A Chorus Line

Mainstage

October 15th-31st 2021

One of the longest running shows of all times!

Broadway “gypsies” bare their souls and put their lives “on the line” as the audition for a Broadway musical. Why did they start, what do they want, and will they ever get their big break? Is it yes or is it no?

Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by MICHAEL BENNETT

Book by JAMES KIRKWOOD and NICHOLAS DANTE

Music by MARVIN HAMLISCH

Lyrics by EDWARD KLEBAN

Co Choreographed by BOB AVIAN

Original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.

Directed and Choreographed by DEWAYNE BARRETT

Stage Management by MICHAEL MOROG
Scenic Design by BILL BALDWIN
Costume Design by SARA JO KUKULKA
Lighting Design by LARS STOLPE

Musical Direction by DONALD R JENCZKA

Cast

(in alphabetical order)
Kristine…………......……....………………..LIZZIE ARNOLD
Zach…………………………....………..DEWAYNE BARRETT
Sheila…………………………........…..KRIS BARTOLOMEO
Greg……………………………......……….JOEY BUCHEKER
Tom….……………………………………….….RYAN BUTLER
Mike…..……………………..JAMES ANTHONY CAPOSITO
Val……..……………………………..……..…….CAMI CLUNE
Paul……..………………………........…………... KEVIN CUSI
Al…….................................………………THOMAS EVANS
Diana...................................………….ANNA FERNANDEZ
Connie……..…………………..........CASSIDY GRANCHELLI
Vicki..................................……………..GRACE GALIPEAU
Don….............................................…………...JOE ISGAR Mark...........................……………………BRETT JACKSON
Tricia...................………………………….STEVIE JACKSON
Bobby…..........................…………….MICHAEL KELLEHER
Bebe................……………………………..SUSAN LAXTON
Larry…...............................................……COLLIN McKEE
Judy…..........................................………..JULIA MURPHY
Roy….....................................…………VINCENT MURPHY
Butch…................................……………..…..MATT MYERS
Lois…..............…………………………..LEANNA PULINSKI
Maggie......................................……..EMORY REDFEARN
Richie…….................................…………MARC THAGARD
Cassie…......................……………. AIMÉE LYNN WALKER
Frank……...............………………………..MICHAEL WELLS

Meet the Cast & Creative Team

Lizzie Arnold

Kristine

Lizzie has often considered herself a musician first, therefore this role, and the irony it brings, gives her not only a challenge- but great joy! Being a recent graduate from UB with a BFA in Music Theatre, it is an honor to be a part of this SENSATIONAL show for a second time in her life. Her biggest thanks goes out to family, friends, roommates and professors who have supported and nudged her along this chosen path. Cheers- and enjoy the show!

Dewayne Barrett

Zach

Director-Choreographer

Dewayne, originally from Atlanta has performed leading roles around the country such as Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Bobby Child in Crazy for You, Riff in West Side Story, and Bobby, Greg, Mike, Zach in A Chorus Line to name a few. He has directed and choreographed national tours, regional, community, cruise ships, movies, music videos, parades and dance companies. He recently premiered EDM Antigone, the Rock Opera in Wenatchee, WA. Dewayne is the Associate Director for The Post Playhouse Summer Theatre in Nebraska and teaches at The Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, China.

Kris Bartolomeo

Sheila

Kris is ecstatic to be participating in her very first production with O’Connell & Company! She graduated from the University at Buffalo with her BFA in Music Theatre. Recent credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena) with Shakespeare in Delaware Park, and Pippin (Berthe). She is looking forward to working with such a talented cast and crew and would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her in all of her musical endeavors!

Joey Bucheker

Greg

Joey is a four time Artie nominee. Credits include Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding (Off-Bway Cast), Barnaby in Hello, Dolly! starring Carole Cooke, Mame with Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth, Rose in The Golden Girls – The Lost Episodes, Igor in Young Frankenstein, Emcee in Cabaret, God in An Act of God, Albert in It Shoulda Been You, and Nurse Candida in Killer Rack for which he received a Broadway World Regional Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Joey is the creator and co-writer of the popular Betsy Carmichael BINGO series and holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Niagara University.

Ryan Butler

Tom

Ryan is thrilled for his debut performance with O'Connell & Company in A Chorus Line. Past performances include Camp Rock, Xanadu, and Seussical the Musical in Middle School, and The Little Mermaid (2x) in High School. Also Jimmy Biddle in Pete the Cat in his first professional musical (Theatre of Youth). He would like to thank his parents for their support, as well as Bobby Cooke for recommending this opportunity to him.

James Anthony Caposito

Mike

James is thrilled to be working on one of his favorite shows ever! Come catch him this summer at the Kavinoky Theatre in Rock of Ages. Regional: Cabaret (Hans), West Side Story (Diesel/Dance Captain). College: Guys and Dolls (Joey Biltmore), Pippin (Ensemble). James is so thrilled to be returning to theatre with this smash hit of a show. Working with this fantastic cast has been a dream come true, and he hopes you enjoy the performance!

Cami Clune

Val

Cami is thrilled to be in her first musical in 5 years, after taking a break to focus on her solo music career. She was on Season 19 of NBC’s The Voice where she received a 4 chair turn, worked with John Legend and Kelly Clarkson, and placed as a Semi-Finalist. Cami has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and can be seen in various commercials and film projects. She gives thanks to all of her supporters!

Kevin Cusi

Paul

Kevin is thrilled to make his O’Connell & Company debut with this outstanding cast of A Chorus Line. Kevin holds a BA in Theatre from the University at Buffalo. He has previously worked with theatre companies from the Buffalo & NYC area. Favorite credits include; In The Heights (Sonny), The Rainbow Fish Musical (The Rainbow Fish), Anything Goes (Sailor), Hairspray (Brad). He would like to thank Kayla, his family, and friends for their support. Philippians 4:13

Thomas Evans

Thomas is beyond excited to return to theatre as a part of O'Connell & Company's production. Recent credits include Guys and Dolls (Nicely), West Side Story (Snowboy), Pippin (Pippin), The Threepenny Opera (JJ Peachum), and Merrily We Roll Along (Jerome/Choreographer). In 2020 he received his BFA in Music Theatre from The University at Buffalo. Many thanks to his friends and family for their unwavering support!

Anna Fernandez

Diane

Anna is excited to be making her O’Connell & Company debut! She recently received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University at Buffalo and is ready to get back on the stage after the year online. Past shows include Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), The Threepenny Opera (Lucy Brown), and Spamalot (Ensemble). She would like to thank her friends and family for their constant love and support.

Grace Galipeau

Vicki

Grace is extremely grateful to be a part of A Chorus Line. High School credits include Starpoint’s 42nd Street (Ann Reilly), The Little Mermaid (Ursula), and The Play the Goes Wrong (Sandra). Lockport Palace credits include Joseph...Dreamcoat (Mrs. Potiphar). Grace also won the 2021 Kenny Award for Outstanding Acting Performance! She would like to thank her family and friends for all their encouragement, Kim Potfora for her vocal coaching, and Ryan Butler for always supporting her show after show.

Cassidy Granchelli

Connie

Cassidy makes her debut at O’Connell & Company and is excited to be in her first live performance since the start of COVID-19. With recent training at Niagara University, her NU credits include: The Firebugs (Anna), Good Kids (Brianna), and Legally Blonde (Whitney/Ensemble). Other credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia) with The Live Literature Co. in London, UK.

IG: @cassidy_granchelli

Joe Isgar

Don

Joe is delighted to be joining O'Connell & Company as an actor in this phenomenal production. Joe has worked throughout the WNY community as an actor, most notably in Dragons Love Tacos (Theatre of Youth), Deathtrap (Lancaster Opera House), and Much Ado About Nothing (SDP). He is also a local music director and accompanist and will be joining the company of Damn Yankees at O'Connell & Company in the spring. Joe is a founding member and former music director of The Enchords, UB's award-winning co-ed a cappella group, and holds a BFA in Theatre Performance and a BA in Mathematics from the University at Buffalo.

Brett Jackson

Mark

Brett is a 2020 graduate of SUNY Fredonia where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre. Favorite roles include Pirates of Penzance (Pirate), Spring Awakening (Hanschen), Anything Goes (Elisha Whitney) and Sweet Charity (Oscar). He has collaborated with WNYCO in concerts, most recently in Phantom of the Opera Live in concert (Raoul). His most recent work was at the Kavinoky Theatre in Hairspray (IQ).

Stevie Jackson

Tricia

Stevie s so excited to be back to performing in the Buffalo theatre scene! Stevie has her BFA in musical theatre from Fredonia State University. Recent Buffalo credits include Elf at MusicalFare Theatre (Jovie), Hairspray at Kavinoky Theatre (Tammy), Ragtime at MusicalFare Theatre (Evelyn Nesbit), Big Fish at Second Generation Theatre (Jenny Hill), and Nine at Second Generation Theatre (ensemble) up next- Cabaret with Second Generation theatre company as one of the Kit Kat girls!

Michael Kelleher

Bobby

Michael is so excited to make his O’Connell & Company debut! Recently graduated from Niagara University, Michael holds a BFA in Theatre Performance with minors in Dance & ASL/Deaf Studies. Some NU credits include: Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Songs for a New World (Male Singer), She Loves Me (Arpad), Legally Blonde (Ensemble), Freaky Friday (Parker) and The Laramie Project (Jedadiah Schultz & Others). This past summer, Michael performed in A Chorus Line (Bobby) with OFC Creations in Rochester. IG: @kelleher_michael

Susan Laxton

Bebe

Susan is excited to be returning to the stage with O’Connell & Company after previously performing with them in Young Frankenstein. This is her second time doing A Chorus Line having previously played Connie with Red Carpet Productions. Other notable roles include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street and Sr. Leo in Nunsense II and Nunsensation. Thanks to her family and friends for their support and encouragement and especially to the entire cast for all of their help in getting Bebe show ready!

Matt Myers

Butch

Assistant Stage Manager

Matt is thrilled to be back with O’Connell & Company. Favorite roles include Young Frankenstein (Monster’s Shadow), Little Shop of Horrors (Urchin), Chicago (Ensemble), and Much Ado About Nothing (Conrad/Friar Francis) with the Live Literature Company in London, U.K. Matt has a BFA in Theatre Performance from Niagara University. Scenic design credits: Little Shop of Horrors, 1776, Men on Boats, Recent Tragic Events, An Act of God, The Addams Family, and the 2020 Kenny Award-winning production of Mamma Mia! www.matthewcmyers.com

Collin McKee

Larry

Collin is a 2020 graduate of SUNY Fredonia where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre and Minor in Dance. Favorite roles include La Cage Aux Folles (Phaedra, Woodstock Playhouse), Damn Yankees (Vernon, Woodstock Playhouse), Anything Goes (Purser/Dance Capt.), and The Wedding Singer (Ensemble/Dance Capt.). Collin also loves to choreograph and just finished a contract at Syracuse Children’s Theatre as their company choreographer. Check him out @collinmckee.weebly.com! Enjoy the show!!

Leanna Pulinski

Lois

Leanna is a Buffalo based performer making her O’Connell & Company debut. Her list of stage successes include; teaching and competing at Stacy’s Zawadzki Performing Art Center (ZPAC)], captain of West Seneca West Dance Team, performing in Music Is Art and, the Lancaster Opera House Red Carpet Production of A Chorus Line. Leanna has won a triple threat award along with scholarships from ZPAC and Access Broadway. Leanna is currently going to school to become a special education.

Julia Murphy

Judy

Julia is currently a senior at the University at Buffalo studying music theatre, and she is excited to be involved in the Buffalo theatre community. She has recently performed in Second Generation Theatre’s Nine, and UB’s Threepenny Opera and Guys and Dolls. She is also a passionate teacher. She is a faculty member at St. Amelia School, Performing Arts Dance Academy in Hamburg, and spent part of her summer teaching theatre for Second Generation Theatre in Buffalo public schools. She would like to thank all of her friends and family for all of their support and love as she begins her career in theatre!

Emory Redfearn

Maggie

Emory is excited to be joining O’Connell & Company for the first time. She’s spent her time in Buffalo working on a BFA from the University at Buffalo in Music Theatre. Recently, she was seen on the laptop screen in a zoom production of The Trail to Oregon (Daughter). She thanks her friends and family for their support.

Vincent Murphy

Roy

Vinny is thrilled to be making his O'Connell & Company debut. Favorite roles include: Guys & Dolls (Arvide), (Lewis) American Idiot (Vincent/Ensemble) all performed at UB and Once Upon a Mattress (Dauntless) He is a recent graduate of the University at Buffalo where he holds a BFA in Music Theatre. He thanks his family and friends for their continuous support.

Marc Thagard

Richie

Marc is excited, to be making his O’Connell & Company debut and he’s loved every second working amongst this amazing, star studded cast! At 4 years old, his Nana showed him the musical CATS and he watched it everyday! He loved it so much he forced his best friend to learn it and perform it with him. What’s next, you may ask? Not a clue but.one thing is for sure, he hopes to be on another stage soon!

Aimee Lynn Walker

Cassie

Aimee is honored to be making her debut with O’Connell & Company. She studied BFA Musical Theatre at The University at Buffalo and is a certified dance educator through Dance Masters of America. Aimee grew her love of dance as a Mainstage performer for over a decade with the Six Flags family of theme parks, and was a former Buffalo Jills Cheerleader. She was last seen as Luisa in Nine with Second Generation Theater Company, but her greatest joy is teaching dance and theatre at Lancaster Dance Center and Lancaster High School. Thank you for the chance to dance for you!

Michael Wells

Frank

Michael recently graduated from the University at Buffalo’s Musical Theatre BFA program. He spent the past summer in Buffalo in “The Art of Walking”, a theatrical and visual experience that celebrated Artpark’s history, unique landscape and ecology, art and more. Favorite roles include, Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), The Threepenny Opera (Jimmy Retail), and Footloose (Travis). He would like to thank his family, and friends for their constant support in everything he does.

Donald R. Jenczka

Music Director

Don was last seen at O’Connell & Company with 1776, Little Shop of Horrors, Side by Side by Sondheim, and Passion. Other WNY highlights include Parade for A.R.T., Good and Oh Coward! for the Irish Classical (as well as the Off-Broadway production), My Fair Lady for the Kavinoky (twice), A Chorus Line and Sweeney Todd for Musicalfare, Marry Me a Little and Ruthless for BUA, a tour of I Love You You’re Perfect, Now Change, and virtually all the productions at Niagara University and Artpark between ’98 and ’02. Don composed the original score for Dancing in the Dark-The Fred Astaire Musical and arranged My Way: A Frank Sinatra Tribute.

Michael Morog

Stage Manager

Michael is thrilled to return to live theatre at O'Connell & Company after his involvement with Young Frankenstein, Nuncrackers, Little Shop of Horrors, and I Do I Do. He has also worked behind the scenes on Three Penny Opera (UB), South Pacific, Annie (Lancaster Opera House), and Spring Awakening (MusicalFare). He would like to thank everyone involved in this production for such a great experience!

Bill Baldwin

Scenic Designer

Bill is excited to be back designing and building the set for A Chorus Line. He has done several sets for O’Connell & Company both here and for the Smith Theater stage downtown as well as other theaters in WNY. When he doesn’t have a hammer in hand he can also be found around town either on stage or performing as a clown with his son Liam, as well as magic and juggling. Enjoy the show!!!

Sara Jo Kukulka

Costume Designer

Sara Jo was formally trained in theatre studies and design at Niagara University and Buffalo State College. As an actress Sara Jo has been awarded by the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS) for her portrayals of Reverend Mother in Nunsense 2 and Nunsensations. Favorite roles include: Marina in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding (Shea's); Madame Thénardier in Les Miserables (TITM); Samuel Chase in 1776 (O'Connell & Company) Artie Winner Best Ensemble of a Musical; and Soupy Sue in Urinetown (Subversive Theatre) Artie Winner Best Production of a Musical. Sara Jo, a classically trained artist, created the white Antrios painting for the recent production of Art.

Lars Stople

Lighting Designer

Lars is excited to be working with O'Connell & Company for the first time. Lars' past credits include assistant designing media for the Chicago regional premieres of The Bridges of Madison County and Honeymoon in Vegas at the Marriott Theatre. During his time at Niagara University, he designed video for Pygmalion, Legally Blonde, Songs for a New World, and many others as well as lighting the 2021 Short Play Festival and Senior Showcase. In addition, Lars works on many concerts and events of all sizes in the Buffalo-Niagara region.