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DEDICATION

Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts dedicates "Places: the 2021-2022 Season" to Alvin Entin.

Alvin Entin, October 18, 1945 – October 25, 2020

Alvin was PPTOPA's beloved Chairman of the Board and a fierce advocate of the theatre as well as a frequent actor, gracing the PPTOPA stage over the years. PPTOPA mourns his loss and dedicates this season to him with love and gratitude for his decades of service to us and all of the South Florida theatre community.

President's Note

After a two-year delay full of rescheduling and postponements due to that pesky, pervasive and protracted pandemic (Shakespeare loved a lilting line of alliteration!), I’m so excited to finally say “Welcome to the Renaissance!”

In a world where truth seems subjective and reality is more virtual than “real” and so many people seem more concerned with becoming social media brands than actually being social, Shakespeare's line from Hamlet - "To Thine Own Self Be True" may be an even more poignant message and needed reminder than ever before. It’s certainly one that is an important theme in Something Rotten.

But let’s not get too deep into the rabbit hole of meaningful themes here. At its heart, Something Rotten is a hilarious, bawdy, madcap love letter to musicals full of inside jokes for musical lovers. I’m so proud to say this production is brought to you by a cast of some of the most talented singers, dancers and comedic talents in the region and I’m grateful for their partnership.

For lovers of Shakespeare, ‘Rotten’ is also like a wacky "Spot the Bard” reference game. But fair warning – if you’re looking for serious Shakespeare, there’s literally nothing serious here. But if you’re in the mood for a hilarious escape into musical comedy that’s equal parts sit-com, slapstick, and parody (with a touch of naughty spice), you’re in the right place.

Thank you from the “Bottom” of my heart to all of the cast, and crew who made this show possible, especially my partners Del Marrero, Sarah Megan Gorfinkel and Anthony Campisi. I’d also like to give special thanks to Jersey College of Nursing-Fort Lauderdale and their administrators and PPTOPA Board members Dennis Garberg and Cindy Short for their endless generosity in hosting us at their facility throughout our rehearsal process. We couldn’t have done it without you.

So with no short supply of winks and nods and with our tongues firmly planted in our cheeks, we bring you - in every sense of the words - Something Rotten.

Thank you for coming,

Geoff Short

Scenes and Songs

London, 1595

Act One

A South London Street

• Welcome to the Renaissance - Minstrel and Company

The Theatre

• God, I Hate Shakespeare - Nick, Nigel, and The Troupe

A South London Street Outside Nick and Bea's House

• Right Hand Man - Bea and Nick
• God, I Hate Shakespeare (Reprise) - Nick

Soothsayer Alley

• A Musical - Nostradamus, Nick, and Company

The Theatre

• The Black Death - The Troupe

A South London Street Outside the Theatre

• I Love the Way - Portia and Nigel

The Park

• Will Power - Shakespeare and Company

After-Show Party Tent

Soothsayer Alley

• Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top - Nick and Company

Act Two

• Welcome to the Renaissance (Reprise) - Minstrel 

A London Street

• Hard to Be the Bard- Shakespeare and Company

The Theatre

• It’s Eggs! - Nick and The Troupe

Under the London Bridge

• We See the Light - Portia, Nigel, Brother Jeremiah, Nick, and Company

The Theatre

• To Thine Own Self - Nigel, Nick, Shakespeare, and The Troupe

A South London Street

• Right Hand Man (Reprise) - Bea

On Stage at the Theatre

• Something Rotten! / Make an Omelette - Nick and Company

Courtroom

• To Thine Own Self (Reprise) - Nick

New American Colony

• Finale - Company

Cast

Creative Team

COMING SOON!

Learn More about Something Rotten!

Visit PPTOPA's Something Rotten Website!

PPTOPA Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board/President Emeritus

Mark Palazzo

President

Geoffrey Short

Vice-President

Wendy Marrero

Secretary

Del Marrero

Treasurer

Lisa McFadden-Murphy

Directors

Kim Pitman

Dana Fredebaugh

Lito Becerra

Alicia Rivera

Richard Weinstock

Steven Fuentes

Michael Biggs

Cindy Short

Jose Norono

Dennis Garberg

Technical and Production Crew

Backstage Crew

Lisa Murphy, Nate Jakovich

Props

Lisa Murphy

Box Office

Dana Fredebaugh, Wendy Marrero, Kim Pitman, Alicia Rivera, Cindy Short, Geoff Short

Group Sales

Marlene Scott

House Photographers

Norman Black, Ron Pollack

House Videographer

Patrick Orlando

Lighting Operator

Sara Evans

Sound Operator

Evan Font

Spotlight Operator

Jose Norono

Marketing

Kim Pitman, Wendy Marrero, Geoff Short

Meet the Company

Ben Sandomir*

Nick Bottom

Ben is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, and also a proud alumni of Apple Dumpling nursery school. Ben is returning to PPTOPA after working on A Wonderful World for Miami New Drama. Other recent acting roles include: Boss Hart in 9 to 5 The Musical, Jekyll & Hyde in Jekyll & Hyde The Musical, and Tony in Disaster The Musical. Ben would like to thank all South Florida theatre patrons for supporting the arts with their cold hard cash. For more info, please visit, www.bensandomir.com. *Member, Actor's Equity Association

Stephen Keenan

Nigel Bottom

Stephen Keenan is a teacher, an instrument rated pilot studying for his commercial aviation license, and has degrees in both law and musical theater from the University of Florida. Stephen has appeared in diverse roles such as Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Marius in Les Miserables, and as a featured singer in the Mozart opera The Magic Flute. He is thrilled for the opportunity to return to the PPTOPA stage as Nigel in Something Rotten. Many thanks to all of my friends and family for their love and support!

Matthew Korinko*

Nostradamus

Matthew can be seen very soon in the World Premiere of The People Downstairs at Palm Beach Dramaworks. He is a five-time Carbonell Award nominee and has been a member of two Carbonell award-winning ensembles (Indecent, Rumors) Other roles: Man of La Mancha (The Duke), Indecent (Mendel), A Christmas Story (Jean Shepherd), Legally Blonde (Callahan), The Secret Garden (Dr. Craven), Titanic (Andrews), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Frollo), Romance, Romance (Alfred/Sam) and Big Fish (Amos). He holds a BFA in performance from UW–Stevens Point and is the Co-Founder of Slow Burn Theatre Company. *Member, Actor's Equity Association

Bob Ruggles

Will Shakespeare

Bob is a speech pathologist who likes to spend his free time on stage singing and dancing. He most recently appeared in Cabaret at PPTOPA. Some of his favorite previous roles include Gabe (Next to Normal), Doody (Grease), Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid), Jason (Ordinary Days), and Jean Valjean (Les Miserables). Always endless thanks to my parents and to Anna for her unwavering love.

Sara Grant

Bea

Sara Grant received a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts. After graduating, with degree and the best cat in the world in hand, Sara moved to South Florida. Favorite credits: Twelfth Night (Viola), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania/Puck), Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio) with PBSF, Macbeth (Lady Macbeth) with Florida Shakespeare, In the Heights (Carla US/Ensemble), Island Song (Caroline; opened/closed the same night before quarantine) with Measure for Measure, Freaky Friday (Hannah) with Slow Burn, Oleanna (Carol) and the Last 5 Years (Cathy) with Evening Star. Sara is the Managing Director of Sol Theatre and Artistic Director of Sol Children Theatre.

Shalia Sakona

Portia

Shalia is a litigation partner at Bilzin Sumberg in Miami. She is delighted to return to the PPTOPA stage after previously appearing as Mary in Mary Poppins, Cosette in Les Miserables, Louise in Gypsy, Hope in URINETOWN, and Julie in Carousel. Other favorite regional credits include Olivia in Twelfth Night, Ophelia in Hamlet, Nina in In the Heights, Luisa in ZORRO the Musical, Philia in … Forum, and Cinderella in Into the Woods. She originated the leading roles of Ophelia in Elsewhere in Elsinore at the Folger Theater in D.C. and Phoebe in Smooth Sailing the Musical with New England Light Opera, for which she is featured on the original cast recording. She holds B.A.s in Musical Theater and Law & Society from American University and a J.D. from Boston College Law School.

Christopher Dreeson

Brother Jeremiah

Chris is thrilled to return to PPTOPA to work with such a wonderful cast, director, and production crew. Recent favorite roles include Herr Schultz (Cabaret), Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Jack Lawson (Race), Mr. Paravicini (The Mousetrap), Tennessee Williams (Confessions of a Nightingale), Ernst Janning (Judgement at Nuremberg), Twimble/Womper (How to Succeed in Business…), Black Stache (Peter and the Starcatcher), Pirate King (Pirates of Penzance), and Brick (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof).

Doriyan Caty

The Minstrel/Ensemble

Welcome to the renaissance (of live theatre). Doriyan is thrilled to be stepping back on to the stage with such an amazing cast and crew. He is currently studying Musical Theatre at FAU in the BFA program. After having a fruitful career, his dream is to open a theatre for low-income families. He is so grateful to have the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences and hopes that other performers of color will continue to have the same opportunity. “Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor”-Into the woods.

Larry Bressler

Lord Clapham/Ensemble

Larry has performed on many stages throughout South Florida and New York, including PPTOPA’s The Addams Family (Fester). Other roles include: Young Frankenstein (Kemp, Victor), Gypsy (Herbie), Annie Get Your Gun (Davenport), The Pajama Game (Sid), I Do! I Do! (Michael), Arsenic and Old Lace (Mortimer).

Murphy Hayes

Shylock/Ensemble

Murphy is proud to be making his debut at PPTOPA with this production, but is extremely excited to be working again with so many of South Florida's most talented humans! What a great way to get back on stage and share in the healing powers of Laughter, Music, and our chosen Family!

Gabriella Giardina

Ensemble

Gabriella Giardina (20 years old), was last seen in PPTOPA's production of Cabaret, as Frenchie! She is thrilled to be working with PPTOPA again and to share the stage once again with such talented individuals. Some of Gabriella's favorite, previous roles include, Shy in Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Nina in In The Heights and Maria in West Side Story.

Del Marrero

Ensemble

Del is a graduate of AMDA New York and a middle school Drama teacher. She has starred in and/or choreographed numerous productions for PPTOPA and other local theatres. Previous roles include The Wedding Singer (Holly), The Mousetrap (Miss Casewell), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary), Judgment at Nuremberg (Maria Wallner), How to Succeed…(Smitty), She Loves Me (Ilona), Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth), Footloose (Rusty), Once Upon a Mattress (Winifred), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza), Hairspray (Tracy), Annie (Lily), Secret Garden (Martha), Brigadoon (Meg) and Bye, Bye Birdie (Kim/Ursula).

Sarah Megan Gorfinkel

Ensemble

Sarah is beyond ecstatic to be part of Something Rotten! This may be her 6th production with PPTOPA, but this is her first time stepping up as choreographer! Sarah has been dancing for 21 years, training at Academy of Arts in all styles. While at UCF earning her Mechanical Engineering degree, she was on the Knights and Damsels Dance Company as an artistic board member and choreographed several routines for the groups. She is incredibly thankful for this opportunity and deeply cherishes the support from her family and friends. I love you all, enjoy the show, and let’s make an Omelette!

Meagan Nagy

Ensemble

Meagan is the Manager of Pure Barre Weston and owns two small businesses, one creating custom Magical Denim Creations (@magicallyeverafter.co) and the other selling vegan-based beauty/wellness products! She loves content creating and making reels! Follow along with Meagan on Insta (@meagan.nagy).

Meredith Cariski

Ensemble

Meredith is ecstatic to be joining the ensemble of PPTOPA's Something Rotten! She went to school for Acting at NYFA and UCF. Her favorite roles include Rachel in Reckless (NYC) and Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar (PPTOPA). When not on stage, Meredith has a solo copywriting business. She would like to thank her fiance and cats Arya and Disney Doodles for their love and support.

Courtney Ruebens

Ensemble

Courtney Ruebens is a Freshman in college and so excited to be a part of Something Rotten. Courtney began her collegiate journey in the University of Central Florida’s BFA acting program but recently switched to a BS in Entertainment Management. Some of her favorite credits include Bring it On (Eva), Legally Blonde (Paulette), and On the Town (Lucy). She would like to thank everyone at PPTOPA for this opportunity, Caryl Fantel and Karen Rassler for being the best teachers/mentors she could ask for, and her family for their endless love and support.

Heather Simsay

Ensemble/Bea U/S

Heather is thrilled to make her debut at PPTOPA! Some of her favorite roles include Sara in Murder Ballad, Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde, Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me, Eponine in Les Miserables, and Ariel Moore in Footloose. She has also previously worked as a seasonal performer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and as a 7-track swing for the Art Heist Experience at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. She would like to thank the talented cast and creative team, family, friends, and her husband, Oliver for their love and support! www.heathersimsay.com

Jessie Hoffman

Ensemble/Portia U/S

Jessie is so happy to be a part of this show, cause nothing's as amazing as a musical! Favorite roles include Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family), Princess Fiona (Shrek The Musical), Olive (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Little Sally (Urinetown), Mary Lane (Reefer Madness), Maria (The Sound Of Music), Dorothy (The Wizard Of Oz), Audrey (Little Shop Of Horrors), as well as Natalie (Next To Normal). She’s also appeared as Marian (The Music Man), Inga (Young Frankenstein), Maureen (RENT), Patrice (13 The Musical), both Jeanie and Sheila (Hair), and both Cinderella and Little Red (Into The Woods). Jessie was also the winner of the “Are You An Addams” contest (chosen by the original Broadway cast of The Addams Family). Thank you to mom and dad for your support.

Justin Roland-Bramkamp

Ensemble

Justin is excited to take the stage at PPTOPA. He is thrilled to join this talented cast! He would like to thank Director, Geoff, for the opportunity and his husband, Josh, for the support and encouragement!

Javonda Carter

Ensemble

JaVonda was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Florida A&M University with a B.A. in Theatre Performance. She has appeared in Dark Legends in Blood (Ensemble), Little Shop of Horrors (Ensemble/Ronette U/S), and King Hedley II (Ruby) with the FAMU Essential Theater. She has served in various tech positions such as the stage manager, Sound Board Operator, subscriber relations & various costume positions for a plethora of shows. Her directing credits include the world premiere of Santa’s Christmas Storybook and Blues for an Alabama Sky.

Anna Cappelli

Ensemble

Anna was last seen onstage in PPTOPA's Cabaret. She also appeared as Ariel in The Little Mermaid in Gainesville, Florida, where she was also finishing up her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida (go gators). Anna spends her 9-5 working in marketing for everyone's favorite travel brand, JetBlue, and travels often in her spare time.

Aaron Bravo

Ensemble

Aaron is excited to be returning to PPTOPA. He was last seen in Urinetown, and is currently touring with Fantasy Theatre Factory. Some of his other favorite works around South Florida include The Mousetrap, Into the Woods, West Side Story, Aida, and Judgment at Nuremberg. He would like to thank his friends, family, and the cast/crew of Something Rotten.

Elijah Pearson-Martinez

Robin/Ensemble

Geoffrey Short

Director

www.GeoffreyBShort.com Geoff has directed multiple productions at PPTOPA including The Wedding Singer, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, In the Heights, Disney's the Little Mermaid and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Geoff has also appeared in and directed shows throughout South Florida last appearing as TonTon Julian in Once on This Island at Slow Burn Thatre Co. Other recent roles include Javert in PPTOPA's hit production of Les Miserables and productions at Slow Burn, Marquee Theatre, Andrews Living Arts, Chicken Coop Theatre, Outre’, Evening Star and more.  Geoff currently serves as President of the Board at PPTOPA and also serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Carbonell Awards.  Geoff thanks his inspiration, his incredible wife Cindy.

Del Marrero

Assistant Director

Del is a graduate of AMDA New York and a middle school Drama teacher. She has starred in and/or choreographed numerous productions for PPTOPA and other local theatres. Previous roles include The Wedding Singer (Holly), The Mousetrap (Miss Casewell), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary), Judgment at Nuremberg (Maria Wallner), How to Succeed…(Smitty), She Loves Me (Ilona), Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth), Footloose (Rusty), Once Upon a Mattress (Winifred), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza), Hairspray (Tracy), Annie (Lily), Secret Garden (Martha), Brigadoon (Meg) and Bye, Bye Birdie (Kim/Ursula).

Sarah Megan Gorfinkel

Choreographer

Sarah is beyond ecstatic to be part of Something Rotten! This may be her 6th production with PPTOPA, but this is her first time stepping up as choreographer! Sarah has been dancing for 21 years, training at Academy of Arts in all styles. While at UCF earning her Mechanical Engineering degree, she was on the Knights and Damsels Dance Company as an artistic board member and choreographed several routines for the groups. She is incredibly thankful for this opportunity and deeply cherishes the support from her family and friends. I love you all, enjoy the show, and let’s make an Omelette!

Anthony Campisi

Music Director

Anthony is excited to be back to work with PPTOPA, Anthony has also worked with companies such as Slow Burn Theatre Co., Actors’ Playhouse, Miami Children’s Theatre, Belen Jesuit Preparatory, The Alliance Theatre (Atlanta), Rising Starz, Evening Star Productions, MNM theatre company, and many more local organizations. Anthony Specializes in Musical Theatre Voice. Currently he works all over Miami and Broward counties teaching voice to students of all ages. He currently has students on Broadway, National Tours, Off-Broadway, Musical Theatre schools and conservatories all over the country as well as, America’s Got Talent, the voice and La Voz kids. Since being in South Florida Anthony has music directed/directed over 300 musicals. He does professional development training with new organizations, schools and musical theatre companies. Trained in both Music and Theatre, he thrives in building well-rounded performers for successful careers in this field. He has played in workshops with vocal trainer Brett Manning, Sutton Foster, Idina Menzel, Christopher Jackson and more.

Mark Palazzo

Stage Manager

Mark is PPTOPA’s Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus. His credits include Cabaret, Urinetown, A Few Good Men, The Wedding Singer, The Best Little Whorehouse…, The Addams Family, The Mousetrap, Seussical, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Judgment at Nuremburg, How to Succeed, In the Heights, She Loves Me, Funny Girl, Young Frankenstein, Carousel, Mary Poppins, Gypsy, The Sunshine Boys, Les Misérables, Man of La Mancha, Joseph…, Hairspray, Charlie Brown, and Annie at PPTOPA. Mark hails from New York where he was a professional Musical Director and theater percussionist.

Wendy Marrero

Production Manager

Wendy, a lifetime lover of musical theatre, has worked on Cabaret, Urinetown, A Few Good Men, The Wedding Singer, The Best Little Whorehouse..., The Addams Family, Mousetrap, Seussical, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Judgment at Nuremberg, How to Succeed..., In the Heights, She Loves Me, Funny Girl, Young Frankenstein, Carousel, Mary Poppins, Gypsy, The Sunshine Boys, Les Miserables, Man of La Mancha, Joseph..., Hairspray, Charlie Brown, Annie, The Best Man, The Producers, The Secret Garden, The Gondoliers, Brigadoon, and Bye, Bye Birdie at PPTOPA.

Michael Graham

Lighting Designer

Michael has designed the lighting for many PPTOPA shows including In the Heights, West Side Story, Cabaret, A Few Good Men, The Wedding Singer and more.  Thank you to the cast, crew, and patrons of PPTOPA for supporting live theatre, and a special thank you to my family for your continued support. 

Cindy Short

Production Assistant

Dr. Cynthia Short (Cindy) is a life-long nurse and educator and is a former PPTOPA Board member, a tireless worker, and has a wealth of theater knowledge and experience. She has spent over 29 years in nursing and 21 in education. She holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Master’s Degree in Nursing and Education, Bachelor of Science in Business (Accounting), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Cindy has successfully developed and maintained businesses in Home Décor, Training & Publication, and currently works with her husband as the co-president of Event Life Music (ELM) Entertainment, LLC. She has been part of the South Florida Theatre community, a standing member of South Florida Theatre League, and has served on the boards of Outré Theatre acting as Treasurer and Pembroke Pines Theatre of Performing Arts (PPTOPA) in the recent past. She has been responsible for securing the alternate audition and rehearsal location for PPTOPA at Jersey College of Nursing. She has a fluent understanding and experience with back of the house as stage crew, stage manager, costumer, and set design and dressing manager of multiple theatre companies.

Jerry Sturdefant

Costume Design

John Blessed

Set Design/Construction

Multimedia

SPECIAL THANKS TO

For the Health and Safety of All

In the interest of providing a safe and healthy environment for all cast, crew and patrons, PPTOPA will require all patrons regardless of vaccination status to wear masks while indoors at PPTOPA.  Additional COVID protocols include the requirement that anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms (coughing, fever, shortness of breath, etc.) will be asked to leave the venue to support the safety and protection of our community. In addition, all members of the cast, crew and front of house staff have been vaccinated and the theatre will be cleaned and disinfected between every performance. Social distancing will be maintained throughout the theater venue and there will be no “meet and greet” with the cast after performances. 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING PPTOPA

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