World Premiere
Judy Garland
"World’s Greatest Entertainer"
Cast And Crew
Cast
Jenny Lee Stern
Judy Garland
JENNY LEE STERN is a Bucks County native and Broadway veteran. She was seen on the Great White Way in ROCKY (Original Broadway Cast) and A CHRISTMAS STORY (Madison Square Garden). She toured the country as "Mary Delgado" in JERSEY BOYS, originating the role in the Chicago and Toronto companies. Off-Broadway, Ms. Stern garnered critical acclaim for her portrayals of Judy Garland, Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster (and more!) in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: ALIVE & KICKING. She regularly cameoed as the "Guest Diva" in Forbidden Broadway's latest installment, SPAMILTON: AN AMERICAN PARODY. Ms. Stern has been seen frequently on the cabaret circuit in NYC, performing at Town Hall, Feinstein's, Birdland, Lincoln Center, and 54 Below, including her solo show JUST A GIRL. Regionally, she has found her niche playing "Patsy Cline" in ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE. She recently played the role (for the 7th & 8th time!) at the Media Theatre and Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Other Philadelphia credits include: WEST SIDE STORY, GODSPELL, LOBBY HERO, 42nd STREET, HIGH SOCIETY (Walnut Street Theatre); SEUSSICAL, CATS (Media Theatre), THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK XMAS MUSICAL (Montgomery Theatre), and WORKING (Bristol Riverside). She has been seen on TV in THE SOPRANOS and THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA. Jenny studied acting at NYU and North Carolina School of the Arts. She is mother to three young daughters and lives happily in Doylestown, PA.
Follow her on Instagram: @pinneddownpinup
Kaylan Wetzel
Liza Minnelli
Kaylan Wetzel is a proud Pittsburgh native who is a graduate of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University with a B.A. in Musical Theatre. Playing Liza is a dream come true for Kaylan as she has admired her after being cast as Sally Bowles in her HightSchool Theatre camp. She has been performing professionally for over 10 years in Regional Theatre, Commercial, and Film. Some of her favorite roles include: A Chorus Line (Cassie), Damn Yankees (Lola), Footloose (Ariel), Rocky Horror (Magenta), CATS (Bombalurina) and Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey) to name a few. Broadwayworld.com nominated Kaylan as Best actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Kaylan has recently focused on Commercial and film and landed roles in national commercials like NASCAR, Carvertise, and Bright Air. Recently she wrapped filming of Sno Babies as the role of Stacy She would like to thank her daughter Olivia and 3 step children Kat, Gianna, and Cenzo for being her biggest inspiration on and off stage, and her husband Luca and mother Tatha for always supporting her dreams!
ERIC RICHARDSON
Dean Martin
Eric is no stranger to the character that he has created in “JUDY”, as he has been an award-winning tribute artist to the legendary Dean Martin for more than 10 years. He first introduced his “Dino” partnered with a “Jerry Lewis” in The Crooner & The Comic, subsequently entertaining audiences nationwide both as a solo act and with various “Rat Pack” combinations. Eric now owns a company of “characters” for hire, The Summit Tribute Group, LLC, including Gregory Peck and his iconic film roles, “Atticus Finch”, “Gen. Douglas MacArthur”, and “Abraham Lincoln”, Geoffrey Rush as his “Capt. Hector Barbossa”. In addition to Lincoln, Eric presents Presidents George Washington, Ronald Reagan, and F.D.R. He also represents Francis Scott Key, by singing his “Star Spangled Banner” at events. And new to “The Group”, iconic surrealist, Salvador Dali!!!
A veteran of stage, film and TV, Eric is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, and Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA).
For more information, visit Eric’s website: www.summittributes.com
Luca Ellis
Frank Sinatra
Luca Ellis built his foundation as a crooner in the lounges of fine dining chop houses (i.e. Mastro’s Steakhouse, Drago Centro Downtown LA and the Ritz) and mansions for Hollywood’s elite. He has worked with master Pianist Llew Matthews (Nancy Wilson), monster Pianist Michael Thompson (The Eagles), and Guitarist Jim Fox (Frank Sinatra Jr.) He has performed with big bands at the Las Vegas Hilton, the Wynn and played Frank Sinatra in Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show at the Sahara under the musical direction of Joey Singer (Debbie Reynolds). His recording credits include “You Can’t Help Who You Love” for six time Academy Award nominated, seven time Grammy nominated and Grammy winner songwriter Diane Warren. He also performed the role of Frank Sinatra in the hit musical “Louis and Keely Live at the Sahara”. Only to go on to conceive, co-create and co-write the hit musical Hoboken to Hollywood “A Journey Through the Great American Songbook” which went on to sweep the LA Weekly Theatre Awards, taking “Musical of the Year”, “Best Direction of a Musical” and “Best Musical Direction”. The very same show is now nominated for three Ovation Awards (The Tony Award of Los Angeles) “Best Musical”, “Best Musical Direction” and Luca being nominated for “Best Lead Actor In A Musical”. Hoboken to Hollywood ran for seven months at the Edgemar Center For the Arts to sold out audiences and is now Broadway bound. Luca Ellis he has mastered the singing style of Frank Sinatra. His phrasing and intonation. The LA Times stated "Ellis reproduces the minutest nuances of this certain singer's style. His tone is smooth if lightly sandpapered, narrowed and focused so that it sounds like a horn. He bends pitches a tad, like a jazz instrumentalist; his diction turns, at times, percussive." The LA Weekly hailed "Luca Ellis is a knockout from start to finish as the Crooner. How good is he? If you close your eyes while he sings familiar tunes such as “That’s Life,” “New York, New York” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” you’d swear the Chairman himself had come back for one last encore…." With a repertoire of 600+ songs Luca has been delighting audiences for the last 12 years.
Greer Firestone
Walter Mitchell
In 1968 Greer was co-founder of Brandywine High School Alumni Theatre Association. That first year was CARNIVAL. I played the rakish Don Marco. The next summer we did CABARET and I was the Emcee. (Way back then the character wore white face and tux). I played that role in 2 other productions. In 3 other groups staging THE FANTASTICKS, I played El Gallo, the old actor and the Indian.
In the second show ever at Candlelight Music Theatre I was the title character in PAL JOEY. I crucified that role so badly such that it has never been resurrected by this venerable institution, now in its 50th year.
In 1978 and again in 1991 I played Haaj The Poet in KISMET with The Brandywiners at Longwood Gardens. That was a 13-year span and the next 13th year was 2004, the year of the Iraq war. I was geared up to do the role a 3rd time. The board of the group said they could never mount KISMET due to one of the production numbers being “Baghdad”. (Yes, a true head scratcher!).
In 1998 I was a swashbuckling Montague swordsman in Russian Ballet Theatre’s ROMEO AND JULIET. Slaying 6 Capulet bullies each performance, I will readily admit I never lost a minute of night’s sleep. Renamed First State Ballet Theater of DE, I danced in 3 NUTCRACKERS. Most recently with this wonderful group I danced the comic Gamache in their 2018 DON QUIXOTE.
Clayton Stacey
Dennis Mahoney
Clayton Stacey most recently performed in the role of Scott in Wilmington Drama League’s 2018 production of Disaster! The Musical and as Ernest Bolton in the 2018 play reading of Stella at Bootless Stageworks. His previous WDL performances include The Life and The Dream Come True - The Elvis Concert. Other Delaware Theatre credits include City Theatre's Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert at World Cafe Live at The Queen. In addition, his Candlelight Theatre credits include Doody in Grease, Chicago (2002 and 2007), The Fiddler in Fiddler on the Roof (2004 and 2014), Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, Follies, A Candlelight Christmas (2014 and 2016) Just Drag Producer, and recipient of a 2015 and 2018 Candlelight Theatre Barney Award. He thanks his parents Cameron and Chlela for their endless love and support.
Robert Gene Pellechio
Technician
Robert Gene Pellechio is thrilled to be a part of Judy Garland: "World's Greates Entertainer!" Favorite roles include Evan (Oedipus for Kids, Bootless Stageworks), Louie (Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, The Candlelight Theatre), Elvenking/various (Storyboard: The Hobbit, Hedgerow Theatre), Dr. Livesy/various (Storyboard: Treasure Island, Hedgerow Theatre), Sir Henry Baskerville (Storyboard: The Hound of the Baskervilles, Hedgerow Theatre), Walter (Just a Dream, Norristown Educational Theatre), and Bobby Franklin (Run For Your Wife!, Hedgerow Theatre). When not performing Robert frequently serves as a Teaching Artist for Hedgerow Theatre and serves as the Podcast Director for the Philadelphia/New York bi-locational theatre company Elephant Room Productions, of which he has been a member since its inception in 2014.
Marissa Wolner
Dance Ensemble
Marissa Wolner, a Philadelphia native, is thrilled to be performing near her hometown! Professional credits include: Holiday Inn, High Society (Walnut Street Theatre), Beauty and the Beast, Elf, Legally Blonde, Sleeping Beauty (Fulton Theatre), the regional premiere of The Bridges of Madison County, and West Side Story (Media Theatre). Temple Made. Proud member of AEA.
Kaity McSalis
Dance Ensemble
Kaity McSalis is honored to be joining this cast and the premier of “World’s Greatest Entertainer”. She grew up in Vermont but now lives in Philadelphia where she studies Musical Theatre at the University of the Arts. Some favorite past performances include Guys and Dolls (Candlelight), Gypsy (Skinner Barn), White Christmas, The Producers (Lyric Theatre), The Drowsy Chaperone (Stowe Theatre Guild). Endless thanks to mom, dad, her friends and family for their constant love and support!
Nicole Calabrese
Dance Ensemble
Nicole Calabrese is so excited to be apart of World's Greatest Entertainer ! She was recently seen onstage at Resident Theatre Company in their production of Evita. Credits include The Producers (Bristol Riverside Theatre), Crazy For You (Candlelight Theatre), Spamalot (Resident Theatre Company), Mary Poppins, 9 to 5 (Jenny Wiley Theatre), Mame, Joseph...Dreamcoat, Hello Dolly!, A Christmas Story (The Media Theatre), Footloose, Catch Me If You Can (The Eagle Theatre), A Chorus Line, 42nd Street, Oklahoma, Carousel, West Side Story, The Rocky Horror Show (Bucks County Playhouse). Nicole is also a choreographer and has recently worked at The Eagle Theatre, Broadway Theatre of Pitman, and Ogunquit Playhouse.
Katharina Muniz
Dance Ensemble
Katharina "Katie" Muniz graduated from LIU Post with a BFA in Dance Studies and a minor in Musical Theatre. A dancer and choreographer originally hailing from New York City, Katie is thrilled to be working on Judy and doing her first show in Delaware! Recently, Katie has been seen in Chicago as Hunyak (Broadway Theatre of Pitman), Newsies as Nun/Bowery Beauty/Newsie (BToP), A Wonderful Life as Dorothy/Lillian (BToP), Pippin as Player (The Ritz Theatre Company) and Rock of Ages as Sapphire (HP&P). She also recently performed with Allegory Dance Theatre in The New Jersey Fringe Festival, with DAM Entertainment in Denver and throughout New York City. As a choreographer, she has been nominated for a Broadway World Award for her work in Spelling Bee at The Ritz Theatre. Her choreography has also been shown at The Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Haddonfield Plays and Players and The Tilles Performing Arts Center.
Maddy Pelesh
Dance Ensemble
Maddy is so excited to be a part of this show! Recent credits: Beauty And The Beast, Carousel (The Media Theatre), Rosie u/s in Mamma Mia! (The Walnut Street Theatre), Cassio in Othello Reading (Mauckingbird Theatre Co.) Maddy is a Philly native and proud graduate of Temple University’s musical theater and acting program.
Phoebe Gavula
Dance Ensemble
Phoebe is thrilled to be joining this phenomenal cast! Regional credits include Cabaret (Helga/ Gorilla) at the Arden Theatre; A Sign of the Times (Female Swing) at Delaware Theatre Company; Evita (Mistress) and Bullets Over Broadway (Ensemble) at Resident Theatre Company; A Chorus Line (Bebe) and Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl) at Greater Ocean City Theatre Company; and Willy Wonka (Mrs. Bucket) and Sleeping Beauty (Queen Marguerite) in OCTC’s TYA series. So much thanks to parents, brother, friends, and dog for being supportive and patient and kind.
Crew
S. Lee Lewis
Director
S. Lee Lewis attended Towson University where he studied Theatre and Directing with Esiaba Iriobi and Scott Susong. Select Direction and Design Credits include: Company, Follies, Sondheim on Sondheim, The Fantasticks, Hamlet, Spring Awakening, Dogfight, Oliver!, Man of La Mancha; Gypsy, The Wizard of Oz, Amadeus, Nude with Violin & Annie. Lee has also directed Chess and Sweeney Todd for Penn Singers at UPenn and Do Patent Leather Shoes... and Guys and Dolls at The Candlelight Theatre. He is the founder and artistic director of Showcase on Main, a new theatre company in Elkton, MD where he produced and directed A Coupla Of White Chicks Sitting Around Talking, The Weir, and William Inge's Pulitzer Prize winning play Picnic. He directed an industry reading of The Unpredictable Times by Kevin Ray Johnson at The Hudson Theatre on Broadway and took that piece to the Page to Stage festival at The John F. Kennedy Center.
DANN DUNN
Choreographer
Dann has created and maintained professional works as a Director/Choreographer, Associate, and Dance Captain around the world. Broadway/NYC: Miracle On 34th Street (Madison Square Garden), Sesame Street On Broadway! (MSG), The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer (Symphony Space). National Tour: CATS, The Music Man, The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer, Sesame Street Live!. International: CATS, The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber, La Traviata. Regional: Fiddler On The Roof (w/ Eddie Mekka), Mame (w/ Lea Delaria, Bucks County Playhouse), Chicago (w/ Justin Guarini), Hello, Dolly! (w/ Andrea McArdle, Media Theatre), Spamalot (w/ Sally Struthers, Riverside Theatre), The Best Little…Texas (w/ Loretta Swit, Forestburgh Playhouse), Walnut Street Theatre, Delaware Theatre Company, PGLTF, Arden Theatre, The Kennedy Center, The Kimmel Center, Ogunquit Playhouse, Cardinal Stage, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Weathervane Repertory Theatre, Prather Entertainment, Totem Pole Playhouse, Jenny Wiley Theatre, Wohlfahrt Haus Theatre, Society Hill Playhouse, Resident Theatre Company, The Eagle Theatre, Dallas Summer Musicals. Ocean City Theatre Company. Contributing Choreographer: Norwegian Cruise Lines, The Red Cross, Modell’s Sporting Goods, The National Liberty Museum, Circus Circus Las Vegas, Sesame Street Workshop, Macy’s, and The X Games. Dancer: Mariah Carey, Mark Kanemura (Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, So You Think You Can Dance?). Resident/Assistant Dir/Chor on Duncan Sheik’s Pre-Broadway musical Because of Winn-Dixie (DTC). Original Cast: Created the role of ‘Tennessee’ in YANK. Recording: The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber. TV/Film: Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Emmy Award-winning PA Cardiovascular Health Project, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Repetition Rhapsody. Recognition: Broadway World Awards, DC Arts Metro Awards, Barny Awards, Barrymore Award Nominations, Perry Award Nomination, ’Best Of Philly’, Philadelphia Magazine. Passionate about Arts Education, Dann is on Faculty at University of the Arts, a Teaching alumni of NYC’s Camp Broadway, and is the Artistic Director of Music Theatre Philly, a professional training ground for children in Center Proud Member, Actor's Equity Association. City.
David Zipse
Musical Director
Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, David went to Shenandoah Conservatory of Music where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Music Composition. He then travelled on the road with several different bands before settling around Atlantic City and performing in the casinos for 12 years. He eventually moved back to Wilmington, and has continued a career as Musical Director and Accompanist of musicals and shows.
David has been musical director for numerous productions, including Tred Avon Players’ “Lives Interrupted” (2010, 2015), Milton Theater's “Nuncrackers” (2008), “I Do, I Do” (2007), and “Nunsense” (2006), C.A.P.A.’s “Little Shop of Horrors” (2007) and “High Society” (2006), Covered Bridge Theater's “Nunsense II” (2006), “big, The Musical” (2002) and “Baby” (2000), ” (2007) and “Anything Cole” (2002), D.C.T.’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” (2000,1997) and the University of the Arts’ “Once On This Island” (1998). He was Assistant Director for Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theater's production of "Blood Brothers' (1997), and has accompanied OperaDelaware in many productions.
David loves the music of George Gershwin, and played the title character in “Gershwin, By George!” at the Best of Broadway Dinner Theatre at Wilmington’s Riverfront (2003), where News-Journal critic Jeff Murphy wrote, “The show's best asset is virtuoso Zipse at the piano, who performs - by memory - a rousing rendition of ‘Rhapsody In Blue.’”. He also produced and starred in “Tribute to Gershwin” at the Milton Theater (2008, 2009).
Other accomplishments include being the arranger and musical director of the annual First State Gridiron Dinner, a hilarious show spoofing Delaware politics (1998-2018); performing for Maryland's governor at the Governor's House in Annapolis; and performing at the Clifford Browne Jazz Festival (2015), and annually at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival.
JEFF REIM
Set Design
For nearly three decades, Jeff has had a full-time career in the performing arts. In addition to Scenic Design/Art, his work includes Acting/Singing, Directing, Music-Directing/Orchestra Conducting, and Composing, among other things. A life-long New Jersey resident, Jeff graduated with a Theatre degree from Rowan University back when it was still called Glassboro State College. As a Set Designer, Jeff’s work has been seen at Delaware’s own Candlelight Theatre, as well as the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, NJ, the Westchester Sandbox Theatre in NY, and numerous schools and community theatres throughout the Delaware Valley. Jeff and his wife Barbara recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They live in Sewell, NJ with their sons Benjamin and Adam.
Joanne Epstein
Costumes
Joanne Epstein has been involved in theater since childhood.
She has been involved in professional theater since the early seventies, when she traveled as wardrobe manager and makeup artist for Judy Collins on national tour. Her credits also include costume design, wardrobe and makeup for theater groups both local and in other areas, MUNY in the Park in St Louis, support for local dance schools, and other private costume commissions for local and national competitive dance performance.
For the last eleven years, Joanne has provided extensive costume construction, makeup support and wardrobe management for the First State Ballet Theater, Delaware's professional ballet company. She has created well over 100 costumes, as well as managing wardrobe, including alterations for five major performances and many smaller performances a year.
