West Side Story – TrueNorth Cultural Arts 2013

view the entire review here

“This show was exceptional!! Natalie Green and Joe Pine will make you feel like you are at the only show in town. And Tess Elizabeth Burgler will make you want to do some push ups. High energy, gorgeous choreography and some honest to God good acting… Oh, they sing too…”
Lara Meilcarek Knox

“Brilliant! You, Bebe and Bob created an extraordinary piece of theatre. All of the most poignant dramatic moments were filled to capacity; every minute artistically designed and punctuated by a mind-boggling array of inspired character-driven choreography and direction, never for a second drifting from story. You not only focused on plot and relationships, but the in-your-face crap that we as a society are still dealing with…the tension of different-ness, the fight, the angst, the grief and sorrow when something horrific happens. The timing, the nuance the sensitivity, all finely tuned, fully realized…a veritable feast for the eyes and lessons for the heart and soul.”
Elaine Siegel

“AMAZING! Congratulations on another masterpiece! TrueNorth’s WEST SIDE STORY a MUST SEE!!!! It runs every weekend until May 12th in Sheffield Village (West Side of Cleveland). Amazing fight choreography! The singing, acting and dance numbers…fabulous. Honestly, I saw the off Broadway production and this version is over the top. Kudos to director Fred Sternfeld, choreographer Bebe Weinberg Katz and the entire cast and crew!”
Gina Hobbs

“Congratulations Natalie Green, Devon Shriver, and the rest of the cast of WEST SIDE STORY @ TrueNorth! It is worth whatever effort it takes to go see this production. AMAZING!!”
Susan Wagner

“We saw the show again last night, with Eli. It was just terrific. Enjoyed it very much.”
Peter & Sandra Manos

“West Side Story at TrueNorth is a fantastic show!!! Congrats to all involved!”
Debbie Lenarz

“I caught your astonishingly good production of WEST SIDE STORY at TrueNorth Theatre last night. Songs and dance and the use of the stage were impressive.”
Henry Bishop

“CONGRATULATIONS, cast & crew of WEST SIDE STORY! Great work! Choreography & TALENT just OUTSTANDING! Might have to see this one again!”
Louise Sheridan

“Fabulous show”
Sally Spitz Vinikoff

“Terry and I went to see West Side Story last night at True North Cultural Arts Center. The performance blew me away and I sat there transfixed. Even though the play is a classic, it was all fresh to me and beautifully created.”
Holly Wyler Weingart

“Wonderful show tonight. West Side Story at TrueNorth Cultural Arts is worth the drive!”
Mark Stoffer

“Congratulations to Fred Sternfeld and the very talented cast of West Side Story at TrueNorth Theater in Sheffield Village, Ohio. A wonderful evening of entertainment with a classic piece of American Musical Theater.”
Noah Budin

“If you have never seen the show, or if it has been a while this is a good show to see. It is directed by Fred Sternfeld, who takes some brave chances in stretching a scene to a near-breaking point before it goes on. I’ve seen it and I really recommend it.”
Henry Bishop

“FRED!!!!!! I saw west side story today and wanted to congratulate you on a breathtaking performance! Honestly it was beautiful and just by watching the show got me even more excited to work with you this summer! I will be back next weekend because I can’t get enough! See you soon! GREAT JOB!”
Anna Sheridan

Caroline Atkinson (Teresita) Originally from Pensacola, FL, Caroline Atkinson has just recently moved to Cleveland. In May she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of West Florida. Over the summer Caroline performed in Paul Green’s Trumpet in the Land as Sarah Heckewelder, as well as the musical All Shook Up as a featured ensemble member. Her previous credits include Reggie Fluty and Rebecca Hilliker in The Laramie Project, Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Fiona McClaren in Brigadoon. She is really excited to be a part of this production.

Yvonne Buemi (Minnie) is over the moon to making her debut at TrueNorth with this amazing cast and crew! Yvonne has performed in productions all over Cleveland’s westside. Favorite credits/shows include Belle in A Christmas Carol and Panacea in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum at Huntington Playhouse, Maggie in Brigadoon with Mighty Goliath Players, a Red Rat dancer in Jekyll & Hyde with Garfield Players, and Miss Saigon, Aida, and My Favorite Year at the Beck Center for the Arts. When she’s not on stage, Yvonne works as a Licensed Social Worker. XOXO to her real-life Shark guy.

Tess Burgler (Anybodys) is thrilled for her first production with TrueNorth and Fred. Tess has performed professionally for over 20 years, appearing at both Ohio and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festivals, Virginia’s Theatre IV, Actor’s Summit, Porthouse Theatre, Coach House Theatre, Beck Center, North Canton Player’s Guild, and Weathervane Playhouse. Most recently, she appeared at Coach House Theatre in productions of I Hate Hamlet and Black Coffee. Tess is a founding company member of the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, and she is the writer and Artistic Director of their Greenshows. Some favorite OSF credits include: Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Rosaline in Love’s Labours Lost, and Cordeila in King Lear. Other favorite roles: Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest at Actor’s Summit, Tracy Lord in The Philadelphia Story and Player 1 in Shipwrecked…!, both at Coach House Theatre. She married her best friend–and fellow Jet–Joe Pine in December.

Sean Cahill (Diesel) is thrilled to be returning to the TrueNorth stage to work on this wonderful production! A recent graduate of John Carroll University, Sean has made time for theatre throughout the Cleveland area. Previous credits include Reverend Shaw Moore in Footloose, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Mr. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man, and Charlie Brown in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown amongst others. Aside from acting and sleeping whenever he possibly can, Sean can be seen dealing cards and dice at Cleveland’s own Horseshoe Casino! Sean would like to thank Fred, Bebe and the brilliant cast and crew for making the show such a joy. Much love!

Crystal E. Carlson (Margarita) hails from Caldwell, Idaho, and is a graduate of Capital University (Columbus, Ohio) and the Cleveland Institute of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music and a Professional Studies Certificate in Vocal Performance. Her most memorable performances were Adele in The Man of No Importance, Maggie in Jake’s Women, First Spirit in Die Zauberflöte and Sister Genovieffa in Suor Angelica. Last year, she sang in the chorus of the Cleveland Orchestra’s production Don Giovanni. Currently, she is the Administrative Assistant at the Cleveland International Piano Competition, teaches voice lessons in the Cleveland area, and is also the featured soloist at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mayfield Heights.

Scott C. Chapman (Lighting Designer) is a native of Buffalo, NY and proud to now call Cleveland his home. Mr. Chapman has been designing Scenery and/ or Lighting academically and professionally for almost 10 years. He is in his 4th year as an Assistant Professor of Theatre, and Resident Scenic and Lighting Designer at Ashland University. Mr. Chapman recently designed Lighting for The Sound of Music at TrueNorth. He has designed shows for Blank Canvas Theatre, the Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory, Cleveland Public Theatre, Blowing Rock Stage Company in North Carolina, and Eau Claire Children’s Theatre in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Mr. Chapman holds a BA in Theatre Design/ Technology from SUNY Buffalo and his MFA in Stage Design from SMU in Dallas, TX. His portfolio is online at www.scottcchapman.com.

Ed Conrad (Officer Krupke) is thrilled for his first production with TrueNorth and Fred. Ed’s most recent local credits include Polonius in Hamlet at Theatre 8:15, the Law Clerk in The Merchant of Venice at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens with the Ohio Shakespeare Festival and Johnson in Black Coffee at Coach House Theatre. Ed’s other roles have included Motel the Tailor in Fiddler on the Roof, Hucklebee in The Fantasticks and Arnold in Send Me No Flowers.

Alex Craig (Chino) is very excited to be apart of West Side Story. This is his first show onstage at TrueNorth, though he is no stranger to performing. He has been in many shows. Elyria High School: Hannibal in The Curious Savage, Bernardo in West Side Story, The King in The King & I, and Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man; Lorain Community Musical Theatre: Richie in A Chorus Line, Naphtali/Apache Dancer in Joseph….Dreamcoat, Fred Casely in Chicago, and Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray. In the fall he plans to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, as a part of their two year Musical Theatre program in hopes to make a name for himself on Broadway. He would like to thank his family – especially his mother Shannon for continued support of his dream. Lastly to you the audience, “This performance is for you, because you are what keeps theatre alive. So thank you for supporting the art.”

Meghan Cvetic (Stage Manager) is happy to be making her debut at TrueNorth Cultural Arts with West Side Story. She was recently the production assistant for Cleveland Play House and Case Western Reserve MFA Collaboration production of The Misanthrope. Meghan was also the stage manager for Lorain Community Music Theatre’s summer production of Hairspray. She is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with double degrees in Theatre and Arts and Humanities. While at MSU Meghan stage managed the collegiate première of Legally Blonde the Musical, Return to the Upright Position: The 9/11 Testimony Project, and Boom. She was also a production assistant to the stage manager for Williamston Theatre’s world premiere production of Dead Man’s Shoes in Williamston, Michigan. Meghan would also like to thank her parents, grandmother, and boyfriend for their unconditional support and love as she follows her dreams.

Annette Fernandez (Rosalia) Annette is so happy to make her TrueNorth debut in her absolute favorite musical! Past credits include Mama Morton in Chicago, Dolores Dante the Waitress in Working, and Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors. When not on stage Annette is busy making the mannequins look pretty at Old Navy. Annette would like to thank her family for their continuing support and her charming Charlie for laughs and love. As in Spanish theater Mucha Mierda (break legs)to her cast mates!

Kathleen Ferrini (Maria) is a recent graduate with honors from Wright State University holding a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. Upon her arrival home to the Cleveland area she “rolled” her way onto the Beck Center stage in Xanaduplaying Erato and returned there this holiday season in Annie. This spring Kathleen is thrilled to be performing at TrueNorth playing Maria in West Side Story, which she played at Olmsted Performing Arts six years prior. Her college credits include Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera, Meg March in Little Women and Diana in I Love You Because. She also recently had the honor of performing in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass with Dayton Philharmonic. Many thanks to her family and friends who support her! www.kathleenferrini.com.

Richard A. Fortney (Founder & Executive Artistic Director – TrueNorth Cultural Arts) established TrueNorth Cultural Arts in 1999. At TrueNorth, Mr. Fortney conducts the TrueNorth Chorale, serves as Musical Director for its theatre productions, and serves as TrueNorth’s Artistic Director in theatre, music, visual arts and dance. He founded the TrueNorth Orchestra, serving as its conductor for 5 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Fortney has demonstrated effective program development, administration and performance with organizations on both professional and community levels. His accomplishments include student program development serving as the Director of Student Affairs with The Manhattan School of Music, the Assistant Director of Campus and Residence Life with the State University of New York – College at Purchase, and as the Assistant to the Director of Student Affairs at Bluffton College. He founded the Avon Lake Men’s Chorus, which he subsequently led for nine years. Mr. Fortney previously served as the Director of Choral Activities at Cleveland’s John Marshall High School, 2000 – 2008, and directed and brought back to the Cleveland system the Cleveland’s All-City High School Choir in 2001. Mr. Fortney was the Music Director of Mighty Goliath Productions in, 2007 and 2008. He also served as the Minister of Music at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Amherst (2007 – 2009), the Director of Music and Creative Arts Ministries at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Bay Village (1999 – 2006), and as the Director of Worship Ministries / Minister of Music at Bay Presbyterian Church in Bay Village (1990 – 1999). He also served as President of Riverside Academy of Music’s Board of Trustees (2000-2001), and as a part-time adjunct professor at Lorain County Community College teaching music theory and served as conductor for both the choir and orchestra while faculty was on sabbatical or sick leave. His professional singing resume includes performances with New York Choral Artists, Musica Sacra, Trevor Pinnock’s Classical Band Chorus, The New York Concert Singers, The Juilliard Singers, The National Chorale, The David Dussing Singers, and featured Soloist within the Calvary Baptist Chamber Concert Series. Theatrically he was Spirit McCoy in the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s in Beckley, West Virginia outdoor theatre; worked with American Entertainment, singing at Convention Shows, State Fairs and Cruise Ships for a number of years; and was in the opera chorus for three seasons with Director Peter Sellers while living in New York City. Since returning to Ohio he has been with Mighty Goliath Productions, Huntington Playhouse, and ACT of Brunswick; as an active chorister, he is a member of CleveWest Music Consorte, and The Canterbury Singers, USA with which he has sung several choral residencies at Cathedrals throughout England. Mr. Fortney received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts Degrees from Bowling Green State University.

Joel S. Furr (Luis) 21 years of age, accepted to Ithaca College for BFA Musical Theatre. Attended for a semester last fall and most recently withdrew to work as a freelance performer here in Cleveland, Ohio. His previous credits include: Matt in Bare: A Pop Opera; Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Ensemble/Lil Albert/C.C.Understudy in Dreamgirls under the direction of Vicki Bussert; Judah in Joseph…Dreamcoat; Leading Player in Pippin; Adam/Noah in Children of Eden; Narrator/Mysterious Man in Into the Woods; and Tom Collins in Rent. Joel is very excited to be part of a wonderful production and cast of West Side Story on his return to Cleveland. He would like to thank his Mom, Dad, family and friends for their constant support and Fred Sternfeld for allowing him this awesome opportunity. Lastly a special thanks to his wonderful girlfriend Samantha Hackman for always believing in him! He also wishes that you will enjoy the show!

Natalie Green (Anita) is a 2005 graduate of Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts with a degree in Theatre Arts – Musical Theatre Concentration. Prior to attending Point Park, she studied Classical Vocal Performance, Theatre and Education at Mount Union College. Onstage, Natalie is best known in the Cleveland area for her portrayal of Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Beck Center (2005-2007). Since returning to Cleveland, she has been seen as Petra in A Little Night Music, Marta in Company and Eve / Mama Noah in Children of Eden at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory, Lizzie in Baby at TrueNorth Cultural Arts, Seada in Necessary Targets at Fine Arts Association, Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice at Lakeland Theatre, Laverne Andrews in Boogie Woogie Baby at the Cleveland Play House Club, and as Hanna in A Shayna Maidel with the Jewish Community Center of Cleveland. She has also worked in the Cabaret Shows at Pickwick and Frolic. As a singer, she was the Lead Vocalist with Collision Jazz and was a Semi-Finalist on American Idol, Season 3.

Carlton Guc (Sound Designer) Part of Stage Research, developers of award winnning theatrical software for Lighting and Sound, Carlton has designed sound for the Titanic exhibit, Dialog in the Dark exhibit and recently assisted on the tour of Handel’s Messia Rocks. He recently designed The Sound of Music, The Fantasticks, Steel Magnolias and Baby at TrueNorth. For FPAC, Carlton has designed Pippin, the Ohio premiere of Eat (It’s Not About Food), Company, Children of Eden, Honk Jr., Pride and Prejudice, Into the Woods, the Ohio premiere of Thirteen, Les Miserables: School Edition, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and Big, the musical.

Lauryn Alexandria Hobbs (Francisca) is a 9th grader at Shaker Heights High School who is thrilled to be doing her first show at TrueNorth. Her most recent credits include playing Aliyah in Miracle and Wonder at Ensemble Theater, Jasmine in University School’s production of All The World’s A Stage, and Lorraine in Mercury Summer Stock’s production of All Shook Up. Outside of theatre she enjoys playing the cello in her school’s String Orchestra, singing in the shower, and being an active member of her Girl Scout troop 152. Her favorite roles include playing the Cat in her school’s production of Honk!, and Lily St. Regis in Heights Youth Theatre’s production of Annie. Lauryn is ready to throw on her dancing shoes and break a leg in this amazing production of West Side Story.

Aaron Howell (Snowboy) performed in Hairspray at Caryl Crane’s, Miracle on 34th Street at TrueNorth Cultural Arts, All Shook Up at Sandstone, Oliver at Cassidy & Cain Park, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatat Heights Youth Theatre, Children of Eden at Sandstone & Heights Youth Theatre, High School Musical at 82nd Street, Peter Pan at Beck Center, Falstaff at Opera Cleveland, Children’s Letters to God at Brecksville Theatre, Farnsworth at Beck Center, A Christmas Carol and Merry Wives of Windsor at Great Lakes Theater, Beauty and the Beast at Lorain Musical Theater, and Seussical Jr. at Near West. He has modeled, been in commercials, a video, an independent film, To See The Moon in the Morning Sky, and films, 3 Day Test and Fun Size. Aaron attends Baldwin Wallace for PSEO classes. He sang with the BW Men’s Chorus last Fall and currently plays drums and sings with the Concert and Madrigal choir at Amherst Steele High. He attended the OMEA State Choir Festival in 2012 representing Amherst Steele High and is honored to be attending again in February, 2013.

Tia Karaplis (Consuela) recently appeared as Luisa in The Fantasticks, as well as in The Miracle Worker, Bunnicula, The Secret Garden, Children of Eden and Miracle on 34th Street at TrueNorth. She is in 10th grade at Amherst High School. Some of her past FPAC credits include Cosette in Les Miserables: School Edition, Susan in Big, the musical, The Snake in Children of Eden, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Dan in Joseph…Dreamcoat, The Cat in Honk Jr., and the understudy for Charlotte, Cassie, and Molly in Thirteen the Musical. Some of her other favorite roles are Grizzabella in Cats! and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Beck Center for the Arts, and Liesl in The Sound of Music at Mighty Goliath Theatre. She was also the 2008 Youngstown Superstar. She’d like to thank her family and friends for all their support, and wishes the cast many broken legs!!

Bebe Weinberg Katz (Choreographer) , B.A., M. Ed. Bebe’s recent theatrical credits include Les Miserables: School Edition, A Little Night Music, Big, the musical, Company, Children of Eden & Thirteen at FPAC and The Fantasticks and Baby at TrueNorth. Her credits extend deep into the arts. She has danced, choreographed, staged, designed, directed, taught, written and illustrated. As an educator, Bebe has taught dance, movement education and /or fitness and wellness to children, teens and adults in the public schools, Baldwin-Wallace College, Cleveland State University, the Jewish Community Center, in her own studio, in private dance studios and Camp Wise. Her dance credits extend from Purcell’s Opera The Fairy Queen and The Cathy Powel Dance Company in Pittsburgh to the Dancing Mimes at DanceCleveland, as well as her own company, Center Motion at the JCC. While holding the position of resident choreographer at Euclid High School Bebe worked with the show choir “Varsity Choral” and choreographed the school’s productions of The Music Man, Hello Dolly, Anything Goes, Pajama Game, Pippin, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz and Grease. She currently works in both Shaker Heights schools and Cleveland Heights / University Heights school. Bebe is the choreographer for Shaker’s “Chanticleers,” and Cleveland Height’s nationally ranked show choir “Singers.” At CHHS she choreographed Beauty and the Beast, The King and I, Fiddler on the Roof and West Side Story as well as doing costume design for the latter two.. Bebe has production credentials spanning the 35 years she has lived in Cleveland. She was dance and drama specialist at Camp Wise, and performed the choreographer duties for Mame at Chagrin Valley Little Theater, Anything Goes at Euclid Community Theater, Joseph, Holy Moses, Rock Pinocchio, The Grand Tour and Fiddler on the Roof at the Cleveland JCC. She also directed The Apple Tree for the JCC and was costume assistant for The Wall and The Merry Widow. She also has written and illustrated a number of books. The M.I.M.E Set, an activity book the integrates movement and academics, and three middle grade chapter books titled Princess Claudia and the Freckles, A Best Friend for Claudia and Sibling Wars.

Kyra Kelley (Velma) is thrilled to make her TrueNorth debut in West Side Story. After a short hiatus from the musical scene she is happy to be performing in one of her favorite shows. While completing her degree in theatre, Kyra is working as a teacher for Weathervane Playhouse and as a figure skating coach at Kent State. She was last seen onstage as Holly in Next Fall at Weathervane. Other recent roles include Jessica in The Merchant of Veniceand a fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Miss Wilkinson in Move Over, Mrs. Markham at Coach House Theatre and Sookie/Emily in Mr. Marmalade at Kent State. Kyra sends lots of love and “thank-you’s” to Mom and the guys.

Neil Kelly (Baby John) grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania and has lived in Ohio for one full year now. His recent credits include Midsummer and Beauty and the Beast at HYT, and Urinetown and The Music Man at FPAC. Neil is an eighth grader at Beachwood Middle School. He has just recently begun to learn cello and is continuing on with his 9 years of piano training. Neil is also part of the National Piano Playing Auditions and played at Carnegie Hall in New York City in April 2011. Some of his favorite roles include Constable Locke in The Music Man, Brett in Thirteen the Musical, and Bobby Strong and Officer Barrel in Urinetown. Neil would like to thank his family and friends for being so supportive of him and wish the entire West Side Story cast to Break a Leg!

Bob Kenderes (Doc) is proud to be a member of this terrific cast. Bob made his TrueNorth debut, along with Robert Hawkes in Art in 2007. Since that time, he has appeared in over a dozen productions at TrueNorth as well as directing Brighton Beach Memoirs and A Year with Frog and Toad. Bob has also performed throughout Northeast Ohio, including Dobama, Cleveland Public Theatre, Weathervane, Mercury Summer Stock, Cassidy Theatre, Huntington Playhouse, Strongsville Community Theatre and others.

Kassie Lee (Isabela) is very excited to be joining TrueNorth in their production of West Side Story. Kassie has been dancing for about 17 years and is now an apprentice with Ohio Dance Theatre’s professional ballet company as well as a member of their staff as a dance teacher. Kassie also received training in Joffrey’s Jazz and Contemporary summer program where she received a featured spot in their end of program performance. She has performed in numerous ballets and productions, including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Dracula, Peter and the Wolf, A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and others. Kassie has also performed in the musicalsBeauty and the Beast, Bye, Bye, Birdie with a featured dancing role as Sad Girl, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Her most recent role was in LCMT’s production of Hairspray as Little Inez. Kassie sends a huge thank you to her family, friends, and dance teachers.

Jason Leupold (Tony) is thrilled to be making his TrueNorth debut in this classic, wonderful show! Jason received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Kent State University in 2011 and has performed at multiple regional theatres here in Ohio and in NYC. Most recently, he was seen at Weathervane Playhouse as John Jasper in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and as Brandon in Next Fall. Audiences may also remember him from shows at the Beck Center or at Porthouse Theatre. As always, much love to his family and fiance for their continued love and support.

Joanna Li (Music Director) graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music with her Masters in Organ Performance. She is currently the organist at University Circle United Methodist Church in Cleveland. She is music director at Heights Youth Theatre and also teaches and plays musicals throughout the Greater Cleveland area. She has worked as an accompanist for Opera Cleveland and the Interlochen Academy of the Arts, and music directed at Stagedoor Manor last summer. She greatly enjoyed working with the cast and staff of West Side Story!

Sean Manos (Glad Hand) has been acting and playing characters nearly his whole life and has two actor parents to thank for it. Recent roles include The Common Man in Man For All Seasons, Everyman in Everyman, and Morgan in The Corn is Green, all with Bodwin Theatre Co. Sean performs improv comedy weekly at The Cleveland Improv Jam and writes and performs with his sketch comedy groups, The Public Squares and ManFlan. When he isn’t acting or doing comedy, he is playing drums for the Cleveland-based alternative hip-hop/rock fusion band, The Dangerous Colors.

Cameron Caley Michalak (Scenic Designer) designed sets for Cleveland Play House (CPH) productions of Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, A Soldier’s Tale with Catch and Release, the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program’s The Winter’s Tale, and CPH Theatre for Children productions The Little Mermaid, Huck Finn, A Jewel of a Tale, Tuck Everlasting, and The Emperor’s Groovy New Clothes. Local credits include The Secret Garden, Cinderella, Children of Eden, The Fantasticks, The Diary of Anne Frank, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at TrueNorth Cultural Arts; The Music Man and Les Miserables: School Edition at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory; She Stoops to Conquer at St. Joseph’s Academy; The Masked Musketeer and Beauty and the Beast at Brush High School; Ten More Minutes from Cleveland at Dobama Theatre; and Into the Woods for the Music, Arts and Drama (M.A.D.) Factory in Oberlin. In addition to scenic design, Cameron is in his first year as Associate Technical Director after five seasons as CPH’s Assistant Technical Director.

Charles Miller (Anxious) is in the 9th grade at Shaker Heights High School. He is very excited to make his debut at TrueNorth. He has been in numerous shows all around Cleveland. His most recent ones are Pasko in A Little Princess, Ensemble in Midsummer, Hot Blades Harry/Old Man Strong in Urinetown, Malcolm in 13, and many more. While he is not on stage he likes playing his clarinet in the highest band at the High School and playing with the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony. He would like to thank Fred and Bebe for this amazing opportunity. See you at the show!

Joe Pine (Riff) Joe is thrilled beyond belief to be making his TrueNorth debut in one of his favorite shows! Joe is a New York native who, prior to moving to Ohio worked as an actor with the professional touring theatre, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. He also spent a year touring nationaly with Theatre IV, a children’s theatre based in Richmond Virginia. Since moving to Ohio Joe has appeared in many professional and community stages in the Cleveland/ Akron area. Favorite roles include Hamlet, Theatre 8:15, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at Brecksville Theatre on the Square, Starky the Pirate in Peter Pan at Beck Center, Happy in Death of a Salesman at Lakeland Civic Theatre, Father Flynn in Doubt , Andrew in I Hate Hamlet, Bruno in Shipwrecked and Dexter in Philadelphia Story at Coach House Theatre. Joe will also be entering his 4th season as a company member of Ohio Shakespeare Festival where he has played Demetrius in Midsummer, Bassanio in Merchant of Venice, Longaville in Love’s Labors Lost, Tranio in Taming of the Shrew, Edmund in King Lear, and 2nd Murderer in Richard III. Joe would like to extend a huge thank you to Fred for the opportunity to play one of his dream roles, and to all his friends and family who make to long drive to see him perform. Perhaps the most exciting role of them all is his new role as husband to beautiful wife and fellow Jet Tess Burgler, to whom all performances are dedicated.

Anna Renkel (Sophie) After having such a wonderful experience as Mrs. Potts in TrueNorth’s summer production of Beauty and the Beast, Anna is very excited to be performing in West Side Story. Anna is a freshman at Westlake High School. She is in Student council and choir, was a football cheerleader, and performed in Westlake’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Anna has also played Alice in LBMS Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, an orphan in Oliverand Louisa in The Sound of Music at MGP. School is important to her, but her favorite activity is hanging out with her friends.

Samuel Rodriguez (Juano) is pleased to make his TrueNorth debut in West Side Story – his first production outside of his school! He is a senior at Avon High School taking PSEO classes at LCCC. Samuel recently appeared in Avon’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with fellow West Side Story cast member and friend Archie Rucker. Samuel has his black belt in Tai Kwan Do and has participated in many sports. “I have only been in theatre for a year now and absolutely love it. Meeting new people that are so talented and different makes the experience amazing. I love to try new things and trying theatre is one of the best by far. I am very glad that my choir director recommended this to me or I would have never had such an incredible event. Thank you Miss Koah!”

Archie Rucker (Luis) is a senior at Avon High School where he participated as an Avon Eagle, Honors Choir for 3 years and then moved on to acting and appeared in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. He considers himself a “pretty laid back guy who loves to have fun and hang with friends.”

Dennis Runkle (Lt. Schrank) is back making the trek from Lakewood to the TrueNorth stage for this production of West Side Story, having first appeared here earlier in the season as Max Detweiler in The Sound of Music. Other recent shows include Lycus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Howard in The Full Monty at Huntington Playhouse, Jack in Regrets Only at Clague Playhouse and Ensemble in the award-winning production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Workshop Players in Amherst. Dennis is also greatly pleased to finally get a chance to work with Fred and provide a little bit of mature filler in this wonderfully talented group of young actors. An excellent cast and production team bringing a classic story to a theatre near (or not so near) you! Enjoy the show!

Bob Russell (Fight Choreographer) is a professional actor, director, and educator. Mr. Russell is an adjunct faculty member with Kent State University’s Department of Theatre & Dance. He has also previously taught with Ashland University, Allegheny College and the Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory. This summer, he will be a Master Faculty member for the Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute’s inaugural year and he will also be directing Jekyll & Hyde. Additionally, Mr. Russell is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association. He has acted and directed regionally in the Northeastern Ohio and Northwestern Pennsylvania areas. Some of his previous acting credits include Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, The Beadles in Sweeney Todd, Malviolio in Twelfth Night, Mr. Darling / Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Bill Sykes in Oliver!, and Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Previously Mr. Russell has directed the revivals of No Mother to Guide and Bunco in Arizona; turn of the century melodramas, as well as productions of Comfort Me with Peaches (world premiere), My Fair Lady, Dead Man’s Cell Phone and Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe. He has previously directed The Sound of Music and was the fight choreographer for The Miracle Worker with TrueNorth.

Christopher Sanders (A-Rab) just moved to Ohio from Pensacola, Florida where we got is BFA in Musical Theater from The University of West Florida. He is extremely excited to be working with TrueNorth Theater for the first time. He has spent the past few months working as an Apprentice with the Cleveland Play House and will be performing in Sons Of The Prophet at Dobama Theatre soon as well. He spent the past few summers studying Musical Theater with the International Performing Arts Institute in Munich, Germany and some of his previous performances include: JoJo in Seussical, Jordan in I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change, Doody in Grease, and Theo in Pippin. He has also Music Directed and Choreographed for numerous productions.

Jacob Schindler (Action) has been involved in the theatrical arts for 5 years and his enjoyment has not diminished even a bit. His credits include Mark in A Chorus Line, Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie, Joseph in Joseph…Dreamcoat, The Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, Garry Lejeune in Noises Off, and Corney Collins in Hairspray. Jacob finds that the music he enjoys singing the most are Jazz, Show-tunes, and Folk/Acoustic. He is a currently a Vocal Performance Music Major at Lorain County Community College. He hopes to transfer to Bowling Green or Capital University in the upcoming years to study Musical Theater or Jazz performance. Jacob spends free time playing guitar and great games. He is honored and ecstatic to be performing the role of “Action” in West Side Story. Enjoy the show!

Jerry Shepherd (Indio) is a junior at Notre Dame – Cathedral Latin and is extremely excited to make his TrueNorth debut in West Side Story. Recent credits include Officer Lockstock in Urinetown, Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray, and Olin Brit in The Music Man. Jerry would like to wish the entire cast and crew many broken legs!

Devon Shriver (Estella) is extremely excited to be performing in her first show at TrueNorth! She is currently teaching jazz dance at the Beck Center for the Arts, and choreographs in the Northeast Ohio area, as well as New York City. Recent venues for her choreography include the Beck Center, Grand Valley High School, The University of Akron, and The Brick Theater. She is also thrilled to be doing this particular production of West Side Story, as it is the first production she’ll be performing in over a year! Roles in the past include Sara Brown in Guys and Dolls, Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Betty Rizzo in Grease, and Joan in Dames at Sea. Devon also has degrees in Musical Theater and Child Development from the University of Akron, and teaches preschool in her spare time.

Fred Sternfeld (Director) is pleased to return to TrueNorth after previously directing The Miracle Worker, The Fantasticks, Steel Magnolias and Baby. Other recent credits are Gruesome Playground Injuries at Ensemble Theatre, The Bluest Eye at Karamu Performing Arts Theatre, and A Little Night Music, Company and Les Miserables: School Edition at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory. Fred is widely represented on Northeast Ohio stages through diverse projects. He has garnered numerous honors and awards, including for Baby at TrueNorth, Yellowman at Karamu Performing Arts Theatre, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Beck Center and Ragtime, the musical at the JCC. He previously served as Artistic Director at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory, Lakewood Little Theatre – Beck Center for the Arts and the Cleveland, Seattle & Dallas Jewish Community Centers. Other selected credits: Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver! & The Sound of Music at Cain Park; The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife & The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek at Dobama Theatre; Children of Eden, Into the Woods, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Eat (It’s Not About Food) and The Odd Couple at FPAC; A Shayna Maidel, Jolson and Company, Man of La Mancha, Modern Orthodox, Rags, From Door to Door, South Pacific, The God of Isaac, Beau Jest, Crossing Delancey, The Twilight of the Golds, The Immigrant & Conversations With My Father for the Cleveland JCC; Bad Seed at Ensemble Theatre; Amadeus at Willoughby Fine Arts; Table Settings, Isn’t It Romantic, The Diary of Anne Frank & Broadway Bound at JCC Center Stage in Seattle; Peter Pan (1987 & 2008), On the Town, Of Mice and Men, La Cage aux Folles, Saturday Night, Foxfire, Noises Off, Children of a Lesser God & The Importance of Being Earnest at Beck Center; Proof at GLTG and All My Sons & Enter Laughing at the Dallas JCC. For pictures and reviews for any of the shows listed here you can go to this link.

Kelly Tomko (Clarice) is making her first TrueNorth appearance, and is very excited to be a part of an amazing cast and production. Kelly has been dancing since she was 3 years old, including dance training from Ohio Dance Theater and The Beck Center for the Arts. Some of her past credits include Gypsy as Marjorie May/Caroline and Rented Christmas at The Cassidy Theater, Chicago as Roxy’s Baby and Hairspray as Shelley at LCMT, Cabaret as Lulu at Workshop Players Theater, and Cats! at The Beck Center. She also performed in the comedy Check Please: Take 3 as Ruth/Brooke at North Ridgeville High School, where she will be completing her junior year, and then her senior year with high honors. Kelly began to pursue theater at the age of 14 and now, at 16 years old, hopes to choreograph musical theater productions after college. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and encouragement in everything she does, and the many people along the way who have helped shape her into the artist that she is today.

Katie Zarecki (Graziella) is excited to be in her first production with TrueNorth! She was recently seen in Beck Center’s Legally Blonde as Vivienne. She wants to thank her family and friends, especially her wonderful husband, for all their love and support.

Ryan Christopher Zarecki (Bernardo) was recently seen in TrueNorth’s production of The Sound of Music.Ryan is back and ready to rumble with the Jets. Ryan hails from the Toledo area where he was last seen wielding a chainsaw hand in the Valentine Theater’s sold out Evil Dead: the Musical.When not onstage Ryan is designing and executing fight choreography. His violence will be on display in February for The Valentine’s production of Don Giovanni. He is joined onstage by his lovely and talented wife, Katie, who is everything. Ryan thanks all his families for their continued love and support.

West Side Story
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684
www.MTIShows.com