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School of Rock

Jul 17, 2024
-
Jul 28, 2024
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WE SHALL TEACH ROCK ‘N’ ROLL TO THE WORLD!

Farmers Alley Theatre closes its season by raising the roof off Festival Playhouse!!

Based on the hit movie, the Tony-nominated School of Rock follows down on his luck, failed rocker Dewey Finn as he tries to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of awkward straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

Starring David B. Friedman as Dewey and Farmers Alley Theatre favorite and Broadway star Hannah Elless as Headmistress Rosalie Mullins, the show features an amazing lineup of talented young performers who perform sensational rock live onstage every night. With fourteen new songs by musical theatre icon Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Cats) plus all the beloved original songs from the film, School of Rock is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music perfect for the entire family.

Presented at the Festival Playhouse on the campus of Kalamazoo College

American Sign Language interpreted performance on Sunday, July 21.

SCHOOL OF ROCK is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com

Credits

Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White

Book by Julian Fellowes

Lyrics by Glenn Slater

New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Cast

Cast

David B. Friedman
*
Dewey Finn

David B. Freidman (Dewey Finn): Off-Broadway: A Day In Hollywood/A Night in Ukraine (Samovar), Finding Madame Curie (Francois). Regional: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Barry Mann), I Love You…Now Change (Man 1), A Little Night Music (Mr. Erlanson/ Frid), Hello Dolly! (Cornelius). Workshops: Harmony: A New Musical. Much love to Mom, Dad, Abigail, Emma, Noa. Many thanks to his team at Avalon Artists Group. Proud Penn State Alum. Born and Raised in Tampa, Fl. @davidbfriedman

Hannah Elless
*
Rosalie Mullins

Hannah Elless (Rosalie Mullins) is a Kalamazoo native and a WMU alum! She starred on Broadway in the revival of Godspell and created the role of Margo Crawford in Steve Martin’s musical Bright Star. She also originated the role of Jess in Jack Thorne’s Tony Award Winning Broadway adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Most recently Hannah originated the leading role of Mary in Ahrens & Flaherty's world premiere musical Knoxville and is a Craig Noel Award nominee for creating the role of Joon in the musical Benny & Joon. Her Farmers Alley Theatre credits include The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Blood Brothers, and Jane Eyre. Broadway: Bright Star, Godspell, A Christmas Carol. Off-Broadway: Summer and Smoke, Come Back Little Sheba, Picnic, The Other Josh Cohen. TV: “Glee” (FOX), “The Deuce” (HBO). You can find her on social media @HannahElless. She’s excited to share the stage with her brother, Daniel! Let’s rock!

Jeff Meyer
*
Ned Schneebly

Jeff Meyer (Ned Schneebly) is a Chicago-based actor and graphic designer from LA. Recently made his Farmers Alley debut as Leaf in The 25th…Spelling Bee! Some of his other favorite roles: the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors and Emmett in Legally Blonde (Saugatuck Center for the Arts), Freddy in My Fair Lady, and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks), and Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf in Into the Woods (The Hypocrites / Mercury Theater Chicago). You can see more of his work at jeffmeyeractor.com. Jeff’s performance is dedicated to every performing arts teacher who helped him find his voice and showed him how to use it.

Sydney Harrison
*
Patty Di Marco

Sydney Harrison (Patty Di Marco) has been performing since she was 10 years old in shows such as Sunday in the Park with George with Harrison School for the Arts, Sweeney Todd with Lakeland Community Theatre, and Big Fish and Catch Me if You Can with the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. She had her Farmers Alley debut this past October as Melody in Addy & Uno and is thrilled to be back!

Daniel Schubkegel
*
Freddy

Daniel Schubkegel (Freddy), most recent performance — Jacey Squires (quartet) in MusicMan (Homeschool Performing Arts). Other credits — Crutchie in Disney'sNewsies (Kalamazoo Civic), Artie in Lost inYonkers (Farmers Alley) and Young Josh in Big, the Musical (Barn Theatre). Daniel plays violin when he isn't drumming. He comes from a big musical family and is thrilled to be sharing the stage with his big sister!

Asrael Lila McCarthy
*
Zack Mooneyham

Asrael Lila McCarthy (Zack) started doing musicals in 2018, and loves acting, singing, and dancing on stage. They adore all things music and have been playing guitar non-stop since 2022 and they're really proud of how far they've gotten. They love to sing and play and can't wait to get to show off their hard work in this show.

Maggie Martin
*
Laurie

Maggie Martin (Laurie) is making her Farmers Alley debut. Regional credits include Timber Lake Playhouse with The Sound of Music (Brigitta) and Annie. West Michigan theatre involvement includes GRCT’s Studio program and Matilda (Matilda), Kalamazoo Civic’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Elf, and Meet Me In St. Louis, What-a-do Theatre’s Christmas Schooner. Maggie also enjoys marching band and the swim team.

Ella Sabuda
*
Katie

Ella Sabuda (Katie) has participated in theater since 2018 in many productions such as Polkadots: the Cool Kids Musical, Cats Jr, The Lion King Jr on crew and The Music Man (ensemble), Scooby Doo (Aunt Edna), and The Wizard of Oz (ensemble). She is ready to rock in Farmers Alley’s School of Rock this season.

Lila Teall
*
Summer Hathaway

Lila Teall (Summer Hathaway), a 13 year old from Ann Arbor, is thrilled to be making her Farmers Alley debut! Favorite past roles include Esther Jane in A Christmas Story at The Encore, as well as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Jane Banks in Mary Poppins, and Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka.

Paris Thomas
*
Tomika

Paris Thomas (Tomika) is a graduating senior in high school. This is her first Farmers Alley production. Recently seen in The Lion King Jr as Rafki (Kalamazoo Civic)i. Her other roles include Annabeth Chase in Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief and Martha Cox in High School Musical. She would like to thank all her peers and family for their endless support!

Elizabeth Sparks
*
Marcy

Elizabeth Sparks (Marcy) is entering 8th grade at Vicksburg Middle School in the fall. Previous favorite roles include Fiona in Shrek, Jr. and Alice in Addams Family Young @ Part. Elizabeth loves crafting and theatre, especially after spending all her childhood at her mom's rehearsals.

Etta Poer
*
Shonelle

Etta Poer (Shonelle) will be in 8th grade at Maple Street Magnet for the Arts this fall where she recently played the Artful Dodger in Oliver. Her favorite role to date was Brigitta in the Kalamazoo Civic’s holiday production of The Sound of Music. Along with musical theatre, Etta loves baking and crafting.

Oilver Sparling
*
Billy

Oliver Sparling (Billy) has been in love with theater since fifth grade, when he was required to write a ten minute skit with his friends for a competition (they won!). He thanks his parents for their support and looks forward to many plays and musicals in the future.

Norah Weiner
*
Sophie

Norah Weiner (Sophie) is a rising middle schooler who is ecstatic to be sharing the stage with her twin sister, Phoebe and the rest of the cast. She is a member of Kalamazoo Children's Chorus and has performed in shows like The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and The Christmas Carol at The Gagie School.

Phoebe Weiner
*
Madison

Phoebe Weiner (Madison) is a rising middle schooler who is thrilled to rock out onstage, especially with her sister, Norah. A member of Kalamazoo Children's Chorus and veteran of stage shows at The Gagie School, Phoebe, along with her sister, wants to thank Mom and Dad and the whole fam for their support!

Spencer Duguay
*
Mason

Spencer Duguay (Mason) attends Milwood Magnet School. Selected credits: Lion King Jr. (Timon), Big Fish (Young Will), Polkadots (Sky Square), Pippin (Theo), and Descendants (Doug). Member of Thank You For Shopping at Meijer, the Crawlspace Comedy Youth Improv team. Spencer runs cross country, and enjoys playing D&D, baseball, volleyball, crocheting, and drawing. Thanks to his family for traveling to support him in everything he does.

Grant Gosciak
*
James

Grant Gosciak (James) is a freshman attending Portage Public Schools. He is a member of Kalamazoo Children's Chorus, where he performed in the KSO’s production of Puccini’s opera Tosca. Playing trumpet for 4 years, Grant is a member of both marching and jazz bands. Grant appeared in Portage West Middle School’s productions of The Addams Family Young @ Part and Matilda the Musical.

Sabine Bahrou
*
Student Ensemble

Sabine Bahrou (Student Ensemble) made her acting debut as Presley York in And Then There Was One. Other credits include Fagin in Oliver!, Tess Tyler in Camp Rock, Sydney Grimm in Big Bad (Maple Street), and Billy Shakespeare in The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin Hood (Kindleberger). Sabine would like to thank her family for supporting her endeavors.

Annamarie Hickman
*
Student Ensemble

Annamarie Hickman (Student Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Farmers Alley Theatre debut with the School of Rock! Some of her favorite past roles have included Ensemble (The Lion King Jr.), Irena Synkova (I Never Saw Another Butterfly), and Cinderella (Into the Woods Jr.). She'd like to give a huge shoutout to her family for all their love and support!

Jack Leskowski
*
Student Ensemble

Jack Leskowski (Student Ensemble) is thrilled to be in his Farmers Alley debut and his 24th production. Favorites include Elf, Chitty, Matilda, and Grease. Offstage, Jack enjoys coding, comedy, music, and forensics. He’d like to thank his family and friends for their support and the Kzoo theater community for sparking his love of performing. YT: @gogamesjack

Brittany Allen
*
Ensemble

Brittany Allen (Ensemble) has a true passion for performing arts. Selected credits: Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle), High School Musical (Taylor), and Once on This Island (Mama Euralie). A graduate of Kalamazoo Valley College’s arts program, she attended Interlochen Center for the Arts, and sings in church. In her free time, Brittany enjoys writing and making her own music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Brittany wishes to thank her family, friends and hometown community for the continued support and love that's always shown.

Steve Brubaker
*
Ensemble

Steve Brubaker (Ensemble, U/S Dewey) is back again for more exciting fun at Farmers Alley Theatre. He is no stranger to the stage in the Kalamazoo area, having performed in many shows around town. Notable credits: The Music Man (Harold Hill, Center Stage Theatre), A Gentleman’s Guide…, Bright Star (Farmers Alley Theatre), Mamma Mia (Sam Carmichael, Kindleberger Arts), Willy Wonka (Willy Wonka, Center Stage Theatre), Godspell (Jesus, Beautiful City Theatre). He is grateful for the unconditional love and support he gets from his family and friends while chasing his passions.

Jeff Cachero
*
Ensemble

Jeff Cachero (Ensemble) is a Kalamazoo native and WMU grad with a BA and MA in music education. He spent 20 years as an elementary music teacher and middle school choir director at Lakeview Schools in Battle Creek. He currently works with National Concerts in NYC recruiting choirs to perform at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Jeff has performed in several musicals including at the Kalamazoo Civic Theater (Cabaret, Camelot, Ragtime,&Les Miserables) and Farmers Alley's 2019 production of Camelot as Sir Dinadan.

Shannon Hill
*
Ensemble

Shannon Hill (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to the Farmers Alley stage. She received her BA in Theatre from WMU and her MFA in Theatre from the University of Houston. Select credits:Addy & Uno (Director, Farmers Alley Theatre), “Goodnight, Tyler” (Chelsea, Face Off Theatre Company), Hamlet (Hamlet, Houston Shakespeare Fest), As You Like It (Rosalind, Festival 56), Tally’s Folly (Sally, Allen's Lane Theatre), and Macbeth (Lady M, Palo Duro Shakespeare). Served as Artistic Director of Festival 56 and Associate Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival. Huge thanks to Jeremy for the opportunity and to Patrick for all of the support.

Dustin Morris
*
Ensemble

Dustin Morris (Ensemble) has been teaching at Vicksburg Middle and High Schools since 2006. He directs seven choirs and two musical theatre productions each year. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Kalamazoo College and a master’s in choral conducting from the University of Utah. Dusty has sung with the Utah Opera Company Chorus, the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, and the Camerata Singers of Muskegon. Proud member of the Michigan Music Educators Male Ensemble. Dusty is very excited to be making his debut with Farmers Alley Theatre.

Brian Panse
*
Ensemble

Brian Panse (Ensemble) is excited to be back at Farmers Alley Theatre as part of this wonderful company. Previous productions here range from Bright Star all the way back to Blood Brothers in 2011. He served as stage manager for both runs of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Other credits include A Christmas Carol (Jacob Marley, The New Vic) and many memorable shows at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Brian would like to thank his family, friends, and Farmers Alley Theatre for giving him the opportunity to be part of this amazing production.

Julie Pelligrino-Hartman
*
Ensemble

Julie Pelligrino-Hartman has been a dedicated music educator in Kalamazoo Public Schools for 11 years, where she currently teaches choir at Kalamazoo Central High School and Linden Grove Middle School. She has also directed several school musicals, including most recently The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Her performance credits include Sister Act and Young Frankenstein at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, as well as Freaky Friday at the Kindleberger Park Summer Festival. Julie is excited to perform in her first musical with Farmers Alley Theatre.

Nicki Poer
*
Ensemble

Nicki Poer (Ensemble) is thrilled to be sharing the stage with her daughter, Etta for the first time. She holds an MFA in acting from the University of Montana and a BA in theatre from Millikin University. Locally, Nicki has directed and choreographed for the Kalamazoo Civic, Loy Norrix High School, and the Kindleberger Festival. Favorite Kalamazoo performances include roles in Hands on A Hardbody and The Father (Civic) and her turn as an unhinged mama in Does Anybody Have a Map at Farmers Alley…she is grateful they let her come back!

Mitch Voss
*
Ensemble

Mitch Voss (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Farmers Alley Theatre for School of Rock! Previous Farmers Alley credits include: Escanaba in da Moonlight, A Man of No Importance, Blood Brothers, and A Few Good Men. A WMU Theatre graduate, Mitch has also performed professionally with Tibbits Opera House, Kentucky Shakespeare, and Festival 56. Favorite local credits include: Carl Hanratty (Catch Me If You Can), Lennie Small (Of Mice and Men), and Richard III (Richard III). “Thanks to my Mom & Dad for their love and support!”

Mary Teutsch
*
Ensemble (u/s Rosalie)

Mary Teutsch (Ensemble, U/S Rosalie) is delighted to be spending another summer with the team at Farmers Alley. Audiences may remember her from some of her previous roles in Gypsy, 1776, or [title of show], among others. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and staring out windows with her cats Gloria & Barlow.

Creative Team

Creative Team

Richard Roland
*
Director

Richard is overjoyed to make his debut at Farmers Alley! A native NYCer, he has directed Avenue Q, …Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, 39 Steps, Ragtime, Urinetown, Barefoot in the Park, God of Carnage, Elf, Steel Magnolias, …Great Comet, and Forever Plaid (to name a few). He directed Spring Awakening in Denmark and is Associate Director for The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, a new musical in development in the UK. As an actor, he appeared in many Broadway, off-Broadway, touring, regional productions, TV, soaps, and commercials. Professor of Musical Theatre at Indiana University. BFA, Denison University. MFA, PSU. Member, SDC. A million thanks to Jeremy and Denene for this! richardroland.com.

Gayla Fox
*
Lighting Designer
Kevin Abbott
*
Projection Mapping
Chris Gray
*
Music Director

Eclecticism has been the hallmark of music director and pianist Chris Gray’s career. He started in the arts as a young actor in community/local theater and musical theater productions before pursuing the music aspect full time, music directing his first show (ANNIE) at the age of 17. In addition to his theater appearances, Chris is active as a music coach and pianist at WMU, and maintains a local piano studio. Chris is thrilled to be back at Farmers Alley for another show, he was last seen as the music director for SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, WORKING, A MUSICAL; A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER; and our fabulous 15th anniversary fundraiser BRIGHT STARS: A BENEFIT CONCERT EVENT.

Melissa Sparks
*
Choreographer

Melissa is happy to be back with Farmers Alley Theatre after previously choreographing Working, A Musical, RENT, She Loves Me, Cabaret, Gypsy, and Bridges of Madison County. Melissa has taught, directed, choreographed, and music directed throughout Kalamazoo County for schools such as Portage Central High School and theatres such as the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Melissa is an English teacher and Director/Choreographer for Vicksburg Community Schools' International Thespian Society and theater program.

Roger W. Burleigh
*
Stage Manager

Roger is excited to be in his 11th season as Farmers Alley Theatre's Equity Stage Manager. Roger started his theatre journey in second grade and has been traveling that road ever since. As an actor and technician Roger has graced many stages and has been at Farmers Alley since season two. Some of his favorites in recent years are NEXT TO NORMAL, THE PRODUCERS, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MURDER FOR TWO, and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT…. Roger would like to thank his family and educators who got him hooked on live theatre. There is nothing quite like experiencing a live production with a live audience. Proud member of Actors Equity Association.

Grace Santamaria
*
Costume Designer

Grace is a Kalamazoo native currently based in Baltimore, and thrilled to join the Farmers Alley team for the summer. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2018 with a BFA in Theatre Design and Production and a Minor in History of Art. Previous credits include The Cherry Orchard (Johns Hopkins University) Macbeth (Chesapeake Shakespeare Company), Kiss Me, Mr. Musk (Single Carrot Theatre), Glory Denied (Urban Arias). For more information, please visit gracesantamariadesign.com.

Savannah Draper
*
Prop Designer & Scenic Artist

A Kalamazoo native, Savannah has spent the bulk of her career working as a freelance designer, stage manager and technician throughout Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Prior to freelancing, she was the Stage Management Associate for the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre and Props Designer/SM for Millbrook Playhouse. With a multitude of shows under her belt she prides herself in her fake food, antiquing skills and her ability to paint wood to look like different wood.

Carter Rice
*
Sound Designer

Carter is a multimedia artist, audio engineer, and educator based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. An assistant professor of Multimedia Arts Technology at Western Michigan University, he teaches courses in sound design, audio production, media scoring, and music theory. Rice earned a Doctor of Arts in music theory & composition from Ball State University in 2017. While primarily studying music composition and technology, he also completed a cognate through the telecommunications program studying video production, animation, video game design, and narrative forms in the digital age.

Mike Borzkowski
*
Technical Director

Mike is returning as Farmers Alley Theatre’s full time Technical Director. Mike has previously served as the audio engineer at Chenery Auditorium, a stagehand at Miller Auditorium, and the TD for the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. Specializing in taking things apart – but not necessarily putting them back together again – Mike is ready to keep taking on the unique challenges and opportunities at Farmers Alley Theatre.

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Running Time

Two hours and thirty minutes with a fifteen minute intermission.

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Content Advisory

Farmers Alley does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 269.343.2727

Contains some adult language, rock-associated themes, and tweenage rebellion. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Farmers Alley Theatre does not offer further advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any additional questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 269.343.2727

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