HEAD OVER HEELS
Songs by The Go-Go’s
Based on The Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney
Conceived and Original Book by Jeff Whitty
Adapted by James Magruder
Directed by Ilana Ransom Toeplitz
Music Direction by Sariva Goetz
Choreography by Joy Clark
This hilarious, exuberant celebration of love follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction – only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts. A laugh-out-loud love story set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band the Go-Go’s.
April 17-19, 2025
CUTLER MAJESTIC THEATRE
All performances open to the public
HEAD OVER HEELS is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
Run Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission
Content Advisory: This production contains mature themes, including discussions of gender identity, sexuality, and consent. It also features suggestive language, innuendo, moments of physical intimacy, and mild profanity. Additionally, the show includes references to animal cruelty and death, as well as scenes of staged violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Sensory Advisory: There are moments of flashing lights and loud sound effects.
HEAD OVER HEELS
Creative Team
Scenic Design
Ava Scanlon
Costume Design
Amaya Gonzalez-Møllmann
Lighting Design
Eli Goldberg
Sound Design
Jo Williams
Props Lead
Ryan Bates
Hair & makeup design
Livvy Waszak
STAGE MANAGER
Kayla Copping
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Alayna Domboski
FIGHT & INTIMACY Director
Conall Sahler
Dramaturg
Isaac Simon
A note from the
Director, Ilana Ransom Toeplitz
Welcome to Head Over Heels! If you’re here for an evening of campy, high-energy escapism set to the iconic music of The Go-Go’s, you’re in the right place. This show is a riotous celebration of love, identity, and self-discovery, wrapped up in a time-ascending romp that never takes itself too seriously—except when it absolutely must. At its heart, Head Over Heels is about transformation: what happens when we hold on too tightly to the old ways? When do we resist
change? Sometimes, the only way forward is to let the old structure fall, making space to build something more just, more equitable, and more in tune with the rhythm of our collective heart.
Speaking of letting go—just as we were kicking off staging rehearsals, I quite literally went Head Over Heels and broke my leg. Directing a show from the sidelines was never in my plans, but this experience reinforced what Head Over Heels is all about: adaptability, collaboration, and trusting in the strength of the community around you. I am endlessly grateful to Joy Clark, Scott LaFeber, Sariva Goetz, Brenda Foley, Amelia Broome, Kayla Copping, Nicole Coleman, Sawyer Grabow and Kate Cherry for stepping up, stepping in, and making sure that this production never missed a beat (which, by the way, we got).
From actors to mentors to creatives to builders to TH149ers, it takes nearly 100 people to collaborate and tell this story together—and that is rare and incredible. The passion, focus, and drive that fuel this production are the same qualities that make Emerson College such a special place. Like Head Over Heels, Emerson thrives because of its fearless embrace of change, its celebration of individuality, and its unwavering belief that the arts can change the world. To the cast, creatives, and mentors who have poured their hearts into this show—thank you. You have built something joyous, vibrant, and alive, and I am so proud to be on this journey with you.
In a world that feels rigid and uncertain, joy and laughter can be their own forms of rebellion. So, enjoy. Laugh loudly. Cheer for love in all its forms. And if, by the time the curtain falls, you find yourself a little more open to the idea of embracing change — or speaking in clever rhyme — then we’ve done our job.
Thank you for supporting the Emerson Stage Community at Emerson College!
Ilana Ransom Toeplitz
Director of Head Over Heels & Asst Professor of Musical Theatre
A note from the
Dramaturg, Isaac Simon
Welcome to Arcadia!
Long associated with an idyllic lifestyle, this beautiful region of ancient Greece is our home for the next two hours as we follow its citizens on a romp through the woods and a journey of identity, fate, and joy!
Based on the 16th century novel The Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney, Head Over Heels puts its own spin on the tale of Arcadia’s royal family trying to outrun the Oracle of Delphi’s prophecies while staying true to themselves and each other. Using music from the catalogue of The Go-Go’s and the solo career of The Go-Go’s front woman Belinda Carlisle, this show brings a modern energy to an old story.
You might recognize some of the music – the Go-Go’s wrote some of the 80’s biggest hits, including “We Got the Beat” – and set records, becoming the first all-women band who wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to hit #1 on the Billboard charts. Head Over Heels pairs this familiar modern music with playful, archaic language… it may seem tricky, but don’t worry- listen close and you won’t miss a thing!
Our story follows the royal family of Arcadia, blessed with a famous Beat. When King Basilius learns of four prophecies that threaten his rule and the Beat, he takes his family – Queen Gynecia and the princesses Pamela and Philoclea – as well as his trusty right hand man Dametas and his daughter Mopsa on a journey to Bohemia in hopes of outrunning fate. But when secrets, disguises, and a little bit of love start to catch up with them, it becomes clear that destiny will eventually catch up.
If you’re curious, there’s a lot to learn about this show! Check out the comprehensive Guide to Arcadia linked below to discover everything about this world- from the Go-Go’s to Greek mythology.
This show is a party- so sit back, relax, and take a “Vacation” with us.
Meet the
Cast
Pamela — ALLY ANNA MCLEAN
Philoclea — GRACE ALTENBURGER
Musidorus — GILBERT ALMARAZ
Basilius — ERICH PHELPS
Gynecia — CECE LAMPA
Mopsa — JULIET SIMON
Dametas –– COLIN WELTER
Pythio/Oracle –– HOPE KIM
Ensemble –– GRACE OSIER, REBECCA TOBIN, TUCKER GOLD, ANDREW BOVA,
AIMÉE COLEMAN, SYDNEY HOFFMAN, MAX NAIDL, ZEKE MANRY
Understudies
Pamela — GRACE OSIER
Philoclea — REBECCA TOBIN
Musidorus — TUCKER GOLD
Basilius — ANDREW BOVA
Gynecia — AIMÉE COLEMAN
Mopsa — SYDNEY HOFFMAN
Dametas –– MAX NAIDL
Pythio/Oracle –– ZEKE MANRY
offstage Swings
ELLA BATOGOWSKI
BRIDGET DEVINE
RORY HIGGS
CAMERON PARKER
Musical Numbers
Act 1
“We Got The Beat” – Pamela, Philoclea, Musidorus, Basilius, Gynecia, Mopsa, Dametas, Ensemble
“Beautiful” – Pamela, Ensemble
“Vision of Nowness” – Pythio, Ensemble
“Get Up and Go” – Basilius, Gynecia, Pamela, Philoclea, Ensemble
“Mad About You” – Musidorus, Ensemble
“Good Girl” – Philoclea, Pamela, Mopsa
“Vision of Nowness Reprise” – Pythio, Musidorus, Owlettes
“Automatic Rainy Day” – Pamela, Mopsa
“Cool Jerk” – Gynecia, Pamela, Musidorus, Philoclea, Basilius, Dametas, Ensemble
“Vacation” – Mopsa, Ensemble
“How Much More” – Pamela
“Our Lips Are Sealed” – Musidorus, Philoclea, Pamela, Mopsa, Pythio, Ensemble
act 2
“Head Over Heels” – Musidorus, Philoclea, Pamela, Mopsa, Basilius, Gynecia, Dametas, Ensemble
“This Old Feeling” – Basilius, Gynecia
“Turn to You” – Pamela, Mopsa, Ensemble
“Heaven is a Place on Earth” – Oracle, Basilius, Gynecia, Ensemble
“Lust to Love” – Basilius, Ensemble
“Here You Are” – Philoclea, Pamela, Mopsa, Gynecia, Basilius, Dametas, Ensemble
“Mad About You Reprise” – Philoclea, Musidorus, Pamela, Mopsa, Dametas, Pythio, Ensemble
“Finale” – Full Company
Meet the
Orchestra
Conductor / Keyboard — SARIVA GOETZ
Guitar 1 — TOM YOUNG
Guitar 2 — SCOTT JOHNSON
Bass — KATE FOSS
Drums — DOUG LIPPINCOTT
Meet the
Artistic and Production Staff
Text Specialist –– SCOTT LAFEBER
Assistant Director — NICOLE COLEMAN
Assistant Director –– SAWYER GRABOW
Observing Director –– JESSE LIPSCHUTZ
Assistant Music Director –– AMALIA GOSHTIGIAN
Vocal Coach –– INDIRA SALINAS
Assistant Scenic Designer –– ALEXA LUNNEY
Paint Charge –– JOE KEENER
Scenic Artist –– LIV MILLER
Scenic Crew –– MACK MACINTYRE
Scenic Crew –– SAMUEL GREENSTEIN
Scenic Crew –– ERNEST SHAO
Assistant Costume Designer — HEIDI KEITHAHN
Assistant Costume Designer –– ANNA TEN EYCK
Hair & Makeup Supervisor –– LIV MILLER
Wardrobe Supervisor — ALEXA PETERSON-ISMAIL
Wardrobe/HMU Crew –– PARKER FEDAK
Assistant Lighting Designer — NATE PRITZKER
Assistant Lighting Designer — NATHAN HERNANDEZ
Production Electrician — DAVIS KRANCHALK
Lead Electrician — STEL STEIN
Assistant Lead Electrician — LILY HOURIN
Lighting Crew –– VERRINE FARAG
Associate Sound Designer — ERI LACKEY
Production Sound Engineer — MATILDA LEE
Assistant Production Sound Engineer — SAM GRODIN
Assistant Production Sound Engineer — SKYLAR D’AMORE
A1 –– LORENZO SOSA LOPEZ
A2 –– SKYLAR D’AMORE
A2 –– KELLY FURMAN
Sound Crew –– NOAH STRUNIN
Props Crew –– KRISTEN LEE
Props Crew –– KIANA MCCULLY
Assistant Stage Manager — KYLAH NEE
2nd Assistant Stage Manager — JOANNA SU
Production Assistant — BENJAMIN BROWDER
Associate Production Supervisor — MAC MEDEIROS
Assistant Production Supervisor — SHAE MUCHLER
Assistant Production Supervisor –– MATTINGLY REAVEN
Company Manager — HALLE HART
Assistant Company Manager — OLIVER WORNER
Assistant Company Manager — MADELEINE DUBOIS
Run Crew
TAHLIA BERNSTEIN, NICOLAS CARMENATE, EVIE DITTMANN, AMALIA GOSHTIGIAN, JOSHUA HATCHER, ALYSSA HENDERSON, SEBASTIAN HURT, AMIT KESHET, MAYA KOSEROWSKI, COLLEEN MCGRATH, MADELINE NILES, JASPER NOLAN, HANA PHIPPS, SAADIYAH PROCTOR, DAKOTA QUACKENBUSH, MERIN RHODES, TESSA ROMANO, KAIA RUBIN, LILI SHAW, NOAH SHEASBY, ZIXUAN SHENG, MAXWELL TANAKA
Cast Bios
GILBERT ALMARAZ (he/him) –– Musidorus
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Amour (Boss/2nd Police), …Great Comet (Anatole/Ensemble), BAT BOY: The Musical (U/S Edgar/Bat Boy, Bud/Daisy/Pan/Doctor), NFSW: Recognition (Martin). Thank you to the HOH team for making this a truly special show. I wouldn’t be here without the support of all my friends, and I want to give a special thanks to my girlfriend Sofia for always being there for me. Te Amo. Gracias a mi familia, mis papás, mis hermanas, y mis tres perritos. Gracias a Dios por todas las bendiciones. Instagram: @gilbert.almaraz
GRACE ALTENBURGER (she/her) –– Philoclea
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Amour (u/s Isabelle), 16 Winters (u/s P. and Spring). Emerson College credits include: Musical Theatre Society’s 13 (Patrice), Ride The Cyclone (Jane Doe), and EFA Cabaret 2022 (Soloist). A huge thank you to my family for cheering me on at every performance as well as the entire team for their support. Special shout outs to my dear friends, to Gary Durham, and of course to Tucker. Let’s rock. @grace.altenburger
ELLA BATOGOWSKI (she/her) –– Swing
BFA ’27 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage debut! Emerson College credits: Kidding Around’s Honk (Grace/Dot/Lowbutt/Others). Regional credits: Audience of One’s Bonnie and Clyde (U/S Eleanor); Company Theater’s Urinetown (Hope); Belmont University’s Lucky Stiff (Annabel), Annie (The Play That Goes Wrong). Thank you to Mom, Dad, Emily, Hannah, and Mimi for all of the love and support! @ellabato
ANDREW BOVA (he/him) –– Ensemble (U/S Basilius)
BFA ‘25 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Bat Boy: The Musical (Parker), Amour (Dr. Roquefort/President/Police), Cabaret (Swing, Cellist), Old Jake’s Skirts (Swing). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s Urinetown (Bobby Strong), Heathers (Kurt Kelly). Much love to mom and dad, and Ally! www.andrewbova.com
AIMÉE COLEMAN – Ensemble (U/S Gynecia)
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: POTUS (Margaret U/S). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s Chicago (Annie, Velma U/S); Jake Tolentino’s Antony and Cleopatra! (Cleopatra); Musical Theatre Against the Grain’s The Wild Party (Nadine); Musical Theatre Society’s Cabaret of Color (Performer, Music Director). Regional credits: Reagle Music Theatre’s An American in Paris (Ensemble), All Shook Up (Ensemble, Lorraine U/S), The Little Mermaid (Andrina, Ariel U/S), Pippin (Ensemble); Moonbox Productions’ Sister School (Ada); Revolutionary Space’s Boston Tea Party (Phillis Wheatley). Thank you Mama, Papa, and friends for love and support!
BRIDGET DEVINE (she/her) –– Swing
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons (U/S Tracy/Paula/Chorus). Emerson College theatre credits: Myths & Hymns (Vocalist) and MTS’ EFA Cabaret 2022 (Vocalist). Emerson College film credits: Liminal (Bailey) and Part Ways (Lucy). Other credits: Pinocchio: The Musical (Cat) at The Emerson Colonial Theatre. Thank you to my wonderful teachers who push me and believe in me! @bridget.dev bridgetdevine.net
TUCKER GOLD (he/him) – Ensemble (U/S Musidorus)
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Amour (U/S Dusoleil), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble, U/S Dolokhov). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s 13 (Evan) and The Secret Garden in Concert (Dickon). Thank you to my family, friends, and Grace: I’m maaad about you.
RORY HIGGS –– Swing
BFA ‘27 Acting. Emerson Stage credits: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Pellegrina). Emerson College theatre credits: emShakes Theatre Company’s Metamorphosis (Assistant Director and Movement Coordinator); Musical Theater Society’s Chicago (Fogarty); BlueJay Theater Collective’s Slut! (Christina). Thanks to my wonderful family and friends for the endless love and support. @thats_so_rory
SYDNEY HOFFMAN (she/her) –– Ensemble (U/S Mopsa)
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre, Minors in Hearing & Deafness and Dance. Emerson Stage credits: Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Offstage Swing/Vocalist). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s High School Musical: On Stage (Sharpay); Musical Theatre Against the Grain’s Tanner Maverick’s Book of Sound (Cady). Additional credits: Mid-Valley Music Theatre’s Mamma Mia! (Sophie). Thank you to my parents for always supporting me. Love you Grammy. 
HOPE KIM –– Pythio/Oracle
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 (Balaga), Bat Boy: The Musical (Ruthie/Ned). Emerson College credits: MTAG’s A Chorus Line (Al), The Wild Party (Kate). Thank you to the team for supporting me through this process. Thanks to my best friends Jasper and Renee. 엄마, 아빠, 오빠, 나를 계속 믿어주고, 응원하고, 날 위해 기도 해줘서 너무너무 고마워. 다 가족 덕분 이야. 사랑해. Instagram: @epoh.kim
CECE LAMPA –– Gynecia
BFA ‘25 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: …Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble/US Helene), Cabaret (Swing), Bat Boy: The Musical (Assistant Choreographer). Emerson College theatre credits: MTAG’s A Chorus Line (Judy/Dance Captain), The Wild Party (Jackie); MTS’ Heathers (New Wave Girl/US Heather Duke/Dance Captain), Big Fish (Mermaid/Dance Captain), La Cage Aux Folles (Bitelle/Tabaro), Urinetown (Choreographer); Mercutio Troupe’s My Dearest Apologies (Featured Dancer). Regional Credits: McLeod Summer Playhouse’s The Prom (Angie) and Hello, Dolly! (Ensemble). Skokie Theatre’s Give it a Year (Terry). Thank you to Mom, Dad, and Mason for your support! Endlessly grateful for MT 25, the MT faculty, and my wonderful roommates. cecelampa.com
ZEKE MANRY (he/any) –– Ensemble (U/S Pythio/Oracle)
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: …Great Comet (Swing), Imogen Says Nothing (U/S Nicholas Tooley/Hero/Fluffy 2). Select Emerson College credits: MTAG’s …Spelling Bee (Barfée), A Chorus Line (Greg), Tanner Maverick… (Jack, U/S Tony); Mercutio Troupe’s Trail to Oregon (Choreographer); Kidding Around’s Seussical TYA (Wickersham Brother). Regional credits: Woodstock Playhouse’s Anything Goes (Dippy), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Baron Bomburst), Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot), Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville (Ensemble). Thanks to my family, Juliet, KJ, and the wonderful cast and crew for the love they have poured into me! @manryonthestage
ALLY ANNA MCLEAN (she/her) –– Pamela
BFA ‘25 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Amour (Madeleine/Dance Captain), Second Star to the Right (Tinker Bell), Cabaret (Helga/Gorilla, U/S Kost), Old Jake’s Skirts (Swing). Emerson College credits: MTAG’s A Chorus Line (Sheila); MTS’s Urinetown (Soupy Sue); MTAG’s Rock of Ages (Ensemble); MTAG’s The Wild Party (Assistant Director). Regional credits: Reagle Music Theatre’s South Pacific (Ensemble, U/S Nellie); The Barn Dinner Theatre’s Legends Diner (Marry-Kate). Thank you to the SM team, the creatives, the cast, and my amazing support team- Mom, Brody, and Kaylee! @allyannamclean Allyannamclean.wixsite.com/mysite
MAX NAIDL (he/him) –– Ensemble (U/S Dametas)
BFA ’27 Theatre and Performance. Emerson Stage debut! Emerson College credits: Musical Theater Society’s 13: The Musical (Malcolm); Musical Theater Society’s Dogfight (Fector); Musical Theater Society’s EFA “ All Together Now” Cabaret (Performer); Kidding Around’s Alice by Heart (Dormouse); Musical Theater Society’s High School Musical: On Stage (Ryan); Musical Theater Society & Musical Theater Against the Grain’s “Red Out for EFA” Cabaret (Performer). Thanks to Momma Naidl for teaching me to dance, love ya! Go check out the “tap dance” TikTok 
@maxnaidl
GRACE OSIER (she/her) –– Ensemble (U/S Pamela)
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble & U/S Sonya), POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive (Harriet U/S), Bonnets: How Ladies of Good Breeding Are Induced to Murder (Claire/Mistress Stone U/S). Emerson College credits: Mercutio Troupe’s My Dearest Apologies (Kate); Kidding Around’s Honk! (Ida); Musical Theatre Against The Grain’s Hot Dam! (Gayorg); Emerson Dance Company. Thank you to this wonderful team, my awesome parents, my sister Hannah, & my amazing girlfriend Juliet! Gay rights! And gay wrongs! @graceosier
CAMERON PARKER (he/him) –– Swing
BFA ’27 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage debut! Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s Bare: A Pop Opera (Jason), Musical Theatre Society’s Dogfight (Gibbs/Lounge Singer); Musical Theatre Against The Grain’s Tanner Maverick’s Book of Sound (Tony), Musical Theatre Against The Grain’s Fun Home (Swing); Kidding Around’s Alice By Heart (Caterpillar 3, U/S Alfred and Others). Special thank you to my friends and family who have always been and continue to be a beacon of love and support as I pursue my dreams. @cam_1117
ERICH PHELPS (he/she) –– Basilius
BFA ‘25 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Amour (Prosecutor/Charles), …Great Comet (Andrey/Bolkonsky), Bat Boy: The Musical (U/S Dr. Parker/Rick/Lorraine), Cabaret (Herman/Max), Old Jake’s Skirts (Ensemble/ U/S Shoestring). Emerson College Credits: Musical Theatre Against the Grain’s A Chorus Line (Mike), The Wild Party (Eddie), Rock of Ages (Dennis Dupree); Musical Theatre Society’s Heathers the Musical (Ram Sweeney), Urinetown (Robby the Stockfish). Thank you to Ilana, Sariva, Joy, the entire team and cast, Mom, Dad and all of MT 25! @erichphelps
JULIET SIMON (she/her) –– Mopsa
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: I Love XXX (Ensemble), Bat Boy (U/S Shelley, Ruthie/Ned), The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons (U/S Inga/Delores), POTUS (U/S Stephanie). Emerson College credits: MTAG’s Fun Home (Medium Alison), A Chorus Line (Bebe), and The Wild Party (Reno); Mercutio Troupe’s Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Zoom); Kidding Around’s June July August (Gracey). Regional credits: Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Ragtime: Symphonic Concert (Ensemble); Crave Theatre Company’s Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Zoom). Thanks to my family & friends, this incredible cast & team, my best friend Zeke and my wonderful girlfriend Grace! @juliet.simon
REBECCA TOBIN –– Ensemble (U/S Philoclea)
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Second Star to the Right (Scorpia). Emerson College credits: Meructio Troupe’s The Trail to Oregon (Mother); Musical Theatre Society’s EFA Cabaret 2022 and 2023 (Soloist). Other credits: The Footlight Club’s Bright Star (Lucy); The Madison Lyric Stage Company’s Spring Awakening (Wendla); The Whitney Players Theater Company’s Footloose (Ariel); and more. Rebecca wants to thank her family, friends, boyfriend, and dogs for their unwavering support.
COLIN WELTER (he/him) –– Dametas
BFA ‘25 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage: …Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble, U/S Andrey/Bolkonsky), Cabaret (Swing). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Against the Grain’s A Chorus Line (Don); Musical Theatre Society’s Urinetown (Music Director), Emerson Fights AIDS Cabaret 2022-2023 (Music Director/Piano/Arrangements), Big Fish (Synthesizer/Programming). Additional Theatre credits: Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Sweet Charity (Oscar), and A Chorus Line (Bobby). He would like to thank his family, friends, and professors for their wisdom and support over the past four years. For Mom. colinwelter.com @colin_welter
Creative Team Bios
ILANA RANSOM TOEPLITZ –– Director
Broadway: THE PROM (2018, Tony Nomination), VIOLET (2014, Tony Nomination – starring Sutton Foster). Lincoln Center: CRAZY FOR YOU 25th Anniversary (2017). Associate Director : A CHRISTMAS STORY! (1st National Tour), DIRTY DANCING (International Tour), SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, RAGTIME & MODERN MASTERS! (Assoc., Dir & Choreographer, all with the Boston Pops). Favorite credits: REEFER MADNESS (feat. Alan Cumming), CHICAGO (Dir/choreo), THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Dir/choreo), ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Dir/choreo), 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Choreo), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Choreo), LEGALLY BLONDE (Choreo), CABARET (Director), BAT BOY (Director, including revised reading with Laurence O’Keefe), MARY POPPINS (Choreo), SEUSSICAL (Choreo), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Upcoming – Director), LATE (Upcoming – Director). Direction of world premieres with: The Drama League, Berkshire Theatre Group, Lincoln Center, 54 Below, NYMF, Adrienne Arsht Center (Miami, FL), York Theatre Company, Keen Company & the world premiere of Drew Gasparini’s WE AREN’T KIDS ANYMORE. Ilana is a proud native of Pittsburgh, PA, a SDC Foundation Mike Ockrent Fellow, and a Drama League Directors Project Alum (Leo Schull New Musicals Directing Fellow). Ilana is currently a Director and Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Emerson College. Insta: @IlanaRansom, www.IlanaDirects.com
SARIVA GOETZ (she/her) –– Music Director/Conductor
Sariva Goetz has worked on numerous Broadway shows, including ten years as the assistant conductor/keyboardist for the original Broadway production of Les Misérables. Other Broadway credits include Aladdin, Sister Act, Mamma Mia, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Miss Saigon, City of Angels, Secret Garden, Once on This Island, and Sweeney Todd. Off-Broadway and regional credits include Splendora, The Jerusalem Syndrome, Empire the Musical, and two productions of Really Rosie, one directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge and the other by author Maurice Sendak. She has worked at major regional venues across the country, including the Cleveland Playhouse, Cape Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Baltimore Center Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Goodspeed Opera House, Bucks County Playhouse, and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Sariva has coached hundreds of musical theatre performers for auditions, shows, and cabaret, and is currently an Associate Professor on the Musical Theatre faculty here at Emerson. Previous Emerson Stage credits include Stardust, Lucky Stiff, Spring Awakening, Cabaret, and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. Sariva holds a Master of Arts from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Arizona. SarivaGoetz.com
JOY CLARK –– Choreographer/Associate Director
Joy is a Boston and NYC-based Musical Theatre performer, educator, and director/choreographer. Joy creates for young people’s productions and professional theaters alike. Choreography – WFT: Make Way for Ducklings, Stuart Little, Seussical at the Boston Children’s Museum. WFT Teen Ensemble: Head Over Heels, Pippin. Direction/Choreography: The Rocky Horror Show(Moonbox Productions), Our Own Heroes, Erlking(world premieres), Snoopy the Musical (CMTSJ). Theatre Education: Current theatre faculty at Emerson College, Berklee College of Music, and Boston College. Other Musical Theater teaching work at Reagle Music Theatre, Wheelock Family Theater, ArtBarn, and Children’s Musical Theatre San Jose. Performance: Joy is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and was recently seen as Janet Van De Graaff in Lyric Stage Co’s The Drowsy Chaperone.
AVA SCANLON (she/her) –– Scenic Designer
BFA ‘25 Theatre Design & Technology. Emerson Stage credits: Next to Normal (Props Assistant), Into the Woods (Wig Dresser), The Spitfire Grill (Scenic Assistant), The Secret in the Wings (Scenic Assistant), Cabaret (Scenic Charge), Bat Boy: The Musical (Scenic Designer), A Doll’s House (Props Lead), Imogen Says Nothing (Scenic Designer), Head Over Heels (Scenic Designer). Emerson College credits: MTS’s La Cage Aux Folles (Hair and Makeup Designer); MTAG’s Rock of Ages (Hair and Makeup Designer/Scenic Designer); EVVYs ‘23 (Props Lead). Thank you to Ryan and Luciana for all your support and guidance!
AMAYA GONZALEZ-MØLLMAN (she/they) –– Costume Designer
BFA ‘25 Theatre Design & Technology. Selected Emerson Stage credits: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Scenic Designer), A Doll’s House (Costume Designer), How We Got On (Props Lead). College credits: BFA Film Cauldrons & Kickflips (Costume Designer); FPS’ Episode 51: The Dead Road Pt. 2 (Costume Designer); Musical Theatre Society’s Heathers (Costume Designer). amayagonzalezmollmann.com
ELI GOLDBERG (he/him) –– Lighting Designer
BFA ‘25 Theatre Design & Technology. Select Emerson Stage credits: 16 Winters (Lighting Designer), Bonnets (Lighting Designer). Select Emerson College credits: Will Miracles Never Cease! (Lighting Designer); BlueJay’s Rabbit Hole (Lighting Designer); Kidding Around’s June July August (Lighting Designer), MTAG’s A Chorus Line (Lighting Designer); 43rd Annual EVVY Awards (Lighting Designer). Select other credits: ISU World Figure Skating Championship at TD Garden (Assistant Lighting Designer); City Ballet of Boston’s Urban Nutcracker (Assistant Lighting Designer); Pinocchio, The Musical (Assistant Lighting Designer). CLOC’s Brigadoon, Iolanthe, Holiday Inn, Gypsy, New Moon, Little Shop of Horrors, Patience, Legally Blonde, A Little Night Music (Lighting Designer).
JO WILLIAMS (they/them) –– Sound Designer
BFA ’25 Theatre Design & Technology. Emerson Stage credits: Limber, A Love Story (Sound Designer), Amour (Production Sound Engineer), Imogen Says Nothing (Production Sound Engineer), Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Production Sound Engineer), 16 Winters (Production Sound Engineer), The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons (Sound Designer), Bonnets (Production Electrician), How We Got On (Asst. Lighting Designer), Little Women (Production Sound Engineer). Emerson College credits: Rareworks’ Five Times in One Night (Sound Designer); MTS’s Dogfight (Sound Designer). Other credits: Audio Engineer at Central Square Theatre for SPACE; Her Portmanteau; and Mrs. Warren’s Profession.
RYAN BATES –– Props Lead
Ryan is the Props Director for Emerson Stage, and has worked as a props lead and scenic designer throughout New England, including productions at New Repertory Theatre, Bridge Repertory Theatre, The Umbrella, Gloucester Stage Company, InMotion Theatre, Middlebury College, Longwood Players, Off the Grid, Fresh Ink, and many more. In addition to his work in the prop shop, Ryan frequently mentors scenic design students on Emerson Stage productions, and has previously taught Stagecraft at Emerson and Production Design at Boston University. MFA: Boston University. www.ryanbatesdesign.com
LIVVY WASZAK –– Hair & Makeup Designer
BFA ‘25 Theater Design/Technology. Emerson Stage credits: Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (Hair and Makeup Designer), Cabaret (Hair and Makeup Supervisor), Bonnets (Assistant Hair and Makeup Designer), Old Jake’s Skirts (Wardrobe Crew). Emerson College credits: emShakes’ Hamlet (Hair and Makeup Supervisor); Goodbye, Earl! A Short Film (Hair and Makeup Artist). Regional credits: The MUNY’s Beautiful: a Carole King Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Chess, West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Rent, Sister Act (Hair and Makeup Design Intern). Incredibly thankful for the support from all my friends, family, and loved ones!
KAYLA COPPING (she/they) — Stage Manager
BFA ’25 Stage & Production Management. Emerson Stage credits: Amour (Production Supervisor), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Assoc. Production Supervisor), 16 Winters (1st Assistant Stage Manager), Are You Someone to Somebody? (Asst. Production Supervisor), The Spitfire Grill (2nd Assistant Stage Manager), As You Like It (Production Assistant). Emerson College credits: EVVY43 (Assistant Stage Manager). Other credits: Jake Tolentino’s Antony & Cleopatra! (Assistant Stage Manager). Much love to this incredible cast and creative team, Kylah, Joanna, and Ben. Special thank you’s to my family, friends, and Coco & Jack for always keeping me afloat.
ALAYNA DOMBOSKI (she/they) –– Production Supervisor
BFA ‘25 Stage & Production Management. Emerson Stage credits: Edward Tulane (SM), Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812 (asst. PSupe), The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons (assoc. PSupe), Little Women (1st ASM), Are You Someone to Somebody? (2nd ASM), The Spitfire Grill (asst. PSupe), Into the Woods (PA). Emerson College credits: RareWorks’ Paul Bunyan is my Boyfriend (SM), Escape (Producer); Jake Tolentino’s Antony & Cleopatra! (SM). Other credits: The Huntington’s The Grove (PA), Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s As You Like It (ASM) and Spotlight Series: Henry V (SM). Much love to the pSupe team, family, friends, and Nor & Matt.
CONALL SAHLER –– Fight/Intimacy Director
Conall Sahler is a Boston based actor, fight director, and intimacy co-ordinator. He is also a recent graduate of Emerson College’s BFA Acting program ‘24 and is thrilled to be returning to his alma mater and working with Emerson Stage again! As a fight director his work has most recently been seen in Framingham High School’s METG Finalist production of The Outsiders as well as the short film The Rose Garden. As an intimacy coordinator his recent works include Emerson Stage’s productions of LIMBER: A Love Story as well as Second Place, a short play featured in the NewFest Short Works ‘25. Special thanks to Ted Hewlett, Alex Serino, and the entire BFA Acting Class of ‘24 (Swole Stu) for helping foster and inspire his love for this work.
ISAAC SIMON (he/him) –– Dramaturg
BFA ‘25 Theatre and Performance. Emerson Stage credits: Second Star to the Right (U/S Theodore/Michael). Other credits: The Theatre Lab’s Carrie (Dance Capt., Stokes), The Prom (Nick), Urinetown, The Hello Girls (Lt. Wessen, Asst. Dramaturg), Big Fish (Zacky Price); Wilson Players’ Much Ado About Nothing (Borachio); Levine School of Music’s Into The Woods. Film: Knight Life (upcoming), Anemoia (upcoming), Feathers and Wax, Raspberry Tarts, Mudslide. Special thanks to all my friends and everyone who made this production so amazing! <3
Meet the
Emerson Stage Staff
Staff
Artistic Director — Kate Cherry
Associate Production Manager — Katie Meade
Technical Director — Kristin Knutson
Head Carpenter — Connor Thompson
Scenic Area Advisor –– Luciana Stecconi
Scenic Painter — Joe Keener
Props Director — Ryan Bates
Assistant Properties Manager — Lauren Corcuera
Costume Area Advisor –– Tristan Raines
Costume Shop Supervisor — Richelle Devereaux-Murray
Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor — Becky Pieroth
Draper/Cutter — Laurie Bramhall
Lighting Area Advisor — Jason Lyons
Advisors FOR THIS PRODUCTION
Stage and Production Management — Debra A. Acquavella
Scenic Painting — Joe Keener
Costume Design — Chloe Moore
HMU Design –– Rachel Paula-Shufelt
Costume Production –– Richelle Devereaux-Murray
Lighting Design — Jason Lyons
Dramaturgy — Marissa Friedman
Student Staff
Emerson Stage Office Assistants — Kayla Copping, Alayna Domboski, Karli Fisher, Carly Mentis, JJ Moore, Liliana Ravins
Production Management Assistants — Esther Chilson, Oliver Worner
Videographers — Vincent Chen, Ethan West
Scenic Technicians — Lúa Azancot, Nel Blinman, Kieran Graeff, Davis Kranchalk, Bee LaClair, Elodie Lambert, Aiden Lank, Echo Lu, Oscar McQuilkin, Zoe Mills, Brooklyn Williams
Volunteer Scenic Technicians –– Mack MacIntyre, Kiana McCully
Scenic Artists/Painters — Yara (Rayan) Afif, Nel Blinman, Paige Boyon, Lily Hourin, Elodie Lambert, Sienna Leone, Liz Nunnery, Leo Servetar, David Staats, Charlize Tabrizi
Paint Shop Assistant — Maggie Stewart
Prop Shop Assistants — Amaya Gonzalez-Mollmann, Ava Scanlon
Prop Technicians –– Eri Lackey, Bee LaClair, Georgie Ten Eyck, Sydney Williams
Stitchers — Anna Ten Eyck, Zee Cowan, Amanda Jacobson, Izzy Bacallo, Nina Turovskiy, Madeline Henry, Alexa Peterson-Ismail, David Schell, Heidi Keithahn
Stock Attendants — Sierra Bivins, Isabella Fortebuono
Light Lab Inventory Assistant — Eli Goldberg