Note from the Director

Cabaret has always been a very special show to me. It’s very unique in a lot of ways, it feels like a golden age show but came a little too far after to count, yet still holds the charm and style of one. It really splits its time between the real world and The Klub life. This show has been a bucket list show of mine before I knew I wanted to be a director. I remember watching it for the first time and remembering how powerful the messaging was, how much it stuck with me and how effectively it really brought to light how propaganda is just the first step to slowly infecting a country. Every time I direct a musical I think about what number in the show means the most to me, some have had very shallow reasons but this show the number that I never stop thinking about is If You Could See Her. If that number proves anything it's that the sheer magnitude of a bait and switch can really leave an effect. Watching Garrett and Julia perform each night together with the nuanced movement and acting choices just hit home to me how much of a part art really played into the destruction of Germany in the 30s and not just then, how politically it has always played such a major role in the pursuit of pushing hateful ideals.

When I was in college it was 2014, my senior year. I was a young Political Science major who was quickly losing faith in American Politics. I watched the election that we can now look back on as Hilary vs Trump unfold in real time before my eyes. The candidate debates, the primaries. Politics was slowly devolving into personal attacks rather than policy, and scandals and taglines over anything that would actually make America great at all. I looked at my minor in theatre, sure they were supportive and really wanted to be politically active but didn’t have any information past a headline and it killed me. I realized I spent years working on a degree I didn't want anything to do with. I was now in debt, losing faith in making a difference as a politician and never felt like it was worth even talking to my fellow actors at the time about anything because they simply couldn’t hold a conversation, they knew it was important to vote, sure, but had no knowledge of the issues. I was drowning in a useless futile existence where I truly felt like there was no way to make a difference, no chance at inciting positive change. At this point I'm months away from graduation and highly considering dropping out, but kept on going through the motions of my classes. I ended up in a class that was just a one on one independent study with Dr. Fistek. She had always supported me in both my major and my minor and encouraged me to dig into the depths that theatre really had to offer in the form of political art. If not for her, I would have packed up my dorm and hit the road. The most stand out moment to me was presenting to her classes on art and politics, showing clip after clip of musicals and leading discussions with the class of what they meant and why they were so impactful, and then we got to cabaret. We spent so much time looking at very short clips. Sometimes I would forget I lived in two very different worlds in college (politics and theatre) but when I saw we could have spent weeks discussing that show it's not an exaggeration. Watching these people who had never sat through a full musical in their lives diving deep into the meaning was so eye opening and it was in that class, in that presentation watching If You Could See Her, and Money with a class who thought musicals were stupid that I realized this is how I can make a difference.

As a politician I couldn’t be myself, I couldn’t say what I wanted, I had to play the game. In art though, there are no rules. Art is simple. Art is inciting a reaction. This show taught me all that and more. How to make a difference, how I can make a statement without making a speech and I hold that with me in every single show I direct. Sharing this show with the world reminds me that everyone really can make a difference, sometimes you just have to find your own way of sending that message.

Song List

ACT 1
 

“Willkommen”- Emcee and Kit Kat Klub

“So What”- Fraulein Schneider

“Don’t Tell Mama”- Sally and Kit Kat Klub

“Mein Here”- Sally and Kit Kat Klub

“Perfectly Marvelous”- Sally and Cliff

”Two Ladies”- Emcee, Fritzie, and Victor

“It Couldn’t Please Me More”- Fraulein Schneider, Herr Schultz, Emcee

”Tomorrow Belongs To Me”- Emcee and ensemble

“Maybe This Time”- Sally

“Money”- Emcee and Kit Kat Klub

”Married”-Fraulein Schneider, Herr Shultz, Fraulein Kost, Emcee

”Tomorrow Belongs To Me: Reprise”-Fraulein Kost, Ernst, Full Ensemble

Act 2
 

“Entr’acte”- Sally, Emcee, Kit Kat Klub

”Kickline”- Emcee and Kit Kat Girls

”Married: Reprise”- Herr Schultz, Fraulein Schneider, Emcee

”If You Could See Her”- Emcee

“What Would You Do”- Fraulein Schneider

”I Don’t Care Much”- Emcee

“Cabaret”- Sally

”Finale”- Cliff and Emcee

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Garrett Meyer

Emcee

Garrett is thrilled to be returning once again to the Hatbox to perform in Cabaret. A long-standing performer, this Hooksett, NH resident was last seen performing in "The Producers” (Max Bialystock) and "Sweeney Todd" (Beadle Bamford). Garrett could not be more excited to bring this incredible show to life, and would like to thank both the cast and crew, as this entire experience would not have been nearly as wonderful without their hard work and support.

Aly Aramento

Sally Bowles

Aly is incredibly excited to be playing Sally in this killer production! This is her first show with ACT, and she is proud to be sharing the stage with this talented group. Favorite past credits include: Veronica Sawyer (Heathers), Marcy (Dogfight), and Leading Player (Pippin), for which she won the 2019 NHTA for Best Actress. Aly would like to thank Angèlica, Jen, and Jesse for all their hard work, and for always believing in her; her mom, dad, and sister for their constant love and support; and the entire cast & crew for everything they've done and continue to do. Thank you for being here, and enjoy the show!

Ryan Quinlan

Clifford Bradshaw

Ryan is thrilled to be portraying Cliff in this incredible production. Previous credits include Josh Baskin (Big the Musical), Lord Farquaad (Shrek the Musical), and Harry (Mamma Mia!). Thanks to all who have come out to see the show, we hope you enjoy!

Andrew Gibson

Ernst Ludwig

Andrew is happy to return to ACT for it's second adult show, and grateful to be performing with close friends. He has performed all over Southern NH, playing roles such as The Beast in Beauty and the Beast (Amato), Ruben in Joseph (Actorsingers), and the title role(s) in Jekyll & Hyde (Pittsfield Players) to name a few. Andrew has enjoyed the challenge of playing a character like Ernst that's set in such a pivotal time in history. He's grateful for the support of his family and friends, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Erika Ellis

Fraulein Kost

Erika is so honored to take on the role of Fraulein Kost in this production of Cabaret. They want to thank the creative team, as they have not taken this production lightly and did not shy away from what Cabaret is at core and its very real story of the past that mirrors the world of today. They also want to thank Valerie Carlucci, their mother, for her continued support of their passions . As well as a huge thanks to their incredible friends who are always cheering them on. They finally want to thank their cast mates for their dedication and drive to making this show the best it can be.

Irene Cohen

Fraulein Schneider

Irene is very excited to do her first show with ACT! She is honored to share the stage with this exceptionally talented cast-- especially performing with her husband Chris. Irene has been performing locally for several years including professional/regional work with the Palace Theatre and Ogunquit Playhouse. Some of her favorite roles include Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music and Nettie in Carousel. Thank you Sam for all of your support and and advice. Angelica, Jesse, and Jen: you will forever have my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to play this role—thank you for your support, patience, and trust.

Christopher Cohen

Herr Schultz

There are two schools of thought regarding psychedelic pink elephants. Reinforcing bad behavior is nothing like reinforcing bridge buttresses. When in a walk in refrigerator, be sure you know how much oxygen you have - especially if the compressor is broken and it’s been stocked with dry ice. There is no similarity between shrimp scampi and a triple pane, double hung window. What do you call a tree that falls in the forest and doesn’t make a sound? Never underestimate the weight of a hippopotamus that you intend to wrestle. If one ox plus one ox equal two oxen, does that mean an oven is actually two ov?

Julia Arey

Rosie/Gorilla/Dance Captain

Julia Arey is thrilled to be making her Actors Coop Theatre debut with one of her favorite musicals and such an important piece of theatre! Julia received her BA in Theatre Arts with an option in Music Theatre Performance and a minor in Dance from Plymouth State University. She currently works at the Kidsborough After-School Program in Lexington as an Assistant Site Coordinator at Harrington Elementary. Some of Julia’s favorite credits include: Igor (Young Frankenstein), Cookie (Rumors), Dance Ensemble (Pippin), Chimney Sweep/Featured Dancer (Mary Poppins), Grandma Rosie (The Wedding Singer), Ensemble (RENT). Julia would like to thank her family, friends, and partner, Lex for their endless love and support!

Sara Landry

Lulu

Sara is excited to be working with ACT and performing at the Hatbox once again! Cabaret is one of her favorite shows and feels honored to be able to perform in and manage props for it. Check out Sara as Linda in the upcoming production of Evil Dead with The ActorSingers at the end of August.

Victoria Sebastian

Frenchie

Victoria is from Chelmsford MA and is new to working with Actors Coop Theatre. Her most notable works include Man of La Mancha (Antonia) with Theatre at the Mount. As well as various shows at Western New England University including: Chicago: The Musical (Liz), Little Women (Hannah), The Women of Lockerbie (Women’s Chorus), Mamma Mia (Lisa/Dance Captain), Months on End (Elaine), Hello Dolly (Ermengarde). As well as Into the Woods (Jack’s Mother) during her time at Chelmsford High School. Victoria would like to thank Hillary Haft Bucs for coaching her during her undergrad. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support. Break a leg!

Stephanie Ernst

Texas

Stephanie is excited to be a part of Cabaret.

Mackenzie Goodwin

Fritzie

Mackenzie is so excited to be taking on the role of Fritzie! She is a recent graduate of Plymouth State University’s theatre department and MBA program. Past credits include Cecile Caldwell (Cruel Intentions), Mary Lane (Reefer Madness) and Natalie Goodman (Next to Normal). When she’s not on stage, she enjoys partaking in Applebees happy hour and engaging in general shenanigans with the homies. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support, and all those involved in Cabaret for such a great experience.

Selena Chea Miller

Helga

Selena is thrilled to be making her ACT debut and to mark her first performance at the Hatbox Theatre! Previously, Selena was seen in the choir for the ActorSingers production of Hunchback of Notre Dame and the ensemble of the ActorSingers fringe project Cruel Intentions. Outside of theatre, Selena works in the video production industry and spends her free time creating cosplay content online (check out @itscindychea on TikTok and Instagram). She would like to thank the directorial team for having her be part of such an amazing production, her family and friends for all their support, and her partner Val for always being there for her.

Mark Kelly

Bobby

Mark is ecstatic to be performing in Cabaret.

Tom Lott

Victor/Two Ladies Feature/I Don't Care Much Feature/Dance Captain

Tom is excited to be returning to ACT, and to be making his return to the Hatbox Theatre.  Previous credits include: "Twisted", "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Cruel Intentions: The Musical", and "Big". Tom would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for their dedication and hard work, as well as his incredible fiance, Sydney.

Ben Fernekees

Hans

Ben is excited to be a part of Cabaret!

Phillip Laks

Herman/Max

Phil is happy to be on stage and having fun with such lovely humans.

Brendan Sacco

Trombone (Edgar)

John Carey

Piano (Bruno)

Dave Brown

Violin (Hugo)

Tom Holmes

Drums (Werner)

Eric Hansen

Reed 1 (Heinrich)

Will Merchant

Trumpet (Dieter)

Jesse Drake

Conductor (Wolfgang)

Angèlica Forcier Rosenthal

Director

Angèlica Forcier Rosenthal (Director) is so grateful to be back at The Hatbox with ACT. She is a graduate from Plymouth State University with a degree in Political Science and Theatre and has been performing, directing and teaching in the New Hampshire and Boston area since graduation. Some of her recent directorial productions include “The Producers” (Windham Actors Guild) “Big: The Musical” (Kids Coop Theatre/ACT), “Oklahoma” (Kids Coop Theatre), “Sweeney Todd” (Actorsingers), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Actorsingers) “Twisted: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier” (Actors Cooperative Theatre) “The Sound of Music” (Kids Coop Theatre) “Bring It On” (Kids Coop Theatre) “Cannibal: The Musical” (Actorsingers) “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” (Winner of the two NHTA awards, Actorsingers) “Matilda” (Kids Coop Theatre) “Mamma Mia” (Actorsingers) “21 Chump Street (Winner of the NHCTAs and six other awards, Actorsingers) “Reefer Madness” (Actorsingers) “Bye Bye Birdie” (Windham Actors Guild), “Spring Awakening” (Winner of four awards including Directing, Actorsingers), and “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Actorsingers Winner of an NHTA). When Angèlica is not directing she can be found on the stage and has recently been seen in “Cruel Intentions''(Actorsingers), “Little Shop Of Horrors” (Dive In Productions), “Macbeth”(Hatbox), and the original cast of “God Hates Musicals”. Angèlica has also worked as a music teacher for the past 9 years. Her main instruments consist of: Cello, Violin, Viola, Ukulele, Bass, Guitar, Trombone, Trumpet, Piano and Voice. Angèlica also has an extensive background in Dance, Fight Direction, Intimacy Direction, Tech Direction, Sound Design, Stage Management and Set Design. She is also looking forward to the next production she has going up where she will be in the first ever staging of “Nevermore” written by Mark Kelly for the NHCTA festival and will soon be back at The Hatbox directing “Hand To God” which goes up September 29th - October 15th.

Jesse Drake

Musical Director

Jesse is a frequent director and musical director for ACT's parent company, Kids Coop Theatre, having directed such shows as "Willy Wonka" and "The Little Mermaid" and musically directed "Oklahoma!" and "Big the Musical", to name a few. He has been participating in Southern NH community theatre for 15 years, having starred in such roles as Adolfo Pirelli in Actorsingers' recent production of Sweeney Todd and Leopold Bloom in Windham Actors Guild's spring production of "The Producers". Catch him in Cue Zero Theatre Company's upcoming production of "Assassins" as Charles J. Guiteau this October.

Jen Ryder

Choreographer

Jen is so excited to be working with ACT for the first time. Jen choreographed her first show when she was 13, and has been doing it ever since. Some shows Jen has choreographed in recent years include Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Actorsingers; Main Stage), Mamma Mia (Actorsingers; Main Stage), School of Rock (KCT), and High School Musical (KCT). Jen has 20 years of theatrical experience and 11 years of formal dance training. Jen has performed as a featured dancer in over 15 productions. Some of Jen’s favorite roles include Manson Trio (Pippin), Little Becky Two-Shoes (Urinetown), Sapphire (Rock of Ages), and Ruthie Taylor/Ned (Bat Boy). Jen spends her weekly 9-5 hours working as a Paralegal at a Tech company outside of Boston. In addition to choreographing this show, Jen also took all of the headshots and promo shots displayed in this program and the lobby. Jen would like to thank her Wife Lindsay and Cat Charlie for all the support and love they’ve given her throughout this show and every day. Jen would also like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work. Jen hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoyed choreographing it, and thanks you for coming!!

Laurel Forcier

Costume Designer

Joseph Cain

Sound Designer

Tom Lott

Lighting Design

Angèlica Forcier Rosenthal

Scenic Design

Sam Campanella

Stage Crew

Sam Cohen

Assistant Stage Manager

Kae Ryenne Malette

Assistant Stage Manager

Rosemarie Kelly

Stage Manager

Sara Landry

Properties Design

John Kelly

Board Op

Tom Lott

Producer

Special Thanks

Winnipesaukee Players

Concord Community Players

Actorsingers

Andrew Pinard

Hatbox Theatre

Riverside Theatre Works

Lindsay Clark

Bri Arico

Next Season

"Hand to God" by Robert Askins- September 29-October 15 2023

"The Trail to Oregon!" by Starkid Productions- May 3-12 2024

"Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical" by Lindsey Rosin, Jordan Ross, Roger Kumble- August 2-11 2024

Interested in becoming a donor, season sponsor, or show sponsor?

Contact Tom Lott for more information!

TomRLott@gmail.com