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“An explosion of joy!” - The New York Daily News
Music & Lyrics by George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin
Book by Ken Ludwig
Co Conception by Ken Ludwig & Mike Ockrent
Inspired by material by Guy Bolton & John McGowan
Originally produced on Broadway by Roger Horchow
& Elizabeth Williams
Original Broadway Choreography by Susan Stroman
Directed by Gina Lamparella
JUNE 12 - JUNE 30 | MAIN STAGE
Treasured Gershwin songs meet sparkling, sensational dances in the ultimate feel-good musical comedy for the summer season. From acclaimed Lend Me a Tenor and The Three Musketeers funnyman playwright Ken Ludwig, this Tony Award-winning musical sends a banker with show business stars in his eyes from New York to Deadrock, Nevada on official business. Mistaken identities, love at first sight, and hijinks hilarity resuscitate an abandoned theatre and the spirit of a small town. With a wealth of memorable tunes including “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” Crazy for You bubbles over with spectacular show-stopping numbers and glistens with 1930s glamour. Ages 7+
Similar to the last several seasons, PSF expects the majority of performances to sell out. Order early for the best seating options.
Orchestra Co-Sponsors:
Extras
- Opening Night, Friday, June 14: Join the PSF actors and staff for a friendly post-show champagne toast.
- Meet the actors for an informal talk-back after the show: Thursday, June 20 and 27.
- Director’s Dinners - specialty dinner themed to the play with behind-the-scenes insights: Sunday, June 16, 5:00pm, and Wednesday, June 26, 5:00pm.
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Audio Described and Open Captioned performance: Wednesday June 26, 8:00pm.
Reviews
Our audience is CRAZY for Crazy for You…. Here’s what they’re saying
“An absolutely 5 star, WOW performance!”
“I’ve been attending PSF from the beginning and this is the best production ever!”
“I saw this show on Broadway and this production is better.”
“Absolutely wonderful!”
“Best ever!”
“What a night!!! I loved every minute of the show. Such talent! If you get a chance to see this show, GO!”
The Morning Call:
Review by Kathy Lauer Williams
“Spectacular Crazy for You shines.”
“Dazzling dancing and outstanding choreography.”
“Danny Gardner is perfectly cast.”
“Breathtaking….”
“Unforgettable….”
“Hayley Podschun is outstanding…a delight.”
“Exhilarating and enchanting….”
“Gardner’s tap dancing is exceptional.”
“Vishal Vaidya is terrific as Bela Zangler and a highlight of the show, out of many highlights.”
“Kate Loprest is perfect as Irene Roth.”
Lehigh Valley Press:
Review by Paul Willistein
“PSF’s Crazy for You will captivate and transport you to Broadway’s Golden Age.”
“One of the most high-energy shows ever to grace the stage.”
“Exhilarating….”
“Danny Gardner combines the balletic lightness of Fred Astaire and the athletic strength of Gene Kelly.”
“Effervescent….”
“Director Gina Lamparella elicits incredible performances from every cast member.”
“Superbly acted….”
“Choreographer Stephen Casey infuses the show with an intense, yet graceful style and the dancers respond with precision.”
“Crazy for You is crazy good.”
“Sound Designer Matthew Given lets the music and vocals reverberate in the theater.”
Press Release
Broadway actors deliver show-stopping numbers and treasured Gershwin songs in Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s Crazy for You
Treasured Gershwin songs meet sparkling, sensational dances in Crazy for You, the ultimate feel-good musical comedy that will kick-off the summer season on PSF’s Main Stage on June 12 at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the Center Valley campus of DeSales University.
From acclaimed Lend Me a Tenor and The Three Musketeers funnyman playwright Ken Ludwig, this Tony Award-winning musical sends a banker with show business stars in his eyes from New York to Deadrock, Nevada on official business. Mistaken identities, love at first sight, and hijinks hilarity resuscitate an abandoned theater and the spirit of a small town.
With a wealth of memorable Gershwin tunes from the American songbook including “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” Crazy for You bubbles over with show-stopping numbers and glistens with 1930s glamour.
Features
Crazy for You, The new GERSWIN® musical comedy
From the moment of its premiere, Crazy for You made a lasting mark on the landscape of musical theatre. In his review of the original Broadway production in 1992, Frank Rich of The New York Times wrote, “When future historians try to find the exact moment at which Broadway finally rose up to grab the musical back from the British, they just may conclude that the revolution began last night.” In an era of musical theatre dominated by Cameron Mackintosh Broadway blockbusters imported from across the pond (Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), the inventive “new” Gershwin musical stood out as a shining icon of a glorious golden age of American entertainment.
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Artists
Cast

EMILY BLAKE ANDERSON
Elaine, u/s Irene Roth
PSF debut! Emily is beyond excited to be performing a dream show! Previous credits: 42nd Street (National Tour, Dorothy Brock u/s), A Christmas Story (National Tour, Mother u/s), The Producers, Gypsy, and Singin’ in the Rain. Graduate of Loyola Marymount University and CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory. Astoria, NY resident. Thanks to Stephen, Gina, & the entire PSF company, Across the Board, and always, my family & Alec. @memilymanderson

JOANN WILCHEK BASIST
Mrs. Lottie Child
is a veteran Lehigh Valley actor and arts educator. Credits: Angels in America, The Belle of Amherst, Billy Elliot, The Miracle Worker, Titanic, Spring Awakening, Marvin’s Room, Lips Together/Teeth Apart, Hairspray, My Fair Lady, Search for Signs…, Six Degrees of Separation, Cabaret, Arcadia, Music Man, Young Frankenstein, Follies, and A Christmas Carol are among her favorites. JoAnn is a member of the Executive Board of The Civic Theatre of Allentown and is the Theatre School Administrator.

JOSIAH BEHRENS IV
Jimmy, Chauffeur
is honored to be making his PSF debut! DeSales University Act 1 credits: Pippin (Lewis), Dames at Sea (Dick), Into the Woods (Jack u/s performed), and Godspell (“Light of the World”). Josiah is a recent graduate of the DeSales University musical theatre program. He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support.

MICHAEL BINGHAM
Perkins, Harry, u/s Bela Zangler
is excited to make his PSF debut! Credits: Camelot (Shakespeare Theatre Company); 42nd Street (Fulton Theatre); Mary Poppins (Bert), Little Mermaid (Ursula) at CPCC; West Side Story (Baby John)at Glow Lyric, Midsummer… (Lysander)at Rawhide Th. Co; and The Lost Colony, Smoky Mountain Opry, Dollywood. BFA: Elon University.

EMMA CLINCH
Tess
is thrilled to be making her PSF debut! Most recently she was seen as Joan in Dames at Sea (Priscilla Beach Theatre) and Judy in A Chorus Line (Reagle Music Theatre). Much thanks to her family and friends for their constant support. www.EmmaClinch.com

CHRISTOPHER COUCILL*
Everett Baker
PSF: Richard II, Man of La Mancha, King Lear, 1776, Hamlet, Sweeney Todd. Broadway: The Graduate, Kiss Me Kate, and Annie Get Your Gun. Tour: Crazy for You (First National Company). Philadelphia: Body Awareness (The Wilma), Annie Get Your Gun (The Prince), Timon of Athens (PAC). Regional: McCarter, Arena Stage, Hartford Stage, Shakespeare & Company, The Huntington, Boston Shakespeare Company, Dallas Center, and many others. TV: Deadline, Law & Order, One Life to Live, O Pioneers!, Margaret Mead: An Observer Observed. Thanks to Liz, Patrick, Gina and Dennis.

NOLAN DAVIDSON
Swing
is delighted to be making his PSF debut! Regional: Newsies, Footloose, Mary Poppins, Gypsy (Fulton Theatre). Recent: Dames at Sea (Lucky) and West Side Story (Arab). Nolan is a rising sophomore musical theatre major at DeSales University. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support. Carpe Diem!

KAILEY EDWARDS
Patricia Fodor
is thrilled to be a part of her second season here at PSF following last summer’s Shakespeare for Kids (Self); DeSales University Act 1 credits: Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth Benning) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Smee). Other credits: My Fair Lady (Eliza Dolittle). Special thanks to her family and friends for the continuous support! 1 Cor. 10:31

HANNAH FAIRMAN
Patsy
is thrilled to be making her PSF debut! She was recently seen in A Chorus Line on tour in China and Japan. Other credits include The Marvelous Wonderettes (Cindy Lou, Meadow Brook Theatre), A Christmas Story (National Tour), Mamma Mia! (Arkansas Rep), Mary Poppins (Arizona Broadway), and The Producers (Theatre by the Sea). BFA Point Park University. Instagram: @fannahairman

ZURI FOREMAN
Susie
is a professional dancer, singer, actress, and dance teacher in New York City. Originally from the D.C. area, Zuri has been performing since the age of 3. She holds a BS in Public Relations from St. John’s University and a Dance Theatre Certificate from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Zuri is excited to be working with PSF and would like to thank her family, Johnathin, The Tribe, and friends for their continued support.

MEGAN FRY
Swing
is returning for a second year with the Festival, having performed as an ensemble member and as Mother in Ragtime last summer. Megan is a rising senior musical theatre major at DeSales University and recently performed in their production of Pippin as an ensemble member. The Shawnee Playhouse credits: The Addams Family (Morticia), Oklahoma! (Gertie Cummings), and I Do! I Do! (Agnes). Megan would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support.

CHRISTOPHER GALLACHER
Pete, u/s Lank Hawkins
is thrilled to be making his PSF debut! Originally from Arizona, Christopher graduated with a BS in Statistics from BYU before heading to the stage. Favorite credits include: Elf the Musical (Buddy u/s), 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor u/s), The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Daniel Pontipee), and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder). Thank you, Family, for all your love and support while I chase my dreams! @christopher_gallacher223

JERRY GALLAGHER*
Moose
has performed across the country and around the world in Guys & Dolls, Big River, City of Angels, My Fair Lady, All Shook Up, Annie Get Your Gun, and Crazy for You. In 2017, Jerry recreated the role of Moose in the 25th Anniversary Concert production of Crazy for You at Lincoln Center, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. Regional: Goodspeed, Paper Mill, MUNY, Pittsburgh CLO. TV: Guiding Light, The Big C, and PBS Great Performances. www.jerry-gallagher.com

DANNY GARDNER*
Bobby Child
Dames At Sea (Broadway), The NY Spectacular starringthe Radio City Rockettes(Radio City Music Hall), and Lady, Be Good! (Encores!). National Tours: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, 42nd Street, and Here to Stay - The Gershwin Experience. Off-Broadway: Neurosis, Room 17B, and Everybody Gets Cake. Regional: Crazy For You (Signature Theatre), Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder (Engeman Theatre), Mary Poppins (Theatre Under The Stars), Singin’ In The Rain (Marriott Lincolnshire), and The Music Man (Asolo Repertory Theatre). @dannyjgnyc

RASHAAN JAMES II*
Sam, Dance Captain
is so excited to be at PSF for the first time! He went to University at Buffalo for a BFA in musical theatre and a BA in dance. Some of his favorite credits include: Crazy for You at Lincoln Center (Junior) directed by Susan Stroman, Oklahoma! at DCPA (Ike Skidmore/Ensemble), Damn Yankees at Broadway Sacramento (Ensemble), Joseph…Dreamcoat at Dallas Theater Center (Naphtali), Dreamgirls with Jennifer Holliday (Tru-Tone/5 Tuxes), Swing! (Sexy Couple), The Wiz at MSMT (Featured Ensemble), Dirty Dancing US Tour (Ensemble), West Side Story International Tour, South Pacific 1st National Tour (Swing) and 42nd Street National Tour. Proud Member of AEA!

ANGELA LAROSE
Margie, u/s Polly
is thrilled to be returning to PSF for her third summer. Angela is a rising senior musical theatre major at DeSales University. Some of her previous credits include PSF’s productions of Ragtime (Ensemble/ Evelyn Nesbit u/s, performed) and Evita (Ensemble). Other credits include Pippin (Fastrada), Dames At Sea (Ruby), Young Frankenstein (Ensemble/Inga u/s), and Into the Woods (Cinderella u/s). She would like to thank her family and friends for their unconditional love and support.

KATE LOPREST*
Irene Roth
PSF debut! Broadway: First Date (Allison), Hairspray (Amber), Wonderland, Xanadu, and Drowsy Chaperone. Tours: Wicked (Glinda/Nessarose u/s) and Little House on the Prairie (Nellie Oleson). Recent: Gentleman’s Guide (Sibella) Engeman Theater; Noises Off (Brooke) Guthrie; Chicago (Roxie) Hangar Theatre; A Chorus Line (Sheila) Gateway Playhouse. Other favorites: Company (Susan) Barrington Stage; Bright Star (Lucy) Old Globe; Showboat (Ellie) Washington National and Dallas Opera. TV: All My Children, Running Wilde, and Boardwalk Empire. Adopt don’t shop. www.KateLoprest.com

JAYCE MEREDITH
Eugene Fodor
is a musical theatre graduate from DeSales University. He was previously an ensemble member in PSF’s productions of Evita and Ragtime, and is honored to return to the Festival for their productions of Crazy For You and Robin Hood. He is incredibly thankful to his parents, Lionel and Catherine Meredith, for their love and support.

GABE MOSES
Custus
is a rising junior theatre major at DeSales University and is excited to be a part of his second season at PSF. Last year, he performed in Ragtime as Matthew Henson and the Harlem Ensemble. DeSales University Act 1 credits: Pippin, The Cherry Orchard, Picnic, and Into the Woods.

REBECCA PHILLIPS
Betsy
is thrilled to be performing in Crazy for You with PSF! Past credits include: Chicago (Liz), The Pirates of Penzance (Edith), Sunday in the Park with George (Frieda/Betty), Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, and Hairspray (Ensemble). Rebecca received her BA in theatre from Muhlenberg College. She would like to thank her amazing agent Gregg Baker at GBM and her friends and family for their support.

HAYLEY PODSCHUN*
Polly Baker
PSF debut! Broadway: Wicked (Glinda, National Tour), Hello, Dolly!, Something Rotten!, Chaplin, Anything Goes, Pal Joey, Sunday In The Park…, Hairspray (National Tour), and The Sound of Music. Regional: I Married An Angel (Anna Murphy, NY City Center), The Royal Family of Broadway (Gwen, Barrington Stage), Holiday Inn (Linda Mason, Paper Mill), Gypsy (Dainty June, Muny), Peter Pan (Peter Pan, ArtPark), Legally Blonde (Elle, Arvada Center) & many others. TV/Film: The Blacklist, Louie, Hair-spray (Tammy). IG: @hayley_podschun

MATTHEW PATRICK QUINN*
Lank Hawkins
is excited to make his PSF debut! First National Tour of Finding Neverland. Regional: Matilda (Northern Stage), Peter and the Starcatcher (Playhouse on Park), The Addams Family (Gateway & Ogunquit), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Engeman Theatre), She Loves Me (Infinity Theatre). Tours: Scooby Doo LIVE! (Warner Bros) and The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare Abridged (Windwood Theatricals). Original casts of Villains Tonight, Wishes & Aladdin for Disney Cruise Line. Thank you for supporting theater!

MARA RANSON
Mitzi, Dance Captain
is excited to be making her PSF debut! After attending the University of the Arts she performed on cruise ships with Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line performing in shows like Vegas! the Show and Paradis, choreographed by Patricia Wilcox. She has been a featured performer at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA, and has spent the last two Christmases in Tokyo, Japan performing Broadway Christmas Wonderland in the Orb Theatre. Big thanks to her supportive family and the LDC Artist Representation.

JASON DANIEL RATH*
Billy
is excited to be making his PSF debut. His previous credits include: Oklahoma! (Slim u/s Will Parker, Ali Hakim) at the Denver Center, Anything Goes (Luke) at Westchester Broadway Theatre, West Side Story (Pepe) and Chicago (Fred Casely) at Ivoryton Playhouse. Jason received a BA in Theatre Performance from Wagner College. He would like to thank Pantera/Murphy the Agency, his family, and Kelly for their unwavering support. For more on Jason visit www.jasondanielrath.com or check out his Instagram @jasondanielrath.

DOMINICK SANNELLI
Mingo
is ecstatic to be making his PSF debut! Regional: Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble), The Producers (Scott, Ensemble), Sunshine Boys (Patient, u/s Benjamin) at Bristol Riverside; and Sign of the Seahorse (Finny, Dance Captain) Kennedy Center. Tours: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble, u/s Uncle Henry). Other Theater credits: Madagascar (Dreamworks workshop), and “21” the musical (world premiere) Pittsburgh Playhouse. Film: Silver Linings Playbook. Love and gratitude to the best family in the world.

JOSHUA J. SCHWARTZ
Wyatt, u/s Bobby Child
is making his PSF debut! He is so excited to once again be working in the wonderful state of Pennsylvania. Josh recently closed Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in West Chester, PA. Credits include: 42nd Street (National Tour), Singin’ In The Rain, Mamma Mia!, and Gypsy. Josh wants to thank the wonderful team at PSF and is looking forward to showing you all how “Crazy for You” he can be. Josh sends his love to his family and friends who have been by his side every step of the way. I love you M&J, and of course you Mary. I love you Mom, I’ll always be your squashie.

VISHAL VAIDYA*
Bela Zangler
makes his PSF debut! Recent theater credits include: Larry in Groundhog Day on Broadway, Ovington in How to Succeed at the Kennedy Center, and the new musical Dave at Arena Stage. Vishal spends a lot of time helping composers develop new work for The Public Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, Second Stage, ART, Prospect Theater, and more. Education: American University. Twitter: @TweetsByVish. Instagram: @vishgram

KATHY VANDEREEDT
Louise
is thrilled to be performing her first production at PSF! Favorite credits include: Beauty and the Beast International Tour (u/s Babette), La Traviata (The Kennedy Center), Saturday Night Fever (u/s Stephanie), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), LIVE Saks Fifth Ave: Theater of Dreams, and Broadway Bares. Later this year, she will appear in Barter Theatre’s productions of The Producers and White Christmas. Love always to Mom, Dominic, and everyone I call family! Instagram: @kath_vander

RICHARD WESTFAHL
Junior
is thrilled to be making his PSF debut. Recent credits include: My Fair Lady (Riverside Theatre), Holiday Inn (Fingerlakes Musical Theatre Festival), and Mary Poppins (Syracuse Stage). Next up he is headed to Cape Cod to perform in A Chorus Line at the Cape Playhouse. He is a proud graduate of Syracuse University’s Department of Drama. He would like to thank his family for all their love and support. @rwestfahl95
Artistic Team

PATRICK MULCAHY
Producing Artistic Director
Since assuming leadership in 2003, Mulcahy has led PSF’s surge in artistic excellence, financial stability, and national recognition. Accomplishments include first-ever grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, attracting a multitude of award-winning artists including winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Barrymore, and Emmy awards, a 75% increase in annual attendance, a successful campaign to double the Festival’s endowment, and the expansion of the number of Actors’ Equity contracts per season. He led the strategic planning process that led to PSF’s Vision 2030, a commitment to world-class professional theatre, and coverage in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Washington Post. As a professional director, actor, and fight director, credits include Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, television and radio. Mr. Mulcahy has acted with many industry luminaries including Don Cheadle, Angela Bassett, Cynthia Nixon, and Tony Shaloub at the New York Shakespeare Festival, The Roundabout Theatre, Hartford Stage, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, and the Walnut Street Theatre. He served as fight director for A Few Good Men on Broadway, and multiple Off-Broadway productions starring Marcia Gay Harden, John Mahoney, Patrick Dempsey, and John Savage. He directed Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga in The Real Thing, and, for PSF, directed The Winter’s Tale, Henry IV, Part 1, The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, and Shakespeare in Love. Also Head of Acting at DeSales, Patrick holds a BFA in Acting and MFA in Directing from Syracuse University.

DENNIS RAZZE
Associate Artistic Director
Mr. Razze directed last summer’s critically acclaimed production of Ragtime. In 2017 he directed PSF’s sold-out production of Evita starring Broadway luminaries Dee Roscioli and Tony Award-winning actor Paulo Szot. He also directed PSF’s critically acclaimed production of West Side Story in 2016 and the Festival’s memorable Les Misérables in 2015. Including these three blockbuster musicals, Mr. Razze has directed many of PSF’s highest attended productions—The Taming of the Shrew (1998), Fiddler on the Roof, Twelfth Night (2000), My Fair Lady, South Pacific, 1776, and Man of La Mancha. In 2017 he was awarded the Allentown Arts Ovation Award for Performing Arts. This year he celebrated his 35th year as a faculty member of the DeSales Theatre Department. He has directed more than 60 productions for DeSales’ Act 1 including this year’s smash success, Pippin. Mr. Razze is also a composer who has created musical scores for The Devil’s Disciple, Antigone, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet,The Merry Wives of Windsor, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

CASEY WILLIAM GALLAGHER
Managing Director
has worked at PSF for 21 seasons. Over the years he was the assistant house manager, box office manager, company manager, assistant producer, and director of development. Since 2004, in his role as general manager and later managing director, he has served as the administrative leader of the Festival working very closely with the box office, business, development, marketing and production departments. During this time, PSF subscriptions have more than doubled, income from the annual Luminosity Gala fundraiser has more than quadrupled, and the summer seasonal staff has grown to over 200. Casey has also been treasurer for the Shakespeare Theatre Association, director of audience services for The People’s Light & Theatre Company, a board member for Civic Theatre of Allentown, a peer panelist for the New Jersey Council on the Arts and a judge for the Greater Philadelphia Barrymore Awards for excellence in theatre. Casey is a member of the PSF Board of Directors and also serves on the board of Arts Academy Elementary Charter School. Casey thanks everyone who works to make PSF happen each year.

ELLEN BELTRAMO*
Production Stage Manager
is excited for her first season with PSF. During the year, she is a member of The University of Delaware REP’s stage management team. Previously, she was PSM at PCPA in Santa Maria, CA where she also taught stage management. Favorite projects include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Lend Me a Tenor (The Musical), and Richard III. She holds a BA from Xavier University and an MFA in Stage Management from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Proud member of AEA.

STEPHEN CASEY
Choreographer
is honored to team up with Gina Lamperella and Ryan Touhey. Recent PSF: Ragtime, Evita, West Side Story. Other favorites: The Producers, Jesus Christ Superstar, What a Glorious Feeling (Bristol Riverside Theatre); Catch Me if You Can (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Dames at Sea (Montgomery Theatre), Cinderella: A Musical Panto (People’s Light); Me and My Girl, and Pippin (DSU). Three time Barrymore nominee for his choreography of Ragtime and Little Shop of Horrors at Bristol Riverside, and for his direction of The Musical of Musicals at Montgomery Theatre.

J. ALEX CORDARO
Fight Director
PSF credits: Richard II, Ragtime, Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, Henry V, Fiddler on the Roof, As You Like It, Othello, and Taming of the Shrew. Regional credits include the McCarter, The Wilma, The Actors Theater, The Arden, Philadelphia Theater Company, Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival, The Lantern, Theater Exile, Inis Nua, Philadelphia Artists Collective, Quintessence Theatre Group, Philadelphia Opera Company, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Alex runs the Stage Combat progression at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and is a Certified Teacher and Theatrical Firearms Safety Instructor with the Society of American Fight Directors.

SAM FLEMING
Costume Designer
Her designs have been seen at theatres across the country including the Los Angeles Opera, San Francisco Opera, Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Arizona Theatre Co, Playmaker’s Repertory, Hartford Stage, Denver Center, Center Stage, Peterborough Players, Houston Opera Studio, Skylight Opera, ACT Seattle, Georgia Shakespeare Festival, and Berkeley Rep. She designed over 50 productions for Milwaukee Repertory Theater during her 14 years with the company. In New York, she has worked with the Pearl Theatre and The Mint. She is the associate costume designer for The Phantom of the Opera.

ERIC T. HAUGEN
Lighting Designer
In recent seasons, Eric has designed the lighting for some of the more memorable PSF productions such as: Ragtime, Evita, West Side Story, Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, Sweeney Todd, South Pacific, Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker, King Lear, Amadeus, and My Fair Lady, among others. His theatrical lighting has been seen Off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country. Through his company, Luminous Design Studios, Eric provides lighting designs for television, themed entertainment, and architectural projects worldwide. In August of 2018, Eric joined the faculty of DeSales University and is thrilled to be teaching the next generation of designers. www.LD-Studios.com

GEORGE GERSHWIN
(1898-1937) Composer
born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he started playing piano at an early age, after dropping out of high school at the age of 15, he began his stint as a “song-plugger” in New York’s Tin Pan Alley. Writing for both Broadway and concert halls, his American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue would define a new era in American Music. Upon teaming up with his older brother Ira, they wrote numerous songs for stage and screen that quickly became standards, including “Oh, Lady Be Good!,” “Someone to Watch over Me,” “Strike Up the Band,” “Embraceable You,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.” In 1937, at the age of 38, Gershwin died after a 23-year career as a composer.

IRA GERSHWIN
(1896-1983) Lyricist
born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he had literary talent at a young age and was asked by his brother to write lyrics in 1918 for their first collaboration, “The Real American Folk Song” in the musical Ladies First (1918). He used the pseudonym Arthur Frances for his beginning works, as not to capitalize on his brother’s success. Gershwin won a Pulitzer Prize for the musical Of Thee I Sing, a musical written with his brother. Together, they wrote twelve shows and four films. He also collaborated with Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, and Harold Arlen.

MATTHEW GIVEN
Sound Designer
is very excited to return to PSF. He was PSF’s resident sound designer for 10 years, during which time he designed over 40 productions. Some of his notable PSF designs include: Macbeth (2014), A Winter’s Tale, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, King Lear, and Dracula. In 2014, Matthew joined Bucks County Playhouse as Director of Production & Facilities. Matthew holds an MFA in sound design from Ohio University. All my love to my wife Katie and our daughter Gracie.

GINA LAMPARELLA
Director
directed PSF’s King Richard II last season. Additional PSF directing credits include Beauty and the Beast; The Linny Fowler WillPower Tours of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, and Hamlet; and associate director of The Taming of the Shrew. She has also directed in New York and Florence, Italy. Gina’s acting credits include the Broadway productions of The Phantom of the Opera, A Little Night Music, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Fiddler on the Roof, Gypsy, Imaginary Friends, Jane Eyre, and Les Misérables. For PSF: Thaisa in Pericles, and Miranda in The Tempest.

KEN LUDWIG
Playwright
is a two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright who has written over 28 plays and musicals, including 6 shows on Broadway and 7 in London’s West End. His first Broadway play, Lend Me A Tenor, won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century” by The Washington Post. His other awards include the Helen Hayes Award, the 2017 Samuel French Award for Sustained Excellence in the American Theatre, the Edgar Award for Best Mystery of the Year, and the Edwin Forrest Award for Contributions to the American Theater. His book How To Teach Your Children Shakespeare, published by Penguin/Random House, won the Falstaff Award for Best Shakespeare Book of the Year, and his essays are published by the Yale Review. Ken’s best known works include Crazy For You (5 years on Broadway, Tony, and Olivier Awards for Best Musical), Lend Me A Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo, The Game’s Afoot, Baskerville, Sherwood, A Fox on the Fairway, A Comedy of Tenors and a stage version of Murder on the Orient Express, written expressly at the request of the Agatha Christie Estate, which will open in the West End next season. His play, The Gods of Comedy, premieres this season at McCarter Theatre in Princeton and The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. His newest plays are Moriarty and Dear Jack, Dear Louise, which premieres at Arena Stage in fall 2019. On Broadway and the West End, his plays have starred Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, Tony Shalhoub, Lynn Redgrave, Joan Collins and Kristen Bell. He holds degrees from Harvard, where he studied music with Leonard Bernstein, and Cambridge University. His work has been performed in over 30 countries in more than 20 languages, and is produced somewhere in the United States every night of the year. www.kenludwig.com

CAROLYN REICH*
Assistant Stage Manager
is thrilled to be back for a fifth season! PSF: Ragtime, Evita, West Side Story, Les Misérables, The Three Musketeers, Blithe Spirit, The Foreigner, As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, and Henry V; New York: Cherry Lane, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Daryl Roth Theatre, The Civilians, Billie Holiday Theatre, New World Stages, York Theatre; National Tours: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Bodyguard, and The Bridges of Madison County; Regional: Trinity Repertory Company, McCarter Theatre, and Hartford Stage. Graduate of the University of Michigan and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

LAURA STANCZYK, CSA
New York Casting
Broadway, Off-Broadway & Tours: Side Show, After Midnight, A Night With Janis Joplin, Follies, Lombardi, Ragtime, Impressionism, Seafarer, Radio Golf, Coram Boy, Translations, Damn Yankees, Dirty Dancing, The Glorious Ones, Cripple of Inishmaan, Noura, Little Rock, Fetch Clay Make Man, Tarrell McRaney’s Brother Sister Plays. Other Theatre Includes:the premiers of Seder, The Engagement Party, Cotton Club Parade, Harps and Angels, Me Myself & I, Gruesome Playground Injuries and Golden Age. Multiple seasons of casting forBroadway Center Stage, The Shakespeare Theatre of Washington DC, Hartford Stage, McCarter Theatre Center among others.

STEVE TENEYCK
Set Designer
is pleased to return to PSF. Some favorite past productions include West Side Story, Evita, Ragtime, Julius Caesar and Twelfth Night. Design work for companies such as Dallas Theatre Center, The Gulfshore Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, Big Art Group, The Kitchen Theatre Company, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Hangar Theatre, Madison Opera, Syracuse Opera, Anchorage Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Florida Grand Opera. Steve is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829 and teaches design at Ithaca College in New York.

RYAN TOUHEY
Music Director, Orchestra Conductor
PSF debut! Broadway: King Kong (Orchestration Assistant). Regional: Paradise Square (Berkeley Rep); Mother Courage (Arena Stage); Sheryl Crow’s Diner (Delaware Theatre Company); Tell Me On A Sunday (Walnut Street); Fun Home (Arden); Ragtime (Bristol Riverside). Ryan worked on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singer Darlene Love’s album Introducing Darlene Love produced by Steve Van Zandt. He is a seven-time Barrymore Award Nominee in Philadelphia, and an AUDELCO Award Winner in New York City. Love to Rebekah.
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Stage Actors and Stage Managers in the United States