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Cast

Creative Team

Director's Note

Hand to God is a play that I have always personally found very interesting for many different reasons. As I’ve watched the process go by, it really opened my eyes to the impact religion truly leaves on a person. I personally was raised in both The Catholic and The Jewish faith. I’ve been known to call myself a cashew (Catholic/Jew) but religion was never a large part of my childhood, we celebrated holidays, we read kids books but to me Bible Stories and Dr. Suess were always one in the same. As I grew up in a very small town I learned that people went to church every sunday, kids who sat next to me in school were in CCD and boy did they talk about Jesus in ways I had never thought to even bring up.

My relationship with Christianity at a young age was very relaxed and yet I would be in class where if someone said “Jesus Christ” because they were frustrated kids would be offended. This was the fourth grade. I also learned very quickly that these kids who had been so devoted to Jesus Christ and the Bible knew nothing about Judaism. This confused me and still does to this day. I grew up with the understanding that Judaism was part one and The New Testament, Jesus was part two, how could these people who wanted to yell about taking the lord's name in vain know little to nothing about the book they were so passionate about.

As I grew up and went through High School I became more aware, more politically active and that's when I remember hearing about the child abuse in The Catholic Church. The absolute destruction to these kids lives, and it was story after story. Once I understood what was going on I couldn’t morally support the church and frankly I wasn’t even sure I could support organized religion. The people who abuse power in the church were not following what I had learned and understood the teachings of Jesus Christ to be. They were everything Jesus would have fought against and yet here they were using his name to abuse children, and where were those Catholics upset, not wanting to hear the lord's name in vain, to me this was so much worse and yet where were they, why were they not speaking out. I had known too many people sexually abused by the Catholic church to ever consider associating myself with them. So, I dropped the Cashew and just identified as Jewish.

As I’ve become an adult I have watched people weaponize the teachings of Jesus Christ to put people down, to discriminate against people, to steal, to hurt and this still is happening everyday. I feel like the people who push this religion on others, force it down their throats, because they’ve decided everyone needs to follow their religion have no idea what the teachings in their religion are about. I watch as people who call themselves devout christians, who were taught to Love Thy Neighbor attack the gay community, the trans community and other small minority groups, and other religions in the name of Jesus Christ. This is not in the teachings of Jesus Christ. But this is what they’ve warped his teachings into to best serve their agenda.

Religion and spirituality has never been an agenda for me. I don’t need a church to have a connection with God, nor do I need a group telling me what to do, what relationship with God I should have and what I need to be doing. I don't want a church that wants to parent me as an adult and I will never stand by an institution that abuses children, does nothing to stop it and covers it up. I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror if I did.

This show has reminded me of all that the word of Jesus is used for and it’s too commonly everyone's personal self interests. I’m thankful that I was brought up in a household that let me learn religion on my own and explore for myself. I’m very grateful both of my parents never forced any religion on me. I remember as a child how casual my parents were about religion as to not push it. I remember my Mother would always say “I have a direct line to God at all times and I don’t have to go to church to talk to him.” and my Father would remind me that he “Wasn’t a practicing Jew he had it perfected” (I liked to say I was performance ready). I have so much respect for them and the way they raised me. So as you watch this show I encourage you to explore your faith and never feel guilty asking questions or holding organizations accountable. Your relationship with God is yours and no one can take that from you.

Meet the Company

Mark Kelly

Jason/ Tyrone

Mark is thrilled to be performing as Jason and Tyrone in this production. Not only is he onstage, he played a major part in the design and construction of the Tyrone puppets. He most recently performed in ACT’s production of “Cabaret” as Bobby. Some of his previous favorite roles include Jonas Fogg and the ensemble in “Sweeney Todd,” the Royal Vizier in “Twisted,” and the Chairman in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.”

Erika Ellis

Margery

Erika is very grateful to have been given the opportunity to take on the challenging and complex role of Margery. Erika has recently been seen in ACT’s production of Cabaret as Fraulein Kost, and is very happy to be back preforming at The Hatbox theatre with ACT. They want to thank the cast and crew for all of the hard work and dedication they’ve put into this production. As well as a huge thank you to her parents for cheering on her passion and traveling to support her in person!

Jesse Drake

Timothy

Jesse has been acting in Southern NH community theatre for almost 15 years, and 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 recently 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". He was also top nominated for Best Actor in a Musical (Community) for his portrayal of Albert Peterson in Windham Actors Guild's 2018 production of "Bye Bye Birdie" for the New Hampshire Theatre Awards.

Mackenzie Goodwin

Jessica/Jolene

Mackenzie is thrilled to be returning to the Hatbox stage in her second show with ACT. She was last seen as Fritzie in Cabaret. Past performances include Cecile (Cruel Intentions), Natalie (Next To Normal) and Emily (Nevermore), for which she received an Excellence in Acting award. Mackenzie wants to thank her friends and family for supporting all of her wild theatrical endeavors. Enjoy the show!

Sam Campanella

Pastor Greg

Sam Campanella, after making his straight play debut in Actorsingers’ Nevermore, is returning to the medium as Pastor Greg in Hand to God. He would like to thank Angelica, Aly, Tom, and the entire cast and crew for their work and dedication to the show. To all who come to see the show, bless your hearts and I hope to see you again soon!

Angèlica Forcier Rosenthal

Director/Scenic Design

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 “Cabaret” (ACT), “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” (ACT) “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 NHCTA awards, Actorsingers), “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 NHCTA 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 “Nevermore”(Winner of NHCTA Excellence in Acting, Actorsingers), “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 The Last Days of Judas Iscariot with The Milford Area Players, as well as Trail To Oregon with ACT right back here at the Hatbox Theatre. She urges you to keep an eye out for audition information for both shows and if you would like more information please ask a member of ACT or find her directly at the show.

Aly Aramento

Stage Manager

Aly is excited to be behind the scenes for her second show with ACT! Typically, Aly can be seen on stage as a performer. Favorite past credits include: Veronica Sawyer (Heathers), Marcy (Dogfight), and Sally Bowles (Cabaret, also with ACT). Aly would like to thank the cast and the rest of the tech team for all of their hard work, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Tom Lott

Technical Director/Light Design/Producer

Tom is one of the founding members of ACT, and is excited to be returning to the Hatbox Theatre. Most recently, Tom was seen on stage with ACT's production of "Cabaret" and with both of ACT's prior shows, "Twisted: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier" and "Big: The Musical". He can also be seen in The Concord Community Player's production of "The Sound of Music" this November. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support, and most importantly, his incredible fiancée, Sydney.

Brianna Arico

Assistant Stage Manager

Bri was very excited to step into the role of Assistant Stage Manager. She has enjoyed combining her love of crafting and anatomy to help create one of the puppets you’ll see during the show. Bri is also looking forward to choreographing ACT’s Spring production, Trail to Oregon.

Laurel Forcier

Costume Design

Laurel has been costuming shows since 2017. This is her 17th production. She has been involved in productions with Actors Coop Theatre, Kids Coop Theatre, Actorsingers, & Windham Actors Guild. The last production that she worked on was Nevermore, which was performed for NHCTA competition. She is very grateful for the opportunity to work with such a creative team & cast. Laurel would like to thank her family for all their love & support.

Becca Scheetz

Stage Crew

Becca is happy to be helping ACT with their production of "Hand to God". Becca has previously worked with ACT on their production of "Big: The Musical". Becca has also worked with the creative team on WAG's production of "The Producers". When she's not painting sets, Becca works as a forester for the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Garrett Meyer

Board Op

Garrett Meyer is thrilled to work once again with ACT, now for the first time behind the scenes! Garrett was last seen on the Hatbox stage as the Emcee in Cabaret just months ago, and could not be more excited to provide the lights for Hand To God. He would like to thank the cast and crew and hopes you all enjoy this wild ride of a show!

Sara Landry

Set Dresser/Properties Master

Sara is delighted to lend a hand to such a fantastic show. Sara loved being behind the scenes to create the world you see. Traditionally Sara is on stage and has been seen in roles such as Princess (Twisted), Maureen (RENT), Annette (Cruel Intentions), and reprising the role of Linda (Evil Dead the Musical) this January and February in Boston. Enjoy every aspect of the show and the emotions you will feel!

Mark Kelly, Brianna Arico, and Laurel Forcier

Puppet Creation

Angèlica Forcier Rosenthal

Fight Director

Angèlica Forcier Rosenthal

Intimacy Coordinator

Angèlica Forcier Rosenthal

Sound Design

Special Thanks

Actorsingers

Community Players of Concord

Kids Coop Theatre

23/24 Season

"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

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