Cast
(in order of appearance)
Prologus I, an actor / Pseudolus, slave to Hero…….Robert Yarnall
The Proteans………Lisa Delia, Mark Moody, Eero Vaitkus
Miles Gloriosus, a warrior………..Philip Corso (May 6,13,14,20)
Miles Gloriosus, a warrior………Chris Vallone (May 5,12,19,21)
Domina, wife of Senex……….. Andrea Buergers
Erronius, a citizen of Rome……. Bob Williams*
Senex, a citizen of Rome / Prologus II, an actor……..John Leinung*
Lycus, a buyer and seller of courtesans……….Michael A. Boden
Philia, a virgin…….Emma Hempel*
Hero, son of Senex and Domina…….. Ethan Maslyn
Hysterium, slave to Senex and Domina……… Glen M. Morrice
Tintinabula, a courtesan……….Elizabeth Crew*
Panacea, a courtesan………. Karen Hoben
The Geminae, courtesans……….Emily Schaffer*, Kate Schaffer*
Vibrata, a courtesan…….Laura Seaman
Gymnasia, a courtesan……Connie E. Boden
*Denotes County Players Stage Debut
Synopsis
Sondheim’s joyous, musical romp through Rome has desperate lovers, scheming neighbors and secrets behind every toga.
Broadway’s greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright, Plautus, with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a nonstop laughfest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted, courtesan named Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors and a showgirl or two. This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrific ensemble of comedic actors to shine – “something for everyone, a comedy tonight!”
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opened on Broadway on May 8, 1962, at the Alvin Theatre, and then transferred to the Mark Hellinger Theatre and the Majestic Theatre, where the show closed on August 29, 1964, after 964 performances and 8 previews. It was directed by George Abbott and produced by Hal Prince, with choreography by Jack Cole and uncredited staging and choreography by Robbins. The scenic and costume design was by Tony Walton. The lighting design was by Jean Rosenthal. Along with Zero Mostel, the musical featured a cast of seasoned performers, including Jack Gilford (Mostel’s friend and fellow blacklist member), David Burns, John Carradine, Ruth Kobart, and Raymond Walburn. The young lovers were played by Brian Davies and Preshy Marker. The show won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Actor (Mostel), Best Supporting Actor (Burns), Best Book, and Best Director. The score, Sondheim’s first Broadway production for which he wrote both music and lyrics, did not earn a nomination.
Both Mostel and Gilford re-created their Broadway roles for the 1966 musical film directed by Richard Lester. Leon Greene reprised his West End role (Miles Gloriosus), while Phil Silvers portrayed Lycus, Michael Crawford portrayed Hero, and Michael Hordern played Senex. Buster Keaton made his final film appearance in the role of Erronius.
A revival opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 4, 1972, and closed on August 12, 1972, after 156 performances. Directed by co-author Burt Shevelove the cast starred Phil Silvers as Pseudolus (later replaced by Tom Poston), Lew Parker as Senex, Carl Ballantine as Lycus and Reginald Owen as Erronius. Larry Blyden, who played Hysterium, the role created by Jack Gilford, also co-produced. The show won two Tony Awards, Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Silvers, and Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Blyden.
The musical was revived again with great success in 1996, opening at the St. James Theatre on April 18, 1996, and closing on January 4, 1998, after 715 performances. The cast starred Nathan Lane as Pseudolus (replaced by Whoopi Goldberg and later by David Alan Grier), Mark Linn-Baker as Hysterium, Ernie Sabella as Lycus, Jim Stanek as Hero, Lewis J. Stadlen as Senex, and Cris Groenendaal as Miles Gloriosus. The production was directed by Jerry Zaks, with choreography by Rob Marshall. Lane won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor and the Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Actor in a Musical; the production was nominated for the 1996 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award, Revival of a Musical.
Every actor who has opened in the role of Pseudolus on Broadway (Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, and Nathan Lane) has won a Best Leading Actor Tony Award for his performance.
Time: Two hundred years before the Christian era, a day in the Spring
Place: A street in Rome in front of the houses of Erronius, Senex, and Lycus
“This brazenly retro Broadway musical, inspired by Plautus, is as timeless as comedy itself.”
– Vincent Canby, The New York Times
“The most urbane and literate musical comedy text ever conceived.”
– John Simon, New York magazine
Musical Numbers
ACT ONE
Overture………Orchestra
“Comedy Tonight”……Pseudolus, Company
“Love, I Hear”……..Hero
“Free”……Pseudolus, Hero
“The House of Marcus Lycus”……Lycus, Courtesans
“Lovely”……..Philia, Hero
“Pretty Little Picture”……..Pseudolus, Hero, Philia
“Everybody Ought to Have a Maid”…..Senex, Pseudolus, Hysterium, Lycus
“I’m Calm”…..Hysterium
“Impossible”…….Senex, Hero
“Bring Me My Bride”……Miles Gloriosus, Company
THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION.
ACT TWO
Entr’acte…….Orchestra
“That Dirty Old Man”…….Domina
“That’ll Show Him”……..Philia
“Lovely” (reprise)…….Pseudolus, Hysterium
“Funeral Sequence”…….Pseudolus, Miles Gloriosus, Company
“Comedy Tonight (Finale)”…..Company
Orchestra
Conductor……Roger D’Aquino
Music Director, Keyboard……Joel Flowers
Bass………Don Cooksey
Drums……….Bob Russo
Woodwinds……Kelsey Beyer, Debbie Contini, Alix Janove, Debbie Simons
Trumpets…….John Barath, Myra Lutomski
Trombone…..Dante Marrocco, Michael Roe
Who’s Who
(in alphabetical order, cast then crew)
CONNIE E. BODEN (Gymnasia, Costume Designer) is absolutely thrilled to be part of Forum, both on- and off-stage! Favorite acting credits: Young Frankenstein, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Guys and Dolls (all ENSEMBLE) with County Players and Oliver! (NANCY) with Bamberg, Germany’s, Stable Theater. Favorite costume design credits: It’s Only a Play, The Book of Will, and Seven Keys to Baldpate with County Players and Into the Breeches with The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Connie earned an M.A. in English Literature from Hofstra University and loves working as a docent at the Locus Grove Estate. “Thank you, David, for this fantastic opportunity. Huge thanks to my design team: Kim Barnett, Bobette Collins, Donna Conway, Rosemary Evaul, and Wanda McCarthy. Special thanks to Karen Ustick Eremin for starting us on this costume journey with Forum 2020. Much love to my favorite pimp, Marcus Lycus.”
MICHAEL A. BODEN (Lycus) is honored to be a part of this great production team! He has been a part of multiple County Player productions, both on-stage and as crew. Notable productions include It’s Only a Play (Stage Manager), Young Frankenstein (VILLAGER), Pride and Prejudice (Stage Manager), and The Drowsy Chaperone (FELDZEIG), as well as Kinky Boots (MR. PRICE) with Dutchess Community College Performing Arts and Into the Breeches (Stage Manager) at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Mike teaches history at Dutchess Community College, and served 23 years as an armored cavalryman in the US Army. “Thanks to David for this opportunity and the entire cast and crew for their fantastic work on this show. Love always to Connie. Go Army, Beat Navy!”
ANDREA BUERGERS (Domina) has performed in various venues throughout the Hudson Valley, including County Players, and at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. She is no stranger to Forum having been cast in four different productions of the show, once as a GEMINAE and three times as PHILIA way back when! She has now had enough life experience (seven times around the seven hills!) to have paraded into the role of DOMINA, and is having a grand old time with such a delicious role, knowing that her Greek ancestors are smiling! Andrea is a retired Wappingers Central School District music teacher. She thanks everyone who helped to present this immensely funny show!
PHILIP CORSO (Miles Gloriosus, at certain performances) has worked with numerous theatre organizations over the years throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region. He is happy to be returning to County Players having previous appeared in Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Some of his favorite acting credits include Into The Woods (RAPUNZEL’S PRINCE), Shrek The Musical (PINOCCHIO), The Full Monty (MALCOLM), The Drowsy Chaperone (GEORGE), City of Angels (JIMMY POWERS), Spamalot (SIR GALAHAD), Fiddler on the Roof (MOTEL), You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (SCHROEDER), Camelot (LANCELOT), The Rocky Horror Show (BRAD), A Chorus Line (GREG), Grease (TEEN ANGEL), and No, No, Nanette (TOM TRAINOR). In addition to being on-stage, Philip enjoys directing shows and is the President/Artistic Director of 90 Miles Theatre Company in Ulster County, NY. He would like to thank David, Joel, Denise, Kathy, and this extremely talented cast/crew for a wonderful theater experience.
ELIZABETH CREW [she/her/hers] (Tintinabula) has been seen onstage at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, most recently in the “Howl at the Center” play, Plan 10 from Dutchess County (DELIA). She is a local college professor, and enjoys music, dance, and theatre on the side. “Many thanks to all involved in this amazing show, and for the warm welcome to the theater.” County Players Debut!
LISA DELIA (Protean) is excited to finally be performing in a show in which she was cast three years ago. Since then, she’s branched out as a theatre artist, and made her directorial debut with She Kills Monsters in the Rhinebeck Theatre Society’s New Directors Series in February 2022. She’s currently assistant directing The Prom with RTS, which will open in July. Previous onstage credits include Rent with CENTERStage Productions, Into the Woods (JACK) with The New Deal Creative Arts Center, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (OLIVE) with County Players, and Fun Home (JOAN) with RTS. “As always, thanks to Mom and Dad.”
EMMA HEMPEL [she/her/hers] (Philia) is thrilled to be joining the cast of Forum at County Players. Most recent roles include Jekyll & Hyde (EMMA), Young Frankenstein (INGA), The Wedding Singer (JULIA), Nine (LUISA), Billy Elliot (DEAD MUM), Godspell (CELISSE), and Into the Woods (BAKER’S WIFE). Emma is a frequent cast member at ACME of the Hudson Valley and also works at Starlight Studios playing Elsa, Aurora, Cinderella, Ariel, and Belle. “Thank you to David, Joel, Kathy, Denise, Connie, and the rest of the crew and cast for welcoming me into the family! To Duane, thank you for your endless amounts of love (and patience). To Tara, thank you as always for your support; I couldn’t do this without you! Always for you, Tori.” County Players Debut!
KAREN HOBEN (Panacea) previously performed in County Players productions of Young Frankenstein, Guys and Dolls, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (SOPHIA/ENSEMBLE), and Memphis; Trinity’s production of In the Heights; and Chicago (GO TO HELL KITTY / ENSEMBLE) and Cabaret with The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. She has a vast background in dance and is happy to be part of this show. Love and thanks to her biggest fans, Tim and Liv!
JOHN LEINUNG (Senex, Prologus II) has returned to his first love, treading the boards, after 40 years behind the camera as an editor, cameraman, producer, and voice-over artist. He has previously appeared in The Lion in Winter (HENRY II), Twelve Angry Jurors (JUROR #3), An Enemy of the People (DR. THOMAS STOCKMANN), A Christmas Carol (EBENEEZER SCROOGE), Broken Glass (PHILLIP GELLBURG), A Shayna Maidel (MORDECHAI WEISS), and The Lady and the Clarinet (GEORGE). John’s first appearance in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (PROTEAN) was in college, more years ago than he cares to admit! Thanks to his wife, Elaine, for putting up with the many hours of rehearsal, and to County Players for the opportunity. County Players Debut!
ETHAN MASLYN [they/them/their] (Hero) is excited to make their return to the County Players stage. Some of their other credits from Marist College include The Crucible (GILES COREY), Chicago (ENSEMBLE), and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (TACKABERRY). In addition, they made their County Players debut in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (NICK) back in November. Ethan would like to thank their family and friends who made their path to finding their true passion all the easier. They would also like to extend thanks to the cast and crew of the show for making it such a great experience. Finally, they would like to extend a special thanks to Jen DiTomasso for making them feel like they can take on any challenge.
MARK MOODY (Protean) is excited to perform in his second play with County Players. Previously he played in Young Frankenstein (ENSEMBLE, u/s ZIGGY). Mark is a Diamond Turning Technician at Omega Optical Holdings and has a passion for the theater and singing. Thank you to David Ringwood, our wonderful director, for the opportunity to perform with such a talented cast and crew, to my wife for her understanding and patience during the production schedule, and a special thanks to the County Players community who keep coming to see every show. “We couldn’t do this without your support of the arts!”
GLEN M. MORRICE (Hysterium) is excited to return to County Player’s Main Stage! He most recently participated in CP2 Reader’s Theatre Constellations (NARRATOR 1). Before that, he was in Native Gardens (PABLO) and Young Frankenstein (ENSEMBLE). Other productions include CENTERStage Production’s Rent (BENNY) and The New Deal Creative Art Center’s Arsenic and Old Lace (LT. ROONEY). Glen would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support and willingness to travel seven times around the eastern seaboard.
EMILY SCHAFFER (Geminae I) is excited to be a part of this production! Emily is a junior at John Jay High School, and is very active in theatre throughout the Hudson Valley. Past productions include Into the Woods (WITCH), Carrie (MARGARET), We Will Rock You {SCARAMOUCH), 13: The Musical (PATRICE), Heathers (HEATHER CHANDLER), Head Over Heels (MOPSA), The Lightning Thief (CLARISSE), and Urinetown (PENELOPE PENNYWISE). “Thanks to cast and crew and to her wonderful family and friends!” County Players Debut!
KATE SCHAFFER (Geminae II) is happy to be a part of this production! She is a sophomore at John Jay High School. Kate regularly performs with Beacon Performing Arts Center. Past productions include Legally Blonde (VIVIENNE), Carrie (MARGARET), Grease (ROGER), Shrek the Musical (PIG), and Into the Woods (FLORINDA). Kate would like to thank the cast and crew along with her amazing family and friends! County Players Debut!
LAURA SEAMAN (Vibrata) is performing in her fourth musical with County Players. Previous credits include Young Frankenstein (ENSEMBLE), The Drowsy Chaperone (ENSEMBLE), and Guys and Dolls (MISSOURI MARTIN). Laura is an RN, but it is her background as a dancer that led her to theater. Laura earned a BFA in Dance from SUNY Purchase. She has extensively performed as a modern dancer and is also an accomplished choreographer. Laura is grateful for the opportunity to perform with this talented cast and crew. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
EERO VAITKUS (Protean) first appeared on the County Players stage XXXVI years ago in Fiddler On The Roof (RUSSIAN/VILLAGER), with other favorites over the years including a gang member in West Side Story (BIG DEAL), a cross-dresser in La Cage aux Folles (CAGELLE PHAEDRA), knights in Spamalot (SIR BEDEVERE/BLACK KNIGHT), a piano player in A Charlie Brown Christmas (SCHROEDER), and most recently various characters in Guys and Dolls (JUNIOR, CUBAN HEAD WAITER). Eero has enjoyed riding bicycles for around LX years, and has worked XXXIX years as a programmer at IBM. He would like to thank his wife Tina for her continuing support and encouragement.
CHRIS VALLONE (Miles Gloriosus, at certain performances) is thrilled to be back on stage after an eight-year hiatus! Favorite credits include the title role in Jekyll & Hyde, Carousel (BILLY BIGELOW), The Last Five Years (JAMIE), and The Fantasticks (EL GALLO). “Thanks to David, Kathy, and the cast and crew for making his return to the stage such an enjoyable experience. Special thanks to his wife, Kaitlin, for understanding when he’s never home due to work, rehearsals and his never ending list of hobbies. Enjoy the show!”
BOB WILLIAMS (Erronius) most recently appeared in Pine Plains Stissing Center’s Merry Christmas! You’re Fired! (TOM MILLER). He studies voice with Nancy Theeman and acting with Mary Rotella at Dream Studio in Red Hook, NY. Bob would like to thank his family for their support. Special thanks to his wife Anna, for this great life adventure! He dedicates his performance to the memory of his mother, GiGi, who instilled in him a love of the arts. Bob is so excited to be playing with this wonderful zany cast. He also thanks David Ringwood and the crew for allowing him to enjoy this amazing experience of his County Players Debut!
ROBERT YARNALL (Prologus I, Pseudolus) is thrilled to return to County Players, having played earlier this season in The Book of Will (HENRY CONDELL). An actor and writer for many years in NYC, favorite roles include Angels in America (PRIOR WALTER) and a musical adaptation of Pleasantville (MR. JOHNSON) for which he wrote lyrics. He wrote and co-starred in the satirical musical revue, Political Idol (2008 and 2020), playing and singing as a wide range of politicians. Dedicated to his step-father Tom – always supportive, encouraging, and generous, with a sense of humor that continues to inspire and delight. RobertYarnall.com
Photos by Louisa Vilardi Photography
DAVID J. RINGWOOD (Director) is currently a member of the County Players Board of Governors, and is thrilled to finally bring this County Players revival of Forum to the stage, (The 2020 production was already well into rehearsal when forced to hold due to the pandemic.) He has locally produced and/or directed more than a dozen shows, many at County Players. Since his County Players debut in Company (ROBERT), David has appeared on the Falls Theatre stage many (many) times, most recently in The Book of Will (BEN JONSON). Favorite roles at County Players include: Seven Key To Baldpate (The OWNER), You Can’t Take It With You (MR. KIRBY), Amadeus (JOSEPH II), Spamalot (KING ARTHUR), Aida (ZOSER), and Born Yesterday (ED DEVERY). His County Players director credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Evita. David wishes to thank the dedicated and talented production team, casts (both 2020 and 2023), and crew who contributed to this effort. He is thankful for the opportunity to again be part of theatre magic. David also wishes to thank his children, Liam and Grace, for making him so proud as their dad, and (as always) “April.”
JOEL FLOWERS (Music Director) is a native of Charleston, SC, and has lived in the Hudson Valley since 1994. He worked for many years as an entertainment director for the U.S. Army in Germany, performed in various shows, and accompanied vocalists at such institutions as the Theatre des Westens and the Deutsche Oper in Berlin. Joel also served as musical director for many local community theatre productions in the Hudson Valley including Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, A Chorus Line, Forever Plaid, Jekyll & Hyde, The Full Monty, The World Goes ‘Round, The Last Five Years, My Fair Lady, Aida, Miss Saigon, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Memphis, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Guys and Dolls. He currently teaches music at SUNY Orange in Middletown.
ROGER D’AQUINO (Conductor) is thrilled to be conducting his 11th musical at County Players. He would like to thank the pit for their fine musicianship and dedication, and the cast & crew for all their hard work producing such a fun show. Roger was last seen in the pit orchestra for Young Frankenstein playing multiple instruments. When not at County Players, you can find him playing with The Big Band Sound, The Southern Dutchess Concert Band, or in some pit orchestra somewhere in the Hudson Valley. He is also happy to be traveling the world once again. “A special thanks goes to my wife Linda for putting up with all those nights out.”
JODY COLEMAN (Production Manager) is thrilled to be working with David. She is currently serving as secretary on the County Players Board of Governors, and is usually found working concessions, ushering, or helping in the box office. She would like to thank David and Kathy for making this job so easy, and her husband Paul for all of his support. “The exceptionally talented cast and hardworking crew deserve a standing ovation. Great job!”
KATHRYN BOWMAN (Stage Manager) Favorite stage management credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, August: Osage County, Memphis, The Language Archive, and Seven Keys to Baldpate. She is a retired healthcare warrior. In addition, she serves on the County Players Board of Governors. “Thank you to the cast and crew for volunteering your time and talent to make magic with us. Thanks to David for the faith and Amy for her hard work. Love always to Ralph.” They will have their wedding celebration, which was delayed by COVID-19, during the run of this show.
AMY SCHAFFER (Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to be working on this show, behind the scenes for a change! Most recently she was on-stage in County Player’s productions of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (HONEY), and Young Frankenstein (INGA). “Thanks to a great cast and crew, and to Morgan, Abby, Emily (Geminae I), Kate (Geminae II), and Rebecca for being the best kids that anyone could ask for!!!!”
DENISE WORNELL (Choreographer) is excited to be back at County Players working on her eighth show having previously choreographed Anything Goes, Baby, Pippin, Grease, Cabaret, The Drowsy Chaperone, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other favorites that she has choreographed in the area are Anything Goes, All Shook Up, and Grease at Our Lady of Lourdes High School; Thoroughly Modern Millie, Annie, and The Witches at 90 Miles Theater Company. Denise is a Self-Direction Support Broker and Community Habilitation worker and loves helping people become as independent as possible. She thanks all the people in her life for all of their endless love and support: her mom and dad for all of their encouragement to follow her dreams, her daughter and best friend, Dakota, for all of her support, and finally her biological mom and family, whom she has now met, been welcomed with open arms, and continues to have a wonderful relationship. She is thankful for all the blessings in her life. To the cast and crew, “Here’s to a great show! It’s been wonderful working with all of you! Thank you for the added memories!”
BILL PECKHAM (Set Design) This marks the 100th show on which Bill has served as Set Designer for County Players, spanning over 40 years. Most recently, he designed and built Seven Keys to Baldpate, Almost Maine, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He also has directed and acted in several shows. Bill will be directing and set designing next season’s opener, On Golden Pond. He would like to thank David, Ralph, and crew for all their hard work on this classic, and, of course, Jayne for all her support.
RALPH BOWMAN (Set Construction Head) is thrilled to have been chosen to head construction for this show. He has had an excellent group of builders/collaborators to help get this up and functional for the cast. He thanks David for the trust and patience needed to get this set completed. He thanks his muse, Kathryn, with whom he will be celebrating a delayed wedding during the run of Forum.
MARC SCHROEDER (Lighting Designer) previously designed the lighting for the County Player’s productions of It’s On a Play, Native Gardens, Seven Keys to Baldpate, The Price, Prelude to a Kiss, Pride and Prejudice, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Moonlight and Magnolias, In a Word, The Weir, Yankee Tavern, Our Town, A Christmas Tuna, Guys and Dolls, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Godspell, Marvin’s Room, All My Sons, Doubt, and Of Mice and Men.
MARK WEGLINSKI (Sound Design) is an Emmy Award winning Hudson Valley native professionally credited with the live television musicals Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, The WIZ, Peter Pan, and Sound of Music LIVE! (NBC), and A Christmas Story LIVE! (FOX). Additional shows include Great Performances for WNET-PBS and BroadwayHD.com, Good Morning America (ABC), CMT Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and live coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s 2022 Jubilee and Royal Funeral. Recent local credits include It’s Only a Play, Book of Will, and Young Frankenstein (County Players) and Into the Woods, How to Succeed…, and Chicago (Marist College). Mark thanks the cast, crew, and crowd for consciously choosing to come out for the creative arts in their increasingly chaotic lives. www.verylimitedproductions.com
DANI MASTERSON (Hair & Makeup Design) has been a makeup artist for over 30 years. Her experience in productions on stage, in film, or on television is extensive, including favorites It’s Only a Play, Native Gardens, The Book of Will, Young Frankenstein, Seven Keys to Baldpate, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Spamalot, and Amadeus. County Players and Westchester Broadway Theater have been homes to both her makeup and wig design and expertise. To add to her resume, Dani was awarded Best Hair Design for Broadway World Regional Awards 2019. Not only is she an acclaimed artist, she also added another major accomplishment last year, as she was inducted into the Buglers Hall of Fame. She also aids our Homeland Security forces as a Moulage Specialist, creating hyper-realistic SPFX causalities for mock training for our service men and women.
JIM GRANGER (Set Décor) is overjoyed to be back making theatre at County Players, where he has been involved in many areas: on-stage, painting sets, set décor, and set design. “It has been wonderful working with this great cast and amazing set construction crew.”
NANCY SCRIVNER (Properties) has been happy to be a part of many County Players productions for over 20 years, most recently on Young Frankenstein. “Thank you to David, Kathy, cast, and crew. Thank you, audience members, for being a part of the family.”
STEPHEN SONDHEIM (Composer & Lyricist) wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night (1954), A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1962), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), Company (1970), Follies (1971), A Little Night Music (1973), The Frogs (1974), Pacific Overtures (1976), Sweeney Todd (1979), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sunday In The Park With George (1984), Into The Woods (1987), Assassins (1991), Passion (1994), and Road Show (2008), as well as lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959) and Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965), and additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Anthologies of his work include Side by Side by Sondheim (1976), Marry Me a Little (1981), You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow (1983), Putting It Together (1993/99) and Sondheim on Sondheim (2010). He composed the scores of the films “Stavisky” (1974) and “Reds” (1981) and songs for “Dick Tracy” (1990) and the television production “Evening Primrose” (1966). His collected lyrics with attendant essays have been published in two volumes: “Finishing the Hat” (2010) and “Look, I Made A Hat” (2011). In 2010, Broadway’s Henry Miller’s Theatre was renamed The Stephen Sondheim Theatre in his honor. Stephen Sondheim died in 2021.
BURT SHEVELOVE (Book Co-Author) was born in Newark, New Jersey, graduated from Brown University and received a Master’s degree in theater from Yale. While at Yale, he wrote lyrics for a musical version of Plautus’s Mostellaria and later became the resident director for the Yale Dramatic Association. After serving as an ambulance driver in World War II, he began a career as a writer, director and producer for radio and television, working with such stars as Judy Garland, Red Buttons, Jack Paar, Cyril Richard, Nancy Walker, and Victor Borge; his work won him Emmy and Peabody Awards. His Broadway career began in 1948 with Small Wonder, a revue for which he wrote material, co-produced, and directed. He also directed a revival of Kiss Me Kate (1956), Hallelujah Baby! (1968), No, No, Nanette (1971; he also wrote the book), The Frogs (1974; written with Stephen Sondheim and performed in and around the Yale University pool) and Happy New Year (1980; he also wrote the book). He co-wrote the film, “The Wrong Box,” with Larry Gelbart. Burt Shevelove died in 1982.
LARRY GELBART (Book Co-Author) is a Chicago-born writer and producer who has achieved success for his work in radio, television, film and theater. He began his professional career in the late 1940s, before reaching the age of twenty, writing for such radio shows as The Eddie Cantor Show,” “The Maxwell House Coffee Time with Danny Thomas,” “Duffy’s Tavern,” “Command Performance,” “Jack Carter,” “The Jack Paar Show,” “The Joan Davis Show” and “The Bob Hope Show.” By the early 1950s he had begun writing for television, including “The All-Star Revue,” “The Red Buttons Show,” “Honestly,” “Celeste, “The Patrice Munsel Show,” “Caesar’s Hour” and “The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom”; his television work in the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s includes “The Danny Kaye Show,” “The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine,” the long-running and hugely successful “M*A*S*H,” “Barbara Streisand… and Other Musical Instruments,” “Roll Out!,” and “Karen.” “After M*A*S*H,” and the award-winning HBO television film, “Barbarians at the Gate.” In addition to A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, his work for the theater includes the plays My LA (1950), Sly Fox (1976) and Mastergate (1989); and the musicals The Conquering Hero (1960), One, Two, Three, Four, Five (1988) and City of Angels (1989; which won 6, 1990 Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical and Best Musical). His film work includes “The Notorious Landlady,” “The Thrill of It All,” “The Wrong Box” (co-written with Burt Shevelove), “Not With My Wife, You Don’t,” “The Chastity Belt,” “A Fine Pair,” “Oh, God, Movie, Movie,” “Neighbors,” “Tootsie,” and “Blame It on Rio.” Larry Gelbart died in 2009.
MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
Information in “Who’s Who” is provided by those listed. Any opinions expressed are of the players and not necessarily of County Players.
CREATIVE TEAM & PRODUCTION CREW FOR A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
Director……David J. Ringwood
Music Director……Joel Flowers
Production Manager……Jody Coleman
Stage Manager……..Kathryn Bowman
Assistant Stage Manager……….Amy Schaffer
Choreographer……Denise Wornell
Set Design……..Bill Peckham
Set Décor……….Jim Granger
Set Construction……..Ralph Bowman
Costume Design………Connie E. Boden
Lighting Design……..Marc Schroeder
Sound Design………….Mark Weglinski
Hair & Makeup Design…….Dani Masterson, Lauren Accomando
Properties……….Nancy Scrivner
Set Construction Crew………Vincent Farina, Keith Faucher, John Leinung, Tim Messerich, Bill Peckham, David J. Ringwood, Thomas Schmeelk, Daniel Sims, Jim Steinmeyer, Marcus Suhonen, Alan Thomas, Mark Weglinski, Douglas Woolley, Scott Woolley, Jeff Gershgorn
Costume Crew……..Kim Barnett, Bobette Collins, Donna Conway, Rosemary Evaul, Wanda McCarthy
Lighting Crew………Kevin Barnes, Kim Barnett, Ryan King, Marina Penzner
Audio Engineers/Mixers……..Audra Siegel, Scott Woolley
Publicity/Marketing/Ads………..Joe Pettignano, David J. Ringwood
Publicity Photos and Production Photography……..Louisa Vilardi
Postcards/Programs/Brochure……..Christine Crawfis, Thomas G. Byrne, Stacy Greenspan, Joe Pettignano, Louisa Vilardi
Box Office ……….Julie Eads Woolley, Jeffery Battersby, Laurie Brown, Jody Coleman
House Management…….Jennifer Propfe
COUNTY PLAYERS
BOARD OF GOVERNORS (2022-2023)
President………..Jeffery Battersby
1st Vice President……….Michael A. Boden
2nd Vice President……….Christine E. Crawfis
Secretary………Jody Coleman
Treasurer………….Michael J. Frohnhoefer
Kathryn Bowman
Kit Colbourn
Rosemary Evaul
Dylan Parkin
Joe Pettignano
David J. Ringwood
Mark Weglinski
Jeff Wilson
Honorary Lifetime Members:
Kevin Barnes & Sue Sciacca
Joe & Rachel Cassidy
Dilys Clark
Jody & Paul Coleman
Roger & Linda D’Aquino
Scott Diamond
Peter & Bernice Edman
Therese & William Knight
Tom & Enza Lawrence
Anna Marie Paolercio
Bill & Jayne Peckham
Joe Pettignano
Doug & Sylvia Propfe
John T. Sloper
Jeff Wilson
Douglas & Julie Eads Woolley
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
We would like to extend our thanks to the following foundations, businesses, and institutions who have provided invaluable support.
Hudson Valley Credit Union
Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust
Ralph & Kathryn Bowman
Marshall & Sterling Insurance
Stewart’s Shops
Thomas, Drohan, Waxman, Petigrow & Mayle, LLP
Dutchess ProPrint
2022-2023 SEASON DONORS
The long history and success of County Players is rooted in the people who believe that our work is worthy of their support. Subscribers/Members may choose to support our ongoing work in many ways, including donations. We wish to express our special appreciation to the following Season 65 contributors of $25 and more (list is current as of October 1, 2022).
(*= Current member of County Players Board of Governors; IMO=In Memory Of.)
STARS ($500+)
Philip & Felicia DiNonno
Kevin Robinson
Angels ($200+)
Frances Amelio
Jeffery Battersby*
Ralph & Kathryn* Bowman
Harry & Denise Brace
Paul & Jody* Coleman
Deborah Contini
Christine Crawfis* & Robert Miller
Roger & Linda D’Aquino
Peter & Angela Fatzinger
Michael J. Frohnhoefer*
Tom Halstead
Dick Herodes
Albert Hughes
Robert & Jean Kaminski
Jeffrey Knipe
Dominic & Karen Mazza
Joel & Millie Neuman
Tom & Carol Nolan
Georgette Orlando & David Weaving
Jeanne M. Pagliaro
Eugene & Jewel Ratzlaff
David J. Ringwood* IMO Maria E. McCarthy Ringwood
Benefactors ($100+)
Linda Beasimer
MaryAnn & Mary Beth Boylan
Dilys Clark
Kit Colbourn*
Paul & Amy Dickerman
Michael & Judith Elkin
Keith & Terry Faucher
David & Laura Follis
Leonard & Barbara Greenberg
Bill Jordan
Bill & Doris Kennedy
Alan & Patty Little
Leathem & Ann Mehaffey III
Victor T. Mitchell
Tom & Grace Padworski
Anna Marie Paolercio
Kenneth J. & Stephanie Parchinski
Bill & Jayne Peckham
Joe Pettignano*
Donald & Jacqueline Przytula
Ange Rapa
Arlene Reich
John Reifenberger
James Rockrohr
Michael & Sara Rothman
Elisa Sawall
Janice Shufelt
Margherta Yara
PATRONS ($25+)
Michael & Julie Adamcek
Phyllis J. Alongi
Monica Broadie
John & Betsy Brockway
Laurie Brown
Pat Burbridge
Fred & Michele Cantor
Richard & Kathy Carroll
Richard & Judith Carson
Kayel & Anna Conklin
Tina Das
Susan T. Davis
Ben & Lorraine DeClemente
Kathleen Dispensa
Eileen Doherty
Vincent Eagan
Vincent Farina
Martin & Grete Finkelstein
Gordon & Diane Flayter
Joe Fulton
Joyce Giangrasso
June Gosnell
Brenda Haase
Jean Haight
Leeann Guerrier Haubrich
Gerald & Sheila Hayes
Edward & Pamela Herbst
Michael Hickey
John Hughes
Edwin Joba
Daniel & Anita Jones
Thomas Lachlan
Cheryl Lang
Raymond & Carmen Langevin
Judith Longacre
Deborah Magdalene
Daniel Marron & Karen Meyer
Rosemarie Martini
Alice McCarthy
Katri McEwen
Diane Monahan
Jeanne Paino
Elizabeth S. Pavelka
Wesley Peterson
Carol F. Petvai
Judith Dolan Pretak
Joanne Prunty
Norma Remick
Anthony Risicato
Mary Jo Ross
Eileen Sicina
Patricia Slattery
Janet Shaker
Liz Smith
Linda St. Martin
Joan Svenson
Joseph & Pamela Tarquinio
Rosemary Thorn
Dennis Ullman
Judy Wirges
Nancy Yambem
2022-2023 Individual Donors
Donors may also choose to support our work by making an individual contribution (not associated with a subscription) during our fiscal year. We wish to express our special appreciation to the following individual contributors of $50 and more (list is current as of January 1, 2023).
(*= Current member of County Players Board of Governors; IMO=In Memory Of; IHO=In Honor Of.)
($2,500+)
Anonymous
Thomas G. Byrne
Kevin Robinson
($1,000+)
Denny & Rosemary* Evaul
($500+)
Paul Curran
Phil & Felicia DiNonno
Joel Finkelstein
Joseph Granda
David & Susan Hopper
Daniel Jacobs
Raymond Leduc, Sr.
Sheila Rosewhite
Alan & Rosemary Thomas
($200+)
Michael A.* & Connie E. Boden
Ralph & Kathryn* Bowman
John & Ingrid Collins
Christine Crawfis* & Robert Miller
Ralph Eads
Jack Fedigan
Bradford & Barbara Kendall
John Leinung
Victor T. Mitchell
Donald & Arlene Rider
Michael & Sara Rothman
Tom & Leslie Schmeelk
Douglas & Julie Eads Woolley
($100+)
Kaela Altman
Frances Amelio
Mr. & Mrs. James Barba
The Battersby Family (Jeffery Battersby*)
John & Louise Blakley
Mary Ann & MaryBeth Boylan
Laurie Brown
Craig Patrick Browne
Ann Citron
Kit Colbourn*
Bernice Edman, IMO Peter Edman
Michael & Judith Elkin
Robert Ernest, IMO Carole Ernest
Susan Budson Fink, IMO Allen Fink
John & Marcia Gauquie
Nancy Goetz
Jerry & Sandy Goldberg
Marie Hasenpflug
Eleanor Hopkins, IMO Conrad Remick
Elaine Horstman
Albert Hughes
Margot & John Huntington
Bill & Doris Kennedy
Patty Little
Nancy LoCicero
Jerome Martin
Joshua Matthews
Denise McGinley
Arthur & Cynthia Merryman
Evelyn Morin, IMO Conrad Remick
Robert O’Dowd
Bill & Jayne Peckham
Joe Pettignano*
Jeff Purdy (Aline M. Pirrone)
Nancy Piscitello
Joe & Mary Prior
Lowell Sanders
Elisa Sawall
Barbara Shelley
Ken Straus
Roxanna Synnett
Susan Tribendis, IMO Conrad Remick
Caroline Williams
Jeff Wilson*
Beth Zambito
($50+)
Susan Battersby
Ernie & Jayne Baumbach
John Brockway
Richard & Judith Carson
Carol Chu
Deborah Cohen
Vijay Dalal
Shirl A. Davis-Susser
Ben & Lorraine DeClemente
Paul & Amy Dickerman
Kathleen & Frank Dispensa
Donna Duessel
William & Margaret Enichen
Michael Eisenbaum
Margot Fein, IHO Douglas Woolley & Julie Eads Woolley
Martin & Grete Finkelstein
Michael J. Frohnhoefer
Phil & Robin Fulco
Emily Gallo
Melissa Garza
Joyce Giangrasso
Richard & Shirley Granda
RD & Klara Hamlyn
Marie Hasenpflug
Richard & Lucy Hawkins
Melinda Heady
Mary Hemingway
John Hughes
Nicholas & Jo Johnson
Marjorie Kjellander
Patricia Marsh
Brian Moore
William Neiman
Elizabeth Neubauer
Dennis & Donna O’Brien
Anna Marie Paolercio
Kenneth J. Parchinski
Carol Petvai
Cal & Susan Polikoff
Ange & Bette Rapa
Arlene Reich, IMO Edward Reich
Judith Robbins
Elisa Sawall
Edmond Selby
Thea Schallenberg
Timothy Sennett
Sharon Troucher
Jeanne Valentine-Chase
Vern & Beverly Victoria
Melissa Vieux
Mark Vilanti
Judith Waye, IMO Conrad Remick
Mark Wilson and Lynne Dombroski, IMO Conrad Remick
Hayden Young, IMO Ginny Dickerson
Adopt-A-Seat Donors
Cast & Crew of It’s Only A Play (2023)
Cast & Crew of Native Gardens (2022)
Cast & Crew of Prelude To A Kiss (2021)
Cast & Crew of Pride and Prejudice (2021)
Cast & Crew of Seven Keys to Baldpate (2022)
Cast & Crew of The Price (2021)
Beryl Colbourn
Robert Ernest
Rosemary & Denny Evaul
Robert Fiorentino
Tom Halstead & Karen Brewster
Susan Harvey
Victor T. Mitchell
Joe Prior
Bill & Jayne Peckham
David J. Ringwood
Jeff Wilson
NOTES
NO RECORDING
The use of any audio or video recording device, and the taking of photographs, with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for monetary damages.
FIRE NOTICE
Fire exits are indicated by illuminated signs above the exit doors. In the event of fire or other emergency, please WALK to the nearest exit door.
TURN OFF ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The use of cellular phones, pagers, and other audible or light-emitting electronic devices is an annoyance to your fellow theater-goers and can interfere with our wireless lighting and sound systems. If you are in possession of any of these devices, please ensure they are TURNED OFF, not merely silenced, throughout the performance.
NO SMOKING
County Players Falls Theater is a smoke-free building. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises and within 50 feet of any of the entrances.
Guests expecting EMERGENCY MESSAGES should notify the house manager upon their arrival at the theater.
LATECOMERS will be seated at the discretion of the management at the first appropriate interval on a space available basis.
Restrooms are located in the back of the theater.
Emergency resuscitation equipment (AED) is located behind the refreshment counter in the lobby. County Players is designated a Heartsafe Location by the Dutchess County Commissioner of Health.
PArking is at your own risk. County Players is not responsible for parking tickets, towing fees, or damage incurred to vehicles of patrons. Please obey all parking signs and regulations.
Tickets are non-refundable. We do not accept unpaid reservations. Purchases may be made in advance or call the Box Office or online at countyplayers.org using your MasterCard, VISA, or Discover, by mailing a check at least two weeks prior to a performance.
comments and suggestions are welcomed by County Players. Please direct them to the House Manager who can be located through the Box Office. Policies are subject to change without notice.
Tax Deductible donations
County Players is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 14-6030877). All contributions are deductible to the extent provided by law. County Players deeply appreciates those forward-thinking individuals who include the organization in their financial and estate planning.
