Spotlight stage company presents
WELCOME!
RENT IS PRESENTED THROUGH SPECIAL ARRANGMENT WITH MUSIC THEATER INTERNATIONAL
ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED
Our productions are made possible by our headlining Sponsors at Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union.
Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of RENT!
A NOTE FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Welcome to our 15th production! We thank you all endlessly for your support as our company grows and makes it's mark in the theatre world. I know I would not be able to keep this company going without the amazing people I get to work with, as we all work together toward a common goal: a theatrical environment for everyone. All of us gathered here are proof that our company can make a huge impact.
I would first like to thank our sponsors, who are so generous and believe in the work that we do. You are the reason we are able to continue to produce shows and events, featuring the incredible talent there is in Connecticut. Our headlining SEASON sponsor who always comes through for us, Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, we are blessed to have you as our sponsor and our partner these past 4+ years. Your support continues to give us the opportunity to produce live theatre for all ages.
To our friends at Birch & Flame, Fast Track Pictures, and OUTFRONT, we thank you so much for your generous support. Your sponsorship donation keeps us moving in the right direction with each production. Your generosity is what emphasizes "community" in community theatre. You're all wonderfully generous, and we thank you!
I have to say a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who worked on this show, gave their free time, and really kept fueling this production forward. Sandy & Vinny, thank you for getting down into the trenches with me, without hesitation and for emulating what this company is all about: teamwork, dedication, and the love of theatre.
Mat Sorensen, thank you for always being there to build whatever the heck we need and for always giving of your time and energy, without question. To our board of directors, the staff and board of directors at High Lane, you are all rockstars and I thank you all for putting in all of the extra hours with a smile on your face, for the sake of helping this company move forward.
Our fearless leaders on this incredibly difficult, yet powerful production, Shayna and Fiona, you've made this cast look and sound unbelievable. Your passion for this production and the message it sends is unmatched.
To our RENT cast: I have loved watching this show grow, from the very first music rehearsal to seeing you all on stage performing your hearts out. More than that, I have loved watching and listening to you all be so kind and supportive of one another. Hearing and watching you interact has been so wonderful to witness.
One of the things I say to our artists at the beginning of the audition process, is "you are not here because you have something to prove, you are here because you have something to share," and so, we are incredibly grateful to the families, spouses and friends who have loaned us their very talented artists, and we can't wait for you to see what they have to share. Thank you for supporting this production, this company and these wonderful artists, enjoy the show.
THOSE WHO GAVE US RENT
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT ONE
TUNE UP
VOICE MAIL #1
TUNE UP B
RENT
CHRISTMAS BELLS #1
YOU OKAY, HONEY
TUNE UP- REPRISE
ONE SONG GLORY
LIGHT MY CANDLE
VOICE MAIL #2
TODAY FOR YOU A
TODAY FOR YOU B
YOU'LL SEE
TANGO MAUREEN- INTRO
TANGO MAUREEN
SUPPORT GROUP
OUT TONIGHT
ANOTHER DAY
WILL I
ON THE STREET
SANTA FE
I'LL COVER YOU
WE'RE OKAY
CHRISTMAS BELLS
OVER THE MOON
LA VIE BOHEME/I SHOULD TELL YOU
~INTERMISSION~
ACT TWO
SEASONS OF LOVE
HAPPY NEW YEAR A
VOICE MAIL #3
VOICE MAIL #4
HAPPY NEW YEAR B
VALENTINE'S DAY CROSSOVER
TAKE ME OR LEAVE ME
SEASONS OF LOVE B
WITHOUT YOU
VOICE MAIL #5
CONTACT
I'LL COVER YOU
HALLOWEEN
GOODBYE LOVE
WHAT YOU OWN
VOICE MAIL #6
FINALE A
YOUR EYES
FINALE BE
EXIT MUSIC (I'LL COVER YOU)
CAST
ROGER DAVIS........................................Henry Tobelman
MARK COHEN.......................................... Daniel Sbriglio
TOM COLLINS..........................................Kyle Humphrey
BENJAMIN COFFIN III.................................Smitty Bang
JOANNE JEFFERSON........................Aleeki Shortridge
ANGEL DUMOTT SCHUNARD.............. Ryan Romero
MIMI MARQUEZ...................................... Tiffany Vinters
MAUREEN JOHNSON.................................. Em Kramm
ALEXI DARLING........................................... Kate Mundy
MARK'S MOM................Shannon-Courtney Denihan
ROGER'S MOM........................................... Jeanie Tuzzio
JOANNE'S MOM.................................Sonya Alexander
JOANNE'S DAD.........................................Michael Russo
MIMI'S MOM.......................................... JaiLynn Woods
COMPANY:
Sonya Alexander
Jeannine Corbin
Rosa DeJoy
Shannon-Courtney Denihan
Tracy Durand
Ezra Homonoff
Melissa Jensen
Elle McPhail
Kate Mundy
Micheal Russo
Jeanie Tuzzio
JaiLynne Woods
PRODUCTION CREDITS
PRODUCED BY Spotlight Stage Company
LICENSED BY Music Theater International
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Christopher Zullo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sandy Mascia
PRODUCTION MANAGER Vinny McCoy
DIRECTION & CHOREOGRAPHY BY Shayna Amato
MUSICAL DIRECTION BY Fiona Bryson
STAGE MANAGER Rachel Popolizio
SOUND DESIGN BY D & T Stage
LIGHTING DESIGN BY Shayna Amato, Vinny McCoy, Christopher Zullo
COSTUMES BY Shayna Amato & Christopher Zullo
PROPS BY Shayna Amato & Christopher Zullo
SET DESIGN by Shayna Amato & Christopher Zullo
SCENIC DESIGN by Christopher Zullo
SET BUILD BY Mathew Sorensen
FRONT OF HOUSE Sandy Mascia
MEDIA/WEBSITE DESIGN BY Christopher Zullo
Who's Who In The Cast & Crew
Henry Tobelman
Henry Tobelman (Roger) has been performing musical theatre for nearly 20 years. He has portrayed a variety of roles including JaVert (Les Miserables), Bert (Mary Poppins), and most recently, The Baker (Into the Woods) to name a few. But he has long awaited the opportunity to take on the role of Roger. One Song Glory was his first ever vocal solo in his middle school select choir’s RENT Medley and he has yearned to play the role ever since. His outside life revolves around the creative - having written and recorded 3 albums with his band, King Bongo and more recently in trying his hand at screen writing. He serves as a board member for the Haddam based Blue Fire Stage Company which formed in 2020 and has been serving the community keeping live theatre available throughout lockdown.
Daniel Sbriglio
Daniel Sbriglio (Mark) is an actor, singer and theatre-maker living in West Haven, Connecticut. A founding member of Bluebird Theatre Company in New York City, Daniel graduated from Atlantic Acting School’s full-time acting conservatory, the University of Minnesota’s Theater Arts BA and is currently enrolled in CUNY’s Applied Drama Masters program, where he learns to facilitate social justice theatre workshops. His most recent credits include Falsettos (Whizzer) with Fuse Theatre, Xanadu (Sonny Malone) at Center Stage Theatre, Newsies (Jack Kelly) at the Connecticut Performing Arts Center. He currently serves as Bluebird’s Development Director and the social media coordinator at Ryders Health Management.
Kyle Humphrey
Kyle Humphrey (Collins) is thrilled to join Spotlight Stage Company this year. As a young adult, Kyle participated in musical theater, winning a local Halo Award for his performance in Man of La Mancha. He took a hiatus from acting to brave the competitive collegiate a cappella circuit at both Boston College and Yale University, where he earned his Master’s degree in 2017. Kyle currently works as a nurse practitioner at UConn Health Center, and his performance in RENT marks his first return to the stage in 15 years.
Smitty Bang
Smitty Bang (Benny) is a SAG eligible actor and vocalist that has appeared in many theatre, television and film productions. With his ability to take on both comedic and dramatic roles in memorable ways, his authentic stage presence inspires his audiences as he delivers an impactful and sincere vocal performance. A native of Connecticut, he now resides in Milford where he works for an environmental and sustainability firm, specializing in technical education and workforce development.
Aleeki Shortridge
Aleeki Shortridge (Joanne) is excited to share the stage with her fellow cast mates and to give the audience an experience they’ll never get. She’d like to thank everyone for all the hard work they’ve been doing and for all they have taught her during this experience.
Ryan Romero
Ryan Romero (Angel) is thrilled to be making his Spotlight Stage debut in Rent. Recent credits include (Daniel) in Once on this Island, (Bobby Strong) in Urinetown, (Sammy) in The Wedding Singer (Victor) in Cabaret & (Ensemble) in Mamma Mia & Legally Blonde. He would like to thank his family and friends for all their love and support & the team at Spotlight Stage Company for making this a wonderful experience.
Tiffany Vinters
Tiffany Vinters (Mimi) is excited to work with Spotlight Stage Company. Her most recent role was Esmeralda in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with the Opera House Players. She’s also appeared in several roles at Connecticut Theater Company, and is grateful to be working with another amazing group of talented people.
Em Kramm
Em (Maureen) is so excited to be a part of this production of RENT. Em’s past credits include Disney Parks Live Entertainment (Dancer), Apple TV’s Dickinson, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), West Side Story (Anybodys). Love to family and friends!
Kate Mundy
Kate Mundy (Alexi Darling) is thrilled to be in one of her favorite shows, RENT. This is her third show with SSC. Other favorite roles include Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and Estelle in The Full Monty. She would like to thank this incredible cast and crew. Viva la vie Boheme!
Shannon-Courtney Denihan
Shannon-Courtney Denihan (Mark's Mom/Company) is thrilled to make her Spotlight Stage debut in one of her
dream shows. Performing since the age of 3, Shannon has over 40 years of experience in
theatre and dance. Favorite credits: “Anything Goes” (Reno Sweeney), “Kiss Me Kate”
(Bianca/Lois), “Funny Girl” (Fanny Brice), “Rocky Horror Show” (Columbia) and
“Nunsense”(Sister Amnesia). Shannon is also a director and choreographer having worked off-
Broadway, internationally and at many local theatres. Shannon is a 1st grade teacher at SMMS
in Oakville and lives in Naugatuck with her husband and Daughter. Thanks to Christopher,
Shayna and Fiona for this opportunity. All my love and thanks to my husband Tom, my Grace
and my mom for supporting me and encouraging me to come out of retirement. “No day but
today.”
Jeanie Tuzzio
Jeanie D. Tuzzio (Roger's Mom/ Company) is an Actress, Educator, Cosmic Witch. Favorite roles to date: Sister Mary Patrick (Sister Act, Downtown Cabaret Theater), Riff Raff (Rocky Horror Show, Windham Theatre Guild), Hero (Much Ado About Nothing, Hole in The Wall Theatre), Cynthia (Priscilla: Queen of the Desert) and Auntie Jocko/Yonkers (Gypsy, Connecticut Theatre Company) and jeanie/Day By Day (Godspell, Cirillo Summer Theatre0. As always, she dedicates this show to her mother Debbie for being her goddess and taking her to RENT on Broadway at the age of 16, sparking a lifelong love of the show...and to her husband Nick: My best friend and only love.
Sonya Alexander
Sonya Alexander (Joanne's Mom/Company) is debuting her musical theater career with this production of RENT, playing the part of Joanne’s mom and in the ensemble. While new to theater, she is not new to the stage. Sonya is a flutist and earned her flute performance and music education degrees from Central Connecticut State University. She currently working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Fairfield University. Sonya is super excited to be a part of this amazing cast! Rent was the first Broadway show she saw live and fell in love with it.
Welcome to Spotlight Stage Company
Michael Russo
Michael Russo (Joanne's Dad/Company) has been into the arts since he was 8 years old, making his debut as a starfish in NHMS's The Little Mermaid, and since then, has performed in over 15 musicals and plays across Connecticut, including productions of Newsies, Mamma Mia!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and others. He has been accepted into the International Thespians Honor Society and now acts as the treasurer of the North Haven branch. Russo is also a competitive musician, garnering multiple awards across five years of competing in singing and musical theatre competitions. Most recently, he garnered two second-place awards in Access Broadway and Turn It Around competitions in recognition for his singing, and his school's production of Newsies got nominated five times by the Halo Awards.
JaiLynne Woods
JaiLynne Woods (Mimi's Mom/Company) has graced the stage with incredible dedication to the Arts. She has dedicated her youth to musicals and plays since the 6th grade as part of the North Haven Drama Cooperative and during her High School years. She has been a part of the musical theater department with Studio Be, a member of Spotlight Stage Company both backstage and on stage, part of a community theater, also a member of the North Haven High School Chapter of the Thespian Society. Her works while in school include: Bye Bye Birdie, The Little Mermaid, Footloose, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia and Newsies, including her own written works. Out of high school she has been in The Prom, Chicago and Into the Woods, and now a cast member for RENT!
Jeannine Corbin
Jeannine Corbin (Company) is thrilled to be returning to the stage in Spotlight Theater Company’s production of RENT! Previous shows with the company include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat where she took on the roles of Asher and the Baker. I love being a part of STC because no matter what your role is they always make you feel welcome and important. We are a theater family and that is such a great gift. I Have made so many lifelong friends and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us all. Thank you Chris, Sandy, Shayna, Fiona and all the directors I’ve worked with in the past. These are memories I will cherish for a lifetime! NO DAY BUT TODAY!
Rosa DeJoy
Rosa DeJoy (Company) is 16 attending Cheshire High School, and has been participating in many musicals for almost a decade. She love to dance, sing and act. One of her favorite musicals she's done has been The Lion King. She has been working with Spotlight for over 2 years now and is very excited about performing.
Tracy Durand
Tracy Durand (Company) is thrilled to be making her Spotlight Stage Company debut in one of her favorite shows, RENT. After a long hiatus from theatre, she is thrilled to finally be back doing what she loves, singing and dancing. Her past roles include ensemble in South Pacific. She would like to thank family, friends, and co workers for their support in her getting back into theatre and her true passion.
Ezra Homonoff
Ez Homonoff (Company) is so excited to be back in the theater community and doing their first show since college! Ez currently works as a school psychologist in New Haven. They’d like to dedicate this performance to their grandma (Bubbe) Paula Homonoff, who understood more than anyone the power of making and keeping true friends, and their Aunt Beth, who was dealt a difficult hand of cards and will never be forgotten.
Melissa Jensen
Melissa Jensen (Company) is thrilled to be returning to the stage after nearly 10 years away. She previously appeared in productions at E. O. Smith High School and Windham Theatre Guild. Melissa would like to thank Mom and Dad; her sister, Sarah; partner of 10 years, Logan; voice teacher, Cynthia; dialect coach, Tyler; personal stylist, Sammi; therapist, Meghan; cat, Lucy; friends Eddie, Cassie, Will, Liz and many more. She would like to dedicate her performance to Arlene and Carolyn.
Elle McPhail
Ellys L. McPhail (Company) is a high school junior. She has been studying acting and voice and performing with New Haven Academy of Performing Arts (NHAOPA) since 2015. Her credits include We
Will Rock You (Scaramouche), Sister Act (Deloris/Sister Mary Clarence), Mamma Mia (Ensemble), Once
on This Island (Ti Moune/Erzulie), Little Shop of Horrors (Orin Scrivello, DDS), Wedding Singer The Musical (Linda), Ghost The Musical (Oda Mae Brown), Heathers The Musical Teen Edition (Heather
McNamara) and Kaylee and Adelyn (Kaylee) in addition to numerous cabarets. This is Elle’s first production with Spotlight Stage Company. She would like to thank Chris for this opportunity, her family for their support and to the cast and crew – Break legs!
Congratulations to the Cast & Crew
Birch & Flame is a full service marketing agency. If you're ready to take your business to the next level, count on Birch & Flame to get you there!
JOIN TODAY!
Click the picture to find out more information about joining the High Lane Club!
Looking to place your business on the map? Find out how you can get your business seen by millions!
Spotlight on Elle
Elle:
"In diapers, report cards,In lessons, in dress rehearsals..." So many moments, so many memoriesI'm proud of you baby girl! Break a leg!
I love you!
~Mom~
Shayna Amato
Shayna Amato (Director/Choreographer) has a BFA from Wright State University in Musical Theatre. National Tours: Jesus Christ Superstar, Junie B. Jones, Skippyjon Jones. Favorite Credits include: Joseph …Dreamcoat (Narrator), Big River (Alice's Daughter), Green Gables (Jane), Aida (Aida), Threepenny Opera (Polly Peachum), The Gondoliers (Fiametta), Ragtime (Sarah's Friend), and The Shape of Things (Evelyn). Shayna was most recently seen in Spotlgiht's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne) and Castle Craig's production of Into The Woods (Witch)
Fiona Bryson
Fiona Bryson (Music Director) is thrilled to be joining Spotlight Stage Company for this spectacular production. A Shelton native, Ms Bryson has performed and directed with such area groups as Musicals at Richter in Danbury and Two Planks in Monroe. Most recently, she musically directed “Xanadu” at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton. Ms. Bryson is also the musical director of the award-winning Shelton High School Drama Club, and teaches musical theatre performance classes and workshops at the Center Stage Education Center. When not creating theatre, Fiona works with Mad Science of Fairfield County and the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. She would like to thank Vinny, Chris, and Sandy for welcoming her into their theatre family and Shayna for being such a kick-ass partner.
Sandy Mascia
Sandy Mascia (Executive Director) SSC’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. Sandy was part of the initial inception of Spotlight Stage Company after having worked with Christopher on past productions. Her ability to marry her love of theatre and her business know-how is a perfect fit for SSC. Her service to many non-profit and volunteer organizations including: Girl Scouts, Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation, St. Rita School, North Haven High School PTA, Spotlight Stage Company and many more, have only made her an invaluable member of our company. Her experience in event planning, her leadership formerly as Board President for a non-profit theater and strong work ethic keep our company progressing. Though she may never take the stage she is a dedicated and fearless leader in our company and in our theatrical community. She has been company manager for every single SSC production which currently stands at 13 and counting! Sandy’s passion for theatre only grows stronger when watching her daughter perform.
Vincent McCoy
Vincent McCoy (Production Manager) has been involved in theater from a very young age. He grew up performing at the Warner Theatre, Thomaston Opera House, Seven Angels, and Musicals at Richter. He later became involved behind the scenes as well. Before studying & graduating from Western Connecticut State University with a BA in Musical Theater and being awarded the VASTA award for Voice and Diction by KCACTF, he performed in the World Premier & 1st National Tour of Magic Tree House: The Musical. Shortly after graduation, he made his directorial debut with Damn Yankees at the Warner Theatre. While living in NYC, he interned with Broadway Records and helped the producing team of many Broadway shows including Big Fish, Matilda, and Velocity of Autumn. He also performed in the World Premier & later the Off- Broadway production of Liberty -A Monumental New Musical as the Assistant Director/Dance Captain/Male Swing. He now resides in Milford, CT with his wife, son and daughter. Theatrical Website: https://63adb6ed8af65.site123.me
Rachel Popolizio
Rachel Popolizio (Stage Manager) has been a part of the Spotlight family since their first full scale production back in 2019. Throughout her 10 years of theatre experience, she has been involved in over 50 productions in every aspect of the arts including, performing, directing, music directing, stage managing, technical design, and playing flute in the pit. She would to thank Chris and Sandy for all of the opportunities they have provided over the many years.
Christopher Zullo
Christopher Zullo (Artistic Director) co-founded Spotlight Stage Company in 2018 with friend, Sandy Mascia. Christopher has been a member of the SAG-AFTRA union since 2009 after appearing in the film It's Complicated. Other film/TV credits include: Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps, Letters To Juliet, Slingshot, Ugly Betty and Law And Order: SVU. Christopher's background lies mainly on stage but he has directed, written and designed many shows. Some directing credits: The Politics of Sleep, The Waiting Room, The Laramie Project, Fame: The Musical, Once on this Island, Into The Woods Jr, Annie Jr, Cinderella as well as many musical revues and cabarets.
Christopher also served as co-writer and contributing lyricist for Stand Up: The Musical. He conceived and wrote the script for the musical revue The Broadway Wax Museum, and for the SSC original revues and cabarets, Love Always, Broadway Legends, Love Is, All Aboard The SSC Dream, A New Life, and the upcoming SSC Christmas Show: The Christmas Eve Send-off Celebration.
Some of Christopher's previous stage credits include: Gabe (Next To Normal), Adam/Noah (Children of Eden), Danny Zuko (Grease), Ichabod Crane (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow), Schroeder (You're A Goodman Charlie Brown), Beethoven (Dog Sees God), Paris (Romeo & Juliet), Hannah (La Cage aux Folles) and Joseph (Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).
Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of RENT!
Fast Track Pictures, LLC is a Los Angeles based film, television talent management and theatrical production company.
What's Up Next?
