The Chance Theater - Into The Woods

Stephen Sondheim (Music/Lyrics)

Stephen Sondheim, one of the most influential and accomplished composer/lyricists in Broadway history, was born in New York City and raised in New York and Pennsylvania . As a teenager, he met Oscar Hammerstein II, who became Sondheim's mentor. Sondheim graduated from Williams College, where he received the Hutchinson Prize for Music Composition. After graduation he studied music theory and composition with Milton Babbitt. He worked for a short time in the 1950s as a writer for the television show "Topper"; his first professional musical theatre job was as the songwriter for the unproduced musical Saturday Night. He wrote the lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959) and Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965), as well as additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Musicals for which he has written both music and lyrics include A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1962), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), Company (1970 Tony Award Music and Best Lyrics), Follies (1971 Tony Award Score and New York Drama Critics Circle Award; revised in London, 1987), A Little Night Music (1973 - Tony Award Score), The Frogs (1974), Pacific Overtures (1976 - New York Drama Critics' Circle Award), Sweeney Todd (1979 - Tony Award Score), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sunday In The Park With George (1984 - New York Drama Critics Circle Award; 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama), Into The Woods (1987 - Tony Award Score), Assassins (1991) and Passion (1994 - Tony Award Score). He composed the songs for the television production "Evening Primrose" (1966), co-authored the film "The Last of Sheila" (1973) and provided incidental music for "The Girls of Summer" (1956), "Invitation to a March" (1961) and "Twigs" (1971). Side By Side By Sondheim (1976), Marry Me A Little (1981), You're Gonna Love Tomorrow (1983; originally presented as A Stephen Sondheim Evening) and Putting It Together (1993) are anthologies of his work. He has written scores for the films "Stavisky" (1974) and "Reds" (1981), and composed songs for the film "Dick Tracy" (1990 - Academy Award for Best Song). He is on the Council of the Dramatist Guild, the national association of playwrights, composers and lyricists, having served as its president from 1973 until 1981, and in 1983 was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 1990 he was appointed the first Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford University . He was also recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor in 1993. [top]

James Lapine (Book)

James Lapine also collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on Sunday in the Park with George, a revised version of Merrily We Roll Along and, most recently, Passion. Mr. Lapine collaborated with William Finn on the musicals March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland, which were later presented on Broadway as Falsettos. He has written and directed the plays Luck, Pluck and Virtue; Twelve Dreams; Table Settings; and adapted Gertrude Stein's poem/play Photograph. He has also directed The Winter's Tale and A Midsummer Night's Dream for the New York Shakespeare Festival and directed the films "Impromptu" and "Life With Mikey." His work has been recognized with Tony, Drama Desk, Obie and NY Drama Critics Circle awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Sunday in the Park With George. [top]

Oanh Nguyen (Director)

In 1999, Oanh co-founded The Chance Theater, where he is currently Artistic Director. His most cherished projects as a director are Undeclared..., Is Pepperoni a Vegetable?..., The Stroop Report, But I Don't Feel Grown Up, Three Days of Rain ( O.C. Register's Top Ten of 2002 and Best Directors of 2002), Bash, Lee Miller: The Angel and The Fiend ( commissioned by and performed at the Getty Museum), The Fantasticks, Lord of the Screen. ( O.C. Weekly Nominee - Best New Play), Goodnight Children Everywhere (Nominated for 6 OC Weekly Awards, including Best Production and Best Director), Tape, Closer Than Ever ( L.A. Times Critic's Pick), Porcelain (2006 GLAAD Media Award Nominee - Outstanding L.A. Production, Back Stage West Critic's Pick, O.C. Register's Top Ten of 2005, Nominated for 3 OC Weekly Awards, including Best Production and Best Director), Cabaret ( Back Stage West Critic's Pick), The Laramie Project (Recipient of 2005 Arts Orange County Grant ) , and The Last 5 Years. Among a number of national commercials, Oanh's television and film credits include "American Dreams", "Party of Five", "The Beast", "Andy Richter Controls the Universe", "The Closer", Jonathan Frakes' "Clockstoppers", third billing in Jean Jacques Annaud's "Two Brothers" starring Guy Pearce, and he will be appearing in the feature film "All In" starring Michael Madsen. Special thanks to Kelly, Masako, Casey, Alex, The Chance Company Members, Staff and Board, and, of course, his lovely and wonderful wife Erika for their inspiration and his sanity. He would also like to thank his immensely talented cast and design team for their dedication, professionalism and generosity. [top]

Bill Strongin (Musical Director)

A native of Omaha, Bill graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with his masters in music. He has subsequently music directed numerous theater productions, including Sweeny Todd, And the World Goes Round, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Also an actor, some of his favorite onstage roles include Jack Worthing (Ernest in Love), Axel Hammond (The Nerd), LM (Pump Boys and Dinettes), and Evelyn/Rupert Farrant (Corpse!). Bill teaches piano privately, and he is, of course, proud to be returning to The Chance Theater after leading the band in last summer's production of Cabaret. [top]

Kelly Todd (Choreographer)

Kelly Todd, a long-time performer, graduated from UCLA's school of Theatre, Film, and Television. She was the resident choreographer for the Children's Civic Light Opera for 14 years, and choreographed over 20 productions including Crazy For You, Damn Yankees, and 42nd Street. She taught dance and drama at Washington Preparatory High School in South Central Los Angeles for three years where she choreographed nearly 200 pieces including Guys and Dolls, and Dreamgirls. Kelly was the lighting designer for A Shrine to Junior at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood for which she received a 2002 NAACP theatre award nomination. In New York City, she performed in and choreographed Off-Broadway productions and trained at the Broadway Dance Center for two years. Her most recent projects at The Chance have been as choreographer of Cabaret and director/choreographer of The World Goes Round. She would like to thank Oanh, the staff, the board and this incredibly talented and adaptive cast for their hard work and also her husband John and her family for their unconditional support. [top]

John Robinson (Set Designer)

This is John's eighth production with The Chance. He is an architect who has done set design in LA and New York. He most recently designed the sets for The Last 5 Years, Hot 'N' Throbbing, Rodgers & Hammerstein's A Grand Night For Singign, The World Goes 'Round, The Laramie Project, Cabaret and Big Love all here at The Chance. He thanks Oanh for the opportunity and Kelly for her support and inspiration. [top]

Tonya R. Moake (Lighting Designer)

This is Tonya's second time working with The Chance, having previously designed Cabaret and Big Love last year. Originally from Colorado, she received her B.A. in Theatre from the University of Northern Colorado in 2003. Tonya is now going into her third year of graduate studies at the University of California-Irvine. Once Tonya has her MFA, she would like to explore her professional interests in architectural and themed lighting design. Tonya just returned from working as the assistant lighting designer at The Utah Shakespearean Festival. She has worked professionally for South Coast Repertory Theatre, the Colorado Springs Youth Repertory Theatre, and Theatre West in Scottsbluff, NE. Tonya is happy to be working again with the creative artists at The Chance! [top]

Cassandra L. Stone (Costume Designer)

Cassandra, originally from Northeast Ohio, attended Syracuse University in New York. She received her BFA in 2005 with a degree in design and technical theatre with an emphasis in scenic and costume design. During her time at Syracuse, she was the set designer for Stone and Ashes and Women of Lockerbie as well as the costume designer for a new children's tour called "The Great Peanut Butter Radio Hour". The climactic moment of her time at Syracuse was when she designed the set and costumes for The Laramie Project and was able to travel with the cast for a three week stay at the 2004 Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it was performed and nominated for an Amnesty award. After graduation, Cassandra moved cross country, to start the graduate program at CSU Fullerton where she is now working on her MFA in costume design. In her first year at CSUF, Cassandra has assisted on Anything Goes and Timon of Athens, as well as designing costumes for a children tour and 3 different dance pieces. Just recently she has designed scenery for a new work, Little Secrets. Currently, she is also designing Seussical, the Musical opening at CSUF in October. [top]

Chris Tornow (Projection Designer)

Chris is currently serving as the resident set/lighting designer at Concordia University in Irvine where he teaches and designs the theatrical season. Prior to this, he spent eight years working for Gothic Moon Productions, Inc. as the Vice President of Development, coordinating and designing numerous projects for the entertainment industry. His film credits include: "Hammer & Chisel" (Director); "The Last Pieces Standing" (Production Designer); "Empty" (Production Designer); "Flurge!" (Production Designer). Theatre design credits include: The Royal Family (Citrus College/Set); Pick Up Axe (Pacific Theatre/Set); The Foreigner (Vanguard University/Lights); The Woman in Black (Concordia Irvine/Set and Lights); and All in the Timing (Vanguard Theatre Ensemble/Set). Chris is also currently starting his third and final year of the Conservatory Program at Chapman University in Orange to receive his Masters of Fine Arts in Film Production with an emphasis in directing. [top]

Masako Tobaru (Stage Manager)

Masako Tobaru has been a proud company member for 2 years. Previously, she has stage managed The Last 5 Years, Cabaret (BSW Critic's Pick), and The Eight: Reindeer Monologues (OC Weekly Theater Award Nominee - Best Production). She recently designed the set for with their eyes (LA Times Critic's Choice) and Never In My Lifetime (BSW Critic's Pick) and designed lighting for The Eight, A Christmas Story, The Rover, Closer Than Ever (LA Times Critic's Pick), It's A Wonderful Life, and Grand Night for Singing. Elsewhere, she has designed lighting for Working, Seussical, the Musical, Joyful Noise, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and received a Kennedy Center award nomination for her lighting design for Medea at Concordia University, Irvine, where she received her BA in Theatre and Communications. Masako would like to thank her family for their support, her friends for their understanding, Tanae for being one of the best ASMs ever, and The Chance Theater staff and company for making her a part of this incredible journey. And a special thanks to Oanh for being an amazing mentor and inspiration. [top]

Tanae Beyer (Assistant Stage Manager)

This is Tanae's third production with The Chance Theater; she previously stage managed A Christmas Story and ran lights for The Last 5 Years. Tanae is happy to have found such an artistic, collaborative and fun group of people here at The Chance. Tanae is a graduate of Concordia University, Irvine, with a degree in Communications and Theatre. While at Concordia, she was involved in over 24 productions and directed The Last Night of Ballyhoo. Special thanks to Oanh for being so dang creative and letting her in on the process, Masako for this opportunity to assist her, the entire cast for their humor, and Monica and Neil for being so understanding as to why she was late buying the bridesmaid dress for their wedding. [top]

Alisa Duffey (Projections Operator)

Alisa is happy to be back in the booth after a six month hiatus, during which she got married. Previous productions include A Grand Night for Singing (revival), Laramie Project, Tape and Goodnight Children Everywhere . She is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production of one of her favorite musicals. She would like to thank Jay for supporting her & being patient while she's at the theater. [top]

Michelle Anderson (Rapunzel, Lucinda, Player)

Wow! Michelle is so excited to be back at the Chance Theater! This is her third show here, and she is very happy to be working with Oanh, Kelly, and Bill again. You may have seen her here last summer in Cabaret and Christmas of 2004 in It's A Wonderful Life- the Musical. Some of Michelle's favorite roles include Mina Seward in Dracula- the Musical, Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls, and Kate in Pirates of Penzance. Michelle would like to thank David from the bottom of her heart for all of his love and support. [top]

Jocelyn A. Brown (The Witch)

Five plus years at The Chance and Jocelyn keeps coming back for more inspiration and challenges with this thriving group of artists. Recent highlights include portraying Cathy in The Last 5 Years (OCSqueeze.com Pick of the Week) as well as directing Never In My Lifetime (Back Stage West Critic's Pick). Jocelyn has been honored with the OC Weekly award for "Best Female Lead Performance" for her portrayal of Ann in Goodnight Children Everywhere and a nomination for "Best Direction" for The Cherry Orchard. Other acting credits include Closer Than Ever (Lead, LA Times Critic's Choice), That Which Remains (Woman 2), Bash (Woman), Little Women (Jo), The Hostage (Teresa), and The Affected Ladies (Cathos). Directing favorites include Never In My Lifetime, Big Love, The Cherry Orchard, The Fantasticks, and assisting with Lee Miller: The Angel and the Fiend. Jocelyn earned a double major in Theatre and Biology from UC San Diego, pursued further studies at UEA in England and SCR, and now teaches at Mission Viejo High School. Innumerable thanks go to Oanh for his vision and guidance, Kelly for getting our bottoms in gear, Masako and Tanae -- the consummate duo, this cast for their flair and artistic dexterity, Kirk for his love, and as always, The Chance staff for their endless dedication to excellence. [top]

Josh Christoff (Cinderella's Prince, Giant, Player)

Josh Christoff is ecstatic to be making his Chance Theater debut in Into the Woods. He is from Merrilville, Indiana, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre. Most recently Josh has appeared in Musical Theatre West's production of Ragtime. Some of his other favorite roles include Jekyll & Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde, Julian March in 42nd Street, and JB Bigley in How to Succeed. . Josh would like to thank God for everything and everyone in his life. He would also like to thank his amazing parents and Christie for their undying support and love. Enjoy the show! [top]

Sherry Domerego (Jack's Mother, Stepmother, Player)

A veteran performer of over 80 theatrical productions, Sherry is delighted to be a part of this most unique and inspirational presentation of Into the Woods. Previous personifications include Mama Rose (Gypsy), Reverend Mother (Nunsense), Mae Petersen/Doris MacAfee (Bye, Bye Birdie), Domina (Funny....Forum), Duchess (Gondoliers). Not to be typecast as "mom," Sherry has also kicked up her heels in Sweet Charity, Pippin, Me and My Girl, Company, Stepping Out, as well as her most recent appearance as the toe-tapping Sue Smith in No, No, Nanette. While Sherry's days are spent in a law office, she maintains that performing feeds her soul and finds each new role a unique gift. Best role to date is grandma to Lindsey Nicole who provides such sweet joy! Sherry extends her gratitude to all fellow thespians, past and present, who have so enriched her life (you know who you are!), to appreciative audiences who add the effervescent energy that makes performing so extraordinary and to family and friends who tolerate the demands of life upon the wicked stage. Special thanks to Oanh and the brilliant staff of The Chance Theater for their continuing creative genius and for affording her the privilege of being a part of it. [top]

Warren Draper (Narrator, Mysterious Man, and One Other)

Three years ago, Warren appeared in the Chance Theater production of Lee Miller: The Angel and the Fiend at the Getty Museum, and subsequent run at the Chance. Other performances at the Chance include The Cherry Orchard, One Flea Spare, and this season's critically acclaimed Hot 'N' Throbbing. Other shows in his 25 year career have included One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Wait until Dark, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls and Damn Yankees. Much of this actor's focus has been on film, and recently, "American Vampire in America " made its World Premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Due out in the fall is the feature "Tomorrow is Today" which stars Draper along with Scout Taylor Compton, and Mark Hefti. He is represented by Horizon One Talent Management. Having not done a musical in over ten years, Warren wants to thank Oanh, Kelly, and Bill, along with the cast for their extreme patience, as he "stumbled" thru many rehearsals. [top]

Krystal Cori Garcia (Florinda, Cinderella's Mother, Player)

Krystal Cori Garcia is more than ecstatic to debut her talents here at The Chance Theater and is even more thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew. Krystal is currently attending Fullerton College to obtain her associates degree in theater arts. Her credits include: Asaka in Once On This Island, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Snake Lady in Side Show, and Sister Mary Hubert in Nunsense. In the near future, Krystal hopes to be in many other projects at The Chance Theater. Krystal would like to thank The Chance, her awesome cast and crew, her whole family and Daniel for all their love, support and encouragement. [top]

A.J. Gutierrez (Rapunzel's Prince, The Wolf, Giant, Player)

A.J. Gutierrez is thrilled to be in his inaugural production at The Chance. For the past few years, A.J. has been in many productions aournd L.A. and Orange County. Prior to his venture into the woods, A.J. was seen in Moon Over Buffalo (Howard), under the direction of Earl Byers. Others credits include the So Cal regional premiere and the OC Weekly Best Musical winner, Urinetown (Billy Boy Bill), and Del Shores' Sordid Lives (Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram), for which he earned the 2005 Cappie Award for Best Comic Actor in a Play. Special thanks to his family, the cast and crew, Oanh, Bill, Kelly, Masako, Tim Nelson, Ale, Austin, Matt & Alex, Robert Rotenberry, and Mrs. Romano. (This one's for you, Shirley.) [top]

Jeremy Lelliott (Jack)

Jeremy Lelliott played "Chip" in the original cast of Beauty & the Beast at the Shubert Theater. Other theatre credits include Biloxi Blues (Eugene), Nicholas Nickleby (Smike), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie), and Hair (Berger). He won a Dramalogue for his work in To Kill A Mockingbird. Television credits include recurring roles on "7th Heaven," "Melrose Place," and "Life with Louie," a series regular on "Safe Harbor," and guest roles on "The Handler," "Smallville," "Providence," "The Practice," and several others. Jeremy starred in the telefilms "Disappearance," alongside Harry Hamlin and Susan Dey, and "Journey of the Heart" as Cybill Shepard's blind and autistic son. On the big screen, he trained Robin Williams how to act like a 10 year old for the comedy "Jack," which he also costarred in. Other feature credits include "Gacy," "Ambushed," and "Diplomatic Siege." Jeremy has two features due out in theaters later this year: "Driftwood," and "Race You to the Bottom." He is proudly enrolled in the graduate acting program at Cal State Fullerton, where he is working on his MFA. [top]

Erika C. Miller (Cinderella)

Erika C. Miller is a proud founding and company member of The Chance Theater. Most recently seen in the Chance production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's A Grand Night for Singing (Curtis Theater). Other Chance credits: Cabaret (Garland Award Honorable Mention-Best Actress and Back Stage West Critic's Pick), Closer than Ever (LA Times Critic's Choice), Goodnight Children Everywhere (OC Weekly Award nominee), Lee Miller: The Angel and the Fiend (OC Weekly Award), and As You Like It (OC Register Best Performances of 2002). Recording credits: "Hero", "The Dark Half" and "Merry Christmas from Doc Severinsen and The Tonight Show Orchestra". Opera credits: Die Frau Ohnne Schatten and El Gato Montez (The Music Center), Carmina Burana (Hollywood Bowl), and The Magic Flute (Royce Hall). This role is a childhood dream and she's honored to be working with such a talented group. Big thanks to her family for their unending support and to her talented husband whom the limelight shines for! [top]

Sarah Moreau (Little Red)

As a proud Company and Staff Member of The Chance Theater, Sarah is so happy to be a part of this production. Sarah has a Bachelor of Fine Art in Theater from Stephens College in Columbia, MO. She would like to thank Oanh, Kelly, Masako, Tanae, Bill, the cast, and company for this fantastic experience. [top]

Peter Schnake (Steward, Granny, Cinderella's Father, Player)

Peter Schnake is a Senior at Concordia University in Irvine where he will perform in Proof in late September, as well as make his directing debut in November. This is his first production with The Chance Theater, and he is very excited to be involved. He thanks Oanh for this amazing opportunity to learn and grow, as well as the rest of the cast for being such a riot. [top]

Bob Simpson (The Baker)

Bob Simpson is happy to be appearing in his third show with The Chance Theater. Previous shows with the Chance include: Charlie in Never in My Lifetime (Back Stage West Critic's Pick) and Jamie in The Last 5 Years. Before his involvement at the Chance, Bob appeared as Billy in the hit musical, Blake.da Musical (Critic's Pick for seven publications including the LA Times and Back Stage West, 4 Ovation nominations, winner for Best World Premiere Musical), which will begin an off-Broadway run in the fall. Other roles include Monselet in Red Noses, Boniface in Hotel Paradiso, Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice, and Queen Ethelia in The Trouble with Being Evil. In addition to receiving his Bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, he has also trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the British American Drama Academy. Bob would like to thank his family and friends for their support, and all those involved in this production for their passion and commitment. [top]

Lowe Taylor (Baker's Wife)

Lowe Taylor is happy to be making her debut performance here at The Chance Theater. Lowe is a California native, but mainly grew up just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. She has been seen in more than 40 productions across the country and was nominated for a Maryland Standout Award for her performance as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz. Recently, she was seen as Marty in FCLO's production of Grease, Ester the Ale Girl in PILGRIM, Babe Williams in The Pajama Game and Joni Gottleib in the LA Smash Hit Joni and Gina's Wedding. Other theatre credits include Princess Winnifred in Once Upon A Mattress, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, and major roles in first staged readings of Anne of Green Gables, I Come For Love and Star Power - all new musicals. Film: "Flirting With Anthony" with Mink Stole and Judy Tenuta, "Maro," "Click," "Hotties" and "The Art of Revenge." Television: "On Q Live!," "Wanted," "Hoop Guys" and "Seeing Stars," as well as many commercials and industrials. Lowe studied theatre and music at Towson University. She currently studies at Steppenwolf and The Groundlings in Los Angeles. Many thanks to Oanh and this amazing cast and crew for all their hard work. Much love to her amazing mom, Judith. www.lowetaylor.com . [top]

Aimee Gomez (Violin)

This is Aimee's first Chance Theater Production, but she is no stranger to musicals having performed in the pit at The Ahmanson, Pantages, and countless other theaters. She is a UCLA alumnus and Doctoral candidate in English Literature. Go Bruins! Her first screenplay "Taylor Made," is currently in pre-production. Thank you to Obachan, Astara, Linda and Steve for their support and love. Love to Danny and Ryan. [top]

Gayle Jett (Flute/Clarinet)

Gayle is very thankful to be a part of Into The Woods. After playing clarinet in the Joshua Community Orchestra for 3 years, she moved to L.A. to study musical theatre at AMDA. Her productions include Bye Bye Birdie, Bat Boy: The Musical, I'm Getting Murdered In The Morning: A Dinner Theatre, The Outsiders, and A Piece of My Heart. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support over the years. "It's your love!" [top]

Kelly Todd (Rapunzel Understudy)

Casey Long (Rapunzel's Prince Understudy)

Casey has been a Chance Theater Company and Staff Member since 1999, and he is very excited to be performing in his favorite musical. Having just closed Coyote On A Fence (Back Stage West Critic's Pick), Casey has been a regular on The Chance stage. Other credits include with their eyes: September 11th - The View from a High School at Ground Zero (Los Angeles Times Critic's Choice), Hot 'N' Throbbing, The Eight: Reindeer Monologues (OC Weekly Award - Best Ensemble), The Laramie Project (OC Register's Noteworthy Ensembles of 2005), Cabaret (Back Stage West Critic's Pick), Porcelain (2006 GLAAD Media Award Nominee: Outstanding LA Theatre, Back Stage West Critic's Pick) and Tape (OC Weekly Nomination: Best Actor). Casey would like to thank this overwhelmingly talented cast with whom it is his pleasure to share the stage for three short performances. He would like to thank A.J. for showing him the ropes, Kelly and Michelle for being lovely princesses, and, of course, Alex for her love and support through everything. [top]