Our Dear Audience,We hope you enjoyed happy and healthy holidays with your loved ones. In case you are suffering from minor holiday withdrawal, we’re glad to remind you that Annie has just enough Christmas cheer to get you through. It’s such a joyful show, and we’re delighted to bring it to you. The themes of family – especially the ultimate human need to have the love of family – resonate all year long.There are opportunities to join our R2P family coming up soon. We will be holding a round of auditions February 8-10 to supplement the cast of Honk! and do the major casting for The Wedding Singer and Into the Woods. Anyone in grades 6-12 or the homeschool equivalent are invited to audition. We welcome young artists of every level of ability and experience. Sometimes company members tell us that they put off auditioning because they didn’t think they could keep up with the level of what they saw on stage. We hope prospective company members remember that no one they see on stage started off at that level – it’s a process! We take great pleasure in setting the bar high – and then providing all the tools and ample encouragement to help everyone reach that bar. We promise we’re a fun and friendly crowd to audition for. We’re your biggest cheerleaders, so come and play with us!

Gail Belokur and Joey Steinhagen,Co-Artistic DirectorsP.S. Mark your calendars now for R2Palooza – our fundraising music festival featuring Sim Redmond Band, Boy with a Fish, Black Castle, and others! Coming May 11 at The State Theatre!

ANNIE Book by Thomas Meehan Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics by Martin Charnin

Based on “Little Orphan Annie” by permission of The Media Tribune Services, Inc.

CAST OF CHARACTERS...............................................................................................................Annie Erin Hilgartner

..............................................................................................Miss Hannigan Ilana Wallenstein.........................................................................................................Warbucks Brendan Coyle

..................................................................................................................Grace Keara Byron.............................................................................................................Rooster Michael Sloan

..................................................................................................Lily St. Regis Elisheva Glaser*........................................................................................Duffy/Annie Understudy Ally Mirin*

....................................................................................................................July Jewell Payne*........................................................................................................Kate Sat Ardas Meyerhoff................................................................................................................Molly Riley Kwortnik

..........................................................................................Pepper/Judge Brandeis Elise Clavel...........................................................................................................Tessie Irena Rosenberg

.............................................................................................Lt. Ward/Roosevelt Caleb Harris*...........................Dog Catcher/Hooverite/Servant/Masked Announcer/Hull Matthew Skrovan*

...............................................................................Bert Healy/Ickes/Servant Christian Henry*..................................................Mr. Bundles/Hooverite/Fred McCracken/Howe James Harrod

..................................................................................................Drake/Hooverite Kalil Hendel..........................................................................................Mrs. Pugh/Hooverite Laurel Wolfe*

....................................................................Mrs. Greer/Hooverite/Dog Catcher Laura Fegely*.......................................................................Hooverite/Annette/Boylan Sister Lisa Podulka*

.........................................................................Cecile/Hooverite/Boylan Sister Loie Faulkner*.....................................................................Hooverite/Servant/Boylan Sister Caitlin Mallory*

...................................................................Frances Perkins/Hooverite/Servant Savannah Pleil................................................................Orphan/Radio Sound Effects Person Kyra Umbrage*

.................Hooverites/Servants Crystal Casselberry*, Emily Strayhorn*, Tamar Shapiro-Tamir*.........................................................................Hooverite/Star-to-Be/Servant Bretana Turkon*

...........................Orphans Chloe Faehndrich, Christina Wildridge, Emma Ellis, Ilana Wilensky,Madeline Turner, Noa Shapiro-Tamir, Rachel Strauss

.............................................................................................Sandy the Dog Teton Hilgartner* N.Y.C. Dancers

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERSSetting: New York City, 1933ACT 1Scene 1: The New York Municipal Orphanage Dormitory

.......................................................................................................................Maybe Annie..................................................................It’s the Hard-Knock Life Annie and The Orphans

....................................................................It’s the Hard-Knock Life (Reprise) The Orphans Scene 2: The streets of NYC

.................................................................................................................Tomorrow Annie Scene 3: A Hooverville Under the 59th Street Bridge

....................................We’d Like to Thank You Herbert Hoover The Hooverville-ites, Annie Scene 4: Miss Hannigan’s Office

....................................................................................................Little Girls Miss Hannigan Scene 5: Warbucks’ Mansion

..............................................I Think I'm Going to Like It Here Grace, Annie, Drake, Cecille,Annette, Mrs. Pugh, Other Servants

Scene 6: Midtown Manhattan.............................................N.Y.C. Warbucks, Grace, Annie, A Star To Be and New Yorkers

Scene 7: Miss Hannigan’s Office..............................................................................Easy Street Miss Hannigan, Rooster, Lily

Scene 8: Warbucks’ Study...............................................................................Why Should I Change a Thing Warbucks

.....................................You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long Grace, Drake, Mrs. Pugh, Cecille,Annette, Servants, and Warbucks

~ There will be a 15 minute intermission ~ACT 2Scene 1: The NBC Radio Studio

...........................You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile Bert Healy, The Boylan Sisters Scene 2: Miss Hannigan’s Office

......................................You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile (Reprise) The Orphans ................................................................Easy Street (Reprise) Miss Hannigan, Rooster, Lily

Scene 3: The White House................................................Tomorrow (Reprise) Annie, FDR, Warbucks, and the Cabinet

Scene 4: Warbucks’ Mansion ........................................................................................Something Was Missing Warbucks

Scene 5: The Ballroom of Warbucks’ Mansion......................I Don’t Need Anything But You Warbucks, Annie, Grace, Drake, and the Staff

Scene 6: The Ballroom of Warbucks’ Mansion (the next day) .........................................................................................................Maybe (Reprise) Annie

.................................A New Deal for Christmas Annie, Warbucks, Grace, FDR, and the Staff

ARTISTIC TEAM.........................................................................................................Director Joey Steinhagen..............................................................................................................Producer Gail Belokur

..................................................................................................Choreographer Steven Moore...................................................................................................Music Director Andy Collopy

.........................................................................Scenic and Projection Designer Tyler M. Perry......................................................................................Lighting Designer Jennette Kollmann.............................................................................................Costume Designer Abbey Steere

PRODUCTION TEAM...............................................................................................Technical Director Pierre Clavel

........................................................................................Master Carpenter Steve Brokehouse

......................................................................................................Master Electrician Zac Blitz....................................Carpentry Crew Bill Podulka, David Faulkner, Chris Hazel, Dick Archer

.........................................................................................Projection Operator Michael Roche...........................................................Assistant Stage Managers Noah Elman, Sophia Tantillo

..............................................................................................Sound Engineer Michael Garrett...........................................................................................Wardrobe Supervisor Hanalei Berg.....................................................................................Light Board Operator Michael Belokur

.....................................................................Spot Operators Ari Cummings, Molly Westbrook..................................................................................................Charge Artist Katie Anderson

...........................................................Assistant Charge Artists Shauna Belokur, Gregg Houck............................................................................................................Props Joey Steinhagen

.................................................................................Costume Crew Janis Kelly, Lisa Kwortnik.................................................................Fly Crew Noah Elman, Caleb Harris, Caitlin Mallory

ORCHESTRA...............................................................................................Piano/Conductor Andy Collopy

.......................................................................................................Percussion Ian Cummings.........................................................................................................Bass Samuel B. Lupowitz

.......................................................................................Reeds Andrew Horwitz, Alec Staples.........................................................................................................Trumpet Jason Ferguson

RUNNING TO PLACES BOARD OF DIRECTORSLeslie Byron, Kelly A. Damm, Dick Furnas, Heidi Goldstein, Linda Harris, Lilly WestbrookEx Officio: Jack Goldstein, Jerry Dietz

RUNNING TO PLACES STAFF..........................................................Gail Belokur Resident Producer and Co-Artistic Director

......................................................Joey Steinhagen Resident Director and Co-Artistic Director.................................................................................................Linda Harris Finance Manager

.............................................................................................Tyler M. Perry Resident Designer...........................................................................................Sharon Nelson Company Manager

SPECIAL THANKSKitchen Theatre Company, Adam Klein, Ithaca College Theatre Arts, Jerry Dietz, Michael Garrett, Joe Wilensky, Lilly Westbrook, Maxine Etchison, Adam Perl, Pastimes Antiques, Benjamin Peters

BIOSABBEY STEERE (Costume Designer) graduated from Ithaca College with a BFA in Theatrical Production Arts (Costume Design) in 2011. Following graduation, Abbey spent the season at the Tony Award-winning Long Wharf Theatre as the costumes resident. Abbey recently moved to NYC in August and hit the ground running through the freelance design world. Selected design credits are: A Christmas Carol (Running to Places),  Andromache (The Tinker’s Collective, Ancient Drama Festival), How I Learned to Drive (The Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute), And a Child Shall Lead (KOTA Productions), The Mischief Makers (Long Wharf Theatre), Coram Boy (Ithaca College). www.abbeysteeredesigns.com

ALLY MIRIN (Duffy/Annie Understudy) is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Annie! Ally is a tenth grader at Ithaca High School. She has been in productions at DeWitt Middle School, Ithaca High School, Ithaca College, and Running To Places. Favorite roles include “Agwe” in Once on this Island (DeWitt), “Children's Chorus” in The Little Prince (Ithaca College), “Duckling” in Honk! (R2P), “Mole” in The Wind in the Willows (R2P), and a “Rebel” in Urinetown (R2P). When not on stage, Ally enjoys singing and dancing at the Ithaca Academy of Dance, and playing oboe and piano. She would like to thank her voice teacher, Erica, the entire cast and crew of Annie, Joey, Steve, Andy, Gail, and of course her AMAZING parents. Enjoy the show!

ANDY COLLOPY (Music Director) is delighted to be returning to the State Theatre after music directing last month’s production of A Christmas Carol. He is a music director, accompanist, and vocal coach based in New York City. His notable New York credits include Frankenstein: A New Musical, Company, The 26th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition at the Minskoff Theatre, and NBC’s “SMASH.” Other music directing highlights include Coram Boy, Hello Again, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Tom Waits’ Woyzeck. He has served as an associate conductor at The College Light Opera Company and has played

piano for numerous theaters, including The Hangar Theatre and Cortland Repertory Theatre. BM, Ithaca College School of Music. http://andy.collopy.net

ARI CUMMINGS (Spot Operator) was recently seen in R2P’s A Christmas Carol and is thrilled to be working as a spot operator for Annie! Ari enjoys singing, acting, dancing and plays multiple sports in his spare time. Ari would like to thank his family for support!

BRENDAN COYLE (Warbucks) is incredibly excited to be in his first R2P production. He would like to thank his family for putting up with his busy rehearsal schedule and the R2P staff for being flexible during unexpected absences. He hopes that you will all enjoy the show that the cast has worked so hard to pull off! Allons-y!!

BRETANA TURKON (Hooverite/Star-to-Be/Servant) is very excited to be in her twelfth production with R2P. She has recently been seen as “Amber Von Tussle” in Hairspray and was in the ensemble in Urinetown. She also recently assistant stage managed R2P’s production of Oklahoma. “I would like to thank Steve, Andy, Gail, Joey, and everyone who has helped out with this production. Enjoy the show!”

CAITLIN MALLORY (Boylan Sister/Ensemble) is very excited to be in her fourth show with Running to Places. Caitlin is in eighth grade at LACS and enjoys singing loudly and dancing around her house. Some of her most recent shows include last season’s Hairspray and Oliver with R2P and the recent A Christmas Carol. Caitlin also likes participating in Vitamin L and Ithaca Children’s Choir. She recently attended the summer theater program at Interlochen Center for the Arts. “Huge thanks to the cast and crew, and to my family for the support! Enjoy the show!”

CALEB HARRIS (Lt. Ward/FDR) is a senior at IHS and is delighted to be working on his fifteenth R2P show! Previous stage appearances include: A Christmas Carol (“Young Marley”), IHS’ The Jury (“Juror Ten”), Urinetown (“Rebel”), Oliver! (“Mr. Brownlow”), IHS’ All In The Timing (“Don”), Romeo and Juliet (“Lord Capulet”), and Guys and Dolls (“Lt. Brannigan”). When not on the stage, one can usually find him working backstage, at Greek Peak skiing, or on the field playing Ultimate Frisbee. He would like to thank his parents for all they do to support him, the amazing cast of this marvelous show, his grandparents, Steve, Andy, Joey, and Gail, as well as the amazing ASMs, Noah and Sophia! Thank you for your support and enjoy the show!

CHLOE FAEHNDRICH (Orphan) is thrilled to be in Annie, her first R2P production!  Her previous roles include “Gallus” in The Shepherds Play and “Epimetheus” in Prometheus the Fire-Bringer, both school plays. In addition to acting and R2P, Chloe enjoys the cello, riding horses, art, dancing, and singing. She is in sixth grade at Boynton Middle School. Enjoy the show!

CHRISTIAN HENRY (Bert Healy/Ickes/Servant) recently starred as “Nicely Nicely Johnson” in Guys And Dolls Jr. and last year was “Harry” in State Fair, both Boynton Middle School productions. He sings in the Young Men’s Choir of Ithaca and was in Area All-State choir. He also takes ballet classes. Christian is in eighth grade at Boynton Middle School where he is an honors student.

CHRISTINA WILDRIDGE (Orphan) has been in three shows with R2P. She has been in The Music Man (“Townsperson”), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (chorus member) and now Annie. It is very exciting to her to work with all the great performers. She would like to thank the crew and all who took their time to help out. She hopes that you will enjoy the show.

CRYSTAL CASSELBERRY (Hooverite/Servant) is very excited to be making her Running to Places debut. She has previously been seen in Boynton Middle School performances such as Beauty and the Beast and State Fair (“Violet”) and the most recent Guys and Dolls (“Hot Box Girl”). Crystal is also involved in her school chorus. Crystal would like to thank her family for supporting her dream. Enjoy the show!

ELISE CLAVEL (Pepper/Judge Brandeis) Annie is Elise’s third show with Running to Places. Previously with R2P she performed in Oliver and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. At LACS she recently played “Mrs. Stevenson” in Sorry, Wrong Number and in previous years she was “Auntie Em” in The Wizard of Oz and “Trinculo/Alonso” in a staged reading of The Tempest. She has performed as a singer with CSMA’s Choraliers and LACS’s Street Band and Voices of the World. She is also an avid soccer player. She hopes you enjoy the show.

ELISHEVA GLASER (Lily St. Regis) is incredibly pumped to be in this production of Annie. Her previous roles include “Amaryllis” in R2P’s The Music Man, “Margy” in Boynton Middle School’s State Fair, and the “Ghost of Christmas Past” in R2P’s A Christmas Carol. Elisheva loves ramen and being part of R2P. She will be seen in R2P’s Honk! this May. Enjoy the show!

EMILY STRAYHORN (Hooverite/Servant) is a junior in high school. This is her first performance in Running to Places. Before moving here, she participated in Pittsburgh’s Act One Theatre School for five years. In her free time she enjoys walking all over Ithaca, skiing, and singing harmony with her dad. She hopes you enjoy the show!

EMMA ELLIS (Orphan) Annie is Emma’s first staged production, although she has been in many school plays and other small productions. Emma is in the sixth grade at the Ithaca Waldorf School, and enjoys acting, singing, dancing and art. She began acting in Joey’s “Imagine That” class when she was 4 years old, and is so excited to be finally performing with Running to Places. She wants to thank her parents for making this happen and for helping her to follow her dreams.

ERIN HILGARTNER (Annie) is an eighth grader at Boynton Middle School, and is thrilled to be part of this production! This is Erin’s fourth R2P show. Previous roles with R2P include “Bet” in Oliver, “Mercutio” in Romeo and Juliet, and “Judah” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Erin has also appeared in productions at the Kitchen Theatre, as well as in Boynton Theatre productions, where she appeared as “Adelaide” in Guys and Dolls, “Emily Arden” in State Fair, and “Cogsworth the Clock” in Beauty and the Beast. She hopes you enjoy the show!

ILANA WALLENSTEIN (Miss Hannigan) is thrilled to be in her seventh R2P show! Her favorite past roles include “Soupy Sue” in R2P’s Urinetown, “Little Girl” in the Hangar Theatre’s production of Ragtime, “Glinda” in LACS’s Wizard of Oz , and many, many more. In her spare time Ilana enjoys eating, sleeping and being short. She would like to thank the tremendously talented cast and crew, her wonderfully supportive family and friends, and especially her sister Bevi, who always told her she was born to torture little redheaded orphans. She would also like to thank you. Yes, you! The person reading this bio right now! I really couldn’t be here without you! If you weren’t here, we would just be singing and dancing by ourselves, and that usually leads to weirdness … Alright my little pig droppings, enjoy the show, and remember you’re never fully dressed without a smile.

ILANA WILENSKY (Orphan) is very excited to be in her third R2P production (previously in Oliver and Oklahoma). Someday she would like to be a grown-up, not an orphan (in a show). In her spare time, Ilana likes to hang out with her friends, do her nails, and dance.

IRENA ROSENBERG (Tessie) is super excited to be in her first Running to Places production. Irena loves dancing and is a student at Armstrong School of Dance. Irena also studies violin at Ithaca Talent Education, enjoys acting and singing, and plays on competitive lacrosse and basketball teams in her spare time. Irena would like to thank her dog, Roxie, her friends and family for all their support!

JAMES HARROD (Mr. Bundles/Hooverite/Fred McCracken/James Howe) is thrilled to be part of his second R2P production! He has recently performed in R2P’s production of A Christmas Carol. In addition to acting, James enjoys playing the violin, listening to music, and playing Magic the Gathering. He is a sixth grader who attends the Northern Light Learning Center. James would like to thank his parents for being so supportive and his friend, Kai Haskins, for all his great advice. He hopes you enjoy the show!

JENNETTE KOLLMANN (Lighting Designer) is pleased to be designing for Running To Places. Ms. Kollmann has designed numerous productions for theatre, opera, television and video. Currently Ms. Kollmann is an adjunct lecturer at Ithaca College Department of Theatre Arts. Recently she designed Bloomberg Television’s new broadcast studio in London, England. Other projects include special events, video shoots and performances for Blue Man Group. Ms. Kollmann has toured with The Acting Company as Lighting Director for Macbeth and Three Musketeers in repertory. Design credits include: L’italiana in Algeri (Austin Lyric Opera), Laramie Project (Gallery Players), Curse of the Starving Class, Alice in Wonderland (Eiojes Dance Theatre), The Sound of Music (CSP), Il Ritorno d’Ulisse (Pittsburgh Opera). Ms. Kollmann is a graduate of Ithaca College and Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.

KALIL HENDEL (Drake/Hooverite) is reasonably excited to appear in his first ever theatrical production, Annie. He loves the entire Running to Places crew, and was absolutely astounded by the amount of work that goes into each show. Outside of theater, Kalil enjoys writing, referring to himself in the third person omniscient tense, and vests. He hopes you enjoy watching the show as much as he enjoyed working on it.

PROFESSIONAL  PHOTOGRAPHIC  SERVICES

WEDDINGS  &  EVENTS

FINE  ARTPRINTS

SENIORPORTRAITS

george  cannon  -  images

HEADSHOTS

KEARA BYRON (Grace) is so excited to be in her tenth R2P show! (If being an assistant stage manager counts as being in a show). Some of her favorite roles include “Bullfrog” in Honk!, “Penny” in Hairspray, and “Tiny Tina” in Urinetown; all with Running to Places. Along with Running to Places, she has also been in shows at: Boynton Middle School, Ithaca High School, Cornell, and Ithaca College. She most recently assistant directed Boynton Middle School’s production of Guys and Dolls Jr. Coming up next, you can see her as “Miss Jones” in Ithaca High School’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. When not performing or at rehearsal, Keara enjoys singing with the Ithaca Children’s Choir and Vitamin L, dancing, taking voice lessons with her wonderful voice teacher, Sharon, eating, and playing oboe and a little bit of ukulele. “I want to thank my amazing parents and my awesome friends for their everlasting support, also Joey, Gail, Steve and Andy for giving me this amazing opportunity, and all of the people who worked on this wonderful show (cast and crew). We know you’re gonna like it here!”

KYRA UMRIGAR (Orphan/Soundwoman) is super excited to be in her fourth R2P show! Kyra is a freshman at LACS. Kyra has been previously seen in Oklahoma (Ensemble), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Ensemble) and Singin’ in the Rain (Ensemble) with R2P. She has also been seen in The Wizard of Oz (“Tinman” and other), Bye Bye Birdie (“Teenage Girl”) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (“Lucille”) with LACS. Kyra is also in Chorale with the Ithaca Children’s Choir and Vitamin L. In her spare time, Kyra enjoys horseback riding, singing, and spending time with her dog and two horses. Kyra would like to thank her parents, Lisa and her parents, her family and friends, Joey, Steve and everyone who made this happen. Enjoy the show!

LAUREL WOLFE (Sophie/Mrs. Pugh) is a senior at LACS. She is proud to have been one of the founding members of R2P when she was in seventh grade and is sad that this is her last show with R2P. Some favorite shows include Honk! (“Fish/Froglet”), Wind in the Willows (“Rabbit Rose”), Anything Goes (“Reporter”) and Hairspray (“Principal”). She has also been in shows at LACS including Grease (“Cha-cha”), Thoroughly Modern Millie (“Gloria”), Bye Bye Birdie (“Kim”) and The Wizard of Oz (“The Wicked Witch of the West”). When she’s not acting, Laurel enjoys singing in the Ithaca Children’s choir, dancing at Ithaca Academy of Dance, and playing her violin. She would like to thank her family and her wonderful directors. Always remember that the sun will come out tomorrow!

LISA PODULKA (Annette/Boylan Sister) a freshman at IHS, is thrilled to be in her tenth R2P show! Her favorite role with R2P was “Leona” in Cinderella, and most recently she was in Urinetown. At Cortland Repertory Theater, she played “Pippa” in Spider’s Web and was a child ensemble member in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Her favorite role with Syracuse Children’s Theater was “Gabriella” in High School Musical. Off-stage, she enjoys singing in Vitamin L, dancing at the Cortland Performing Arts Institute, and petting her cats.  Thanks to Joey, Steve, Gail, and Andy for being amazing and to everyone who helped with this production. Thank you also to Mom and Dad for driving to rehearsals. “I dedicate these performances to my beloved cat, Socks, who will always be in my heart.” 

LOIE FAULKNER (Cecile/Hooverite/Boylan Sister) is a freshman at Ithaca High School. She is thrilled to be in her sixth Running to Places production! Her favorite roles include “Melissa Frake” in State Fair, Jr., the “Egg Seller” in Beauty and the Beast Jr., and an “Orphan” in Annie Jr., all at Boynton Middle School. For R2P, she has appeared as “Mrs. Cratchit” and a “Goodie Dancer” in A Christmas Carol, a “Rebel” in Urinetown, a “Council Dancer” in Hairspray, and in the ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Showcase 2011. She has also been seen as “Robin” in Godspell at St. John’s Church and various characters over four years of Ithaca Ballet’s The Nutcracker. She would like to thank Rebecca for all her help, her friends for their support, her family for their constant love, and all of the directors. Enjoy the show!

MADELINE TURNER (Orphan) is twelve years old and goes to Dewitt Middle School.  She participated in several plays in the Hudson Valley, but, this is her first year with Running to Places and she has enjoyed it greatly. 

MATTHEW SKROVAN (Dog Catcher/Hooverite/Servant/Masked Announcer/Hull) is very pleased to be in his second Running to Places show. In December he played “Twelve-year-old Scrooge” in A Christmas Carol which was his R2P debut and has fallen in love with the Company completely. He has been in many other shows such as Once On This Island (“Daniel”), Annie Get Your Gun (“Frank Butler”), and Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing

(“Leonato”). He will also be appearing as “Cat” in Running to Places’ production of HONK! in May. And now, he knows you are going to love and enjoy the timeless classic that is Annie!

MICHAEL GARRETT (Sound Engineer) has run sound for many concerts, but made his R2P sound debut with Urinetown. Mike’s interest in theater began at a young age, but it was not until his junior year of high school that he was introduced to technical theater by his roommate. He graduated from Cornell University with a degree in animal science, but was most often seen in the Schwartz Center’s scene shop, where he began as stage carpenter, rising to lighting designer and eventually technical director for Leonard Bernstein’s Mass in 2009. He also worked as the productions manager for Cornell Concert Commission, as well as Slope Day. Mike also served as the set designer, technical director, and production manager for the Melodramatics Theatre Company. His love of theater also has led him to work in concerts, film, and web media.

MICHAEL SLOAN (Rooster), a ninth grader at Cascadilla School, is extremely excited to be in his third year with R2P and his fifth show!  His R2P credits include “Oliver” in the musical Oliver, “Council Dancer” in Hairspray, “Ensemble” in the 2011 Spring Showcase, and “Narrator” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Michael’s Ithaca College credits include The Little Prince and Children of Eden, and his Cornell University credits include Pillowman and Bernstein’s Mass. When not on stage, Michael enjoys playing soccer, skiing and singing with Ithaca Children’s Choir in the Young Men’s Chorus.  He would like to thank all of the R2P directors, cast, crew, and designers for making this show possible.  He would also like to thank his family for their support and for driving him to rehearsals. Enjoy the show!

MOLLY WESTBROOK (Spot Op) is a junior at IHS. She has been doing theatre for the past six years and loves it. You might have seen her recently stage managing Accused of Comedy, or house managing Twelve Angry Men, both with IHS drama. She’d like to thank her mom for rides, and Gail for all of her mentoring. She hopes you enjoy the show.

NOA SHAPIRO-TAMIR (Orphan) is a first-year R2P actress, and is amazed to be cast in this fabulous show! She really had a lot of fun forming this play with her peers, and is proud to say that she has met tons of great new people in the last couple months. Noa would like to thank her parents with all her heart for providing transportation to and from rehearsals, and putting up with the constant singing of “Hard Knock Life,” etcetera. She would also like to thank Joey, Steve, Andy, and Gail for all the work they put into this show. “This is an amazing show, I hope you enjoy it!”

PIERRE CLAVEL (Technical Director) has been working professionally in theater all over the country since 1987. Which is far too long. He is a parent of an R2P actor, and has lived in

Ithaca off and on since 1963. Which is even longer. Huge thank you to Steven Brookhouse, Chris Hazel, Kenny Broadwell, Dick Archer, and the Cornell and Ithaca College Scene shops.

RACHEL STRAUSS (Orphan) is a sixth grader at Boynton Middle school and this is her second production with Running to Places. Her previous experiences include both minor and major roles working with the summer program at the Ithaca Youth Bureau and a few parts in the recent R2P production of A Christmas Carol.  Rachel is excited to be an “Orphan” in Annie. 

RILEY KWORTNIK (Molly) is thrilled to be in her first Running to Places performance. Molly has been her favorite character in Annie ever since she first saw it. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support. Special thanks to her brother for tolerating her singing these songs 24/7.

SAVANNAH PLEIL (Perkins/Appleseller) is overjoyed to be in her second Running to Places production. She made her R2P debut in their thirtieth show, A Christmas Carol (Granny Pickwick). Savannah is a junior at Ithaca High School, where she is on a year abroad. She has found lots of loving and helpful people in R2P to make her transition into her new American life an easy one, and is thankful to the cast and crew of Annie for making her stay here a great experience. She would also like to thank her family for all the help and guidance they have provided and the new friends she has found here for all the love and support. And now, sit back and enjoy watching a classic come to life!

STEVEN MOORE (Choreographer) is a multiple-award-winning musical theatre actor, choreographer and director based out of NYC. Steven’s work has been seen both on stage and screen from regional theatres across the East coast all the way to Her Majesty’s Theatre on London’s West End. He has been honored to have served as choreographic assistant to such people as Chris Bailey (TAPDOGS, associate B’ways’ Evita), Adam Pelty (B’way Scarlet Pimpernel, Billy Elliot), and many more. Steven has recently just wrapped up a national tour and an engagement at Glimmerglass Opera where he was seen in Annie Get Your Gun starring Deborah Voigt and Anne Bogart’s Carmen. Other selected works include Hedwig and the Angry Inch (“Hedwig”), Rooms: A Rock Romance (“Ian”), Into The Woods (“Jack”), Peter Pan The Musical (“Peter”), Seussical (“The Cat in the Hat”), and many more. Steven has also starred in multiple film and television projects working with such people as Ben Stiller, Morgan Freeman and Brendan Fraser including the multiple-Indie-award film winner, Judgment Day. Aside from his theatrical work, Steven is also an international award-winning magician and juggler. Steven holds a BFA from Ithaca College in Musical Theatre and is a proud member of The Actors Equity Association.

TAMAR SHAPIRO-TAMIR (Hooverite/Servant) is very excited to be in her first Running to Places show! Tamar is in ninth grade at LACS, where she has acted in Bye Bye Birdie (“Alice”) and The Wizard of Oz (“Tree”/Ensemble). You will soon see her in this year’s musical, The Dress Rehearsal/Drama! She wants to thank everyone who has taught her, her parents for driving her everywhere, her friends for putting up with endless theater talk, and all the Running to Places people for welcoming her to their world.

TETON HILGARTNER (Sandy) is a nine-year-old Portuguese Water Dog. This is his debut as a performer. When not on stage, Teton enjoys swimming, long walks in the woods, good food, and spending time with his family. He would like to thank the R2P production team for unleashing his theatre career.

TYLER M. PERRY (Scenic and Projection Designer): See bio in R2P’s Staff section.

RUNNING TO PLACES STAFFGAIL BELOKUR (Resident Producer and Co-Artistic Director) received her BA in Drama from Ithaca College and has worked professionally with young people in the performing arts in Upstate New York for over 20 years. Her wide range of credits include stage managing, producing, directing and designing (scenic, costume and lighting) for all R2P shows plus dozens of other plays, musicals and dance recitals for middle- and high-school students. As founder and artistic director of New Vine Productions, Gail also taught acting workshops and developed arts programs for theatre, dance, music and the visual arts before merging this endeavor into the launching of Running to Places. She is employed full time by the company. Gail shares her home with husband George, daughter Shauna and son Michael with visits from daughter Kristen, son-in-law Justin and the most precious grandson of all time (so far), Dominick.

JOEY STEINHAGEN (Resident Director and Co-Artistic Director) has been teaching, acting in, and directing theatre for young people throughout Tompkins County since 1993. He received his BFA in Acting from Ithaca College. Over the years, he has directed musicals and plays at Ithaca and Dryden high schools, Dryden, Boynton, and Dewitt middle schools, for the Northern Lights Learning Center, and the Hangar Theatre’s “Kiddstuff” series. Joey has taught acting at Ithaca College, Cornell, SUNY Cortland, Hangar Theatre’s Next Generation program, and the Ithaca Youth Bureau. As an actor, Joey has appeared at the Kitchen Theatre Tony and the Soprano (“Tony,” world premiere), Precious Nonsense (“Pete,” world premiere), The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow (“Dr. Yakunin”), and We Won’t Pay, We Won’t Pay (“Luigi”). He is proudest of his favorite production: Aram.

LINDA HARRIS (Finance Manager) As an R2P parent she was, and continues to be, extremely inspired by the dedication of the founders of R2P. She has observed their positive influence on our sons and daughters and the enormous amount of personal time they give, all delivered with never-ending enthusiasm and a smile. When R2P reached the goal of obtaining their non-profit status (no small feat in itself!) and needed to move forward to prepare to do business “officially” she gladly volunteered her services to help them set up shop. She brings with her (in addition to her enthusiasm and excitement!), over twenty years of finance and administrative experience. More than ten of those years were in the non-profit sector. Most recently, she spent several years as a Grant and Contract Officer for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University and currently works for the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as their financial analyst, grant and contract specialist. She looks forward to working with the rest of the R2P staff and many wonderful volunteers “behind the scenes” and supporting their hard work and heartfelt efforts for our local youth.

SHARON NELSON (Company Manager) served as vice president-treasurer of campus activities during her early college years. She enjoyed selecting the campus performers and working closely with them during show times, and after college went on to be personal manager-promoter for Jamie Notarthomas (Syracuse singer-songwriter). She appreciates R2P’s mission because she knows the sense of belonging and the long-term benefits that come from

participating in the arts at an early age. Sharon played clarinet in her high school, the award-winning West Genesee Wildcat Marching Band, and continues to play today. She started teaching elementary school in Ithaca in 1997, and currently works with children as a reading teacher at BJM Elementary School. Sharon thanks Gail and Joey for their theatre company lessons, her parents for encouraging her in The Arts as a child, and her husband, Mark and three children, Elliott, Roxanne and Corinna for their love and support!

TYLER M. PERRY (Resident Designer) has spent the season as Running to Places’ Resident Designer, having been with the company for three seasons. Past credits include: Hairspray, Joseph and ... Dreamcoat (Scenic and Lighting Design), Oklahoma, Noises Off, Oliver, and Cinderella (Scenic Design). His work has also been seen at the Kitchen Theatre Company: Opus (Scenic and Lighting Design), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Waiting for Spring, The Mystery of Irma Vep, and In the Company of Dancers (Lighting Design). He received his BFA in Theatrical Production Arts – Design from Ithaca College where he has designed: The Magic Flute (Scenic), The Light in the Piazza, and How I Learned to Drive (Lighting). He also has extensive work as an assistant/associate designer to Steve TenEyck with such companies as Ithaca College, Kitchen Theatre Co., Hangar Theatre, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Florida Grand Opera, Mill City Summer Opera, and the Herson Group Ltd.

2012-2013 SEASON DONORSThank you to our generous donors-at-large and sponsors!

Sprinter ($1-$99)John Skrovan and Jennifer OrleansLauren O’ConnellMaggie and Bill Goldsmith

Explorers ($150-$249)Alan RosePauline and Wayne Cheveriea

Steeplechasers ($500-$999)The Robert G. & Jane V. Engel Foundation in

honor of Joey Steinhagen and Anya Gibian

Marathoners ($1,000-$2,999)AnonymousButtermilk Falls Pediatrics#

Community Coalition for Healthy YouthKelly A. Damm, Attorney at Law*Rawlings Construction*Shakespeare in the Basement#

Snug Planet #

Tompkins Trust Company#

Triathlon ($3,000-$4,999)Inn on Columbia+

The Savage Club of Ithaca*#

Pentathlon ($5,000-$9,999)AnonymousLinda and Bob HarrisPurity Ice Cream +

Decathlon ($10,000 and up)CSP Management^

Cayuga Radio Group^

Park Foundation^

^Season Sponsor +Exclusive Show Sponsor*Show Sponsor # Scholarship Sponsor

The donor list is current through January 4, 2013. If we have made an error, please email

finance@runningtoplaces.organd accept our sincere apologies.

THE WHIPPING MANBY MATTHEW LOPEZ

RACHEL LAMPERT, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

1/23 - 2/10

FOR TICKETS: (607) 273-4497KITCHENTHEATRE.ORG

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