The Spitfire Grill

2003-2004 SEASON

-

The Spitfire Grill (2004)

WHO’S WHO

CAST

Kathleen Campbell (Shelby Thorpe) is thrilled to be working with the Chatham Players. With Plays in the Park: Joseph...Dreamcoat (Narrator-1999-2003) Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit), Titanic (Kate McGowan) The Secret Garden (Martha) Tommy (Sally Simpson) The Music Man (Alma Hix) and Aladdin (Mrs. So & So). Other credits: Into The Woods (Cinderella) and Company (Amy - 2003 Perry Award, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical). Professionally: Aladdin National Tour (Princess) Frankenstein (Agatha) and The Flowering Thorn (Sibyl Vane). Kathleen is a member of 12 Miles West Theater Company.

Jim Conroy (Caleb Thorpe) is back at Chatham playing another angry country boy. Other Chatham credits include To Kill a Mockingbird (Bob Ewell), Little Shop of Horrors (Orin), and Sideman (Ziggy). Jim is a Voice Over Actor in NYC and can be heard as "Kenny" in The Discovery Kid's Kenny the Shark on NBC. He dedicates this and all performances to his wife for her undying support and to the late, great Phil Hartman for his inspiration and professionalism.

Eric Harper (Sheriff Joe Sutter) is excited to be making his Chatham Playhouse debut! Eric has performed in and around NJ for the past 8 years. Some of his favorite roles include Freddy in Chess, Pippin in Pippin, Jinx in Forever Plaid, Tommy in Tommy, Joseph in Joseph..., Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, Adam in Children of Eden, Doody in Grease, and Conrad in Bye Bye Birdie. Eric would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support!

Robin Joyce (Effy Krayneck) is delighted to be returning to CCP after appearing as Cookie in last season’s Rumors. Favorite roles include Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Miss Hannigan (Annie), Mrs. Fairfax (Jane Eyre), Sally (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown – RECT Nominee), Penny (You Can’t Take It With You), Woman One (The World Goes ’Round), Charlotte Cardoza (Titanic), Alyson (A Grand Night for Singing), Clairee (Steel Magnolias), Mrs. Boyle (The Mousetrap). Numerous NYC cabaret and concert performances.

John Saul (The Visitor) is ecstatic to be making his debut at Chatham Players. John has spent most of his time in the theater as a member of the crew on various shows. He studied theater at Drew University, where his favorite acting credit was as The Stranger in The Cherry Orchard. He also has recently begun to compete at an amateur level in ballroom dance.

Wanda Toro (Percy Talbott) is thrilled to make her Chatham Players debut and is grateful for the opportunity to work with John Menter, once again, and such a talented cast and crew. Favorite credits include Eva Peron in Evita; Violet in Side Show; Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors; Florence in Chess; Jane Eyre in Jane Eyre, The Musical and Maria in West Side Story, as well as numerous children’s theater characters. As always, much thanks to my friends and family for their continuous love and support!

Pat Wry (Hannah Ferguson) is pleased to be making her Chatham Players debut. Pat has been active in regional theater since 1981. Recent roles include Joanne in Company (Brook Theater and Villagers), Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret (Plays-in-the-Park, Princeton University and Villagers), Berthe in Pippin (Circle), Bunny in Gemini (Circle), Golde in Fiddler (PITP), and Rose in Gypsy (Villagers). She also toured nationally as Yente in Fiddler. All thanks and love and to Paul and Liam who make this possible.

CREW

John Menter (Director) has been involved with theatre for as long as he can remember. As a private acting coach, John's students have appeared on Broadway, television and film. Students include actress Brittany Murphy whose recent films include, Don't Say a Word, 8 Mile and Uptown Girls. John has staged some of the areas most regarded productions including The Goodbye Girl, Crazy for You, Side Show, Pippin and Company. During the run of Pippin, John was personally contacted by Broadway legend Gwen Verdon, who expressed interest in his "new concept" for her late husband Bob Fosse's Tony Award winning show. New Jersey theatre critics have included John's work on their "10 Best Show List" for three years in a row. Recently, John has directed The Wizard of Oz for Plays-in-the-Park in Edison and Jane Eyre, the Musical for Circle Playhouse in Piscataway. Thank you to the Chatham Playhouse for this amazing opportunity. Thank you to the "Spitfire" staff, cast and crew for your brilliant talent.

Eric K. Johnston (Music Director) is working on his first production with the Chatham Players, but he is no stranger to NJ theatre. He music directed last spring’s production of Hair with 4th Wall, as well as Gifts of the Magi with Brundage Park Playhouse and numerous musicals with Allegro Productions, including Side Show, john & jen, and Tommy. Eric also recently composed the short musical The Guest for Raw Impressions and is a member of Blueberry Pond Arts Center, a playwrights’ group in Ossining, NY, as well as Resident Music Director/Composer for Genesis Repertory Ensemble in NYC, where he also has returned to the stage in Oedipus and Avenge.

Jaime Conroy (Stage Manager) is so happy to be working with the Chatham Players for the first time. She has worked in many capacities on Broadway, off-Broadway and in Regional theatre. Some of her favorite shows include: Cabaret at Studio 54, A Christmas Carol, and Fascinating Rhythm (Broadway), Wit, As Good as New (Off-Broadway), Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Grease, and Funny Girl (Regional). Jaime would like to thank her husband, Jim, for his love and constant support.

The Cast

Role Actor
Shelby Thorpe Kathleen Campbell Jackson
Caleb Thorpe Jim Conroy
Sheriff Joe Sutter Eric Harper
Effy Krayneck Robin Joyce
The Visitor John Saul
Percy Talbott Wanda Toro
Hannah Ferguson Patricia Wry

Photo Gallery (20)

(Tap/Click)

Production Team

Production Role
Producer Richard Hennessy
Producer Chris Furlong
Director John Menter
Musical Director Eric K. Johnston
Production Coordinator Eileen Johnston
Stage Manager Jaime Conroy
Set Design Joe Hupcey
Scenic Artist Joan Gillroy
Costume Design Kym Frank
Lighting Design Richard Hennessy
Sound Design Chris Furlong
Props and Set Decoration Letitia Lum
Makeup/Wigs Lee Nordholm
Makeup/Wigs Edith Schenk

The Playbill (3)