JESSICA SPILLANE (Artistic Director) has slicked her hair and worn her buckle shoes for this, her 21st show directed at THS. Past favorites include Joseph, RENT, Seussical, How to Succeed, and Fiddler. A multi-year nominee in the Connecticut High School Musical Theatre Awards, she is the 2016 winner for Outstanding Director. In 2014, Jessica was honored as a Free Speech Defender by the National Coalition Against Censorship for her work in theatre and in 2015 she received the Educational Theatre Association’s “Inspirational Theatre Educator” Award. A veteran teacher of English and Drama at THS, Jessica is especially proud to be working alongside so many THS theatre alum as colleagues on the creative team...go theatre kids! Thanks to the gang at home for hot meals, a clean house & hugs. All the love in the world to an amazing creative team and the cast and crew...you “drive me nertz!”

SHANNON BOLAN (Producer) is proud to bring you the 2019 spring musical. Chicago marks Shannon’s 11th producing gig at THS. Currently a Math teacher, Shannon enjoys the opportunity to leave the classroom and work with students behind the scenes. THS Musicals would not be what they are today without the incredible production team, creative staff, supportive parents and the wonderful community that continues to support the arts in Trumbull. Shannon would especially like to thank her husband, parents, and in-laws, without whom she could not possibly make it through the month of March! Stand out productions include Fiddler on the Roof (2011), RENT (2014), and How to Succeed (Winner of CHSMTA’s 2016 Outstanding Production of the Year).

MATT BRACKSIECK (Technical Director) English teacher at THS, is excited to be back for his 9th THS Musicals production. Past productions include Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, Crazy For You, RENT, Hello, Dolly!, How to Succeed..., Seussical, and Curtains. Thanks go especially to Joe, John, & Everett who make make it all look easy (he literally couldn’t do it without you); to returning alumni Will & Chris for being an extra set of experienced hands; seniors James, Claire, and Santiago; Gabi (welcome back!), Jill, and Cathy (special guest appearances); Sam & Steph whose inspiration is the seed; and his partners in crime (and the brains of the operation) Jess & Shannon. Special shoutout to the crew at home, Jill, Orion, and Maia, for all the support.

JACQUELINE MATE (Roxie Hart), a senior, is overjoyed to play Roxie Hart in her fourth and final production with THS Musicals! Regional Theatre: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Truly Scrumptious). Theatre: Curtains (Georgia Hendricks. Sondheim Awards Nomination: Best Leading Actress), Seussical (Jojo. CHSMTA Nomination: Outstanding Leading Actress), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), How to Succeed... (Miss Jones) Awards: Winner of the Barnum Festival Vocal Competition - Opera Division, Winner of the Metropolitan Room’s Metrostar Competition - Audience Favorite. Jacqueline has performed songs a number of times from The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, Hamilton, Anastasia and more throughout CT and NYC. Jacqueline thanks her family and friends for their never ending love and support, and Mrs. Spillane, Jerold, Andrea, Mrs. Bolan, Mr. B, and the cast and crew for all their inspiration, hard work, and lifelong memories.

CAROLINE MARCHETTI (Velma Kelly), a sophomore, is beyond excited to be playing the role of Velma Kelly. Last year Caroline loved performing in THS’s production of Curtains (dance ensemble). She has been a dancer for 13 years, eight of which have been at Rockwell Dance Center (formerly PACC). Caroline is truly thrilled to be combining her love of dance and passion for singing together for this role. She would just like to give an extra thank you to Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Jerold, Andrea, and the entire cast and crew for all their endless support, hard work, and guidance. Caroline would also like to give a special shoutout to her family and voice teacher for their endless encouragement, support, and “All That Jazz.”

THOMAS LEONARD (Billy Flynn) is thrilled to be playing the illustrious Billy Flynn in his final THS production. In previous years, Tom worked his way up from an ensemble member in How to Succeed in Business (2016) to a nominee for Best Supporting Actor in Curtains as Christopher Belling (2018). He’d like to thank his musical teacher Jerold Goldstein and his director Jessica Spillane. Without them, he would be nowhere close to to the smooth-talking lawyer he is today. Of course he would also like to thank his friends and family for pushing him to be his best. But right now all he cares about is giving the audience “the old Razzle Dazzle.”

HARRISON GILBERTI (Amos Hart) is elated to to be in his final production at THS. This past fall, he was privileged to be in the THeSpian production of The Good Doctor (The Writer). Past roles include Curtains (Aaron Fox), Seussical (Cat), and How to Succeed... (Bud Frump). Harrison was privileged to be in TYA’s ensemble of Shrek and Ragtime. He extends thanks to Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Mr. B, Jerold, Abby, Andrea, and the Mamas for creating a environment full of joy, learning, and excitement throughout his high school experience. Harrison thanks his Mom and Dad for unconditional support and love and surviving the 12 hour car ride with him to Cincinnati. He thanks the cast and crew, wishing them all well on future endeavors. Break legs everyone!! Carpe diem!

JENNA DeLUCIA (Matron ‘Mama’ Morton), a sophmore, is excited to be a part of her first THS musical. The past five years, she has had the honor of performing in the TYA’s summer productions and had the opportunity to be an assistant choreographer in the TYA Jr. production of The Music Man. She would like to thank her sisters, everyone in TYA, and her first dance teacher, Ms. Dona, for making her fall in love with theater. Also, she would like to say a special thanks to her family and friends for being so supportive and everyone in the THS theater department for making this show possible.

MARIA GRIFFIN (Mary Sunshine) is ecstatic to be in her last THS musical! In previous productions at THS, Maria has performed in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Ensemble) and Seussical (Who). Maria has also had the privilege of costuming for THeSpian’s fall play, The Good Doctor. Other theatre credits include being a part of many TYA musicals such as; Mary Poppins (Ensemble), The Little Mermaid (Princess) and Ragtime (Immigrant Ensemble). Maria would like to extend a huge thank you to Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Jerold, Mr. B, the Mamas, Andrea, the entire cast and crew of Chicago, and especially her family for their never ending love and support. Give ‘em the old razzle dazzle!

DANNY RANDAZZO (Fred Casely) is extremely excited to be playing Fred Casey, yet sad as it is his last time performing in a THS production before moving to Tampa to study social work. Previously, Danny has been seen in the (dance ensemble) in How To Succeed (winner of the 2016 CHSTMA’s outstanding production of the year.) In Seussical, he was the (Grinch and dance ensemble), & (Prince Eric’s fly double and dance ensemble) in TYA’s Little Mermaid. Many thanks to Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Jerold, Mr. B, the Mamas, and our newest addition Andrea! Much love to Mom, Dad, and Nina. Shoutout to my friends Glo, Gracie, Abbey, Carley, and Teagan for loving me even when I had rehearsal everyday. In the wise words of Ariana Grande, “thank you, next.”

RACHEL ARIANNA WEINTRAUB (Hunyak, Roxie/Velma understudy), sophomore is excited to be back on the THS stage after last year playing Niki Harris (Curtains). Off-Broadway/Regional: Amber (Hairspray), Olive (Spelling Bee), Gingy (Shrek), Lana (Reddi High), Minnie Mae (Bend in the Road), etc. Recently Rachel filmed indie feature Hushed as Bailey and filmed a new media project. Live concert performances: Jordan Porco Foundation (Foxwoods Casino), Words Can Soar (54 Below), Tunes for Tots (Time Square), Producers Club and more nationally. 2018 LA Music Critic Awards Winner for Rising Star and Fan Favorite. Top 10 in Connecticut’s Got Talent. Agent: Seven Stars Talent Agency (bi- coastal). Rachel dedicates her performance to her Grandfather who she lost this year. Thanks to Mrs.Spillane, Mrs.Bolan, Jerold Goldstein, Andrea Metchik, cast, crew, and family.

CAMRYN FETZER (Liz/Dance Captain), a senior, is beyond excited for her second THS musical! In the past, she has been a part of Curtains (dance ensemble) along with being a student at Rockwell Dance Center (previously PACC) since she was eight years old. She has been a member of the Dance Company at RDC for the past five years. She would like to extend a thank you to everyone involved in making Chicago possible along with her friends and family for being supportive and encouraging throughout the process!

ALI KARPOWICH (Mona/Dance Captain) feels bittersweet about her fourth and final THS Musical. Previously, she has been in the dance ensemble in Mary Poppins, How to Succeed, The Little Mermaid, Ragtime and Curtains. She played Mayzie La Bird in Seussical and The Witch in Shrek. She was also one of five student directors of The Good Doctor, performed at THS this past fall. Ali has also been dancing at CT Dance for 15 years. She wants to thank everyone who has supported her over the past four years--she would not trade this experience for the world. Next year she will be attending Suffolk University with hopes to continue performing.

ASHLEY ANDERSON (Dance Captain) is so proud and excited to be in her fourth and final THS Musical. Previously, she was in the dance ensemble for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Seussical, and Curtains (dance captain). Ashley would like to thank her family for always supporting her in everything that she does as well Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Andrea, Jerold, and Abby for pushing her these past four years to become the person she is on and off the stage. She wants to extend a thank you to the cast of Chicago, especially the dance ensemble, for making her last show filled with lots of laughter and memories she will remember forever.

JAMES GALLO (Lighting Design) is thrilled to be a part of Chicago for his final major THS Musical. Previous THS productions include: Charley’s Aunt (lighting crew); How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (lighting crew); Love/Sick (asst. lighting designer); Seussical (asst. lighting designer); 24 Hour Play-A-Thon (lighting designer); Curtains (lighting designer); as well as several other local productions. He would like to thank: Mr. Bracksieck and Everett, for being mentors to him over the course of his four years and for teaching him everything he knows about lighting; Jack, for stepping into an enormous role; his friends, for accepting “Sorry, I have crew” as an excuse for four years; and his Mom, Dad and sister Ava, his biggest fans and supporters. He will definitely miss being around the THS auditorium as he moves on to college next year. He congratulates the entire cast and crew of Chicago on another great show.

NATHAN DiPINTO (Stage Manager) is so excited to be a part of his third musical at THS. He was a part of the stage crew in THS’s production of Seussical, board operator in the 24-Hour Play-A-Thon, Assistant Stage Manager for the THS production of Curtains in 2018 and the TYA production of Shrek: The Musical, and Stage Manager for the 2018 production of The Good Doctor at THS. He would like to thank his family and friends, as well as Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, and Mr. B for supporting him this year and in years past. Break legs, everyone!

GRETCHEN D’AMATO (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be stage managing her fourth and final THS show. Past THS credits include: Charley’s Aunt (costumes), How To Succeed... (prop/run crew), Seussical the Musical (prop/run crew), and Curtains (assistant stage manager). Gretchen has also been active with the TYA. Past TYA credits include: Mary Poppins (prop/run crew), The Little Mermaid (prop/run crew), Ragtime (assistant stage manager), and Shrek the Musical (assistant stage manager). She would like to thank Mrs. Spillane, Mr. B, and Mrs. Bolan for all of their support!

BRITLEY LEARNARD (Production Assistant) is excited to be a part of her final musical at THS. She first joined crew during TYA’s Mary Poppins (2015) and continued production crew at THS during her freshman year for Charley’s Aunt. Previously, she was a production assistant for the musicals How To Succeed, Seussical, and Curtains and produced the 24 Hour Play-A- Thon, Love/Sick, and The Good Doctor. She wishes luck to the cast and crew and would like to thank them for their dedication. Britley is grateful to have joined this community within THS, leaving her with four unforgettable years. A special thank you to Mrs. Bolan for mentoring her during her high school career and for giving her this amazing opportunity.

CLAIRE CUNNINGHAM (Backstage Manager), a senior, is excited to take part in Chicago, her fourth musical and eighth production overall at THS. She has backstage-managed for past shows such as Seussical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and the 24 Hour Play-a-Thon. Most recently she served as the Properties Manager for The Good Doctor. Claire would like to thank her family for supporting her over the past four years and Mrs. Bolan, Mr. Bracksieck, and Mrs. Spillane for all the amazing opportunities. She also wants to congratulate the entire cast and crew for putting on such an amazing production for her final act at THS.