Looking Back with Love and Thanks

As I prepare to step into the New Year, my friend, Tina, reminds me to look back at the strides I made the year before. I am so thankful for friends like Tina, my family, and especially my awesome husband, Rob, who joyously share The Ride with me and encourage me to make my dreams come true!

Thanks to David Gerard, my former Singing Nun producer who called me in to audition for a radio spot for Toyota. I booked the gig and recorded a spot with Laurel Coppock, who's the fabulously funny spokesperson, "Jan."

Thanks to Donald Brenner, who directed me in "Sasquatched! The Musical," and asked me to sing the opening number for the Abingdon Theatre Company gala, Swinging On A Star. That was an incredible night! Meeting Cherry Jones was the cherry on the cake! :)

Thanks to Phil and Jules Darg who brought me on board as "Pat the Park Ranger" for the New York Musical Theatre Festival production of "Sasquatched! The Musical." That was one of the highlights of my summer, working at The Pearl Theatre Company, including a special performance at 54 Below.

 

Thanks to great composer-lyricists like Andy Monroe and Wayne Henry, who asked me to perform demos of their material for BMI and The Dramatists Guild. Thanks also to Bryan D. Leys, James Campodonico and Matthew Gurren for inviting me to play lead roles in readings of their musicals at The Abingdon and York Theatre Companies.

Great gratitude to the awesome casts and crews I've worked with this year. Incredibly talented people! And let me tell you, an exceptional Stage Manager is worth their weight in gold! :) David S. Keaton-Cohen, I'm talking about you! ;)

I am thankful to have reconnected with childhood friends like Kara Herold, who is a fascinating filmmaker. I got to work with her one day on her new film, 39 and 1/2, and it was a blast from the past mixed with the Gift of the Present. Good growth! :)

Huge thanks to the terrific teachers I've worked with this year: Susan Aston (acting), Heidi Marshall (film), Tim Phillips (on-camera), Scott Wojcik (commercials), Ali Farahnakian (Writing for SNL) and Seth Weinstein (voice). I've realized this year more than any other how incredibly important it is to keep studying!

"It takes a village" to mount any production, and it's been my pleasure to be part of so many great teams!

January is already filling up with rehearsals and classes. I can't wait to see what the New Year brings!

Happy New Year!

Watch, Listen and Learn

I have been so fortunate to study with some amazing teachers this year: Heidi Marshall for film & TV, Scott Wojcik and Brette Goldstein for commercials, Seth Weinstein for musical theatre, and I am currently studying with acting coach Susan Aston. Most of them have offered the same advice to all their students: to watch the medium you're trying to break into. For example, with commercials, which commercials do you think you'd be cast in? What's your type and what do you bring to the table that's so utterly uniquely you?

That's applicable to film, TV and theatre as well. By watching performers who are working,  I've gained extra insight.

And doing it - working on scenes, songs and sides - exploring and finding my way in, it's been a blast! I feel stronger with every piece I work on, and auditions have become a welcome experience! 

I've also seen some incredible productions this year which have definitely informed my work.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike ignited a passion for Christopher Durang's plays and Anton Chekov! ;)  The acting, writing, direction, the set! Talk about a master class in comedy!

Musical theatre has been my main genre - I recently played Pat the Park Ranger in Sasquatched! The Musical - so I've always got my ear to the ground, so to speak. ;) I saw a lot of new musicals this year and really enjoyed Hands on a Hardbody, though it didn't last long on Broadway. The music, the acting, the story: I was really invested in the characters and their journeys. And the music was a BLAST!

I also saw Pippin, which was everything a Broadway show should be! Andrea Martin. WOW. Her performance HAD to be experienced!

Kinky Boots, Big Fish, Once... It's all been a delicious musical ride! ;)

The last production I saw was Twelfth Night, and it was truly exceptional! All of the actors were such masters of their craft! Mark Rylance earned laughs by simply walking! He has this little jaunty tip toe as Olivia when she was trying to take control of a situation. It was brilliant! But his Olivia was not a clown. She was a very passionate woman, mourning the death of her father and brother, and finding herself falling in love with Cesario / Viola, whose love she needed like a tonic. It was mesmerizing.

I couldn't believe it was Stephen Fry's Broadway debut. He owned the stage as Malvolio and even played with the audience when a woman gasped during his speech.

And Samuel Barnett's Voila (below left) was so gorgeously heartfelt. The way he held himself as this character - I truly saw her!

I am so thankful to live in NY, to be surrounded by master craftsmen and women who are so inspiring! And I am so thankful to my friends and family who encourage me to keep living the dream! I've had so many moments this year that have made me feel like my dreams are coming true, and it's thrilling!

Time Flies!

So I must be having fun! ;)

Actually, I am! I'm involved in so many expansive projects, including prep for auditions and classes.

Last week, I met with a scene partner for a new acting class. We both brought along lots of possible plays and decided to do a scene from The Performers.

On Saturday, I worked with Kara Herold on her new experimental film, 39 and 1/2, which was wild, because we used to do plays and make movies together in our back yards when we were 8 years old. It was definitely a blast from the past!

On Sunday, I worked on music with Seth Weinstein for upcoming auditions. And I'm in the midst of building a character for an improv show called Petunia's Coffee House (think Pee Wee's Playhouse, but run by lesbians).

It's a wild time, and I'm having a ball! Feels like an artistic explosion! Boom!

My favorite time of year!

I've always loved Halloween! No wonder I became an actor. I get to dress up and pretend all the time! ;)

The city's a blast at this time of year. Everyone's in costume, no matter what age! New Yorkers like their holidays, and Halloween kicks off the fun for a good few months!

Today I'm dressed as Merida. All I need is a strong bow! :)

 

 Happy Halloween!

Comedy Work in Progress

It's fun to see how work I've done over the years has created my own little cast of characters. I recently submitted for an online comedy series, and they asked for a list of my work, so here's what I sent:

I recently played an excited caller on a radio spot for Toyota. The clip's online at http://www.lauradaniel.net/media.htm

Comedy mastermind, Ali Farahnakian, taught me sketch writing, focused for SNL at The PIT. I've also performed in various shows there, playing s secretary on crack. ;)

I played the Great White Shark's girlfriend, Sally, in JAWS the Musical at the Broadway Comedy Club. A clip from my big song is on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KajE0KZiKwc

I was a New Yawk laundress in the short film, Laundry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mswi_6z_R6U

And I recently played Pat the Park Ranger in Sasquatched! The Musical. Yup, I was Bigfoot's BFF. ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSwP4YiR73A

Up Next: I play a loose lesbian on the prowl in Petunia's Coffee House. ;)

Swinging on a Star at the Abingdon Theatre Company's Gala

On Monday October 7th, I had the immense privilege of singing the opening number for the Abingdon Theatre Company's annual gala. In fact, I sang the theme song to the evening: Swinging on a Star.

The divine Dick Cavett hosted the event, which honored legendary stage actress Frances Sternhagen who originated the role of Ethel in "On Golden Pond" and played the feisty Miss Daisy onstage in "Driving Miss Daisy" (before both plays were made into films). Most kids of my generation will know her as Bunny MacDougal, Trey's mischievous mother on 'Sex and the City."

I was trippin because I had watched Dick Cavett's interviews with Janis Joplin (to play her for Hell's Belles), and it was surreal to be on the same stage with him. He was a master craftsman!

My friend, Michael, who was my date for the evening, had seen Frances perform with Cherry Jones in "The Heiress" on Broadway in 1995 (below). Both ladies won Tony Awards for their work in that play, and it was amazing to be at the gala with them.

The gala was directed by the fabulous Donald Brenner, who was also my director this summer for the NYMF production of "Sasquatched! the Musical."

It was such a pleasure to collaborate with Don again.

I was also fortunate to make music again with Joshua Zecher-Ross. He was the magical music director from "Sasquatched!" and kept the gala groovin the entire night. ;)

Joshua is off-the-charts talented and such a card! 

Jan Buttram, the gorgeous gal in gold below (on the far right), is the artistic director for the Abingdon, and she kicked off the night with Managing Director, Heather Henderson. These two ladies have so much fire-power, they are amazing!

2 other ladies were honored for their commitment to the mission of the Abingdon Theatre Company: actress Sheila Ball Burkert (1st from left), founding director of the Act II...Gether Troupe for girls ages 7-14, and Barbara Blair Randall, President of the Fashion Center Business Improvement District (3rd from left). I had the pleasure of introducing Sheila, as well as some of the girls from her troupe, and it was inspirational to hear of these young ladies finding and empowering their voices through theatre.

I met many of the Board of Directors for Abingdon, and it was an honor to be in the midst of such a collaborative spirit!

The cherry on the cake of the evening was meeting Cherry Jones (above left with Jan). She is taking Broadway by storm with her portrayal of Amanda Wingfield in "The Glass Menagerie," and I have long respected the exquisite quality of her work. To meet her in person was incredible! She was so gracious and kind and generous. I hope our paths cross again and we get to work together.

Anything can happen! There is magic in the air! "You could be swingin'... on a star!" ;)

Thanks to Joseph Marzullo/WENN for Playbill.com and Genevieve Rafter Keddy for Broadway World, who took pro pix of the gala.

Next Up!

While doing a show, its very common to hear people ask, What are you working on next? 

In the midst of Sasquatched, I received the script for an international 
recording of Jerome Kern's "Roberta." I play Sophie Teale, a devilish debutante 
(my friend, Larry Moore calls her a debutramp!) who abuses the sweet but naive 
leading man. Larry said he needed someone who could give a bitch a sense of 
dimension, so he came to me! ;) 

The recording is being done like a radio play, so while I don't get to sing some 
of the famous songs in the show like "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," I have some 
wonderfully wicked scenes! It's a blast to work on this script!

I also start rehearsals next week for, "Come and Get It," a musical revue about 
food at the Abingdon Theatre Off Broadway.

I get to sing a jazzy take "On the Good Ship Lollipop," and a purrfectly delightful 
number about a cat's view of suppertime. ;)
 

In September, I'll be doing another concert reading of Hell's Belles, playing my 
favorite icons, Janis Joplin and Judy Garland.

And I'm starting rehearsals for "Petunia's Coffee House," an outrageous 
musical event with my friend Wayne Henry that's a wee nod to Pee Wee's 
Playhouse. I get to play Petunia's butch ex-girlfriend.

As one of my friends said, "You get the funniest parts!"

A tribute to Jonathon Robinson

Tonight I raise my glass to the memory of Jonathon Robinson. He passed away on 
July 25 after a heroic battle with melanoma. 

I met Jonathon 23 years ago when we were cast in the Shakespearean troupe for 
the PA Renaissance Faire. We were both such kids and were as different as night 
and day, but somehow I had the good fortune to become his friend. He had a razor 
sharp wit and wicked sense of humor. He was also stunningly beautiful.


Outside the Faire, I had the good fortune to work with him on his pet project of 
a large scale cast for Greater Tuna. He cast me as a girl with HUGE thighs and 
took great delight in padding me to kingdom come! The result cause such a huge 
non-stop laugh, and it was my first time with BIG comedy (pun intended). 
Jonathon directed me to keep it was serious as possible which only heightened 
the comedy since it was tragedy multiplied to the utmost degree. 

I thought of Jonathon a lot with my most recent role of Pat the Park Ranger in 
"Sasquatched! The Musical," a larger than life character bedecked in bulky men's 
clothes with a really passionate take on life. I think he would've loved it! 

He also directed me in Poe Evermore, and played a devious version of Nathaniel 
Hawthorne (below on the farleft). I can still remember sharing the stage with him in 
a darkly erotic version of The Raven. Man, he was brilliant!


He taught me to not be afraid of horror films. He showed me all the tricks 
and special effects, and taught me to revel in the artistry that went into all 
that gore. 

We lost track of each other after the Faire but found each other again on 
Facebook, and my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathon's partner, 
Mark. They were such a great pair, and it was an honor to share some laughs with 
them. I always say they inspired me to get married.

My last project with Jonathon was a voice over industrial for Viacom which we 
recorded in NY. I still remember meeting him at the door of the recording 
studio, this larger than life presence. He'd direct me in front of the mic and 
then bounce into the sound booth for the recording. He said I sounded like his 
favorite video game at the time, and asked me to say something about cake, to 
which he giggled with delight.



When he and Mark moved to FLA, we kept up on Facebook, and I loved seeing their 
pix from adventures in Disney World.

When "The Importance of Being Earnest" made headlines in Canada because of a man 
playing Lady Bracknell, I emailed Jonathon right away, because he had played 
Lady B. so many years ago in a mini production at Mt. Hope in an interactive 
theatre space in a Victorian mansion. He was playing Oscar Wilde, playing Lady 
Bracknell, and I still remember hearing his voice echoing through the mansion, 
as he exclaimed, "A handbag????"

He was such a great actor, director, and friend. When I had a rough time with 
something, he'd give me a big hug and offer his best counsel. He seemed to live 
his dreams and had a great penchant for encouraging others to do the same thing

He was such a great man, and I can't believe he's gone. I hope he's free and at 
peace and is having a great time in that big party in the sky.

Closing on a high note ;)

I am so thankful for the Sasquatched! experience, and thankful to everyone who shared it with me. It's always fun to be part of a new show, and NYMF, the NY Musical Theatre Festival, is something to be a part of as well! :) They host 23 new musicals in a few short weeks, and these are full productions! For Sasquatched, we had it all: costumes, set, lights, sound, an awesome rock n roll band, and wonderfully responsive audiences! It was a real "family" experience, and I miss them all already!

Cole Canzano, me, and TJ Mannix in Sasquatched! The Musical

We closed on a high note. I performed at 54 Below with my partner from Sasquatched, Patrick John Moran. His character and mine fell in love in the show, and it was a pleasure to embody this unexpected love story between a park ranger and seismologist. :)

We performed at 1 AM, but the crowd at 54 Below was robust and clapped along in time with the music to my song. It was a really cool way to "go out."

Performing at 54 Below Tonight!

I am seriously psyched to be singing at 54 Below tonight as part of the Late Night Writer's Block.

Starting at 11:30 PM, many of the writers from this season's NY Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) will be showcasing their work. I'll be singing my "Eco-friendly... Park Ranger" song from Sasquatched! the Musical, as well as joining Patrick John Moran in the love song from the show, "Landslides, Earthquakes, Tremors and Volcanoes." He was splendid as Chris the Seismologist, and I'm delighted to do our duet again!

I'm really excited to perform tonight in this legendary space and hear songs from other original new musicals. NOT to be missed! :)

Passionate Park Rangers

I'm a big research nut, so when I won the role of Pat the Park Ranger for Sasquatched! The Musical, I started researching right away. I was surprised to discover what passionate people park rangers are. They're champions of the environment, and I've added that element into my characterization of Pat, for sure! I really do see park rangers as super heroes. :)

 (me as Pat the Park Ranger in Sasquatched! The Musical)

One of my favorite sites about park rangers is Tarol.com, hosted by a lovely lady named Carol who used to be a park ranger. It's a highly competitive job, but you can see that these people love what they do! :)

(The Lodgepole Interp gang of Sequoia National Park, courtesy of Tarol.com)

As Pat, I sing a song about being "an eco-friendly, multi-cultural, left of the center, politically correct, highly interpretive, big recycler, a bonafide tree-hugger aware of global warming danger, contemporary, fully inclusive park ranger." :) It is such a great anthem and I feel so honored to sing it!

Big thanks to Phil Darg for writing the show, and to him and Jules Darg for bringing me on board. As one audience member remarked, "It's FUN and educational too!" ;)

 Phil and Jules Darg

If you'd like to catch Sasquatched! The Musical, we have 3 more performances at the Pearl Theatre at 555 West 4nd Street:

• Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 4:30 pm
• Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 8:00 pm
• Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 11:00 am

Tickets are $25:
http://www.nymf.org/tickets/2013-events/sasquatched-musical/

Hope to see you there!

An Original New Musical: Sasquatched!

When I first came to New York, it was my goal to perform in original, new plays and musicals. As I look back on my career here, I am delighted to realize I have done exactly that!

I'm adding another new show to my resume with the NY Musical Theatre Festival Production of "Sasquatched! The Musical!" Rehearsals have been an incredible experience, working with such a superbly talented cast and crew. To quote my character, Pat the Park Ranger, "It takes a village!"

We rehearsed with the band today, and it was such a rush to hear the electric guitar and feel the beat of the drums. Talk about rock 'n roll! Can't wait to share all this with an audience!

The story is about a gentle sasquatch named Arthur who finds a lost boy in the woods and encounters a crazy bunch of characters (cast below). At times it's like a giant cartoon, but there's also a strong heart beneath the humor, and I've found myself in tears in various scenes. I hope audiences will love it as much as we do.

We open at The Pearl Theatre Company's PTC Performance Space on 555 West 42nd Street.

Tuesday, Jul 9th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Wednesday, Jul 10th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Saturday, Jul 13th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Saturday, Jul 13th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, Jul 14th, 2013 at 11:00 am 

Hope to see you there! :)

Tix are $25 and can be found via the link to NYMF below:
http://www.nymf.org/tickets/2013-events/sasquatched-musical/

Meet the Cast and Crew of Sasquatched! The Musical!

I'm very thankful NYMF picked Sasquatched the Musical for this season. I love working with these people! :)

Phil Darg (Book, Music & Lyrics)

is an actor, playwright, writer, and composer. He has been seen in many roles in recent years both on stage and in local television including Charley in Where’s Charley?, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Patrick O’Reilly in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, and Charlie Fox in Speed the Plow. He has also appeared on local television and in several independent films. Phil is the author of more than a dozen plays and musicals, and the composer/producer of more than an estimated 200 musical works (some of which have been composed for the stage, and broadcast on MTV, The History Channel, and Turner South). His latest creation is Sasquatched! The Musical. Phil has a B.A., M.A., M.A. and Ph.D. (ABD). Phil would like to thank all those that made this incredible opportunity a reality

Leasen Beth Almquist (Thelma)

Broadway: revival of Annie Get Your Gun (u/s Dolly), Broadway tour of Joseph and the Amazing Dreamcoat. Off-Broadway: Go Go Killers,The Queen, Broadway workshops 9 to 5 and Eve’s Turn. Regional: Cabaret atPittsburgh Public for Ted Pappas. PBS My Favorite Broadway with Julie Andrews. Indie film feature Transatlantic Coffee (Carole). Assistant choreographer Legends in Concert John Stuart Productions. Choreographed Really Bad Things for NYMF in 2012 and Assistant Director for Standby the Musical at the New York Fringe Festival in 2012. Leasen is very pleased to be a part of this production and sends her love to her “familia” and friends! www.leasenalmquist.com

Cole Canzano (Sam)

Cole C. Canzano has a passion for acting, singing and dancing and hopes to become a great actor someday. Over the past four summers, he spent four weeks at the Mid-Summer Theatre Company Summer Program. He has performed with the Gas Lamp Theatre in Beauty and the Beast, Annie and Just So. He has also performed with the CDC Community Theatre in Gypsy, the ATC Studio Production Company of Narnia and with the Montclair Operetta House in Oliver. Other credits include Independent filmFool’s Day with Director Cody Snider, Sesame Street, and a Hess Commercial. He has also taken art classes and piano classes. His parents introduced him to the theatre at the age of five and ever since he has enjoyed performing onstage. His motto is “the sky’s the limit and I will always believe in myself."

Laura Daniel (Pat the Park Ranger)

Winner of the NYMF Award for Outstanding Individual Performance as the title character in The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun, Laura has fallen in love with other "monsters," playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and Sally the Great White Shark's love interest in JAWS The Musical! Other New York credits include playing Judy Garland and Janis Joplin in Hell's Belles, Rita in Lucky Stiff, Kandy in Kaboom at Cherry Lane, and working with F. Murray Abraham in the play, Sin. Laura received the Inland Theatre League Award for Educating Rita and the NYU Craft Award for the lead role in the film Sincerely Yours. Endless love to Robbie, my friends and family, and Table 5.www.lauradaniel.net

Ryan Dietz (Bert)

New York: A Wonderful Life with Brian Stokes Mitchell and Judy Kuhn, Chess with Josh Groban, Illyria & Rites of Passage with the Prospect Theater Company, Star Messengerwith The Talking Band, as well as numerous readings and workshops for Theatreworks, The York, Second Stage, Abingdon Theatre Company, etc. Ryan has also written and performed his solo show, The Box Turtle Incident, about being bullied in middle school, which premiered at The People's Improv Theater. National/International tours include: 1776, All the Great Books (Abridged), and was an original cast member of Disney's Villains Tonight for Disney Creative Entertainment.  Regional credits include: Paper Mill Playhouse, Great Lakes Theater, Cleveland Play House, Riverside Theatre, Northern Stage, Hangar Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre. Film/TV credits include: Celebrity Ghost Stories (Biography Channel),Target Audience (Showtime), The Joke, Office Jam and commercials for Twingings Tea and Virginia Lottery. He is BMMT graduate of Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory. www.RyanDietz.net

Chris Gleim (Chaz)

NYMF: Tess, A New Rock Opera (Alec d'Urberville), Sophia's Fall (Beelzebub). NY Theatre: The Radio City Xmas Spectacular; Junk, A Rock Opera. Appearances at the York Theatre, Naked Angels Workshop Series, and Joe's Pub. National Tours: Jesus Christ Superstar (Peter, u/s for Ted Neeley as Jesus). Regional: Titanic (Barrett), Godspell (Judas), The Threepenny Opera (Street Singer). TV/Film: Boardwalk Empire, All My Children, Blue Bloods, and The Good Shepherd (directed by Robert De Niro)

Leslie Henstock (Cindy)

Leslie is very excited to be a part of her first NYMF show! A Michigan native (but New Yorker for 12 years), Leslie earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. Off-Broadway: Frankenstein (Justine/Agatha u/s and Original Cast Recording). Tours: The Light in the Piazza (Clara u/s), Les Miserables (Cosette), A Christmas Story, The Musical (Mother u/s). Regional Shows include: Kathy in Company, Maria in The Sound of Music, Woman 2 in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. Film/TV: HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Investigation Discovery's Deadly Devotion (Sharon). Founding member of the concert series, People You May Know www.peopleyoumayknowcabaret.com. www.lesliehenstock.com

T. J. Mannix (Arthur, the Sasquatch)

Previous NYMF appearances include: Howe and Hummel (2012), Hurricane (2009), The Piper (2007), and Warrior (2006). T.J. spent the last few years touring with Chicago's The Second City as well as flying over the stage in a fat suit in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. T.J. is a voiceover and commercial actor, appearing in over 80 TV and radio commercials. His television credits include: Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, All My Children, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, and Late Night with Conan O’Brian. T.J. is a comedy improv veteran and the founder/producer of the 5th annual NY Musical Improv Festival  www.NYMIF.com. A proud member of Actor’s Equity, T.J. admits to spending a very dark year as a Mouseketeer.

Don Meehan (Zeke)

Off Broadway: Play Dead, Drama Desk nominated one-man show, Directed by Teller (Penn &); Vieux Carre, Nightingale u/s Pearl Theatre, (Austin Pendleton/Director); Regional credits: To Kill a Mockingbird at NJ Shakespeare; Frankenstein – A Rock Musical (Alphonse), Ontario Canada; European production of  Fame – The Musical(Myers); Best Actor Nominee in Strawberry One-Act Festival; Threepenny Opera - NJ Shakespeare; A Christmas Carol (Scrooge) Jenny Wiley Theatre, KY; Footloose (Shaw), Phoenix, AZ;  Film/TV: The Men Who Built America (Thomas Scott), As The World Turns; House Of Cards, new NBC Pilot Believe, A&E’s The Fugitive Chronicles, and the upcoming Love, Lies and Seeta.

Patrick John Moran (Chris the Seismologist)

Originally from New Jersey, Patrick received a BA from Greensboro College and a Master’s degree from UCF. Favorite credits: William Morris Barfeè in The 25th Annual...Spelling Bee (Broadway in Chicago), Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha (Flat Rock Playhouse), Norman Bulansky in The Boys Next Door (Identity Theater), Nicely-Nicely in Guys and Dolls (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre). He also wrote/starred in a 2-man show entitled A 16 Bar Cut: The History of American Musical Theatre. He would like to thank everyone and anyone willing to financially support him over the next few years.

Laura Oldham (Dakota)

Laura Oldham is thrilled to be a part of Sasquatched! The Musical. Some of Laura’s favorite quirky roles include Stubb in Moby Dick: the Musical!, Kazoo Girl in Bawdy!(www.bawdyshow.com), and a singing/dancing polar bear with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Much love to mom, dad, and Morgan.

Jonathan Randell Silver (Steve)

Jonathan is thrilled to be back in NYMF!  Last time he played Harpo in the award winning NYMF production of the new Marx Brothers musical The Most Ridiculous Thing You Ever Hoid!  Other recent theater credits include: The Marathon (Ensemble Studio Theatre); Shear Madness! (Charles Playhouse); The Fantasticks! (Long Wharf Theatre); Robin Hood Prince of... Monsters! (Irondale Theater); Charlotte's Web(TheatreWorks USA); Under Milk Wood, Threepenny Opera (Williamstown); Peter Pan & Wendy (A.R.T.); The Lower Depths (Connelly). Film/TV credits include: Rover (fall release); Mary & Louise (fall release); Keeping the Faith; Jack; Dear John; Bored To Death; and Royal Pains. www.jonathanrandellsilver.com

Billy Clark Taylor (Jim)

Billy Clark Taylor is excited to be a part of Sasquatched! The Musical. This show marks his fourth appearance in the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Other NYC credits include work with the West Village Musical Theatre Festival, Musicals Tonight, Inside Broadway, Emerging Artists Theatre, and NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Billy’s voice can be heard on P.S. Classics’ recordings of Vernon Duke’s Sweet Little Devil and George Gershwin’s Sweet Bye and Bye. Favorite roles include Dan Goodman in Next to Normal, Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden, Fred Graham/Petruchio in Kiss Me Kate, and Man 2 in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Billy is a proud member of Actor’s Equity.

Donald Brenner (Director/ Choreographer)

Directed the NYMF production of the new Marx Brothers’ Musical, The Most Ridiculous Thing You Ever Hoid which won the NYMF Award of Excellence in 2010. Other Off-Broadway productions include Emmy Award Winner Sherman Yellen's December Foolsand Mike Vogel’s March Madness at Abingdon Theatre Company, Joanne Sydney Lessner’s Critical Mass at the Lion Theatre, and A Tale of Two Cities at the Mint Theatre. He directed an original adaptation of Ali Baba at Lincoln Center, and the world premiere of Beyond Gravity by Ruth Wolff at New Jersey Repertory Company. His over seventy regional theater directing credits include Jeffrey Hatcher’s Wilde Goes West for the Pioneer Theatre in Salt Lake City and The Gym at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Other regional credits include The Light in the Piazza, Philadelphia, Here I Come! and Our Town. His production of 1776 was named one of the "Top San Diego Productions of the Year" by PBS and earned him a "Best Direction of a Musical" Robby Award Nomination. Recently, he directed and adapted the stage version of The Christmas Sweater for a sold out national tour.

Joshua Zecher-Ross (Musical Director)

Joshua is thrilled to join the Sasquatched! family.  Joshua’s New York credits include Ludo’s Broken Bride: A Rock Opera (conductor) at the Ars Nova ANT Fest 2013. The Little Theatre on the Square (Sullivan, IL): over 25 productions as resident musical director and artistic director including the 2010, 2011, and 2012 summer seasons, as well as Pete ‘n’ Keely, White Christmas, and most recently, Les Miserables. He also created new musical arrangements for the 2011 and 2012 Little Theatre Christmas Shows and Baggy Pants Burlesque, and is the composer of the children’s musicalRescuing Rapunzel. Cohoes Music Hall (Albany, NY): 20 productions includingDreamgirls, Cats, The Full Monty, The Producers, The Mikado, Sweeney Todd, andDames at Sea. Mac-Haydn Theatre (Chatham, NY): Over 25 shows onstage and in the orchestra pit including Crazy for You, Sweet Charity, A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, and 110 in the Shade. Upcoming: Next Thing You Know at TriArts (Sharon, CT). Joshua is a vocal coach and accompanist in New York and is a proud graduate of the program in Vocal Performance at the Steinhardt School at New York University. Many thanks to Phil, Jules, and Donald, and love, as always, to Mom and Dad.

Andrew Lu (Scenic, Lighting and Props Design)

Andrew Lu is a New York-based set and lighting designer for theater, dance and performance art. He has worked with some of the most celebrated and award winning artists and theater companies in the United States and Canada. He specializes in cultivating and designing new original works in world premiere performances on stages across the United States and Canada including New York City, San Francisco and Toronto. In a recent review, the New York Times said of Andrew's design, “The unabashed star of the production is the striking design . . . a giant tangled tree, built of seemingly endless ropes, transform the Abingdon Theatre Company’s black box theater into another world — perhaps one where plays meet their full potential.” Andrew earned his MFA in design from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Kima Baffour (Costume Design)

Kima is presently based in NYC after working extensively in London. While there, she created the costumes for the feature film Internal which will be screened at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.  London costume designs include the promenade opera The Secret Consul andThe Importance of Being Earnest, music videos for many local London artists inclduing "Coco Channel"  by Tina Barrett, "Make the Call" by Camo and Krooked ft TC, "Sheer Heart Attack"  by the renowned Queen Tribute Band -The Bohemians. She co-designed Upper Lip and American Star at New York's East Village Theater for the New City.  Her styling work has been featured in Italian Vanity Fair. Kima would like to thank her family for all their love and support.

Telba Cavero (Make-up Design)

Telba has a BFA in Theatre (concentration in Performance and Directing) from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She is currently working for City Harvest as a Spanish Interpreter and translator. This is her first time collaborating with NYMF. She is excited to be part of the team for Sasquatched! The Musical!

David Cohen (Stage Manager)

David is glad to be in the woods with Sasquatched! The Musical. His Broadway credits include: The Normal Heart and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Additional venue credits include: Georgia Shakespeare, Lees-McRae College, The Juilliard School, Holland American Cruise Lines, World Science Fair, Interactive Media Labs and Food Play! Much love to Jimmy and the pack, and many thanks to the cast and crew.

Stanley Ralph III (Assistant Stage Manager)

Stanley hails from Long Island, New York, and has been working as a Stage Manager for over ten years. He has worked the New York Musical Theater Festival, the New York Fringe Festival, the West Village Musical Theater Festival, and many Off-Broadway and Off Off-Broadway venues. Various theatre tours has taken him around the world to many countries and now it has taken him back to NYMF.

Jules Darg (Producer)

Jules received her B.A. in Theater/Speech and has over 15 years of formal training in piano and voice which led to her love of musicals. Favorite roles include: Nancy (Oliver!), Susan (All American), Reno (Anything Goes), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors), Philia (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Wife (Rashomon), and Karen (Speed the Plow). Past work projects include planning, promotion, and management for visiting film artists, including film directors Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air), Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven, Mildred Pierce), and Ali Selim (Sweetland), and also coordinating independent film festivals at the University of Minnesota. She has earned a Master of Science degree and is currently completing her Ph.D. Jules is delighted to co-produce this show along with her partner, Phil Darg, and is proud to be part of this amazing, creative team for the world premiere of Sasquatched! The Musical.

Gordon Green (Assistant Music Director)

Gordon is a conductor, pianist, bassist, and composer originally from Atlanta, GA. He graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University in 2008 and earned a B.M. in Composition. With a minor in Conducting and a concentration in Bass performance, Mr. Green has built the foundation for a varied career. In addition to music directing, he has played bass and guitar in numerous musicals in Atlanta, Baltimore, and New York. When he is not conducting or composing, Mr. Green is also a private instructor for guitar, bass, cello and piano in New York, and is very excited to be participating in his first NYMF show!

Deepika Mirchandani (Production Assistant)

Deepika Mirchandani is a Vice President for Global Compliance with a leading U.S.-based bank. She holds over ten years of international banking experience specializing in transition of businesses across international locations and change management with compliance and operations as her major streams. Rising from a family which had theater, literature, music and arts as their first love, Deepika was strongly influenced to remain involved with the arts. Sasquatched! The Musical will be her debut at NYMF and certainly a beginning to many more events!

Jenny Prada (Producer's Representative)

Jenny is currently a consultant and arts producer of Estrata, a dynamic  production company based in Lima, Peru, which specializes in  musicals and workshops with talent and performing arts organizations from New York and Lima. She has collaborated with the New York Latino Film Festival, HBO, The Food Network, Food & Wine Festival, Tribeca, Fringe Festival, and NY-Teatro Stage Fest. This will be her second year with NYMF. Jenny is working on the creation of Broadway Live: One Night in New York, a cabaret-style concert inspired in New York with songs from beloved musicals completely in Spanish.

Mark Dundas Woods (Dramaturg)

Mark has worked for New Professional Theatre since 2000, and for the New York Musical Theatre Festival on the shows Marrying Meg (Mark Robertson, 2009), The Great Unknown (William Hauptman/Jim Wann, 2010), Man of Rock (Daniel Heath/Kenneth Flagg, 2011), and Living With Henry (Christopher Wilson 2012). His reviews and articles have been featured in Backstage and American Theatre, and his features and news blurbs appear regularly on the entertainment websitewww.SimplyShowbiz.com which he co-founded with Michael Roman in 2010. Mark is a graduate of the Columbia University MFA program in dramaturgy.