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NEWS OF GRADUATES
2007 – 2008
HIGHLIGHTS
Note: This listing is by no means complete. Obtaining news from alums is a somewhat unscientific process. These examples are merely highlights of the activities of the graduates. This doesn’t include the countless workshops, readings, and industrials in which the graduates appear, and does not include all of their regional theatre and television work.
Emily Albrink (04) recently played Laurie in the Bronx Opera's production of Aaron Copland's THE TENDER LAND. She also played Despina in COSI FAN TUTTE at Tanglewood, conducted by James Levine.
Glenn Allen (06) played Edward Rutledge in 1776 at the Goodspeed Opera House. Glenn recently was Cliff Bradshaw in CABARET at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., for which he received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. Glenn was in the Broadway production of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, having created the role of Guiseppe in the premiere at the Intiman Theatre in Seattle. Glenn is on the faculty of CAP 21 at NYU.
Andrew Arrington (07) is in the upcoming Broadway production of GODSPELL.
Stanley Bahorek (03) played Ralph Malph in HAPPY DAYS at the Goodspeed Opera House this spring. Stan played the role of Leaf Coneybear in the San Francisco and Boston companies of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. He later joined the Broadway company of SPELLING BEE, again in the role of Leaf Coneybear.
Courtney Balan (00) appeared on Broadway in CRY-BABY. Courtney performed off-Broadway in I LOVE YOU BECAUSE and [TITLE OF SHOW] and the long-running I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE. Last summer she played Ado Annie in OKLAHOMA! at the Oklahoma Lyric Theatre, and she's now back on Broadway with [TITLE OF SHOW].
Jenni Barber (05) played the role of Olive Ostrovsky in the San Francisco and Boston companies of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, and she later joined the Broadway company of SPELLING BEE, again in the role of Olive Ostrovsky. She is currently filming the PBS series THE ELECTRIC COMPANY.
Whitney Bashor (05) recently played Luisa in the revival of THE FANTASTICKS off-Broadway, directed by the playwright/lyricist Tom Jones.
Katy Basile (04) is currently on Broadway in THE LITTLE MERMAID. Katie was an understudy on Broadway for two roles in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. She recently completed a long run in the national tour of MAMMA MIA.
Joel Bauer (07) is playing Maximillian in CANDIDE this fall at the Arden Theatre in Philadelphia.
David Baum (04) performed in DAMN YANKEES at the Encores City Center summer series in New York. David was in the original cast of the revival of A CHORUS LINE on Broadway. Before that he was in the Boston company of WHITE CHRISTMAS. He also appeared in the Encores NO, NO, NANETTE.
Tommy Berklund (05) is playing Greg in the revival of A CHORUS LINE on Broadway.
Ryan Binder (01) is playing Doody in the Broadway production of GREASE. Before that, he was in the national tour of MAMMA MIA.
Danny Binstock (06) played a leading role in THE LAST STARFIGHTER at the New York Music Theatre Festival last fall. Danny played the title role in THE BOY IN THE BUBBLE directed by Oskar Eustis at the American Musical Theatre Project in Evanston, IL, as well as appearing in MY FAIR LADY at the Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C. He was also in Shakespeare's TITUS ANDRONICUS at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., followed by HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at North Shore Music Theatre in Massachusetts. Danny starts this fall in the Yale graduate acting program.
Nick Blaemire (06) recently was on Broadway in CRY-BABY. His new musical GLORY DAYS was on Broadway this spring, after a run at the Signature Theatre in Virginia. Nick was recently in the workshop of SPIDERMAN, the new musical written by Bono of U2, and directed by Julie Taymor. Before that he had a long run as Abraham in the national tour of ALTAR BOYZ.
Doug Boes (02) recently played Warren Sheffield in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City. Before that he performed for several years in Tokyo Disneyland in Japan.
Todd Buonopane (00) was the understudy for 4 roles in the Broadway production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, having performed over 150 performances. Last fall he appeared at the Goodspeed Opera House and at the Paper Mill Playhouse in the new musical HAPPY DAYS.
David Burtka (07) played Tulsa in the Broadway revival of GYPSY with Bernadette Peters and can be heard on the cast album on Angel Records. He starred in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at the St. Louis MUNY, and played a leading role in THE OPPOSITE OF SEX at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco and at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He has appeared on the CBS series ÒHow I Met Your Mother.Ó
Gavin Creel (08) is starring in the new Broadway production of GODSPELL. Gavin recently completed a long run as Bert in the London production of MARY POPPINS. Gavin received a Tony nomination for THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and also appeared on Broadway in the revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES.
Jameson Cooper (07) recently performed in THE PRODUCERS at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA.
Jamie Cooper (04) appeared recently in URINETOWN starring John Rubenstein, produced by the Interact Theatre Company in Los Angeles
Jim Daly (08) was the long-time swing for ALTAR BOYZ off-Broadway.
Lisa Datz (05) starred in CRIMES OF THE HEART this summer at Theatre Aspen in Colorado. She played roles in the original Broadway casts of TITANIC and THE FULL MONTY.
Jeremy Davis (09) is in the Broadway-bound musical NINE TO FIVE, starting this fall in Los Angeles. Before that he was on Broadway in SOUTH PACIFIC at Lincoln Center. He recently completed a long run on Broadway and on tour in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, followed by Sheldon Harnick's A WONDERFUL LIFE at the Paper Mill Playhouse (also with graduates Kellie Drinkhahn and Jessica Murphy).
Erin Dilly (04) starred in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (Tony nomination). She also appeared on Broadway as Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS.
Janine DiVita (07) is currently playing Rizzo in GREASE on Broadway. She appeared in the new musical A TALE OF TWO CITIES at the Asolo Theatre in Sarasota last fall.
Tad Emptage (09) is a performer with the USO Singers, which gave over 300 performances last year for almost 3 million people.
Christy Faber (02) recently completed a run on Broadway in LES MISERABLES, as well as in the long-running off-Broadway hit, I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE.
Laurie Ferdman (07) played Maria in the recent European tour of WEST SIDE STORY.
Marjorie Failoni (08) is the dance captain of the national tour of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.
Barrett Foa (09) recently completed a lengthy run as Princeton/ Rod in AVENUE Q, as well as THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, in the role of Leaf Coneybear. Barrett also played Frederic in a new version of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
Alli Foss (03) recently completed a year in the national company of MAMMA MIA! in Las Vegas, playing the role of Ali, and understudying the role of Sophie.
Hunter Foster (02) is appearing at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis this summer in THE INSPECTER GENERAL. Hunter played Molina in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN at the Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C. Hunter starred on Broadway in THE PRODUCERS as Leo Bloom, a role he played periodically for several years. He also starred on Broadway in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Tony nomination) and in URINETOWN. Hunter wrote the libretto for the musical SUMMER OF '42.
Alex Gemignani (01) played the Boatman in the Broadway revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. In recent Broadway revivals he played Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES, the Beadle in SWEENEY TODD, and John Hinckley in ASSASSINS.
John Ganun (09) played Trevor Graydon in the national tour of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE.
Melissa Gietzen (03) is teaching drama at the Zurich International School.
Susan Grady (08) is currently touring China, South Korea, and other Far East countries in 42nd STREET.
Danny Gurwin (04) teaches at AMDA in Los Angeles. His recent Broadway credits include Laurie in LITTLE WOMEN and Malcolm MacGregor in THE FULL MONTY.
Kate Guyton (05) was on Broadway last fall in CYRANO de BERGERAC with Kevin Kline. She recently co-starred with Alec Baldwin in ENTERTAINING MR. SLOAN, produced by the Roundabout Theatre in New York City. Kate is on the faculty of the CAP 21 program at NYU.
Kevin Hale (04) was in THE 60'S PROJECT at the Goodspeed Opera House, directed by Richard Maltby, Jr., and in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at North Shore Music Theatre. He toured nationally in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.
Tiffany Helland (01) recently completed lengthy runs in the national tours of 42ND STREET and PETER PAN.
Leslie Henstock (02) was the understudy for Clara in the national tour of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. She recently finished a lengthy run as Cosette in the national tour of LES MISERABLES.
Adam Hess (07) is general manager of the Daryl Roth Theatre off-Broadway.
Brian Hissong (04) played a leading role in the new musical WINESBURG, OHIO at the Arden Theatre in Philadelphia, for which he won a Barrymore Award. He recently toured as Tony in WEST SIDE STORY in Japan, and Thailand, and in Europe. Last summer he starred in HIGH BUTTON SHOES at the Goodspeed Opera House, along with other Michigan graduates: Susan Grady (08), Tommy Berklund (05), David Hull (07) and Dani Spieler (07). This season he played John Truitt in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at the Paper Mill Playhouse opposite another graduate, Brynn O'Malley (03), along with Dani Spieler and Tommy Berklund.
Rachel Hoffman (09) is currently a casting associate in the New York office of Bernard Telsey.
Anne Horak (06) was in LONE STAR LOVE at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, as well as WHITE CHRISTMAS in Toronto.
David Hull (07) is in the national tour of WICKED.
Adam Hunter (06) completed a long run as Scar in the national tour of THE LION KING. He was also in the Broadway companies of LES MISERABLES, RAGTIME (Younger Brother) and LA BOHEME as well as the long-running off-Broadway I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE. His television credits include "Scrubs", "Girlfriends" and "Foodfight" with Eva Longoria.
Eric Jackson (00) is currently on Broadway in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. He was in the Irish Rep production of FINIAN'S RAINBOW and can be heard on the cast recording. Eric appeared in DREAMGIRLS at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and as Mereb in AIDA at the Westchester Broadway Theatre.
Andrew Keenan-Bolger (07) played the role of Leaf Coneybear in the national tour of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.. Before joining the tour, he played Ryan in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. This winter he will be in a touring production of THE GRINCH.
Celia Keenan-Bolger (00) played Mary in the new musical SAVED (based on the 2004 film) at Playwrights Horizons. She appeared last spring at Encores City Center with Victoria Clark in JUNO. Celia recently completed a long run in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, playing Olive Ostrovsky, for which she received a Tony nomination. She also performed on Broadway as Eponine in the revival of LES MISERABLES. Celia originated the role of Clara in THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at the Intiman Theatre in Seattle and at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.
Marc Kessler (04) appeared at the Goodspeed Opera House last fall in 1776, playing the role of James Wilson. Marc was responsible for the original concept of ALTAR BOYZ, now playing off-Broadway, with a score composed by another Michigan graduate, Gary Adler. Marc was a long-time member of the Manhattan Rhythm Kings. This fall he joins the cast of THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY'S.
Justin Keyes (06) was in the national tour of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE playing Chip Tolentino. Justin was on Broadway in THE APPLE TREE, as well as the Encores FACE THE MUSIC.
Ian Knauer (00) is in the national tour of MAMMA MIA! Ian recently played Munkustrap in CATS at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Rooster in ANNIE at the St. Louis MUNY, Billy Lawyer in 42ND STREET at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Frank Butler at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina in Hilton Head, and in AND THE WORLD GOES ROUND at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. He was in DAMES AT SEA at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, along with another Michigan graduate, Christy Morton (06).
Chelsea Krombach (05) is on Broadway in WICKED, understudying Elphaba, a role she has played numerous times.
Doug LaBrecque (08) is appearing with orchestras throughout the world as a featured soloist in pops concerts. He has performed numerous times with such orchestras as the San Francisco Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, and the Israel Philharmonic, along with countless others. Doug appeared on Broadway as Ravenal in SHOW BOAT, as well as playing both the Phantom and Raoul in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Toronto.
Jeremy Leiner (03) recently appeared in the 25th anniversary tour of EVITA, directed by Hal Prince and choreographed by Larry Fuller, as well as the national tour of BOMBAY DREAMS. Jeremy was in SHE LOVES ME at the Arena Stage in Washington, D. C.
Andrew Lippa (07) wrote music for Aaron Sorkin's new play THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION. Andrew won the Drama Desk Award for best music for his musical THE WILD PARTY. He has many new musicals in production, including THE LITTLE PRINCESS, JERRY CHRISTMAS and ASPHALT BEACH. Andrew is the musical director for Kristin Chenoweth, and recently conducted a concert with her at the MET.
Logan Lipton (03) recently completed a long run on Broadway in WICKED playing Boq, a role which he also played in the national tour.
Kate Loprest (05) recently completed a long run in the Chicago company of WICKED, understudying Glenda, a role she performed numerous times. Kate appeared in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE on Broadway, and is currently in XANADU.
Jody Madaras (03) is in the national tour of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. He recently played Bobby Childs in CRAZY FOR YOU at the Phoenix Theatre in Phoenix, AZ. This winter he played Phil Davis in WHITE CHRISTMAS, a role he also played last year in Virginia Beach, VA, at the Virginia Musical Theatre.
Paul Martinez (07) recently appeared as Bustopher Jones/Gus/Growltiger in CATS at Fullerton Civic Light Opera in Orange County, CA, and as Bun Foo in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE at Phoenix Theatre in Phoenix, AZ.
Cara Massey (07) is on Broadway in LEGALLY BLONDE.
Craig McEldowney (00) was in the cast of the Queen musical WE WILL ROCK YOU in Las Vegas. Also in that production was another MT graduate, Cian Coey (02)
Robb McKindles (03) recently appeared in 1776 at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.
Sean McKnight was recently on Broadway in CURTAINS.
Heather Mieko (08) played Gigi in MISS SAIGON at the South Bay Civic Light Opera in California recently.
Andy Mientus (09) is in the national tour of SPRING AWAKENING in the role of Hanschen, and will take a leave of absence from Michigan while he is on tour.
Eric Millegan (05) starred in the Fox TV series BONES, which recently finished its third season. Eric played the title character opposite Oscar-winner Estelle Parsons in the world premiere of the musical HAROLD AND MAUDE at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey.
Garrett Miller (04) recently completed a long run as the Pepper Shaker in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Broadway.
Justin Miller (01) was in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Las Vegas. Before that he appeared in KISMET in the City Center Encores series, and performed in Germany and Austria in PORGY AND BESS.
Lauren Molina (03) starred recently on Broadway in the revival of SWEENEY TODD as Johanna, a role which she is playing in the national tour.
Mike Mosallam (01) was recently in the Kennedy Center production of CARNIVAL.
Jesse Nager (03) was recently in BEING ALIVE, Billy Porter's Sondheim revue at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. Jesse had a long run on Broadway in MARY POPPINS. He was also on Broadway in GOOD VIBRATIONS and MAMMA MIA, as well as in Andrew Lippa's new musical THE LITTLE PRINCESS at Theatreworks in Palo Alto, CA.
Brynn O'Malley (03) played Celeste and was the Dot understudy in the Broadway revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. She recently completed a long run as Kate Monster in AVENUE Q in the Las Vegas production, as well as Broadway's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Belle understudy). She recently played Amalia in SHE LOVES ME at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., for which she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination as Best Actress in a Musical. She also played Amber in the Broadway production of HAIRSPRAY. Last fall she starred in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Center Stage in Baltimore and in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
Perry Ojeda (09) recently played Cliff in CABARET at the Sacramento Music Circus.
Susan Owen (03) is playing Christine (alternate) in the Broadway production of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, a role which she also played in the national tour.
Benj Pasek (06) and Justin Paul (06) won the 2007 Jonathan Larson Award for New Writers in the Musical Theatre. Their work is currently featured in the Disney series JOHNNY AND THE SPRITES. Their musical EDGES (which premiered in Ann Arbor at the Kerrytown Concert House) was added to the catalog of Music Theatre International (MTI). The show had a major production last fall at Capital Rep in Albany.
Meghan Randolph (04) appeared in the national tour of CATS as Jennyanydots and the understudy to Grizabella, which she performed numerous times. She appeared in the new musicals MUSKIE LOVE with the Madison Repertory Theatre and CABIN WITH A VIEW with the American Folklore Theatre. She is the founder and artistic director of Music Theatre of Madison, a new professional theatre in Madison, WI, where she directed HAIR, featuring Jummane Langston (04).
Matthew Rego (02) is one of the producers of WICKED and IN THE HEIGHTS. He also produced the Tony Award-winning URINETOWN.
Dan Reichard (00) is playing Freddy in MY FAIR LADY this summer at the Muny in St. Louis. Daniel created the role of Bob Gaudio in JERSEY BOYS, both on Broadway and at the La Jolla Playhouse. This spring he played Candide in the New York City Opera production of CANDIDE.
David Reiser (02) was a cast member in the recent workshop of JERRY CHRISTMAS, with a score by UM graduate Andrew Lippa. He also completed a masters degree in music at CCNY before going on tour in MAMMA, MIA.
Megan Reinking (03) is in the Public Theatre's production of HAIR in Central Park this summer. Megan appeared on Broadway in LESTAT.
Josh Rhodes (03) recently completed a long run in the Broadway production CHICAGO. This spring he choreographed WORKING at the Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, and he will choreograph the show again at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego next spring. Josh was the assistant choreographer for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE on Broadway, on tour, and in London. His other Broadway credits include BELLS ARE RINGING, URBAN COWBOY and THE BOY FROM OZ.
Rob Rokicki (01) recently completed a lengthy run in the national tour of EVITA, directed by Hal Prince.
Natalie Ross (02) recently toured in EVITA.
Josh Rouah (07) is playing Nikos in the national tour of LEGALLY BLONDE.
Paul Schaefer (01) is on Broadway in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, in the ensemble and playing Raoul.
Darryl Semira (01) is in the national tour of SPAMALOT, conducted by Michigan graduate Ben Whiteley. His recent Broadway credits include MAMMA, MIA and BOMBAY DREAMS.
Jen Sese (06) is currently playing Lisa in MAMMA MIA! In Las Vegas. Jen recently completed a long run as Marcy Park in the Chicago company of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.
Tara Siesener (03) was the standby for Tracy Turnblad in the Las Vegas production of HAIRSPRAY. She was in the Kennedy Center revival of CARNIVAL.
Alexis Sims (05) was in THE 60'S PROJECT at the Goodspeed Opera House last summer, as well as FINIAN'S RAINBOW at the Walnut Street Theatre and DREAMGIRLS at the Prince Music Theatre, both in Philadelphia.
Dani Spieler (07) is on Broadway in LEGALLY BLONDE.
Brian Spitulnik (05) is currently a swing in the Broadway production of CHICAGO. Brian was in the Radio City Christmas show in New York City, as well as GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, and CRAZY FOR YOU at the North Shore Music Theatre. Brian's new dance musical A GOOD BOY was produced by the Musical Theatre Department this past fall, with music by another Michigan graduate, Sam Davis.
Justin Stoney (05) appeared in a new play entitled THE PRIGRIM PAPERS at the Berkshire Theatre Festival, directed by Tony Award-winner Vivian Matalon.
Eddie Sugarman (04) received the 2006 Jonathan Larson Award, recognizing excellence in musical theatre writing. His musical MEET JOHN DOE was presented at the Goodspeed Opera House (Connecticut) and at the Ford's Theatre (Washington, D.C.).
Cary Tedder (09) was on Broadway last season in THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN,' directed and choreographed by Twyla Tharp.
Jennifer Thompson (01) starred as Mary Turner in the Encores City Center production of OF THEE I SING, along with two other Michigan graduates, Ian Knauer and David Baum. Jennifer starred on Broadway in FOOTLOOSE, URINETOWN (Tony nomination), and WICKED (Glinda).
Matt Toronto (08) is on the faculty of Penn State University, teaching theatre and musical theatre courses.
Toni Trucks (03) is featured in the film MUSIC AND LYRICS. She also has a scene with Eddie Murphy in DREAMGIRLS which is included in the dvd edition.
Erin Webley (02) toured in DR. DOLITTLE starring Tommy Tune, after lengthy runs in the national tours of 42ND STREET and THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Last summer she played Little Sally in URINETOWN at the Geva Theatre in Rochester, New York.
Brad Whitfield (00) is in the national tour of MAMMA MIA.
Mark Whitten (04) is appearing in FINDING NEMO at DisneyWorld.
Cortney Wolfson (07) is in the national tour of LEGALLY BLONDE. Countney was in the Broadway company of LES MISERABLES, understudying Eponine.
Paul Wyatt (04) recently played Doody in GREASE at the Sacramento Music Circus.
Helene Yorke (07) is playing Sharpay in the national tour of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.
Michael Zahler (05) recently completed a long run in the national tour of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE as Leaf Coneybear. This fall he joins the national tour of DIRTY DANCING, in the role of Neil Kellerman
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