Hotel Cassiopeia

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DIRECTOR'S NOTE

I’ve been asked regularly over the past six months what Hotel Cassiopeia is about. It’s a fair question you might ask about any storytelling medium that you were interested in. For me, there are two answers, the short one, and the long one.

The artist Joseph Cornell lived in New York City during the first half of the 20th century and saw the rise of surrealism as an artistic expression which he reluctantly allowed himself to be associated with. He also saw moving pictures, automobiles, airplane travel, two world wars, television, the moon landing, and so much more come into being in his lifetime. And through all that, he developed an artistic style that saw him create picture boxes that were populated by items he found, bought, and collected from the city streets of New York. His artwork, known now as Cornell Boxes, were meant to be touched, interacted with, played with by children, and used as a window into a world that had echoes and visions of ours, but was also fantastical. Magical. Better.

Cornell’s life intersected with many of the greatest and most prolific artist of his day, yet he was, by all accounts, a homebody. Caring for his mother and brother for large parts of his life, he walked the streets of the city almost daily, and chronicled what he saw for his brother who was ill and bedridden, bringing the world he saw back home with him to share with the people he loved most, through his artwork. And that’s what this show is. It’s us as a cast and design team delving into the creative and fascinating world and life of this artist, and bringing back to you the visions of beauty, heartbreak, wonder, and magic that we hope inspire joy and connection in you. The show we present isn’t always linear, or factual, and never overly serious. We don’t expect you to understand everything you see and experience. But I can’t explain a walk through Central Park, or a ride on the A train, or the anticipation that builds as a theatre goes dark and the screen lights up with Hedy Lamar’s face. These are all experiences that you have to be there for. So that’s what we’re bringing you. An experience. We hope you enjoy it.

The short version: You ever wonder what it would be like to climb inside an artists head as they go for a walk around New York City, and see the world through their eyes? That’s what Hotel Cassiopeia is.

Brad Norris, Director

SETTING

Time: 1930-1960, and always and never.
Place: New York City and the Mind of Joseph Cornell

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Benjamin McCardell

Joseph Cornell

Benjamin is in their second year at CCBC, and will graduate with their AFA in Theatre this spring. They have appeared in The Underpants as Klinglehoff and in A New Brain as the Minister at CCBC, as well as many other roles elsewhere. They hope you enjoy the show!

Kayla Byrd

Waitress/Leila

Kayla takes CCBC’s stage, for the second time, in Hotel Cassiopeia! She has was seen previously in last semesters’ performance of Barbecue as Lillie Anne. Kayla has since changed her major to Early Childhood Education, but is still very in love with acting and the theater program here at CCBC. She now plans to transfer to Towson University in the Fall of 2024 to become a teacher!

Jennifer Casagrande

Joseph's Mother

Jennifer is a Performing Arts student in her last semester at CCBC. She discovered her passion for theatre performing in musicals in middle and high school. Since enrolling at CCBC, Jennifer has explored new talents, writing and performing for the Spring Arts Festival (2021), acting in her first play as Caroline in Detroit '67, getting in front of the camera in the student short film Murder at the Haunted Mansion, returning to her love of musical theatre in A New Brain, and working part-time in the theatre. This fall, Jennifer will be transferring to California Baptist University to complete a Bachelor's in Theatre Performance and pursue a career in acting on stage and in film. Jennifer would like to thank her family for loving and supporting her, the amazing cast/crew of Hotel Cassiopeia for all the laughs and memories, and most of all Jesus Christ for the loving gift of salvation and the joy and peace that comes with a relationship with Him! ~Rom. 8:28

Darian Grade

Astronomer

Darian is a theatre major at CCBC. She appeared on stage in CCBC Spring Arts Festival 2021, Fall 2021 The Underpants, Spring 2022 Fabulation, and Fall 2022 Small Mouth Sounds. She also appeared in Scam Artist at Truest Ethos Theatre Company. She is a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts, where she performed in Of Gods and Men and worked on the production side for many productions including Pippin, The Nutcracker, Little Shop of Horrors, and many more.

Grace Hutson

Ballerina

Grace previously performed two roles in Clue, three in The Little Mermaid, four in Wizard of Oz, and played an ensemble member in The Lion King. This is the first time she has ever held a singular role.

Sarah Joyce

Gorky/Corkmaker

Sarah a Theatre Performance Major, is excited to return to the CCBC stage with the cast of Hotel Cassiopeia. With 10+ years of acting experience, her training includes Broadway Workshop’s Summer Intensive, various improv, character, and voice acting classes at Closing Credits. Recent roles include Gloria in Perry Hall Christian School’s Bye Bye Birdie, Lady Capulet in Baltimore Shakespeare Company’s Radio Shakespeare Camp, and a role in CCBC’s Play(gue). Sarah recently worked as a director and senior counselor for Third Wall Productions’ Summer Stock Program. When she’s not rehearsing, she can be found recording for songs and video games, and drawing.

Kyle LaPosta

Pharmacist

Kyle is very excited to be a part of his second show at CCBC. Last semester he was seen as Maurice in Barbecue. He has been doing theatre for 12 years and was previously seen as Jesus in Godspell, Mr Wormwood in Matilda, Baker in Into the Woods, Nutcracker in Nutcracker, TJ in Sister Act, Kyle in Legally Blonde, and Horton in Seussical. Kyle would like to thank Brad and the cast and crew for this opportunity!

Shakiara Saunders

Allegra/Duchamp

Shakiara is a Spring 2022 graduate of CCBC Essex. She appeared in the Spring 2022 production of Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine, Fall 2021 production of The Underpants, and the Spring Arts Festival 2021. She was onstage for Our Lady of Kibeho . On the production side she was assistant stage manager in 2021 for Speech and Debate and the makeup artist for He Has Risen. She has taken on the challenge of becoming a stage manager for We Are Proud To Present. She hopes to create and act in her own shows in the future.

Jaiden Shaw

Lauren Bacall/Marianne

This is Jaiden's first semester at CCBC! She recently graduated from George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology with a concentration in Design & Production. She plans to earn a BFA in Acting after her time at CCBC. Some of her past roles include Gabriella Montez in High School Musical On Stage, #14 in The Wolves, and Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The Musical. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Tatiyana Terrelonge

Matta/The Girl

Tatiyana reappears for another show at CCBC. A second year Theatre Major, Tatiyana also appeared in the The Wiz and Annie at EYD (Encouraging Youth to Dream) Performing Arts. She is excited for her roles in Hotel Cassiopeia. Tatiyana plans to take her career farther into theater and into film acting as well.

Anna Tsakalas

Herbalist

Anna is excited for their acting debut in Hotel Cassiopeia as the Herbalist. Anna is usually working behind the scenes as a stage manager or deck chief for other shows, so acting in front of an audience is a whole new exciting adventure for them. Anna is hoping to graduate this semester and continue on to work on receiving their Bachelors Degree in Theatre Production. Anna would like to give a special thanks to her best friend, Shakiara Saunders, who has been by their side since their first day in theatre just over a year ago. Lastly, Anna would like to thank their daughter Persephone for all the love and support she gives them, you make your mama’s days a whole lot better.

Charles L. Mee

Author

Click here to read about the author.

Joseph Cornell

Artist

Click here to read about the artist.

Brad Norris

Director

Brad is a Baltimore based Director, Fight Choreographer, Scenic Artist, Sound Designer, Production Manager, and nerd who is thrilled to be Directing again at CCBC where he regularly serves at the Production Manager for the Performing Arts Department. He is especially excited that as of the time of writing this bio, it doesn't look like another pandemic is going to prevent this show from opening like it did with his last CCBC directing project. RIP Frankenstein. He is also currently the Managing Director of Fells Point Corner Theatre, a freelance artist, a DM for hire, and the greatest stay-at-home dad his kids have ever known. He is passionate about justice, representation, indigenous sovereignty, and centering non-straight-white-cis-male stories and opinions everywhere possible. He himself is a straight-white-cis-male, so this bio is about as much of his story as he is comfortable with you caring about. He loves his wife and kids and would be nowhere without them. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find him, maybe you can hire Brad Norris.

Terri Raulie

Scenic and Lighting Designer

Terri is an Assistant Professor in the Performing Arts and Humanities Department at CCBC. She holds a BFA and an MA in Theatre Design and Production from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Professional and regional credits include The Whole Theatre, The Hangar Theatre, and Playwright Horizons in New Jersey and New York. Locally, she has designed sets and/or lights for productions with Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre, Phoenix Festival Theatre, and the Baltimore School for the Arts.

Heiko Spieko

Sound Designer

Heiko is a CCBC graduate and is incredibly grateful and excited to be back working at CCBC. In his 20 years on and off stage, Heiko has worked with virtually every small theatre in the Baltimore area. Personal highlights include but are not limited to operating sound on a moving bus for Promenade with Single Carrot, performing countless hours of improvised comedy with The Early Monday Morning Show and Drop Three, portraying Doctor Everett Scott in the Rocky Horror Show, stage managing and sound designing Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play and far too much 4 a.m. sleep-deprived set building. Heiko would like to thank the cast and crew for their passion, and his family, both blood and assimilated, and especially Mrs. Awesomesauce, for their constant support. Also, if today is your birthday, happy birthday to you!

Jessica Rassp

Costume Designer

Jess (she/her) is a Theatre Artist, Producer and Puppetry specialist who works as an independent artist with various theatre companies as a leader, designer, and puppet creator. In addition to intensive studies in theatre and fine arts, she received her B.A. in English Literature from Brandeis University. jessrasspdesign.com

Andrew Pfluger

Stage Manager

Andrew is a Theatre/Design and Production major at CCBC, having started in 2019 and graduating this semester. Previously, Andrew worked on Small Mouth Sounds (Stage Manager and the Voice of Teacher), the Spring Arts Festival (actor), Clean Slate (actor), Our Lady of Kibeho (ASM), and She Kills Monsters (crew). Outside of CCBC, Andrew works at Drama Learning Center as a production coordinator, designer, theatre technician, and teaching artist.

Nicholas Stickle

Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Crew

Nicholas has been the front of house and light board operator for productions at Harrisburg Area Community College. Nicholas took three practicums and this is his 4th semester as a Theatre Major, as a transfer student and am now taking full time classes at CCBC. He also performed in the first ever Zoom production of an original production entitled: The Time Machine.

Jason Randolph

Technical Director/Projection Designer

BS Math, College of William and Mary MFA Rinehart School of Sculpture, MICA MFA Technical Theatre and Design, UVA TD/Resident Scenic Designer Single Carrot Theatre 2014-2017 TD CCBC Essex 2015-present TD Cockpit in Court Summer Theater 2016-present

The students of THTR 131: Stagecraft; Toni Oliver, Broadus Nesbitt, Jen Casagrande, Darian Grade

Set Construction

Jayline Figueroa

Deck Chief

Nicholas Woodward

Stage Crew

Amanda Sergent

Light Board Operator

Shannon Santucci

Projection Operator

Soraya Gaddy

Costumes/Prop Crew

Julie Lewis

Production Coordinator

Julie is a Professor, Playwright, Director and Coordinator of the CCBC Theatre Program. She received her BA in Writing Arts and Theatre from SUNY Oswego and her MFA in Playwriting from Brooklyn College. Her original plays include Henry’s Holiday (Winner of the Perishable Theatre’s Women’s Playwriting Festival), Obituary Mambo (Abingdon Theatre, NYC), Plastic Haircut, Three Hundred Out of Hades, Quiver and Sink (Mohawk Valley Community College), and Smolder and an adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle (CCBC Essex). Her works have been produced in the Samuel French New Play Festival, Manhattan Theatre Source’s Estrogenius Festival, NYC’s Ensemble Theatre’s Opal Series, and Fitchburg State’s Americulture Festival. Locally, her plays have been produced at The Strand, Glass Mind Theatre, Vagabonds, The Kennedy Center (staged reading) and Fells Point Corner Theatre. Julie’s directing credits include Lysistrata, The Skin of Our Teeth, Marco Polo Sings a Solo, Blithe Spirit, The Maids, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Metamorphoses, Kid Simple: A Radio Play in the Flesh, M. Butterfly, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom and Pullman, WA, and most recently Suzan Lori-Parks’ Father Comes Home for the Wars. Julie is most proud of the devised work she has created with her students, including War Stories Staged (Winner of the League of Innovations Award) and The Consumables (performed at the KCACTF Region 2 Fringe and Baltimore’s ArtScape). Her devised production of Hamlet Lost/Found was chosen to perform on the main stage of the 2017 KCACTF Region 2 Festival, as well as her production of Waiting for Godot (set in Baltimore), which garnished two National Kennedy Center Awards in 2018. Julie is a 2012 recipient of a Maryland State Arts Council Grant in Playwriting and English Writing Arts Alumni Award in Playwriting, SUNY Oswego, 2013. She directs annually in the CCBC Academic Theatre Program and teaches Script Analysis, Introduction to Theatre and Writing for the Stage.

Trent Haines-Hopper, THSquared Photography

Production Photographer

Special Thanks

Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis
CCBC President
Dr. Joaquin Martinez
Provost & Vice President of Instruction
Dr. William Watson
Dean, School of Arts & Communication
Professor Nick VanHorn
Chair, Performing Arts and Humanities
Dr. Rebecca Ocampo 
Arts Pathways Coordinator
Dr. Anne M. Lefter
Director of the Arts
Johanna Lawrence
Administrative Assistant, Arts
Cathy Kratovil
Communications Assistant, School of Arts & Communication
Michael Elspas
Designer, CCBC Creative Services
Marc Ershler
Campus Director, CCBC Essex
 

CCBC School of Arts and Communication

Dr. William Watson, Dean Professor
Will Niebauer, Chair, Arts and Design
Professor Nick VanHorn, Chair, Performing Arts and Humanities
Professor Michael Walsh, Chair, Communication Arts
Dr. Anne Lefter, Director of the Arts

The Arts at CCBC

Dr. Anne Lefter, Director of the Arts
Johanna Lawrence, Assistant to the Director
G. Maurice “Moe” Conn, Technical Director
Jason Randolph, Technical Director
Marc Smith, Technical Director
Nicole Buckingham Kern, Galleries Coordinator
Emilyann Craighead, Galleries Assistant
Lisa Boeren, Box Office Manager
Thom Purdy, Box Office Assistant
Cathy Kratovil, Communications Assistant
Brad Norris, Production Manager
Jessica Rassp, Resident Costumer
Eva Grove, Costume Assistant


Theatre at CCBC

Julie Lewis, coordinator, faculty director
Damon Krometis, coordinator, faculty director
Terri Raulie, faculty designer
Precious B. Stone, faculty director
Jennifer Ring, Visiting Lecturer