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November 27 - January 3, 2022 , Allen Theatre

Light It Up!

A New Holiday Musical Event

by Jason Michael Webb and Lelund Durond Thompson

Run time: 90 minutes

For the holidays, we bring you a brand new, family-friendly musical event! Welcome to Tinselville, USA! It’s this holly-jolly town’s world-famous annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and you are invited to join in the fun! This world premiere one-of-a-kind musical event features original pop, rock, gospel, and jazz holiday tunes and new arrangements of Christmas favorites by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Michael Webb. Light It Up! is a celebration of family, friends, community, and each person’s ability to make every day brighter.

Photos & Videos Download Hi Res Photos

Florrie Bagel as Mrs. Claus in LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Marla White as Orna Mint in LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Mariama Whyte as Mrs. Strivers and Terica Marie as HoliDaye in LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

The Band of LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

The cast of LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

The cast of LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

The cast of LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

The cast of LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

The cast of LIGHT IT UP! Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.

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Who is someone that has lit up your life?

How have you lit up someone else's life?

What does the holiday spirit mean to you?

What is a favorite holiday tradition that includes spending time with others?

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This holiday season, CPH is raising money to support the work of some great organizations who are helping families in need. And this is your opportunity to LEARN more about them!

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless exists to eliminate the root causes of homelessness while loving our diverse community through organizing, advocacy, education and street outreach. For more info, visit: neoch.org.

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The Cleveland Metropolitan School District's Project ACT provides direct instructional and support services to children and youth residing in temporary emergency shelters, transitional housing, and doubled-up students staying with other families due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar situations. For more info, visit: clevelandmetroschools.org/projectact.

Want to support these causes?
Donate through Venmo (@GIVE-LIGHT) or CashApp ($GivelightCPH)!

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Did you enjoy CPH's production of Light It Up! so much that you're ready for more holiday-themed live theatre?
If so, check out the great work being done by some of our Cleveland colleagues in November and December.

  • A Christmas Carol at Great Lakes Theater (Nov 26 - Dec 23) (greatlakestheater.org)
  • Langston Hughes' Black Nativity at Karamu House (Dec 2 - 24) (karamuhouse.org)
  • Elf, The Musical at The Beck Center (Dec 3 - Jan 2) (beckcenter.org)
  • 10 Minutes to Midnight: 9 Quirky Plays for the Holidays at Cleveland Public Theatre (Dec 2 - 18) (cptonline.org)
  • Or any number of other festive options throughout Northeast Ohio!
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Is there someone who has passed away that you'll be missing this holiday season? How did this person LIGHT UP your life? What sorts of holiday traditions did they share with you? Share a photo of this person with Inside CPH (insidecph@clevelandplayhouse.com), plus a few words about how they've affected you, and we'll turn it into an ornament that will hang on a Memorial Tree in our lobby during the Festival of Trees. Here's an example:

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"Dr. Harold Tedford was my undergraduate professor of Theatre History who passed away this fall. He lit up every hallway he walked through with his boisterous Southern greetings, his peculiar sayings and aphorisms, and his endless knack for trivia and quirky bits of info. I remember him lighting up one holiday season by doing a one-man, ten-minute version of A Christmas Carol for our class." (Geri Twombly)

experience experience

30 WAYS FOR 30 DAYS

“Light it up” during the holiday season and beyond - bringing hope, joy, love, and light to your family, friends, workplace, and community. To encourage those efforts, we’ve put together a robust list of suggestions below to get you started over the next couple of weeks! LIGHT IT UP!

  • Participate in CPH’s text-to-give initiatives for the Toy Drive or local organizations that work with Cleveland’s homeless population.
  • Send a card or letter to someone who may be experiencing loneliness.
  • Grab coffee with someone from a different faith tradition and find out how they celebrate the holiday season.
  • Stressed out by holiday busyness? Take an hour for some self-care - a nap, some yoga, a winter hike, or anything that replenishes you. Your “better self” will be a gift to someone later in the day.
  • Introduce an out-of-towner or newbie to a Cleveland holiday tradition - A Christmas Story House (achristmasstoryhouse.com)!
  • Experience the wonder of the holidays at Winterfest 2021 in downtown Cleveland and Public Square (winterfestcle.com)!
  • Ask a loved one about an organization whose work is important to them. Make a donation in their honor.
  • Organize a group of carolers in your neighborhood and spread some cheer up and down your street.
  • Take a moment with friends and family to commemorate loved ones who has passed away, sharing stories and fond memories about what they meant to you.
  • Bake a batch of something sweet and surprise someone with a care package!
  • Volunteer with a local organization that addresses food scarcity - a soup kitchen, a food pantry, a food bank (foodpantries.org/ci/oh-cleveland).
  • Check out the Festival of Trees, right outside in the Allen Theatre lobby!
  • Spread some holiday cheer to the Animal Kingdom by visiting Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo (akronzoo.org/wild-lights).
  • Brighten a co-worker’s day, leaving them random gifts on their desk or cubicle.
  • Did you hear a musical genre in the show and want to learn more? Treat yourself to a new album at your local record store or through iTunes.
  • Do you know someone who has to work on a holiday? How can you make their day a bit more special?
  • Need an infusion of joy? Take a trip to Castle Noel and be amazed by this year-round, indoor holiday extravaganza (castlenoel.com).
  • Grab some friends, jump in a car, and go on a scavenger hunt for the most “lit up” homes in your local community!
  • Ask someone about a holiday tradition that is special for them - and find out if you can join them this year. Then return the favor!
  • Take part in Operation Giving Tree or Angel Tree in your local community; search online to find the program nearest you.
  • Plants need some love too! Visit the GLOW display at Cleveland Botanical Garden (holdenfg.org/cleveland-botanical-garden).
  • Get outside, breathe in some fresh air, and build a snowman with some friends! Grab a sled and find a hill! Or hit the ski slopes at Boston Mills!
  • Learn more about the wonderful work that Project Act is doing (clevelandmetroschools.org/Page/394); maybe you can connect someone who will benefit from their offerings.
  • Getting a new pet as a gift? Check out local pet rescues - and give a furry friend a great life!
  • Keep supporting live theatre by seeing a second holiday show produced by another local company.
  • Host a holiday gathering or meal for folks who aren’t going to be able to go home for their own holidays.
  • One million lights decorating a glorious Tudor manor house? Yes, please! Check out Deck the Halls 2021 at Stan Hywet Hall (stanhywet.org/events/deck-hall-2021-lights-cameras-christmas)!
  • Do you know someone with mobility or health issues who could use some extra help with their holiday shopping? Volunteer to accompany them or even shop for them.
  • Familiarize yourself with “How You Can Help” on the homepage of the NE Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. And then give it a try! (neoch.org)
  • Make a New Year’s resolution that keeps you lighting things up through 2022.

Artists

Florrie Bagel

Florrie Bagel

(Ginger Snap / Mrs. Claus / Community Player) is moved to be a part of this company of incredible artists, creators and souls. She made her Broadway debut in The Rose Tattoo with Roundabout Theatre Company. Florrie loved being part of the musical worlds of Call Me Madam, Me more(Ginger Snap / Mrs. Claus / Community Player) is moved to be a part of this company of incredible artists, creators and souls. She made her Broadway debut in The Rose Tattoo with Roundabout Theatre Company. Florrie loved being part of the musical worlds of Call Me Madam, Me and My Girl, Brigadoon and The Golden Apple with Encores! At New York City Center. She was Peaches in Jerry Springer the Opera (The New Group) and adventured in the National Tours of Sister Act and Kinky Boots, as well as Footloose at the Muny in St. Louis. Close to the heart, is her solo show, Through the Smoke, the music of Amy Winehouse (54 Below). Upcoming joy: The Gilded Age (HBO) and more sharing of her original music. Gratitude flows fully in this sharing of art in physical space together after such deep collective breaking. Music is magic. It is an honor to BE and be HERE.

Kristina Gabriela

Kristina Gabriela

(Candie Canemaker / Lost Love / Community Player) is excited to make her second appearance in the Allen Theatre in this exciting production! Kristina is from Corpus Christi, Texas, and is in her final year in the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program. She received her BA in acting/directing at Texas more(Candie Canemaker / Lost Love / Community Player) is excited to make her second appearance in the Allen Theatre in this exciting production! Kristina is from Corpus Christi, Texas, and is in her final year in the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program. She received her BA in acting/directing at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and was recently seen in the cast of the world premiere of Light It Up! at Cleveland Play House. CWRU/CPH credits include Viola in Twelfth Night, Electra in Electra/Orestes, WHO’S WHO clevelandplayhouse.com 21 and Sweetheart/F doctor/F tourist in Middletown. Other credits include Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Mimi in Rent, and Beauty in Smokefall. She would also like to thank God, her friends, and family for their love and support. Thank you to everyone who did their part to help theatre and the arts stay alive. Enjoy the show! @quirky_kris

Matt Gittins

Matt Gittins

(St. Nicholas Elf / Community Player) is making his Cleveland Playhouse debut in Light It Up! Credits include: Newsies, Oklahoma!, Anything Goes at Porthouse Theater, Hand to God, The 39 Steps at Short North Stage in Columbus, Heartbreakers in Hell at Rubber City Theater, Death of a Salesman at more(St. Nicholas Elf / Community Player) is making his Cleveland Playhouse debut in Light It Up! Credits include: Newsies, Oklahoma!, Anything Goes at Porthouse Theater, Hand to God, The 39 Steps at Short North Stage in Columbus, Heartbreakers in Hell at Rubber City Theater, Death of a Salesman at French Creek Theater. Composition: YOU GO ON (book/music/lyrics). Otterbein University, BFA. Eugene O’Neill alumni. AEA. Many thanks to my teachers, family, and friends. For my grandma Delores.

Grace Hunt

Grace Hunt

(Female Understudy) recently appeared in Musical Memories at Cain Park and as Lead Production Vocalist aboard Celebrity Cruises Entertainment. Some other credits include Porthouse Theatre, Pioneer Theatre, The Musical Theatre Project and Cleveland Musical Theatre. more(Female Understudy) recently appeared in Musical Memories at Cain Park and as Lead Production Vocalist aboard Celebrity Cruises Entertainment. Some other credits include Porthouse Theatre, Pioneer Theatre, The Musical Theatre Project and Cleveland Musical Theatre.

Brennyn Lark

Brennyn Lark

(Maria Rudolph / Clara / Community Player) is an NYC based actress, performer. Past credits include: Eponine in the Broadway revival of Les Miz, Deena Jones in the West End revival of Dreamgirls, The World Premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s The Prince of Egypt, as Tzipporah. She recently appeared on more(Maria Rudolph / Clara / Community Player) is an NYC based actress, performer. Past credits include: Eponine in the Broadway revival of Les Miz, Deena Jones in the West End revival of Dreamgirls, The World Premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s The Prince of Egypt, as Tzipporah. She recently appeared on Season 3 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel! She has a passion for extending her insight, and abilities to that of transforming the next generation of young artists and performers. Her services not only involve refining a performer's acting, singing, and audition technique, but uncovering and unlocking their potential, stepping into their power and essentially their authenticity!

Terica Marie

Terica Marie

(Holly Daye) is thrilled to be a part this magical production of Light It Up! Terica, a graduate from Ball State University, is a singer/songwriter with original music available on all streaming platforms. TV: “The Chi” (Receptionist). Endless thanks to family and friends, CLA Management, Stewart Talent, and Ball more(Holly Daye) is thrilled to be a part this magical production of Light It Up! Terica, a graduate from Ball State University, is a singer/songwriter with original music available on all streaming platforms. TV: “The Chi” (Receptionist). Endless thanks to family and friends, CLA Management, Stewart Talent, and Ball State University. “To God be the Glory!” @tericamarie

Gustavo Márquez

Gustavo Márquez

(Juniper Green / Community Player) is a graduate of the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA in Acting program class of 2022. They are so excited to be in this production and feel blessed to be working with these immensely skilled, funny and talented artists. Being in the more(Juniper Green / Community Player) is a graduate of the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA in Acting program class of 2022. They are so excited to be in this production and feel blessed to be working with these immensely skilled, funny and talented artists. Being in the room with this ensemble has brought so much life to him. Professional credits include Light it Up!, Antigone (Cleveland Play House); Sweat, A Christmas Carol, 22 Native Gardens (Denver Center Theatre Company). CWRU/CPH credits include The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Twelfth Night, Middletown, and Electra/ Orestes. Other stage credits include The Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar (Colorado Shakespeare Festival Tour), The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, Metamorphoses, You Can’t Take It With You, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, American Idiot, Dracula and Grease. He is very grateful to his family, friends, and mentors who have supported him in his pursuit of an artistic life. After this production Gustavo will be New York bound and establish roots in the city. Gustavo-Marquez.com

Benjamin H. Moore

Benjamin H. Moore

(Oliver Winters V / Scrooge / Community Player) is thrilled to make his debut with Cleveland Play House in the world premiere of Light It Up! Benjamin was in the 20th Anniversary Tour of RENT. Regional credits include Maybe Happy Ending at Alliance Theatre, The First Noel at True more(Oliver Winters V / Scrooge / Community Player) is thrilled to make his debut with Cleveland Play House in the world premiere of Light It Up! Benjamin was in the 20th Anniversary Tour of RENT. Regional credits include Maybe Happy Ending at Alliance Theatre, The First Noel at True Colors Theatre, Shadowboxer at Baltimore Center Stage, The Fantasticks at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Sunday in the Park with George at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, Mamma Mia! and Into the Woods at City Springs Theatre Company, Once on This Island at Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Black Nativity at Dominion Entertainment, and Gounod’s Rome?o et Juliette, West Side Story, and The Wiz all at GLOW Lyric Theatre. Benjamin has also performed with Opera Colorado, the Carolina Pops Orchestra, and Orchestra Noir. Benjamin’s cover single – Fix You by BMoore. – is available on all digital media and streaming platforms. Benjamin gives all glory to God! @mooreofthemusic

Christopher B.  Portley

Christopher B. Portley

(The Nutcracker / Community Player) Christopher is a third-year MFA candidate in the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program. He is originally from Dallas, Texas. He holds a BS from the University of North Texas. He recently made his Chautauqua Theater Company debut this past summer more(The Nutcracker / Community Player) Christopher is a third-year MFA candidate in the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program. He is originally from Dallas, Texas. He holds a BS from the University of North Texas. He recently made his Chautauqua Theater Company debut this past summer playing De’Andre in Dominique Morisseau’s Blood at the Root directed by Stori Ayers, and Zanni and Flavio in Commedia dell’ Arte directed by Andrew Borba. His CWRU/ CPH MFA credits include Twelfth Night, Electra/Orestes, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and Middletown. Other theatre credits include Father Comes Home From the Wars Parts 1, 2 and 3 (African American Repertory Theatre); The Tempest and Measure For Measure (Shakespeare Academy at Stratford); Stick Fly (University of North Texas); and Memphis (Musical Theatre of Denton). Most importantly, he thanks God for this moment, and his family and friends for their continued love and support throughout his journey. Christopher is taking his final year in grad school by the horns and is excited about the next season of his life. LEARN MORE: ideastream.org/together

Helen Marla White

Helen Marla White

(Orna Mint / Community Player) is excited to make her Debut at Cleveland Playhouse in Light it Up. She recently appeared at Minton’s Playhouse with a Solo Show, Carnegie Hall in the Take Me to the World Concert with Tituss Burgess, Christmas Tour with Idina Menzel. Other New York more(Orna Mint / Community Player) is excited to make her Debut at Cleveland Playhouse in Light it Up. She recently appeared at Minton’s Playhouse with a Solo Show, Carnegie Hall in the Take Me to the World Concert with Tituss Burgess, Christmas Tour with Idina Menzel. Other New York Credits include: Off-Broadway Sistas the Musical at St. Lukes theatre, The First Noel at the Apollo Theatre. She has worked regionally at Theatre by the Sea and Surflight Theatre in Ain’t Misbehavin. She traveled all across the world performing with several Artist as well on Royal Caribbean as the Main Female Vocalist. She continues to pursue her career as an actor/performer. Proverbs 3:5-6, Matt 6:33--34

Mariama Whyte

Mariama Whyte

(Marsha Strivers / Community Player) is excited to return to live theatre on the Cleveland Play House stage in the world premiere of Light it Up! Her CPH credits include Light It Up! (Workshop), Inspiring Resolutions (Virtual Production), The Amen Corner, The Nolan Williams Project, and In The Groove more(Marsha Strivers / Community Player) is excited to return to live theatre on the Cleveland Play House stage in the world premiere of Light it Up! Her CPH credits include Light It Up! (Workshop), Inspiring Resolutions (Virtual Production), The Amen Corner, The Nolan Williams Project, and In The Groove and Over The Top. She has performed in the Broadway National Tours of The Color Purple (Nettie; Celie u/s), The Lion King (Shenzi and Rafiki u/s) and in Cleveland at Karamu House, Dobama Theatre, and Cleveland Public Theatre. As a vocalist, Mariama has headlined her own shows, performed with famed composer/producer David Foster, and has opened for acclaimed artists including Stephanie Mills, Lisa Fischer and Rahsaan Patterson. Awards: Room in the House Artist Residency (Karamu House 2020), Verge Fellowship (Cleveland Arts Prize 2019). A recording artist as well, Mariama will release her new album, Hey You It’s Me, in 2022. Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. www.mariamawhyte.com IG: @mariamawhyte

Jason Michael Webb

Jason Michael Webb

(Book / Music / Lyrics) is a director, composer, lyricist, musical director, producer and arranger. Awards/accolades include Special Tony Award recipient (Choir Boy, 2019), Drama Desk winner (Choir Boy, 2019), Tony Award nominee (The Rose Tattoo, 2020), twotime Stellar Award nominee, and Dove Award winner (Declare Your Name, 2011). more(Book / Music / Lyrics) is a director, composer, lyricist, musical director, producer and arranger. Awards/accolades include Special Tony Award recipient (Choir Boy, 2019), Drama Desk winner (Choir Boy, 2019), Tony Award nominee (The Rose Tattoo, 2020), twotime Stellar Award nominee, and Dove Award winner (Declare Your Name, 2011). He was the executive music producer of Respect, the 2021 MGM film about the life of Aretha Franklin, starring Jennifer Hudson with pop music icons Stephen Bray and Harvey Mason, Jr. He directed the 2021 film of the Jason Robert Brown musical, The Last Five Years, lauded by The New York Times as “inspiring,” “robust,” and “impressively freed by its physical and creative limitations.” Other credits include music director and co-orchestrator/ arranger for MJ: The Musical (2021); music director and co-composer/arranger for Beauty and the Beast prequel (Disney+, 2021); music director for The Color Purple (Tony- Emmy- and Grammy winning Broadway revival, 2016); music director and adaptor/arranger for Disney’s Frozen: Live at the Hyperion; and music director for the six-time Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle (2005–2013). He is composer for The Ms. Pat Show (BET+, 2021-); Kenny Leon’s Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare in the Park, The Public Theater/PBS’ Great Performances, 2019); Empire (Fox); Juanita (Netflix); and WiLDFLOWER (an original South African musical currently in development with National Black Theater/Apollo Theater). He is arranger and music supervisor for the upcoming 2022 revival of Disney’s AIDA, and arranged “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” featured at the 2013 inauguration of President Barack Obama. Other credits include vocalist for national jingle for Smile Direct Club (2021), associate production music supervisor for The Greatest Showman (20th Century Fox, 2017); and associate musical director of Broadway shows including Berry Gordy’s Motown: The Musical, Alan Menken’s Leap of Faith and Jeanine Tesori’s Violet (also additional arrangements).

Lelund Durond Thompson

Lelund Durond Thompson

(Book / Lyrics) is an actor, acting coach, photographer, lyricist, writer, and director. He is also the founder of Lelund Durond Studios, a multi-media production company based in Los Angeles. After receiving his MFA at Case/Cleveland Play House, Lelund has gone on to perform at regional and international venues more(Book / Lyrics) is an actor, acting coach, photographer, lyricist, writer, and director. He is also the founder of Lelund Durond Studios, a multi-media production company based in Los Angeles. After receiving his MFA at Case/Cleveland Play House, Lelund has gone on to perform at regional and international venues like the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Actors Theatre of Louisville and the Sons d’Hiver Festival in Paris. Film acting credits include the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect (MGM, 2021), where he also served as acting coach to Jennifer Hudson and Marlon Wayans. Additional acting clients include Diane Guerrero (Doom Patrol, HBO), Joivan Wade (Doom Patrol, HBO) and BAFTA Award Nominee/Sundance 2019 Directing Award Winner, Rhada Blank (The Forty Year Old Version, Netflix). Lelund has photographed artists from Ricky Martin to Sting, Daniel Radcliff to Danielle Brooks, Cynthia Erivo, Corey Hawkins, and many of New York and Hollywood’s most talented artists. His photography has been featured in The New York Times, LA Times, People Magazine, GQ and Playbill. Lelund is currently in development on the musical WILDFLOWER (National Black Theatre/Apollo Theatre), and working with Marlon Wayans on the set of his new Netflix film. Lelund is proud to return to Cleveland Play House for the world-premiere of Light It Up!

Christopher Windom

(Director and Choreographer) has directed or choreographed at The Vineyard Theatre, The Public Theater Mobile Shakespeare Unit, Guthrie Theater, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Trinity Repertory Company, Signature Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, NYMF, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Maples Repertory Theatre, and Maine State Music Theatre. He choreographed more(Director and Choreographer) has directed or choreographed at The Vineyard Theatre, The Public Theater Mobile Shakespeare Unit, Guthrie Theater, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Trinity Repertory Company, Signature Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, NYMF, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Maples Repertory Theatre, and Maine State Music Theatre. He choreographed the feature film RESPECT for MGM, starring Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin. He choreographed Frozen: Live at the Hyperion for Disney Resorts. He was the Drama League Fellow Assistant Director for the Broadway production of Pippin, directed by Diane Paulus (HAIR, Waitress, Porgy & Bess). He was Associate Director for the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, directed/choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, Bandstand). He was assistant director of Ruined, directed by Liesl Tommy, (Berkeley Rep, Huntington Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse) and February House directed by Davis McCallum, (Public Theater, Long Wharf Theatre). Christopher has performed on Broadway and National Tours of Fosse and Damn Yankees starring Jerry Lewis. He’s also performed at Paper Mill Playhouse, St. Louis Repertory Theater, STAGES St. Louis, The MUNY, Goodspeed Opera House, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Sacramento Music Circus. MFA, Brown/Trinity Rep. BFA, Webster University. Christopher is on the board of directors for Notch Theatre Company who’s aim is to create communityresponsive cultural work by providing communities nationwide a platform to tell their stories on stage. He is a Drama League Fellow and member of SDC. For Darlene Windom and Michael Ray Escamilla.

Lex Liang

(Scenic Designer) is delighted to be back at CPH where he previously designed Shakespeare in Love (SD/CD), Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville (CD), The Three Musketeers (CD), The Little Foxes (SD/CD) and many others. Int’l/Nat’l Tours/NYC/Off-B’way: 100+ productions, including Judy Gold’s Yes, I Can Say That! currently playing at Primary Stages, more(Scenic Designer) is delighted to be back at CPH where he previously designed Shakespeare in Love (SD/CD), Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville (CD), The Three Musketeers (CD), The Little Foxes (SD/CD) and many others. Int’l/Nat’l Tours/NYC/Off-B’way: 100+ productions, including Judy Gold’s Yes, I Can Say That! currently playing at Primary Stages, directed by BD Wong. Other recent work includes the world premieres of Emma, Mr. Holland’s Opus, The Tattooed Lady, and May We All. Other Regional: Actor’s Theatre Louisville, Alliance Theatre, Asolo, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Dallas Theatre Center, Denver Center, Geva, Guthrie, La Jolla, Long Wharf, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Playmaker’s Rep, Portland Center Stage, St. Louis Rep, Syracuse Stage, Woolly Mammoth, ... Lex is the founder and principal of LDC Design Associates, the experiential event design and production company in NYC. Recent projects/clients include Absolut Vodka, Operation Smile, Johnson & Johnson, Ubuntu Pathways, Invesco, The Tony Awards Gala, NYFW, NYWFF, William Hill, and others. www.LexLiang.com @Lex92

Jen Caprio

(Costume Designer) is pleased to return to Cleveland Play House where she previously designed Steel Magnolias, Rich Girl, Fairfield, and Well. On Broadway she designed Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. National/International Tours include Falsettos, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Lion (West End/ US Tour), more(Costume Designer) is pleased to return to Cleveland Play House where she previously designed Steel Magnolias, Rich Girl, Fairfield, and Well. On Broadway she designed Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. National/International Tours include Falsettos, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Lion (West End/ US Tour), …Spelling Bee, and Rockumentary and Kaleidoscope on Celebrity Cruises. Her selected New York credits include City Center Encores!, Audible/Minetta Lane, Second Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout Theatre Company, Primary Stages, Cherry Lane, LaMama, ETC and Ensemble Studio Theatre. Regional: Over 150 LORT productions at theatres including the Kennedy Center, Guthrie Theater, Goodspeed, Center Theatre Group, La Jolla Playhouse, Alley Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. TV: Sesame Street (seasons 47-51), The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo. 2019 Daytime Emmy Nomination for Sesame Street. Instagram @jencapriocostumedesign

Adam Honoré

(Lighting Designer) is a Harlem based lighting designer for plays, musicals, and live events. His résumé includes Broadway productions, regional shows, national tours, and international premieres. Internationally, Adam's work has been seen in Austria, Canada, and the Philippines, where he designed the international premiere of FUN HOME , which more(Lighting Designer) is a Harlem based lighting designer for plays, musicals, and live events. His résumé includes Broadway productions, regional shows, national tours, and international premieres. Internationally, Adam's work has been seen in Austria, Canada, and the Philippines, where he designed the international premiere of FUN HOME , which featured Tony Award winner Lea Salonga. Adam is a Drama Desk, Henry Hewes, and Helen Hayes Award Nominee; AUDELCO Award Recipient, and a Member of Live Design Magazine’s "30 Under 30".

Broken Chord

(Sound Design) has Cleveland Play House credits that include Fairfield and How I Learned to Drive. Broadway credits are The Parisian Woman and Eclipsed. Selected off- Broadway credits include Toni Stone at Roundabout Theatre Company; The Lying Lesson, The Great Leap, The Jammer, and These Paper Bullets! at the more(Sound Design) has Cleveland Play House credits that include Fairfield and How I Learned to Drive. Broadway credits are The Parisian Woman and Eclipsed. Selected off- Broadway credits include Toni Stone at Roundabout Theatre Company; The Lying Lesson, The Great Leap, The Jammer, and These Paper Bullets! at the Atlantic; The Four of Us and When We Were Young and Unafraid at MTC; Bull in a China Shop at LCT3; Party People and Eclipsed at The Public; and The Winter’s Tale at TFANA. Selected regional credits are The Amen Corner, Hamlet, and Macbeth at Shakespeare Theater, D.C.; Angels in America at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Enemy of the People and As You Like It at the Guthrie Theatre; Ruined and Party People at Berkeley Repertory Theatre; Top Girls, A Raisin in the Sun, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Ruined at the Huntington Theatre; UniSon at OSF. Film credits include Fall to Rise. www.brokenchord.us

Roxanne De Luna

(Wig Designer) is thrilled to make her debut at the Cleveland Playhouse! OPH Wig Designs include: Young Frankenstein, Mystic Pizza (World Premiere), Escape to Margaritaville, Annie the Musical, Kinky Boots, Menopause, Cabaret, 42nd Street, Elf the Musical. North Carolina Theater Wig Design: Kinky Boots (2020). Playmakers Repertory Company LORT-D more(Wig Designer) is thrilled to make her debut at the Cleveland Playhouse! OPH Wig Designs include: Young Frankenstein, Mystic Pizza (World Premiere), Escape to Margaritaville, Annie the Musical, Kinky Boots, Menopause, Cabaret, 42nd Street, Elf the Musical. North Carolina Theater Wig Design: Kinky Boots (2020). Playmakers Repertory Company LORT-D Wig Design: My Fair Lady, Intimate Apparel (2017). Miami University, Ohio Wig Design: Albert Herring (2014) OPH Wig & Makeup Shop Supervisor 2017-2019 Seasons. Wig & Makeup Assistant- Glimmerglass Festival Seasons 2013-2015, Central City Opera Season 2016, Kansas City Lyric Opera 2016, Dayton Opera 2014-2015, Sarasota Opera House Winter Seasons 2016-2019. She was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at New Mexico State University and moved to Ohio to graduate with her Master of Arts from University of Cincinnati- Conservatory of Music in Wig & Makeup Design, 2015. She feels blessed creating art again!

Keith Williams

(Music Director) With the success of his second solo album and first national project Tone For Worship, which debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album charts in 2013, Williams continues to generate waves in musical theatre. He works as a rehearsal supervisor and vocal director for more(Music Director) With the success of his second solo album and first national project Tone For Worship, which debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album charts in 2013, Williams continues to generate waves in musical theatre. He works as a rehearsal supervisor and vocal director for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, where he is responsible for the production of show entertainment onboard several of the ships in the fleet. Additionally, he works as musical director and conductor for several significant musical productions in opera and musical theatre, including the 2021 ground breaking rhythm and blues opera based on the life Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I Dream by Douglas Tappin. Williams currently keeps a busy schedule handling executive duties at the EPM Music Group record label, working with the Veterans Emergency Relief Foundation, producing specialty recording projects, and working as a musical director for theatrical productions around the world.

Natalie Lomonte

(Associate Director / Choreographer) NATALIE LOMONTE (Associate Director & Choreographer) is a choreographer, director, per - former, and teacher of dance and meditation in NYC. She’s extensively toured with Momix, Pilobolus, Chase Brock Experience and Parsons Dance, has performed on television (U.S., Europe, Japan) and danced with Liza Minnelli more(Associate Director / Choreographer) NATALIE LOMONTE (Associate Director & Choreographer) is a choreographer, director, per - former, and teacher of dance and meditation in NYC. She’s extensively toured with Momix, Pilobolus, Chase Brock Experience and Parsons Dance, has performed on television (U.S., Europe, Japan) and danced with Liza Minnelli in Sex and The City 2. On Broadway, she was the dance supervisor and an original cast member of Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark. Natalie is movement director for One Year Lease Theater Company and adjunct professor for Marymount Manhattan College’s Musical Theatre Department, also serving on the Dance Department Advisory Board. Choreography includes 44th National Day Abu Dhabi (live broadcast stadium show), New York Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes (assisted Mia Michaels), Alter Ego (San Francisco Dance Film Festival Award), and PEMDAS (Edinburgh Stage Award, off-Broadway), to name a few. Recent credits include choreographer for the film, Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist ( streamingmusicals.com ) and associate choreographer (David Parsons) for Knights’ Tale (original musical currently touring Japan). Natalie is thrilled to be on team Light It Up!

Rachel Lerner-Ley

(Production Dramaturg) is in her ninth season at Cleveland Play House, where she is the literary manager and resident dramaturg. Dramaturgy at CPH includes Light It Up!, Clue, Our Dad is in Atlantis, Christina, The Hat Box, Egress, Cicada, Tiny Houses, Minton’s Place, Ghost Party, The Chinese Lady, The more(Production Dramaturg) is in her ninth season at Cleveland Play House, where she is the literary manager and resident dramaturg. Dramaturgy at CPH includes Light It Up!, Clue, Our Dad is in Atlantis, Christina, The Hat Box, Egress, Cicada, Tiny Houses, Minton’s Place, Ghost Party, The Chinese Lady, The Nolan Williams Project, CARE monologues, The Good Peaches, FEED, Little Row Boat, Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors, and the Violins of Hope concert with the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program and the Cleveland Orchestra. Additional dramaturgy credits include Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Civilians, Actors Theatre of Louisville, WildWind Performance Lab at Texas Tech University and Girl Be Heard. She is a graduate of Smith College. Member LMDA.

John Godbout

(Stage Manager) was Cleveland Play House's resident stage manager from 2001 to 2008 and returned to CPH in the fall of 2011. "Most recently, John stage managed A New Brain at Barrington Stage Company. John has also stage managed at North Shore Music Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, The more(Stage Manager) was Cleveland Play House's resident stage manager from 2001 to 2008 and returned to CPH in the fall of 2011. "Most recently, John stage managed A New Brain at Barrington Stage Company. John has also stage managed at North Shore Music Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, The Weston Playhouse, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Northern Stage, Seaside Music Theatre, and Porthouse Theatre.

Vanessa C. Hart

(Assistant Stage Manager) is a stage manager from New Hampshire. They have stage managed every season at the Peterborogh Players since 2017. In New York, they recently stage managed the acclaimed production of Mad Forest at the Fisher Center at Bard College and Theatre for A New Audience, The more(Assistant Stage Manager) is a stage manager from New Hampshire. They have stage managed every season at the Peterborogh Players since 2017. In New York, they recently stage managed the acclaimed production of Mad Forest at the Fisher Center at Bard College and Theatre for A New Audience, The Attendants 2020 by the NerveTank presented by Arts Brookfield NY, and pssst...The Boot with Beth Morrison Projects, as well as being the resident stage manager for the Fisher Center at Bard College in Spring 2021. Previously, they stage managed Rebel and Misfits Productions’ of Uncle Vanya, Sex with Strangers, and Hamlet: See What I See in St. Louis, MO. The People's Shakespeare Project of Lancaster's The Tempest, and Wee Keep Company's Three Sisters and A Wolf in Lancaster, PA.

Kyra Button

(Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be returning to Cleveland Play House for her sixth season. At CPH, she has worked on Antigone, Where Did We Sit On The Bus?, Tiny Houses, Into The Breeches, and Pipeline, to name a few. Her previous credits also include ABCD (Barrington Stage more(Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be returning to Cleveland Play House for her sixth season. At CPH, she has worked on Antigone, Where Did We Sit On The Bus?, Tiny Houses, Into The Breeches, and Pipeline, to name a few. Her previous credits also include ABCD (Barrington Stage Company), Dreamgirls (Virginia Stage Company), Hurricane Diane (Dobama Theatre), Baby Camp (Leviathan Labs), Resistance (Semicolon Theatre), The Heart’s Impatience (Shufflefoot Theatre Company), A Streetcar Named Desire (St. Ann’s Warehouse), Medea and Dreamgirls (Red House Arts Center), This Day Forward (The Vineyard Theatre), and The Intergenerational Project (Rose Bruford, London). Kyra is proud to hold a BFA in Stage Management from Syracuse University’s Department of Drama and is overjoyed to be working on this production.

Judy Bowman

(Casting ) has CPH credits that include The Three Musketeers, Antigone, Light It Up!, and The Invisible Hand. REGIONAL THEATRE: A Christmas Carol (McCarter), Madeline Sayet's Where We Belong (tour), Incendiary (Woolly Mammoth), Justice and Nina Simone: Four Women(Arizona Theatre Co), …Chad Deity(Profile Theatre Co), Wait Until Dark more(Casting ) has CPH credits that include The Three Musketeers, Antigone, Light It Up!, and The Invisible Hand. REGIONAL THEATRE: A Christmas Carol (McCarter), Madeline Sayet's Where We Belong (tour), Incendiary (Woolly Mammoth), Justice and Nina Simone: Four Women(Arizona Theatre Co), …Chad Deity(Profile Theatre Co), Wait Until Dark and Thirst(Dorset Theatre Fest). NYC: Metra(Flux Ensemble), Vatican Falls(The Tank), etc. FILM/TV: Hurricane Bianca, Separation, One Moment, Dead Sound, No Alternative, Gold Star, Copenhagen, Lost Cat Corona, Big Dogs, & Hallmark’s Redemption in Cherry Springs. Artios Award nominee Best Webseries Casting, PT Barnum Award recipient. judybowmancasting.com

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Meet CPH Managing Director Rachel Fink

Meet CPH Managing Director Rachel Fink

MEET RACHEL FINK, CPH’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR! By Craig Joseph, Literary Director What are you looking forward to as you return to Cleveland...

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