A Chorus Line

In This Program

• Welcome & Guest Information
• About the Show
• Cast
• Musical Numbers
• Who’s Who
• Print Edition
• More about The 5th

Welcome

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Dear friends, 

Welcome to A Chorus Line and to the start of our 2026/27 Season!

When A Chorus Line first opened on Broadway in 1975, it changed musical theater forever. It gave audiences an unprecedented look behind the curtain at the hopes, fears, successes, and sacrifices of the people who make a life in this incredible art form. Now, over 50 years later, its examination of ambition, identity, passion, and what it means to be seen still feels remarkably relevant. 

It’s especially fitting to have this iconic musical on our stage this fall. On September 24th, our building turns 100 years old! For a century, this beautiful space has been a home for artists, audiences, and for bringing stories alive. 

We’ve seen this building serve as a vaudeville house, a movie theater, and, today, a home for the live musical theatre you know and love. I don’t know where the next 100 years will take us, but I do know that this building will continue to be a place where people come together, share an experience, and feel the thrill of live storytelling. 

This is particularly meaningful right now. We live in a world where AI is becoming a familiar part of our everyday lives. Technology can create incredible things, but attending live theater and experiencing the power of real people sharing real stories is uniquely human.

A Chorus Line was built from the words and experiences of actual Broadway performers. There’s something special about experiencing that kind of storytelling live and surrounded by other people. The laughter, the applause, the unexpected moments, the performers standing just a few feet away. It’s all real, and it’s all happening right here, right now. 

That’s the magic of live musical theater. Connection with the people onstage, the people sitting beside us, and sometimes even with the parts of ourselves we didn’t realize we needed to see. 

Thank you for being part of this community and for joining us as we celebrate 100 years of this extraordinary building. I hope you find A Chorus Line to be “One Singular Sensation,” and I hope you’ll continue to find a place here with us for many years to come. 

Enjoy the show!

Bill Berry
Executive & Artistic Director
The 5th Avenue Theatre Company

The 5th Avenue Theatre has been part of our lives for many years. We have celebrated unforgettable musical performances, watched new generations of artists find their voices, and felt the joy and connection only live theatre can create. The 5th is more than a theatre—it is a place where creativity, community, and hope come together, enriching Seattle in countless ways. We are grateful for all it has given us and are proud to help ensure it continues to thrive. We hope you will join us in sustaining this remarkable institution so future generations can experience the same inspiration and magic that have meant so much to us.
— The Behnke Family

Help carry the story forward. Join the Behnke Family in making a gift to sustain The 5th today.

September 15–27, 2026

THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE COMPANY
Executive & Artistic Director
BILL BERRY

Managing Director
ARIEL GOMEZ BRADLER

PRESENTS

Conceived, Originally Choreographed, and Directed by

MICHAEL BENNETT

Book by

JAMES KIRKWOOD & NICHOLAS DANTE

Music by

MARVIN HAMLISCH

Lyrics by

EDWARD KLEBAN

Originally Co-Choreographed by

BOB AVIAN

Featuring

KRYSTLE ARMSTRONG   SUSANNA CATHRYN BALLENSKI   ANNALISA BRINCHMANN   EMILY ANN BROOKS KENADY CONFORTH    ARTHUR JOSEPH CUADROS    KEONI DILAY   KEKOA DILAY   SARA ESTY MEGAN FELISE GARCIA    SAMANTHA GERSHMAN    SAPPHIRE GOETZ   AARON ALEXANDER GORDON TORI GRESHAM    KEES HOEKENDIJK    NEHEMIAH HOOKS    LACEY JACK    YUKA KAWAI JORDAN KING   JULIA KUZMICH    BRANDON LAVAR   ALESSANDRO J. LOPEZ    EDDIE MCCLARY CORINNE MUNSCH    MACKENZIE NEUSIOK    BRANDON O'NEILL    KAYDEN OLIVER    KAYLA PECCHIONI CONNOR RUSSELL    GILL VAUGHN-SPENCER   CHRISTIAN WEST    PEYTON WINSETT

Scenic Designer
MATTHEW SMUCKER

Costume Designer
HEIDI ZAMORA

Lighting Designer
CORY PATTAK

Sound Designer
KEN TRAVIS

Hair/Wig & Makeup Designer
JASON GOLDSBERRY

Associate Director
CHARLIE JOHNSON

Associate Music Director
LUKE RAFFANTI

Associate Choreographer
CORINNE MUNSCH

Associate Choreographer
JOHN T. WOLFE

Associate Set Designer
JULIA WELCH

Associate Lighting Designer
CASEY PRICE

Associate Sound Designer
LIAM STECKLER

Costume Design Assistant
OLIVIA CURRY

Technical Director
BENJAMIN BAIRD

Costume, Wardrobe, & Hair Director
SHANNIN STROM

Senior Manager of Artistic Programming
DEDRA D. WOODS

Production Stage Manager
ERIN B. ZATLOKA

Music Director

BETH G. TANKERSLEY

Director & Choreographer

DENIS JONES 

THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCING PARTNER
Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff

SETTING

AN AUDITION

Time: 1975          Place: A Broadway Theater

A CHORUS LINE IS PERFORMED WITHOUT INTERMISSION.

The characters portrayed in A Chorus Line are, for the most part, based on the lives and experiences of Broadway dancers.

A CHORUS LINE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com 

PRESENTING RESTAURANT PARTNER

CAST

(in alphabetical order)

Val SUSANNA … CATHRYN BALLENSKI
Kristine … ANNALISA BRINCHMANN
Bebe … EMILY ANN BROOKS
Larry … ARTHUR JOSEPH CUADROS
Cassie … SARA ESTY
Diana … SAMANTHA GERSHMAN
Sheila … TORI GRESHAM
Mark … KEES HOEKENDIJK
Don … NEHEMIAH HOOKS
Judy … LACEY JACK
Greg … JORDAN KING
Connie … YUKA KAWAI
Richie … BRANDON LAVAR
Mike … ALESSANDRO J. LOPEZ
Zach … BRANDON O'NEILL
Paul … KAYDEN OLIVER
Maggie … KAYLA PECCHIONI
Bobby … CONNOR RUSSELL
Al … GILL VAUGHN-SPENCER

UNDERSTUDIES

Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement
for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.

Sheila … CORINNE MUNSCH
Richie … NEHEMIAH HOOKS
Paul … ALESSANDRO J. LOPEZ
Bobby/Don … AARON ALEXANDER GORDON
Larry/Mike … CHRISTIAN WEST
Greg … EDDIE MCCLARY
Maggie/Judy … JULIA KUZMICH
Al/Mark … KEONI DILAY
Cassie/Val … KRYSTLE ARMSTRONG
Bebe/Diana … MACKENZIE NEUSIOK
Connie … MEGAN FELISE GARCIA
Kristine … SAPPHIRE GOETZ
Zach … GILL VAUGHN-SPENCER

Swings
KEKOA DILAY, KENADY CONFORTH, PEYTON WINSETT

Dance Captain
CORINNE MUNSCH

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Production Stage Manager
ERIN B. ZATLOKA

Assistant Stage Manager
LAUREL NICHOLS

Assistant Stage Manager
ANNA VRANEY

Swing Stage Manager
JR WELDEN

The actors and stage managers are members of Actors Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

“I Hope I Get It” … Company
“I Can Do That” … Mike
“And...” … Bobby, Richie, Val, and Judy
“At the Ballet” … Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie
“Sing!” … Kristine, Al, and Company
“Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love” … Mark, Connie, and Company
“Nothing” … Diana
“Mother” … Company
“Gimme the Ball” … Judy, Greg, Richie, and Company
“Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” … Val
“The Music and the Mirror” … Cassie
“One” … Company
“What I Did for Love” … Diana and Company
“One (Reprise) / Finale” … Company

ORCHESTRA

Conductor … BETH G. TANKERSLEY
Reed 1 … DANE ANDERSEN
Reed 2 … JORY TINDALL
Reed 3 … DEREK SMITH
Reed 4 … JAY EASTON
Trumpet 1 … BRAD ALLISON
Trumpet 2 … BRIAN SHAW
Trumpet 3 … WALTER CANO
Trombone 1 … DAN MARCUS
Trombone 2 … BESERAT TAFESSE or AUDREY STANGLAND
Bass Trombone … ANTONIO PORTELA
Percussion … PAUL HANSEN
Drums … ALEC WILMART
Keyboard 1 … DWIGHT BECKMEYER
Keyboard 2 … LUKE RAFFANTI
Guitar … RL HEYER or JUSTIN DAVIS
Bass … CHRIS JONES

ADDITIONAL MUSIC STAFF

Rehearsal Pianist … DWIGHT BECKMEYER
Rehearsal Drummer … ALEC WILMART
Keyboard Coordinator … GABE MANGIANTE
Music Assistant … EM WESTMAN

CAST

KRYSTLE ARMSTRONG she/her (Ensemble, u/s Cassie, Val) is thrilled to return to The 5th for her seventh production, appearing most recently in ELF and Mary Poppins. Recent credits include Cynthia Weil in Beautiful... and Lorraine in Jersey Boys. Highlights include Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street and Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Krystlearmstrong.com

SUSANNA CATHRYN BALLENSKI she/they (Val) has been classically trained in dance at The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, and musical theatre at AMDA in New York City. Theatre credits include Kim in Bye Bye Birdie (The 5th) Jean in Brigadoon (Village Theatre,) Bombalurina in Cats, and Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde (Candlelight). Many thanks to Denis, Beth, and her fiancé, Karsen. @susanna.ballenski

ANNALISA BRINCHMANN she/her (Kristine) is a performer, choreographer, and teaching artist from Seattle, Washington. She is delighted to return to The 5th after performing in ELF and Mary Poppins. Other favorite credits include Brigadoon and Guys and Dolls (Village Theatre), La Traviata (Seattle Opera), and Damn Yankees (Reboot Theater). Proud UW alumna.

EMILY ANN BROOKS she/her (Bebe) discovered acting could be your job in the kid’s ensemble of ELF (2012) at The 5th, before growing up in Rising Star Project's 2015-2017. Regional credits include: Florida Studio Theatre (Ruby in Dames at Sea) and Chicago’s Marriott Theatre (Zaneeta in The Music Man and Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly!), Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. BA: Northwestern. Gratitude to Denis and the company. @emilyannbrooks

KENADY CONFORTH she/her (Swing) is a performer and dance instructor from Oregon, making her swing debut at The 5th! Favorite credits include Liesl in The Sound of Music (Leavenworth Summer Theatre) and Portia in Something Rotten! (Cottage Theatre). Thanks to her husband, Hunter, for supporting her dreams.

ARTHUR JOSEPH CUADROS he/him (Larry) was last seen at The 5th in Jesus Christ Superstar. Theatre credits include Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Fulton Theatre, and Village Theatre. He danced in the films Isn’t It Romantic and Blue’s Big City Adventure. He works in the Puppet Department of Broadway’s The Lion King and recently choreographed Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in Baltimore. He is the co-founder of Start Theatrical, which has invested in Tony Award-winning Broadway productions, national tours, and the West End. @Artie124

KEONI DILAY he/him (Ensemble, u/s Al, Mark) is a Seattle-based performer, teaching artist and choreographer. Previous credits include The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, ELF and Jesus Christ Superstar (The 5th), Mamma Mia! (Great Lakes Center For The Arts), and Mamma Mia! (Village Theatre). Love and gratitude to Taylor, Dakota, Mom, Dad, Kekoa, and Kapono for all their support! @keonidilay

KEKOA DILAY he/him (Swing) is beyond grateful to return to The 5th with Swing Nation in this dream production! Professional credits: Jesus Christ Superstar and Bye Bye Birdie (The 5th), 9 to 5 and Legally Blonde (Village Theatre). Endless love and gratitude to family, mentors, and all who continue to support. @kekoadilay

SARA ESTY she/her (Cassie) is thrilled to be returning to The 5th, and to share this beautiful show with the people of Seattle. It is a huge honor to be a part of the legacy of “the line”. Big thanks to Denis and team, BRS/Gage, and my family. This one is for Bob Avian and Jay Binder, who put me on the line for the first time back in 2018. @estygrl

MEGAN FELISE GARCIA she/her (Ensemble, u/s Connie) is a local performer and teaching artist originally from Honolulu, Hawai’i. Love to mom, dad, and my friends for everything! Credits: The Little Mermaid (The 5th); Dance Captain for Pigeon Gets A Big Time Holiday Extravaganza (SCT); Memphis Belles and Calamity Janes (NME). 

SAMANTHA GERSHMAN she/her (Diana) is “so excited” to work at The 5th, reprising a favorite role and proudly representing her Spanish roots. Broadway: Water for Elephants (Marlena standby), A Beautiful Noise (Swing). National Tours: Jersey Boys (Mary Delgado), Jekyll & Hyde (Lucy standby). Off-Broadway/Regional: Baker’s Wife @ CSC (Inez), John & Jen (Jen), Beautiful... (Carole; Jeff nomination), Evita (Eva), A Chorus Line (Diana; Helen Hayes Winner*). Film/TV: Gravesend (Gabriella). Endless thanks to DGRW, Denis, and her family.

SAPPHIRE GOETZ she/her (Ensemble, u/s Kristine) The 5th: Jesus Christ Superstar, ELF, Mary Poppins, The Wiz, West Side Story, Kiss Me, Kate. Village Theatre: Dreamgirls. Showtunes Theatre Company: 9 to 5; Legally Blonde. Marxiano Productions: Bohemia. Broadway Dance Center ProSemester. BFA Dance/Choreography; Cornish College of the Arts. Love to mom. @sapphire.goetz

AARON ALEXANDER GORDON he/him (Ensemble, u/s Don, Bobby) AKA Qurly Cue, is a local DJ, music producer, choreographer, and performer. Before touring with Frankie Valli, Aaron played Samuel Seabury in Hamilton. Recent credits: Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon) at The 5th; 9 to 5 (Associate Choreographer) at Village Theatre, and The Prom on Netflix. @itsqurlycue

TORI GRESHAM she/her (Sheila) is thrilled to be on the line! She has most recently been seen as Frenchy in Grease (Village Theatre), Jovie in ELF (The 5th), and Dawn in Waitress (The 5th). She is also frequently seen as a company member of Seattle’s Can Can Culinary Cabaret. Shoutout to fiancée Jeannie for unwavering support, the Gresham Fam for always believing in her, and the Ruthfield Fam for being her rock. @torigresh | torigresham.com

KEES HOEKENDIJK he/him (Mark) is honored to be on the line with this incredible company and thrilled to make his debut at The 5th. Select credits: 42nd Street (CTM), The Inheritance Parts 1 & 2 and The Prom (SpeakEasy Stage), Cabaret (Seacoast Rep), Romeo & Juliet (Prague Shakes), and Hot Jersey Nights. Proud San Francisco native and alum of Boston Conservatory. For love, dance, and happiness.

NEHEMIAH HOOKS he/him (Don, u/s Richie) is honored to join the line and grateful for the opportunity to share this story. Previous credits at The 5th: Jesus Christ Superstar, ELF, After Midnight, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, The WIZ, and Beauty & The Beast. Other credits: An Enemy of the People; Jersey Boys; Beautiful...; Hello Dolly!; Miss Step; Shout Sister Shout!; and Choir Boy. Thank you for supporting live theater at The 5th.

LACEY JACK she/her (Judy) is so excited to be back home in Seattle! Yahoo! REGIONAL: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Music Theatre Wichita. BFA from CCPA at Roosevelt University, repped by Gray Talent Group, and proud Rising Star Project alum (2019)! Dedicated to every person here in WA who cheered on and nurtured little Lacey’s dream, especially Mom, Dad, Jay, and Brenda. Forever grateful to be here. ENJOY THE SHOW! @laceymayjack

YUKA KAWAI she/her (Connie) is thrilled to return to The 5th, where she last performed as a high school student in RSP in 2019, this time making her professional debut! Favorite credits: Footloose (Ariel), Everybody (Sombodies), Dead Man’s Cellphone (Hermia/Other Woman), Into the Woods (Cinderella). She studied Musical Theatre at Central Washington University. She would like to thank her families, both at home and in the theatre, for their love and support. @amykawai813

JORDAN KING he/him (Greg) is beyond thrilled to be on the line at The 5th! Previously at The 5th: Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, White Christmas, Bye Bye Birdie, and Waitress. Other credits include: Village Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, and Seattle Opera. Jordan is also a choreographer and dance educator, and he dedicates this performance to his own previous dance teachers. Love you, Mom and Dad! @thatjordanking | jordanbking.com

JULIA KUZMICH she/her (Ensemble, u/s Maggie, Judy) This show and career are Julia’s “why.” She has performed with The Utah Shakespeare Festival, Village Theatre, Seattle Rep, Milwaukee Rep, Can Can Culinary Cabaret, Seattle Public Theater, Olympia Symphony Orchestra, Harlequin Productions, and Tantrum Theater. Love to Fambam, Micah, and Murphcake! juliakuzmich.com

BRANDON LAVAR he/him (Richie) is so excited to return to Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre! Broadway credits include: MJ the Musical, SUNSET BLVD (Artie), Ragtime (LCT). National Tour credits: Hello, Dolly!. Regional: The Muny, Maltz Jupiter Theater, and The 5th. Film and television: The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt and Westworld. Special thanks to Mommy, Daddy, Tanisha, Maliyah, Jamie, Denis, and CESD Talent. @brandonlavar

ALESSANDRO J. LOPEZ he/him (Mike, u/s Paul) is thrilled to make his debut at The 5th! A second-year MFA Acting student in the Professional Actor Training Program at the University of Washington and a BFA graduate of Southern Methodist University, some of his credits include the international tour of West Side Story and the Off-Broadway premiere of Americano!. He is also a director, choreographer, and fight choreographer. He dedicates this performance to his parents, mentors, community, and students. יח‭ ‬לארשי‭ ‬םע.

EDDIE MCCLARY he/him (Ensemble, u/s Greg) is thrilled to be making his debut at The 5th! Having graduated from UW with Dance and Biochemistry degrees, he has performed in many UW Dance shows and was previously a swing for Village Theatre’s Brigadoon. Much thanks to his family and Laurence!

CORINNE MUNSCH she/her (u/s Sheila) Broadway: Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Off-Broadway: Cheek to Cheek. Tours: Bullets Over Broadway, ELF, Seven Brides... Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, Signature Theatre, Asolo Repertory, Ogunquit Playhouse. Otterbein BFA. So much gratitude for this incredible team, cast and crew. Denis, always a dream to dance and create with you. Love to Avery and pup Pearl at home, and to Sofia and Rebecca at CESD.

MACKENZIE NEUSIOK she/her (Ensemble/Tricia; u/s Bebe and Diana) Credits at The 5th: Jesus Christ Superstar; ELF; Bye Bye Birdie; Mary Poppins. Mackenzie works throughout the Salish Sea as a dance instructor and choreographer. She is a member of the Coharie Tribe. Ahskę’·nęʔ hę’?

BRANDON O’NEILL he/him (Zach) Select credits at The 5th: Rock of Ages, Hunchback, Carousel, Pirates of Penzance, Guys and Dolls. Broadway: Aladdin (Original Broadway Cast, West End), A Bronx Tale (first replacement). 4-time Gregory Award nominee. Regional: Pride & Prejudice, A View From the Bridge (Seattle Rep). Dracula, Oslo, Urinetown, Assassins, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (ACT Theatre), 9 to 5 (Village Theatre), Tribute to Marvin Hamlish (Seattle Symphony), and The Crow in Bungie’s Destiny 2. @brandononeillofficial | @upwestvintage

KAYDEN OLIVER he/him (Paul) is beyond grateful for this opportunity to be back on The 5th’s stage! Previous credits at The 5th: West Side Story (2019); Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023); Mary Poppins. Other regional credits: Tuacahn Center for the Arts (Newsies, Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Finding Nemo, Grease); Village Theatre (Newsies, Guys and Dolls, Mamma Mia); The Phoenix Theatre Company (Bandstand, An American in Paris, A Chorus Line); North Shore Music Theatre; and more! The highest gratitude to God, my family and dear friends, and the entire A Chorus Line team. @kaydenoliver

KAYLA PECCHIONI she/her (Maggie) Most recently starred as Katherine Plumber in Newsies at The Muny. Broadway (OBC): Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Some Like It Hot, Paradise Square. She previously toured nationally as Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon. Thrilled to revisit Denis Jones’ brilliant choreography, she previously played Maggie in Signature Theatre’s A Chorus Line in 2019. BFA: NKU. Love to my tribe, Avalon, Colin, and the boys. @kaylapecchioni

CONNOR RUSSELL he/him (Bobby) This is his 9th production at The 5th, including ELF, Aladdin, Ride the Cyclone, and Mark in the 2014 production of A Chorus Line. Broadway: Book of Mormon. Tour: Book of Mormon, Little Mermaid (Flounder). Additional appearances: The Old Globe, Asolo Rep, Pittsburgh CLO, Village Theatre, and Seattle Children’s Theatre. TV/Film: I Think I’m Sick, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Étoile, and Younger. @connorrussellny

GILL VAUGHN-SPENCER he/him (Al, u/s Zach) Thrilled to back at The 5th after Jesus Christ Superstar! A Chorus Line holds a special place in my heart, I’m truly honored to be a part of this production. Broadway credits: A Chorus Line - 50th Anniversary. Tour credits: Lincoln Center’s My Fair Lady, Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line - Tokyo. Thank you to my family, my NWTL fam, God, the amazing cast, crew, casting, and creatives! gillvs.com | @gill.rvs

CHRISTIAN WEST he/they (Ensemble, u/s Larry, Mike) is beyond thrilled to return to The 5th for the first time in 13 years! Recent credits include Into the Woods (Jack), Winter Dances 2026, and A Weekend Away (Lois) at WWU, Holiday Inn (Jim) at TAG. Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Olivia.

PEYTON WINSETT she/her (Swing) is thrilled to be making her Seattle theater debut. Originally from Oklahoma, she recently graduated from Chapman University with degrees in Dance and Psychology. Thank you to her incredible teachers, friends, family, and husband for encouraging every step of this journey.

CREATIVE

MICHAEL BENNETT (Original Conception, Direction, and Choreography) was an American musical theatre director, writer, choreographer, and dancer. He won seven Tony Awards for his choreography and direction of Broadway shows and was nominated for an additional eleven. Bennett’s choreography credits include Henry, Sweet, Henry; Promises, Promises; Coco; and Company. He directed and choreographed Follies, Seesaw and Ballroom, among several others. In 1976, he won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical and the Tony Award for Best Choreography for A Chorus Line. Under the aegis of producer Joseph Papp, Bennett created A Chorus Line based on a workshop process which he pioneered. In 1982, Bennett directed and, with Michael Peters, co-choreographed Dreamgirls, winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Choreography.

MARVIN HAMLISCH (Music) As composer, Hamlisch won virtually every major award that exists: three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony, three Golden Globe awards and the Pulitzer Prize (won by A Chorus Line). Only Hamlisch and Richard Rodgers have won a “PEGOT” (PEGOT = Pulitzer, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Awards). For Broadway, Hamlisch wrote the music for his groundbreaking show, A Chorus Line, as well as They’re Playing Our Song, The Goodbye Girl and Sweet Smell of Success. Additional theatrical scores include Jean Seberg (1983) and The Nutty Professor (2012). He was the composer of more than 40 motion picture scores, including his Oscar-winning score and song for The Way We Were and his adaptation of Scott Joplin’s music for The Sting, for which he received a third Oscar. His prolific output of scores for films include original compositions and/or musical adaptations for Sophie’s Choice, Ordinary People, The Swimmer, Three Men and a Baby, Ice Castles, Take the Money and Run, Bananas, Save the Tiger and The Informant!, starring Matt Damon and directed by Steven Soderbergh. At the time of his passing, he had just finished his last musical score for film, Liberace—Behind the Candelabra. Directed by Soderbergh and starring Michael Douglas and Damon, the movie was shown at the 2013 Cannes Festival and later aired on HBO to great reviews. It went on to win several Emmys, including Best Actor for Douglas. Hamlisch was Musical Director and arranger of Barbra Streisand’s 1994 concert tour of the U.S. and England as well as of the television special, Barbra Streisand: The Concert (for which he received two of his Emmys). He held the position of principal pops conductor for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony and Pops, Seattle Symphony, San Diego Symphony, The Buffalo Philharmonic and The National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. At the time of his death, he was preparing to assume responsibilities as Principal Pops Conductor for The Philadelphia Orchestra. Hamlisch was a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and Queens College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He believed in the power of music to bring people together.

JAMES KIRKWOOD (Book) was an American playwright, author and actor. In 1976 he received the Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his work on A Chorus Line. Born in Los Angeles, Kirkwood began his career as an actor, appearing on television in Valiant Lady and Perry Mason, and on Broadway in Small Wonder and Dance Me A Song, among others. As an author, he penned the semi-autobiographical novel There Must Be a Pony, along with P.S. Your Cat Is Dead, Good Times/Bad Times, Some Kind of Hero, and Hit Me with a Rainbow. In 1970, he wrote the non-fiction American Grotesque, about the trial of Clay Shaw. His comedic play Legends! toured the United States starring Mary Martin and Carol Channing. He later wrote an account of the experience, titled Diary of a Mad Playwright: Perilous Adventures on the Road with Mary Martin and Carol Channing. Kirkwood died of AIDS-related complications in 1989. In his memory, friends and admirers established the James Kirkwood Literary Prize to honor new generations of fiction writers for their literary achievements.

NICHOLAS DANTE (Book) was an American dancer and writer, best known for having co-written the book of A Chorus Line. Born Conrado Morales in New York City, Dante began his career as a dancer and performer, appearing on Broadway in Applause, Ambassador and Smith, among others. In 1974, Michael Bennett invited Dante to participate in interview sessions with Broadway dancers who, almost anonymously, serve as a backdrop behind star performers. Those sessions provided ample material for a Broadway musical. Collaborating with Bennett and James Kirkwood Jr., Dante created A Chorus Line, which earned him the 1976 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Book of a Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The character of Paul, a gay Puerto Rican dancer whose early career consisted of working in a drag show, was based primarily on Dante. Sammy Williams, who originated the role, won the 1976 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Dante later assumed the role himself. In 1991, at age 49, Dante died in New York City from AIDS-related complications.

EDWARD KLEBAN (Lyrics) was the lyricist of A Chorus Line, for which he won the 1975 Tony Award, the Pulitzer Prize and the Drama Desk and Olivier Awards. His score for the musical A Class Act, produced posthumously, was nominated for the 2001 Tony and Drama Desk Awards and won an Obie Award. A Class Act is a musical biography of Kleban, with a score comprised of his own music and lyrics. A New York revival is scheduled for February 2022. Mr. Kleban was a graduate of the High School of Music and Art and of Columbia College, where he wrote the music for the Varsity Show of 1960 with a book by Terrance McNally. Upon graduation from Columbia, Kleban was hired as a record producer by Columbia Records. Throughout the sixties he produced original cast albums while developing his own musicals in Lehman Engel’s BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. Every song that he wrote for A Chorus Line was tested in the BMI Workshop. During the 1980s he carried on Mr. Engel’s tradition and taught songwriting in the workshop. Mr. Kleban died in December 1987 at the age of 48, after a two-year bout with a cigarette-related cancer. In his will, he created and endowed The Kleban Prize, a unique grant that is bestowed not for a writer’s previous achievements, but for the promise of creativity to come, chosen by a panel of Broadway’s most respected artists. Recipients have gone on to garner four Tony Awards, 30 Tony nominations, 10 Drama Desk Awards and four Obies.

DENIS JONES (Director and Choreographer) is thrilled to return to The 5th after directing/choreographing ELF and Mary Poppins. A two-time Tony Award nominee, his work has been seen on Broadway in Tootsie, Holiday Inn, and Honeymoon in Vegas. Recent credits include: Newsies, Bring On!, Chicago (The Muny, St Louis Theater Critics Awards, Best Director/Choreographer), Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls (The John F. Kennedy Center), South Pacific, She Loves Me (Bucks County Playhouse), Misery, Oliver!(Maltz-Jupiter), Eurydice (Metropolitan Opera), Hello Dolly! (Marriott Theatre), Crazy For You (Signature Theatre, Helen Hayes Award, Best Choreography), The Tempest (NY Shakespeare Festival), Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz (Paper Mill Playhouse), The Sound of Music (Chicago Lyric Opera), Paint Your Wagon, Call Me Madam (NY City Center Encores!), The Music Man (Goodman Theatre), and The Flamingo Kid (Hartford Stage).

BETH G. TANKERSLEY (Music Director/Conductor) Previous credits: A Chorus Line (Theatre Aspen, MD/Conductor), Dear Evan Hansen (Theatre Raleigh, MD/Conductor), Regency Girls work session (NYC, Associate MD), What We Leave Behind (Theatre Raleigh, MD/Pianist), Bye Bye Birdie (The 5th, MD/Conductor), Waitress (The 5th, Associate MD/Keyboard 2), Mary Poppins (The 5th, Associate MD/Keyboard 2), Something’s Afoot (The 5th, MD/Conductor), White Christmas (The 5th, Associate MD/Conductor), Sweeney Todd (The 5th, Associate MD/Keyboard 1), Beauty and the Beast (The 5th, Associate MD/Keyboard 1), and Austen’s Pride (The 5th, Keyboard 1). Tour credits: Mean Girls 1st National Tour (Alternate Conductor/Keyboard 1). Upcoming: Come From Away (Village Theatre, MD/Conductor). For my Dad.

MATTHEW SMUCKER (Scenic Designer) is pleased to return to The 5th, where previous designs include ELF, Spring Awakening, Rock of Ages, Man of La Mancha, Oklahoma!, and Candide, and the ACT/5th Co-Productions of Grey Gardens, First Date, and Vanities. Smucker’s designs have appeared at Seattle Rep (Blues for an Alabama Sky, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Circle Mirror Transformation, Three Tall Women, among others), ACT/Union Arts Center (An Enemy of the People, Dracula, The Crucible, Mr. Burns, Eurydice, among others), Intiman, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Village Theatre, Taproot, Denver Center, Playmakers, Arizona Theatre Company, Portland Center Stage, Artist’s Rep, San Jose Rep, Kansas City Rep, Theatre Under the Stars, Paper Mill Playhouse, and Minneapolis’s Children’s Theatre Company. A professor at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University, Smucker received his MFA from UW School of Drama, and is a proud member of United Scenic Artists.

KEN TRAVIS (Sound Designer) The 5th: Jesus Christ Superstar, Bye Bye Birdie, The Pajama Game, A Christmas Story, Second Hand Lions, A Room With a View, Memphis, The Music Man, A Chorus Line, Saving Aimee, Oklahoma, Vanities, Guys and Dolls, Aladdin, White Christmas, Candide, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Memphis, Hello, Dolly!, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Mame. Broadway: Annie, In Transit, Aladdin, Jekyll and Hyde, A Christmas Story the Musical, Scandalous, Newsies, Memphis, The ThreePenny Opera, Barefoot in the Park, and Steel Magnolias.

HEIDI ZAMORA (Costume Designer) is a costume designer whose work has been seen at Seattle Opera (Orphee et Eurydice), Florida Grand Opera, Seattle Rep (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf), ACT, Seattle Children’s, Seattle Shakespeare Company, and Intiman where she received a Gregory Award nomination for her work on CRAVE. Co-founder and co-artistic director of Washington Ensemble Theatre, designing costumes for most of the company’s early productions. Heidi received an MFA in Costume Design from University of Washington, and is an instructor at Cornish College of the Arts, teaching costume design and costume history.

CORY PATTAK (Lighting Designer) Debut at The 5th! Broadway: The Great Gatsby, Spamalot, A Wonderful World. Off-Broadway: The Lucky Star, Final Follies, Stalking the Bogeyman, Handle With Care, and Unlocked. Tours: The Great Gatsby, Spamalot. Flashdance. Regional: Over a dozen shows at the Kennedy Center, The Old Globe, Paper Mill Playhouse, Weston Playhouse, Westport Country Playhouse, Portland Stage, Goodspeed, KC Rep, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Asolo Rep, Miami New Drama, Alabama Shakespeare, Tuacahn, In the Heights in Puerto Rico, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. International: The Great Gatsby (London & Korea), Sunset Boulevard, Pretty Woman (Brazil), Hong Kong Disney. Creator of in1: the podcast. @corypattak

JASON GOLDSBERRY (Hair & Makeup Designer) This is Jason’s 11th season with The 5th. He started here as the Hair and Makeup Department assistant and is now running it! He has co-designed and designed many shows here over the years and enjoyed them all. Pre-Seattle credits include Broadway/First National Tours: Evita (2012 Revival), Porgy and Bess, Memphis, Shrek the Musical, SPAMALOT, The Lion King, Beauty and Beast, Aida, Sunset Blvd, Peter Pan, Victor/Victoria. His work and designs have been seen around the world in professional opera, ballet, theatre, and printed publications, as well as film and television. Art saves, so save art. Thank you for supporting The 5th.

CHARLIE JOHNSON (Associate Director) Direction and/or choreography credits include: Urinetown! (The 5th); Pride and Prejudice (Flat Rock Playhouse); The Skin of our Teeth (Seattle Rep); Joseph… (Taproot Theatre); and Grumpy Old Men (Arrow Rock Lyceum). Additional credits include productions with Asolo Rep, Bay Street Theater, Barnstormer’s Theatre, Florida Rep, FringeNY, Maltz Jupiter Theater, North Carolina Theater, Paper Mill Playhouse, Seattle Shakespeare, Union Arts Center, and Village Theatre.

CORINNE MUNSCH she/her (Associate Choreographer) is thrilled to be a part of this production. Earlier this year, she joined Denis Jones on the US premiere of the musical Glory Ride at Delaware Theatre Company as the associate choreographer. Recently, she served as the Dance Captain and swing in the most recent Cabaret revival on Broadway, and as a collaborator in pre-Broadway Lempicka workshops. It has been such a delight creating with this incredible team.

John T. Wolfe (Associate Choreograher) National Tours: My Fair Lady (1st National), White Christmas. Favorites: Mary Poppins (Paper Mill Playhouse, Fine Arts Center), A Chorus Line (The Muny, Cape Playhouse), 42nd Street (The Muny, North Shore), Cabaret (Cape, Theatreworks), Anything Goes & Holiday Inn World Premiere (Goodspeed). John and husband are proud owners of ICONS, an award-winning LGBTQIA+ bar in Colorado Springs staffed by professional singing bartenders. Thank you to Denis for letting me be part of this special project. Shoutout team at Bloc. All the love to Josh, Brooklyn, & Barnaby. 

LUKE RAFFANTI he/him (Associate Music Director) is a Seattle-based pianist and teacher. An accompanist, his extensive experience collaborating with local opera companies and individual artists is enriched by his experience as a tenor and conductor. He’s the collaborative pianist for Richmond Beach Congregational Church of Christ and teaches piano in Lake City.

JULIA WELCH she/her (Associate Scenic Designer) is glad to return to The 5th after designing Waitress in 2025. Welch’s designs have graced the stages of Seattle Children’s Theatre, ArtsWest, ACT, Village Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare, and many others listed at jhwelchdesigns.com. When not in the theatre, she can be found wrangling her two young children, throwing ceramics, or rock climbing. Much love to W, M & AJ.

CASEY PRICE he/him (Associate Lighting Designer) is a Seattle-based Lighting designer, and happy to be back at The 5th. His work has been seen at Arts West, Orlando Family Stage, Mad Cow Theatre, First Stage (Milwaukee), Arizona Broadway Theatre, and Hale Theatre Sandy. Associate work in Seattle includes The 5th, Village Theatre, Union Arts Center, and Intiman Theatre.

OLIVIA CURRY (Costume Design Assistant) Originally from Wichita, KS, this is Olivia’s third production at The 5th. Previously Costume Design Assistant for ELF, and Crafts Assistant for Jesus Christ Superstar. BFA Carnegie Mellon University. She is grateful for her family, Lily, and the Munro’s for their support & love.

LIAM STECKLER he/him (Associate Sound Designer) is a Seattle-based sound designer. Recent credits as an associate: Jesus Christ Superstar, After Midnight, Bye Bye Birdie, Waitress, Spring Awakening, White Christmas, The Wiz (The 5th). ...Spelling Bee; Nine; Tick, Tick… BOOM!; SPAMALOT; Sunset Boulevard (Kennedy Center). Love to his husband, Justan.

ERIN B. ZATLOKA (Production Stage Manager) is always grateful to be back at The 5th where she was last the production stage manager on Jesus Christ Superstar. Some previous favorites: Mary Poppins, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, and Waitress. All the love to Greg and Zoey.

LAUREL NICHOLS (Assistant Stage Manager) is happy to be back after recently working on Jesus Christ Superstar! Favorite credits at The 5th: The Little Mermaid, Mrs. Doubtfire, West Side Story, Rock of Ages, Marie: Dancing Still, & Annie. Regional: Seattle Children’s, Village Theatre, Union Arts Center, The Feast, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Proud AEA member. Love to Mr. Nichols!
@laurelleemarie

ANNA VRANEY (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back at The 5th! Previous shows with the company include Mary Poppins and Into the Woods. Other select credits: Julius Caesar (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Grease, Once on This Island, Hello, Dolly! (Village Theatre), The Pigeon..., Goodnight Moon (Seattle Children’s), Stew, Choir Boy (ACT), and The Skin of Our Teeth (Seattle Rep).

JR WELDEN (Swing Stage Manager) At The 5th: ELF, Waitress, After Midnight, Mary Poppins, White Christmas, Spring Awakening, Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods, The Wiz, Choir Boy, Afterwords, West Side Story, Austen’s Pride, Rock of Ages, Hunchback, Kiss Me Kate, The Pajama Game. At ACT: Mary Stuart, Eurydice, The Underpants, Miss Witherspoon and 16 years of A Christmas Carol. He also stage managed many productions at Seattle Rep, Intiman and Mark Taper Forum. He adopted his beautiful son, Travis, after becoming a licensed foster parent.

ACTOR’S EQUITY ASSOCIATION (“Equity”) Founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional Actors and Stage Managers. Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. #EquityWorks. 

CONCORD THEATRICALS is the world’s most significant theatrical company, comprising the catalogs of R&H Theatricals, Tams-Witmark, Samuel French, The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection, Dramatists Play Service and Playscripts, plus over 100 new signings each year. It is the only firm providing truly comprehensive services to the creators and producers of plays and musicals, including theatrical licensing, music publishing, script publishing, cast recording, and producing. As a producer and record label, the company has won three Tony Awards and two GRAMMY Awards in the past six years.

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Production Assistant ... Max Zamorano
Production Runner ... Ty
Scenic Builders ... Libby Chapman, Joe Leporati, Peyton Talley
Head Electrics Builder ... Timothy Wratten
Automation Technician ... Nick Murel 
Moving Light Programmer ... B Yamashita
Interim Facilities and Logistics Manager ... Jason Stofko
Painters ... Cyn Moore, Morgan Poirier
Audio Describer ... Laura Ferri
ASL Interpreters ... Laura Bietman, Naomi Blue Nieves
DASL ... Irvine Stuart

Finale Costumes Original Design by
Sarah Cubbage

The 5th Avenue Theatre is a member of the League of Residential Theatres (LORT), a nationwide association for not-for-profit theaters.

The actors and stage managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

The Director/Choreographer is a member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union.

Backstage employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or IATSE) Local #15 and IATSE Local #488. Costume shop and Wardrobe staff and Child Actor Guardians are represented by IATSE Local #887. Hair and Makeup staff and scenic painters are represented by IATSE Local #488.

All the musicians playing in the orchestra for this performance are represented by the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, Local 76-483, AFL-CIO.

The scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers in LORT theaters are represented by United Scenic Artists local USA-829 of the IATSE.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre. Founded in 1985, NAMT is a national service organization dedicated exclusively to musical theatre. Members, located throughout 34 states and abroad, are some of the leading producers of musical theatre in the world, and include theatres, presenting organizations, higher education programs, and individual producers.

Print Edition

More about The 5th

• Staff & Board of Directors
• Support The 5th