cast and creative
CARSON KRESSLEY (Man in Chair) Designer/Author/Actor. Emmy-winning television star, celebrity stylist, author and fashion designer, Carson Kressley is out to make over the world! Kressley earned a prime-time Emmy, television's highest honor, for his work on the break out Bravo network hit, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" as well as critical acclaim as Host and Co-Executive Producer of Lifetime's highest rated debut reality show, "How to Look Good Naked," and this summer he can be seen starring in ABC's "True Beauty." Kressley has also been the star of the WB series "Crowned" and co-starred in Universal Films major studio release, "The Perfect Man" and opposite John Goodman in NBC's "The Year Without A Santa Claus." In addition to his work in television, Kressley was the host of the 2008 True Colors Tour with Cyndi Lauper and the B52's. The tour was created to raise awareness and promote equality for the GLBT community. He is also a New York Times best-selling author with three books to his credit, including "You're Different, And That's Super!", a kids book promoting diversity and tolerance. A strong supporter of many philanthropic causes, Kressley uses his celebrity to advance many different concerns such as The Trevor Project, The Human Rights Campaign, The Empire State Pride Agenda, LIGALY, GLSEN, AIDS WALK, and the Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation. He is the founder of Manhattan's Ali Forney Center's "Styled For Success" program, which provides career wardrobes for formerly homeless youth and he was the founding donor of the first scholarship program for GLBT youth in his hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania. When not starring on stage or screen, he can be found astride one of his American Saddlebred show horses, with which he has achieved World Champion status. Kressley resides in New York City.
GEORGIA ENGEL (Mrs. Tottendale) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. She co-starred as Mrs. Tottendale in the Tony award-winning Broadway musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, which she reprised for the next year and a half on the National Tour. She launched her theatrical career playing Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly with Ethel Merman. She joined the original Off Broadway production of House Of Blue Leaves which went on to play in Hollywood. This led to Georgia being cast as Georgette Franklin in the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" for which she would receive two Emmy Award nominations and begin a career of active work in television. She subsequently starred in four more television series including the ABC comedy "Coach," as Shirley Burleigh and most notably in the recurring role of Pat McDougal in the long-running CBS hit comedy "Everybody Loves Raymond," for which she was nominated for three Emmy Awards. Georgia has been a grateful member of the Actors' Equity Association for over 35 years. She would like to express thanks to all her friends, family and teachers over the years.
MEGAN NICOLE ARNOLDY (Janet Van De Graaff) is thrilled to make her Ogunquit Debut with this wonderful show and is so thankful to the creative team for this opportunity. National Tour: The Drowsy Chaperone (Swing, u/s Janet, Kitty). Regional: Minsky’s (World Premiere, Ahmanson Theatre) 42nd Street (Peggy -Tuacahn Center for the Arts, u/s Peggy - Walnut Street Theatre), Grease (Sandy-Marriott Theatre, Carousel Dinner Theatre), Sacramento Music Circus, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. BFA Musical Theatre - Penn State. Much love and gratitude to my family, friends, and fiancé Matthew.
ROBERT DORFMAN (Underling) The Drowsy Chaperone (National Tour). Broadway: To Be Or Not To Be (dir. Casey Nicholaw), The Lion King (dir. Julie Taymor), Social Security (dir. Mike Nichols). Off-Broadway: Public Theater, Playwrights’ Horizons, Manhattan Theater Club, Second Stage, Classic Stage CompanyRegional: Baltimore’s Center Stage (associate artist), Guthrie Theater, Arena Stage, Huntington Theater, Long Wharf Theater, Wilma Theater, Portland’s Center Stage, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse, Goodman Theater, Geffen Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum. Film: Fool’s Fire (dir. Julie Taymor), It Could Happen to You (dir. Andrew Bergman).
TODD ALAN JOHNSON (Aldolpho) Ogunquit Playhouse: The King And I, Les Misérables. Broadway: Aida. Tour: Les Misérables. Off-B’way: Newsical. Regional/Stock: The Wild Party, Little Shop of Horrors, Das Barbecü, The Blue Flower, The Threepenny Opera, True West, Camelot, Jekyll & Hyde, Man of La Mancha and Sweeney Todd. Many thanks to the producers and creative team for the opportunity, and to family, friends and Betsy for their loving support.
LIZ LARSEN (The Drowsy Chaperone) Ogunquit Last Summer: Miss Adelaide in Guys and DollsBroadway: Hairspray, Rocky Horror Show, The Smell Of The Kill, The Most Happy Fella (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Nominations, LA Dramalogue Award - Best Featured Actress) Damn Yankees, A Little Night Music, (NYC Opera) Starmites, Fiddler On The Roof, Blues In The Night, Annie, Dubarry Was A Lady (Encores, City Center) Currently: Sessions. Other NYC Shows: Such Good Friends (NYMF - Outstanding Performance Award), A New Brain (Lincoln Center) Bingo, Him And Her (Fringe Excellence Award- Performance), New Yorkers And Loman Family Picnic (MTC) Personals, Company, Little By Little. Road: Sunday In The Park With George (Helen Hayes Award – Lead Actress), Baby (Helen Hayes Award Nomination, Featured Actress) Falsettos, Guys And Dolls, The Value Of Names (With Jack Klugman) Annie Get Your Gun, Evita, Joseph.... Dreamcoat. TV: Pilot 2009: “Exit 19” (CBS). Series Regular: “My Guys.” Recurring Roles On: “Law And Order," (12 years) "Special Victims Unit,” “Third Watch.” Guest Star: “Sopranos,” “Sex And The City,” “Criminal Intent,” “Conviction,” “Deadline,” “The Street,” “Exiled” (M.O.W.). Films: “The Saint Of Fort Washington,” “Keeping The Faith,” “Dr. Jekyll And Ms. Hyde,” “New York Crossing.” Liz’s favorite productions are her kids Alessandro (13) and Joey (10).
JOEY SORGE (Robert Martin) loves working at Ogunquit Playhouse. He was Don Lockwood in last year’s production of Singin’ In The Rain. Broadway: original cast member in The Drowsy Chaperone as the Super and understudy for Aldolpho, Robert, and both Gangsters; Young Buddy in Follies (Roundabout Theatre); and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Off-Broadway: Stephen Sondheim’s Saturday Night (Second Stage); Summer of ’42 (Variety Arts). National Tours: starred as the Fonz in Happy Days – A New Musical; and Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Regional: Happy Days (Goodspeed/Papermill); Marty (Huntington Theatre); The Possession of Mrs. Jones (Zephyr Theatre, LA). Film: Audrey; Valentine’s Day; Contradictions of the Heart. TV: “Numb3rs,” “Commander in Chief,” “Night Stalker.” Proud husband to Lori Alexander and daddy to Winnie, Sophia and our doggie Cooper. AEA Member since 1993.
JAIMIE BARTON (Kitty) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut! Recent credits include Chicago Velma, West Side Story Anita, Maggie in A Chorus Line and Peggy Sawyer in Forty Second Street. She earned her degree in Musical Theatre Performance from Rhode Island College and attended graduate school at The Boston Conservatory. Thanks to the entire Drowsy Chaperone team for this incredible experience! All my love to Paul and Teeni, you have made this possible for me!
LINDSAY DEVINO (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back in Ogunquit! Previously at the Playhouse: Hairspray (Amber), High School Musical (Sharpay), Singin’ in the Rain. National Tours: The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty, u/s Janet) and The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Pickles). Regional: Maine State Music Theatre, Seacoast Rep. Lindsay is a New Hampshire native and a huge fan of all things Red Sox and Dunkin’ Donuts. Thanks to the Playhouse staff, Casey, and Jen. www.lindsaydevino.com
DEIDRA GRACE (Trix) Originally from Miami FL, is a graduate of The Americam Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her credits include The Drowsy Chaperone National Tour (Trix), All Shook Up (Sylvia), Hair (Dionne/Tribe), Lasos (Soloist/ensemble), The Life (Chi Chi/Sonja u/s/Ensemble) The Full Monty (Joanne) Dolly Parton's music video "Jesus and Gravity." She would like to thank God. Last but not least she would like to thank her mother who although is no longer with her is the biggest inspiration in her life.
JASON GRAUERHOLZ (Gangster #2) is thrilled to be a part of the Ogunquit Playhouse season. He is a proud graduate of The University of Oklahoma. Favorite credits: Footloose (Jeter, u/s Ren & Willard), Tropicana Casino, NJ; Joseph.. Dreamcoat (Levi), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Speed Tapper), Surflight Theatre, NJ; The Who’s Tommy (Cousin Kevin), Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma; Baby (Danny), Anything Goes (Moonface Martin), University of Oklahoma. Much thanks and love to his parents for their endless love and support. Finally, in spirit of the World Cup, USA ALL THE WAY!!!
MARC KESSLER (George) is co-creator of the long running off-Broadway musical Altar Boyz (Outer Critics Circle Award Best Musical). Marc was recently featured in pre-Broadway productions of Minsky’s and Elf. For six years, Marc toured with the Manhattan Rhythm Kings -- highlights include the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, The Aviator soundtrack, and off-Broadway with Tommy Tune in White Tie and Tails. Other credits include Goodspeed, Walnut Street, and Maine State. Graduate of University of Michigan Musical Theatre. Marc sends love and thanks to Casey and the kids.
BEN LIEBERT (Gangster #1) Ben is excited to be making his Ogunquit debut in Drowsy. Broadway/Tour: Wicked (Boq); Euro. Tour: Grease (Eugene, Roger u/s); Regional: Footloose (Willard), Joseph... (Benjamin), Beauty and the Beast (Lefou), and Reefer Madness (Ralph). Workshop: Radiant Baby (CAP21), The Sounds of Plaid (Stuart Ross, Drew Geraci, dir.) BFA: NYU-CAP21. Thanks to the creative team, cast, crew, Nancy Carson, and his ever supportive family. Mazel Tov Noah and Molly! www.benliebert.com
MEGAN LOOMIS (Ensemble) National Tour: John Doyle’s Sweeney Todd (Standby Mrs.Lovett, Beggar Woman), Sam Mendes’ Cabaret (Helga, Sally/Kost cover). Off B’way: The Mikado, Princess Ida (City Center). NYC: Hell: the Opera(PS122), Northanger Abbey, Happy End (Theatre 1010). Regional: Woody Sez (Lyric Theatre OK and Edinburgh Festival) Ring of Fire (dir. David Lutken),Cabaret (with Deborah Gibson), Phantom (dir. Casey Hushion), Titanic (dir. Scott Schwartz), Pump Boys and Dinettes (Carousel Dinner Theatre). Education: Eastman School of Music, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art London.
SAL SABELLA (Super) is thrilled to be a part of this fantastic cast. Credits: Most recently, Jeff in the regional premiere of [title of show] at Arizona Theatre Company, Kristina (Carnegie Hall/Royal Albert Hall), Claude’s Dad/Margaret Meade in HAIR (Arizona Theatre Company), Phantom understudy, which he went on for numerous performances, in Phantom of the Opera (Broadway National Tour), and a handful of other great shows. Thanks to his friends and family for their love and support....and thanks, Casey!
JASON SIMON (Feldzieg) has traversed this continent more times than he’d care to mention with a variety of touring productions, most recently as The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz and Max Bialystock in Mel Brooks’ The Producers. Some of his favorite roles are: Porthos (The Man In The Iron Mask), Old Deuteronomy (Cats), Lenny (Of Mice & Men), The Pirate King (Pirates Of Penzance). Much love to his loving and supporting friends, family and Tara.