Norman is thrilled to return to MTW after his Ovation-nominated performances in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES as well as directing and performing the gala evening THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER and playing Alonso Smith in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS . He has had an extensive career in film and television and has played leading roles on stages from Broadway to Los Angeles and throughout Europe. Having been a member of the original Broadway casts, Norman starred in the hit Broadway productions of LES MISERABLES and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE WOMAN IN WHITE. He is probably best known as the ruler of the Romulan Empire opposite Leonard Nimoy on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” He has sung with symphony orchestras worldwide under such noted conductors as Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa and has lent his voice to numerous animated features from “The Lion King” and “Polar Express” to “Enchanted” and “Sponge Bob Squarepants: The Movie.” Norman’s favorite productions to date are those of his 13 and 7-year old sons Nathan and Brandon, produced in conjunction with actress/singer/dancer/wife Irene Cho. Please visit www.broadwayduo.com for further information.
Debbie Prutsman (Mrs. Lovett)
It is with a thankful and joyous heart Debbie makes her MTW premiere! Love to Calvin, Steve, Paul, and John for the opportunity, and to dear Norman for making the blood spilling so much fun! Regional credits include Grizabella in CATS, Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD, Dolly Levi in HELLO, DOLLY!, Mama Rose in GYPSY, Hesione in TRIUMPH OF LOVE, the Witch in INTO THE WOODS, Madame Thenadier in LES MISERABLES, The Narrator in JOSEPH... and Sisters Robert Ann & Amnesia in NUNSENSE at places like Moonlight Amphitheater, Starlight, Performance Riverside, The Actors’ Coop, The Welk, Downey CLO, Theatrical Arts International, and RTF. Debbie is Mom to Kirklyn & Brody, Wife to Daniel, and – most importantly - child of Christ! The power of forgiveness is immeasurable! Matthew 26:28
Richard Gould (Judge Turpin)
Richard began acting in Orange County with the Chapman College Shakespeare Festival. Richard was a founding member of San Francisco’s Magic Theater. While at U.C. Berkeley he performed in the American premieres of ANTONIO'S REVENGE and ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM. While at U.C. he also won a scholarship to San Francisco Ballet School. His work in the Bay Area included pioneering work with the Berkeley Stage Company and the roles of Antipholus in COMEDY OF ERRORS and Benedick in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and Enobarbus in ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. While doing graduate work at I.C. Irvine he worked extensively in musicals. He played Carl Magnus in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Long Beach CLO and eventually played the Auctioneer in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Los Angeles and Firmin in the San Francisco Production. Other roles include Sweeney in SWEENEY TODD at the P.C.P.A. Theatrefest and Richard in RICHARD III at Theatreworks in Colorado and Father Zahoria in ZORBA at the Berkeshire Festival. Richard Has also performed in numerous opera productions including roles in Mozart’s THE IMPRESSARIO, Verdi’s ATTILA and Nabucco and Puccini’s TURANDOT. Other roles include the Dylan Thomas role in UNDER MILKWOOD and roles in the premiers of HAVEN and the G-STRING MURDERS. Film and TV roles include work in "Nash Bridges," "The West Wing," and numerous voiceover roles. He most recently appeared as Pickering in the Downey Civic Light Opera production of MY FAIR LADY and as Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Norris Theater.
Jim Holdridge (Tobias Ragg)
Jim just completed a run of the hit musical LIFE COULD BE A DREAM at the Hudson Theater (Ovation Nomination - Best Featured Actor). Other LA credits include productions at South Coast Repertory, the Zephyr Theater, and the LA Drama Critics Circle Award Winning ASSASSINS at West Coast Ensemble. Recent readings include MODERN LOVE: THE NEW HALL & OATES MUSICAL, and NEUROSIS. Regionally he has worked at St. Louis Rep, Cincinnati Rep, The Goodspeed Opera House, and was a long time member of the hit show Stomp in New York, Las Vegas, and International Tours.
Dan Callaway (Anthony Hope)
Theatre credits include PUTTING IT TOGETHER at South Coast Repertory, PIPPIN at the Mark Taper Forum, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the Guthrie Theater, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Broadway/National Tour), MY FAIR LADY at Sacramento Music Circus, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the St. Louis Muny, and THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING at Riverside Theatre. He is also a member of LA's Musical Theatre Guild. Dan teaches voice lessons in Los Angeles (www.MyLAVoiceTeacher.com) as well as Musical Theatre Classes (www.OurLearningSpot.com). He is married to Tony-Nominated Producer, Heather Provost, and as always, this performance is for her.
Sarah Bermudez (Johanna)
Sarah is proud to be back at MTW and honored to be part of such an outstanding cast of Sweeney! She majored in theatre/voice at Idyllwild Arts Academy, & was a vocal performance major at The Eastman School of Music in New York. Regional credits include: Rose in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (Musical Theatre West), Laurey in OKLAHOMA! (CLOSBC, Starlight, The Welk), Christine in PHANTOM (Moonlight), Eileen in I LOVE A PIANO (The Welk), Cosette in LES MISERABLES (Moonlight So Cal regional premiere), Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS (Starlight), Marsinah in KISMET (Candlelight), Miss Dorothy in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (The Welk/Moonlight), Carrie in CAROUSEL (Gallimaufry), Mabel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Candlelight), Dorothy in THE WIZARD OF OZ (Performance Riverside) & The Queen of the Night in THE MAGIC FLUTE (New Opera Festival di Roma). Many thanks to Paul, Calvin, Steve, John and the entire cast and crew (including her husband, Richard) for such a thrilling experience.
Michelle Duffy (Beggar Woman)
Michelle is proud and honored to be making her MTW debut in this, one of her all-time favorite musicals. Other California Theatre (partial list): Rusty in MASK (world premiere) and Pistache (Ovation Award) in CAN-CAN at Pasadena Playhouse, Lilli/Kate in KISS ME, KATE and Georgie in THE FULL MONTY at CLO South Bay, Vienna in JOHNNY GUITAR and Woman 2 in RING OF FIRE at La Mirada, Violet in THE FIX and Rosabella in THE MOST HAPPY FELLA for MTG, Stella (Garland Award) in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at American Conservatory Theatre, Catherine in SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER at Berkeley Rep, Ariel in THE TEMPEST at A Noise Within, Dot/Marie (Bay Area Critics Theatre Circle Award) in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Theatreworks, Annabelle/Countess in AN ITALIAN STRAW HAT (world premiere) at South Coast Rep, Abby/Branflake in CONTINENTAL DIVIDE (TIME mag's Theatre Event of the Year) at Berkeley Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Barbican Theatre in London and Birmingham Rep; Vet in THE BOSWELL SISTERS (world premiere) at Old Globe. Other theatres include: The Goodman, Northlight, Wisdom Bridge, Milwaukee Rep, The Colony, ICT, Syzygy. 7 National Commercials, including Febreze, Lowe's, and Budweiser. Latest television appearances include "The Closer," "Mad Men," and "House M.D.." Latest film role: principal role as Emily Osment's mom in "R.L. Stine Presents: The Haunting Hour."
Roland Rusinek (Beadle Bamford)
Broadway: Piangi, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA , Majestic Theatre (Toronto Co. too) Mr. Fezziwig, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Ahrens and Menken version), Madison Square Garden. Other New York: SWEENEY TODD, New York City Opera. KISMET, Encores!, JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA, IN CONCERT, Carnegie Hall. THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, Off-Broadway. THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, New York City Opera, Elsewhere: CANDIDE, Ahmanson Theatre, LA. SWEENEY TODD, Reprise!, Ahmanson Theatre. OLIVER!, White Plains Performing Arts Center. GUYS AND DOLLS, AMT San Jose. Film and TV; Jack Lapidus, (and soundtrack vocalist) "The Producers," "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," "Guiding Light," Upcoming feature film: Frank, "Bearcity." Grad of: Los Angeles County High School for The Arts and PCPA's Actor's Training Program. More at www.RolandRusinek.com. Thank you Calvin for sending me down Fleet Street ten years ago. I will always be grateful!
Alan M-L Wager (Adolfo Pirelli)
Alan has a long history with MTW…back when it was the WLMLOA. He appeared in BYE BYE BIRDIE, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, OLIVER! and GEORGE M! For the past thirteen years, Alan has been based in NYC, where he stood-by for three roles in the Broadway company of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST after returning from the national tour, which included playing Lumiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington. He’s also toured in CAMELOT starring Michael York. Selected regional credits: Ravenal in SHOW BOAT, Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Tommy in BRIGADOON, Curly in OKLAHOMA!, Henry Higgins in MY FAIR LADY, Gus/Growltiger in CATS and Santa in THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. Alan’s been a soloist with the Delaware and Lancaster Symphonies, was featured with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and sang at The White House this past December. Thanks to Paul, Steve and Calvin, and much love to Robert.
Richard Bermudez (Ensemble)
Richard is happy to be appearing in his 5th MTW production having previously appeared in such roles as Lun Tha in THE KING AND I and Houdini in RAGTIME. Richard is especially blessed to be sharing the stage with his best friend and wife Sarah. Regional credits include: Marius in LES MISERABLES (Moonlight Amphitheater), Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Welk Resort), Nanki-Poo in THE HOT MIKADO (Starlight Theater), Fredrick in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Moonlight Amphitheater, Candlelight Pavillion), Lun Tha in KING AND I (FCLO, MTW), and Jim in I LOVE A PIANO (Welk Resort). Much love and gratitude to Calvin, Steve, and Paul.
Jeremy Bernard (Ensemble)
Jeremy is thrilled to be returning to Musical Theater West where he was last seen as Warren Sheffield in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. L.A./ Regional Credits include: THE PRODUCERS (Springtime for Hitler Tenor/MTW), LES MISERABLES (Enjolras/ Moonlight Stage Prod.), GUYS AND DOLLS (Sky Masterson/ Performance Riverside & Candlelight Pavilion), OKLAHOMA! (South Bay CLO), MY FAIR LADY (Freddy Eynsford Hill/ Candlelight Pavilion), THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Frederic/ California Theater), THE MUSIC MAN (Quartet Tenor/ The Pechanga Resort), THE SHOWGIRL OF 52ND STREET (Colony Theater and Scherr Forum/ West Coast Premiere). Jeremy also performed recently at the 25th Annual Aids Project Los Angeles S.T.A.G.E Benefit with original FOREVER PLAID members David Engel and Larry Raben. Thanks to Calvin, John, Steve, Paul and his lovely wife Jessica.
Jessica Bernard (Ensemble)
Jessica Bernard is excited to make her MTW debut with such a wonderful show, cast and crew! Most recently Jessica played Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS at Cabrillo Music Theater. LA/Regional Credits: CATS (Jelllorum/Griddlebone-Cabrillo), GUYS AND DOLLS (Sarah-Performance Riverside & Candlelight Pavilion), THE SHOWGIRL OF 52ND STREET (The Colony), MY FAIR LADY (Eliza–Candlelight Pav), THE MUSIC MAN (Marian–California Theater), THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Edith-California & Pechanga Theater), OKLAHOMA! (Laurey-Marmac Repertory), THE SECRET GARDEN (Lewis Family Playhouse), and The Main Street Christmas Carolers (Hong Kong Disneyland). Special thanks to Calvin, John, SCAW, and her supportive family- especially her husband Jeremy. All Glory be to God.
Lois Bourgon (Ensemble)
Lois is glad to be in her 5th show at MTW. Regional credits include: STREET SCENE (Greta), PARADE & MOST HAPPY FELLA at MTG; LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Marie) & MAME (Mrs. Upson) at MTW; STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Clairee) & TITANIC (Ida) at CLOSBC; SOUND OF MUSIC (Mother Abbess) & KING AND I (Lady Thiang) at Downey CLO; WIZARD OF OZ (Glinda) at Saddleback CLO; THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB (Lexie) at TTC. Lois’ CD “Seasons of Life” is available at loisbourgon.com. Thanks Calvin, Steve, John & Paul and always Jack!
Stephanie Burkett-Gerson (Ensemble)
Stephanie Burkett Gerson is excited to be returning to MTW. Regional theater: JOSEPH … (Narrator, Moonlight Amphitheater), SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE (Shimmy Girl, Cabrillo Music Theater), CATS (Jellylorum, Moonlight Amphitheater), NINE (Carla, Starlight Bowl), THE GREEN ROOM (Anna, Original Cast, Hermosa Beach Playhouse), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Babette, Crossroads PAC), THE FULL MONTY (Estelle, South Bay CLO), and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (Lucille Ballard, MTW). She has traveled the world singing aboard Holland America Cruise Line. Stephanie performed this past holiday season at the El Capitan Theater in “Disney’s A Christmas Carol.” She would like to thank the amazing cast and crew, her family, Zane, and Jesus Christ. www.stephanieburkettgerson.com
Travis Davidson (Ensemble)
Travis is thrilled to be performing again with Musical Theater West and to join this incredible cast of SWEENEY TODD. He was last seen at MTW in the 2007 production of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. Travis is happy to be back home in sunny California after spending most of 2009 in Japan playing the role of Diamond Jim at Tokyo Disneyland’s Diamond Horseshoe Theater. Other credits include THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR (Nashville Cast), LES MISERABLES IN CONCERT at the Hollywood Bowl, Civic Light Opera of South Bay’s productions of SEUSSICAL, BYE BYE BIRDIE, MISS SAIGON, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (Tommy Keeler), SOPHISTICATED LADIES, CINDERELLA, and TWICE UPON A TIME and the Welk Resort Productions of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, 42ND STREET, and A WELK MUSICAL CHRISTMAS. Special thanks to family and friends. I love you all!
Jason Evans (Ensemble)
Jason is thrilled to return to MTW in his favorite show ever! Earlier this season he played John Truitt in MTW’s production of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, his West Coast stage debut. Other roles include JEKYLL AND HYDE (title role) and The Baron in GRAND HOTEL. Jason hails from St. Louis and he studied acting at Missouri State University. Thanks to Calvin, Paul, John, and everyone in the MTW family for this amazing opportunity. To perform Sondheim is truly a gift from the heavens. Thanks to my wonderful loving parents who I love more than anything in the world, I owe you everything. Thanks to my friends, my puzzle piece and especially the Cool Guyz for putting up with me. We got snacks now.
Zane Gerson (Ensemble)
Zane Gerson is excited to be returning to MTW. Favorites elsewhere: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Joseph, Haugh PAC), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Beast/Prince, Crossroads PAC), HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALl (Troy Bolton, CCV PAC, ITL Award), SOUTH PACIFIC (Lt. Cable, Performance Riverside, ITL Nominee), CATS (Skimbleshanks, Moonlight Amphitheater), and THE GREEN ROOM (John, Original Cast, Hermosa Beach Playhouse). Zane currently performs in High School Musical 3: Right Here, Right Now! at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Thanks to Stephanie, my loving family, friends, and Savior, Jesus Christ. www.zanegerson.com
Amy Gillette (Ensemble)
Amy is so excited to be back onstage after a two year hiatus from performing! She was last seen as Josie Cohan in the world premiere of Richard Sherman’s new musical, PAZZAZZ at the Granada theatre. She’s traveled around the world performing with Norwegian Cruise Lines and Vox Lumiere, and locally with Orange County Opera. Regional theatre: Mary in THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS (Crystal Cathedral), Rosina in THE BARBER OF SEVILLE (Orange County Opera), Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (CCV Performing Arts), Sarah in GUYS AND DOLLS (Candlelight Pavilion). She would like to thank God for all of His blessings. Ephesians 3:20
Rachel Pfeifer Green (Ensemble)
It has been eighteen years since Rachel has worked with MTW and is so happy to be back. Audiences have seen Rachel as Charlotte Malcolm in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Abigail Adams in 1776, Miss Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, Sarah in COMPANY, Smitty in HOW TO SUCCEED…, Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS, and Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. She regularly musical directs and teaches at the Laguna Playhouse. Rachel is currently finishing her master’s degree in Vocal Performance at Cal State Long Beach. She runs her own private voice studio in Orange County. Thanks to Calvin, Paul, Steve, and John for this opportunity. Love to her leading man in life, Jason, and their best production, two-year-old daughter Madeleine.
Victor Hernandez (Ensemble)
Most recently appeared in the world premiere of Frank Wildhorn's new musical, BONNIE & CLYDE, at The La Jolla Playhouse. Additional credits from last year include; Everybody Else in SUDS & Farleigh in THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, both at the Welk Resorts Theatre. He has been seen on the MTW stage as Markovitch in SILK STOCKINGS, in THE WIZARD OF OZ & singing tenor in our concert of THE MUSIC MAN with the Long Beach Symphony. Other regional credits include; SUDS in Bellingham WA, Maude in BYE BYE BIRDIE (SBCLO), Big Bopper in BUDDY, THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (Candlelight Pavilion), Charlie Brown in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (RCLO), Hysterium in ...FORUM (Performace Riverside) & Moonface Martin in ANYTHING GOES (Candlelight Pavilion). Additionally, he has toured the U.S. doing theatre for young audiences (including the island of Maui & New York City) and studied improv comedy with The Groundlings in Los Angeles. Proud member of Actor's Equity.
Isaac James (Ensemble)
After completing two productions of SWEENEY TODD in 2009, Isaac James is excited to once again be performing the brilliant literature of Stephen Sondheim. Recent credits: Johnny Brown in THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, Eric in PHANTOM, Conrad Birdie in BYE BYE BIRDIE, The Beast in numerous productions of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Chief Bromden in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, Richard Sherman's premiere supercalifragilistic new musical PAZZAZZ!, and the East coast premiere of THE PRODUCERS. Isaac has also had the opportunity to work personally with Broadway composers such as Jason Robert Brown, and Stephen Schwartz. He would like to thank his family, Grace, and all his adopted sisters for their love and support.
Bill Marty Johnson (Ensemble)
Bill is honored to be making his professional theater debut under the esteemed direction of Calvin Remsburg for MTW. “It’s like going to bed the night before the NBA draft and waking up to find you’ve drafted by the L.A. Lakers. I’m surrounded by All-Stars!” After earning a Culinary Arts degree at CCA in San Francisco, Bill studied Vocal Performance at Chapman University with Patrick Goeser. Bill has performed under the batons of Dr. William Hall, Grant Gershon and with Don Neuen for the HOUR OF POWER. Bill is especially thankful for never having visited Fleet Street.
Heather Lundstedt (Ensemble)
Heather is honored to be a part of this talented cast. Recently, she was seen in CLOSBC’s productions of SEUSSICAL and OKLAHOMA! Other favorite roles: THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (Marguerite St. Just), Yeston’s PHANTOM (Christine Daae and Carlotta), OKLAHOMA! (Laurey), INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Maria), and THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Mabel). Operatic credits: COSI FAN TUTTE (Dorabella). Heather wishes to thank her incredibly supportive family and sends a special thank you and love to David. All glory be to God.
Amber Mercomes (Ensemble)
Amber Mercomes is thrilled to be returning to MTW with such an amazing cast and crew. Amber has starred in musicals: RENT (MTW), THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS, ANYTHING GOES, FOOTLOOSE, THE MUSIC MAN, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, 42ND STREET, WEST SIDE STORY, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, CHILDREN OF EDEN, CINDERELLA, and GREASE. Her operatic credits include: San Francisco and Los Angeles Opera’s productions of PORGY AND BESS, the title role of SUOR ANGELICA in Rome, Italy, LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, THE OLD MAID AND THE THEIF, and THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO. Airing this February, Amber's voice will be featured in the documentary, "For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots" singing, "Pie Jesu" hosted by Halle Berry. Amber thanks her family for their continued love and support.
Michael Skidgel (Ensemble)
Michael is thrilled to be making his MTW debut in SWEENEY....a show he considers to be "the meat & potatoes of opera". He is honored to reunite with the magical Calvin Remsberg, who directed his critically acclaimed performance as Tony in Frank Loesser's, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA for Musical Theatre Guild. Steven Glaudini, director of Michael's performance as Larry in COMPANY for Performance Riverside, recently directed him as Old Deuteronomy in CATS for Moonlight Amphitheatre. Regional credits include MAKE ME A SONG for the Festival of New American Musicals; THE SECRET GARDEN (Dr. Craven); EVITA (Juan Peron); THE MIKADO (Pish-Tush); PHANTOM (Gerard Carriere). Michael also spent six years as Joseph in THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS for the Crystal Cathedral. A graduate of Chapman University, Skidgel has worked in 35 countries on four continents as an accomplished vocalist, musical director and conductor. Michael is also a professional voice teacher in Orange County and can be heard on Disney's 50th Anniversary DVD of SLEEPING BEAUTY. Skram!
Christopher Van Etten (Ensemble) Christopher Van Etten (Ensemble)
Christopher is elated to make his MTW debut in this production of the musical masterpiece SWEENEY TODD. He was recently seen as The Ghost of Christmas Present in A CHRISTMAS CAROL for the Long Beach Shakespeare Company, and Dr. Carrasco in MAN OF LA MANCHA (Candlelight). Other regional credits include Eddie in THE WILD PARTY (TJK Productions) Rapunzel’s Prince in INTO THE WOODS (Moonlight Amphitheater) Buffalo Bill Cody in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (Performance Riverside) among many others. He would like the thank Calvin and Steve for this opportunity to perform with this amazing cast. Much love to Jessica!
Joy Weiser (Ensemble)
Joy is honored to be working in her first production with Musical Theater West. A native of Los Angeles, Joy earned a Bachelor degree from Boston University, School of Music. She has sung in concerts throughout Southern California, as well as having performed the roles of theWitch in INTO THE WOODS, Met Theater; and the role of Norina in DON PASQUALE, Opera Pasadena. She thanks her family, friends, and teachers for their endless dedication and support of her dreams.
Calvin Remsberg (Director)
Mr. Remsberg is well known on both sides of the footlights having worked extensively as both an actor and director. He has directed THE ADDING MACHINE, THE WAY OF THE WORLD, INVITATION TO A MARCH, A CLEARING IN THE WOODS, THE MEDIUM (with Glenn Close), THE CRUCIBLE, A MEMBER OF THE WEDDING, and the musicals GYPSY, BRIGADOON, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, and THE MIKADO. He directed the acclaimed 20th Anniversary production of SWEENEY TODD at the Ahmanson Theater, starring Kelsey Grammer, Christine Baranski, and Neil Patrick Harris, and recently directed the equally well received production of SWEENEY at Performance Riverside. He directed EDUCATING RITA, CHAPTER TWO, and DRACULA for the Hermosa Beach Playhouse, TRIUMPH OF LOVE at the Falcon Theater, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC for Cabrillo Music Theater. Recently, he has directed the Los Angeles premieres of Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST FIVE YEARS and PARADE, STREET SCENE, DROOD, ASPECTS OF LOVE, and THE MOST HAPPY FELLA for the Musical Theatre Guild, as well as the Best Musical Ovation Award nominated productions of URINETOWN for Interact, and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE for West Coast Ensemble. Entering into the world of producing, he co-produced John Kolvenbach's riveting ON AN AVERAGE DAY with Route 66 Theater Company at Chicago's Victory Gardens Theatre. He made his Lincoln Center debut directing NIGHT AND DAY: THE WORDS AND MUSIC OF COLE PORTER starring Victoria Clark and David Hyde Pierce, part of the acclaimed American Songbook series in January of 2009, and recently co-directed MICHAEL FEINSTEIN AND DAVID HYDE PIERCE at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. Currently running is the American premiere of F*CKING MEN by Joe DiPietro at the Celebration Theatre, which he also co-produced. In addition to all of this he maintains an active studio in private voice in Van Nuys, California, having Tony, Emmy, and Oscar winners among his students, including American Idol finalist Adam Lambert.
As musical director: for Musical Theatre Guild-- ASPECTS OF LOVE, STREET SCENE. For Musical Theatre West-- I LOVE A PIANO, ALTAR BOYZ (LA Drama Critics Circle nom), THE ANDREWS BROTHERS (Ovation Award nom); for California Conservatory Of The Arts-- Andrew Lippa’s A LITTLE PRINCESS (West Coast Premiere), DEFYING GRAVITY, CURTAINS. As arranger/orchestrator and/or music director: HEAVEN HELP US (Florida Stage; Denver Center), THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER (Lamb’s Theatre), I LOVE A PIANO (Denver Center, Florida Stage), PETE ‘N’ KEELY (John Houseman). He co-wrote the revues, ARE WE THERE YET?, A CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE, and I LOVE NEW YORK (NY Bistro award for best revue) which have been playing many small venues throughout the country. He began his career working for composer Stephen Flaherty on the shows LUCKY STIFF, RAGTIME, SEUSSICAL, and the film ANASTASIA. His NY credits include working in the music departments such shows as 9 TO 5, LEGALLY BLONDE, SPAMALOT, BOUNCE, and A NEW BRAIN--to name a few. He is a member of the Dramatist Guild and an alumni of the BMI Workshop in NYC. As a composer, his show, HOW THE NURSE FEELS was accepted into the Disney/ASCAP workshop (LA) and a reading at New World Stages (NYC) in 2008. A revue of his music was performed at Birdland in NY. He is married to actress and CSUF professor Maria Cominis and is proud of his 10 year old cello/piano playing son, Charlie.