non profit organization KEYS, providing free piano lessons for Bridgeport students. He is the Director of the Bullard Havens High School Choir in Bridgeport, and most recently was Music Director for the pilot of the show Vocal Match. Peter lives in Trumbull with his wife Karen and two children, Nina and Danny.
Caitlin Roberts (Choreographer) Caitlin is a local choreographer, performer and dance educator. She received her degree in dance with a choreography concentration from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Caitlin has choreographed over 3 dozen musicals and has been working with variety of local theaters for over a decade. This is Caitlin's 5th time choreographing for the Curtain Call stage. Her past works include Annie, A Christmas Story, Mamma Mia and Beauty and the Beast. Caitlin had also received the Sondheim Award for best choreography for her work on The Prom with Stamford High School. As a performer, Caitlin has danced and acted in several music videos, flash mobs, films and television productions. Caitlin is very excited to have the opportunity to work with this immensely talented cast and production staff. Special thanks to my assistant Gaby, my Mom for taking care of Sabrina, my Husband for taking care of the rest of our crew and Sabrina for being the chillest baby ever. www.caitlinannroberts.com
Rachel Rosado (Assistant Director) Creative team debut! On-stage credits: Cabaret (Sally), The Prom (Angie), Rent (Maureen), Smokey Joe’s Café (Brenda), Seussical (Mayzie), Tommy (Acid Queen), Threepenny Opera (Lucy), Doubt (Sister James), Macbeth (First Witch). Rachel is an entertainment lawyer and lives in Stamford with her husband, Michael. Thanks to Ben and Lou for this opportunity!
Jan Ursone (Production Stage Manager) Over the past several years, Jan has stage managed Fiddler On The Roof, Sound of Music, Beautiful, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Tempest, Assassins, Wizard of Oz, She Loves Me, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Measure For Measure, Disaster, Grand Night For Singing, Into The Woods, Cinderella, 1776, The Gin Game, Romeo & Juliet, Something Rotten, A Christmas Story, Grease, Much Ado About Nothing, Big River, Shakespeare in Love, Mamma Mia and Hamlet. Special thanks to Anmarie, Laurie, and Tommy – we make a great team!! Thank you to Louie for letting me have so much fun.
Gabriella Wolson (Assistant Choreography) Gabriella is excited to return to community theater after many years away. A graduate of Goucher College with a BA in Dance, she has performed with Monkeyhouse and trained at Steps on Broadway. Gabriella currently teaches tap at Westport's Academy of Dance. Special thanks to Caitlin, Renata, and the cast!
The Band
Keyboard / Conductor
Peter Randazzo
Percussion
Brian Coralian
Bass
Don Hurta
Violin
Eric Hu
Trumpet
Christopher Melito
Trombone
Joseph Petrizzo
Reeds
Anthony Pellegrini
