Download Playbill - Running To Places

Our Dear Audience,
Into the Woods marks the close of our 6th season. The play tells the story of wishes coming true,
dreams becoming real. It seems like only yesterday that Running to Places was only a dream, and we
thank each of you for helping us turn it into a reality. We’re so glad you’re along for the ride.
We’ll be launching into the new season in no time flat. Auditions begin in a few short weeks (see
below for details). For anyone who would like to join in the fun but feels unsure of how to begin, we
have good news. R2P veteran Sari Koppel (who you’ll see tonight as The Baker’s Wife) is offering a
two-part audition workshop August 26th and 28th to help you know what to do for every step of the
process. We promise that we are the friendliest audition room you’ll ever come across – no one is
cheering more whole-heartedly for you than us. You can do it – and bring some friends, too!
We’re constantly looking for new folks to come and play with us. If you are or if you know someone
who would love to make some new friends, learn new skills, and have a great time doing theatre,
make a note of those audition dates. We hope to see you soon!
Gail Belokur and Joey Steinhagen
INTO THE WOODS
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick Original Broadway production by
Heidi Landesman Rocco Landesman Rick Steiner M. Anthony Fisher Frederic H. Mayerson Jujamcyn Theaters Originally produced by the Old Globe Theater, San Diego, Ca. CAST OF CHARACTERS
THE BAKER .....................................................................................................Josiah Rawlings
THE BAKER'S WIFE .................................................................................................Sari Koppel
CINDERELLA ...................................................................................................Bretana Turkon
CINDERELLA'S MOTHER ...................................................................................Sophia Tantillo
CINDERELLA'S PRINCE.........................................................................................Will Westlake
CINDERELLA'S STEPMOTHER ...............................................................................Ariana Rivera
FLORIDA ............................................................................................................Loie Faulkner
GRANNY/BROWN COW/GIANT .............................................................................Hanalei Berg
JACK ............................................................................................................Matthew Skrovan
JACK'S MOTHER .................................................................................................Ellen Shockey
LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD .....................................................................................Keara Byron
LUCINDA.............................................................................................................Lisa Podulka
MILKY WHITE ...........................................................................................Maddie Vandenberg
MYSTERIOUS MAN ...............................................................................................Caleb Harris
NARRATOR .....................................................................................................Malama Sokoni
RAPUNZEL ..................................................................................................Charlotte Senders
RAPUNZEL'S PRINCE ...............................................................................................Matt Avery
SLEEPING BEAUTY ..............................................................................................Emma Plotkin
SNOW WHITE ...................................................................................................Sophia Tantillo
THE WITCH ...........................................................................................................Allie Young
WOLF ............................................................................................................St John Faulkner
SYNOPSIS OF MUSICAL NUMBERS
When: Once Upon a Time
Where: Just Outside of and Into the Woods
ACT 1
Scene 1:
Act One Prologue ............................................................................Narrator and Company
Scene 2:
Cinderella at the Grave ........................................................Cinderella, Cinderella's Mother
Hello, Little Girl ...................................................................Wolf and Little Red Ridinghood
The Spell is On My House (Reprise) ..................................................Baker and Baker's Wife
I Guess This is Goodbye ...............................................................................................Jack
Maybe They're Magic .......................................................................Baker and Baker's Wife
Maybe They're Magic (Reprise) ...................................................................................Baker
I Know Things Now............................................................................Little Red Ridinghood
A Very Nice Prince.....................................................................Cinderella and Baker's Wife
First Midnight.......................................................................................................Company
Scene 3:
Giants in the Sky ..........................................................................................................Jack
Agony ..................................................................Cinderella's Prince and Rapunzel's Prince
A Very Nice Prince (Reprise).......................................................Cinderella and Baker's Wife
It Takes Two ....................................................................................Baker and Baker's Wife
Second Midnight ..................................................................................................Company
Scene 4:
Stay with Me.........................................................................................Rapunzel and Witch
On the Steps of the Palace...................................................................................Cinderella
Scene 5:
Act One Finale .....................................................................................................Company
~ There will be a 15 minute intermission ~
ACT 2
Scene 1:
Act Two Prologue ............................................................................Narrator and Company
Scene 2:
Agony (Reprise)....................................................Cinderella's Prince and Rapunzel's Prince
Witch's Lament...........................................................................................................Witch
Any Moment (Part 1).....................................................Cinderella's Prince and Baker's Wife
Any Moment (Part 2).....................................................Cinderella's Prince and Baker's Wife
Moments in the Woods ....................................................................................Baker's Wife
Your Fault .....................................Jack, Baker, Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood and Witch
Last Midnight .............................................................................................................Witch
No More .....................................................................................Baker and Mysterious Man
No One is Alone (Part 1) .............................................Cinderella and Little Red Ridinghood
No One is Alone (Part 2)...........................Cinderella, Baker, Little Red Ridinghood and Jack
Act Two Finale .....................................................................................................Company
ARTISTIC TEAM
Director .........................................................................................................Joey Steinhagen
Music Director ..................................................................................................Jeremy Pletter
Choreographer ..................................................................................................Emily Loewus
Producer..............................................................................................................Gail Belokur
Scenic Designer .............................................................................................David Arsenault
Lighting Designer .............................................................................................Tyler M. Perry
Assistant Music Director/Pianist ........................................................................Michael Wade
Costume Designer ......................................................................................Charlotte Senders
Costume Design based on the original concept for Running to Places by Gregg Houck
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Stage Manager/Costumes Mentor ......................................................Gail Belokur
Technical Director/Sound Mentor ..................................................................Michael Garrett
Rehearsal Stage Manager ................................................................................Sophia Tantillo
Assistant Stage Manager .....................................................................................Kalil Hendel
Scenic Charge Artist ..........................................................................................Kristen Isham
Master Electrician..............................................................................................Greg McGrath
Light Board Operator/Master Carpenter ........................................................Michael Belokur
Propsmaster and Sound Cue Design...............................................................Joey Steinhagen
Sound Engineers ......................................................................Jay Hamilton, Lincoln Brennan
Specialty Hair and Makeup................................................................................J. Ellen Gainor
Production Assistants/Fly Crew ....................................................Adrian Clavel, Laurel Wolfe
Spot Operators ...........................................................................Ari Cummings, Jewell Payne
Costumes Crew .............................................................................Leslie Byron, Sue DeNapoli
Scenery Crew ............................Allie Young, Bill Podulka, Bretana Turkon, Charlotte Senders,
David Faulkner, Ellen Shockey, John Skrovan, Lori Yelensky, Keara Byron,
Mikayla Rhoades, Nancy Neumann, Richie Berg, Sophia Tantillo
Electrics Crew ..............................Bretana Turkon, Caleb Harris, Laurel Wolfe, Sophia Tantillo
Wardrobe Supervisor .........................................................................................Emma Plotkin
Publicity Chair.....................................................................................................Linda Glaser
Concessions Manager .......................................................................................Kristen Isham
Program.........................................................................................................Joey Steinhagen
ORCHESTRA
Piano .....................................................................................................................Mike Wade
Percussion .....................................................................................................Keegan Sheehy
Bassoon ......................................................................................................Amanda Nauseef
Trumpet............................................................................................................Paul Schwartz
French Horn 1 ............................................................................................Emma Staudacher
French Horn 2 .................................................................................................Alyssa A'Hearn
Oboe..........................................................................................................Chloe Washington
Flute/Piccolo ..............................................................................................Savannah Clayton
Synthesizer ..................................................................................................Anthony DeLuca
RUNNING TO PLACES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Leslie Byron, Kelly A. Damm, Dick Furnas, Heidi Goldstein, Linda Harris, Gregg Houck,
Lilly Westbrook. Ex Officio: Jack Goldstein, Jerry Dietz
RUNNING TO PLACES STAFF
Gail Belokur .................................................................................Producing Artistic Director
Joey Steinhagen .............................................................................Founding Artistic Director
Kristen Isham .......................................................Assistant to the Producing Artistic Director
Linda Harris ................................................................................................Finance Manager
Tyler M. Perry ............................................................................................Resident Designer
Steve Kern ..................................................................................................Graphic Designer
Sharon Nelson ..........................................................................................Company Manager
SPECIAL THANKS
State College Area High School Thespians, Jill Campbell, Julie Snyder, Meredith LeRoy, Leslie
Byron, Jerry Dietz, Joe Wilensky, Lilly Westbrook, Bill Podulka, David Faulkner, Lilly
Westbrook, Ithaca College Theatre Arts, David Brown, Steve Brookhouse, Ithaca High School,
George Belokur, NY Pizzeria, Shortstop Deli, Dunkin’ Donuts, Colin Stewart, Shakespeare in
the Basement, Linda Glaser, Alice Churchill, Richie Berg, Paula Turkon, Nancy Neumann, Bob
and Linda Harris, Friends of R2P
BIOS
ALLIE YOUNG (Witch): Allie will be a senior at Dryden High School (DHS) and is thrilled to be
participating in her 11th show with R2P. You may have seen her last year in R2P's Urinetown
as “Pennywise,” or as “Nancy” in DHS's production of Oliver! She would like to thank the
production crew and directing staff for bringing this show to life with all their incredible
hard work. She also would like to thank her parents and sister for the driving, sacrifice, and
support that made this show particularly important to her. Last but most certainly not least,
she would like to thank this cast for making her family grow by 22 amazing people.
ARIANA RIVERA (Stepmother): Ariana is a rising sophomore at School of the Arts in
Rochester and is looking forward to performing at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland
next summer. She is thrilled to be in her 7th R2P show. Favorite roles include “Lucy” in
Avenue Q, “Nancy” in Oliver!, “Mazie” in Seussical, and “Madame De La Grand Bouche” (the
wardrobe) in Beauty and the Beast. She is currently playing “Dorothy” in The Wiz at Hangar
Theatre. Other shows include Peter Pan, State Fair, Joseph ... Dreamcoat, Singing in the
Rain, and Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr. Ariana enjoys singing, dancing, watching YouTube, and
hanging out with friends. She thanks R2P for letting her spend the summer with them. She
also thanks her friends and family for all their love and support. “Enjoy the show!”
BRETANA TURKON (Cinderella) is so inconceivably excited to be in Into The Woods! This is
Bretana's 16th production with R2P! "This has been one of the most ridiculous rehearsal
processes; everyone has worked so hard and had tons of fun along the way. I would like to
say a big thanks to my parents, to Sharon Costianes, to Erica Steinhagen, to EVERYONE on
the unbelievably dedicated production team, and to the insanely talented cast! 'I wish!'"
CALEB HARRIS (Mysterious Man): As I am writing my last R2P bio, I am struck by the amount of
pure, selfless love that exists in this massive extended family I have grown to call my own over the
past six years. Ours is a company unlike any other, and it is because of the people that it is so. The
casts are incredibly hard-working and have a drive and motivation rarely seen in kids our age. I have
known Joey for over ten years now, starting with an Improv class at the IYB when I was about five.
Getting to work, laugh, play, and simply be in the presence of this man while he is teaching and
mentoring is an incredible pleasure. Gail is a formidable force of love and caring; to watch her work
is to watch a master of the craft. Being mentored by and learning from Gail has been one of the
most incredible things I have ever had the chance to do. I love this company with all my heart and I
hope that when I come back in later years, I will be able to say "Yeah, I helped start this."
CHARLOTTE SENDERS (Rapunzel) is a senior at Trumansburg High School and has been
performing with R2P since she was 11. She is currently president and artistic director of
Shakespeare in the Basement, and has performed with Trumansburg High School, the Kitchen
Theatre, and the Hangar Theatre. When she's not performing or studying, Charlotte plays the bass
clarinet and sews things on her bedroom floor. She would like to thank her wonderful family for
supporting her in everything, her fab cross country team for glitter and being fab, Grace for
animal noises and chicken wings, Erica Steinhagen and Sharon Costianes for being the best voice
mamas she could wish for, and the entire cast and crew of Woods for making a wish come true!
DAVID L. ARSENAULT (Scenic Design): R2P: The Wedding Singer, Urinetown, Oklahoma! (lighting),
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Romeo & Juliet (lighting), Charlie Brown (lighting). Kitchen Theatre: The
Whipping Man, Mrs. Mannerly, Broke-ology, Call Me Waldo, and Mary's Wedding, among others.
Merry-Go-Round: My Fair Lady and Hank Williams: Lost Highway (upcoming). Ithaca College:
Children of Eden, Floyd Collins, Metamorphoses (lighting). Among many world premieres, recent
NYC productions include: Unlock'd, I Wanna Destroy You, The Real Thing, Methtacular!, As Wide As I
Can See, The Eyes of Others, Call Me Waldo, A Charity Case, Friends and Relations, and Broadway
Bares: Happy Endings. His design for First Prize by Israela Margalit was nominated for the 2011
Hewes Design Award. David is a graduate of Ithaca College. www.davidarsenaultdesign.com
ELLEN SHOCKEY (Jack's Mother) is a rising senior at Ithaca High School and will be applying to
college musical theater programs this fall. This is Ellen's 3rd R2P show; past R2P roles include
“Mrs. Fezziwig” in A Christmas Carol and a “Council Dancer” in Hairspray. Other favorite roles
include “Juror 3” in Twelve Angry Men at IHS, “Penny” in Dr. Horrible ... with Take Ten, and “Ado
Annie” in Oklahoma! at DeWitt Middle School. Ellen would like to thank the cast and crew for
making this such a great experience, Joey and Gail for giving her this great opportunity (it's a
Sondheim show!), her mom and sister Hannah for getting her to and from rehearsal, and her
brother Eli for suffering through all those practice sessions at home. "I love you, guys!"
EMILY LOEWUS (Choreographer) is pursuing a BFA in acting at Ithaca College, with a minor in
dance. With R2P, Emily choreographed Annie, Honk, and The Wedding Singer. In A Christmas
Carol, she assisted choreographer Steve Moore and also was Dance Captain. Emily was a Local
Teaching Artist for Camp Broadway! in NYC with director Tony Parise and choreographers Sue
Delano and Cindy Thole. Emily taught tap and jazz dance at French Woods Festival of the
Performing Arts, and assisted jazz/tap teacher Lisa Harvie at Steps on Broadway, where she also
trained in the Pre-Professional Advanced Musical Theater Dance program. Favorite roles include
The Family Fiorelli (“Lena”) at the York Theater in NYC, Hate Street (“Hannah”) at the Manhattan
Repertory Theatre, The Crucible (“Abigail Williams”) at French Woods Festival, The Tempest
(“Ariel”) at Poly Prep Country Day School, Reasons to be Pretty (“Steph”) at Connecticut College,
and Finian’s Rainbow (“Sharon McLonergan”) at Poly Prep, for which she was awarded the
Gershwin Award in the National High School Musical Theater Awards.
EMMA PLOTKIN (Sleeping Beauty) is so happy to be a part of Into the Woods. After five
wonderful years, this will be her last show with the company. Her favorite roles include
“Lucienne” in A Flea in Her Ear (French Woods), “Dotty” in Noises Off! (R2P), and “Catherine” in
Proof (NYSSSA). Emma will attend Bennington College in the fall for theater. She would like to
thank her incredibly supportive family as well as Joey, Gail, and the cast, crew, and whole R2P
family for giving her a place to grow, learn, and most of all, bond with so many amazing people.
FELIX FERNANDEZ-PENNY (Cinderella’s Father): Felix is thrilled to be performing in yet another R2P
production. You may have seen him in other shows, including Honk! (“Ugly”), Hairspray (“Edna”),
and The Wedding Singer (“George”). Felix will be entering his senior year at Ithaca High School this
fall and hopes to continue with vocal and theatrical performance through college. Felix would like to
thank all those who have been instrumental to the production process as well his mother Maria, his
best friend Naomi Powers, and vocal coach Thom Baker for all of their support and care. “Enjoy!”
HANALEI BERG (Granny/Giant/Baby/2nd Cow): Hanalei is thrilled to be part of this fantastic
show with her theater family. Some of her past roles in R2P productions include “Holly” in The
Wedding Singer, “Mrs. Mops/Goodie Dancer” in A Christmas Carol, and “Mrs. Sowerberry” in
Oliver! When not in rehearsal, Hanalei takes lessons with her wonderful voice teacher Sharon,
sings with the Vitamin L chorus, and teaches at Sew Green. She would like to thank Joey,
Emily, Jeremy, and all the people who made this show possible. She also would like to thank
her parents for chauffeuring her to and from rehearsals. “Hope you enjoy the show!”
JEREMY PLETTER (Music Director/Conductor) is a rising senior at Ithaca College majoring in
vocal performance and music education. A proud alumnus of R2P, he performed and worked
backstage in many past shows. Most recently he played “Lockstock” in Urinetown. Jeremy also
recently performed with the Cornell Savoyards, Ithaca College Opera, and the Ithaca College
Light Opera. He finds it such a privilege to be back (and better than ever) with R2P and to work
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with many people from the old days and many new faces, as well. He thanks Gail and Joey for
giving him a shot at making this incredible musical come to life. Most important, he thanks the
cast and crew who have worked way too hard to master this extremely challenging and equally
rewarding musical. “There is no other place where students get an opportunity to perform like
this, and I hope R2P exists for a long time to make sure that happens. Enjoy the show!”
JOSIAH RAWLINGS (Baker): Josiah will be a senior at Ithaca High School this coming year and
loves to play tennis and stay active. Into the Woods is Josiah's fifth R2P production. He has
previously been in Hairspray, Oliver, Oklahoma!, and A Christmas Carol. He is very excited to be
working with the upbeat cast of Into the Woods to put on a great performance. “Enjoy the show!”
KALIL HENDEL (Assistant Stage Manager): This is Kalil's first time as an ASM, second time
as an R2P crewmember, and third R2P show. His previous credits include “Mr. Gatch” in
Ithaca High School's How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, “Benedick” in
Shakespeare in the Basement's Much Ado About Nothing, and a singing jellyfish in third
grade. One time he fit four hard-boiled eggs in his mouth. “Enjoy the show.”
KEARA BYRON (Little Red Ridinghood): Keara is absolutely thrilled to be in this stunning
production and her 12th R2P show! Favorite R2P roles include “Bullfrog” in Honk! (2009),
“Penny” in Hairspray, and “Tiny Tina” in Urinetown (and Little Red will definitely be added). She
also has been in shows through Boynton, Ithaca High School, Shakespeare in the Basement,
Cornell, and Ithaca College. When not in shows, Keara enjoys singing with the Ithaca Children’s
Choir and Vitamin L, playing oboe, dancing, taking voice lessons from her amazing teachers
Sharon and Mary, eating, and hanging out with friends. “I would like to thank Joey, Gail, Emily,
Jeremy, and Mike for giving me this absolutely amazing opportunity; the cast, crew, and pit for
being the most wonderful people on this planet; and my parents for schlepping me everywhere.
I know you’re going to love this show, and ‘Into The Woods to Grandmother’s house we go!’”
LAUREL WOLFE (Spot Operator) is thrilled to be learning the ropes of spotlighting after
participating in over 10 shows with R2P. As a founding member of R2P, her debut was as a
daughter in The Pirates of Penzance and her closing role was “Sophie/Mrs. Pugh” in Annie.
Laurel just graduated from LACS and will attend Oberlin College. She is very sad to be
leaving R2P after all this time and wishes everyone well. She is extremely happy that she is
ending with this show, and going out with a bang! She thanks all the R2P staff for this
wonderful opportunity, her parents for letting her participate, and Charlotte Senders for
telling her about it all those years ago. Laurel hopes you enjoy the show!
LISA PODULKA (Lucinda, Dance Captain): Lisa, a sophomore at Ithaca High School, is
thrilled to be in her 13th R2P show, and this will not be her last! Her favorite role with R2P
was a “rebel” in Urinetown. At Cortland Repertory Theater, she played “Pippa” in Spider’s
Web and was a child ensemble member in Joseph ... Dreamcoat. Recently she was “Ursula”
in Shakespeare in the Basement’s Much Ado About Nothing. Off-stage, she enjoys singing in
Vitamin L, dancing at Cortland Performing Arts, and petting her cats. “Thank you to Mikey,
Jeremy, Gail, Joey, Emily, and everyone else who helped with this production, especially our
assistant stage managers, Sophia and Kalil, and our production assistant, Adrian! Thank
you, also, to Mom and Dad for driving to rehearsals.”
LOIE FAULKNER (Florinda) is a rising sophomore at Ithaca High School. She is beyond ecstatic
to be in her 9th R2P production! You may have seen her recently in the ensemble of The
Wedding Singer, as “Penny” in Honk! as “Cecille” and a “Boylan Sister” in Annie, or as “Mrs.
Cratchit” in A Christmas Carol, all with R2P this season. She would like to thank Rebecca for
all her help, Janet Galvan for being a lifesaver and a constant source of inspiration, her
friends for being the most amazing people on the planet, her family for their constant love,
and all of the directors for bringing this fantastic show to life. “Enjoy the show!”
MADDIE VANDENBERG (Milky White) is so excited to be playing a cow in her 14th show with R2P!
She is a rising junior at Ithaca High School and recently played “Rosie-the-rapping-grandma” in
Wedding Singer and “Ida” in Honk! Favorite past shows include A Christmas Carol (“Fred’s Child”/
Dance Corps), Urinetown (“Rebel”), Hairspray (“LouAnn”), and Music Man (“Gracie Shinn”) with R2P;
How To Succeed In Business … (“Smitty”) with IHS; various shows with the Hangar Theatre’s
Kiddstuff; and Henry V with the Stratford Shakespeare School. Maddie dances at Ithaca Ballet,
plays violin at Ithaca Talent Education, and is a member of Vitamin L. She would like to thank her
voice teacher Sharon Costianes, her parents for being so fantastic, and Joey, Gail, Emily, Jeremy,
Mikey, the ASMs, all the designers, and especially the PHENOMENAL cast members who have
made it so wonderful and enjoyable to come to rehearsal each day! “Enjoy the show!”
MALAMA SOKONI (Narrator) is very excited to be doing his second show with R2P! He has had
so much fun working with everyone involved and he is very eager to perform. He has really
enjoyed doing this show, and he is sure that the audience will love it as much as he does.
MATT AVERY (Rapunzel's Prince) will be a freshman acting major at SUNY Fredonia this fall.
Matt has been a proud member of R2P throughout high school, and some of his most
memorable roles include “Tommy Djilas” in The Music Man, “Prince Charming” in Cinderella, “IQ”
in Hairspray, “Frederick Fellowes/Philip Brent” in Noises Off, and “Will Parker” in Oklahoma! At
Ithaca High School, Matt was “Don/Ensemble” in Babes in Arms, an ensemble member in The
Wiz, “Sid Sorokin” in The Pajama Game, and “J.B. Biggley” in How To Succeed ... In Matt's spare
time he likes to draw, sing, act, walk all over Ithaca, and hang out with friends. Although he is
very excited about college, next year he will miss everyone involved in R2P and participating in
the shows, from the multitude of friends he has made, to the honor of being part of such an
amazingly talented group of professional young adults whom he considers some of his closest
friends. Matt would like to thank his friends and family for all their support and everyone
involved in R2P for all that they have done both for him and for everyone else. “Thank you Joey,
thank you Gail, and thank you to everyone else involved in R2P. And thanks to Emily, Jeremy,
and Mikey, of course. Huge thanks to the rest of the crew and the cast. It's been fun, but now
it's time to go, to watch, to laugh, to cry, to clap, and enjoy ... Into The Woods!”
MATTHEW SKROVAN (Jack) is honored and excited to be part of this amazing cast and to be
putting on such a beautiful show. In the past, Matthew has played more extravagant roles, such as
"The Cat" in R2P's Honk!, but the role of Jack is a new experience for him. It’s by far the deepest
character Matthew has ever played, and it’s been awesome exploring his acting. He thinks that
everyone can relate to Jack and there is so much to learn from his story. “Thank you to the
marvelous cast and production team; this show has been such an amazing journey. Into the
Woods is a beauteous telling of morals, so sit back and enjoy this enchanting Sondheim classic.”
MIKE GARRETT (Sound Designer) has run sound for many concerts, but made his R2P sound
debut with Urinetown. Mike’s interest in theater began at a young age, but it was not until his
junior year of high school that he was introduced to technical theater by his roommate. He
graduated from Cornell University with a degree in animal science, but was most often seen in the
Schwartz Center’s scene shop, where he began as stage carpenter, rising to lighting designer and
eventually technical director for Leonard Bernstein’s Mass in 2009. He also worked as the
productions manager for the Cornell Concert Commission, as well as Slope Day. Mike also served
as the set designer, technical director, and production manager for the Melodramatics Theatre
Company. His love of theatre also has led him to work in concerts, film, and web media.
SARI KOPPEL (Baker’s Wife): My first Sondheim show and my last R2P show all rolled into one.
If you can imagine the rush of emotions I am experiencing right now ... 18 R2P shows ago I was
a typical 7th-grader who really enjoyed this thing called theatre but wanted to be a pediatric
speech pathologist. When I auditioned for the first season with very overdone material, I would
never have guessed that I would end up at an arts boarding school called Interlochen, made my
NYC debut, and decided to pursue a career in musical theatre. R2P has not only changed my
enjoyment of theatre into a deep passion but has given me endless opportunities and support
to extend my artistic abilities. I am even more thankful for the existence of this company and its
amazing mentors because of the enormous family I have gained and the person I have become.
As I “Kiss Today Goodbye” I remind present and future company members of a few things;
make of them what you please: “I’m Crazier Than You,” “No Day But Today,” “This Is The
Moment,” “Anything Goes,” “Always Look On The Bright Side of Life,” “All You Have To Do Is
Shine,” “You’ve Gotta Have Heart,” “Anything Can Happen If You Let It,” “More I Cannot Wish
You,” “Goodbye Until Tomorrow,” “I Will Never Leave You,” and “There’s No Business Like Show
Business.” Thank you, R2P (cast, production team, and anyone involved in R2P’s past, present,
and future). And, as always, thank you to Sharon Costianes, my amazing voice teacher!
SEAMUS HENEHAN (Steward): This is Seamus’ second R2P show. He played numerous roles
(including “President Reagan Impersonator”) in R2P’s production of The Wedding Singer and
was “Sky Masterson” in Trumansburg High School’s performance of Guys and Dolls. Seamus
would like to thank the cast, crew, pit, Joey, Gail, the parents, and everyone else who makes
R2P possible, as it has been a great experience for him. “Enjoy Into the Woods!”
SOPHIA TANTILLO (Assistant Stage Manager/Cinderella’s Mother/Snow White): This is
Sophia's 3rd year and 10th show with R2P! She really has enjoyed this season and was lucky
to be involved with every show. Being both an ASM and cast member of this show has been a
great challenge and so much fun! She thanks the cast for making her feel at home with them,
Charlotte and Gregg for their amazing hard work on the costumes, and the seniors for
making their last R2P show the best one yet, as well as Kalil and the other crew members for
keeping her on track during rehearsals and tech week. A special thanks to Sophia’s family, the
Tburg cast members for carpools, and the entire production team of this show. “Now don’t
stray, or tempt the wolf, or steal from the giant, just go Into the Woods and enjoy the show!
ST JOHN FAULKNER (Wolf) is thrilled to be in his 8th, and final, R2P production. He could
not have asked for a more fantastic show, cast, or production team to wrap up his R2P
journey. He is having a hard time thinking of what to say in his last bio. Ever since Pirates of
Penzance back in 2008, St. John has been constantly shaped by his R2P experiences. Now, 6
years later, R2P has provided him with some of the best friends and times that he has ever
had. He has learned so much about the theatre as a whole. He has met many amazing and
influential people. He has seen passion and dedication come to life. All of this, however,
would not have been acquired without the collaboration necessary to make R2P what it is.
He would like to thank every director, every cast member, every crew member, every parent,
every community member, and anyone else who has helped make R2P become all that it is
today. He hopes that he has left his mark and hopes that you thoroughly enjoy the show!
TYLER M. PERRY (Lighting Designer): See bio in R2P’s Staff section.
WILLIAM WESTLAKE (Cinderella's Prince): Will is very glad to work onstage with R2P for the
third time. A sophomore at Trumansburg High School, Will was most recently on the stage
as “Nathan Detroit” in his high school's production of Guys and Dolls. When not running
around onstage, Will can be found running just about anywhere else. Will hopes you will
enjoy viewing the show as much as he enjoys performing it. Will also would like to thank his
friends, family, and the Ithaca community for their support. RUNNING TO PLACES STAFF
GAIL BELOKUR (Resident Producer and Co-Artistic Director) received her BA in Drama from
Ithaca College and has worked professionally with young people in the performing arts in
Upstate New York for over 20 years. Her wide range of credits include stage managing,
producing, directing and designing (scenic, costume and lighting) for all R2P shows plus dozens
of other plays, musicals and dance recitals for middle and high school students. As founder
and artistic director of New Vine Productions, Gail also taught acting workshops and developed
arts programs for theatre, dance, music and the visual arts before merging this endeavor into
the launching of Running to Places. She is employed full time by the company. Gail shares her
home with husband George, daughter Shauna and son Michael with visits from daughter
Kristen, son-in-law Justin and the most precious grandson of all time (so far), Dominick.
JOEY STEINHAGEN (Resident Director and Co-Artistic Director) has been teaching, acting in,
and directing theatre for young people throughout Tompkins County since 1993. He
received his BFA in Acting from Ithaca College. Over the years, he has directed musicals and
plays at Ithaca and Dryden High Schools, Dryden, Boynton, and Dewitt Middle Schools, for
the Northern Lights Learning Center, and the Hangar Theatre’s Kiddstuff series. Joey has
taught acting at Ithaca College, Cornell, SUNY Cortland, Hangar Theatre’s Next Generation
program, and the Ithaca Youth Bureau. As an actor, Joey has appeared at the Kitchen
Theatre Tony and the Soprano (“Tony,” world premiere), Precious Nonsense (“Pete,” world
premiere), The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow (“Dr. Yakunin”), and We Won’t Pay, We Won’t
Pay (“Luigi”). He is proudest of his favorite production: Aram.
LINDA HARRIS (Finance Manager) As an R2P parent she was, and continues to be, extremely
inspired by the dedication of the founders of R2P. She has observed their positive influence on
our sons and daughters and the enormous amount of personal time they give, all delivered
with never-ending enthusiasm and a smile. When R2P reached the goal of obtaining their nonprofit status (no small feat in itself!) and needed to move forward to prepare to do business
“officially” she gladly volunteered her services to help them set up shop. She brings with her, (in
addition to her enthusiasm and excitement!), over twenty years of finance and administrative
experience. More than ten of those years were in the non-profit sector. Most recently, she spent
several years as a grant and contract Officer for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at
Cornell University and currently works for the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab
of Ornithology as their financial analyst, grant and contract specialist. She looks forward to
working with the rest of the R2P staff and many wonderful volunteers “behind the scenes” and
supporting their hard work and heartfelt efforts for our local youth.
SHARON NELSON (Company Manager) served as vice president-treasurer of campus
activities during her early college years. She enjoyed selecting the campus performers and
working closely with them during show times, and after college went on to be personal
manager-promoter for Jamie Notarthomas (Syracuse singer-songwriter). She appreciates
R2P’s mission because she knows the sense of belonging and the long-term benefits that
come from participating in the arts at an early age. Sharon played clarinet in her high
school’s award-winning, West Genesee Wildcat Marching Band and continues to play today.
She started teaching elementary school in Ithaca in 1997, and currently works with children
as a reading teacher at BJM Elementary School. Sharon thanks Gail and Joey for their theatre
company lessons, her parents for encouraging her in the arts as a child, and her husband,
Mark and three children, Elliott, Roxanne and Corinna for their love and support!
TYLER M. PERRY (Lighting Designer), an NYC-based lighting and scenic designer, received his
BFA in Theatrical Production Arts with concentrations in Lighting and Scenic Design from Ithaca
College. Kitchen Theatre Company: Crooked, Opus (Scenic & Lighting Designer); What I Thought
I Knew, The Motherf**ker with the Hat, The Whipping Man, Frankie and Johnny in ... Lune,
Waiting for Spring, The Mystery of Irma Vep, In the Company of Dancers (Lighting Designer);
Broke-ology (Properties Designer). Ithaca College: The Magic Flute (Scenic Designer); The Light in
the Piazza, How I Learned to Drive (Lighting Designer); among others. R2P: Hairspray, Joseph
and ... Dreamcoat (Scenic and Lighting Designer); A Christmas Carol, Annie, Oklahoma!, Noises
Off, Oliver!, Cinderella (Scenic Designer); The Wedding Singer, Honk, Urinetown (Lighting
Designer). He also has worked extensively as an assistant/associate designer to Steve TenEyck
with such companies as Ithaca College, Kitchen Theatre Co., Hangar Theatre, Merry-Go-Round
Playhouse, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Florida Grand Opera, Mill City Summer Opera,
and the Herson Group, Ltd. Most recently, he interned with Lighting Designer Ken Posner on his
Tony-nominated design for Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. www.tylermperrydesign.com
2012-2013 SEASON DONORS
Thank you to our generous donors-at-large and sponsors!
Sprinter ($1-$99)
Anonymous
Bill Burch
Claudia Fuchs
D. Medina Lasanky
Eileen Hagerty and Andy Foster
Greg Bostwick
James Flanders and Sydney Moise
Janice Grieshaber
John and Alice Linton
John Skrovan and Jennifer Orleans
Maggie and Bill Goldsmith
Mark and Ingrid Zabel
Molly and Barry Adams
Pat and John Gaines
Paul and Jane Cullings
Peter Harriott
Shelley and Nicholas Tarantola
Sis Johnson
Steven and Aimee Bacon
Susanna VanSant
Susan Watkins
Tom and Barbara Dimock
Whole Animal Veterinary Hospice Services
Runners ($100-$149)
Colleen Snow
James and Terry Byrnes
Janice B. Conrad
Karen Powers and Jim Dennis
Lauren O'Connell
Nancy Schrempf
Norma Slocam
Olan and Katie Forker
Pauline and Wayne Cheveriea
Susan Koon
Explorers ($150-$249)
Alan Rose
Take Ten Productions
Adventurers ($250-$349)
June Pollack
Steeplechasers ($500-$999)
David and Diane King in Honor of Gail
Belokur
Lilly and Joseph Westbrook
The Robert G. & Jane V. Engel Foundation in
honor of Joey Steinhagen and Anya Gibian
Marathoners ($1,000-$2,999)
Anonymous
Buttermilk Falls Pediatrics #
Community Arts Partnership
David and Mary Flinn
Dick Furnas
Jessica Casey
Joel and Cathy Zumoff
Rawlings Construction*
Shakespeare in the Basement #
Snug Planet #
Tompkins Trust Company#
Triathlon ($3,000-$4,999)
Inn on Columbia+
Kelly A. Damm, Attorney at Law*
The Helen Thomas Howland Foundation as
Administered by the Community
Foundation of Tompkins County
The Savage Club of Ithaca* #
Pentathlon ($5,000-$9,999)
Anonymous
Linda and Bob Harris
Purity Ice Cream +
Decathlon ($10,000 and up)
CSP Management
Park Foundation
^Season Sponsor
*Show Sponsor
+Exclusive Show Sponsor
#Scholarship Sponsor
The donor list is current through July 25th, 2013. If we have
made an error, please email [email protected]
and accept our sincere apologies.