Musical Stuff

This is a long post so please read through it all!
Schedule for the week of April 17- 23:
    4/17- Monday- Nothing
    4/18- Tuesday- After school- Full Cast in the Choir Room, lighting, sound and backstage in theater
                               Production in kitchen
    4/19- Wednesday- After school- backstage
                                   5:30- Sound crew and leads in theater
                                   6:00- Full Cast in theater for sing through with pit orchestra
                              Boosters and Ads due on paper to Mr. Chesler, Isabel or Nicole or by email to
                              jchesler@nbtschools.org
    4/20- Thursday- After school- Full Cast, backstage and lighting (if needed)
    4/21- Friday- Special Autism Friendly Performance- Full Cast, lighting and sound report to theater after first session. After school rehearsal/construction TBA
     4/22- Saturday- Full Cast from 10-12 for costumes
                               Backstage, lighting and sound (if needed) from 9-12
                               Senior Circle in Green Room from 12:30- 2:30 (ish). Bring lunch/snacks
     4/23- Super Sunday- Backstage, lighting and sound report at 9, full cast report at 10. We run the show until about 10 pm. Also, Tech week food order due. Forms will be available during the week and outside Room 823

Finally, here is the program as of this moment. If there is a mistake (misspelled or left you out of the program) please let Mr. Chesler or Isabel know during the week.

Cast (in order of appearance):

Dorothy Gale-                         Emily Aulenbach

Auntie Em-                             Nathalie Pereda

Uncle Henry-                          Adam Taubenslag

Hickory/Tinman-                     Chris Meyer

Hunk/Scarecrow-                    Frankie Marrone

Zeke/Lion-                              Noah van Vliet

Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch-     Paige Jarusiewicz

Professor Marvel/Wizard-       Jake Williams

Glinda-                                    Sydney Williams

Emerald City Guard-              Tobi Tella

Nikko, Head Monkey-            Tajae Ali

Head Winkie-                          Dan Guix

Crows-                                                Eric Ackerman, Adam Taubenslag, Joey Gambino, Tajae Ali,

Jack Berth, Samantha Zielinski

Trees-                                       Giselle Garriga, Julia Marrone, Nicole Vega, Lyndsey Farrell,

                                                Nayeli Aymat

Tornado-                                  Jake Williams, Jack Berth, Samantha Zielinski, Isabel Wood,

                                                Tajae Ali, Eric Ackerman, Adam Taubenslag, Joey Gambino,

                                                Nicole Jimenez, Sofia Rivera, Cassie Berth, Mariam Abass

Jitterbugs-                               Cassie Berth, Lyndsey Farrell, Julia Marrone, Jake Williams,

                                                Jack Berth, Brittany Hague, Isabelle Bongiovanni, Brooke

                                                McPherson, Samantha Zielinski, Jolea Georges, Eric Ackerman

Munckinland:

Mayor-                                                Justin Kyle

Coroner-                                  Giselle Garriga

Barrister-                                 Sofia Rivera

City Leaders-                          Sahana Teegararapu, Sucharita Ganesh, Aya Ghannam

Teachers-                                 Caroline Baier, Adrianna Casas

Lullaby League-                      Isabelle Bongiovanni, Nayeli Aymat, Brooke McPherson

Lollipop Guild-                       Tobi Tella, Andrew Rudolph, Jessica Fritsche

Emerald City:

Beauticians-                            Brooke McPherson, Giselle Garriga, Lyndsey Farrell, Julia

                                                Marrone, Aya Ghannam, Sucharita Ganesh,

Polishers-                                 Adam Taubenslag, Sofia Rivera, Eric Ackerman

Manicurists-                            Isabelle Bongiovanni, Nayeli Aymat, Nicole Vega

Monkeys-                                Joey Gambino, Caroline Baier, Sofia Rivera, Adam Taubenslag,

Winkies-                                  Emily Slattery, Julieanne Chavez, Samara Curry, Isabella Colon,

                                                Alyssa Brown

Citizens of Munchkinland and Ozians:

Cassie Berth, Isabela Colon, Matt Borselli, Gita Shankar, Samara Curry, Julieanne Chavez, Jolea Georges, Brittany Hague, Courtney Tomaszewski, Jack Berth, Alyssa Brown, Maha Imran, Dan Guix, Emily Slattery, Samantha Zielinksi, Tajae Ali, Shashuda Terripotua,

Production Credits

Director-                                              Mrs. Marcy Marx

Student Director-                                 Nicole Jimenez

Choreographer-                                                Ms. Rebecca Cahill

Dance Captains-                                  Lyndsey Farrell, Julia Marrone

Technical/Backstage Coordinator-       Mr. Bill Haber

Backstage Manager-                             Nicole Jimenez

Lighting Crew-                                     Adam Seidman,

Sound Crew-                                        Kylie Knight, Michael Einiger

Set Construction-                                 Nicole Jimenez, Adeola Kukoyi, Bryan Winkler, Ananya Malagi, Mariam Abass, Justin Kyle, Sagar Singal, Sonali Singal, Michael Einiger, Cassie Berth, Upama Roy

Backstage Crew-                                  Nicole Jimenez, Adeola Kukoyi, Sagar Singal, Bryan Winkler,

                                                            Mariam Abass, Justin Kyle, Cassie Berth

Producer-                                             Mr. Joel Chesler

Student Producer-                                Isabel Wood    

Production Crew-                                 Leslie Herrera, Stephanie Drake, Caitlyn Barbato, Nikita Verma, Maiya Torres, Laura Cannuni, Kelsey McCann, Rachel Carrion, Zuzanna Budak, Rafael Mesa, Tom Bugowski,

Make Up Artists-                                  Zuzanna Budak

Vocal Director-                                    Ms. Vanessa Moreno

Costume Supervisor-                           Mrs. Debbie Suchocki

Photographers-                                     Ms. Jacqueline Morrison, Isabel Wood, Nikki Verma

Staff Mother-                                       Mrs. Kazue Jimenez

Musical Director-                                 Mr. Jeff Smith

Pit Orchestra-                                       Keyboards: Francois Suhr, Andrew Macirowski

Woodwinds: Claire Smith, Fabian Schultz, Chris English, Ashley

Garcia

Horn: Richard Golazeski, Tracy Fedosh
Trumpet: Max Maguire, Stephen Komar
Low Brass: Ian Young, Dan Mitchell
Bass: John Moroney
Percussion: Danielle Nudelman, Mary Mehalich        

 Who’s Who in the Cast and Crew

Eric Ackerman (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of the first Alchemist production of his high school career. Eric has had a long-standing love of theatre since he saw The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway when he was 4 years old. As well as The Wizard of Oz, Eric has appeared in Beauty and the Beast, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Sound of Music and has even participated in the Bronx Opera’s production of Albert Herring. Eric sends much love to his mother and father and is grateful for this newfound theatrical opportunity.

Tajae Ali (Nico) is very excited to be in her 3^rd musical with the Achemists. She'd like to thank Mrs. Marx, Mrs. Cahill, Mrs. Suchoki and everyone else who made this show possible! To the cast, break a leg!

Emily Aulenbach (Dorothy Gale)  is absolutely ecstatic to be a part of the Alchemist’s production of The Wizard of Oz! She is a junior here at NBTHS and couldn’t be happier to be a part of such an amazing group. Her most recent appearances include: Theatre Revue 2017, “Bonnie Brookes” in NBTHS’s murder mystery Wedding Song, “Meg March” in New Jersey Repertory Theatre’s production of Little Women, and “Jane Banks” in NBTHS’s production of Mary Poppins. She would like to thank Mrs. Marx for all of the amazing direction and always believing in her! She would also like to thank Nicole for all her hard work in helping make the show possible. To the cast: always remember, there’s no place like home…Break a leg!

Nayeli Aymat (Ensemble) is a freshman at NBTHS and is super happy to be in her first Alchemist musical. As a proud Munchkin/tree/Oz citizen she is very excited for everyone to see it!!!

Caroline Baier (Ensemble) is very excited to be in her third musical with the Alchemists. She would like to thank everyone who made this show possible and to the cast, break a leg! 

Cassie Berth (Ensemble) is really excited to be starring in her third musical at the high school. She hopes the cast will break legs and have fun.

Jack Berth (Ensemble) is participating in his first Alchemist show. He would like to thank the great cast, production and backstage for their work on it.

Isabelle Bongiovanni (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be a part of her seventh show with the Alchemists. She would like to thank everybody who helped make this show possible as well as her talented cast mates. Break a leg everyone!

Matthew Borselli (Ensemble) is seventeen years old and a junior at NBTHS.  The Wizard of Oz is his second production with the Alchemists.  Last year, Matthew enjoyed playing a chimney sweep in NBTHS's production of Mary Poppins.  This summer Matt hopes to participate in a Shakespearean acting workshop.   He would like to thank Mrs. Marx, Mr. Chesler, and all the other teachers who helped with the production of The Wizard of Oz!  

Alyssa Brown (Ensemble) is very excited to be preforming in The Wizard of Oz as her first ever Alchemist production. She would like to thank her friends that welcomed her into the Alchemists and those that are making her first show a success.

Adrianna Casas (Ensemble) is a freshman at NBTHS and is very happy to be in the Alchemists. This is her first show on stage and she's very thankful for the opportunity to be the first Munchkin teacher! "Break a leg!"

Isabela Colon (Ensemble) is a sophomore at NBTHS and she is so excited to be in The Wizard Of Oz. This is her 2^nd onstage performance and she is having fun playing the roles of Munchkin, Guard, and Winkie. 

Samara Curry (Ensemble) is a sophomore who is really excited to be a part of The Wizard Of Oz as her first spring musical. She has made many new friends and enjoys being a part of the Alchemists because of how friendly and welcoming everyone is. 

Joey Gambino (Ensemble) is excited to perform in his first musical and to join the cast of The Wizard of Oz. This is his 9^th show he has been involved with in the Alchemists and his third show onstage, along with Theatre Revue '16 and '17. He would like to thank all of his family, friends, and Prod Squad for supporting him. Break a leg everyone!

Dan Guix (Head Winkie) is a sophomore at NBTHS and this is his 5^th production on stage. Dan Guix would also wish everyone good luck.

Lyndsey Farrell (Dance Captain) is excited to be a part of her seventh Alchemist production. You may have seen her as Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher and a featured dancer in Mary Poppins and Anything Goes. She also helped choreograph Theatre Revue 2017, along with being in skits such as “Born to Do”, “The Girls Room”, and “Dancin’ Fool”. Lyndsey would like to thank all those who have helped make this show possible. She would also like to thank her dance teachers Miss. Cheyanna and Miss. Lysette for teaching her how to do what she loves and for understanding why she always has to miss class! Lastly, she would like to thank Mama Farrell for giving her the car so she can drive herself to and from rehearsal!

Jessica Fritsche (Ensemble) is a sophomore at NBTHS and she is super excited to be in her first spring musical with the Alchemists. She would like to thank the cast and crew for making this show possible.

Sucharita Ganesh (Ensemble) loves to sing, dance, and act as well as be a part of the Alchemist Theatre Company! 

Giselle Garriga (Ensemble) is a freshman at NBTHS, and is super excited to be in her first musical with the Alchemists! She had a fantastic time performing in Peter and the Starcatcher, and Theatre Revue 2017, and she looks forward to all the shows to come. She would like to thank everyone who dedicated their time and effort into making this show possible. To the cast, break a leg!

Jolea Georges (Ensemble) is a 10th grader who is participating her first spring musical at NBTHS and she's more than excited to be a part of it all. Learning great songs, amazing dances, and making new friends has been such a thrill throughout the whole experience.

Brittany Hague (Ensemble) is so excited about her first Alchemist production as a jitterbug, poppy, and Munchkin. She would like to thank everyone in the amazing cast and crew for putting together such a great show!

Paige Jarusiewicz (Ms. Gulch/Wicked Witch) thinks it's insane that she's already done eleven shows with the Alchemists. She is a junior at NBTHS and other roles include Third Witch in Macbeth, Ling in Anything Goes, Deputy Pix in Technology of a Murder, Sophia Zubritsky in Fools, Mrs. Brill in Mary Poppins, Gloria Brookes in Wedding Song, and Prentiss in Peter and the Starcatcher. It's so cool for her to be a part of such a classic musical now with her friends. Huge thanks to Mrs. Marx, Mr. Chesler, Mrs. Suchocki, Ms. Cahill, Mr. Haber, Mr. Smith, and Ms. Moreno... and a special shout out to the green people, because as Kermit the Frog so eloquently pointed out, it's not easy. Enjoy!

Nicole Jimenez  (Backstage Manager/Student Director) is ecstatic to be involved in her 12^th and final Alchemist show. While she is saddened that this is her last show, since she is currently a senior, she is super happy to have been a part of the Alchemists. Nicole is also currently the Vice President of this club. She is extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to serve on the executive board with such an amazing group of people. Last but not least, Nicole would like to thank Mr. Chesler, Mr. Haber, Mrs. Suchocki, Ms. Mo, and FINC for making this show possible. Break legs everybody!

Shashuda Jerripotula (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of her first musical and second Alchemist production of the year. She's also especially excited for her friends and family to be able to see a different side of her on stage. 

Justin Kyle (Ensemble) is a senior and this will be his last show and as bittersweet this is, he'll have a smile on his face. Break legs everyone! 

Julia Marrone (Dance Captain) is very excited to be in her second musical with the Alchemists! You must have seen her in “I Know It’s Today”, “Born to Do” and “Can’t Even” from Theatre Revue 2017. Julia attended dance at School of the Arts in North Brunswick. She would like to thank Mr. Chesler, Mrs. Marx, Mrs. Suchocki, Ms. Moreno, Ms. Cahill, Mr. Haber, Mr. Smith, the crew and production team, and Nicole for making this production possible. To the cast, break a leg! 

Frankie Marrone (Hunk/Scarecrow) is in disbelief that this is his 15^th and final performance with the Alchemist Theatre Company.  You may have seen him as Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Piragua Guy in In the Heights, Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher, or Sara in Theatre Revue 2015/2016. For his last high school show, he would like to thank many people. First he would like to thank Quentin Madia and Phyllis Kristjanson for giving him his firsts in performing. From Snoopy to Evan they have always been there to support him and couldn’t be more grateful. Secondly, he would like to thank NJRT as a whole, for giving him a home away from home and making friends he will have forever. He would like to thank Molly Mason, his voice teacher, for making him sound good and teaching him that he can sing. He would also like to thank Mr. Chesler and Mrs. Marx for giving him all the opportunities he has had onstage. Through these 4 years, he has been the happiest he has ever been. Frankie wants to thank Mrs. Cahill for forcing him out of his comfort zone and making him dance like he has never danced before. Now he taps all the time and can never stop dancing. Thank you Mrs. Suchocki and Mr. Haber for helping him transform into the worlds that he never imaged could come to life. Frankie will forever be thankful for his family and friends for always supporting him and always loving all the things he has done onstage. Lastly, Frankie would like to thank everyone who is/was involved in the Alchemists. Thank you for an amazing four years. I’m so upset that the ride is over but you made him realize why he was put on this earth. “There’s no place like home” and that home was found here. Enjoy the show!

Brooke McPherson (Ensemble) is very excited to be participating in her first musical at the high school. She would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work. She hopes that the cast breaks legs and has fun on stage!

Chris Meyer (Hickory/Tin man) is ecstatic to have written his last bio (These really stress him out; he never knows what to write!). He's just kidding! But in all seriousness he's pretty excited to be apart of his 12^th and final Alchemist production. You may have seen him before in this years fall play, Peter and the Starcatcher as Peter or maybe as a star-crossed lover from the Theatre Revue 2017 skit "Seventeen". Chris has decided instead of thanking people for helping him with this show, he wants to thank people for helping him throughout his Alchemist career! So here it goes!  Thank you to his family who is always there to support him no matter what he does. Thank you to all previous Executive Boards, for sticking with him and continuing to inspire him even when they are all already alumni; without your motivation, Chris would have quit multiple times, and because of this he is forever in your debt. Thank you to Ms. Moreno and Mr. Smith for always working to develop students musical skills and making them sound great! He would also like to thank Mrs. Suchocki and Mr. Haber for their encouragement and always immersing the audience with their sets and costumes. Thank you to Mrs. Marx and Ms. Cahill for always believing in him and teaching him amazing skills that he will use throughout his life time. Thank you Mr. Chesler for running this amazing club and providing a fun and safe environment for students to work and play. Thanks to Nicole who is not only the student director but also the backstage manager for this show! Finally thank you to Frankie Marrone and Noah van Vliet, you have been with Chris since you all were little freshmen, and he wouldn't want anyone else playing the parts of his best friends other than...well you guys, his best friends! Now then, Chris wants you to forget about all the stress in your life and come on an adventure with him down the yellow brick road. Enjoy the show! 

Nathalie Pereda (Auntie Em) is a senior at NBTHS and is excited but also sad to be participating in her 8^th and last show for the Alchemists. She joined the Alchemists as a sophomore during Theatre Revue as part of production. She's always had stage fright but overcame it her senior year and decided to be on stage for Theatre Revue 2017, where she was in all the full cast numbers and also “Cell Block Tango”. After that was over, she realized she liked being on stage and decided to audition for The Wizard Of Oz. She got the part of Auntie Em and was thrilled to have gotten a lead. She'll be attending Rutgers Business School next year but will keep theatre in a special place in her heart. She'd like to thank her best friend Isabel for getting her to join the Alchemists, as it was a beautiful experience to be part of such a great group. Nathalie would also like to take the time to thank her supportive parents and everyone who made the show possible.

Sofia Rivera (Ensemble) has been involved in theatre for 10 years. She is very excited to be involved in her 7^th Alchemist production.

Andrew Rudolph (Ensemble) is so excited to be in his second show as a freshman. He would like to thank his family and everyone who made this musical worthwhile! 

Gita Shanker (Ensemble) is 16 years old and is excited to be performing in her first high school production (look for her as a Munchkin and in the Merry Old Land of Oz, and listen for her in Jitterbug!). Gita has appeared on stage in Innovasion 2017 and is the choir singing in NBTHS PAC. She wishes to thank Mrs. Marx for her tireless contribution to the drama program.

Emily Slattery (Ensemble) is a freshman, and is very excited to be part of the Wizard of Oz!

Adam Taubenslag (Uncle Henry) is thrilled to be a part of his third spring musical, and ninth show with the Alchemists, The Wizard of Oz! He’s playing Uncle Henry, one of the Crow-nies, a world class Emerald City Polisher, a flying monkey, and an old guy in a boat with a beard. Recently Adam has been a part of Theatre Revue 2017, Peter and the Starcatcher (Mrs.Bumbrake/Teacher), Wedding Song (Sonny), Mary Poppins (Admiral Boom), and Fools (Count Yousekevitch). He's also a co-director of the Teen Scenes program at Middlesex County College Theatre Camp. He'd like to thank all of his wonderful cast mates, and the advisors and directors that helped make this possible. He's eternally grateful for the support of his parents, family, friends and loved ones, and of course he's especially thankful to you all for reading this, because without you, there is no show. Anyways, he will let you enjoy, so just look up, maybe clap and cheer a little, and have fun.

Sahana Teegavarapu (Ensemble) is in her first Alchemist show and she is very excited to be a part of it. She wishes everyone good luck and hope they break a leg! 

Tobi Tella (Guard) is overjoyed to be involved in his tenth Alchemist production. You may have seen him as Northbrook in Mary Poppins, Felix in Technology of a Murder, Brian in Wedding Song, or all of the small children in Macbeth. He was also in Theatre Revue 2015, 2016, and 2017 in skits like "Mine", "Totally Stuck", and "Book Report". He would like to thank everyone involved with this production, specifically Mrs. Suchocki, Ms. Cahill, and Mrs. Marx for dealing with his struggle with doors. He would also like to thank the amazing cast for making this show a great experience. Break a leg everyone!

Courtney Tomaszewski (Ensemble) is a freshman at North Brunswick Township High School and is excited to be in the Alchemists. This is her first time having a part in a production and she is so excited for the show!

Nicole Vega (Ensemble) is a sophomore who is really excited to be putting on The Wizard of Oz. You may have seen Nicole last year playing the Park Keeper in Mary Poppins. She has also participated in Theatre Revue 2016 and was Amber in “The Girls Room” skit! Nicole is super excited to be a part of her second spring musical with the Alchemists!! She would like to thank everyone involved in making this production, especially her Alchemist friends for all their support and making rehearsals so much fun! 

Jake Williams (Professor Marvel/ The Wizard) is very excited to be performing in his fifth alchemist production at NBTHS. You might have seen him in Theatre Revue 2016 & 2017 as well as the murder mystery dinner theatre as Bennie. He was also involved in Peter and the Starcatcher as Grempkin/Sanchez/Mack/Fighting Prawn (it’s a lot I know). He would like to thank his family for always being supportive and his fellow cast members for being such incredible friends and giving him an experience he won't forget! Also a special thank you to Mrs. Marx and Nicole Jimenez for allowing him to be a part of this spectacular production. THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ HAS SPOKEN- NOW ENJOY!

Sydney Williams (Glinda) is a sophomore here at NBTHS and is so thrilled to be in her first Alchemist musical and third Alchemist production. You may have seen her in Theatre Revue 2016 & 2017, as well as YADG’s summer production of Urinetown. She would like to thank Mrs. Marx, who is such a queen, Nicole Jimenez, and the entire cast of the production for making this experience a priceless and unforgettable one. Now click your heels together three times and enjoy the show! 

Samantha Zielinski (Ensemble) is a sophomore at NBTHS, this is her second Alchemist production and she is so excited to be a part of it. Sam would like to thank Mrs. Marx, Mrs. Suchocki, Mr. Chesler, Mr. Haber, Ms. Cahill, Ms. Moreno, and the entire cast and crew for making the show possible...enjoy the show!!