The Wedding Singer

Program:

• About the Play
• Cast (listed in order of appearance)
• Production Staff
• Run Crew
• Cast Bios
• Creative Team Bios

 

About the Play

Music by Matthew Sklar, Book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy with Lyrics by Chad Beguelin

The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer's sparkling new score does for the '80s what Hairspray did for the '60s. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years. Director is Jaime Cordes (last season's director of Carrie, The Musical), with Music Director Wade Russo, and Choreographer Ashley Pabst.

Please silence all cell phones, pagers, and any other electronic devices. Texting during productions will result in removal from the theater. The use of any recording device (photo, sound, or video) by audience members is not permitted.

Cast (listed in order of appearance)

Character Name	Principal Actor	Understudy
Robbie Hart	David Hap Cremean	Gavin O’Meara
Sammy	Lior Shaham	Enoch Graham
George	Gavin O’Meara	Darius Ragland
Julia Sullivan	Miranda Morrissette	Emma Kopec
Holly	Baylee Simone Mallin	Palyce Berrian
Glen Guglia	Eoin Collins	Jackson Church
Rosie	Hannah Rose Wilkerson	Alex Thate
Linda	Sylvia Caridad Bordelois	Payton Fraser
Sweet Jim / Mr. T Impersonator	Jordan Allen
Angie, Ensemble	Grace Goodwin
Ensemble	Palyce Berrian
Ensemble	Ally Jo Buck
Ensemble	Jackson Church
Ensemble	Alia Dalton
Ensemble	Landon Gleeson
Ensemble	Enoch Graham
Ensemble	Sierra Jobman
Ensemble	Jake Jonesco
Ensemble	Emma Kopec
Ensemble	Darius Ragland
Ensemble	Alex Thate
Swing	Emma Cole
Swing	Luke Niehaus
Swing	Ellie Sassano
Swing	Heidi Zeller

Production Staff

Production Manager/Technical Director: Kevin Nedberg

Assistant Technical Director: James Hendricks

Stage Manager: Phoenix Perry

Assistant Stage Managers: Kaitlin Teller, Ivy Speight

Assistant Lighting Designer: Robbie Crissman

Production Electrician: Jennifer Dillard

Assistant Production Electrician: Connor Veal

Electricians: Jackson Boone, Raya Smith, Pham Bao Uyen, Jaheem Fisher, Kayla Theiss, Hunter Davis, Mary Beverley, Dylan Serrano 

Sound Engineer/ Audio Coordinator: James Dunlap

Audio Technicians: Hunter Davis, Jackson Boone

Carpenters:  Eli Baader, Kaydence Mullins, Megan Todd, Adesola Moshood, Kenna Seng, Vex Sargent, Miracle Bennett, Elena Kallenberg, Devin Perlow, Kat Walkup, Noel Nieczyporowicz, Maggie Slauenwhite

Scenic Artist Supervisor: Brian Seckfort

Scenic Charge Artist: Juliette Trumbull

Assistant Scenic Designer: Cassie Dranschak

Properties Supervision: John Lavarnway

Properties Artisans: Keaton Messmer, Hanna Baker, Loralie Morrison, Miracle Bennett

Costume Shop Manager: Carly Kimmins

Costume Shop Assistant: Victoria “Ori” Rancor

Wig Artist: Naomi Reisner 

 

Run Crew

Light Board Operator: Robbie Crissman

Sound Mix Engineer: James Dunlap

Microphone Techs: Jackson Boone, Parker Williams

Properties Lead: Jennifer Dillard

Props Assistant: Morgan Jackson, Loralie Morrison

Spot Operator: Levi Fravel, Mary Beverley, Dylan Serrano

Deck: Cassie Dranschak, Elena Kallenberg, Ella Maisel, Emmaline Slauenwhite, Brooke Bushong

Deck Head: Elias Baader

Automation Supervisor: James Hendricks

Pneumatics Supervisor: Hanna Baker

Wardrobe Head: Charlie Cute

Wardrobe Crew: AJ Billups, Gillian Jenkins, Ana Sofia Gomez., Scout Smith, Nik Coleson, Katherine Schwabe

 

Cast Bios

Jordan Allen (Sweet Jim / Mr. T Impersonator) is a junior acting major. You might've seen him as King Arick in The Apple Tree. Big thank you to his mom, his biggest supporter. He loves all of his friends and hopes you're ready to ROCK!

Palyce Berrian (Ensemble, U/S Holly) (she/her) is a junior musical theatre major and dance Minor, and she is excited to be a part of this incredible production! She has also performed in The Apple Tree (Nadjira), and Everybody (Somebody #3). Thank you to everyone who has helped her get here today, and she truly hopes you enjoy the show!

Sylvia Caridad Bordelois (Linda) (she/her) is a senior musical theatre major from Cleveland, Ohio. She was most recently seen on stage last year in Wright State’s productions of Alice By Heart and Carrie. Sylvia les manda besos y cariño a su familia por apoyarla por estos cuatro años! <3

Ally Jo Buck (Ensemble) (she/her) is a junior dance major at Wright State University. She grew up in Cincinnati Ohio where she studied many styles of dance at Broadway Bound Dance Academy. Ally Jo has performed in the Emerging Choreographers Concerts, Spring Dance Concerts, and Fall Dance Concerts at Wright State and is so excited for the opportunity to work with the Wright State theatre department.

Jackson Church (Ensemble, U/S Glen Guglia) (he/they) is grateful to be a part of another show at Wright State. He is a senior musical theatre from Traverse City, Michigan. Jackson was also a part of Alice By Heart (U/S Dr.Butridge/King/Jabberwock), Our Town (Mr. Webb), and Bright Star (U/S Daddy Cane). Jackson would like to thank his parents, Rick and Lynne Church, for being his biggest supporters.

Emma Cole (Swing) (she/her) is a junior dance major at Wright State. She is from Toledo, Ohio, where she grew up dancing at Toledo Met. Emma is so excited to be a part of her first Wright State musical and feels beyond grateful for this opportunity!

Eoin Collins (Glen Guglia) is a senior musical theatre major. You may have seen him in Alice By Heart (Nigel), The Apple Tree (Flip), Cabaret (Swing) or our annual Arts Gala. Special thanks to his family and friends!

David Hap Cremean (Robbie Hart) (he/him) is thrilled to be telling this story in his first MainStage production at Wright State. He is a sophomore musical theatre major from Gahanna, Ohio and would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers who support him every day. Rock on!

Alia Dalton (Ensemble) (she/her) is a senior dance major from Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been dancing for 16 years, where she trained at her local dance studio Just Off Broadway and graduated from the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Alia is so excited to perform in her first musical production at Wright State and feels so grateful for this opportunity!

Payton Fraser (U/S Linda) (she/her) is overjoyed to be in her second Wright State mainstage. Last Spring, Payton understudied three tracks in Much Ado About Nothing (Messenger, Sexton, and Innogen). She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support, and Jamie for this incredible opportunity.

Landon Gleeson (Ensemble) is a sophomore musical theatre major from Cincinnati, Ohio. This is Landon’s first MainStage show at Wright State! He would like to thank his friends, family, and mentors for his growth and development as a performer and human. He hopes this show brings YOU back to your wedding day!

Grace Goodwin (Angie / Ensemble) is a senior musical theatre major from Mason, OH, and is so excited to kick off her final year at Wright State University with such a fun, lively show! You may have seen her on the Wright State stage last spring as Red Cross Nurse/Queen of Hearts in Alice by Heart. Other credits include Chicago (Liz, U/S Velma) and Kings Island's Yuletide Follies (Featured Dancer). She wants to thank the Lord and everyone who has supported and helped her to where she is. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Enoch Graham (Ensemble) (he/him) is a sophomore musical theatre major who is thrilled to be in his second musical here at Wright State University. Hailing from right here in Dayton, he can't wait to showcase what he has learned and all of the hard work everyone working on this show has put into it. Enjoy!

Sierra Jobman (Ensemble) (she/her) is a junior musical theatre major and dance minor from Orlando, FL. She is thrilled to be making her Wright State main stage debut after spending the summer performing and choreographing with Minot State University Summer Theatre. She thanks her parents for their love and support! Check out her instagram @sierrajobman

Jake Jonesco (Ensemble) (they/he) is a current junior musical theatre major at Wright State University. He has recently been Mark in Short North Stage’s production of A Chorus Line, as well as the male swing in Carrie: The Musical and Howie in Speech And Debate at Wright State University. He also worked on costumes for Interlochen Arts 2024 Summer Season on A Comedy Of Errors, Sense And Sensibility, and Wonderful Town. He would like to thank all of his friends, family, and teachers for all of their help and support throughout the years. Enjoy the show!

Emma Kopec (Ensemble, U/S Julia Sullivan) is a senior musical theatre major. Her past Wright State credits include The Apple Tree (Eve), and A Dolls House Part 2 (Emmy). You may have seen her perform at Arts Gala or related events. Thank you to Jamie & Ashley! Emma hopes you enjoy her Cyndi Lauper impression. 

Baylee Simone Mallin (Holly) (she/they) is thrilled and so grateful to be a part of this electric show! Baylee is a junior musical theatre major, previous credits include The Apple Tree (U/S Barbara, Ensemble), The Prom (Dee Dee), and Anything Goes (Reno). Gimongous thanks to the fam and her friends! @whatn0wbaylee

Miranda Morrissette (Julia Sullivan) (she/her) is a senior musical theatre major from Illinois. Her previous Wright State productions include Frieda in Carrie and Caterpillar 2 in Alice By Heart. She wants to thank her wonderful parents for their love and support, and the amazing cast and crew for putting together a beautiful show! She hopes you enjoy The Wedding Singer!

Luke Niehaus (Swing) is a sophomore musical theatre major from Cincinnati, OH. He is beyond thrilled to be making his MainStage debut with The Wedding Singer! Luke would like to thank Jamie, the entire cast & crew, and his family for their endless support.  

Gavin O'Meara (George, U/S Robbie) (they/he) is a senior musical theatre major from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Previous credits at Wright State include Alice By Heart (Ensemble, U/S Duchess and Caterpillar) and Our Town (Howie Newsome). Gavin wants to thank Jamie, his family, and friends for their constant support. Enjoy The Wedding Singer!

Darius Ragland (Ensemble, U/S George) (he/they) is stoked to be performing in his first Wright State production! He is a sophomore musical theatre major. Previous productions include Grease (Kenickie Murdoch) at Weathervane Playhouse, Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble, U/S Judas) also at Weathervane Playhouse, Les Miserables (Enjolras) at Chillicothe HS. Enjoy!

Ellie Sassano (Swing/Dance Captain) is a junior musical theatre major and dance minor. Her favorite credits are South Pacific with Dayton Opera, Crazy For You at Garland Summer Musicals, and assistant choreographer for Alice By Heart at Wright State. She sends her appreciation to the faculty and this amazing cast!

Lior Shaham (Sammy) is thrilled for this opportunity as a senior musical theatre major. He was recently in Wright State’s Carrie (George) & Much Ado About Nothing (U/S Don Pedro), Fiddler on the Roof at Shenendoah Summer Music Theatre (Avram, U/S Lazar Wolf) and The Addams Family (Gomez). He is deeply grateful to faculty, friends, family and everyone involved in this production.

Alex Thate (Ensemble, U/S Rosie) is grateful to be in their first musical at Wright State. Previous roles at Wright State include Innogen in Much Ado About Nothing. They hope you enjoy The Wedding Singer!

Hannah Rose Wilkerson (Rosie) (she/her) is a senior musical theatre major major and is grateful to finally have a chance to perform on the Festival stage! Previous Wright State credits include The Apple Tree (Ensemble, U/S Passionella) and Kelly The Destroyer (Cleo Mungus). She hopes you enjoy The Wedding Singer - and laugh a lot!

Heidi Zeller (Swing) (they/them) is a sophomore musical theatre major and they are thrilled to be making their Wright State debut in The Wedding Singer. Thank you to the cast, crew, production team, friends, and family for all of the support. Enjoy the show!

 

Creative Team Bios

Matthew P. Benjamin is in his 28th year at Wright State as a professor of theatrical design, head of the Theatre Design and Technology Program, and the resident lighting designer with Theatre and Dance Programs in the School of Fine and Performing Arts. Prior to joining the Wright State faculty, Matthew served as the Coordinator of the Performing Arts Program at Stockton College of New Jersey and the Associate Resident Lighting Designer for the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music. Professional credits include seven seasons as the resident lighting designer for the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, Italy, where he also served as the company’s production manager. Other professional designs include projects with the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Cincinnati Opera, Aspen Music Festival, Dayton Opera, Dayton Ballet, Muse Machine, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Tri-Cities Opera, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, Opera at Florham, Luna Negra Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, the Human Race Theatre Company, Little Theatre of the Rockies, ballettech Ohio, New Horizon Theatre Company, the Taj Mahal casino, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and many others. An active theatre consultant, he has worked on regional projects such as the Springboro Performing Arts Center, the Schuster Center, the Theatre at Third in the downtown Dayton Public Library, Dixie High School, and the Alter High School Performing Arts Center, among numerous others. He is a proud member of the United Scenic Artists Local #829 (Lighting Design) and the International Alliance of Lighting Designers.

Gina Cerimele-Mechley (Fight Director) (she/her) is one of the few FEMALE Fight Directors in the country with the Society of American Fight Directors. Her work as a fight/intimacy director can regularly be seen at Human Race Theatre Co, Cincy Shakespeare Co, Cincy Opera, Cincy Ballet, The Carnegie in Northern KY, and IU.

Jamie Cordes (Director) a versatile theatre artist with work as an educator, performer and director. Directing credits at Wright State include: Carrie, The Gondoliers, Fugitive Songs, If/Then, Heathers, Sondheim on Sondheim, The Wild Party, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2010). Jamie is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and Resident Artist at The Human Race Theatre Company. Recent performing credits include: Mike Ferris in Hands on a Hard Body (Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati), Squire Western in the world premiere This is Tom Jones! (The Human Race Theatre), Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby (Dayton Ballet), Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd (The Human Race Theatre - Best Actor/Dayton Most Metro). Jamie directed the Human Race Theatre Company’s highly acclaimed production of LIZZIE, The Musical (Best Locally-Produced Musical-/Dayton 937) and the play Airness.

Ashley Pabst (Choreographer) is a passionate instructor and award-winning choreographer whose work has been performed on national, regional, and university stages across the country. Her professional teaching credits include the International Ballet Competition, Point Park University, Sam Houston State University, National Choreography Intensive, Regional Dance America Festivals, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Sacramento Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet and Eisenhower Dance Detroit. Prior to retiring from the stage, Ashley performed with renowned companies such as Atlanta Ballet and Dayton Ballet, culminating her performance career at The Kennedy Center, where she was honored as the Northeast Performer of the Year. A distinguished choreographer, Ashley is a ten-time recipient of the National Choreographic Recognition Award and has been honored with numerous accolades including the Monticello Award, the Barbara Weisberger Emerging Choreographer Award, Project Tier recognition, and the Jonathan Phelps Award. Her work has been selected for prestigious platforms such as the International Association of Blacks in Dance, The Ballet Alliance, Youth America Grand Prix Finals, and the Jazz Dance World Congress. Ashley extends heartfelt gratitude to her husband, daughter and parents for their unwavering love and support.

Aidan Edwards (Associate Choreographer/Swing) (he/him) is honored to be on Team Choreography alongside the inspiring Ashley Pabst. Choreography: Alice by Heart at the Contemporary of Ohio (Associate). Regional: Singin’ in the Rain (U/S Don), A Chorus Line (Al), Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde. WSU: Carrie, …Spelling Bee, Cabaret. For Erica. Insta: @acedwards04. Website: aidan-edwards.com

Phoenix Perry (Stage Manager) (she/her) is a senior stage manager and is very excited to be. Her previous shows at Wright State include Much Ado About Nothing, Our Town, Kelly The Destroyer vs. The Springfield Cobras , and  A Dolls House Part Two. She has also worked as the stage manager of Arts Gala for the past two years. Special thanks to her family and friends. She hopes you enjoy the show! 

F. Wade Russo is the faculty musical director and a voice instructor. Recently he conducted Joseph/Technicolor Dreamcoat at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Broadway/film credits include By Jeeves (Associate Conductor), directed by Sir Alan Ayckbourn. He conducted the national tour of The Boyfriend, directed by Julie Andrews. Regional credits: Goodspeed Musicals (27 productions), Pittsburgh Public Theatre, St. Louis Rep, Huntington Theatre, Asolo Repertory, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Manhattan Theatre Club, Barrington Stage, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ and the O’Neill Theatre Center. He has taught at Boston Conservatory, Point Park University, Emerson College, Circle in the Square Theatre School and the Juillard School.

Ivy Speight (Assistant Stage Manager) (they/them) is a freshman musical theatre major and this is their first main stage at Wright State! They would like to thank the CAC faculty and the incredible upper classmen who have been so welcoming. They would also like to thank their family for supporting them in their journey.

Brian C. Seckfort is Wright State University’s Instructor of Scenic Design and Technology and Theatre Studies Coordinator. Seckfort holds a Dual BFA from Florida Southern College and an MFA from Kent State University in Scenic Design and Technology. Professional design credits include The Glass Menagerie and A Bright New Boise (Iowa Stage Theatre Company), Life Sucks (Dobama Theatre), Beautiful: The Carol King Musical and Jesus Christ Superstar (Des Moines Playhouse) The Wedding Singer, Murder for Two, and Million-Dollar Quartet (Clinton Area Showboat Theatre) and Next to Normal and Young Frankenstein (Forestburgh Playhouse) among others. Additionally, Brian has professional credits as a Technical Director, Carpenter, Scenic Painter, and Artistic Administrator for companies such as STAGES St. Louis, Rubber City Theatre, and Lexington Theatre Company. Seckfort has also worked with academic institutions such as: Miami University, University of Akron, Ohio Northern University, and Iowa State University. To view more of Brian’s designs, please visit www.brianseckfort.com.

Zoë Still is a costume designer and Wright State Design and Technology alum, now teaching costume design at Wright State University. Her recent credits include Who’s Holiday (The Human Race Theatre), Carrie, and The Liar (Wright State). Prior to returning, she served as Assistant Costume Designer and Charge Artist with Papermoon Opera Productions, with recent work on The Barber of Seville (Amarillo Opera) and co-designing Don Giovanni (Pensacola Opera). Zoë is thrilled to design costumes for The Wedding Singer, bringing her creative vision to life on stage.

Kaitlin Teller (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her) is a recent graduate of Wright State and is very excited to return for The Wedding Singer. During her time at Wright State, Kaitlin worked on many productions, including Alice By Heart, Carrie, and By the Bog of Cats. She has also worked with The Human Race Theatre Company, The Miami Valley Symphony, and World A’Fair. She would like to thank the faculty for giving her the opportunity to come back and work on this show, and Phoenix for being a super cool stage manager. She hopes you enjoy the show!