BRT Bios for "Dear World"

DEAR WORLD CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

	Cast in alphabetical order * - Denotes member of Actor's Equity Association
	*KATIE BABB (Nina)** is thrilled to be making her BRT debut! New York Credits include: Broadway’s Rising Stars (Soloist, The Town Hall), Show Choir! The Musical (Tracy, NY Int’l Fringe Festival), Into the Woods (Cinderella, Skirball Center), Merrily We Roll Along (Beth, Frederick Loewe Theatre), A Chorus Line (Maggie, Frederick Loewe Theatre), Edges: A Song Cycle (Woman 1, Provincetown Playhouse). Favorite Regional Credits: Pirates! (Paper Mill Playhouse), The Phantom Tollbooth (The Kennedy Center), The Taffetas (Cheryl), Working (Waitress), Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown) Camelot (Guenevere), Bye Bye Birdie (Kim McAfee), Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), The New Moon, and Cannibal! The Musical. Katie is a CMEA Gold Medalist in Voice, USA All-Star in Cheerleading, and was a contestant in California’s Jr. Miss. She graduated cum laude from New York University-Steinhardt with a degree in Vocal Performance. Thanks to M&D, Francis Del Duca, and the love of her life Jamie. Proudly Equity. Visit her website for photos, sound clips, and videos! www.katiebabb.com
	*KENNETH BOYS (Prospector)** has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in National Tours, and in many Regional Theatres. Interesting Facts after all these years in the ‘business’: 1) he got his Actors Equity card at the NY Shakespeare Festival through the remarkable Joe Papp; 2) he made his film debut in the best film about show business ever made, ALL THAT JAZZ; 3) he played Robert Goulet’s evil son Mordred off and on for 3 years in CAMELOT; 4) he did the revival of Jerry Herman’s THE GRAND TOUR at the Jewish Rep, Off-Brdway, as well as the reunion concert version; 5) he served for 3 years on the Board of Directors at Luna Stage Co. where he performed in 6 productions including GHOSTS with Frankie Faison; 6) he has performed 4 seasons at Shakespeare On The Sound in such shows as THE TEMPEST and MACBETH; 7) his first TV role was on THE YOUNG RIDERS for CBS filming in the desert where he got very dizzy and almost fainted!!; 8) some of his favorite productions include: GREAT EXPECTATIONS with Kathleen Chalfant, ROOMIES with Jay Thomas, OUT OF ORDER with Paxton Whitehead, ZERO SUM with Kathy Bates, MARY STUART with Lisa Harrow, THE CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARTIAL with Keith Baker, HAMLET directed by Douglas Campbell, SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL directed by Joe Calarco; 9) this production proudly marks his 22nd show here at BRT and for that he wants to thank Keith and Susan.
	*RYAN DRISCOLL (Julian)** originated the role of Hermie in Summer of ’42 (off-Broadway, Goodspeed and TheatreWorks) and won Best Leading Actor for his performance by the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. Other credits include: Jean-Michel in La Cage aux Folles (Ogunquit Playhouse), Hero in A Funny Thing…Forum (Sacramento Music Circus); readings of Take Me Along (Arthur), Two by Two (Jewish Rep. Theatre), Big Red Sun (ASCAP Workshop). Recordings: Summer of ’42 (JAY Records), Believe: The Songs of the Sherman Brothers (Fynsworth Alley). Ryan holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New York University.
	*MARY GUTZI (Countess Aurelia)** is pleased to be making her Bristol Riverside Theatre debut in the role of Aurelia. Her career has taken her from coast to coast as well as Canada and Europe, and her extensive list of credits includes such shows as: Ragtime (Emma Goldman/American Premiere/Chicago Co./Vancouver Co./National Tour), Cats (Grizabella/National Tour), Sunset Blvd. (Norma Desmond/Vancouver Co.), Fiddler on the Roof (Golde/Syracuse Stage), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza/North Carolina Theatre), and Les Miz (Fantine/Broadway/Madame Tenardier/Sacramento Music Circus). Other roles she has enjoyed performing are Ruth (Pirates of Penzance), Wicked Witch (The Wizard of Oz), and Rita (Lucky Stiff). She is also the co-creator of a theatre company on the island of Oahu named "Honolulu Theatre League". Mary directs (Ragtime, How To Succeed…) as well as teaching Musical Theatre (AMDA) and does private vocal coaching. As a proud member of Actor's Equity Association, she thanks you for supporting live theatre. Watch for her upcoming club act in NYC
	GWENDOLYN JONES* (Mme. Constance) Education: American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music. Acting credits include National and International tours of Hair, 42nd Street, and Annie. Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Regional credits include Chicago, Sophie, Totie & Belle, Hello, Dolly!, Jekyll & Hyde, 42nd Street, Once Upon A Mattress, Mame, and Thoroughly Modern Millie in such houses as The Papermill Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, The Benedum Center, and Walnut Street. She played Mrs. Claus for several seasons in New York City’s Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular. Ms. Jones has also performed as a Guest Artist with an extensive list of Symphony Orchestras. In her spare time, she can be found raising Llama and Sheep. Mad?
	BEN KRAMER (The Waiter) makes his BRT debut with Dear World, fresh from having just covered the role of Roderigo in Lantern Theater's production of Othello. He has been seen regionally in Annie Get Your Gun with Andrea McArdle at Prince Music Theater, Amadeus (Wilma Theater), and Western Civilization...abridged (Oregon Cabaret Theatre). Locally, he has also performed with Walnut St. Theater, Arden Theatre Co., and Philly Fringe. BFA University of the Arts, 2006. Much thanks to the cast and crew and the kind people of Bristol Riverside Theater.
	*ALAN KUTNER (President #2)** was last seen here as Mr. Tremaine in The Skin of our Teeth. Previous credits include: The Arden Theatre, A Little Night Music & Caroline or Change (both won Barrymore Awards-Best Musical), Merrily We Roll Along, Baby Case (workshop) and Sweeney Todd (u/s Sweeney). He has also appeared at The Walnut Street Theatre in La Cage aux Folles, The Fantasticks, and a record five times as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. He has performed locally for the Prince Music Theater, Media Theatre, Fulton Opera Company and Society Hill Play House, among others. Favorite rolls include: Doolittle, My Fair Lady; Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha; & Drummond, Inherit The Wind. Alan performs regularly in cabarets with his son and daughter.
	*STEVE LUKER (The Sewerman)** has appeared in over 80 legit shows including Broadway (42nd Street), National and European tours (Footloose, 42nd Street), Radio City, Off Broadway (The P Monologues), Regional Companies (North Shore Music Theatre, Goodspeed, TUTS, Gateway Playhouse, the John Engeman Theatre, Crossroads, Mill Mountain, etc.). TV: Law and Order, Cosby, Hope and Faith, One Life To Live, As the World Turns, commercials (currently appearing nationally in a Yellow Book spot with David Carradine) and voice overs. Much love to the Luker and Noona families, especially wife Susie.
	*NOAH MAZAIKA (The Mute)** is excited to make his first appearance on the BRT Stage. Local credits - Walnut Street Theatre's "Carousel", Nice People Theatre Co's "Have a Nice Life," BCKSeet Productions' "Three Tall Women," 11th Hour Theatre Co's "Six of One," Philadelphia Theatre Workshop's "50 West 50," and others. Noah has also appeared in feature films (Rocket Science, Syrianna, Wedding Crashers), and on the CBS Soap Opera "As the World Turns." Many thanks to BRT for this opportunity, and to my wife Megan, who is always there for me and is the source of all of my happiness. I love you!
	*P. BRENDAN MULVEY (President #3)** is happy to return to BRT for his twelfth production. Susan, Keith and the BRT patrons always make it a joy to be here. Over the past 26 years Brendan has played many roles (e.g. Solomon, The Price, Mr. Straus, Titanic, Herr Schultz, Cabaret, Col. Pickering, My Fair Lady, etc.), but his favorite remains playing Pop-Pop to granddaughters, Shannon and Fiona of nearby Easton Pa.
	*PATTI PERKINS (Mme. Gabrielle)** has appeared on Broadway in The Full Monty, All Over Town (directed by Dustin Hoffman) and Shakespeare’s Cabaret. Her Off-Broadway shows include A Man of No Importance (Lincoln Center), Kimberly Akimbo (Manhattan Theatre Club), and Hannah 1939 (Vineyard). Among her regional theatre credits are The Guthrie Theatre, Arena Stage, The Old Globe, Goodspeed Opera, The Kennedy Center, and Berkshire Theatre Festival. She has appeared at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. She is, as well, a popular favorite at Totem Pole Playhouse in Fayetteville, PA. Patti has been seen on “Law and Order” and “One Life to Live.” Her most recent film is Starting Out in the Evening.
	GENE TERRUSO* (President #1) made his Broadway debut with Colleen Dewhurst in Eric Bentley’s Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? and most recently appeared off-Broadway in the premiere of Michael Weller’s Buying Time. In Chicago, he created the role of Primo Levi in An Uncertain Hour (Joseph Jefferson Award) and his work with such international companies as the Berliner Ensemble, England’s National Theatre, and the Hertfordshire International Theatre Festival includes Brecht’s Galileo and Tennessee Williams in the UK premiere and tour of Mr Williams and Miss Wood. Local credits include: Andrew in Love Letters; Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night and Duke Senor/Duke Fredrick in As You Like It, all at the Arden; Andrew Wyke in Sleuth and Henry II in The Lion in Winter, both at The Hedgerow Theatre and last fall as the Chaplain in Villanova Theatre’s Mother Courage. A professional director for 30 years, he has headed up two American theatre institutions: as Artistic Director of Off-Broadway’s historic Provincetown Playhouse and as President of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (New York and Hollywood). He is currently the director of Theatre Arts at the University of the Arts, and is a past recipient of a Fulbright Lectureship to the University of Louvain, Belgium. For Lorraine.
	ANDY WERTNER (The Sergeant) is thrilled to make his debut at Bristol Riverside Theatre! He recently moved to Philadelphia where he appeared at The Walnut Street Theatre in Man of La Mancha. He spent three seasons with The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival where he played roles ranging from Eeyore to Biondello. He wishes to thank his parents for their endless support. For Angela.

CREATIVE TEAM
NELS ANDERSON (Set Designer) returns to BRT having previously designed The Trial Of Ebenezer Scrooge, I Married Wyatt Earp, Tête-à-Tête, Hamlet, Alive and Well, Romeo and Juliet, Pygmalion, Texas Flyer, Brigadoon, Blithe Spirit, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, A Moon For The Misbegotten, Evita, Jake’s Women, and The Dresser, for which he received a Barrymore nomination. Trained in Chicago at Northwestern and The Goodman School of Drama, Mr. Anderson has just completed 45 years of university teaching with his retirement from Louisiana State University. During his 25 year tenure at LSU, he designed over 130 productions for LSU Theatre and LSU’s professional company, Swine Palace. Mr. Anderson’s professional credits include more than 40 Chicago productions, during the 1970s, with developing theatre artists John Malkovich, Joan Allen, Elizabeth Perkins and Kevin Anderson. International work includes over a dozen productions for the Singapore Repertory Theatre including Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Hamlet, Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf, The Glass Menagerie and Death Of A Salesman, all with Asian casts. Thanks to Sue and Keith for 20 years of exciting collaboration.
LISA ZINNI (Costume Designer) Bristol Riverside Theatre credits include Hamlet, Tete-a-Tete, A Little Night Music, Smokey Joes Café, The Dresser and Evita. For the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival she has designed Amadeus, The Mystery of Irma Vep, My Fair Lady, Imaginary Invalid, Man of La Mancha, Hamlet (‘02), Charley’s Aunt, All’s Well, A Moon for the Misbegotten, Comedy Of Errors, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other credits include Corpse at the Cape Playhouse, King Lear and The Imaginary Invalid for the Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Around the World in 80 Days at Syracuse Stage and The Emerald Man for the NY Musical Theatre Festival. Lisa just celebrated 11 years with the Broadway company of Rent, where she serves as the Associate Costume Designer. She is also responsible for the national tours and international companies of Rent, and has had the opportunity to do the show in Canada, England, Italy and China. She invites you to visit her website at LisaZinni.com.
SCOTT PINKNEY (Lighting Designer) is delighted to return to Bristol Riverside Theatre, where most recently, he designed I Do, I Do and where he has designed more than 30 productions since its founding, including The Balkan Women, for which he received a Barrymore Award Nomination, Evita, Chicago, The Robber Bridegroom, Alive and Well, and Texas Flyer, among others. Mr. Pinkney was represented on Broadway by Harvey Fierstein's Tony Award winning Torch Song Trilogy. Off-Broadway credits include The Majestic Kid, Divine Fire, Nymph Errant, and the premier of Morris West's The World is Made of Glass. His egional credits include Don Juan for the Denver Center (Denver Critic's Circle Award), Living Room in Africa, for Gloucester Stage, My Fair Lady for TheatreVirginia (Phoebe Award), Secret Garden for the Olney Theatre and Larry Gatlin's Texas Flyer for TUTS. Internationally, he designed ART and Kiss of the Spider Woman for Singapore Rep, and Concerts for The Club Mohamed Ali in Cairo. Recently in Boston, he designed The Glass Menagerie and Adrift in Macao for the Lyric Stage, The Sea Horse and Van Gogh in Japan for the Nora Theatre and Grease, and Midsummer Nights Dream for The Cutler Majestic Theatre. He has designed the last three seasons for The Barrington Stage Company, including productions of Uncle Vanya, Follies, West Side Story and Ring Round the Moon. Mr. Pinkney is currently teaches at Emerson College. He lives on Cape Cod with his wife Debra, and their son Spencer.
*BLAIR WALSLABEN (Production Stage Manager)** a proud AEA member, is happy to be at BRT for her 4th season. Originally from the great state of Texas, she is slowly adjusting to actual seasons. Favorite past productions include: The Taming of the Shrew, Amadeus, Sleuth, Othello (PA Shakespeare Festival), Once Upon A Mattress (BSC Youth Theatre), Alice in Wonderland (SSRT), and numerous productions at BRT including: I Do! I Do! , Around the World in Eighty Days, Forever Plaid, Moon Over Buffalo, I Married Wyatt Earp (world premiere), Fences, and Olympus On My Mind. Thanks to Kate for always giving “just a little bit more.” Love and thanks to Daddy and Bubba. Love to Sissi – the Lucy to my Ethel. And to Rob – my heart and love to you. On to the next star, Mama. Enjoy the show!
GREGORY DANIELS (Choreographer) is delighted to be back at BRT. He recently choreographed the BRT productions of I Do! I Do!, Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge as well as last spring's highly successful production of Forever Plaid. Choreography credits include the critically acclaimed production of Anything Goes at Houston's Theatre Under The Stars, the rare honor of creating a new original number for the World Famous Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall (Commerce Bank WOW Awards), the premiere of a new musical, All Her Faces: A Portrait of Dusty Springfield, the Coors Cold Revolution Industrial, Hello, Dolly! (New Candlelight Theatre) and the current darling of the short film festivals, I Love You, I'm Sorry, and I'll Never Do It Again. He has served as Associate Choreographer for several shows. Thank you Keith, Susan and the BRT family. Love to Michael and "The Boys".
MARK YURKANIN (Musical Director) has been a musician in the Philadelphia theatre community for 15 years, and is happy to be back at Bristol after work on The Fantasticks, Forever Plaid, Evita, and the summer musicales. Recent projects include The Cradle Will Rock for University of the Arts (Merit Award, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival), Side by Side by Sondheim for Walnut Street Theatre (Barrymore Award nomination for Outstanding Musical Direction), and Working for Penn State Abington. Mark is also a pianist of the Gilbert and Sullivan canon for Philadelphia's Savoy Opera Company, Music Director for historic St. Stephen's Church, and a pianist and arranger for cabaret. He studied at Penn State, Julliard, and with Broadway and motion picture music director Paul Bogaev. Thanks for supporting BRT.
KEITH BAKER * (Director) studied under Sanford Meisner and Martha Graham at the Neighborhood Playhouse, under John Houseman at Juilliard and music studies at The University of Freiburg. Privately, he has studied with Lehman Engel), Michael Langham (former head of the acting department at Julliard and Artistic Director, Stratford Shakespeare Festival). He has been Artistic Director for the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival and the Florida Repertory Theatres. Among his more than 40 productions for BRT are Chicago (nominated for six Barrymore Awards), The Balkan Women, which won the 1998 Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play, and The Dresser for which he was nominated as Outstanding Director of a Play for at the 2002 Barrymores. Keith has been nominated eleven times for the prestigious Carbonell Awards, for which he was twice the recipient for Best Actor.. Elsewhere, he took over the role of Jeeves in the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Alan Ayckbourn musical By Jeeves at the Goodspeed Opera House and appeared on TV in two episodes of Stella for Comedy Central.
JERRY HERMAN (Composer/Lyricist) burst onto the Broadway scene with Milk and Honey in 1961. Then came Hello, Dolly! In 1964, Mame in 1966 and Dear World in 1969. With Dear World, he was the only composer/lyricist to have three musicals running on Broadway simultaneously. Mr. Herman continued his Broadway career with Mack & Mabel in 1978, The Grand Tour in 1979 and La Cage aux Folles in 1983. He also contributed songs to A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine and a revue of his life’s work, Jerry’s Girls, played on Broadway and in every major American city. In 1996, he wrote the music and lyrics for the CBS television special, Mrs. Santa Claus, and Showtune, a retrospective compilation of his songs had a successful run off-Broadway engagement in 2002. His newest musical, one written for Las Vegas, is called Miss Spectacular. Mr. Herman is the recipient of numerous awards including Tony Awards, Grammy awards Drama Desk, Variety and a Johnnie Mercer Award, and he has been elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is most proud of having written songs that can have lives of their own outside of their shows.

Bristol Riverside Theatre • P. O. Box 1250 Bristol, PA 19007 • Administrative Office: 215-785-6664 • Box Office:215-785-0100

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