SWEET CHARITY
Book by Neil Simon
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Directed & Choreographed by Larry Sousa
Music Direction by Jonathan Goldberg
With a tuneful, groovy, mid-1960’s score, the rom-com musical explores the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City.
April 16-18, 2026
CUTLER MAJESTIC THEATRE
All performances open to the public.
Sweet Charity is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams Witmark, LLC. (www.concordtheatricals.com)
SWEET CHARITY
Creative Team
Scenic Design
Alexa Lunney
Costume Design
Nina Marie Turovskiy
Lighting Design
Eri Lackey
Sound Design
Lorenzo Sosa Lopez
Props Lead
Bee Svard LaClair
STAGE MANAGER
Elizabeth Tippens
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Oliver Worner
A note from the
Director & Choreographer, Larry Sousa
Early in my career as a performer on Broadway, I was given the priceless gift of working with Neil Simon on a musical adaptation of his legendary film The Goodbye Girl. Creating the show alongside Mr. Simon was a rehearsal room full of Broadway legends: Marvin Hamlisch, David Zippel, Graciella Danielle, Gene Saks, Michael Kidd – not to mention our stars, Martin Short and Bernadette Peters.
In the midst of such luminaries, I was a terrified and very easily intimidated young actor throughout pretty much every moment of that rehearsal process – until Mr. Simon saved me. He picked up on my fear. One day, he took me aside and said “Relax and get over yourself, kid. You got the job, too.”
I babbled some sort of unintelligible version of thank you, then quickly taught myself to stop freaking out and start absorbing the wealth of inspiration offered to us daily by Mr. Simon and company. It soon became clear to me that I had a palpable connection to Neil Simon’s voice as a writer – His eccentric-yet-relatable characters, his sense of comic rhythm, his humanity. I made a point of showing up to rehearsals for scenes I wasn’t in, just to pick up more and more of his wisdom. After The Goodbye Girl closed on Broadway, I vowed that I’d soon find another Neil Simon piece to work on, and soon…
Then, roughly 35 years passed.
I’ve done literally hundreds of productions since, yet somehow, I never even came close to another Neil Simon work until Emerson Stage invited me back to direct and choreograph this production of Sweet Charity. To say I’m grateful is a colossal understatement.
It has been a true joy rediscovering all that I’ve admired about the words of Neil Simon. And I have loved sharing his unique spark with Emerson’s spectacularly gifted student artists on stage and behind the scenes, as they discover and inhabit the musical fable he imagined alongside his legendary collaborators Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields, and of course, the one and only Bob Fosse. The timing couldn’t be more fortuitous. As everything around us seems to be spiraling deeper and deeper into a dangerous chaos, Charity herself offers us a healthy reminder we could really use right now: There’s great power in hope, optimism, fearlessness, action, resiliency, and above all, love.
I hope you enjoy Sweet Charity.
CAST
Charity Hope Valentine — SYDNEY HOFFMAN
Oscar Lindquist — MAX NAIDL
Nickie — JULIET SIMON
Helene — OLIVIA BUCCELLA
Herman — CAMERON PARKER
Vittorio Vidal — GILBERT ALMARAZ
Ursula March — AIMÉE COLEMAN
Daddy Brubeck — THEO ZUCCONI
Rosie — JORDAN ROCHNA
The Good Fairy — EMILY BARNETT
Manfred — JACOB HARRIS
Marvin — SEBASTIAN GATES-GRACESON
Ensemble — AHVIA AHMAD, SEMAJ’ DONNELL BYRD, MICK CASEY, RITA CAVACO, BRIDGET DEVINE, AMELIA GRACE DUVAL, JACK MAGAN, ALBIE NAIDITCH, SEANALEI NISHIMURA, GRACE OSIER, EM SALZMAN, YASMEEN AALIYAH, REBECCA TOBIN
UNDERSTUDIES
U/S Charity Hope Valentine — REBECCA TOBIN
U/S Oscar Lindquist — JACOB HARRIS
U/S Nickie — GRACE OSIER
U/S Helene — RITA CAVACO
U/S Herman & Vittorio Vidal — SEBASTIAN GATES-GRACESON
U/S Ursula March — JORDAN ROCHNA
U/S Daddy Brubeck — SEMAJ’ DONNELL BYRD
Rosie & The Good Fairy — KALEIGHA LE’VAE SIOSON
Manfred & Others — SETH GREENBERG
Marvin & Others — ANDY NORBUTA
Ensemble Swings — JOSIE DRING, MIA MIRABILE
Meet the
Artistic and Production Staff
Assistant Director — LILI RAVINS
Assistant Choreograher — SEMAJ’ DONNELL BYRD
Observing Director — ANDIE ANDRACA
Technical Director — KRISTIN KNUTSON
Assistant Technical Director — KIERAN GRAEFF
Assistant Scenic Designer — KRISTEN LEE
Assistant Props Lead — KIANA MCCULLY
Associate Costume Designer — CHIRON SPEIDEL
Assistant Costume Designer — RYLAN SUMMERS
Costume Production — IZZY BACALLAO
Assistant Lighting Designer — CHARLES PETERSON
Production Electrician — NATE PRITZKER
Lead Electrician — SPENCER SWETLOW
Programmer — MATTHEW DANDINO
Assistant Sound Designer — NOAH STRUNIN
Production Sound Engineer — SKYLAR D’AMORE
Assistant Production Sound Engineer — EMMI LEAHY
A1 — RYAN TSE
A2 — NOAH STRUNIN
Assistant Stage Manager — SYDNEY WILLIAMS
2nd Assistant Stage Manager — MATTINGLY REAVEN
Production Assistants — LAUREN LAKE, MOIRA POEPPERLING
Associate Production Supervisor — MARIANA MORALES
Associate Production Supervisor — SHAE MUCHLER
Assistant Production Supervisor — SCARLETT LIANG
Company Manager — MERIN RHODES
Assistant Company Managers— LILI RAVINS
Run Crew — ADIANA ABDI, AKILI BANDELE, ANNA RICHARDSON, AUDREY MOJICA, AVIVA GLADSTEIN, DJANGO NACHMANOFF, CARMEL SHELEF, CHARLIE O’CONNOR, COLLIN RUTOWSKI, DANIELA CANAS, DANIELA RODRIGUEZ-CENTENO, ENZA FAMMARTINO, GIA IOELE, JUSTINE COX, KAIA CASTRO-DARA, KIMBERLY HUMPHRIES, LAITH HINTZMAN, MAYA LYNNE SMITH, MAYA WEITZ, NOLA BOWIE, PEYTON JONES, REILLY KEARNEY, SYDNEY GREELEY, TOWANA KOO, VERONICA BABIUK, VIVEKA FRISK, RAY LEPENTIS
Cast Bios
SYDNEY HOFFMAN (she/her) — Charity Hope Valentine
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre, Minors in Hearing and Deafness and Dance. Emerson Stage credits: Head Over Heels (Ensemble, Dance Captain, U/S Mopsa) and …Great Comet of 1812 (Offstage Swing). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s High School Musical: On Stage (Sharpay Evans); Musical Theatre Against the Grain’s Tanner Maverick’s Book of Sound (Cady). Regional credits: Mamma Mia (Sophie) at Mid Valley Music Theater and The Lost Colony’s 88th Season (Ensemble/ Puppeteer). Thanks to my parents and my village from Oregon who have always supported me. Grammy and Uncle Kenny, I hope you have the best seat in the house. This one is for you. @sydster_3 sydneyannhoffman.com
MAX NAIDL (he/him) — Oscar Lindquist
BFA ’27 Theatre and Performance. Emerson Stage credits: Chantecler, a Musical Fable (Jaques), Digging Up Dessa (U/S Nilo), Head Over Heels (Ensemble/U/S Dametus). Emerson College credits: Musical Theater Society’s High School Musical (Ryan Evans), Dogfight (Fector), and 13: The Musical (Malcolm); Kidding Around’s Alice by Heart (Doremouse). Regional credits: Newsies! (Romeo) at Fortpeck Summer Theatre. Upcoming credits: Newsies! (Jack Kelly) at Woodstock Playhouse. Thanks to my wonderful family and friends for the support. As always, go give the TikTok some love! @maxnaidl
JULIET SIMON (she/her) — Nickie
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage: Head Over Heels (Mopsa), I Love XXX (Ensemble), Bat Boy: The Musical (U/S Shelley, U/S Ruthie/Ned), …Mastodons (U/S Inga/Delores), POTUS… (U/S Stephanie). Emerson College credits: Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), Fun Home (Medium Alison), A Chorus Line (Bebe), The Wild Party (Reno), Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Zoom). Regional: Ragtime: Symphonic Concert at Boston Symphony Orchestra (Ensemble), Our Dear Dead Drug Lord at Crave Theater (Zoom). Upcoming: Shrek and Grease at Four Corner’s Musical Theater Company. Thanks to this incredible cast and team, my parents and grandparents, Zeke, and my super talented girlfriend Grace. IG:@juliet.simon Website: juliet-simon.com
OLIVIA BUCCELLA (she/her) — Helene
BFA ’27 Musical Theatre, Minor in Dance. Emerson College credits: MTS’ Bare: A Pop Opera (Ivy Understudy/Ensemble) and Chicago (Murderess Swing/Juror/Ensemble); Emerson Urban Dance Theatre Hip Hop Company; Emerson Dance Company Dancer & Choreographer. Thank you Larry & Jon for trusting me and mom & dad for believing in me! @0livi.yuh
CAMERON PARKER (he/him) — Herman
BFA ’27 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (William Barfee), Chantecler, a Musical Fable (Bubo Ignavus/Crested Magyar), Head Over Heels (Swing). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s Bare: A Pop Opera (Jason) and Dogfight (Gibbs / Lounge Singer); Musical Theatre Against The Grain’s Tanner Maverick’s Book Of Sound (Tony), Spring Awakening (Ensemble / U/S Melchior), and Fun Home (Swing). Other credits: An Evening With Sutton Foster (Choir Vocalist). Thank you to my friends and family for their constant support. @cam_1117
GILBERT ALMARAZ (he/him) — Vittorio Vidal
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Chantecler, A Musical Fable (Phantom Bantam/Barn Owl), Head Over Heels (Musidorus), Amour (Boss/Police), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Anatole), Bat Boy: The Musical (U/S Edgar/Bat Boy, U/S Bud/Daisy/Pan/Doctor), NewFest Short Works: “Recognition” (Martin). Thank you to the cast and crew of Sweet Charity! I’m super grateful to be a part of this process. Thank you to my family back in Las Vegas who have supported me through it all. Los quiero mucho. Thank you also to my wonderful girlfriend Sofia, I love you so much. Instagram: @gilbert.almaraz gilbertalmaraz.com
AIMÉE COLEMAN — Ursula March
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Head Over Heels (Ensemble, U/S Gynecia), POTUS… (U/S Margaret). Emerson College credits: MTS’s The Mad Ones (Music Director), Cabaret of Color (Performer, Music Director), and Chicago (Annie, U/S Velma); Jake Tolentino’s Antony and Cleopatra (Cleopatra); MTAG’s The Wild Party (Nadine). Regional credits: Greater Boston Stage’s Little Shop of Horrors (Urchins Swing); Reagle Music Theatre’s An American in Paris (Ensemble), All Shook Up (Ensemble, U/S Lorraine), The Little Mermaid (Andrina, U/S Ariel), Pippin (Ensemble). Thank you Mama, Papa, and friends for love and support!
THEO ZUCCONI (he/him) — Daddy Brubeck
BFA ’28 Musical Theatre. Emerson College credits: BlueJay Theatre Collective’s Overbridge High… (Evan Alexander Benjamin); Musical Theatre Against The Grain’s The Cradle Will Rock (Director) and The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (U/S Sam and Bill); Kidding Around’s Honk! (Turkey/Bullfrog), June July August (Leonard), and Tuck Everlasting (Man in the Yellow Suit); Mercutio Troupe’s The Hill; RareWorks Theatre Company’s Paul Bunyan is my Boyfriend (Babe) and Night Side Songs (Frank); and was in an independent production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Lance, Thurio, etc.) and Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio/Conrade).
JORDAN ROCHNA (she/her) — Rosie
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Chantecler: A Musical Fable (Therese), Julius Caesar (Calpurnia, U/S Portia), Amour (U/S Whore). Emerson College credits: MTS’s Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman) and Dogfight (Marcy); Kidding Around’s Tuck Everlasting (Mae Tuck); MTAG’s The Wild Party (Mae) and Tanner Maverick’s Book of Sound (Mrs. Baker/Swing). Film credits: EIV’s “The Nobodies” (Jacqueline) and “Pandora’s Room” (Rhea); “Mary and Joseph” (Mary). Other credits: The Green Room 42’s Rep Book Roulette (Soloist), Moonbox Productions’ FANGIRL (Syd), CAMP x Bluey Immersive Adventure (Performer, ASM), Palace Theatres’ Grey Eye (Child). @jordanrochna <3
EMILY BARNETT (she/they) — The Good Fairy
BFA ‘26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Chantecler: A Musical Fable (Mme. Peacock), Amour (U/S Madeleine and Claire). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s Dogfight (Ensemble, U/S Rose, U/S Marcy), Thirteen (Charlotte), Ride The Cyclone (Hair/Makeup Designer), EFA Cabaret (2022+2025 performer); Musical Theatre Against The Grain’s The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Co-Director), The Cradle Will Rock (Mrs. Mister/Pres. Prexy), The Wild Party (Swing); Mercutio Troupe’s Trail to Oregon! (Co-Director); EmShakes Theatre Co’s Hamlet (Observing Director); BlueWorks’ Escape: The Piña Colada Play (Happy Coconut). Co-President of 172 Below. Thanks to the Sweet Charity team for making her last Emerson show so great, as well as her family, friends, and boyfriend for their support!
JACOB HARRIS (he/him) — Manfred
BFA ’27 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Amour (U/S Prosecutor/Charles, U/S Boss/Second Police) Emerson College credits: MTAG’s Spring Awakening (Ernst) and A Chorus Line (Mark Anthony). Other credits: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center’s 42nd Street (Ensemble); Classic Theatre of Maryland’s Crazy For You (Junior); Priscilla Beach Theatre’s Shrek the Musical (Wolf/Ensemble) and Hello, Dolly! (Ensemble). Thanks to my friends and family for all of your endless support! Instagram: @jacob.harriss
SEBASTIAN GATES-GRACESON (PRONOUNS) — Sebastian Gates-Graceson
BFA ‘28 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage debut! Emerson College credits: MTS’ Sweeney Todd (Anthony Hope) and The Mad Ones (U/S Adam); Kidding Around’s Tuck Everlasting (Miles Tuck), and Cabaret of Color 2025 & 2026. Other select credits: 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits at 54 Below, Hartford Stage’s workshop of Borderline (John), Locker No. 89 at the Calderwood Pavilion (Tommy Clark), Cowley Summer Theatre’s Freaky Friday (Adam), Tandem Theatre’s staged reading of Vodú (Patouttés). Film credits include: “Route 52,” “Bouquets of the Forgotten,” and “Love Bugged.” Sebastian is so excited to see help bring this show to life! @sebastianggraceson
AHVIA AHMAD (she/her) — Ensemble
BFA ’27 Musical Theater. Emerson Stage debut! Emerson College credits: Musical Theater Society’s Mad Ones (Sam U/S). Thank you to everyone who made my first EmStage such a wonderful experience! Very grateful to be at Emerson <3
SEMAJ’ DONNELL BYRD (he/him) — Assistant Choreographer, Ensemble, U/S Daddy Brubeck
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Bat Boy: The Musical (Sheriff Reynolds), Amour (Bertrand/News Vendor/Advocate). Emerson College credits: Musical Theater Society’s Sweeney Todd ( Bird Seller/Ensemble, U/S Anthony, Dance Captain), Musical Theatre Against the Grain’s A Chorus Line (Bobby), and Cabaret of Color (Vocalist). Select other credits: Sister Act (Eddie Souther) and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Drifter Soloist) at Wagon Wheel Center for the Performing Arts. He is also a member of Emerson Urban Dance Theatre. He wants to thank his family and friends for their constant support! Ig: semaj._.Byrd
MICK CASEY (he/him) — Ensemble
BFA ’27 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Chantecler, A Musical Fable (Marius). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Against the Grain’s Spring Awakening (Ensemble, Moritz Shadow Dancer, U/S Moritz, Dance Captian) and Hair (Ensemble, U/S Woof); Musical Theatre Society’s Chicago (Ensemble). Thanks moms and friends for always believing in me! @mick.caseyy
RITA CAVACO (she/her) — Ensemble, U/S Helene
BFA 27 Musical Theatre, Dance Minor. Emerson College credits: BlueJay Theatre Collective’s SLUT: The Play (Sylvie), Kidding Around’s Tuck Everlasting (Ensemble and Winnie us), MTS’s The Mad Ones (U/S Kelly), Emerson Dance Company. Thank you to all my friends at Emerson for always cheering me on e obrigada familia por estarem sempre aqui. @ritaaacavaco
BRIDGET DEVINE (she/her) — Ensemble
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Chantecler, a Musical Fable (Bichette), Head Over Heels (Swing) and The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons (Tracy & Paula U/S). Regional credits: FANGIRL (Lindsey/Ensemble) with Moonbox Productions and Pinocchio (Cat) at The Emerson Colonial Theatre. Thank you to my family, friends, & boyfriend for always being so supportive! God bless! @bridget.dev bridgetdevine.net
AMELIA GRACE DUVAL (she/they) — Ensemble
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa Peretti), Chantecler: A Musical Fable (Assistant Director). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Against The Grain’s Spring Awakening (Choreographer), Musical Theatre Society’s Sunday In The Park With George (Yvonne/Naomi), RareWorks Theatre Company’s Five Times In One Night (Eve), Musical Theatre Society’s Dogfight (Assistant Choreographer), and Musical Theatre Society’s Heathers (Martha Dunnstock). Other credits: Missoula Children’s Theatre’s The Jungle Book (Tour Actor/Director), CAST Children’s Theatre’s The SpongeBob Musical (Choreographer), and Matilda the Musical (Associate Director and Choreographer). Instagram: @ameliagraceduval Website: ameliagraceduval.com
JACK MAGAN (he/him) — Ensemble
BFA ’27 Theatre and Performance. Emerson Stage credits: Chantecler, a Musical Fable (Nicteus). Emerson College credits: Kidding Around’s Barry and the Bear (Boy/Bear) and Almost, Maine (Lendall/Randy); emShakes’ The Inheritance (Young Man 6/Jasper); MTS’ Sweeney Todd (Beadle Bamford); MTAG’s Spring Awakening (Hänchen). Regional credits: Hairspray (Link Larken) at Sullivan Rep. Thank you to all my family and friends for all the support! @jackmagan_ @jackmagan11
ALBIE NAIDITCH (they/them) — Ensemble
BFA ‘28 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage debut! Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s High School Musical (Zeke, U/S Chad) Musical Theatre Society’s Cabaret of Color. Other credits: Cabaret (Emcee), A Little Night Music (Petra, Mrs. Segstrom), 9 to 5 (Doralee), Spring Awakening (Hanschen) at Chicago Academy for the Arts. Thank you my loving family and friends for always supporting my work! @notalbie123
SEANALEI NISHIMURA (she/her) — Ensemble
BFA ’27 Musical Theater. Emerson Stage debut! Emerson College credits: Emerson Dance Company (Hip Hop Ensemble). Other credits: A Chorus Line (Judy Turner) at DHT; Newsies (Katherine Plumber) at IMBK; Princess and the Iso Peanut (Princess Lumpia) at MVT. She would like to thank the cast, crew, and creative team for giving her this wonderful opportunity and making her first mainstage show so memorable!
GRACE OSIER (she/her) — Ensemble, U/S Nickie
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Digging Up Dessa (Esther), Head Over Heels (Ensemble & U/S Pamela), …Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble & U/S Sonya), POTUS (U/S Harriet), Bonnets… (U/S Claire/Mistress Stone). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Society’s The Mad Ones (Bev), Mercutio Troupe’s My Dearest Apologies (Kate); Kidding Around’s Honk! (Ida); MTAG’s Hot Dam! (Gayorg). Upcoming Regional: Four Corners Musical Theatre’s Shrek & Grease. Thank you to this team, my wonderful friends, my beautiful girlfriend, Juliet, and my family for being the BEST! IG: @graceosier Website: graceosier.com
EM SALZMAN (they/them) — Ensemble
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Chantecler, a Musical Fable (Nightingale), …Spelling Bee (Schwartzy), Limber (Tate), Mastodons (U/S Buster), Bonnets… (U/S Laurent and Daniel). Emerson College credits: MTAG’s Hair (Ensemble) and The Wild Party (Max); Kidding Around’s Seussical TYA (Jojo). Em would like to thank their amazing family and lovely girlfriend Maddie for all the support !
YASMEEN AALIYAH (she/her) — Ensemble
BFA ’28 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Confederates (Sandra). Emerson College credits: Cabaret of Color 2025 (Performer), MTAG’s The Cradle Will Rock (Yasha/Ella Hammer), MTS’ The Mad Ones (Hair and Makeup Designer) Cabaret of Color 2026 (Performer), Kidding Around’s Calvin Berger (Hair and Makeup Designer). Thank you to my amazing mommy for always speaking life into everything I do. And of course thank you to Larry and this fabulous cast and crew! Enjoy the show!!!!
REBECCA TOBIN — Ensemble, U/S Charity Hope Valentine
BFA ’26 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage credits: Second Star to the Right (Scorpia); Head Over Heels (Ensemble, U/S Philoclea); Chantecler, a Musical Fable (Madelaine, U/S Ondine). Emerson College credits: MTS’ The Mad Ones (Director) and Sweeney Todd (Ensemble, U/S Mrs. Lovett); Mercutio Troupe’s The Trail to Oregon (Mother). Other credits: Spring Awakening (Wendla) with Madison Lyric Stage Company; Mystic Pizza (Daisy) with The Whitney Players Theatre Company. She would like to thank her amazing friends, family, boyfriend, Gary Durham, the class of MT ’26, and of course her two dogs. Instagram: @beccat7279
KALEIGHA LE’VAE SIOSON (she/her) — U/S Rosie & The Good Fairy
BFA ‘28 Musical Theater. Emerson Stage credits: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Assistant Music Director). Emerson College credits: Calvin Berger (Music Director) Thank you to my parents for always supporting me & my loved ones for loving me as I am! @kaleighalevae
SETH GREENERG (he/him) — U/S Manfred & Others
BFA ‘28 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage debut! Emerson College credits: Kidding Around’s Honk! (Ugly) and Tuck Everlasting (Ensemble, U/S Jesse/Hugo); Musical Theatre Against The Grain’s The Cradle Will Rock (Editor Daily/Prof. Scoot). Regional credits: Finding Nemo Jr. (Bruce/Crush) at Palace Theatre Summer Series. Thank you to my friends and family for their endless support! @sethcgreenberg
ANDREW NORBUTA (he/him) — U/S Marvin & Others
BFA ‘28 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage debut! Recent/Upcoming Credits: 54 Turns Upside Down at 54 Below, Golden Hour at 54 Below, Songs you Almost Remember at Green Room 42. Thanks so much to my family and friends for the support!
JOSIE DRING (she/her) — Ensemble Swing
Acting BFA ’26. Emerson Stage credits: POTUS… (U/S Jean). Emerson College credits: Mercutio Troupe’s My Dearest Apologies (Erin/Swing); Musical Theatre Society’s Chicago (Liz/Dance Capt.), 13 The Musical (Kendra). Professional credits include: Classic Stage Company’s Wilderness in NYC, Birdland Jazz (Soloist). Josie is honored to be a part of this spectacular production. You might hear her singing mezzo-soprano offstage! Thank you to everyone who made this show possible! I love you, family and twin <3 josiedring.com
MIA MIRABILE (she/her) — Ensemble Swing
BFA ’27 Musical Theatre. Emerson Stage debut! Recent credits: Les Miserables (Eponine), Carrie (Norma), Bat Boy: The Musical (U/S Shelley), Urinetown (U/S Pennywise), and Rent (Seasons Of Love Soloist). She thanks the cast and crew for their hard work and a special thanks to Larry and Tippens for an amazing experience.
Creative Team Bios
LARRY SOUSA — Director
Larry Sousa returns to Emerson Stage after directing and choreographing our productions of Amour and Flora, The Red Menace. Larry has helmed musicals at theatres from coast-to-coast and internationally, including Goodspeed Musicals, Pasadena Playhouse, The Joyce Theatre, 5th Avenue Theatre, Coconut Grove Playhouse, the New York Fringe Festival, and the Garry Marshall Theatre in Los Angeles, to name a few. Here in Boston, his productions are seen regularly at Wheelock Family Theatre, SpeakEasy Stage, Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, Reagle Music Theatre, Umbrella Stage, and more. Larry’s recent hit production of The Drowsy Chaperone at Lyric Stage was honored by Lyric’s subscribers as their highest-rated show in the theatre’s 50-year history. Larry is in his 8th year as Resident Director/Choreographer of Harvard’s legendary Hasty Pudding Show. He is a recipient of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, L.A. Ovation Awards, IRNE and Norton Awards, and many more. A lifelong educator, Larry is an associate professor of theatre at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Before turning to directing and choreography, Larry enjoyed an extensive career as an actor in TV, films, commercials, and several musicals on Broadway. Learn more about him at www.larrysousa.com.
JON GOLDBERG — Music Director
Jonathan Goldberg, a Boston-area music director, vocal coach, arranger, and accompanist, has been teaching in Emerson’s Musical Theatre program since 2004. Emerson Stage credits include Chantecler, a Musical Fable; Amour; Bat Boy; The Spitfire Grill; Into The Woods; Next To Normal; Urinetown; and Titanic. Boston regional productions include Annie, SpongeBob, Little Women, and Billy Elliot (Wheelock Family Theatre) and 20 years of shows with the Lyric Stage Company. He has played in the orchestras for Little Shop Of Horrors (Greater Boston Stage), …Spelling Bee (Emerson Stage) and The Prom (Speakeasy). Jon has won IRNE awards for productions of A Little Night Music, Man of La Mancha, Grey Gardens, and Kiss Me, Kate. Other credits: Pacific Overtures (North Shore Music Theatre), Forever Plaid (Stuart Street Playhouse), and three years with the Boston company of Nunsense.
ALEXA LUNNEY (they/she) — Scenic Designer
BFA ’27 Theatre Design/Technology. Emerson Stage credits: Imogen Says Nothing (Asst. Scenic Designer), Head Over Heels (Asst. Scenic Designer). Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Against the Grain’s Daddy Long Legs (Scenic Designer); BlueJay Theater Collective’s The Omniscient Bus (Scenic Designer, Puppet Designer); and “The Right Time” BFA Capstone Film (Production Designer, BTS Photographer). Regional credits: The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s The Little Mermaid (Props Lead, Projection Illustrator/Designer). Thank you to my loved ones for supporting me on this journey! Mom and Dad, thank you for unconditional love and encouragement. Ryan, thank you for your incredible guidance, and thank you to my dear friend Ava for always being a helping hand. @alexalunney @ghostsandoats
NINA MARIE TUROVSKIY — Costume Designer
BFA ‘26 Theater Design and Technology. Emerson Stage credits include: Julius Caesar (Asst. Director); Head Over Heels (Draper); Amour (Costume Designer); Imogen Says Nothing (Draper); 16 Winters (Asst. Director); How We Got On (Asst. Costume Designer). Film: Gianna Cavarozzi’s Sweet Tooth (Costume Designer); Chay Buchholz-Guerrero’s Sweet Nothings (Costume Designer); Morgan Hafke’s Potato Heads (Costume Designer). She is thrilled to be designing Sweet Charity at the Cutler Majestic Theater. Thanks, mum 🙂 Instagram: @ninaturovskiy turovskiy.com
ERI LACKEY (she/they) — Lighting Designer
BFA ’26 Theatre Design and Technology. Emerson Stage credits: The Loyals (Assist. Lighting Designer), Little Women (Programmer), Bat Boy: The Musical (Programmer), Second Star to the Right (Sound Designer), POTUS… (Lighting Designer), Limber: A Love Story (Production Electrician), Confederates (Production Electrician). Musical Theater Society’s Dogfight (Lighting Designer), Sweeney Todd… (Lighting Desinger); Rareworks Theater Company’s The Ball Game (Lighting Designer), 5 Times In One Night (Lighting Designer). EmShakes TheaterCo’s The Sea Ends at Troy (Lighting Designer); Mercutio Troupe’s Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Programmer), Jamie Has a Bomb (Lighting Designer); Musical Theater Against The Grain’s A Chorus Line (Assist. Lighting Designer), The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Lighting Designer). Other: EVVY43 (Assistant Electrician), EVVY44 (Assistant Electrician), The Sleepover Game (Lighting Designer).
LORENZO SOSA LOPEZ (they/she) — Sound Designer
BFA ’26 Theatre Design and Technology. Emerson Stage credits: Death Crashes a Dinner Party (Sound Designer), I Love XXX (Sound Designer), Imogen Says Nothing (Sound Designer), Julius Caesar (Production Sound Engineer), …Putnam County Spelling Bee (Production Sound Engineer), …Great Comet of 1812 (Production Sound Engineer), Head Over Heels (A1). Emerson College credits: emShakes’ Macbeth (Sound Designer), Mercutio Troupe’s The Effect (Sound Designer), RareWorks Theatre Company’s How Macy Survived Without Her Wisdom Teeth (Sound Designer), Gold (Sound Designer). Regional credits: Moonbox Productions’ GUTS! (Sound Designer), Boston Theatre Company’s 2025 Queer Voices Festival (Sound Designer), Hartford Stage’s Simona’s Search (Asst. Sound Designer), Lyric Stage’s Trouble in Mind (Asst. Sound Designer) and Crumbs From the Table of Joy (Assoc. SD).
BEE SVARD LACLAIR (they/them) — Props Lead
BA Script Writing, Analysis, and Production 2026. Emerson Stage credits: Julius Caesar (Dramaturg), Red Wolf (Dramaturg), Edward Tulane (Props Assistant), Bonnets… (2nd ASM), and NewFest Short Works (1st ASM). Emerson College credits: NINE LIVES Senior Capstone: Murder in Citytown (Playwright/Director/Producer/Stage Manager/Scenic Designer), Mercutio Troupe’s My Dearest Apologies (Props Lead), 24 Hour Play Festival: Sustainability (1st ASM), and Kidding Around’s A Wrinkle in Time (Props Assistant). Other Credits: Interlakes Theatre’s She Loves Me, Tootsie, and My Fair Lady (Props Lead); Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Sammy Davis Jr., I Do! I Do!, Cats, A Chorus Line, Sister Act, and The King & I (1st ASM); Interlakes Children’s Theatre’s Wonka Jr., The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition, and Wizard of Oz Youth Edition (Stage Manager, Lighting Designer).
ELIZABETH TIPPENS (she/her) — Stage Manager
BFA ’26 Stage and Production Management. Emerson Stage credits: …Spelling Bee (Production Supervisor), Red Wolf (Stage Manager), …Edward Tulane (Assoc. Production Supervisor), Imogen Says Nothing (Observing Director), Bat Boy: The Musical (Asst. Production Supervisor), Little Women (Asst. Stage Manager), Old Jakes Skirts (Production Assistant). Select Emerson College credits: Musical Theatre Against the Grains’ Spring Awakening (Stage Manager), and Daddy Long Legs (Director); Kidding Arounds’ School of Rock (Producer), Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Producer), Dear Morgan Le Fey (Producer), and Honk! (Sound Designer); Rareworks’ Five Times in One Night (Stage Manager); BlueJay’s Rabbit Hole (Asst. Producer); The 43rd and 42nd Annual EVVY Awards (Asst. Stage Manager). Tippens is a proud board member of Kidding Around. She would like to thank Mac, Oliver, and her parents for their continued support; Larry, Jon, and the whole cast for all their dedication to this show; and most importantly Syd, Matti, Ren, and Moira for all of their love, support, and the incredible hard work they’ve put into this show. @tippens__ etippens.com
OLIVER WORNER (he/him) — Production Supervisor
BFA ’26 Stage & Production Management. Select Emerson Stage credits: Confederates (Production Supervisor), I Love XXX (Production Supervisor), Red Wolf (Company Manager), Imogen Says Nothing (1st ASM), …Mastodons (2nd ASM). Emerson College credits: BlueJay Theater Collective’s Overbridge High…, SLUT: The Play, Rabbit Hole, Significant Other, Dog Sees God (Producer); MTAG’s Spring Awakening (Producer); RareWorks Theatre Co.’s Five Times In One Night (Producer); The 42nd (ASM), 43rd (Logistics EP Assistant), the 44th (Logistics Producer), and the 45th (Aesthetics Producer) Annual EVVY Awards. Other credits: Camden International Film Festival XIV-XXI (Multiple roles), Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (PA). Thank you to Mariana, Shae, and Scarlett for being an awesome team, Angela and Katie for being amazing mentors, Mac and Tippens for all that you do, and Deb Acquavella for being an unparalleled mentor, advisor, and New Yorker. @oliverworner04
Meet the
Emerson Stage Staff
Staff
Director of Theatre Operations — Eric Paris
Production Manager — Angela Harrington
Artistic & Production Associate — Katie Meade
Technical Director — Kristin Knutson
Head Carpenter — Connor Thompson
Scenic Painter — Saskia Martinez
Properties Director — Ryan Bates
Assistant Properties Manager — Lauren Corcuera
Costume Shop Supervisor — Richelle Devereaux-Murray
Draper/Cutter — Erika Krause
Electrics Supervisor — Timothy Fairley
Mentors & Advisors FOR THIS PRODUCTION
Stage and Production Management Advisor — Debra A. Acquavella
Scenic Area Advisor –– Luciana Stecconi
Scenic Design & Props Mentor — Ryan Bates
Costume Area Advisor –– Tristan Raines
Costume Design Mentor — Chloe Moore
Lighting Design Mentor — Dan Jentzen*
Electrics Mentor — Timothy Fairley
Sound Design Mentor — Ben Emerson*
Student Staff
Emerson Stage Office Assistants:
Emery Frost, JJ Moore, Liliana Ravins, Alyssa Schlaifer, Joanna Su, Elizabeth Tippens
Production Management Assistants:
Mariana Morales, Oliver Worner
Scenic Technicians:
Lúa Azancot Garcia, Verrine Farag, Ari Flaherty, Kieran Graeff, Callie Herzog, Lizzie Lamb, Aiden Lank, Mack MacIntyre, Oscar McQuilkin, Zoe Mills
Volunteer Scenic Technicians:
Samuel Greenstein, Ernest Shao
Scenic Painters:
Rayan Afif, Gabriella Berry, Nel Blinman, Sophia Da Silva, Lily Hourin, Elodie Lambert, Kiana McCully, Leo Servetar, Maggie Stewart, Charlize Tabrizi
Prop Shop Assistants:
Eri Lackey, Bee LaClair, Alexa Lunney, Georgie Ten Eyck, Sydney Williams
Costume Shop Office Assistant:
Ila Nabi
Drapers:
Izzy Bacallao, Nina Turovskiy
Stitchers:
Anna Ten Eyck, Georgianne Ten Eyck, Zee Cowan, Grace Cunniff, Amanda Jacobson, Nina Turovskiy, Alexa Peterson-Ismail, Heidi Keithahn, Morgan Burke, Chiron Speidel, Evelyn Walyus, Parker Fedak, Jaidyn Wein
Stock Attendants:
Sophia O’Quest, Maria-Renee Herman
* Denotes staff external to the college