The Drowsy Chaperone Final Weekend!

Don’t miss the award-winning musical within a comedy, presented by The MAC PLAYERS and accompanied by our accomplished, live orchestra.

TICKETS!

Original Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett, Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag and Jill Furman.

Director Kate Cordaro  |  Musical Director Eric Sayre  |  Choreographer Samantha Amaral   

When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical farce.

With the house lights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.

Hailed by New York Magazine as “The Perfect Broadway Musical,” The Drowsy Chaperone is a masterful meta-musical, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre.

CAST

KEVIN T. MCGEE (The Man in Chair) is so excited to be making his MAC debut in the role of a lifetime! Most recently, Kevin produced, directed and played Scrooge in A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play at the Basie Cinemas! He is very proud to have produced, directed and contributed choreography to Peter and the Starcatcher and Camelot with his production company, Mickey & Judy Productions. Kevin also looks forward to reprising one of his favorite roles, Rick DeMarco in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, this April at the Count Basie Center  for the Arts. Many thanks to the cast, Kate, Kathy, Eric, Rach, Amethyst and everyone at the MAC! Many more thanks to Kevin’s family, especially his Grandpa, who shares his love of musicals and to whom he dedicates this performance! 

MEREDITH BUCHHOLTZ (The Drowsy Chaperone) is thrilled to be making her debut with The MAC Players! With a vast background in both musical theatre and opera, past roles have included Fruma-Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof), Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music), Miss Andrew/Mrs. Corry (Mary Poppins), Dutchess Estonia Dulworth (Nice Work If You Can Get It) and Frau Blucher (Young Frankenstein). Much love to Meredith’s family for their undying love and support.

ELIZABETH MOLFETTO (Janet Van de Graff) is so excited to return to the MAC and perform this dream role! Elizabeth cherished her tours across NJ with the Paper Mill Broadway Show Choir and The Kean University Concert Choir; her favorite theater credits include Legally Blonde (Vivienne), Honeymoon in Vegas (Bea Singer), Chicago (Annie) and Company (Susan). She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support, as well as the production team for letting her “show off”!

RENEE GREEN (Mrs. Tottendale) is thrilled to be performing in her first show at the Middletown Arts Center! Some of her favorite roles include Seussical (Mrs. Mayor), Baby (Lizzie), Barefoot in the Park (Corie) and Play it Again, Sam (Linda). Renee also loves being a full-time photographer and acting teacher at Actors Playground. Thank you to Kate, Eric, and Samantha for this amazing opportunity. Also special thanks to Jim and Jameson for being so supportive and encouraging!

JUSTIN GROSSMAN (Underling) is a resident of Staten Island, NY, and is beyond thrilled to be returning to the Middletown Arts Center stage! Justin’s most recent credits include The Secret Garden (Major Shelly), Fiddler on the Roof (Nachum the Beggar) and Oliver! (Mr. Sowerberry, Knife Grinder). His favorite credits include The Addams Family, Pippin, The Wedding Singer, Starmites, Guys & Dolls, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew. Justin is blessed to share the stage with such a powerhouse of talented actors and actresses. Justin would like to thank his wife and family for their continued love and support.

PATRICK COMEY (Robert Martin) is thrilled to return to the MAC for The Drowsy Chaperone! Previous The MAC Players credits include Shrek The Musical (Shrek), The Addams Family (Fester), Seussical (General Genghis Khan Schmitz) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas). Other favorite credits include Beauty and the Beast (Beast/Prince), Rent (Collins), Into the Woods (Baker), Rock of Ages (Dennis), Bat Boy The Musical (Reverend Hightower/Mrs. Taylor) and The Prom (Trent/ Hawkins). Many thanks to Kate, Rach, Sam, Eric, Amethyst, Kathy, LS, CM, VK and the rest of the cast, crew and The MAC Players community for this incredible experience! @p_comey

BRENDEN KORTENHAUS (George/Dance Captain) is so excited to tap dance his way through The Drowsy Chaperone with this incredible cast and crew! Brenden was last seen on the MAC stage in Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), Legally Blonde (Kyle/Grandmaster Chad), Jesus Christ Superstar (Peter) and Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie/Havana Dancer). He also stage-managed The MAC Players’ productions of The Addams Family, Seussical and The SpongeBob Musical, and has worked as a choreographer for Elf JR. and The Lion King JR. with the MAC Student Theater Academy program. Brenden is a graduate of Villanova University, receiving an M.A. in Theatre and Non-profit Management and a B.S. in Mathematics. He is currently the President of The Premier Theatre Company, as well as a performer since 2008, and a resident director there for the last seven years, having most recently directed Seussical this August, and the upcoming production of “The Prom” this June! Much love to Kate, Sam, Eric, Kathy, Amethyst, Rach, and the cast, crew for this amazing experience!

JUSTIN JAJALLA (Aldolpho) is excited to make his return to the MAC stage as the King of Romance. Past credits include Hair (Woof), The SpongeBob Musical (Mr. Krabs), Seussical (Horton), American Idiot (Johnny) and Be More Chill (Michael). He also is a professional photographer servicing the tristate area. You can find his work at Jajallaphotography.com. Thank you to the production staff, cast, crew and his girlfriend, Colleen. 

COLLEEN GILGAN (Kitty) is ecstatic to be returning to the MAC stage for this incredible production! She was most recently seen as Sister Mary Leo in Villager’s production of Nunsense. Other recent credits include Ride the Cyclone (Jane Doe), Dogfight (Rose Fenny), The SpongeBob Musical (Pearl Krabs) and Seussical (Gertrude McFuzz). When she is not on stage, she is an elementary music teacher. She gives a huge thanks to the production staff, cast, and crew for this experience and opportunity; much love to Mom, Liam and her own King of Romance, Justin, for their support.

JOHN PAUL DURAZZO (Mr. Feldzieg) is thrilled to return to the MAC stage after recently performing in the Fall production of Into the Woods (Narrator/Mysterious Man). Notable credits include Twelfth Night (Malvolio), She Loves Me (Georg Nowack), Jesus Christ Superstar (Caiaphas), The Crucible (Reverend Hale), Next to Normal (Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine) and Bridges of Madison County (Bud Johnson). When not performing, John works in the advertising industry and shares his home with his partner, Rich, and their three dogs. John is excited to work with this talented cast and crew, and would like to thank his partner, family and friends for being his greatest supporters. 

TRISH TYLER (Gangster 1) is thrilled to live out her dream of being a Borscht Belt comedian in dance shoes. Recent credits include Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding (Josephine), Into the Woods (Milky White), Guys and Dolls (General Cartwright), and You Can’t Take It With You (Olga Katrina). Notable Comedy Festivals include the TBS Just for Laughs Festival, Chicago Sketchfest, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and the Del Close Marathon. Training includes Fordham University, La MaMa, The Second City, ComedySportz and The Annoyance. Trish is currently seen with ComedySportz Jersey Shore and the Sketchy Solo Squad. This role is dedicated to her favorite scene partner and drummer – Henry.

JENI STAR (Gangster 2) is thrilled to return to the MAC stage in her third musical, previously seen in Jesus Christ Superstar and The SpongeBob Musical. Big thanks to Kate, Eric and Sam for believing in her as she brings her crazy comedy to this character! Love to her parents and sister, Nikki, for always supporting her; much appreciation to the best vocal coach Jacqui Piro Donovan for pushing her out of her comfort zone. Congrats to this fabulous cast!

JESSICA VINCELLO (Trix) is excited to make her debut on the MAC stage in The Drowsy Chaperone! Past shows include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Christine Colgate), All Shook Up (ensemble), Cabaret (ensemble) and Heathers (ensemble). Thank you to everyone in the cast and crew for their wonderful support throughout this process!

MADISON STEINERT-SANTANGELO (Ensemble) is beyond excited to perform in her sixth show with The MAC Players! Some of her previous MAC credits include The Marvelous Wonderettes (Suzy), Seussical (The Grinch) and most recently, Vivienne in Legally Blonde. Madison is incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to perform in this show alongside her insanely talented castmates. She would like to thank Kate, Eric, Sam, Kathy, Amethyst, Rach and everyone else who helped put on yet another fantastic show, as well as her friends and family for all of their love and support.

KIMBERLY GELFAND (Ensemble) is excited to be back with MAC for the third time after appearing in Guys and Dolls (Society Max/Featured Havana Dancer) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Apostle/Herod Dancer). Other favorite credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Mrs. Potiphar, MSTCOB), Footloose (Ethel McCormick, AfterWork Theater) and The Wedding Singer (Dance Ensemble, Phoenix Productions). Much love to the cast and creative team!

JAZMYNN PEREZ (Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of her first production with MAC! She is an NYU Tisch graduate where she received her BFA in Drama. Some favorite past credits include Natalie (All Shook Up), Cinderella (Into The Woods), Claire (Ordinary Days), Heather (Hands On A Hard Body), Woman 1 (Songs For A New World), Marcy Park (Spelling Bee) and Sandy/Rizzo (Grease) – to name a few. You can catch her next as Nicola in Kinky Boots at Kelsey Theatre in March! She’d like to thank the Drowsy cast and pro staff for welcoming her to their MAC family. Enjoy the show!   

ANNA Y. BLAINE (Ensemble) is a writer, actress and entrepreneur from Long Branch, NJ. She has always had a passion for writing and storytelling. While getting her B.A. in English at Monmouth University, she was cast in a musical production of Sweeney Todd. After college, she performed in an Algonquin Theater production of Guys and Dolls. Since then, she has studied at the prestigious HB Studio and Roger Hendricks Simon Studio in New York City. Anna is thrilled to be a part of the ensemble in The Drowsy Chaperone. This will be her second time in collaboration with the MAC after her one-act play was featured in The MAC One-Act Play-Reading Festival in 2024. Anna thanks MAC Theater Director Kathy Connolly and The Drowsy Chaperone Director Kate Cordaro.

THOMAS FULBROOK (Ensemble/Superintendent) is extremely excited to perform in his first MAC show. Tommy thanks the entire production staff for the opportunity to work on this incredible show! Some of Tommy’s prior roles include Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), American idiot (St Jimmy) and Tommy ( Pinball Wizard/Lover). Tommy would also like to thank his family and his girlfriend for always supporting him.

BRITTANY AHR (ensemble) is excited to perform on the MAC stage again. Recent performances include Ensemble (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Linda (The Wedding Singer, ABOB Productions), Soul Girl/Ensemble (Jesus Christ Superstar, The MAC Players) and Mrs. Cratchitt (A Christmas Carol, Main Street Theatre Company). When she is not acting, she loves to direct the Summer Main Street Theatre Company JR. shows. She would like to thank her brother and sister who are always there for her, her Soggy Owl fam, a Quick 24 and the Thirsties for all the constant support.

NATALIE DUNN (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the MAC stage for one of her all-time favorite shows! Previous credits include Scrooge (Nephew’s Wife), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo) Legally Blonde (Elle’s Mom/Store Manager), Jesus Christ Superstar (Apostle), James and the Giant Peach (Ladybug), Into The Woods (Cinderella’s Mother/Granny/The Giant), The Wizard of Oz (Auntie Em/ Glinda) and The Addams Family (Alice). She wants to thank Kate, E-Money, Sam, Rach, Amethyst and Kathy who make up our stellar production staff here at the MAC. Thank you so much for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. You’ve all helped me grow as a performer and I’m eternally grateful for not only your guidance, but especially your friendship. This cast has truly been a delight to work with and I adore you all. Now, let’s all channel our inner Chaperone and get ready to cause a little chaos, share a lot of laughs and steal a sip of a highball…or two! This one is for you Nicky, I love you forever.

PRODUCTION TEAM

KATE CORDARO (she/her) (Director) Favorite directing credits include Bridge to Terabithia, Narnia, Charlotte’s Web (Play Group Theatre, White Plains NY), and Alice, Eat the Taste, four installments of The Heroes Project, Neverland and Middle School Mysteries for Two River Theater’s education department. In a past life, she was an actor whose favorite roles include Lady Anne in Richard III, Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Dorine in Tartuffe, Mill Worker/Cleaning Woman in Working and Frauline Doktor Mathilde Von Zahnd in The Physicists at Soho Rep, directed by Jake Oliver. Kate studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory and Musical Theater Works through NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She received the 2023 NJ Governor’s Award for Distinguished Service in Theatre Education and Arts Administration. Kate is the Director of Education at Two RIver Theater in Red Bank, NJ. She is happy to work with this stellar group of humans.

RACH PHELAN (Assistant Director) is ecstatic to assistant direct her very first production, and even more excited to do so with The MAC Players. You may have seen her on the MAC stage as Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, Sour Kangaroo in Seussical and Betty Jean in The Marvelous Wonderettes. Rach performs throughout NY and NJ, most recently as Mayor Maggie in Bat Boy with Catalyst Theatre Company. She is a proud recurring cast member of Let’s Broadway NYC IG: @itsrachphelan

ERIC SAYRE (Music Director) is a musician, educator, and arranger from Minneapolis, MN. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from St. Olaf College and an M.M. in Conducting from UW-Madison. Eric has music-directed shows with Playhouse 22, Spotlight Players, Bloomington Civic Theater, St. Olaf College, UW-Madison, and numerous other community and high school theater programs. Recent shows include James and the Giant Peach (Spotlight Players), Jesus Christ Superstar (MAC), and The Toxic Avenger (Playhouse 22). Formerly a high school band director in the Minneapolis Public Schools, he now serves as the Alumni & External Relations Director for Lutheran Summer Music.