
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Originally Broadway production by
Heidi Landesman
M. Anthony Fisher
Rocco Landesman
Frederic H. Mayerson
Rick Steiner
Jujamcyn Theaters
Originally produced by the Old Globe Theater, San Diego, CA
Any video and/or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited.
INTO THE WOODS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
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CAST
Jonathan Allsop, Rapunzel’s Prince, Steward
August Forman, Narrator/Mysterious Man (also Milky White, Granny and Cinderella’s Father)
Ismael Garcia, Rapunzel, Florinda
Britain Gebhardt, Jack’s Mother, Lucinda
Emily Goldberg, Cinderella’s Stepmother, Mother [through 12/22/24]
Sonia Goldberg, Baker’s Wife
Shea Hopkins, Cinderella’s Prince, Wolf
Madison Kauffman, Cinderella
Gabby Koziol, u/s Little Red
Jackson Mikkelsen, u/s Jack
Halli Morgan, u/s Baker’s Wife/Witch
Kevin Parra, Jack
Michael Penick, u/s Cinderella’s Prince/Rapunzel’s Prince/Steward
Julie Peterson, u/s Cinderella/Rapunzel/Florinda
Elizabeth Rentfro, u/s Jack’s Mother/Stepmother/Cinderella’s Mother/Lucinda
Anna Seibert, Little Red
Evan B Smith, u/s Baker, Narrator
Stephanie Stockstill, Witch
Maiko Terazawa, Cinderella’s Stepmother, Mother [1/2 – 1/12/25]
Kevin Webb, Baker
and Honey West as the voice of The Giant
BAND
Pianists: Ariana Miles & Evelyn Ryan
PRODUCTION TEAM
G “Max” Maxin IV, Lighting Design
Matt Reich, Sound Design
Mike Patrick, Sound Consultant
Jakob Abderhalden, Properties Design/Scenic Decor
G “Max” Maxin IV Scenic Design
Rachel Sypniewski, Costume Design
Syd Genco, Makeup Design
Keith Ryan, Wig Design
Nicholas Reinhart, Production Manager
Shane Roberie, Casting Associate
David Moreland, Technical Director
Lynsy Folckomer, Sound Engineer
Mackenzie Hahn, Sound Engineer
Kendyl Meyer, Stage Manager
Emily Marrazzo, Stage Management Cover
Ethan Colish, Assistant Stage Manager
Mikaley Lane, Assistant Stage Management Cover
Ariana Miles, Evelyn Ryan and Nick Sula, Orchestrators
Jessica Eudy, Costume Assistant
Chels Morgan, Intimacy Choreographer
Ryan Stajmiger, Assistant Director
Jackson Mikkelsen, Master Electrician
Jackson Mikkelsen, RobbyMoe Reeves, Lacey Jack, Zachary Feuling, Electricians
KOKANDY STAFF
Derek Van Barham, Producing Artistic Director Adrian Abel Azevedo, Leda Hoffmann, Artistic Associates Scot Kokandy, Executive Producer Ben Hinc, Technical Consultant David Rosenberg, Public Relations Jeff Meyer, Graphic Designer
Board of Directors: Preston Cropp, Danielle Sparklin, Scot T. Kokandy, Katie Svaicer
Kokandy Productions was founded in 2012 by Allison Hendrix, John Glover, and Scot Kokandy.
COMING NEXT SEASON
CAST BIOS
JONATHAN ALLSOP (Rapunzel’s Prince / Steward)
Jonathan Allsop is excited to be working with Kokandy again for this current season. Some of his theatre credits include: The Hot Wing King (Writers Theatre), American Psycho (Kokandy Productions), Is God Is (A Red Orchid Theatre), one in two (PrideArts Theatre), Cabaret (Parallel 45 Theatre), White (Definition Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival), and Human Resource(s) (Theatre Evolve). He also performs in music improv groups Anarchy: An Improvised Rock Opera, Blank! The Musical (Revival Theater), as well as Phony Award (iO Theater). Jonathan received his MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University. Jonathan is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Website: www.jonathanallsop.com IG: @jonathan.s.allsop
AUGUST FORMAN (Narrator/Mysterious Man, also Milky White, Granny and Cinderella’s Father)
August Forman (they/them) is an actor and playwright based in Chicago. Voice over credits include Disney’s The Owl House. Acting credits include: Rachel Bloom: Death Let Me Do My Show (Steppenwolf); Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Little Shop of Horrors, and Hand to God (Paramount Theatre); Tiny Beautiful Things (Victory Gardens Theater and TheatreSquared); Rutherford and Son (TimeLine Theatre); Romeo and Juliet, Elizabeth Rex, and The Fair Maid of the West (Oak Park Festival Theatre); BIG LOVE ([producingbody]); 9 to 5 (Metropolis); Once Upon a Mattress (Theo Ubique); Plot Points in Our Sexual Development and A Kind of Weather (Diversionary Theatre); Twelfth Night (Midsommer Flight); The Lady Demands Satisfaction (Babes with Blades); and Girl in the Red Corner (Jeff Award for Best Supporting Actor at Broken Nose Theatre). August is represented by Gray Talent Group. Instagram: @forgusgus
ISMAEL GARCIA (Rapunzel/Florinda)
Ismael García (they/he); KOKANDY: Spongebob The Musical (“Patrick”), Sweeney Todd (“Beggar Woman”). OTHER: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (“Yitzhak”, Haven Theater), Sondheim Tribute Revue (Theo Ubique), Never Better (“Cello/Ensemble”, Theo Ubique). “The ability to create in a world where people are fearing for their lives is a privilege they don’t take lightly. Free those suffering at the hands of colonialism – tu lucha es la lucha de todos. Solidaridad para siempre.” They are proud to be represented by Gray Talent Group. Instagram: Operation.Isa
BRITAIN GEBHARDT (Jack’s Mother/Lucinda)
Britain Gebhardt is thrilled to be back on stage with Kokandy; having previously been seen in their production of Head Over Heels as a silly Sheep and the understudy for Queen Gynecia! She most recently appeared as Bessica Feltcher in Murder ReWrote with Hell in a Handbag (Jeff Nomination Principal Performer). Other Chicago credits include Sister Mary in Disaster! (Chicago Theatre Workshop), Sue Snell in Carrie 2: The Rage (Underscore Theater), Queenie in Lippa’s The Wild Party, High Fidelity, Cabaret, and Rent.
EMILY GOLDBERG (Cinderella’s Stepmother/Mother through 12/22/24)
Emily Goldberg (she/her/hers) is thrilled to return to one of her favorite theatre companies in her favorite show! Some previous credits include: Loving Repeating – Jeff Award Nominee (Kokandy), A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder – Jeff Award Nominee (Porchlight Music Theatre), You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Marriott Theatre), Songs For A New World (Theo Ubique), Emma (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Into The Woods (Writers Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Paramount Theatre), The Spitfire Grill – Jeff Award Nominee (Refuge Theatre), Guys & Dolls (Williams Street Rep) Marie Christine, A Little Night Music, Dogfight – Jeff Award Nominee (Boho Theatre), South Pacific (The Orpheum), Amour (Black Button Eyes), Charlotte’s Webb (Drury Lane), Schoolhouse Rock Live (The Broadway Playhouse), Into The Woods (Reagle Music Theatre of Boston), and Oliver (Music Theatre Works.) Emily is happily represented by Big Mouth Talent.
SONIA GOLDBERG (Baker’s Wife)
Sonia Goldberg (she/they) is thrilled to return to Kokandy after making her debut last fall in American Psycho. Sonia is a performer, writer, educator, and a proud Chicago native, here to stay. Recent acting credits include Corduroy, Twelfth Night (SITC), Measure for Measure (Chicago Shakespeare Theater U/S), Pippin (Music Theater Works), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oak Park Festival Theatre), and Once Upon a Mattress (Theo), for which they received a Jeff Award Nomination for Best Performer in a Principal Role. Sonia has also collaborated with Chicago Children’s Theatre, Northlight Theatre, First Floor Theater, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, and many more. As a writer, her TYA choose-your-own-adventure play Think Fast, Jordan Chase! was developed through Filament Theatre’s SPARK program in 2021, which led to its World Premiere in 2023. Sonia was recently chosen as a finalist for Definition Theatre’s New Play Commission, Amplify (Series 4). She works in the education department at Court Theatre, and is a company member with Playmakers Lab. They’ve studied at Butler University, LAMDA, and The Moscow Art Theatre School. Sonia is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent. www.soniagoldberg.com, IG: @soniagoldberg
SHEA HOPKINS (Cinderella’s Prince / Wolf)
Shea Hopkins is happy to be making his Kokandy Debut with the players of Into the Woods. Shea’s first production ever was as a 9 year old in Into the Woods Junior so he is happy to be revisiting the show 14 years later. Shea has been seen recently in The Apple Tree (Porchlight), On the Twentieth Century (Blank Theatre) and Carousel (Musical Theater Works). Shea will like to thank his Mom, Dad, 3 beautiful sisters, their partners, Nephews, Nana, and the rest of his friends and family for all their love and support!
MADISON KAUFFMAN (Cinderella)
Madison Kauffman (she/her) is over the moon to be back at Kokandy. Chicago Credits include: Heathers the Musical (Kokandy Productions); Cinderella (Marriott Theatre), A Little Night Music (Theo Ubique); Comedy of Errors, Sinister, & A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Brigadoon (Music Theater Works); The Secret of My Success & Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Paramount Theatre); NYC & Regional Credits: A Taste of Things to Come (Broadway in Chicago); Numbers Nerds (NYMF), Grease (Casa Manana). BFA Musical Theatre (Millikin University) and is proudly represented by Gray Talent Group. Madison would like to thank the Into the Woods team for this wonderful opportunity, as well as Ben and her family for their endless love and support as she conquers her dreams! Enjoy the show and thank you for supporting live theater!
GABBY KOZIOL (u/s Little Red)
Gabby Sauceda-Koziol (she/her) is thrilled to be working with Kokandy for Into the Woods. A current CCPA senior, majoring in musical theater, is making her professional Chicago debut. Some of her credits include Mrs. Taylor/Rev. Hightower and many more in Bat Boy: The Musical (CCPA) and female ensemble in Spring Awakening (CCPA). A big thanks to her family for always supporting her dream, and to the wonderful individuals in this production for welcoming her with open arms!
JACKSON MIKKELSEN (u/s Jack & Master Electrician)
Jackson Mikkelsen (he/him) hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and is a 2023 graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts @ Roosevelt University. He’s ecstatic to make his Kokandy Productions debut in Into The Woods! Recent Chicago credits include The Snow Queen (Marriott), Ragtime, & The Music Man (Metropolis), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Theo Ubique), Fun Home (Madison Street), The Wild Party (Blank Theatre Company), and The Tempest (Oak Park Festival Theatre). During the day, Jackson is the Resident Lighting Assistant for Roosevelt’s Theatre Conservatory, and for Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre in Evanston. Represented by Talent X Alexander. www.jacksonmikkelsen.com
HALLI MORGAN (u/s Baker’s Wife/Witch)
Halli Morgan is thrilled to be working with Kokandy for the first time! Recent credits include Poor People! (Hell in a Handbag), Measure for Measure (Olde School Shakespeare Collective), and Merrily We Roll Along (Blank Theatre Company). During the day, she runs the Box Office at Chicago Kids Company. Proud Company Member of Blank Theatre Company. Halli would like to thank her future husband, Thomas and her entire family, whose love and support has always gotten her through the woods.
KEVIN PARRA (Jack)
Kevin Parra (He/Him) is thrilled to return to Kokandy Productions! Credits: Swing – Dodgy/Duchess + Nigel/Dormouse in Alice by Heart (Kokandy), Otto/Ulbrecht in Spring Awakening (Flint Repertory Theater), Chip and Leaf u/s in Spelling Bee (Music Theater Works), Sean Bateman in the Jeff Award-winning Chicago Premiere of American Psycho (Kokandy), Judah in Joseph… (Big Noise Theatre). A very special thanks to his partner, Kevin, for his never-ending love and support. Kevin is represented by Gray Talent Group. Instagram: @KPYouKnowMe
MICHAEL PENICK (u/s Cinderella’s Prince/Rapunzel’s Prince/Steward)
Michael Penick (he/him) KOKANDY: Debut CHICAGO/REGIONAL: A Little Night Music, Assassins, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Theo); 4000 Days (PrideArts); Hot Mikado (Skylight Music Theatre); Little Mermaid (Northern Stage); Curly in Oklahoma! (Revival Theatre Company); Charlie Price in Kinky Boots (Circa ’21); and Candide in Candide (Third Avenue Playhouse). Michael studied music performance at Luther College (BA) and The University of Iowa (MA). michaelpenick.com
JULIE PETERSON (u/s Cinderella/Rapunzel/Florinda)
Julie Peterson is THRILLED to be swinging for Kokandy Productions’ Into the Woods! Some of Julie’s previous credits include; Jeannie in Hair (Skokie Theatre) Ethel Merman in The Book of Merman (Skokie Theatre), Claire Ganz in Rumors (Skokie Theatre), The Bird in This is Not a Pipe (Chicago Danztheatre), Mary Jane in Mary Jane (TAG Theatre Company), Mia Oberon in The Donkey Show, (A.R.T.) & Tweeney in A Proper Place (The Goodspeed Opera House). Julie earned a B.F.A. in musical theatre from The Boston Conservatory. A big thank you to her fiancé Tommy, The Peterson’s, The Latrofa’s, Rebecca Marianetti, Mr. Moose and Turkey for all of their support!
ELIZABETH RENTFRO (u/s Jack’s Mother/Stepmother/Cinderella’s Mother/Lucinda)
Elizabeth Rentfro is a classically trained actor with an MFA from the American Shakespeare Center. She is the Resident Music Director for and has produced several albums with Midsommer Flight. She is an original cast member of Drunk Shakespeare Chicago and performed over 450 times. She has worked with several other prestigious regional theater companies including Theater Wit, Muse of Fire, Pride Films and Plays, City Lit, Promethean Theater Ensemble, (re)Discover Theater, Flying Elephant, Open-Door Rep and she also has performed in The Chicago Musical Theater Festival. She is represented by BMG Talent.
ANNA SEIBERT (Little Red)
Anna Seibert is excited and scared to be back with Kokandy, having been murdered (allegedly) in last year’s AMERICAN PSYCHO (Jeff award for Best Production of a Musical). Chicago credits include ZOMBIE BATHHOUSE (Campsongs Productions) and SHOUT! (Metropolis). Detroit credits include Jeanie in HAIR (The DATC); and ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and HAIRSPRAY (Bonstelle Theatre). She earned a BFA and a Certificate of Advanced actor Training from Wayne State University and Moscow Art Theatre School, respectively. @youvelostmepod
EVAN B SMITH (u/s Baker/Narrator)
Evan B Smith is thrilled to be back at Kokandy this season for his third(!!) venture Into the Woods. He earned his BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College Performing Arts, and has been acting professionally in Chicago and regionally for over 5 years. Some of his favorite credits include Enjolras in Les Miserables (Uptown Music Theatre of Highland Park), J. Bowden Hapgood in Anyone Can Whistle (MadKap), David van Patten in Kokandy’s Jeff Award-Winning production of American Psycho, Creighton Chaney in the World Premier of A Thousand Faces: The Lon Chaney Musical (Encore Musical Theatre Company), among others. Evan would like to thank the entire Kokandy team for welcoming him back, as well as his Mom, Dad, and brother Ben for their love and support.
STEPHANIE STOCKSTILL (Witch)
Stephanie Stockstill (she/they) was previously seen with Kokandy in a two-night engagement as Johanna in Sweeney Todd and in their production of Loving Repeating. She’s also performed with Lifeline Theatre: Northanger Abbey (Jeff Nom – Leading Performer, Musical), Boho Theatre: A Little Night Music (Jeff Nom – Supporting Performer, Musical), Piven Theatre: Melancholy Play A Chamber Musical (Chicago Tribune Top Ten List), Porchlight Music Theatre: Sweeney Todd, Black Button Eyes Productions: Mary Rose (Jeff Nom – Leading Performer, Musical), Shockheaded Peter, and Goblin Market, Blank Theatre: Promises Promises (Jeff Nom – Ensemble), Music Theatre Works: The Student Prince, and Beverly Arts Center: The Sound of Music. stephanieblairstockstill.com
MAIKO TERAZAWA (Cinderella’s Stepmother/Mother 1/2 - 1/12/25)
Maiko Terazawa is thrilled to be back with Kokandy Productions! Credits include – Kokandy: SWEENEY TODD (ensemble); EFCT: Blithe Spirit (Ruth); Music Theater Works: AVENUE Q (u/s Christmas Eve); Black Button Eyes: MARY ROSE (Mrs. Morland), DR. HORRIBLE’S SING-ALONG BLOG (Ensemble), NIGHTMARES & NIGHTCAPS (Alice), NEVERMORE (Player 4); Hell in a Handbag: CHRISTMAS DEAREST (Child Joan Crawford), POSEIDON! AN UPSIDEDOWN MUSICAL (Ensemble); Three Cat Productions: THE HOLIDAY RADIO SHOW: 1944 (Pearl), DIAMOND LIL (Marge); Cowardly Scarecrow: CABARET (Lulu); Pride Films & Plays: PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT! (Cynthia).
KEVIN WEBB (Baker)
Kevin Webb (he/him) was last seen with Kokandy in Sweeney Todd, for which he received a Jeff Award. In 2006, Kevin played The Baker in Into the Woods JR with his hometown community theater. Nearly two decades later, he is absolutely giddy to be having this full circle moment with one of his most beloved shows and roles! Chicago credits: The Secret Garden (Court); Sweeney Todd (Porchlight); Mother Courage and her Children, The Killer – Jeff nomination, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The Pragmatists (Trap Door); A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd (Theo Ubique); Shockheaded Peter, Mary Rose – Jeff nomination, Coraline (Black Button Eyes); WOZ (Victory Gardens); Marie Christine, Myths & Hymns (BoHo); The View UpStairs, The Ritz (Circle); Design for Living, Songs from an Unmade Bed – Jeff nomination, Angry F*gs, Under A Rainbow Flag (PrideArts); The Pitchfork Disney (Interrobang); Stupid F*cking Bird (Sideshow); Assassins (The Viaduct).
Honey West (Voice of The Giant)
Honey West Kokandy Debut. Chicago: Clue (Mercury) Bernadette in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Mercury) the role she previously received a Jeff Nomination for best supporting actress in addition to a best actress award from BroadwayWorld.com. LA CAGE AUX Jacqueline, U/S Albin FOLLES (Music Theater Works), Holiday Inn (Drury Lane) Mrs. Cratchitt and Electra in GYPSY (Porchlight). She starred in DIRTYDREAMS OF A CLEAN-CUT KID, VAMPIRE LESBIANS OF SODOM, DIVA DIARIES, JERRY’S GIRLS, TONY AND TONY’S WEDDING, AS YOU LIKE IT, PUSSY ON THE HOUSE for which she received a Best Actress Award from BroadwayWorld.com, and Tony and Tony’s Wedding. She was a 2012 inductee into the “Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame”. She also landed a co-starring role on FOX, PROVEN INNOCENT.
PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS
ETHAN COLISH (Assistant Stage Manager)
Ethan M. Colish (He/They) KOKANDY: Debut! CHICAGO: A Little Night Music (Theo Ubique), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Shrek the Musical, Brigadoon & The Producers (Music Theater Works). Ethan is the resident Stage Manager for The North Suburban School of Dance!
LYNSY FOLCKOMER (Sound Engineer)
Lynsy Folckomer (she/hers) is honored to be back with Kokandy Productions for the sixth production and third season in a row. You may find her working in the Chicagoland area as a sound artist, actor, director, or whatever trade she decides to pick up next. Lynsy would like to thank her loved ones, especially her family, for their constant support and faith in her!
SYD GENCO (Makeup Design)
Syd Genco is thrilled to be back designing for Kokandy after designing past Kokandy hits, SWEENEY TODD, AMERICAN PSYCHO, and last summers splashy SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL (where she not only designed, but also performed in the role of Perch Perkins!) Syd is an ensemble member, Company Manager, and Company Makeup Designer for Hell in a Handbag Productions, where she has performed and designed for the past 13 years. Past favorites with HIAH include SNOWGIRLS (Ice Crystal), THE ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE (Roxanne), RUDOLPH THE RED HOSED REINDEER (Elfina). She designed for many other companies, including Trap Door, Haven Chicago, Highland Park Players, Glass Apple Theatre, and more! She’s a graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance. She is a freelance makeup designer and artist, certified at Make Up First School Chicago. www.madcbs.com
JAMES LAPINE (Book)
James Lapine is a playwright and director. On Broadway he has worked with Stephen Sondheim on Sunday in the Park with George; Into the Woods; and Passion. He also conceived and directed the musical review Sondheim on Sondheim. With William Finn he created Falsettos recently revived by Lincoln Center Theater; Little Miss Sunshine; Muscle; and directed Finn’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other Broadway credits include his play based on Moss Hart’s memoir Act One(also LCT), Amour, The Diary of Anne Frank, Golden Child, and Dirty Blonde. He has written the plays Table Settings, Twelve Dreams, The Moment When, Fran’s Bed and Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing. Lapine has been nominated for eleven Tony Awards, winning on three occasions. He has also been the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, SDC’s Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater, and inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.
G “MAX” MAXIN IV (Lighting & Scenic Design)
G. “Max” Maxin IV (he/him) is excited to be working with Kokandy again! After over a decade in Chicago, Max has created over 275 designs on over 165 professional & educational productions. He is a Teaching Artist & the resident Lighting Designer for the Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, and was an instructor at Northeastern Illinois University for 7 years, receiving an Instructor Excellence Award in 2019. He won a Lou Award for Best Lighting on Into the Woods (Big Noise), has 1 Equity & 6 Non-Equity Jeff nominations, and has designed on 3 Non-Equity Jeff Award Winning Best Musicals; the most recent Kokandy’s American Psycho (set|light|projection). One of the founding members of Another Door Theatre Project, Max worked for 3 years as Head of Production/Resident Scenographer. He also spent 2 summers designing lighting for La Musica Lirica, a touring opera company in Novafeltria, Italy. Favorite design projects at Porchlight, Mercury, Kokandy, Black Ensemble, American Blues, Hell in a Handbag, Cincinnati Shakespeare, Theatre at the Center, Black Button Eyes, BoHo, Steppenwolf Garage, City Lit, Another Door, CCPA, NEIU, Northwestern, & DePaul. www.ivMaxin.com
KENDYL MEYER (Stage Manager)
Kendyl Meyer is psyched to be on this project. Other stage management credits include: Cruel Intentions ASM, Sweeney Todd ASM (Kokandy); Two Gentlewomen of Verona ASM, The Rover ASM (Lakeside Shakespeare); Animal Farm SM, Fire Island SM, A Touch of Madness SM (CCPA). Love to all my friends and family for their support, to Fern for the post rehearsal snuggles, and to Derek for trusting me and letting me be the sick f*ck I am.
ARIANA MILES (Orchestrator, Pianist)
DAVID MORELAND (Technical Director)
David Moreland is a Chicago-based performer most recently seen as Drew in Rock of Ages at Mercury Theater, before that he was Mark in RENT with Porchlight Music Theatre and Sebastian in Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical with Kokandy Productions, for which he received a Jeff Nomination. Previous credits include: Don’t Dress for Dinner, Bridges of Madison County (Brightside Theater); Noises Off, Mousetrap, A Christmas Carol (Metropolis Performing Arts) The Last Five Years, Big Fish (Big Noise Theater).
CHELS MORGAN (Intimacy Choreographer)
Chels Morgan (they / them) is a Black, Dominican, AuDHD, and Queer intimacy director & coordinator, AASECT Certified sexuality and social justice educator, cultural competency specialist and creative director. Their work has been featured at the New York Theatre Workshop, the Old Globe Theatre, the University of Michigan – School of Music, Theatre and Dance as well as at OUTFEST LA and on the AllBlk Streaming Platform. Their writings on Intimacy and Cultural Competency on screen and stage can be read in the Journal of Consent Based Performance (JCBP) as well as in the new Intimacy Coordinator’s Guidebook. Chels’ career focus is to spread narratives of radical humanity and radical self compassion, and to curate justice-centered production processes on screen and on stage.
MATT REICH (Sound Design)
Matt Reich (he/him) is so thrilled to be designing his first show with KoKandy. He is a Chicago-based audio engineer and sound designer for theatre. He has sound-designed over sixty theatrical productions and received two Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for his work. He is an A1 for musical theatre and has mixed shows with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Theatro ZinZani & Manual Cinema He is currently the Sound Supervisor for Chicago Children’s Theatre and he has a degree in Sound Design for Theatre from The Theatre School at Depaul University.
NICHOLAS REINHART (Production Manager)
Nicholas Reinhart (he/him) NYC: Jungle Jim: A Musical Wildlife Adventure (Theatre Row). CHICAGO: 2024 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre); Alice By Heart, American Psycho (2024 Jeff Award – Best Production of a Musical,) The SpongeBob Musical, Hundred Days, Head Over Heels (Kokandy Productions); A Little Night Music, Godspell, Once Upon a Mattress, 8-TRACK, Songs for a New World (Theo Ubique); Get Out Alive, Titus Andronicus (Haven); PROXY (Underscore Theatre Company); SENTINELS: A Play with Music, The Mystery of Custodia, The Moment, Miley Chase: The Science Ace (CPA Theatricals). Nicholas was previously named as one of Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30, honoring the best and brightest individuals in Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ youth community, and currently serves as the Productions Manager at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park.
EVELYN RYAN (Orchestrator, Pianist)
Evelyn Ryan (she/her) is excited (and scared) to be working on her first show with Kokandy Productions! She previously played piano for The Mad Ones (Blank), Sondheim Tribute Revue (Theo), Assassins (Theo), and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Blank). She also supplied orchestrations and arrangements for Never Better (Theo) and Sondheim Tribute Revue (Theo). Evelyn studied Music Composition and Sustainable Urban Development at DePaul University.
KEITH RYAN (Wig Design)
Keith Ryan is the Wig Designer for the Fabulous, and is so happy to be designing American Psycho! Keith is a 2020 Jeff Award winner for Artistic Specialization,Wig Deseign, for Hedwig and The Angry Inch. With over 140 shows to his credit, he created magic last season with Jeff Award winner Sweeney Todd; Black Ensemble Theater: The Real Housewives of Motown, Reasons, A Tribute to Earth Wind and Fire, Blue Heaven; Hell In A Handbag Productions, I Promised Myself to Live Faster, Frankenstriesand, The Golden Girls Christmas, The Drag Seed, (the Chicago run and the New York City run); Mercury Theater Chicago, Big River, Lady Day, Clue, Priscilla Queen of the Desert; Oak Lawn Park District Theater, You Can’t Take it Witk You, Spongebob The Musical and Cinderella; Alex Grelle Productions, StepMom, Floor Show; Sweetback Productions, Tooth of Crime; Marian Catholic High School, Chicago;Theo Ubique Theatre; Firebrand Theatre; New American Folk Theater; Big Noise Theater.
STEPHEN SONDHEIM (Music & Lyrics)
Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) 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), Road Show (2008) and HERE WE ARE (2023), as well as the lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959), Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965) and additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Side By Side By Sondheim (1976), Marry Me A Little (1981), You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow (1983), Putting It Together (1993/99), Moving On (2001), Sondheim On Sondheim (2010) and Old Friends (2023) are anthologies of his work as composer and lyricist. For films, he composed the scores of “Stavisky” (1974), co-composed the score for “Reds” (1981), and wrote songs for “Dick Tracy” (1990). He wrote songs for the television production “Evening Primrose” (1966), co-authored the film “The Last of Sheila” (1973) and the play Getting Away With Murder (1996) and provided incidental music for the plays The Girls of Summer (1956), Invitation To A March (1961), Twigs (1971) and The Enclave (1973).
He won the Tony Award for Best Score for Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and Passion, all of which won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, as did Pacific Overtures and Sunday In The Park With George, the latter also receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1985).
Stephen Sondheim was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from Williams College, winning the Hutchinson Prize for Music Composition, after which he studied theory and composition with Milton Babbitt. He served on the Council of the Dramatists Guild, the national association of playwrights, composers and lyricists, and served as its president from 1973 to 1981. In 1983 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 1990 was appointed the first Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford University. He was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1993, the National Medal of Arts in 1996, the MacDowell Medal in 2013 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. 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 the Broadway theater formerly known as Henry Miller’s Theatre was renamed in his honor, and in 2019 he became the first living artist to have a theatre named in his honor on Shaftesbury Avenue when the refurbished Queen’s Theatre in London’s West End was renamed the Sondheim Theatre to commemorate his 90th birthday, by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
RYAN STAJMIGER (Assistant Director)
Ryan Stajmiger is thrilled to be back with Kokandy, behind the table this time, after previously being seen as Anthony in Kokandy’s never ending production of Sweeney Todd. Ryan has worked with Chicago area theaters including Chicago Shakespeare, Paramount, Marriott, Drury Lane, Mercury, and Porchlight.
NICK SULA (Music Director & Orchestrator)
Nick Sula (he/him) is an award-winning pianist, arranger, and music director. Music Direction credits include the Jeff Award-winning production of Sweeney Todd with Kokandy Productions, for which he earned the Jeff Award for Outstanding Music Direction; Anything Goes with Porchlight Music Theatre [Jeff nomination]; Ghost Quartet [Jeff nomination], Nevermore, Amour, Coraline (Black Button Eyes Productions); Myths & Hymns, The Glorious Ones [Jeff nomination], Pippin (BoHo Theatre), His & His, Boys in Briefs, Broadway at the Broadway (Pride Arts); Merrily We Roll Along, Head Over Heels, The Pajama Game, The Pirates of Penzance (CCPA). Nick can be seen performing as pianist and music director with vocalists and cabaret artists at theaters and venues around Chicagoland. As a professor of musical theatre he serves as a music director, instructor, and vocal coach at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
RACHEL SYPNIEWSKI (Costume Design)
Rachel Sypniewski is grateful to be back with Kokandy, previously designing Alice by Heart, American Psycho and Sweeney Todd. Other companies she has worked with include Goodman, Midsommer Flight, Music Theater Works, Theater Wit, Backstage Breckenridge Theater, Babes with Blades, Trap Door, Oak Park Festival Theater, Citadel, Black Button Eyes, Hell in a Handbag, Lifeline, Porchlight, Griffin, TUTA and Lakeside Shakespeare. She also has designed at Wheaton College, Governor’s State University, North Central College, St. Patrick’s High School, Indiana University Northwest, Loyola Academy, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. She is a ten-time Non-equity Jeff nominee, having been awarded two. More info at www.rachelsyp.com
DEREK VAN BARHAM (Director, Choreographer)
Derek Van Barham (he/him) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions. Directing credits include Children of Eden in Concert (Broadway In Chicago), Sweeney Todd, American Psycho and Head Over Heels (Jeff Awards and Jeff nomination, Kokandy); The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre); Miracle by Dan Savage, Poseidon (Hell in a Handbag). Choreography credits include Evil Dead (Jeff nomination), Coraline the Musical, Ghost Quartet, Shockheaded Peter and Coraline the Musical (Black Button Eyes). He was previously named one of Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30, and one of Newcity Magazine’s 50 Players 2024. MFA: CCPA/Roosevelt University. derekvanbarham.com | IG @dvbarham
DONORS
Allison Hendrix
Ana DeJesus
Angela Pasyk
Babs Maltenfort
Barbara McBlain
Bob & Pat Kokandy
Brenda Didier
Brittney Brown
Bruce & Nancy Stolman
Cole Stolman
Corky Bellile & Jim DeNuccio
Court Theater
Craig Leslie
Dan Cohn
Daniel & Courtney Markovich
Deb Milne
Debbie & Phil Brown
Dell & Susan Bellile
Derrick Everett
Don & Ann Bellile
Eddie Castellanos
Elizabeth Seff
Elizabeth Zilis
Ernie Lopez
Fran & Chuck Licht
Frank Meccia
Gitta Jacobs
Hubbard Street
Jack Piliponis
James Johnson
James Schulman
Jayson Van Deel
Jean Klingenstein
Jeff & Amy Losh
Jeremy Wechsler
Jerry Miller
Joanne Leslie
Jodeen Benjamin
John D. Glover
Jonathan Schwart
Katherine Smith
Katie Jane
Kenn & Peggy Sinko
La Voute Bistro & Bar
Lance Wolfe
Laura Reali
Laura Spearman
Lauren Taslitz
L.C. Bernadine
Lettuce Entertain You
Liz Norton
Marian & Stan Kaderbek
Marilyn E. Barrett
Marnie Warner
Martin Till
Matthew Huston
Matthew Johnston
Mel Katz
Michael Maltenfort
Nancy Woodruff
Natalie Swinnea
Peter Janssen
Phil & Karen Kokandy
Phillip Joseph
Rochelle Hochman
Robert Ollis
Sandra Boves
Scot T. Kokandy
Seymour Zitomersky
Steep Theater
Stephen Stanko
Susan Haimes
Susan Wishnick & Allen Steinberg
Swasti Shah
The Cottage on Dixie
The Second City
Thomas & Donna Ray
Tilly Wilhoite
Timothy Comar
Timothy Ledna
Tom & Jan Kokandy
Victor Giannini
William Szany
Youth Guidance
Zach’s Metalz / Zach Larks
David Ottoman
Linda Bosy
Allan Waite
Martin Dybel
Theodore Krakowski
Charles Wilson
Keith Schnabel
Kenneth Meyer
Patricia & Ed Blumen
Deborah Granite
Matching gifts received from: Caterpillar Foundation, PNC Bank, The Saints
This program is partially supported by grants from: