Into The Woods – Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory 2009

“I appeared on opening night of Into The Woods at FPAC not knowing what to expect. I crossed my arms and waited.. watching to see what, if anything, our little troupe of young actors could do with the treacherously difficult play. What transpired during the performance was a slow and growing sense that I was seeing a small miracle.

It’s some of the finest work Fred has done – because he’s managed to coax and guide a group of young people into mature young actors, and has created a play that makes you forget you’re watching a ‘youth theatre production’. In fact, when that fact does flash across your mind, you think – how is it possible that young man or young woman could have just accomplished that insight into human nature?!

This cast is a gathering of remarkable young actors. And their skill is the kind of subtle, honest stuff that good theatre is so hungry for. They are members of the FPAC company – and they are being trained by passionate teachers who understand the core values that makes great theater. Mitchell Fields and Carol Pribble, George Roth, Dana Hart, Molly Cornwell, Adina Bloom and the astonishing musical work of Mike Cariffi – along with a brilliant group of other professionals – under Fred’s care, management, and direction create a team of educators that are doing their job in the most loving way possible.

I claim no part in this, which I believe qualifies me to speak about them with a modicum of objectivity. Also, we are fairly certain we’ll do well at the box office, so I’m not trying to drum up ticket sales – although to those of you who value an lovely evening in the theatre along with a few gasps of astonishment and aches of loss and joy, I would recommend you come see this play… It’s only $10.00.

Over the last few years, Fred Sternfeld has created productions in Cleveland that have been undeniable blockbusters, selling out most evenings. His Ragtime and Man of LaMancha at JCC, his Fiddler at Cain Park, his Beauty and the Beast at Beck – to name just a few… Fred will win no awards for Into the Woods because it will never be on the professional theatre radar, but I believe it will stand up there as one of his most mature and significant accomplishments. It is a culmination of his 6 years developing FPAC. And only finer things will be ahead.

Just suffice it to say that I didn’t see a misstep in the entire ensemble. You sang the harmonies beautifully. You worked together like professionals. Congratulations to you all. I’ll be back”

Tom Fulton, Executive Director, Fairmount Center for the Arts

“Fred, Into The Woods is absolutely awesome. I saw both matinees this weekend. I was beyond proud of you, and the ensemble. Everyone should see what you have enabled this ensemble to discover in themselves, and their craft. Journey on!”

“The cast, some as young as 11 years old, have pulled together to create an at times heart in your throat,
moving and enticing piece of musical theater. I encourage all of you to attend, and bring family and friends. Bring theater aficionados. Bring someone you love. There are life lessons here for people of all ages. The cast deserves our attention, and you will likely get far more out of the experience than you may imagine.

Jeff Grover, Board Member, Fairmount Center for the Arts

Fred,
Into the Woods was our daughter Emily’s first FPAC production – so my wife and I – plus family and friends – were lucky enough to see the production 3 times these past two weekends. Not knowing what to expect, we went with modest expectations but were more than pleasantly surprised by the talent and creativity that we saw on stage – both in the students’ performances and the production values. This is not an easy piece of theater – and your enthusiastic cast of young people really understood and embraced it and made it their own.

At the same time, I should note that I write this not only as a parent, who’d surely enjoy any show my daughter was in – but also as a long-time Sondheim fanatic. 15 years ago, I had the good fortune to be the founding Associate Editor of the quarterly Sondheim “appreciation” magazine, The Sondheim Review – serving in that role for about 5 years (check the mag out at www.sondheimreview.com if you’re not familiar with it). Into the Woods has long been one of my favorites – including catching half a dozen performances of the original Broadway and tour casts and collecting a rare video, audio and memorabilia library of the show’s many incarnations and casts.

In short, I guess I’m saying I know more than a little about this show – and yet your production really surprised me!! Rather than merely mimicking the performances from the readily available Broadway video of the show, your direction and the choices of your actors brought a new look to certain lines, songs and scenes that I know so well. Not easy to do. Also, a couple of key performers could have walked off that stage into pretty much any adult production of this show, anywhere… Lots of talent up there…

Congrats again and looking forward to what 2010 has to bring for FPAC!

Best regards,

David Wirthwein

Into the Woods won Tony awards for Best Book of a Musical, Best Music & Lyrics and Best Actress. It combines the well-known fairy tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Ridinghood with the story of the Baker and his Wife who desperately want a child. Unfortunately, the Baker and his Wife have been cursed with childlessness by a witch and must perform various missions involving the characters in the other fairy tales to break the spell. The Baker and his Wife must bring the witch a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. After a series of failed attempts, the Baker and his Wife finally are able to perform the tasks necessary to break the spell. Once the characters have accomplished their goals, however, they learn about the pitfalls of greed and gluttony. Finally, they learn about the need for community and family when they must unite to fight against the wife of the giant Jack killed who has decided to come back for revenge.

Meet the company…

Christianne Beffel (Choreographer/Makeup Designer/Assistant Director) is a dance major as Ohio State University, where she studies choreography, Laba notation, costume and makeup design. Recently, she appeared as Tiger Lily in Peter Pan on the Southern Stage in Columbus, Ohio. Last year, she was the Assistant Choreographer and costume designer for Joseph…Dreamcoatand Romeo and Juliet for FPAC and is delighted to be back again. Some of her other choreography credits include Fiddler on the Roof, Footloose, and Carousel.

Bryan Bird (Assistant Music Director) has accompanied nearly 20 shows in Northeast Ohio and Bowling Green, including music directing Camelot and Pump Boys and Dinettes at North Ridgeville Olde Towne Hall Theatre. He also occasionally appears on stage, including Paul in Company at the Cassidy Theatre and as part of the Angel City Four in City of Angels at Brecksville Theatre on the Square. He would like to thank Fred and Mike for this opportunity to work with FPAC for the first time. And as always, thanks to his parents Bill and Janet for being supportive and to his friends for being awesome.

Jessica Borison (Cinderella’s Stepmother) is thrilled to be participating in her first Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatoryproduction. She has participated in other youth theatres, such as JCC’s Playmakers. Some of her favorite roles she has played are the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Ronnie in Hair, and Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof. Jessica cannot wait to perform with her fellow cast members and wishes everyone the best of luck!

Mike Caraffi (Musical Director) is excited to be back with Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory again this summer after having served as Musical Director for FPAC’s production of Rent: Student Edition earlier this year. Musical Direction credits include,Ain’t Misbehavin’, Victor Victoria, Is There life After High School, Nine, Godspell, Songs For a New World, CATS, Rent: Student Edition, 1940’s Radio Hour, and The Fantasticks. Community and Regional performance credits include, Bye Bye Birdie, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Songs For a New World, Those Seven Little Words, Ain’t We Got Fun, He Sang, She Sang, Bad Girlsand the Men Who Love Them and 1940’s Radio Hour. A big “THANKS” to all his family and friends for their constant love and support.

Siobhan Carroll (Stepmother) , a ninth grader at Montessori High School at University Circle, is delighted to be attending her second summer at FPAC. She enjoyed herself so much in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (ensemble/wife) last year that she was eager to try out for this year’s productions. As well as being a stepmother in Into the Woods, she is also in The Laramie Project. She has been in several productions at the Beck Center in Lakewood – Alice in Wonderland, (Alice), Arcadia(Chloe), and in The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall (ensemble) with Mercury Summer Stock.

Lauren Cole (Milky White) lives in Shaker Heights and just completed the fifth grade at Hawken School. Lauren has done many shows at Heights Youth Theatre, Beachwood Community Theatre and other local community theatre groups. Her favorite musical roles in community theatre have been Molly in Annie and Louisa in The Sound of Music. Lauren was also cast as Helen in Cleveland Playhouse’s A Christmas Story last winter and will be playing the role of Melinda in this fall’s production of Inherit the Wind at Cleveland Playhouse. In addition to acting, singing and dancing, Lauren enjoys skiing, snowboarding, playing the saxophone, reading, and spending time with friends.

Michael Conroy (Steward/ Cinderella’s Father) will be a Junior at St. Ignatius High School. He is excited to be involved in his first FPAC production. Michael is involved in St. Ignatius and Magnificat theater, and was most recently seen in Grease at Magnificat. Special thanks to dad and mom for driving him to all his practices and to the rest of his family and friends for the support!

Rebecca Dennis (Ensemble) is excited to be in Into the Woods and her 3rd year at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory. She is entering the 7th grade at Kenston Middle School. Rebecca has player piano for about 6 years , clarinet for 2 years, and enjoys acting, singing , and creative writing. In the past, she has done many youth plays in the area. She wishes good luck to all of the cast and crew and hopes for a great show.

Sophia Dennis (Ensemble) is entering 5th grade at Kenston Intermediate School. She is thrilled to be performing in her 2nd Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory production and doing her 3rd year of camp. Sophia started acting in local youth theater at the age of 6. She loves acting and playing piano and is most passionate about singing. She believes that Into The Woodsis a great production to put on and is very excited to perform. She would like to say thanks to Fred for putting on a wonderful show!

Sarah DiFiore (Lucinda) is very excited to work with Fred again after performing with him in a previous Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Oliver! at Cain Park. Recent roles include The Soloist in A Christmas Carol, Fluff in Honk!, Angela Suftin in The Utter Glory of Morrisey Hall, and many more. She was also a crew member in The Wizard of Oz. Her television experience includes the television show, “SmARTS”, (on weekdays at 5pm, Channel 23) and a Commercial for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Sarah wishes the best of luck to the cast and crew!

Alex DiLallo (Rapunzel’s Prince) is thrilled to be a part of Into The Woods. Other credits include Antony and Cleopatra, A Winter’s Tale, Peter Pan, and many more. Alex would like to thank his family and friends for their care and wonderful support. Alex would also like to thank the many actors and actresses that have constantly inspired him to improve; they know who they are. Enjoy the show everyone.

Jessica Edwards (Florinda) is an upcoming senior at Rootstown High School and is so thrilled to be a part of her first Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory production! Some of her past roles include Grace Farrell in Annie and Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast. Jessica also enjoys playing guitar and piano, running, and volunteering. She would like to thank her family and friends, and everyone else who has supported her.

Abigail Erwin (Cinderella’s Stepmother) is ecstatic about performing in her first show here at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory! She will be a freshman at Solon High School, was in Drama Club at Solon Middle School, and plans to continue Drama Club through High School. She has performed in numerous musical revues at Playmakers Performing Arts Camp, and was in Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, and Guys and Dolls through Playmakers Youth Theatre. She has done shows at Solon Center for the Arts and Heights Youth Theatre. She loved rehearsing for, and loves performing her role as Cinderella’s Stepmother and would like to thank Fred, Randi, Erin, Mike and everyone else who helped make the show possible! Special thanks to her mother, Rose, for her love and support, and for getting her to and from rehearsals every single day!

Sydney Fieseler (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at FPAC for her 3rd summer and excited to be taking part in the professional training workshop at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory. Sydney is 9 years old, and was bitten by the theatre bug at age 5 when she was in Peter Pan at Heights Youth Theatre. She first met Fred while performing in Oliver! at Cain Park. She has performed in several Heights Youth Theatre productions with her favorites being Annie, Children of Eden, Fiddler on the Roof and The Wizard of Oz.

Maddy Foley (Cinderella’s Mother) is thrilled to be in her first Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory production. She has previously appeared in shows at Stagecrafters, Playmakers, and Heights Youth Theatre. She will be attending Kenyon College in the fall where she has no idea what her major will be. She would like to thank everyone for making this an amazing experience.

Joel S. Furr (Narrator/Mysterious Man) a 17-year-old upcoming senior is pumped and excited to be a part of his upcoming third play. He has recently played Tom Collins in the school edition of Rent, performed at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatoryunder the direction of Sean Szaller. He also played a lead role in the production West Side Story (Riff) at his high school Cleveland Heights High, all under the direction of Craig McGauhey. He would like to thank first his parents for their support and love through it all, Craig McGauhey and staff for their tough love throughout his two years in the Vmd (Vocal Music Department) at Heights High, Carolyn Smith for being a great vocal coach for the two years they’ve been together, and last but not least Fred Sternfeld for opening up the door for him to perform and grow as a person on the stage. He hopes that everyone enjoys the show.

Jessie Gill (Little Red Riding Hood) is thrilled to be a part of Into the Woods. Jessie has been involved in theater since the age of seven. She has performed in various productions all over Cleveland such as Annie (Annie), Seussical the Musical (Bird Girl), and Peter Pan (Tiger Lily) at Beachwood Theater; The Pillowman (Little Jesus) at Dobama/Cleveland Playhouse; Overrated Understudies(Jessie) for Time Warner Cable Productions; Oliver! (Ensemble) at Cain Park; Godspell (Ensemble) at HYT; Contemporary Youth Orchestra (vocalist) at Cleveland State. This show has been an amazing experience, thanks to everyone!

Carly Gordon (Rapunzel) is elated to be involved in her second summer with Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory and another fabulous show! Carly will be continuing her education at Marymount Manhattan College next fall in the BFA Acting program. Recent roles include The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (FPAC), Eleanor Dale in The Utter Glory of Morissey Hall (Mercury Summer Stock) and Bird Girl #2 in Seussical (Fine Arts Association). Special thanks go out to Fred, Christianne and Mike for their continued dedication to the show and the cast, Mitchell Fields for being the best acting coach and mentor a girl could ever ask for, her parents for their unconditional support, and her amazing friends on-stage and off for continuing to put up with her craziness and the constant love they give.

Emily Grodzik (Baker’s Wife- ITW) is excited to be returning to FPAC after her performance as the Narrator in Joseph… Dreamcoat last season. She is a recent graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, where she was fortunate to work with The Stratford Theatre Company and Tony Award winner Victoria Clark. Recent performances include Cinderella in Cinderella at Mercury Summer Stock, Scheherezade in The Arabian Nights, and Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Cleveland area performances include The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall (Louise Vickers) at MSS, Children of Eden (Generations Soloist/ Aysha) at Cassidy Theatre, Ragtime at the JCC, and numerous productions at The Beck Center, including Parade, Beauty and the Beast, and Evita. In the fall, Emily will be attending the University of Minnesota/ Guthrie Theatre BFA Actor Training Program. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support, and wishes the best of luck to the cast and crew!

Charlotte Gross (Granny) is thrilled to be part of Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory this summer. She will be attending Ohio University in the fall. Her favorite roles have been Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Wendy in Peter Pan, and Yente the matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof. Charlotte would like to thank Fred for this amazing opportunity. Also, a special thank you to Cynthia O’ Connell and my mom!

Meghan Grover (Cinderella) is going into her sophomore year at West Geauga High School and is so pumped to be playing Cinderella with Caroline! Her favorite shows include Joseph…Dreamcoat (Fairmount Performing Arts Camp), Oliver! (Cain Park), and Scrooge (Fine Arts Association). She is a Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory original (6 summers) and proud of it. Thanks to Jordie, mommy and daddy, Leslie and Mitchell for being the best coaches in the world, the clique, and the whole cast and crew of Into the Woods.

Carlton Guc (Sound Designer) recent designs included Titanic (Vegas) and Dialog In The Dark (Kansas City). Carlton is happy to be back designing shows that don’t involve taking shoes off to get through airport security. Dedicated to my daughter, Lexi, who makes “Once upon a time…” interesting and fun.

Caroline Hatch (Cinderella -ITW) is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production! Her favorite roles include Gabriella Montez in High School Musical 2, Ariel Moore in Footloose, and Lily St. Regis in Annie. She has performed at Heights Youth Theater, Stagecrafters, Mercury Summer Stock, The Beck Center, on Adelphia Cable TV and in The Nutcracker with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Caroline will be a sophomore at Shaker High School in the fall, and wants to thank Fred for this opportunity of a lifetime, Joan Ellison for her fantastic voice coaching, and friends and family for their endless love and support.

Codie Higer (Witch) is thrilled to return to the Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory stage, having previously appeared in Joseph… and Rent: School Edition as Maureen. Codie just completed a run of A Year With Frog and Toad at the Cassidy Theatre. Other favorite shows include Seussical (Sour Kangaroo) and Aladdin (Jasmine). She credits acting coach Mitchell Fields and voice instructor Cynthia O’Connell, and thanks Fred, Erin, and Mike, the cast, and her mom and dad for their support.

Brandon Jackson (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf) latest appearances on the stage were at the University School theatre, playing Leo Clark in Leading Ladies and Charlie in A Class Act, both directed by Carol Pribble. Brandon loves being in Into The Woods, and would like the time to thank his parents for thier patience, his talented cast members for thier support, and Fred and his fantastic staff for everything they have done.

Leah Janson (Milky White) is happy to be a part of such a fun and talented cast. Recent productions include: Joseph…Dreamcoatwhere she was part of the Children’s Chorus and Showstoppers’ A Broadway Show Medley. This is her 3rd year of Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory and she is excited to be back. Leah is in the 8th grade at Chagrin Falls Middle School. She would like to thank her parents and Fred for making this possible.

Anne Jordan (Granny) is an upcoming junior at Laurel School and is so excited to be performing in Into the Woods! Previous roles include Leata in Hair, Lucinda in Into the Woods, Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Dinah/Ensemble in Joseph…, and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof. Many thanks to her friends, family, and everyone who made this show possible!

Tia Karaplis (Rapunzel) is an 11 year old that goes to Nord Middle school in Amherst. She has been in many productions such as, SPIN! (Urania), Peter Pan (Indian), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). She is very excited to be participating in the production Into the Woods. She lives with her parents, 3 brothers, and her pets. She would like to thank her family, Fred, and the cast of Into the Woods. Break a leg!

Erika Klemperer (Stepmother/Steward) is a first year FPAC member. She is entering her senior year at Berea High School. Her most recent shows include Little Shop of Horrors and Cindy and Julie, both at Berea High School. She is thrilled to embark on the Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory experience. She is eternally grateful to her wonderful family and friends for their endless support.

Leah Kubaitis (Giant/Snow White) is very grateful to be working with Fred and George. She has been in Grease, The Laramie Project, and much more. She is going to be a junior at Kenston High School and love to sing in her spare time. This is her second year at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory.

Catie Lally (Milky White) is 14-years-old and is very interested in Musical Theatre and is very excited to be in the cast of Into The Woods as Milky White. She goes to Hathaway Brown School and is going into the 9th grade. Catie would like to thank her parents for all the driving that they’ve done. “Enjoy the show!”

Alivia Lee (Florinda) is thrilled to be cast as Florinda in her first FPAC production. Some recent appearances include a host on Time Warner Cable’s “smARTS” program, playing Heidi in “A Huck Finn Fantasy” on Time Warner Cable, a finalist in Playhouse Square’s Rising Star Talent Competition, and several performances at Fairmount Youth Theater Lab, including Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Alivia is going into 7th grade. She would like to thank her family and friends, and Fred Sternfeld, of course, for casting her so that she could be part of this wonderful play!

Bobbie MacDougall (Ensemble) will be entering Solon High School in the Fall. She appeared in SCA’s 2007 production of Once on this Island, and enjoys playing piano, singing in Choir, and playing bass in Orchestra.

Jesse Markowitz (Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf) is thrilled to be in another Fred Sternfeld show! He is an upcoming senior at Orange High School and can’t wait. Jesse has performed in theaters from JCC Playmakers to The Beck Center. Jesse has recently been seen in The Farnsworth Invention (Young Philo and others), Rent: Student Edition (Marc), Peter Pan (Twin 2) and Joseph…Dreamcoat (Joseph). He has been in a couple local television shows and an independent film. Jesse is currently represented by The Talent Group Agency. Thanks to everyone that help put this show on its feet!

Ben Martin (Baker) is thrilled to be able to share one of his favorite musical masterpieces with everyone here tonight. Most recently, Ben has appeared as Angel in Rent: Student Edition, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, and Kaffee in A Few Good Men. Ben will be entering his second year in the theater conservatory at Boston University, working towards a BFA in Theatre Arts. He would like to thank the creative team, the cast and crew, his parents, his friends, Leslie, and the BU theater faculty. Ben hopes that audiences will leave this theater inspired to look at their own lives with a new frame of mind as Mr. Sondheim would have intended!

Erin McCardle (Stage Manager/Assistant Director/Jack’s Mother) has been in the Cleveland area for over fifteen years and been blessed to work with progressive companies of local artists all over the city including Opera Cleveland, Cleveland Public Theatre, The Cleveland Playhouse, The Cleveland Ballet, The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, Karamu House, Near West Theatre, and Theater Ninjas. She gives endless thanks to Mike and Aubrey; cheers to the kids for taking on two thorny shows with grace, and “this one’s for mom.”

Danica Murthy (Ensemble) is very excited to be in Into the Woods. She recently finished playing in the ensemble in Guys and Dolls. In the future she hopes to be in the play Wicked. She is going to be in fourth grade at Hathaway Brown.

Tessa Murthy (Lucinda), a 12 year old seventh grader at Hathaway Brown Middle School, is excited to play the role of Lucinda in FPAC’s Into The Woods. Some of her past credits include Rusty Charlie in Guys and Dolls, Frau Schmidt in The Sound of Music, a villager in Fiddler on the Roof, an Adoring Girl in Joseph, and a cheerleader in Grease.

Ashleigh Nagy (Little Red Riding Hood) will be a fifth-grader in Solon, and is thrilled to play ‘Little Red.’ She enjoys singing, dancing, acting, and playing piano and guitar. She has appeared in many theaters including roles in The Jungle Book, three productions of The Wizard of Oz, and her favorite role as Gloria in Wait Until Dark. She recently completed an industrial film promoting energy-efficient lighting and looks forward to playing Annie in CVLT’s Murder by the Falls this September.

Grace Neiswander (Ensemble) is 11 years old and entering the 6th grade at Laurel School. Her recent credits include The Trial of Goldilocks (Goldilocks) and Cinderella (The Queen). Besides spending time on stage Grace has played the piano for 6 years, the cello for 1 year and has been dancing for 2 years.

Courtney Nelson (Little Red Riding Hood) is 11 years old and going to be in the 6th grade this fall. Past credits include: Heaven’s My Destination (Cleveland Playhouse) as Little Roberts Girl / Elizabeth / Rhoda May Gruber , Jane Eyre (Kent State University) as Young Jane, Christmas Carol (2 seasons Great Lakes Theatre Festival) as Tiny Tim and Skate Girl, Children of Eden(Weathervane Playhouse) as Young Abel , Joseph…Dreamcoat (Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory) in Children’s Chorus, Oliver! (Cain Park) as Workhouse Boy and The Music Man (Porthouse Theatre) as Gracie Shinn. Later this summer, she will also we in Annie Get Your Gun (Porthouse Theatre) Tessie. Other interests include: Conchetti Ballet, piano and basketball. Thanks for this fantasic opportunity to work with Fred and his staff again.

Mark Oet (Jack) is pleased to be working with Fred and this wonderful cast! Mark is going into 7th grade at Solon Middle School in Solon, Ohio. Mark would like to thank his family, his friends, and his voice teacher. Mark’s favorite roles include Jeremy in Griller, Jojo in Seussical, and Schroeder in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Mark can’t wait until show time!

Catherine Pace (Sleeping Beauty) will be a junior at Gilmour Academy. She is very grateful to be a part of Into the Woods and The Laramie Project this summer. In her spare time she loves to play poker, dance and hang out with friends. She enjoys playing polo and swimming. Catherine loves her dog Peter-Rascal-Mufasa Pace. She also enjoys playing football with her brother and his friends.

Sidney Perelman (Witch) is so excited to be working with such a phenomenal cast. She will be a freshman at Heights High School. She has recently been in Rent: Student Edition, Fiddler on the Roof, and Godspell. She would like to thank Codie for being such a fantastic double and her parents for begins so supportive. “Enjoy!”

Jessica Pollak (Florinda) will begin 7th grade at Solon Middle School in the fall and has been performing since she was in 3rd grade. She has appeared in numerous productions through the Beachwood Community Theatre and is very excited to be part of her first FPAC performance. Her favorite role was James from James and the Giant Peach. She would like to thank Fred for this opportunity and her family for being so supportive!

Kira Postak (Little Red’s Granny) is joining FPAC for the first time. She is currently moving to 8th grade at Ruffing Montessori School. She has acted with Heights Youth Theater, University School Theater, and Shaker Theater. She is exited for her first year atFairmount Performing Arts Conservatory and especially thanks her music director at RMS, Jennifer Rosza.

Carter Salis (Steward) will be 13-years-old during the production of Into the Woods and will attend the 8th grade at the North Olmsted Middle School in the Fall. He recently performed in Spin: A Musical Myth at the Cleveland Play House. He has been in the following Youth Theater Productions at The Beck Center: The Phantom Tollbooth, Once Upon a Mattress, Snow White’s Adventures, Hillbilly Holiday, Alice in Wonderland, Lost for Words, The Wizard of Oz, and Treasure Island. When he is not acting/singing, he enjoys swimming with Westlake Waves USA Swim Team, Boy Scouts, and playing the French Horn and piano. Carter would like to thank his family for all of their support.

Danielle Scharf (Florinda) is excited about being in her first production at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory. Danielle has been in numerous plays such as Babes in Toyland, Once on This Island, High School Musical, Wicked, Hairspray, Bye Bye Birdie, and her favorite, The Wiz, where she played Dorothy, all in Stagecrafter’s productions and classes. She was in Sleeping Beauty at Beachwood. She has done many small performances with Playmakers as well. Just last year, she performed with Jr. Strawhat in Gates Mills. Also, Danielle has been dancing since she was two years old, and performing in shows through her voice coach. Her favorite performance was when she made the semi-finals for the Radio Disney Pop Squad and performed at Kids Fest at Tower City Amphitheatre. She wants to thank her parents for the numerous drives to rehearsal, and everyone at FPAC for working so hard to be able to put on this production.

Amy Sinnenberg (Lucinda) is a dancer at heart who will be entering the 6th grade at Laurel School. She has been in many performances such as Height’s Youth Theatre’s 2006 presentation of Annie (an orphan); FPAC’s 2007 production of The Brementown Musicians (Skull, the pirate); Beachwood’s 2006 Theatre Camp Schoolhouse Rock (featured soloist for Lolly Get Your Adverbs.) Dancing since she was two, she is a national competitor in elite dance at Jordan Center for Dance. She has won awards for Kids Artistic Review (KAR); Dance Educators of America (DEA) and Dynamite! Her tap dancing credentials include master classes with Sarah Sevilli and Ayodele Casel at Lakeland College in the 2007 show, Tappy Holidays! One of her favorite roles was in The Sneeches, by Dr. Seuss, a Laurel School 3rd grade spring musical as Sylvester McBean (the lead). She loves the fact that on stage she can become any character.

Fred Sternfeld (Director, Artistic Director – Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory) is pleased to be working with the outstanding young people of Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory’s Summer Programs! At FPAC he recently directed a teen production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the inaugural professional production of The Odd Couple. Fred is widely represented on Northeast Ohio stages through diverse projects, garnering numerous honors and awards. Recently he directed the award-winning productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Beck Center and Ragtime, the musical at the JCC. He previously served as Artistic Director at 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; 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, 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. One of his upcoming directing projects will be Yellowman at Karamu House Theatre this fall. For more information about Fred you can visit his website at https://fredsternfeld.com.

Miles Sternfeld (Jack) is in his sixth year at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory. Miles is excited to play Jack in Into the Woods. Miles played Chip three years in Beauty and the Beast at the Beck Center for the Arts, and was a Fagin’s boy in Oliver! at Cain Park. Miles starred as Jojo in Seussical at The Fine Arts Association and at Mercury Summer Stock. Also at Mercury, Miles played Young Patrick/Peter in Mame and Charles in The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall. A finalist this year at the State Theatre’s Rising Star Talent Competition, Miles has done two recent FPAC shows, playing Gad in Joseph and the Waiter/Squeegee Man in Rent: Student Edition. In an earlier role, Miles starred as Duke in Tall Tale, a Cleveland Clinic Theatre Company educational video.

Randi Sternfeld (Assistant Director) is happy to be working with this very talented and motivated cast. Randi holds a B.A. in Theater Arts, Cum Laude with departmental honors, from The University of Cincinnati. A few favorite roles include Fiddler on the Roof (Chava) at Rabbit Run Theater, Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel) at the Seattle Jewish Community Center, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Snoopy) at Tri-C East, Uncommon Women and Others (Muffet) at The University of Cincinnati and Peter Pan (Tiger Lily) at Beck Center. Randi has choreographed for musicals including Fiddler on the Roof at Rabbit Run Theater and the Cleveland and Seattle Jewish Community Centers and Rags at the Cleveland JCC. Most recently, Randi served as Assistant Director for Beck Center’s production of Peter Pan. Randi has found her happily ever after with her husband, director Fred Sternfeld, and sons, Adam and Danny.

Jennette Timko (Ensemble) will be entering the 6th grade at Austintown Middle School and is thrilled to be making her Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory debut! Jennette is no stranger to musical theatre, having performed in Honk! at Move Over Broadway Productions, It’s A Wonderful Life and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at The Youngstown Playhouse, Evita! at Salem Community Theatre, and The King and I at the Carousel Dinner Theatre. In addition, Jennette has appeared in the film “Dead Among Us” as Zombie #2 and has been seen in the “48 Hour Film Project: Cleveland.” In 2006, she was honored with the “Arthur Award” for “Best Juvenile Performance” at The Youngstown Playhouse. Jennette would like to thank Fred for giving her this opportunity.

Natalie Welch (Little Red Riding Hood) is delighted to be part of such a fabulous cast! She was most recently seen as Lee Bouvier in the Beck Center’s production of the Cleveland premier of Grey Gardens. Additional Beck Center performances include: Peter Pan (Jane) and Beauty and the Beast (villager & cocktail napkin). Favorite roles: Oliver! (workhouse boy) at Cain Park and Peter Pan (Michael) Beachwood Community Theater. Natalie returns to Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory aafter last summer’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Children’s Choir). Natalie has studied dance since the age of three, plays the flute, and sings in the Select Choir at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School where she is in 6th grade.

Katie Wilkinson (Lucinda) is thrilled to be at Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory for her third year. At age 12 she has participated in over 15 different shows. Her most recent shows were Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Dancer) Godspell (ensemble) and Fiddler On The Roof (Rivka). Katie also had the pleasure of being Kelsi in the Ohio Premier of Disney’s High School Musical 2. Lastly, Katie would like to thank Fred for this wonderful opportunity.

Emily Wirthwein (Florinda) is so thrilled to be a part of her first Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory production. Emily has loved theater all her life. She saw her first show on Broadway when she was only 4 years old! Emily specializes in “evil” – her last part was as the Wicked Witch of the West in her school production of The Wizard of Oz. Love to all my family and friends- thanks for everything!