Digital Program: The Prom
The Footlight Club Presents
The Prom
Book & Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Book by Bob Martin
Music by Matthew Sklar
Based on an original concept by Jack Viertel
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Time: 2010’s
Location: Fictional town of Edgewater, Indiana
The Prom runs for approximately 2 ½ hours. There will be a 15-minute intermission.
Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, THE PROM expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.
Eliot Hall, 7A Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Information: 617-524-3200
The Footlight Club is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the state of Massachusetts administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Footlight Club is also supported in part by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council, a local agency which is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events.
Our newly accessible Eliot Hall, completed in February 2022, is supported by grants from
the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, the Community Preservation Fund, and the George B. Henderson Foundation.
Director’s Note
Dear Audience member,
An unruly heart is a worthy heart. We don’t choose who we love, and to be unruly is to be human. When we're young, everything feels like it's ending. We're fully ourselves while trying to be someone else. If who you are is condemned early on, it becomes hard to love your own unruly heart.
The Prom hits close to home. Beneath its sparkle, it reminds us that art can warn us of what’s to come. Written in 2016, it likely hoped 2025 would look brighter. But here we are, still fighting the same battles. In a world where both the arts and basic rights are under threat, this show isn’t just timely — it’s vital.
Choosing The Prom was personal. In my hometown of Bedford, NH, something similar happened — no celebrity activists, just real people. When I first heard the soundtrack in 2018, it transported me back to 2016. We don’t choose if our hearts are unruly, but we do choose how we treat one another.
This show is both a celebration and a call to action. Let it be a fabulous escape and a reminder: the work isn’t done. The conversations aren’t over. If your heart is unruly, you are worthy. If you love someone with an unruly heart, protect them, let them be. As Barry says — if you don’t let someone be who they are, you’ll lose them.
So, be the bridge. Keep fighting. Keep the conversation alive. Keep being unruly. And enjoy this incredible show, created by amazing unruly artists.
Jill Tokac
(Director of The Prom)
Scenes/Songs List
ACT ONE
Scene 1: A Step and Repeat
“Changing Lives” - Dee Dee, Barry, Ensemble
“Changing Lives Reprise” - Dee Dee, Barry, Angie, Trent
Scene 2: School
“Just Breathe” - Emma
Scene 3: School Gym
“It’s Not About Me” - Dee Dee, Barry, Angie, Trent, Ensemble
Scene 4: School Hallway
“Dance With You” - Emma, Alyssa
Scene 5: Motel
Scene 6: Concert (Rally) for Emma
“The Acceptance Song” - Trent, Dee Dee, Barry, Angie, Ensemble
Scene 7: Motel Room
Scene 8: School Gym
“You Happened” - Emma, Alyssa, Ensemble
Scene 9: Applebees
“We Look to You” - Mr. Hawkins
Scene 10: Emma’s Room
“Tonight Belongs to You” - Barry, Emma, Mrs. Greene, Ensemble
~ INTERMISSION ~
ACT TWO
Scene 11: Press Conference
“Entr’acte” - Orchestra
Scene 12: Emma’s Bedroom
“Zazz” - Angie, Emma
Scene 13: Principal’s Office
“The Lady’s Improving” - Dee Dee
Scene 14: In Front of the 7-Eleven
“Love Thy Neighbor” - Trent, Ensemble
Scene 15: School Hallway
“Alyssa Greene” - Alyssa
Scene 16: Barry’s Motel Room
“Barry’s Going to Prom” - Barry
Scene 17: Emma’s Bedroom
“Unruly Heart” - Emma, Ensemble
Scene 18: Hawkins’ Office
“Changing Lives Act II” - Barry, Dee Dee, Trent, Angie, Mr. Hawkins
Scene 19: Alyssa’s Home/High School Gym
“It’s Time to Dance” - Emma, Alyssa, Company
Cast
Emma Nolan: Samantha Hughson
Barry Glickman: Nick Panagiotou
Dee Dee Allen: Cynthia Krebs Lee
Trent Oliver: Matty Finn
Angie Dickinson: Melinda Mogel
Alyssa Greene: Liv Bartolomei
Mr. Hawkins: Paul Murphy
Mrs. Greene: Jocelyn Hesse
Sheldon: River Armstrong
Kaylee: Emma Salinas
Shelby: Maria Barrett
Kevin: Lucas Coura
Nick: Dom Pappagallo
Ensemble: Carlee Fallon (Dance Captain), Amanda Raponi (Dance Captain), Lizzy Pease, Sophia Samaha, Melissa MacNeil Sullivan, Jillian Pelletier, Andrew Swansburg, Paul Nelson, Nicky Galatis, Phillip Matos
Production Team
Producers: Jim Ansart, Julie Joyce
Director: Jill Tokac
Assistant Director: Theo Cheever
Stage Manager: Emma Neary
Assistant Stage Manager: Caitlin Faria
Music Director: Evelyn Tomaro
Choreographer: Chad Flahive
Scenic Designer: Nolan DuPont Love
Costume Designer: Kathleen Carroll
Lighting Designer: Ryan Guimares
Sound Designer: Bill Shamlian
Props Designers: Katie Sobkowicz, Erica Traub
Master Carpenter: Zackary Shrine
Assistant Scenic Designer/Painter: Sinead Bergeron
Band
Keys 1/Conductor: Evelyn Tomaro
Keys 2: Bethany Aiken
Reed 1: Nolan McCullough
Reed 2: Stephen Guerra
Trumpet: Nicole Boyea
Trombone: John Mackie
Violin 1: Margaret Barbour
Cello: Kylie Hechinger
Guitar: Dalton Neilan
Bass: Sarah Klein
Drums: Evan Stroessner
Keyboard Programming: Henry Roseman
Set Construction Crew
Carlee Fallon and Angus, Max Barwick, Meredith Weaver, Dave Brown, Elisabeth Wilhelm, Jim Jacobs, Reva Levin
Special Thanks
Brian Crete, Needham Community Theater, Open Door Theater, Salmagundi, On Centre, Susanna, George’s Shoes, Sweet Pea and Sage, American Dry Cleaning, Goodwill Industries, D-Bar
Cast and Crew Biographies
Jim Ansart (Producer) is grateful for the opportunity to help bring The Prom to the Footlight Club stage. Jim produced last season’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, also directed by Jill Tokac. He also appeared as Constable Joe in last season’s Tuck Everlasting. Jim has been acting on local stages for the past 40+ years. At the Footlight Club he also produced Chicago, Damn Yankees, Auntie Mame, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rumors, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Thanks to the cast, crew and his husband Chris for all he does.
River Armstrong (Sheldon | they/he) is ecstatic to be back on stage and making their Footlight debut after a long theatrical hiatus! Previous favorite shows include: American Idiot, Legally Blonde, and various performances with Skorts Musical Sketch Comedy (Brown University). River is deeply grateful to the cast and crew for supporting him in their first production as a trans & nonbinary individual, especially the basses & Evelyn for helping them (literally) find their voice. Being in The Prom has been an incredibly euphoric and rewarding experience for him. It is more important than ever that we see queer representation and joy both on stage and in real life. River spends their days working to make healthcare more accessible and affirming for their queer community, and their nights camping, knitting, and keeping their two orange cats entertained. Much love to the dykes of Boston.
Maria Barrett (Shelby) is thrilled to be making her Footlight Club debut playing Shelby in their production of The Prom. Past theater experience include Elle Woods in NU Stage’s production of Legally Blonde and performances as The Leading Player in Pippin, Mia in La La Land, and Alison in Fun Home. She spends her time working for an independent record label based in Boston called Run For Cover Records, and watching movie musicals with her roommate, Emma. She wants to thank the entire cast, crew and production team for this amazing experience and is so proud of the show. Also thanks to her parents cause they drove all the way from Florida with their dogs so she could see them (the dogs of course).
Liv Bartolomei (Alyssa Greene | she/her) is thrilled to be back on the stage and excited to be performing with this amazing group of people. The commitment and talent that this group has is unbelievable! She dedicates this to Gage, Lori, and her friends and family for pushing and supporting her.
Kathleen Carroll (Costume Designer | she/her) is thrilled for her first show with the Footlight Club! A Dorchester native, Kathleen has enjoyed Boston’s vibrant theater scene her whole life. Previously, Kathleen designed costumes for multiple theater and dance productions at Bridgewater State University and stage-managed Stories Without Roofs: Writing Home with Ministry of Theater. She thanks her husband, Bryce, for his unwavering support (and for letting her convert their house into a costume shop), as well as her family, who have always encouraged her creative endeavors.
Lucas Coura (Kevin | he/him) is a countertenor and content creator based in Boston. His recent roles include Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Endimione in La Callisto, and Tolomeo in Giulio Cesare. He has recently appeared in the ensemble of Odyssey Opera in Tobias Picker’s Awakenings and Rachmaninoff’s Troika. Lucas frequently performs the works of Handel and Bach as a member of the Choir of the New Jerusalem at Church on the Hill. Lucas is also a roster member of Nightingale Vocal Ensemble, where he performs in innovative programs such as last season’s Cask of Amontillado, which combined the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe with the musical work of Carlo Gesualdo. His teaching work centers on the relationship between voice study and mental health, aiming to help students rediscover musical joy lost to formalized training. Learn more at www.lucasludwigcoura.com
Theo Cheever (Assistant Director) is grateful for this opportunity from FLC to return to the arts. He would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication.
Carlee Fallon (Ensemble/Dance Captain | she/her) is pumped to be going back to the prom, this time in a dress! After Stepping Out in fall of 2023, she has been itching to get back to FLC, and couldn't think of a better show and team to do it with. As a transgender performer, it is such a gift to find a safe place to do what I love. Credit Highlights: A Chorus Line (Bebe), Next to Normal (Gabe), Into the Woods (Jack), and Stepping Out (Mavis). When not performing, she is a clinical intern in her final months of grad school, where she is studying clinical mental health counseling. This show is dedicated to anyone out there who has ever felt ashamed or scared to be who they are, and has that desire to love and live freely and authentically - you are seen and loved. For Mom and Angus!
Caitlin Faria (Assistant Stage Manager) is happy to be a part of the team bringing The Prom to the Footlight Club stage. Her other credits include The Secretary (assistant director) and The Wolves (props/costume designer) at Hovey Players in Waltham, Massachusetts and FLC's Bright Star (assistant stage manager) and Tuck Everlasting (props designer). She works as an associate sports producer and writer for WHDH 7News Boston. Caitlin would like to thank everyone in the cast and crew for their hard work and all of her loved ones for supporting her.
Chad Flahive (Choreographer) is honored to be back to theater after a ten year hiatus. He last directed and choreographed The Wild Party here at The Footlight Club in 2012. He has directed/choreographed countless productions: Chicago, Footloose, 42nd St, A Chorus Line & Seussical among others. Sincere thank you to ibuprofen, gratitude to this cast for reigniting my love for this art, and to Carlee and Amanda - I’m in awe of you both and forever thankful.
Matty Finn (Trent Oliver | he/him) is thrilled to be working with The Footlight Club again in The Prom! Matty was most recently seen in February House with The Treehouse Collective and has performed at many theatres in the greater Boston area over the past 20 years. Matty currently works in faculty affairs at Emerson College where he enjoys working with a vibrant and creative community. Special thanks to his family and friends for their unwavering support - and to his loving partner Brian for always being his biggest cheerleader.
Nicky Galatis (Ensemble | they/he) is jazzed to be in The Prom ensemble, where every step-ball-change is a subtle cry for attention. Known for blending in just enough to shine, they bring Broadway dreams, ensemble realness, and enough fake smiles to power a small village. Offstage, they enjoy long tech rehearsals (ironically), dramatic lighting cues, and reminding leads where their props are. Catch them in the background—stealing scenes and hearts, one grapevine at a time.
Ryan Guimares (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be making his Footlight debut as the light designer for The Prom! Previous design credits include Lord of the Flies, Eurydice, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Emmanuel College. As an actor, he’s performed as Pozzo in Waiting for Godot (True Rep Theatre), Father in A Wrinkle in Time (Curtain Call Theatre), Michel in Murder on the Orient Express and Barnette Lloyd in Crimes of the Heart (Milton Players), and Scotty in Ripcord! (Duxbury Bay Players). He’s deeply grateful to the incredible cast and crew for their hard work and collaboration in bringing this show to life. He hopes you enjoy watching The Prom as much as he’s enjoyed being part of it!
Jocelyn Hesse (Mrs. Greene | she/her) is thrilled to be back on the boards at FLC, last seen LONG ago in Wild Party (Madeline True) & Seussical (Sour Kangaroo). Other favorite credits include Curtains (Carmen Bernstein) @ Weston Friendly, Pippin (Berthe) @ Arlington Friends, Annie (Ms Hannigan) @ Riverside, A New Brain (Mother) & City of Angels (Angel City 4) @ Longwood Players, and Chicago (Mama Morton) @ Encore Theater. Thanks to the production team for the chance to work with this amazing cast on this soul-nourishing show! And as always, eternal gratitude for the love of my husband, Chris, and of my family.
Samantha Hughson (Emma Nolan | she/her) is thrilled to be making her Footlight Club debut. She has enjoyed the whole process and thanks the cast, crew, and production team for creating a wonderful environment. Some of her favorite past credits include Margot in Legally Blonde at Curtain Up Theater in Westborough, and Kate Monster in Avenue Q at Clark University. She gives a huge thanks to GAA for helping build her strength and endurance, to Sarah for her amazing jazz classes, and to Jillian for always encouraging her to belt it out. Samantha gives her love and thanks to her family and friends for always supporting her. She appreciates everyone who made the trip to the theater (especially if it involved an airplane), and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Julie Joyce (Producer | she/her) is so excited to make her debut as a producer at The Footlight Club! After a decade-long hiatus, Julie is thrilled to be involved with theatre once again. When she isn’t at FLC, she can be found conducting neuropsychology research on PTSD, TBI, and aging in Veterans, or working on her “hobby of the week” (right now it’s embroidery!). She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for putting on an excellent show and making her job easy, and Jim Ansart for his support, guidance, and willingness to take a newbie under his wing. Julie would like to extend special thanks to her fiancé, Ben, who is always super supportive and patient with her never-ending and always-growing list of projects!
Cynthia Krebs Lee (Dee Dee Allen) is thrilled to be going back to the Prom with her friends at Footlight Club! After working as a ballet dancer, Cynthia went on to earn her BA in Business and Musical Theater at CSU, Chico. Favorite credits include Pippin (Fastrada), White Christmas (Betty Haynes) at Massasoit Theatre Company, A Chorus Line (Cassie) at WFS, Guys and Dolls (Adelaide) at HCMT, and The Pajama Game (Babe) at WFS. By day, when she isn’t with her 3 busy girls, Cynthia is the Chief Operating Officer at South Shore Conservatory! Thanks to my incredible wife, Len, for being my forever dance partner!
Nolan DuPont Love (Scenic Designer) is excited to be a part of his second show at The Footlight Club following his work as Scenic Designer on Yellow Face. Nolan is an Actor represented by SAG-AFTRA actors union of the New England Local working in productions such as Madame Web and Julia. Nolan graduated from Emmanuel College with a double major in Theatre Arts and Creative Writing with a minor in Communications and has used this background to design shows such as Cinderella, Addams Family, and Legally Blonde for Community Theatres and Colleges around Boston.
Matt McKee (Poster Photography) is proud to have been collaborating with the enthusiastic and creative members of the Footlight Club for the past two and a half decades, creating photography and photo illustrations for over 80 posters. He is beyond thrilled to have an opportunity to help brand Director Jill Tokac’s vision for the production and work with the amazing talents of the actors and production team. During the day, Matt can be found creating photography for a wide variety of marketers, manufacturers and industries in the Greater Boston area (samples at mckeephotography.com).
Phillip Matos (Ensemble | he/him) is so excited to be in The Prom! He's incredibly grateful for the chance to work with such a talented cast. He'd like to say thanks to his mom, dad, and brother for all the love, to his friends Emily, Sam, and Rachel for all the support, and to the line dancing queens for all the great times.
Melinda Mogel (Angie Dickinson | she/her) is delighted to be back at The Footlight Club with the talented cast and crew of The Prom! Other favorite roles and productions include Marge MacDougall in Promises, Promises (The Footlight Club – DASH Nominee for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical), Lilian LaFleur in Nine, Margery in Hand to God (Arlington Friends of the Drama), and Roxie Hart in Chicago (Winthrop Playmakers – DASH Nominee for Best Actress in a Musical). Many thanks and much love to friends and family for all the love and support. Special thanks to Jackie, a girl who already has plenty of zazz! You’ve made me the world’s luckiest and happiest bonus mom. This one’s for you, Bubalinki!
Paul Murphy (Mr. Hawkins | he/him) is thrilled to be back at Footlight Club having previously played the Captain in Sound of Music and the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance. Recently, Paul played Senex in Forum and Charlemagne in Pippin. Other favorite roles: Herbie in Gypsy, Jack in Angel Street, Warbucks in Annie, Lennie in Rumors, Felix in Odd Couple, and Richard Henry Lee in 1776. Recently, Paul directed Drowsy Chaperone at the Arlington Friends and The Music Man for the Concord Players. Previous directing credits: Boeing Boeing, 9 to 5, Curtains!, Steel Magnolias, Night Watch, Dearly Beloved, Moon Over Buffalo, Dinner with Friends, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Women in Jeopardy, You Can’t Take It With You, All Night Strut, and The Last Night of Ballyhoo. Next fall, Paul will direct the delightful musical comedy, Triumph of Love, for the Arlington Friends.
Emma Neary (Stage Manager | she/her) is so pumped to be working on her first show at The Footlight Club! Since graduating from Boston University in August, she has been itching to get back to working on shows! Some recent stage management endeavors include Anastasia and Death of a Salesman, but she can also be occasionally seen on stage, recently appearing in Spring Awakening. She is happy to expand her theatre knowledge by recently completing her Intimacy Director education. When not doing theatre, she is usually watching a violent TV show or doing a puzzle. Break legs all <3
Paul Nelson (Ensemble) is grateful to the creative team for the opportunity to debut at Footlight, all the behind-the-scenes folks for their countless efforts, and his kind, hard-working castmates! “Your worth is inherent. Pursue your highest excitement without attachment to outcome.”
Nick Panagiotou (Barry Glickman | he/him) is thrilled to return to The Footlight Club as Barry in The Prom, after previously appearing as Terpsicore in Xanadu. He has been a singer, dancer, and soloist with the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus for over a decade, performing featured roles in Alexander’s House and A Peacock Among Pigeons, and has also served as Dance Captain. Nick studied Theater at Suffolk University and has performed in countless musicals throughout his life, both onstage and behind the scenes as a choreographer. He also creates and performs cabaret shows in Boston, most recently One More Song, One More Story, which combined personal storytelling with guest vocalists. Offstage, Nick works as an Executive Assistant and HR Manager. He’s grateful to be part of such a talented and hard-working team.
Dom Pappagallo (Nick) is elated to perform at The Footlight Club for the first time! Dom spent last summer at Reagle Music Theatre for South Pacific (Swing), All Shook Up (Sheriff Earl), and An American in Paris (Mr. Z). Favorite past roles include The Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart), Urinetown (Bobby Strong), and Joseph… Dreamcoat (Joseph) with various community theaters around Greater Boston. When Dom isn’t on stage you can find him at Fenway Park giving tours! Dom would like to thank the creative team, the cast, crew and his wildly supportive family and friends.
Lizzy Pease (Ensemble) is excited to return to the stage after a four year break from performing. Past credit highlights include Billie Bendix at Cockpit in Court and Adult Women in Spring Awakening with Emerson Stage. She would like to thank the cast and creative team for welcoming her back with open arms into the world of the theatre. She would also like to thank her parents for their unending support in everything she does. She dedicates all of her performances to Kinja, who is watching from above.
Jillian Pelletier (Ensemble) is very excited to be performing for the first time with the Footlight Club! Jillian is a Lynn native who went to receive training at a conservatory in both Manhattan and Los Angeles. She has followed her passion back home to share her art with those in her community, with her most recent credit being in the Women’s Chorus of The Suppliant Women. Jillian would like to thank her family for their ongoing support and love.
Amanda Raponi (Ensemble/Dance Captain | she/her) is honored to be part of such a special production and step foot on the FLC stage for the first time! Amanda went to AMDA NY (MT track) and graduated from Suffolk University (received B.A. in MT). She was last seen as Paulette in Stage 284’s production of Legally Blonde in 2024. Favorite past roles include: Ilse in Spring Awakening (TCS), Judas in JCS (MLT), Audrey in LSOH (AAH), Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in Spelling Bee (TCS), Heather Chandler in Heathers: The Musical (TCS), Whatsername in American Idiot (MLT), Robert Anne in Nunsense (WPM), Velma Kelly in Chicago (SPBC), Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (WPM), and Anita in West Side Story (SPBC). Other vocal endeavors include the National Anthem for the Red Sox, Celtics, and Harlem Globetrotters. Special thanks to my husband for holding down the fort and my incredible children for always loving me unconditionally!
Emma Salinas (Kaylee) is so excited to be making her Footlight Club debut! Originally from California, Emma has been living on the east coast for about two years now with this being her first show back in over three years. Some of her credits include Alice Murphy in Bright Star, Jo March in Little Women, Vivian in Legally Blonde, and Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She has ventured into choreography and directing children’s theatre and hopes to pursue a career in the directing field. She’s beyond thrilled to be a part of such an important story, and to be working with the most amazing people ever!
Sophia Samaha (Ensemble | she/her) is excited to participate in her second show with Footlight, having just performed in Bright Star (Florence, Alice u/s). Other favorite musical credits include Hunchback of Notre Dame (Clopin), Company (Marta), and Little Women (Meg). She has also enjoyed music directing (Into the Woods) and participating in pit orchestras as a violinist (Cabaret, Fugitive Songs, Jane Eyre, Natasha…Great Comet of 1812). When not onstage, Sophia can be found down the street at the Arnold Arboretum working with plants and trees. She would like to thank the cast and crew for making it a blast to work on this show! If you are interested in hearing more queer voices, check out her podcast I Don’t Know Any Straight People Anymore.
Bill Shamlian (Sound Designer) has been a member of FLC since 1995. He is a professional Location Sound Recordist who has worked on Oscar winning films and documentaries, television shows from Nat Geo to HGTV. He has covered Presidential Politics for major news outlets like ABC & NBC and has attended multiple Presidential Conventions and speeches since 2000. But still his passion is theatre sound. Bill is happy to be back in “his house”, working with this wonderful cast, crew and director.
Melissa MacNeil Sullivan (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her debut at The Footlight Club in The Prom! Some of her favorite past roles include Regina Koontz (Rock of Ages, MLT), Sally (Reefer Madness, WPM), Cinderella's Mother/Milky White (Into The Woods, MLT), and Mrs. Whitman/Player (NEVERMORE…,TCS). Melissa would like to thank the amazing production team for the opportunity to perform such a special and important piece. Melissa would also like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her, both on and off the stage! A huge shout out to the incredible and talented cast, who you can always count on for their hard work, a good laugh, a choreo review, and a pointed toe!
Andrew Swansburg (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his debut at The Footlight Club. No stranger to the theatre, Andrew has been seen in productions with Reagle Music Theatre, The Umbrella, The Concord Players, Vokes Theatre, Weston Friendly and many others around the Boston area. Some notable roles: Billy – Crazy For You; Mark – A Chorus Line; Eddie Ryan –Funny Girl; George – The Drowsy Chaperone, to name a few. Much love to my family and many thanks to the team at Footlight for the opportunity. Shout out to my favorite girls – Mary -performing with Chicago Movement Collective, Rachel – www.rachelswansburg.com and Lily –double major Bio/Neuroscience at UMass. J – I couldn’t do this without you.
Jill Tokac (Director) is incredibly excited to be back at one of her favorite theaters directing a dream show! A few of her select directing credits include The Great Gatsby (Stadium Theatre), Into the Breeches (Walpole Footlighters), and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (The Footlight Club). Originally a choreographer, Jill has worked on over 25 musicals, and often moonlights as a teaching artist for youth theatre. A graduate from Emerson College (Business, 2021), Jill works for Boston Children's Chorus during the day before rushing off to a rehearsal. She wants to thank the team for their creativity, the cast for their incredible talent, the Footlight Club for having faith in her to complete this project, and her family and friends for their unconditional support.
Evelyn Tomaro (Music Director) is a music director, conductor, and keyboardist specializing in musical theater. She is graduating from Berklee College of Music this May with a BM in professional music and a minor in musical theater conducting. Evelyn began piano at age three and began accompanying her school’s choirs at age eight. As a music director her credits include Dogfight, Sunday in the Park with George, 13, A Carol Christmas (FLC), and more. She recently made her 54 Below Debut as the music director for Acts of Love: The Songs of Jason Robert Brown. She has played keys for several shows including Into the Woods, Anastasia, Pippin, Sweet Charity, SpongeBob, and others. Evelyn is also a songwriter and released her single, Do You Think You’re God? on all platforms this past April! This summer, Evelyn will be the music director and supervisor at The Mac-Haydn Theatre in Chatham, New York.
Erica Traub and Katie Sobkowicz (Props Designers) are joining The Footlight Club for the first time as co-props managers. They have worked together at The Theater Company of Saugus and Needham Community Theater in past years. Their favorite show they have worked on was Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic at Theater Company of Saugus. Other credits from Katie include acting in Open Door Theater Productions of Peter Pan and Seussical, as well as doing lighting for Needham Community Theater and Arlington Friends of Drama. Katie also participated in high school Theater as an actor and crew. Erica worked on props for many more Needham Community theater shows, as well as doing College Theater.
Board of Directors
Elizabeth Bean, Michael Colford, Zach Best, Rob Guptill, Brian Bakofen, Jerry Wheelock, Melissa Paz, Rachel Veto, Val Tracy, Meredith Weaver, Lorie Komlyn, Juliette McClendon, Paul O’Shaughnessy, Amanda Bovoso, Ryder Nguyen, Trevor St. Pierre
Board of Trustees
Paul Campbell, Katie Taylor, Shelly Norton, Stephen Lussier, Lorie Komlyn, Jerry Wheelock, Jason Sheehan, Bill Shamilan, Matt McKee
Promotions and Publicity
Juliette McClendon, Promotions Director, Kristin MacDougall, Michael Colford, Elizabeth Curran, Matt McKee, Photographer
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Melissa Paz, Michael Colford, Kara Chu Nelson, Lessie Tyson, Ally Rzesa, Amanda Bedford, Mordecai Choi, Steven Key
Special thanks to all our dedicated volunteers who continue to help keep the Footlight Club running day in and day out, from front of house, to club clean-outs, we appreciate you!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at volunteers@footlight.org
And to our loyal members and patrons, thank you for continuing to support the Footlight Club!
Thank You to Our Footlight Family
We Are So Grateful for Your Support
As you walked in this evening, you no doubt noticed the beautiful new accessible entrance to the Footlight. This project – a new exterior ADA-compliant ramp and interior elevator to all four floors of Eliot Hall – ensures that all our guests can fully access all our spaces. Along the way, extensive repairs needed to be made to the foundation and existing chimneys. New spaces in our basement and on the third floor will provide essential props storage, and we’re already feeling warmer with an upgraded furnace system.
These upgrades were only possible through the generous financial support of our community partners. We extend our thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, the Community Preservation Fund, and the George B. Henderson Foundation. Most of our funding came from donations large and small from our Footlight Family. Thank you to everyone who donated.
The continued revitalization and restoration of Eliot Hall will always be one of Footlight’s top priorities. Your contributions will continue to make it possible to take on large-and-small-scale restoration projects, as well as maintaining the day-to-day operations of the building.
Every Gift Counts
If you are thinking about making your first gift, now is the time to make a gift in any amount.
Please give now at: www.footlight.org/donate
Or mail a check payable to The Footlight Club to:
Treasurer, The Footlight Club, 7A Eliot Street , Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Other Ways to Give
Email Treasurer@Footlight.org to make a gift of stock.
Become a Footlight Club Monthly Sustainer. For gift of over $500, your donation will renew, and your credit or debit card will automatically be billed each month. Please email Development@Footlight.org for more details
