Mame Cast and Creative Team

Cast

	ELI BAKER (Young Patrick) is thrilled to make his debut with Goodspeed. Prior to this, he spent the holiday season performing at Hartford Stage in A Christmas Carol. Eli studies musical theater with Michael Lamb and voice at BackBeat City where he performs regionally with the BackLash show choir. Dancing since he was two, Eli currently trains in Hip Hop, Tap, Break, and Ballet. He also plays the piano. Eli loves playing soccer for Oakwood and lacrosse for Glastonbury. He is so grateful to his family for always encouraging him to dream and for his best friends whose loyalty keeps him grounded.

	JAMES BEAMAN* (Woolsey) is delighted to return to Goodspeed, having appeared previously in How To Succeed... and Annie Get Your Gun. Recent credits include the Off-Broadway premiere of The Road To Qatar! (Original Cast Album), Anything Goes at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, and Victor/Victoria at Stages St. Louis. James played Sir Robin in the First National Tour of Monty Python's Spamalot, and starred as Albin opposite Maxwell Caulfield in La Cage aux Folles for the Ogunquit Playhouse Diamond Jubilee. He is proud to be a teaching artist for Goodspeed Musicals Audition Intensive. www.jamesbeaman.com

	JUDY BLAZER* (Vera) Broadway: Love Musik, 45 Seconds from Broadway, Titanic, Me and My Girl, A Change in the Heir. Off-Broadway: Whida Peru: Resurrection Tangle; N.Y.C Opera's Sweeney Todd and Candide; The Torch Bearers, Hurrah at Last, Bernalda Alba, and Hello Again at LCT; Connecticut Yankee (Encores); Twyla Tharpe’s Everlast at the Met. Regional: title roles of Funny Girl, The Night Governess, The Miracle Worker, Peter Pan, and My Fair Lady. Additional: Twelfth Night, On the Twentieth Century, and No Way to Treat a Lady. Thomashefsky with Michael Tilson Thomas, now on PBS's “Great Performances.” TV: “Law and Order,” “As the World Turns,” “Guiding Light,” “Bernstein’s New York,” and “In Performance at the White House.”

	PAUL CARLIN* (Babcock) is happy to be appearing in his seventh Goodspeed production: On The Twentieth Century; Red, Hot and Blue!; Brigadoon; Where's Charley?; 1776; and Julie Andrews' production of The Boy Friend, which also toured nationally. Recent New York credits include Jamie in Long Day’s Journey Into Night at the Irish Repertory Theatre with Brian Murray and Frances Sternhagen, Jim Slattery in the Mint Theatre's Temporal Powers, Gary Hall in Apple Cove for The Woman's Project, and Jack in Salvation for Hudson Stage. Regional theatres include Indiana Repertory and the Goodman Theatre. Paul was a featured player in “Ryan’s Hope” and "30 Rock," among other TV credits.

	CHARLES HAGERTY* (Patrick) Most recent: Alex in Aspects of Love, Walnut Street Theatre. National Tours: Wicked, Chicago & 2nd National; Les Misérables; Jesus Christ Superstar, Europe. Off-Broadway: The Fantasticks. Regional: Walnut Street, Signature, NSMT, New Theatre. London: My Beautiful Launderette.

	LOUISE PITRE* (Mame) Tony nomination for Mamma Mia! (Donna Sheridan),four Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Toronto's Tony). Favorite roles: Piaf, Piaf!; Fantine, Les Misérables (Toronto, Montreal, Paris, Paris cast recording); Toad, A Year With Frog and Toad; Mayor-Ma, The Toxic Avenger; Annie, Annie Get Your Gun; Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd; Lead, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well...; Mrs. Johnstone, Blood Brothers; Ulrika, Kristina (Carnegie Hall recording); among others. She has four recordings. www.louisepitre.com “To play this larger than life character is a special gift for me. I dedicate every performance to the greatest gift in my life, Joe.”

	JAMES LLOYD REYNOLDS* (Beau) is happy to be back on the river in East Haddam. Previously at Goodspeed: Julian Marsh in 42nd Street. New York: Playwrights Horizons, New York Theatre Workshop, PS122, The Connelly Theater, New York Fringe Festival, 59E59 St Theaters. Regional: Syracuse Stage, Florida Stage, Berkshire Theatre Festival, The Hangar Theatre, New Repertory Theatre, Pittsburgh City Theatre, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Yale Summer Cabaret Theatre. TV and Film: "Person of Interest," "White Collar," "In Treatment," “Law and Order,” “Law and Order Criminal Intent,” and “Law and Order SVU,” Catwoman, The Good Shepherd. Proud member of Actors Equity and a graduate of The Yale School of Drama.

	LUCAS SCHULTZ (Peter) is overjoyed to be making his Goodspeed debut. He is a 4th grader at Sundance School, where he has fostered his love for theatre performing in Seussical, Aladdin, Honk, and Pirates the Musical. Most recently he played the lead in Oliver Twist at Cranford Theatre in NJ. Other credits include print and commercial for Timberland and ESPN-NFL. Lucas competes nationally with Central Jersey Dance in ballet, jazz, and tap. He is grateful for the support of all his teachers and his siblings, Mikhaela and Coleman, as he sings night and day! Extra love goes to Val, Micki, Jenna Shapiro, Karen Morgan, and Rena Fleischman.

	JAMES SEOL* (Ito) is thrilled to be making his Goodspeed debut! Broadway: A Naked Girl on the Appian Way (Roundabout Theatre Company). Off-Broadway: The Long Season (The Public), Ten (Second Generation). Regional: The George Street Playhouse, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, The Shakespeare Theatre Company. Television: “M.O.N.Y.” (NBC/Universal). Training: The Juilliard School. He'd like to thank his family and friends for their support!

	KIRSTEN WYATT* (Gooch) is happy to be returning to Goodspeed where she has been seen as Mickey in My One And Only and as Dulcie in The Boy Friend. Broadway: Elf; Shrek; Grease (2007 revival); High Fidelity; The Pajama Game; Urinetown; and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. TV: “As the World Turns,” “All My Children,” and Nickelodeon’s “The Naked Brothers Band” . Love to her awesome husband, Sean. Tweet me @kirstenwyatt

	ERIN DENMAN* (Sally, Ensemble) Goodspeed: 42nd Street (Diane Lorimer). Broadway: 42nd Street. NYC: Encores! Stairway to Paradise. National Tour: The Producers. Regional Roles: Sheila, Judy, and Cassie in A Chorus Line; Velma in Chicago; Anytime Annie in 42nd Street; Marty in Grease; Tess in Crazy For You; Ziegfeld's Favorite in The Will Rogers Follies; Dorothy in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. BA in Music and BA in Drama from University of California, Irvine. Member of Actor's Equity since 2001.

	ALAN GILLESPIE* (Ralph Devine, Ensemble) Goodspeed debut!! National Tours: Miss Saigon (Chris); Show Boat (Steve Baker). Tokyo, Japan: The Who's Tommy (The Specialist). Regional: Westchester Broadway Theatre, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Provincetown Players, Florida Studio Theatre, Carnegie Hall. Love and thanks to my family, Michael Rodriguez, and especially Michelle. This one's for you, Dad!!

	BEAU LANDRY* (Gregor, Junior, Ensemble) is so excited to be making his Goodspeed debut! National Tours: Young Frankenstein (dir. Susan Stroman). Regional: Crazy for You (John W. Engeman). Training: CCM. Beau would like to thank his Mom, Dad, Megeric, and Pearce for their endless love and support. Happy Day.

	PETER LESKOWICZ* (Ensemble) previously appeared at Goodspeed in Half a Sixpence. Since then, he has worked with Broadway Asia Entertainment in a new show opening a performing arts complex outside of Beijing. Regional: New York City Opera, New Orleans Opera, Denver Center Theatre, Pioneer Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, American Musical Theatre of San Jose, Stages St. Louis, and Riverside Theatre, among others. Thanks to Thomas Scott and the crew at DDO, Ray, Vince, and the staff at Goodspeed for welcoming him back.

	DENISE LUTE* (Mother Burnside, Ensemble) Thrilled to Goodspeed after last season’s Show Boat! Made a member of the Actors Studio by Lee Strasberg, Denise is a veteran actor, working in film, television, and theatre. Connecticut audiences have seen Denise at the Westport Country Playhouse or at the neighboring Williamstown Theatre Festival, both for director Joanne Woodward. She is indebted to the Goodspeed family and these fabulous directors for opening a new window—into the world of musical theatre—love you all!

	ERIC JON MAHLUM* (Uncle Jeff, Mr. Upson, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Goodspeed debut! Broadway: Wicked. Off-Broadway: Plane Crazy,The Yard. National Tours: Young Frankenstein, Joseph…Dreamcoat, The Wizard of Oz. Favorite regional credits include shows at Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburg CLO, Kansas City Starlight, Dallas Summer Musicals, The Riverside Theatre, The Fireside Theatre, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Opera Kansas, and Atlanta Theatre of the Stars, to name a few. Eric holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance.

	MARY JO McCONNELL* (Madame Branislowski, Cousin Fan, Mrs. Upson, Ensemble) Goodspeed: Big River, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. National Tours: All Shook Up, Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), The Phantom of the Opera. Off-Broadway: Menopause the Musical, Soap Star (original cast). TV: “One Life to Live,” “Pan Am,” “Masters of Sex” pilot. MFA-American Conservatory Theater. Former Captain, US Army Nurse Corps. Health & Nutrition Coach. www.mjmcconnell.com

	KIM SAVA* (Pegeen, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Goodspeed debut! NY credits include: reading of CUTMAN: A Boxing Musical (Delores/Ring Girl, Goodspeed). Regional credits include: Grease (Rizzo, Tuacahn Center for the Arts); The Little Mermaid (Alana, Tuacahn); Annie (Lily, Fulton Opera House); A Christmas Carol (North Shore Music Theatre); The Producers, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Les Misérables (Maine State Music Theatre); All Shook Up (u/s Natalie, Carousel Dinner Theatre); as well as several others. Thanks to my partner in crime, Michael.

	MELISSA STEADMAN* (Ensemble) Goodspeed: Carnival! (Swing, Lili u/s); Geva Theatre: The Music Man (Zaneeta); Music Theatre Wichita: Miss Saigon (Ellen), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet u/s); Theatre Under The Stars: Urban Cowboy; LTO: The Sound of Music (Maria u/s), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Martha). Austin, Texas native and proud OU grad. Love and gratitude to my family and Wesley. xoxo

	KIT TREECE* (Ensemble) was last seen on Goodspeed’s stage as Monty in Genesius, part of the 2008 Festival of New Artists. National Tours: A Chorus Line (Bobby), Hairspray. Other favorites: The Rocky Horror Show at The Old Globe, West Side Story (Riff) at Gateway Playhouse, A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage Co., Oliver! (Noah Claypole) at the John W. Engeman Theater, My Fair Lady (Freddy Eynsford-Hill) at The Monomoy Theatre. Mr. Treece is a graduate of The Hartt School.

	KELLYN UHL (Gloria, Ensemble) is thankful and happy to be back at Goodspeed, having “swung” in How To Succeed... and assisted on last season’s My One And Only and Hello! My Baby. BFA Acting, Michigan State University 2010. Since then: Guys and Dolls at Barrington Stage, Magenta in Rocky Horror at the Hangar, Velma in Chicago at Mac-Haydn. Thank you Ray, Rob, Goodspeed, and above all my selfless parents and wonderful family and friends.

	JOHN T. WOLFE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Goodspeed Opera House debut! Originally from Huntington, WV, John attended Brigham Young University's Music/Dance/Theatre program. Previous credits include White Christmas (Pioneer Theatre Company), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Les Misérables (Marius), and Cats (Munkustrap). John has also toured Europe with both the BYU Young Ambassadors and Holland America Cruise Lines. Love and thanks to my incredible friends and family!

	BRITTANY BOHN (Swing) is making her Goodspeed debut! She hails from Atlanta, Georgia and recently graduated from Point Park University. Favorite credits include: My Fair Lady (Eliza cover), Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby (Curly), ‘S Wonderful workshop (Leslie), Carousel (Louise), Cats (Sillibub), Footloose (Urleen), Can-Can (Gabrielle). She’s blessed to have such a loving support team.

	NICK NERIO (Swing) Most recently seen as Paul in the International Tour of A Chorus Line. National Tours: A Chorus Line (Swing u/s Paul, Richie), Chicago (Ensemble), Gypsy (Yonkers). Regional: West Side Story (Chino); The Wild Party (Oscar); Kiss Me, Kate (Gremio). BFA, Syracuse University. Much love and thanks to his friends and family.

Creative Team

	RAY RODERICK (Director) directed Hello! My Baby, My One And Only, Singin’ in the Rain, and 42nd Street at Goodspeed. Other credits: Director/Book Adaptation Chitty Chitty Bang Bang National Tour (UK Tour and Licensed by MTI); Associate Director A Christmas Carol Madison Square Garden and Broadway revival of The Music Man and director of 3 year North American Tour; Co-Writer/Director/Choreographer Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano 3 year National Tour/Japan; Writer/Director ‘S Wonderful The New Gershwin Musical. Off-Broadway: Director/Co-Writer The Prince And The Pauper; Director/Choreographer The Ark, Lamour The Merrier, and The Story Goes On. Regional: Denver Center, Ogunquit Playhouse, and Gateway Playhouse.

	VINCE PESCE (Choreographer) Direction/Choreography, National/International Tours: Joseph…Dreamcoat, Victor/Victoria (Mexico City Company), ‘S Wonderful. Choreography, National Tours: Cinderella starring Lea Salonga, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Oliver!. New York: Abraham Lincoln’s BGDP (Off Broadway/Acorn Theatre), Dancing With Abandon (FringeNYC), Lucky Break. Television: “Tracey Ullman: Live and Exposed” (HBO), “Clash of the Choirs” starring Patti Labelle (NBC), “Grease: You’re The One That I Want” (NBC). Regional: The Music Man (Director/Choreographer); A Funny Thing…Forum and Little Shop of Horrors (Paper Mill Playhouse); Hello, Dolly!; White Christmas; Guys and Dolls; West Side Story. Associate Choreographer, Broadway: Anything Goes (Tony Award, Choreography), The Pajama Game (Tony Award, Choreography), Wonderful Town (Tony Award, Choreography), Little Shop of Horrors. Website: www.vincepesce.com

	MICHAEL O'FLAHERTY (Music Director) is in his 21st season as Goodspeed's Resident Music Director. Broadway: By Jeeves, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, A Streetcar Named Desire. Also: Paper Mill Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, Ford's Theatre, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Kennedy Center, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, and the Smithsonian Institution. Musical Supervisor and Cabaret Director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival for 11 years. His original musical, Genesius, for which he wrote music and lyrics, was recently showcased in NYC.

	JAMES YOUMANS (Scenic Design) For Goodspeed: Swinging On A Star, Paper Moon, Finian’s Rainbow, Summer of ’42, King of Hearts, My One And Only, and others. Broadway: West Side Story, Come Fly Away, Gypsy (Patti Lupone), and Swinging on a Star. Off-Broadway: Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Summer of ’42, Jeffrey, After Play. National Tours: West Side Story Come Fly Away, Cinderella, Grease, Mickey’s Magic Show and Disney On Ice Treasure Trove (Disney). Regional: Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theater, Westport Playhouse, Huntington Theater, and many others. www.youmansdesigns.com

	GREGG BARNES (Costume Design) Follies, Elf, Legally Blonde (2007 Tony nomination), The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Award), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Flower Drum Song, (Tony nomination), Bye Bye Birdie, Side Show. Other New York credits include: Sinatra (Radio City Music Hall); The Wizard of Oz (Madison Square Garden); Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (Principal Designer 1994-2005); Anyone Can Whistle; No, No, Nanette; Du Barry Was a Lady; Follies; Sweet Adeline; and The Ziegfeld Follies of 1936 (Encore Series at City Center). Gregg was the first recipient of the Theatre Development Fund’s Irene Sharaff Young Master Award.

	CHARLIE MORRISON (Lighting Design) National and International tours include: Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Groovaloo (Off B'way, LA and US Tour), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Aida (US, Taiwan, and China), Spelling Bee, Gypsy, 42nd Street (US and Japan), Miss Saigon, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Who’s Tommy (Japan and Europe), Titanic, The Music Man, and many others. Charlie has worked at many of the nation's regional theatres including Paper Mill Playhouse, The Shakespeare Theatre Company (DC), Goodspeed Musicals, Theatre Under the Stars, Tulsa Opera, Playmaker's Rep, Olney Theatre Center, and many others. Charlie is the recipient of the 2006 and 2007 Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design, and has been nominated for seven Helen Hayes Awards over the past five years. For more information, please visit www.cmlighting.com.

	JAY HILTON (Sound Design) is proud of his long association with Goodspeed, having designed countless productions at the Goodspeed Opera House and Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre in Chester. In addition to his design duties Jay serves as the Lighting & Sound Supervisor for all of Goodspeed’s productions. Jay’s work has been heard on Broadway, National Tours, and at regional theatres from coast to coast. Jay and his wife, Goodspeed’s Line Producer Donna Lynn Hilton, make their home (and garden) in Hadlyme.

	DAVID H. LAWRENCE (Hair & Wig Design) David’s work has been seen all over the world. With 37 Broadway shows and many regional theater productions under his belt, it is always a pleasure for David to come back to Goodspeed. This theater is one of those magical places that help shape his love for the theater. Many thanks to everyone here who works so hard to keep that magic alive every night.

	DAN DeLANGE (Orchestrator) has scored music for Paul Williams, Julie Andrews, Rosie O'Donnell, Jerry Herman, Harvey Schmitt, Peter Link, and the Jim Henson Company. He orchestrated the premiere of Charles Strouse’s You Never Know, conducted the Broadway National Tour of Chicago, and was music director/conductor for Musical America's National Tours of Crazy For You, Beauty and the Beast, and Singin' in the Rain. Graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and Oberlin Conservatory of Music. DanDeLangeOrchestrations.com

	WILLIAM J. THOMAS (Assistant Music Director) has served as principal conductor for 5 mainstage productions (including 42nd Street and Brigadoon) and associate conductor for 16 other productions (including My One And Only, Annie Get Your Gun, and 1776). Bill, who also serves as Director of Music Ministries at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme, is grateful to be celebrating his 19thyear of being part of the Goodspeed family—many thanks to MOF! Love to Lindsay Ryan and Collin Michael.