BWW Stage Mag Night of the Living Dead - BrooklynOne Productions Stage Mag

Night of the Living Dead

at
brooklynONE productions: The Tom Kane Theatre
by
Lillie Allen Ohm

 
 directed by
John Paneptino
Don Manzo
featuring
Zaire Porter
Amy Ollove
Caroline Donato
Greta Edholm
Riley-Hilton Squires
Mitchell Richman
John Joseph
Kieran Cullen
Chris Sorrentino

Featuring a Special Performance by

Kyra Schon

 
 

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Cast

Zaire Anderson Portier
Ben
Greta Edholm
Barbara
John Joseph
Harry Cooper
Amy Ollove
Helen Cooper
Riley Hilton-Squires
Karen Cooper
Kieran Padraig Cullen
Tom
Caroline Donato
Judy
Mitch Richman
Johnny
Kyra Schon
Voice on Radio
Johnny Tammaro
Newscaster
Nicole Grieco
Dr. Grimes
Chris J Sorrentino
Sheriff "Chief" Connin McClellan
Sean Dorso
Deputy Sean
William Doyle
Deputy Bill
David Askew
First Ghoul
Mary Claire Smyth
Corpse in House
Andris Pinkhasik
Biker Zombie
Cosmo Duran
Zombie
Adele Wendt
Zombie
Michael Pichardo
Zombie
Vincent Pujo
Zombie
Jason Weiner
Zombie
Connor Mayrose
Zombie
Jack Mahoney
Zombie
Ashley Chico
Zombie
Joseph Hagopian
Corpse in Field
Erol Gureli
Butcher Zombie

Creative Team

John Panepinto

Co-Director

Don Manzo

Co-Director

Cassaundra Reed

Movement Coordinator

John Stillwaggon

Fight Choreographer

Danielle Rose Fisher-Panepinto

Costume Designer

Eitan Acks

Lighting Designer

Andrew Nunziata

Composer

Sam Eglowitz

Sound Engineer/Hospital Zombie

Sophia M Jacobs

Technical Director

Brandon Manderville

Video Producer

Anna Vella

Lead Makeup Design

Kane Slomko

Poster Design

Where to Turn Prop Shop

Props

Meet the Company

Zaire Anderson Portier

Ben
Zaire Anderson Portier - Ben Zaire Portier (Brooklyn, New York) started his acting training at Potsdam University and continued at Cuny Kingsborough where he graduated with honors is the Acting concretion and was a recpiet of the Charles Jacob Scholarship for performing Arts. This is his 9th Off Broadway Production. His pass performances include Jesus Hopped the A Train (Lucius Jenkins),Detroit 67 (Sly), Bent (Rudy),The Lady Of Larkspur Lotion (The Writer), Far Away (Todd) and Most Recently Prelude to a Kiss (Jamaican Waiter/ Wedding Officiant). Zaire would like to send Love to the homies, his sister Michael Samarie George who was in Hamilton, The Devil Wears Prada and most recently the Wiz, his Mom Paulette who done everything and more for him. Micheal George, his father for the motivation and discipline to move forward and Erika for running lines and just being herself. Love you all. The Legend Of Ziggy Continues.

Greta Edholm

Barbara
Greta Edholm - Barbara Greta Edholm was born and raised in Minnesota and moved to Manhattan in December 2023. Past roles include Georgiana Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, The Singing Telegram Girl in Clue, and her personal favorite, Patty Simcox in Grease. This is Greta’s first production in NYC and she is beyond excited to portray one of film’s original scream queens.

John Joseph

Harry Cooper
John Joseph - Harry Cooper John has been a huge fan of this genre ever since his first zombie flick, the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead. Even as a young tyke growing up in Alameda, CA (with parents who clearly didn't mind him watching scary movies), he was captivated by the unique blend of horror, humor, and social commentary (which he realized as he got older.). He's been enjoying them ever since. Favorite zombie flicks: 28 Days Later, Train to Busan and Dawn of the Dead. Enjoy the show!

Amy Ollove

Helen Cooper
Amy Ollove - Helen Cooper Amy Ollove (she/her) has been obsessed with all things Halloween since she was a child growing up in Southern Maine. She is thrilled that, after moving to NYC a year and a half ago, she is performing in her first piece of ‘horror theater’ to kick off this spooky season in the sarcastic and unwavering role of Helen. Most recently Amy played another mom in The Man of My Dreams Lives in West Hollywood at The Tank and 4th grade bully Shelby in The 4th Grade Christmas Dance Play in the NY Theater Festival; Her age range is vast. Amy’s favorite roles include Narrator (Every Brilliant Thing), Grandma (American Dream), and various fool characters in her award-winning thesis Foolish Sanity, including Fleabag and King Lear’s Fool. Amy has also stage managed numerous musicals and plays throughout the east coast, most recently in Gallery Player’s production of Fences, and has worked as a production manager, most notably at her alma mater’s theater, Brandeis University. Amy has also studied theater in London and in a comedy conservatory at The Second City, Chicago. She now regularly performs with her improv team, @NoDudsImprov. (Love to Mum, Dad + L+G!) [IG; @Amy_Ollove, Youtube; https://www.youtube.com/@amyollove]

Riley Hilton-Squires

Karen Cooper
Riley Hilton-Squires - Karen Cooper Riley is in 6th grade and in addition to acting enjoys ballet, volleyball, candy, hanging out with her best friend, cuddling her puppy and tormenting her brother. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Kieran Padraig Cullen

Tom
Kieran Padraig Cullen - Tom Kieran Padraig Cullen is elated to join this cast in staging one of his favorite movies of all time. As a fan of George Romero, Kieran was eager to sink his teeth into this role (pun intended!) Some other roles Kieran has recently put on stage include Ernst in the musical Spring Awakening and Orlando in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. As a 2022 graduate of The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Kieran dedicates his time to being the best performer he can be, attending weekly dance classes with Dance Molinari and singing lessons with Emily Goulazian’s Music Studio. Off stage, Kieran enjoys playing acoustic guitar, drawing, and reading. “I want to give a huge thank you to my girlfriend, Riley Coffman, for being so supportive of my work and keeping me happy all the while. You’re incredible.”

Caroline Donato

Judy
Caroline Donato - Judy Caroline (She/Her) is thrilled to be joining the cast of The Night of The Living Dead in her first ever production with BrooklynONE. Caroline attended Ohio University where she studied Musical Theater and graduated with her BFA in the spring of 2023. Since graduating she has been featured in “The Comeback Cabaret” at Don’t Tell Mama NYC and she has performed with Improvolution NYC. Other roles include, Ohio University: The Women of Lockerbie (Woman 1). Tantrum Theater: Spring Awakening (Ensemble, u/s Wendla). Natasha Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Sonya). Carrie: The Musical (Fern, u/s Norma/Frieda). Greensboro Performing Arts: Footloose (Ariel). Shrek: The Musical (Dragon).

Mitch Richman

Johnny
Mitch Richman - Johnny Mitch Richman is a Director and actor originally from Southern Maryland. His work has been seen at The Tank, Dixon Place, Primary Stages, Pace University, Institute of the Arts Barcelona, Nebraska University, and other NYC venues. He serves as a frequent actor and Production Assistant at the NYU Martin Scorsese Film Center. Skilled in content creation, he is the social media coordinator at Terry Knickerbocker Studios. He is also a proud member of the BrooklynONE core company. Mitch holds a BA from Pace University, where he studied acting and directing as part of their International Performance Ensemble. In his free time he is an avid Viola player and horticulturist.

Kyra Schon

Voice on Radio
Kyra Schon - Voice on Radio Kyra Schon has the distinction of having portrayed Karen Cooper, the trowel-wielding zombie kid in George Romero's original "Night of the Living Dead." Her involvement in this production feels like she's come full circle. Her first job in life, at age 4 or 5, was on a radio commercial, recorded at her dad's studio so she is grateful to Brooklyn One for the experience. She currently keeps her artistic skills honed by teaching art, creating handmade sterling silver and bronze jewelry and designing whimsical greeting cards featuring her pooch Spiffy, a hound with an abundant personality. Kyra formerly wrote a weekly feature for The Horror Channel website entitled "Ghoulish Guidance", an advice column for zombies and other people.

Johnny Tammaro

Newscaster
Johnny Tammaro - Newscaster Johnny was last seen in the critically acclaimed Broadway bound Papermill Playhouse production of "The Wanderer" written by Charles Messina. He originated the role of Pat DiMucci. Johnny started his professional career in 1998 performing with country music legend Kenny Rogers in "Christmas From The Heart" as Bruno The Teddy Bear. He was also in “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” on Off-Broadway, the National Tour & Japan playing the majority of the males roles for 11 years. Johnny was featured on the Social Media Sensation Humans Of New York for his Santa Claus / Christmas Story. It was the most popular segment to date! You can also catch Johnny in the pandemic YouTube series “The Honeyzoomers” as Antny.

Nicole Grieco

Dr. Grimes
Nicole Grieco - Dr. Grimes Nicole is a regular member of the BrooklynOne ensemble since 2022. She has previously appeared in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (L. Montague), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Starveling/Moon), and As You Like It, as well as shorts and readings for the New Works Festival, Brooklyn One-Acts, and Dialogue With Three Chords.

Chris J Sorrentino

Sheriff "Chief" Connin McClellan
Chris J Sorrentino - Sheriff Staten Island native Chris Sorrentino is a professional freelance illustrator, comedian, and contributor on TruTV's Impractical Jokers since its fifth season. You can usually catch Chris performing monthly on the Martin Monster Show and the Manny & Friends comedy show.

Sean Dorso

Deputy Sean
Sean Dorso - Deputy Sean Sean is excited to be in his 3rd show with brooklynONE productions. After a 12 year hiatus from acting, Sean stepped back on stage in 2023 as Freddy in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Sean would like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support throughout the years. Most importantly, Sean sends a huge thank you to his best friend and wife, Maddie, for always being his rock and for pushing him to strive for greatness.

William Doyle

Deputy Bill
William Doyle - Deputy Bill William is a life-long New Yorker (Brooklyn!). He’s thrilled to be working for the first time with Brooklyn One at the Tom Kane theatre. Thanks to Anthony, John and Don, as well as the incredibly talented creative team that put this amazing show together. It’s been a fun ride!

David Askew

First Ghoul
David Askew - First Ghoul David is an art teacher in Brooklyn. He was raised on a steady diet of comic books, kaiju and shlock horror. Being an avid fan of all things monstrous and gory makes the opportunity to portray a ghoul in this classic a dream come true.

Mary Claire Smyth

Corpse in House
Mary Claire Smyth - Corpse in House Mary Claire is so excited to join this talented cast and crew in their production of Night of the Living dead. She has been is various different shows before at the Rockaway Theatre Company, Sunshine Studios, and her at school.

Andris Pinkhasik

Biker Zombie
Andris Pinkhasik - Biker Zombie Andris started his acting journey with classes at HB Studio in the West Village and had his acting debut in Murder On The Orient Express presented at the Little Victory Theatre. Since then, he has appeared in several local productions, such as Scenes from the Ferry at the Sundog Theater and Lend Me a Soprano at the Little Victory Theater. He would like to thank his family, friends, and Peaches for their support!

Cosmo Duran

Zombie
Cosmo Duran - Zombie Cosmo Duran is excited to be in their first BKOne production! This is the first play, let alone horror play they have ever done. Their Rockaway credits include James and the Giant Peach(Earthworm), Raise your voice (Beautiful City Soloist, Agony duet), and most recently Mean Girls(Kevin G.). They are extremely excited for this show and grateful for the chance to be a part of it!

Adele Wendt

Zombie
Adele Wendt - Zombie This is Adele’s first production at BrooklynOne, and she is so excited to be working on this spooky show. Adele has worked in a number of other companies in the NYC area, including The Rockaway Theatre Company and Act-Out! Acting School. She would like to thank John and Don for the opportunity to scare a bunch of people.

Michael Pichardo

Zombie
Michael Pichardo - Zombie Michael Pichardo is a Lower East Side native and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Performing Arts at Queensborough Community College. He has also studied under acting coach Tracey Moore. He is an ensemble member of Rising Sun Performance Company. RSP credits: City of Dark, Eléphant, Child's Play. Other theatre credits: S.U.N. In The U.S.A (Broadway Bound Theatre Festival), The Big Dream (Downtown Urban Arts Festival), Our Lady of 121st Street (Heights Players), Sycorax: Queen of Qamara (Ego Actus), Julius Caesar, and Punk Grandpa (Frigid NYC). He made his feature film debut in the drama "Trapped" which won the Angel of Action award for Best Feature at the 2019 Urban Action Showcase. Othet film credits: "The Brother-In-Law", "Hey Lover", and "Stash The Movie". And more to come soon.

Vincent Pujo

Zombie
Vincent Pujo - Zombie If you lived in southwest France in the early 80's you may have seen Vincent on stage as Saint-Exupéry's "Le Petit Prince". After a long hiatus he is now back as a Zombie in John Panepinto's adaptation of "Night of the living Dead".

Jason Weiner

Zombie
Jason Weiner - Zombie Jason Weiner graduated with a BA in Theatre (concentrations in Acting and Directing) from Marymount Manhattan College. Previous BKOne credits include Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and Oberon in Midsummer. He owes it all to the love and support of V and Rach.

Connor Mayrose

Zombie
Connor Mayrose - Zombie Connor is excited to make his debut in a BrooklynOne Production! He is thrilled to be in Night Of The Living Dead! His past shows include The Most Miserable Christmas Tree (Ensemble), Show Boat (Windy McLain), A Wonderful Life (Bob Hepner, John) Something Rotten (Francis Flute, Ensemble), Mamma Mia (Ensemble), A Christmas Carol (Mr. Hawkins, Ensemble) and Cinderella (Lord Pinkleton) in another theater group, Narrow’s Community Theater. Since 2014, Connor has been a guest vocalist for the Rhapsody Players. He was also involved in an online theater company, The Underground Screenplay Readings. His performances there include The Little Mermaid (Sebastian) and Shrek (Lord Farquaad). He also was thrilled to be able to offer his services as a set painting assistant on this show, which he has also done for many productions in the past! He wants to thank 2 Johns, Anthony, Andrew, Danielle, Don, Cassandra, Paige, his family, friends and the cast and crew for a “Deadly” experience!

Jack Mahoney

Zombie
Jack has entered his second year performing with BKOne Productions. Having performed in their Summer Shakespeare Festival twice, and several of their New Work Festivals. He has also performed at the Metropolitan Opera as a Supernumerary Actor in their recent productions of Aida and Turandot.

Ashley Chico

Zombie
Ashley Chico - Zombie Ashley Chico is so excited to be apart of this production. She is a teacher, but has been doing theater all her life. Past roles include Rusty in Footloose, Fräulein Kost in Cabaret, Hattie in Kiss Me Kate, Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Miss Mazeppa in Gypsy. She would like to thank John & Don for giving her this opportunity!

Erol Gureli

Butcher Zombie
Erol Gureli - Butcher Zombie Erol is a long time resident of Staten Island with a lovely wife, two beautiful daughters and two amazing grandsons. After leaving corporate life, Erol chose to pursue a new journey…. acting. Erol possesses a larger than life presence and can use several different accents when needed.

Joseph Hagopian

Corpse in Field
Joseph Hagopian - Corpse in Field Joe worked on this show for less than two hours.

John Panepinto

Co-Director
John Panepinto - Co-Director John is a Brooklyn born and raised actor/director. He has been working in the Brooklyn and Queens theatrical scene for close to 25 years and seems to be continuing to ride that wave. He has specifically been a part of BrooklynOne Productions since their very first show 17 years ago. He's thrilled to be a part of their newest iteration at Industry City and riding with Anthony until the wheels fall off...and then scrambling to buy new wheels ASAP. His last project was directing the first "book show" in the Tom Kane Theater, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile." He would like to thank his old friend Don, who he has had a blast riding with on this one, his chosen family at the RTC for all their help, his buddies Kane, Andrew, Brian, Rich and Tom for stepping in when they truly didn't have to, and his true family, including but not limited to, his parents, his incredible wife, Danielle and their equally incredible daughter Daisy.

Don Manzo

Co-Director
Don would like to thank BrooklynONE and John Panepinto for providing him the opportunity to rip Night of the Living Dead out of the screen and toss it onto a stage. The effort of all participants involved has been monumental. Our production has been a community effort consisting of talented individuals both alive and dead, tech-minded brainiacs of light and sound, aesthetic philosophers, fine artists, 20 directors, about 30ish Zombies, 50 set designers, 100 pounds of foundation make up, and myself (I hung the curtains). Additionally, he would like to thank everyone in the cast and crew for the extreme dedication of their time and the civility of their nature, and he would like to thank Standard Wormwood Distillery for providing him with enough corpse reviver #2s to literally make him a zombie. I love you mom. I love you dad.

Cassaundra Reed

Movement Coordinator
Cassaundra Reed - Movement Coordinator Cassaundra is a Brooklyn based dancer, singer, actor, and choreographer. Notable theater credits include: The Prom (choreographer), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Maggie), Urinetown (Choreographer/Ms. Millenium), God of Carnage (Annette), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Choreographer/swing), Hello Dolly (Ernestina), Cabaret (Texas), Guys & Dolls (Mimi, Lead Havana Dancer, dance captain), and Into the Woods (Choreographer, U/S Florinda, Lucinda, Milky White). Next up, Cassaundra can be seen in Rent at Rockaway Theatre Company (opening in Nov). Thank you to John for recognizing me as the scream queen I always wanted to be. Love to Haydn, Margot, and Shubert!

John Stillwaggon

Fight Choreographer
John Stillwaggon - Fight Choreographer John Stillwaggon is thrilled to be working with bkONE for the first time! Fight Choreography credits include: NYC: "Romeo & Juliet;" "The Tempest;" "Othello;" "Peter Pan;" "Beauty & the Beast;" "Robin Hood;" "A Midsummer Night's Dream." San Antonio: "Sylvia" [San Antonio Globe Award]; "The Crucible;" "Man of the Flesh;" "The Kingdom of Texas;" "Midsummer..." Founder of Act-Out! Acting School [2016 King of Kings Award]; graduate & former instructor of CUNY Brooklyn's MFA Acting Program. Thanks to John, Don, Anthony, and everyone involved in this thrilling production. Love to Carolyn.

Danielle Rose Fisher-Panepinto

Costume Designer
Danielle Rose Fisher-Panepinto - Costume Designer Danielle is thrilled to be part of Night of the Living Dead's production team as costume designer. When she's not working on productions she is illustrating, and is blessed to be one of Brooklyn One’s artists in residence! She extends her heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew & BK1 productions. Special thanks to her husband and the director, John Panepinto - Daisy and I are so proud of you and love you so much!

Eitan Acks

Lighting Designer
Eitan is thrilled to be making his bkONE debut! He's a New York based lighting designer who loves musical theater, croissants, and cats. Special thanks to Creamsource and Aputure for the master class in lighting for film :) And also of course to Paige, Anthony, John, Don, and the entire Night of the Living Dead team!

Andrew Nunziata

Composer
Andrew Nunziata - Composer Andrew Nunziata is a Brooklyn-based Composer who works in Film & Television.

Sam Eglowitz

Sound Engineer/Hospital Zombie
Sam Eglowitz - Sound Engineer/Hospital Zombie Sam Eglowitz is a Brooklyn native (and zombie fanatic) thrilled to be taking his first steps into the world of sound. A former actor with credits such as Leaf in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Lenny in Jose Rivera's Marisol, Sam is finding joy in telling stories in new and exciting ways behind the board. Outside theatre, Sam is a rap artist under the name Eglowitz and moonlights as pro wrestling villain Ricky Harway. He thanks the entire cast and crew for their work, and especially John, Andrew, Eitan, and Paige for being a blast to work tech stuff with. He also thanks his mentor Cody for taking him under his wing as he learns the ins and outs of sound design.

Sophia M Jacobs

Technical Director
Sophia M Jacobs - Technical Director Night of The living dead will be Sophia's first production at Bkone. She is currently a fourth year student at NYU Tisch school of the Arts studying scenic design, stage management and film. She is scheduled to graduate in May! Sophia has been on scenic design teams for several theater productions including: NYU's Perhaps the World Ends Here, The Threepenny Opera and A lie of the Mind; which is opening at the ATA this week! She has also production designed several films including: Arondyte picture's The Beginning of the End and Alex Pitcher's THOMAS-19. Sophia hopes to continue working in the entertainment industry helping to tell stories to new audiences. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their love and support!

Brandon Manderville

Video Producer
Brandon Manderville - Video Producer Brooklyn Native & creative, and founder of the Production House Manderfilm. Catch him this fall starring in ‘Nu Metal Will Never Die’ for Benign Films at select Festivals and Theaters across America. Or, alternatively, you can find him editing too many commercials and short films in his office.

Anna Vella

Lead Makeup Design
Anna is thrilled to be working on Night of the Living Dead as her first theatrical makeup project. A self-taught makeup artist, she briefly studied at the Lia Schorr Institute and has continued to grow her skills through freelance work and personal projects. With a deep love for creative expression, character design, and transformation, Anna is excited to bring her passion for makeup to the stage for the very first time.

Kane Slomko

Poster Design
Kane Slomko - Poster Design Kane Slomko (Burning Tiger Designs) is a NY based artist trying to kickstart his art career and become your new favorite artist! A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Kane has been on the fringe of the horror/comic scene for many years. His work has been features in multiple galleries at BK1 and strongly encourages that you buy some of his work so that he can continue to feed his wife and child. IG: @BurningTigerDesigns

Where to Turn Prop Shop

Props
Where to Turn Prop Shop - Props A non-profit cooperation based in Staten Island whose mission is collecting props which are made available for free to local community theater groups and schools putting on theatrical productions.
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