CAST BIOS

JOE AIELLO – Max Bialystock

This is Joe’s 27^th, yes 27^th season as a member of the Barn’s resident Equity company.  Over the course of his Barn career Joe’s talent and versatility won him acclaim for memorable portrayals of Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Albin/ZaZa in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Arthur in CAMELOT, Mozart in AMADEUS, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS, Herbie in GYPSY, half the town in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS, and he was the Barn’s original Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in its perennial hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  A gifted director as well, Joe has earned accolades for his Barn treatments of CABARET, SHE LOVES ME, CHESS, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, LOST IN YONKERS, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD, and BAT BOY (the last two co-directed with Scott Burkell).  Joe lives in New York City where he is Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix, Inc.

 

SCOTT BURKELL – Leo Bloom

Scott is celebrating his 25^th Barn season after another eventful year in New York.  Scott and Barnie Paul Loesel’s new musical, ELLA MINNOW PEA, is now complete and had a major reading in May.  Burkell/Loesel songs continue to be in-demand for cabaret and concert artists such as Susan Egan, Rebecca Luker and Kristin Chenowith.  Barn favorite Marin Mazzie and her husband Jason Danieley recorded a couple of selections for their “Opposite You” CD.  Scott also just finished a run as Cole Porter in RED, HOT, AND COLE for the Beaufort Performing Arts in Beaufort, SC. He also played various roles in the Broadway and First National Tour of the musical TITANIC.  Here in Augusta his career has been unforgettable.  Some faves include Molina in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Georg in SHE LOVES ME, Felix in THE ODD COUPLE, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the other half of Tuna, Texas in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS, and perhaps his all-time gem, Riff-Raff in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Scott’s credits last season include starring in 1776, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, co-starring (opposite Joe Aiello) in both GREATER TUNA and OUT OF ORDER, and directing both OKLAHOMA! and GYPSY. 

 

ERIC PETERSEN  - Franz Leibkind

Eric comes back to Augusta for his first full season as an Equity resident straight from the First National Tour of THE 25^TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, in which he starred as William Barfee.  He’ll rejoin that production immediately following the Barn season (with a brief hiatus to marry fellow Barnie Lisa Marie Morabito in October).  Favorite Barn roles include Berger in HAIR, Matt in THE FANTASTICKS, Rick/Lorraine in BAT BOY, and the (Chinese) Waiter in TWO INTO ONE.  Other credits include Bill Sykes in OLIVER! (Charleston Stage, SC), Paul Revere in SPREAD THE WORD (TheatreworksUSA), and Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, of which Eric is a proud graduate.  He sends love and thanks to Lisa, his parents, Kyle, Chuck, and the Ragotzys. Visit www.EricPetersenOnline.com.

 

ERIC PARKER  - Roger De Bris

Eric is celebrating 15 Augusta summers this season.  His growing list of Barn credits include several favorites: Rutledge in 1776 and again as Remnar in our third go-‘round of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT last summer, Jerry in THE FULL MONTY, Rocky and Eddie in several occurrences of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW,  Freddie in CHESS, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the title role in PIPPIN, Cousin Kevin on TOMMY, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook.  His career has continued there, with roles in both their TYA and dinner theatre productions, most recently Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  Regional: Sebastian in THE THING ABOUT MEN, Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Miles in A FUNNY THING…FORUM, Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour).  An Adrian native, Eric was honored to reprise his Barn turn in THE FULL MONTY in a hit production at the Croswell Opera House last fall.  He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood and Siena Heights University in his hometown.  He currently resides in Chicago with his cat and his cd collection. On our offstage staff Eric helps oversee the maintenance of the Barn’s physical plant and directs our popular Bar Shows.

 

ALSTON BROWN – Carmen Ghia

Alston is beyond elated to be joining the Barn Theatre family for a third summer season!  A native of Atlanta, GA, Alston is a 2005 graduate of the Valdosta State University Theatre program, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance.  Alston’s appearances on the Barn stage include Benjamin in THE GRADUATE, Dr. Lyman Hall in 1776, Yonkers in GYPSY, and Nikko the Flying Monkey in THE WIZARD OF OZ.  Other credits include ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, THE VISIT, MACBETH, WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF? CHILDREN OF EDEN, and THE PAJAMA GAME.  Alston was recently involved with the Off-Broadway production of ARMED AND NAKED IN AMERICA, appearing in David Rabe’s THE EARLIEST USES OF SPIN.  Alston currently lives in New York City and wishes to thank his very dear friends and family for their continued love and support.

 

LISA MARIE MORABITO - Ulla

Lisa Marie is excited to return to the Barn this summer for her first season as an Equity resident.  As an apprentice, her credits include Columbia in our ’02 and ’03 productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Catherine in THE FOREIGNER as well as Jenny Anydots in CATS. As well as being a member of the Equity company, Lisa also assists Producer Brendan Ragotzy and in Bar Show Choreography. New York credits include SHINBONE ALLEY with Musicals Tonight!, CONSUMER BEHAVIOR with Emerging Artists, INTERREGNUM at The Studio Theatre at Theatre Row, Huck Finn with TheatreworksUSA and NOTHING LIKE A DAME Broadway Cares Benefit at The Imperial Theatre. Her Regional credits include Conchita in COPACABANA (National Tour), Rosalia in WEST SIDE STORY (Human Race Theatre), and Lucy in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Hot Summer Nights). She’s also excited about her engagement to fellow actor and Barnie Eric Petersen, whom she met the summer of 2003.  Their wedding is set for October 20.  She thanks God, Eric, her whole family, and the Ragotzys.  You can find Lisa online at www.lisamariemorabito.com.

 

ROY BROWN – Mr. Marks/Jason Green

Roy is pleased to mark his second season as an Equity resident.  He’s gained quite a following locally for a series of wonderful performances during his apprenticeship: Renfield in DRACULA, Stewpot in SOUTH PACIFIC, Reuben in our ’99 JOSEPH…, Lefou in BEAUTY IN THE BEAST, Harry the Horse in GUYS AND DOLLS,  Mrs. Taylor in BAT BOY, Smudge in FOREVER PLAID, and most famously, da Jimmer in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT.  Last summer Roy reprised his ESCANABA turn and also followed in the footsteps of Louis Girard and Barn founder Jack Ragotzy as the Bellhop in our third go-round of OUT OF ORDER.  Roy’s professional experience includes a Theatreworks USA national tour and the independent film SUMMER DAZE, which is currently in limited release.  A native of Hastings and a veteran of major roles in all the prominent local civic theatres, Roy now calls New York City home.  In addition to his acting load Roy is responsible for maintaining the beautiful grounds here at the Barn.

 

NICOLE NIEFELD – Hold Me –Touch Me

Nicole is “stoked”about her Barnie debut!  Previous training includes CAP21 at NYU, Powerhouse Theatre through New York Stage & Film, as well as the University of Central Florida, where she just completed her sophomore year.  This fall, Nicole will be a part of the Comedy Studies program through Second City at Columbia College in Chicago. Nicole hopes you enjoy our season!

 

EMILY MAY SMITH – Shirley

Emily is happy to return to the Barn for her fourth season and her first as an Equity resident.  Barn audiences will remember her portrayals as Luisa in THE FANTASTICKS, Jemima in CATS, Jessie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and as a Boylan sister in ANNIE. Other favorite roles include Winnifred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and Puck in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.  An Ohio native, Emily now resides in New York City.  Her recent work includes parts in independent films AL QAREM and SCALPED: THE MOVIE.  She also performed in the children’s theatre national tours of LEWIS AND CLARK and A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Theatre IV in Cincinnati.  Emily holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Capital University.  This season Emily is excited to add to her responsibilities in the Barn Publicity department and looks forward to another great summer!

 

 CALENDAR NEWS:                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 1, 2007

 

NOW PLAYING:  The Broadway sensation THE PRODUCERS, hits the Barn stage June 12-24 in its first production in the entire nation, outside the recent Broadway run and national tour!  Two seedy scammers create the ultimate scam – raising more money than is needed for a Broadway show – and hope it’s a flop so they can pocket the difference!  Based on the Academy Award-winning 1968 film of the same name and written by Mel Brooks, THE PRODUCERS became a Broadway phenomenon earning more Tony Awards than any other show in the history of Broadway!  THE PRODUCERS is a witty, tuneful caper with in-your-face humor about life behind the show biz curtain!

NEXT:  NUNSENSE THE MEGA MUSICAL is here June 26 – July 8! All the fun of the original NUNSENSE has been super-sized! The original five nuns are back in this "Mega-Nunsense" and five new (male and female) characters are featured including the never-before-seen infamous convent cook, Sister Julia, Child of God. It would be a sin to pass up seeing NUNSENSE The Mega Musical!

COMING SOON:  Adapted from the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey, the Academy award-winning movie ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST makes its way to the Barn stage July 10 - 22.  This gripping, poignant and powerful piece of theatre is not to be missed. Within the walls of an asylum for the mentally insane, Randall P. McMurphy manipulates his fellow patients while he finds himself in a struggle of wills with the oppressive Nurse Ratched – For mature audiences.

 

The Barn Theatre          Located on M-96 1 mile west of the village of Augusta.

Box Office Phone          269 731-4121 Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Performance times        Tuesday through Friday at 8:30pm                                          

                                       Saturday (2 shows) 6:00pm & 9:00 pm

                                       Sunday 5:00pm (8:30 Added performance, if applicable)

 

Ticket Prices                 $29.00 Each.  Any day, any performance.

 

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Group rates available (10 tickets or more)

Professional Equity resident summer theatre.  Our 62^nd season

Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites – Free and easy parking

Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped accessible.

 

Enjoy refreshments and a light snack in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. WINGS AND NACHOS in the Rehearsal Shed!  Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main stage performances.

 

Brendan Ragotzy, Producer.