CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED
J2 SPOTLIGHT MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY
INAUGURAL SEASON CONCLUDES
WITH
“A CLASS ACT”
BOOK BY LINDA KLINE AND LONNY PRICE
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY EDWARD KLEBAN
CHOREOGRAPHY BY SAM HAY
MUSIC DIRECTION BY GRANT STROM
DIRECTED BY ROBERT W. SCHNEIDER
BONUS “LAGNIAPPES” SERIES ADDED
MARCH 12 – 22, 2020
AT THEATRE ROW
(410 WEST 42ND STREET – NYC)
New York, NY (February 21, 2020) – The newly formed J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company (Jim Jimirro, Executive Producer/Co-Founder; Robert W. Schneider, Artistic Director/Co-Founder) has announced the cast and creative team for the last of the three productions in the company’s inaugural 2020 season: the 2001 musical, A Class Act, with book by Linda Kline and Lonny Price, and music and lyrics by Edward Kleban. Performances begin on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 7:30pm and continue through March 22, 2020 at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street – between 9th and Dyer Avenues). A Class Act is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals: www.rnh.com. Opening Night is Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 7:30pm.
Closing out the inaugural J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company season is the 2001 musical A Class Act with book by Linda Kline and Lonny Price, music and lyrics by Edward Kleban. Ed Kleban, the Tony Award winning lyricist of A Chorus Line and one of the unsung champions of Broadway, returns to his own memorial service to set the record straight in A Class Act, this vibrant musical about musicals. A colorful gallery of friends and loved ones in Ed’s life including the relentlessly peppy Marvin Hamlisch and stage wizard Michael Bennett all appear to celebrate Ed’s life, loves, and legacy. Songs include: “Better,” “Paris Through the Window,” and “The Next Best Thing to Love.”
Directed by Robert W. Schneider (J2 Artistic Director/Co-Founder), with choreography by Sam Hay, and music direction by Grant Strom, the cast will feature Amandina Altomare✧, Jim Brochu✧, Christina Carlucci✧, James Cella, Jason Jacoby✧, Jesse Manocherian✧, Alaina Mills✧, and Leeanna Rubin✧. (*Equity Member appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association without the benefit of an Equity contract in this Off-Off Broadway production.)
“A Class Act is a gem of a musical and a fitting swan song for our first season,” shared Jim Jimirro. “Ed Kleban, best known for his A Chorus Line lyrics, actually was even more enthusiastic about composing. This score demonstrates just that, with Kleban’s emotionally honest and touching music going hand in hand with his on-the-spot lyrics.”
The creative team includes Joshua Zecher-Ross (Music Supervisor), Ryan J. Douglass (Scenic Designer), Ethan Steimel (Lighting Designer), Matthew Solomon (Costume Designer), Addison Calvin (Technical Director/Master Electrician). Gabrielle Giacomo is Production Stage Manager and Jordan Stam is Assistant Stage Manager. Casting is by WOJCIK | SEAY, Holly Buczek.
“Words cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to Lonny and Linda for entrusting me with the first NYC production of A Class Act since it premiered on Broadway in 2001,” stated Robert W. Schneider. “This show holds a special place in my heart as it reminds all of us that no matter what passion we pursue in life, we must do it full out as we never know when the clock will run out.”
The Honorary Board members for the Company are Lynn Ahrens, Jim Brochu, Peter Filichia, Stephen Flaherty, Randy Graff, LaChanze, Donna McKechnie, Mel Miller, James Morgan, Lonny Price, Ken Page, Robbie Rozelle, Stephen Schwartz, and Allyson Tucker-Mitchell.
The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company series will play the following performance schedule: Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
NOW ON SALE: Single tickets are priced at $55 and may be purchased at telecharge.com, or by calling 212-239-6200. $25 Student Rush tickets will be available on the day of performance.
SPECIAL ADDED BONUS: Free and open to ticket holders, Lagniappes, from the Louisiana French meaning a bonus or a gift, are designed to enhance audience appreciation of classic works with cast talkbacks, visits with the producers, and interviews with the cast and personnel of the original productions.
THE LAGNIAPPES SCHEDULE FOR _A CLASS ACT_:
• SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 14: POST SHOW
A Post-Show Talk Back with the cast and creatives of A Class Act.
Moderator: Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Nissen.
• SUNDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 15 AT 2:00PM: THE STORY OF _A CLASS ACT_
Ed Kleban, lyricist of A Chorus Line, literally ‘willed’ this biographical musical.
This talk will be presented by Executive Producer and Co-Founder Jim Jimirro.
• THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 19 AT 6:30PM: THE LIFE OF ED KLEBAN
Family, friends, and colleagues of Ed Kleban will be present to explore Kleban’s
work and desire to change the future of the American musical.
Panelists will be announced soon.
• SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 21: POST SHOW
A Post-Show Talk Back with the cast and creatives of A Class Act.
Moderator: Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Nissen.
The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company’s inaugural season launched with the 1972 musical Seesaw (February 13 -22, 2020), with book by Michael Bennett, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, based on the play Two for the Seesaw by William Gibson. Directed by Robert W. Schneider, with choreography by Caitlin Belcik and music direction by Grant Strom, the Seesaw cast featured Kyle Caress✧, Chaz Alexander Coffin✧, Katie Griffith✧, Caleb Grochalski✧, Morgan Hecker✧, Stephanie Israelson✧, Halle Mastronerardino, J Savage✧ and Andy Tighe✧.
The second of the three productions is the 1962 hit musical, No Strings (February 27 – March 8, 2020), with book by Samuel Taylor, and music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers. No Strings is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals: www.rnh.com. Co-Directed and Choreographed by Deidre Goodwin, with Co-Director Robert W. Schneider, and music direction by Grant Strom, the No Strings cast features cast will feature Jordan Bollwerk✧, Cameron Bond✧, Patrick Connaghan✧, Tim Ewing✧, Annabelle Fox✧, Luke Hamilton✧, Heather Klobukowski✧, Keyonnna Knight, Ashlee Lee, Logan Mortier, Anne Otto✧, Emilee Theno, Anne Wechsler✧, and Sandy York✧.
(✧Equity Member appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association without the benefit of an Equity contract in this Off-Off Broadway production.)
ABOUT THE CAST
Amandina Altomare✧ (Mona) is a proud performer with the USO Show Troupe which entertains military and veterans around the world. Off-Broadway: Knock It Off (Bernadette), FatAsses, the Musical (Meredith), STIFF (Vanessa Verkamp). Favorite regional credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmeralda) at The Hillbarn Theatre; Xanadu (Kira); Gypsy (Louise) featuring Leslie Uggams; A Funny Thing…Forum (Philia), and A Chorus Line (Judy) at Connecticut Repertory Theatre; and The House of Bernarda Alba (Angustias) at The Arscht Center. Film/TV: “Little America” (Apple TV+). BFA MT from the University of Miami. @iam_amandina www.amandinaaltomare.com
Jim Brochu✧ (Lehman Engel) is the winner of the Drama Desk Award, the Helen Hayes Award, two LA Stage Ovation Awards, the Carbonell Award and the GLAAD Media Award for his work as both an actor and playwright. He has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway and just about every major theatre across the country. His caricature hangs on the wall of the legendary Sardi’s Restaurant next to his mentor David Burns, a singular tribute to his forty-year show business career. He is a proud member of the Honorary Board of J2 Spotlight Productions and is thrilled to be working again with Rob Schneider, Jim and Ajara Jimirro.
Christina Carlucci✧(Lucy) is honored to be singing these songs in a central part of town as Ed intended. NYC: Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Tours: Shrek (Gingy), Disney Cruise (Belle). Regional: First Date (Casey), Mamma Mia (Sophie). Proud member of the USO Show Troupe. NYU Grad. Thank you to Hudson Artists Agency and Holly. IG @christina_carlucci IG: Christina_Carlucci Website: ChristinaCarlucci.com
James Cella (Charley/Marvin) is honored to be a part of J2 Spotlight’s inaugural season with A Class Act. Recent credits include Witness for the Prosecution (Judson Theatre Company) and Into The Woods (Barrington Stage Company). Many thanks to Sam, Grant and Rob for their fearless leadership. Instagram Handle @jamesdchella Website www.jamescella.com
Jason Jacoby✧ (Ed) appeared Off-Broadway for 6+ years in the Tony-award winning Avenue Q, playing Nicky/Trekkie/Bear and serving as puppet/dance captain. Other credits include: Sweeney Todd, Cabaret, The Producers (Playhouse Stage Co.), Rubble (with Bruce Vilanch, NYMF). Voice-over and puppetry: Ash Lad- Golden Castle, Pokemon, Flying Animals, Krystal Burger commercials (as Pup, the hot dog) Instagram: @jjjacobes www.jason-jacoby.com
Jesse Manocherian✧ (Bobby/Michael) recently played the Emcee in RTC of West Chester’s Cabaret. Other favorite credits include: Parade, A New Brain (NYIT Nomination), Marry Harry, Marry Me a Little, …Charlie Brown, Insomnia, The Hidden Sky, Seussical, The Baker’s Wife, Opa!, Falsettos, The Wild Party. Readings, workshops, and concerts with the York, Yale Rep, The Director’s Co., the New York Theatre Barn, the Cell Theatre, and the ADL, among others. A proud member of Actor’s Equity and graduate of Northwestern University, he is a founding member of the Brass Tacks Theatre Collective, and represented by SW Artists www.jessemano.com Social Media Handles: Insta @jessemano Twitter @JesseReflects Facebook: Jesse Mano
Alaina Mills✧(Sophie) hails from Louisville, KY! NYC now, BFA CCM. Credits: 1st Nat’l- Beautiful; Into The Woods (OOTB); Peg O’ My Heart (The York); Newsies (WCP); Jersey Boys, Oklahoma, Mame, Anything Goes (North Shore); Elf (TUTS); On The Town(MGR); Hairspray (FST); Chicago, Always Patsy Cline (Weathervane); The Original Grease (ATC). Love and gratitude to this creative team and casting, DGRW, Abbey and Jo, and especially Momma and Dad! @alainakmills alainamills.com
Leeanna Rubin✧ (Felicia) is very excited to be performing on 42nd street! Recently, she played Sara Jane Moore in The Secret Theatre’s production of Assassins. Prior to that, she has worked at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Walnut Street Theatre, and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, among many others. She holds an MFA from the University of South Carolina. Website: www.Leeannarubin.com Instagram: @leeannarubin
ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
Edward Kleban (Music and Lyrics) (1939-1987) was the lyricist of ) A Chorus Line, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize and the 1975 Tony, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards. Mr. Kleban’s score for A Class Act was nominated for the 2001 Tony and Drama Desk Awards and also received an Obie Award. Mr. Kleban was a graduate of the High School of Music and Art and of Columbia College, where he wrote the music for the Varsity Show of 1960, with a book by Terrance McNally. In the ’60’s, he was a record producer in the heyday of Columbia Records. His musical Gallery, for which he wrote both music and lyrics, was given a workshop at The Public Theatre in 1980. The score of A Class Act is comprised of songs from Gallery, as well as songs from several unfinished Kleban musicals, including Scandal, the last Michael Bennett show. Mr. Kleban was a longtime member of Lehman Engel’s BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. During the 1980’s, he carried on Mr. Engel’s tradition and taught songwriting in the workshop. He died in 1987, at the age of 48. The Kleban Foundation, created according to his will, awards grants of up to one hundred thousand dollars a year to aspiring theatre lyricists and librettists. Over the past dozen years, The Kleban Foundation has given grants totaling over three million dollars.
Linda Kline (Book) received a 2001 Tony nomination for Best Book for a Musical for A Class Act. Ms. Kline wrote the book for My Heart Is In The East, produced by The Jewish Repertory Theatre, and for Cut The Ribbons, produced at Eighty Eight’s (1992 MAC nomination). She co-wrote the book for Theatreworks/U.S.A.’s musical, The Secret Garden. Her play, _The Laundry Workers Present Hatpin Bassie), was produced the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective. She was Head Writer of ABC-TV’s “FYI” starring Hal Linden (Emmy nomination) and she was a staff writer for “Captain Kangaroo.” Ms. Kline is a graduate of The High School of Performing Arts and Barnard College. She was a member of Lehman Engel’s libretto class at The BMI Musical Theatre Workshop.
Lonny Price (Book). On Broadway, Lonny directed Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard, Audra McDonald in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill and 110 in the Shade, Danny Glover in ‘Master Harold’… and the Boys, Joan Rivers in Sally Marr and Her Escorts (which he co-wrote with Ms. Rivers and Erin Sanders), Jenn Colella in Urban Cowboy, and himself in A Class Act, for which he also co-wrote the book with Linda Kline and was nominated for a Tony Award. His West End credits include Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, as well as Carousel, Sunset Boulevard, and Sweeney Todd starring Emma Thompson and Bryn Terfel, all for the English National Opera. He directed the stage and film version of the New York Philharmonic’s Sweeney Todd (starring Thompson and Terfel), as well as Company starring Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert, Jon Cryer, and Patti LuPone, which played in over seven hundred movie theaters across the country. His also directed the stage and filmed versions of his tribute to Stephen Sondheim, Sondheim: The Birthday Concert! for which he received an Emmy Award. His other Philharmonic collaborations include the Live From Lincoln Center broadcast of Camelot starring Gabriel Byrne, Candide starring Kristin Chenoweth, and Sweeney Todd, starring Ms. LuPone and George Hearn for which he won an Emmy. His production of Sondheim’s Passion, starring Ms. LuPone, Audra McDonald, and Michael Cerveris also won the Emmy. For his first feature film, Master Harold’ … and the Boys, (starring Freddie Highmore and Ving Rhames), he received a Best Director Award from the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. His documentary, Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened premiered at the New York Film Festival and was named one of New York Times’ Top 10 Films of 2016.
Robert W. Schneider (Artistic Director & Co-Founder) is an original programming producer for Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City. In this capacity he has been heavily involved in the MAC Award Winning 54 Sings… series which brings both classic and obscure musicals back to New York City. Such shows include the OBC reunion of Curtains, the NYC premiere of We Will Rock You, and star-studded concert versions of cult musicals Woman of the Year, Golden Rainbow, A Broadway Musical, and Working amongst over 80 others. He has had the great honor of collaborating with such theatrical institutions as Second Stage, Manhattan Theater Club, The York Theater, Walnut Street Theater, Center Theater Group. Robert also holds academic positions with Penn State University, the New York Film Academy and has guest lectured at Yale University. He co-hosts the podcast Behind the Curtain: Broadway’s Living Legends and is the co-author of the upcoming book “Fifty Key Musicals,” which will be published by Routledge Press in 2021.
Sam Hay (Choreographer) is an award-winning Musical Theatre Director and Choreographer. Originally from Helena, MT, Sam relocated to St. Louis, MO to study Musical Theatre performance with an emphasis in choreography at the Webster Conservatory. Now based out of NYC, Sam works professionally in theatres around the country. Heavily influenced by his undying love of TRL, MTV and Bob Fosse, Sam’s work blends his passion for rhythmic pop movement with his traditional theatrical training. He strives to keep his work inclusive, imaginative, musical and story driven. Proud member of SDC and AEA.
Jim Jimirro (Executive Producer & Co- Founder) is the creator and founding President of The Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video. During his tenure at the helm of The Disney Channel, Mr. Jimirro was responsible for the conception, development and launching of the fastest-growing pay service in history. Under Mr. Jimirro’s guidance, The Disney Channel introduced many innovations, such as interactive programming and The Disney Channel Magazine. He has been honored as Distinguished Alumnus by Penn State and was the Vision Fund of America honoree for achievement in the entertainment industry. Mr. Jimirro is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars). He is active in a number of enterprises involving the Great American Songbook, the music of Porter, Rodgers and Berlin, et al. These include having served as chairman of the selection committee in the Traditional Pop category at The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys).
J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company presents professional revivals of worthy Broadway musicals; in doing so it provides an opportunity for patrons to re-visit these shows and, in some cases, experience them for the first time. The Company chooses shows that it deems deserving of continued exposure. The company, as part of its casting, will introduce audiences to emerging artists within the New York theatrical community; they will work alongside established actors. The productions will include frequent lagniappes✫ designed to enhance audience appreciation of the classic works. ✫Lagniappes: from the Louisiana French, meaning a bonus or a gift. These will include cast talk-backs, visits with the producers, and even interviews with the cast and personnel of the original productions.