(above) The Cast with April 12-13 Guest Star Helen Gallagher
Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2008
Dillon’s Reprise Room in April
(tix now available online @ brownpapertickets.com)
"A non-stop delight, first-rate on every level. These classic songs have lasted so many decades because they are so damned good, and while I wasn't around to see them in their original settings, it is hard to imagine them better realized. With the exception of Candide and possibly South Pacific, this is the best score currently on display in New York."-Roy Sander, critic & columnist
For all those were turned away at the standing-room-only, sold-out Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2007 staged by Mark York Productions and the Ziegfeld Club last November, hang on to your hats!
 | Back by popular demand (really!), Mark York Productions and the Ziegfeld Club will be re-staging their stunningly successful Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2008 at the Reprise Room at Dillon’s for three weekends in April. |
"Director Mark York and Choreographer David Auxier ... have done a handsome job mounting the show ... Even if you’re not a musical theater history buff, this is a show to see." - Peter Leavy, Cabaret Scenes
Celebrating the magnificence of Broadway, this fast-paced evening, a collection of popular Ziegfeld hits, represents the diversity, wit, and extravagance of Ziegfeld’s original roof-top Frolic productions.Guest stars include Helen Gallagher, Jane Summerhays and Anita Gillette.
Rob Lester of TheatreScene.net calls it a "delightful production – a real banquet of song and the banquet has a really pleasing dessert. Yes, good things come to those who wait, as they pull out all the stops for the finale when the ladies come out one by one in the fanciest of costumes and those feathered headdresses we have all been waiting for. A pretty girl IS like a melody, and the melodies are very pretty ..."
With spectacular costumes by George Halley, make-up and hair designs by Margret Fiedler, musical direction by Aaron Gandy, and elegant, creative choreography by David Auxier, this evening is a ‘value-for-money’ experience not to be missed!
Performers include (see bios below): David Auxier(choreographer), Richard Barclay, Scott Gofta, Merrill Grant, Helen Klass, Adrian LiDonni, Rob Lyons, Tony Majewski, Amy Montgomery, Sagan Rose, Suzanne Scott (Producer), Lexi Windsor, with Mark York(Executive Producer) at the piano.
Dates:
Sat Eves -April 12, 19 & 26 –7pm
Sun Mat –April 13 –5pm
Sun Mat –April 20 & 27 –3pm
The Reprise Room @ Dillon's
245 W 54th (btw B'way & 8th - next to Purnima Restaurant)
Tickets: $25 Cover $15 food/drink min.
For reservations call 212-751-6688 or e-mail theziegfeldclub@aol.com
To secure your reservation by credit card, go to:
brownpapertickets.com
Featured Performers
brownpapertickets.com
Featured Performers
Helen Gallagher - (Guest Star) rose from the chorus of the Broadway musicals Seven Lively Arts, Mr. Strauss Goes To Boston, Billion Dollar Baby and the original production of Brigadoon to featured roles in High Button Shoes (Nancy), Touch and Go (on Broadway and in London), Make A Wish (Poupette), and Pal Joey (Gladys Bumps), which she won her first Tony Award, starring role in Hazel Flagg, The Pajama Game (Gladys) and City Center Productions of Guys And Doll (Miss Adelaide), Finian’s Rainbow (Sharon McLonergan), Brigadoon (Meg Brockie) and Oklahoma. Numerous appearances followed in television, nightclubs and summer stock, preceding her return to Broadway where she created the role of Nickie in Sweet Charity for which she won another Tony nomination, Agnes Gooch in Mame and Lucille in No, No, Nanette! for which she won her second Tony Award. ABC’s Ryan’s Hope brought her fourteen years of employment and three Emmy’s, while doubling Off Broadway in Hot House, Tickles By Tavocsky, Misanthrope, Gingerbread Lady, Absurd Person Singular, Can’t Keep Running In Place, Tallulah and The James Ivory movie, Roseland (1977). Ms Gallagher appeared in the stage reading of 70, Girls, 70 at The York Theatre. Her New Jersey credtis include No, No. Nanette! at Papermill Playhouse and Anne Meara’s Afterplay, Wit and Two Lives by Arthur Laurents. Two Seasons ago, she happily played a nun in William Gibson’s Handy Dandy. She exercises her life long avocation teaching as part of the facility of the famed HB Studio in New York.
Anita Gillette - (Guest Star) studied at the Peabody Conservatory and came to Broadway when she was still a teen, making her debut in GYPSY. She went on to star in CHAPTER TWO, garnering a Tony nomination and L.A Drama Critics Award, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, JIMMY, CABARET, DON'T DRINK THE WATER, KELLY, MR. PRESIDENT, ALL AMERICAN, THE GAY LIFE, CARNIVAL, GYPSY, POCAHANTAS (London's West End) and SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH at the Royal Alex in Toronto with Joanne Woodward. Her Off Broadway, regional theatre and stock credits include hundreds of musicals, Chekhov and Shakespeare.
Movie audiences remember her best as Mona in MOONSTRUCK. She was Jennifer Anniston's mother in SHE'S THE ONE, Mary Louise Parker's mother in BOYS ON THE SIDE, Bll Murray's mother in LARGER THAN LIFE, Jack Black's mother in BOB Roberts, and the mother of Bobby Cannavale's love interest in THE GURU. On television, she played Quincy's bride, John Goodman's mother in NORMAL OHIO, David Chase's ALMOST GROWN, and the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies, THE SUMMER OF BEN TYLER with James Woods, and A CHRISTMAS MEMORY with Patty Duke. She appeared on many game shows, musical specials and was a regular on THE TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny Carson.
David Auxier - (Choreographer-Performer) has been making up dances since he was just a little “dance boy” at Patti Herzog’s Dance Studio in Omaha, NE. He continued his dance training at Oklahoma City University where he was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company. Along with countless benefits and revues, he has been choreographer for productions of South Pacific, Hello, Dolly!, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anything Goes and Mark York’s The Porker Sisters. As performer, early this year, David did a run at City Center with the NY G&S Players as the Sergeant in Pirates of Penzance ( a role he's also done at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, on tour with the all over NC & GA, in concert in Brooklyn, and even in Sydney, Australia in their National Tour) and as the featured G&S geek "Walter" in G&S a la Carte (a Musical Revue for which he also wrote the book). Last year, David spent most of his time making fantastic music and theater with Mark York doing a reading of Mark’s musical The Porker Sisters at the York Theater, his own cabaret show It's a Family Affair right here at Dillon's, and a benefit performance of George White’s Scandals where he got to perform with the royal queen mother of cabaret, Ms. Julie Wilson. David is currently honored to have been nominated for a MAC Award for Special Musical Material (aka, Comedy Song) and is looking forward to being back performing at City Center in June. Go to www.davidauxier.com for all the info!
Richard Barclay - (Performer) singer, actor, film producer – Richard’s career has embraced everything from performing in night clubs with Mitzi Gaynor and Lisa Kirk to a successful run on Broadway in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying opposite Rudy Vallee and Michelle Lee, which was preceded by playing Paul Berthalet in Carnival, Albert Peterson in Bye, Bye Birdie opposite Chita Rivera and Brenda Lee, Tony in West Side Story and Billy Early in No, No, Nannette opposite Nanette Fabray. He was featured on the CBS-TV Series, CPW opposite Raquel Welch and Gerald McRaney in the recurring role of the CEO. Richard has recently returned to the stage with his cabaret act to the delight of the public and the critics. He is the proud recipient of the Academy Award for his film:"Norman Rockwell's World...An American Dream“ and three Emmys for the television special: "The American Woman..Portraits of Courage" hosted by Patricia Neal.
Scott Gofta - (Performer) Recent NYC appearances include Sherlock Holmes: The Early Years (NYMF, 2007), The Kay Swift Project (Casey Nicholaw, dir.), and The Musicality of Vincent Youmans (Jay Records, to be released 2008). Regional credits: How to Succeed... (Finch), Joseph. ..Dreamcoat (Benjamin), Cabaret (Emcee), Once Upon a Mattress (Minstrel), Mousetrap (Christopher Wren), Baby (Danny), Gypsy (Tulsa), Phantom, Secret Garden. Concerts:Get Happy-Harold Arlen Centennial starring Christine Ebersole (Chicago Symphony Hall), 'Swonderful (Warner Theatre - D.C.), A Tribute to the Four Seasons, Johnny Rodgers Band (Birdland, The Jazz Standard). Recordings: Fine and Dandy, Through the Years (original cast recordings on PS Classics). Graduate, Tarkio College, MO.
Helen Klass - (Performer) describes herself as a “Long-Term Closet Chanteuse” who, after studying musical comedy with Rita Gardner at HB Studios, went on to become a “Late-Blooming Cabaret Diva.” Starting at the Old Duplex, she performed at Reno Sweeney’s, Ted Hook’s On Stage, The Ballroom, Jan Wallman’s, Judy’s and Helene’s Hideaway Room. Two of her early inspirations were Mabel Mercer, a lady who had a way with a lyric and the music of Rodgers and Hart. Venturing out of the cabaret venue, she was a featured performer in Off-Broadway productions of Sondheim’s Follies (Carlotta) and Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider) which she feels were broadening and rewarding experiences, adding to her very deep affection for the intimacy of cabaret.
Adrian LiDonni - (Performer) is thrilled to be a part of the Midnight Frolics! In NY, he has performed at Joe’s Pub in Leap and in two concert versions of George White's Scandals for Bandwagon of Vintage Musicals. Australian Theatre include Rent, Songs For A New World. Soon to graduate the Circle In The Square Theatre School.
Rob Lyons - (Performer) National Tour: South Pacific (Professor). Regional Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof (Fiddler/US Motel—Gateway Playhouse); A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre/Rob Ashford, choreo.); Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius); Side Show (Boston, New England premiere); Falsettoland; Hair; Babes in Arms; Footloose; Tommy; Crazy for You. Rob holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory of Music. Much love to CT, JC, SA, GP and, most of all, his family for all of their love and support. I’m back!!
Tony Majewski - (Performer) is thrilled to be joining The Ziegfeld Club’s production of Midnight Frolic. He recently performed in Fiddler On The Roof at the Fulton Opera house. His favorite roles consist of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Bobby in A Chorus Line, Dr. Craven in The Secret Garden, and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. After this production he will travel to the Carousel Theater in Ohio, to perform in Damn Yankees as Sohovik. Tony received his BFA in Music Theater from Millikin University in Decatur IL. He would like to thank his mother and uncles for love and support.
Amy Montgomery - (Performer) New York: The Hadleyburg Project (Metropolitain Playhouse) Bump In the Road ( New York Musical Theatre Festival) Regional: A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre) Fall Festival of the Future (Madison Repertory) Comfortable Shoes (Royal George) Othello( Journeymen) Footfalls (Irish Repertory) Troilus and Cressida, As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, The School for Scandal, All's Well that Ends Well, and Henry IV ( Chicago Shakespeare Theatre). Amy holds an M.F.A. in Acting from The Theatre School, DePaul University, a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the College of Santa Fe, and was selected for the one year classical acting program for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. Love to her husband Mark, her little boy Lewis and her mother, Hilda.
Chris-Ian Sanchez - (Performer) is excited to be a part of this fantastic production! He recently finished a run of Miss Saigon as Thuy at Virginia Music Theatre. Other credits include Passin’ It On with the Len Cariou at Coconut Playhouse, Thoroughly Modern Mille (Ching Ho), Aida (Mereb), Grease! (Roger), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Judah) and Annie Get You Gun (Tommy Keeler) at Surflight Theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar (James, the Elder) at K.C. Starlight and of course performing most of the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire with the reputable New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players at City Center. Mr. Sanchez has also performed as soloist/ensemble in Broadway Backwards! benefiting the Gay Men’s Community Center at the American Airlines Theatre. He is a graduate of the Mannes School of Music with a Master’s in Vocal Performance.
Suzanne Scott - (Producer-Performer) Regional credits include: Mame (Mame), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel), Godspell (Robin), Mack & Mabel (Lottie), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Phyllia), & many others. Most recently Suzanne played Everybody #4 in the August reading of Mark York's The Porker Sisters and was featured in the title role in a reading of another Mark York musical Apple Annie with lyrics and libretto by Don Loftus. This past spring, she appeared in George White’s Scandals with Helen Gallagher, Julie Wilson, Penny Fuller and Joel Higgins. After a nearly 15-year hiatus from show business, Suzanne is thankful for the opportunity to get her ‘chops’ back.
Sagan Rose - (Showgirl) Previous credits include: Sweet Charity (Elaine), Carousel (Louise), Anything Goes (Purity), Damn Yankees, The Tempest, Arabella's Journey (Arabella), Paragon Music Theater, Lexington Shakespeare Festival, UK Opera Theater, Kentucky Classical Theater, Kentucky Ballet Theater. Training: Circle in the Square Theater School. Thanks to God and family!
Lexi Windsor - (Showgirl) is thrilled to be a part of Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2008! She performed in the 2007 centennial production of Oklahoma! at Lyric Theatre starring Kelli O’Hara and Will Chase. Favorite credits include: A Chorus Line (Val), Grease (Marty), Sweet Charity (Nickie), 42nd Street (Anytime Annie), Dr. Dolittle (Emma Fairfax), & Once Upon A Mattress (Winnifred). Lexi currently performs on Spirit Harbor Cruises out of Chelsea Piers. Special thanks to Mark York, Matthew Corozine Studios, Joshua, and Mom & Dad!
Production Staff
Mark York - (Producer-Director-Pianist-Composer) is the Executive Producer for The Ziegfeld Club, the Music Coordinator for Jerry Herman and was the Musical Director for The Cy Coleman Estate from 1999-2006. Most recently, He produced/directed Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2007 to a SRO audience. This production gave birth to tonight’s production. Also in 2007, Mark was the Arranger/Pianist for the sold out run of The Day Before Spring at the York Theatre (also featured as an Secondary Lead) and in 2006, Busker Alley Benefit Gala Concert for The York Theatre starring Jim Dale and Glenn Close. He will be Arranger/Supervisor when Busker Alley comes to Broadway in 2008. Summer 2008, Mark’s musical Alice In Wonderland will tour through Europe. He musically directed the George White Scandals for The Bandwagon Theatre Co. this past April starring Helen Gallagher, Penny Fuller, Jane Summerhays, Julie Wilson, Sarah Rice, Meg Bussert, Joel Higgins, Martin Vidnovic & Arlene Dahl. Mr. Auxier & Ms. Scott were featured in this star studded benefit. He is currently working on Apple Annie, a musical version of Lady For A Day with lyricist/librettist Don Loftus. The World Premier of his newest musical, Galveston! The Musical opened July 2003 and also starred in Jerry Herman On Broadway, at The Strand Theatre 2002. Mark started playing the piano in his father's church in Oklahoma at age 9. At age 23, he formed his own children’s musical theatre company, York Productions, producing over 50 shows in 6 years, one of his favorites being a six year series of Ziegfeld style revues called York’s Broadway Jubilee, featuring over 60 children. Mark has composed numerous musicals including Rest In Peace direct/choreographed by Baayork Lee, A Midsummer Night, The Porker Sisters and The Odd Ducklings and 11 children's musicals. His Broadway/New York/London credits include: Busker Alley (coming 2008), Sweet Charity 2005 Revival, In The Pocket by Cy Coleman, Cy's Pamela's First Musical starring Michele Lee & Tony Roberts, Jerry Herman’s Mack & Mabel In Concert starring Leslie Uggams, Donna McKechnie and Jerry Orbach, Jerry Herman At The Hollywood Bowl starring Carol Channing, Bea Authur and Rita Moreno, Cy Coleman at the New York Pops, Kenny Rogers: Christmas From The Heart, Broadway, Mack And Mabel, London West End (Music Coordinator).
Margret Fiedler - (Makeup & Hair) has been a makeup artist for 30 years. She started her career as a ballet dancer where she got her first training in applying makeup. In 1978 she was became a full time makeup artist going into print work, movies and stage where she did an off Broadway Production called World War Won or Thats the Wrong Way to Tickle Mary. In the 80's she worked with LifeTime television for 4 years and then finally settling into a long and wonderful career as a makeup artist with CNN Television. She is a member of The Ziegfeld Club.
George Halley - (Costumes) a winner of the 1968 Coty Award, is a designer in the grand manner. Yet he come from the kind of background one would judge least likely to produce a great couturier – a farm in Alliance, Ohio. And his arrival in New York was very much in the farm boy/big city tradition: he hitchhiked to get here. He was a display assistant at Lord & Taylor, then an associate of the Master Builder, Charles James, as well as with Samuel Winston, Jo Copeland and Jane Derby. It's been a long apprenticeship, but once installed in his own business, Mr. Halley was off like a rocket. (“Enormous talent,” “A magnificent collection” are among the quieter pronouncements on his clothes.) “Everything he makes is simply refreshingly beautiful. His fabrics are superb, as are his shapes, his details, his accessorizing.” “I like to see women dressed beautifully,” he says. “When they are, it’s often because they’re wearing a Halley.”
Aaron Gandy - (Musical Director) Broadway credits include Disney’s The Lion King, Urinetown, and Dora the Explorer Live! at Radio City Music Hall. He has concertized with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Chicago Humanities Festival, 42nd Street Moon, Cami Hall, San Francisco’s 42nd Street Moon, The Museum of Television and Radio, Symphony Space, Tribeca Performing Arts Center and solo appearances with Davis Gaines, Leslie Uggams, Jerry Hadley, Patti LuPone, Lainie Kazan and Bette Midler. He has conducted three recordings for PS Classics, and the upcoming Busker Alley (with Mark York on piano) for Jay Records. A native of North Florida, Mr. Gandy is a graduate of Florida State University’s School of Music.
Collette Black - (Lighting & Sound) has received numerous awards and citations for excellence in various fields of cabaret including The Manhattan Association of Cabaret (MAC), The Nightlife Award, Backstage Bistro Award, Cabaret Hotline, and Time Out New York. Her Off-Broadway directing credits include Take It Easy at The Judith Anderson Theatre, What in the World?: The Newsical Revue at The John Houseman Theatre, and Our Life & Times at Caroline's on Broadway. Other favorite directing credits include What's The Point? by Hector Coris and Alan Cancellino and Eadie Scott¹s Wished on the Moon: A Tribute to Dorothy Parker. Collette produced the 20th anniversary production of Eve Merriam's The Club and co-produced All the News Un-fit to Print at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. Collette serves as cabaret class instructor at the 92nd Street Y and is a technical director at Don't Tell Mama and The Reprise Room.
Anita Gillette - (Guest Star) studied at the Peabody Conservatory and came to Broadway when she was still a teen, making her debut in GYPSY. She went on to star in CHAPTER TWO, garnering a Tony nomination and L.A Drama Critics Award, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, JIMMY, CABARET, DON'T DRINK THE WATER, KELLY, MR. PRESIDENT, ALL AMERICAN, THE GAY LIFE, CARNIVAL, GYPSY, POCAHANTAS (London's West End) and SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH at the Royal Alex in Toronto with Joanne Woodward. Her Off Broadway, regional theatre and stock credits include hundreds of musicals, Chekhov and Shakespeare.
Movie audiences remember her best as Mona in MOONSTRUCK. She was Jennifer Anniston's mother in SHE'S THE ONE, Mary Louise Parker's mother in BOYS ON THE SIDE, Bll Murray's mother in LARGER THAN LIFE, Jack Black's mother in BOB Roberts, and the mother of Bobby Cannavale's love interest in THE GURU. On television, she played Quincy's bride, John Goodman's mother in NORMAL OHIO, David Chase's ALMOST GROWN, and the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies, THE SUMMER OF BEN TYLER with James Woods, and A CHRISTMAS MEMORY with Patty Duke. She appeared on many game shows, musical specials and was a regular on THE TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny Carson.
David Auxier - (Choreographer-Performer) has been making up dances since he was just a little “dance boy” at Patti Herzog’s Dance Studio in Omaha, NE. He continued his dance training at Oklahoma City University where he was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company. Along with countless benefits and revues, he has been choreographer for productions of South Pacific, Hello, Dolly!, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anything Goes and Mark York’s The Porker Sisters. As performer, early this year, David did a run at City Center with the NY G&S Players as the Sergeant in Pirates of Penzance ( a role he's also done at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, on tour with the all over NC & GA, in concert in Brooklyn, and even in Sydney, Australia in their National Tour) and as the featured G&S geek "Walter" in G&S a la Carte (a Musical Revue for which he also wrote the book). Last year, David spent most of his time making fantastic music and theater with Mark York doing a reading of Mark’s musical The Porker Sisters at the York Theater, his own cabaret show It's a Family Affair right here at Dillon's, and a benefit performance of George White’s Scandals where he got to perform with the royal queen mother of cabaret, Ms. Julie Wilson. David is currently honored to have been nominated for a MAC Award for Special Musical Material (aka, Comedy Song) and is looking forward to being back performing at City Center in June. Go to www.davidauxier.com for all the info!
Richard Barclay - (Performer) singer, actor, film producer – Richard’s career has embraced everything from performing in night clubs with Mitzi Gaynor and Lisa Kirk to a successful run on Broadway in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying opposite Rudy Vallee and Michelle Lee, which was preceded by playing Paul Berthalet in Carnival, Albert Peterson in Bye, Bye Birdie opposite Chita Rivera and Brenda Lee, Tony in West Side Story and Billy Early in No, No, Nannette opposite Nanette Fabray. He was featured on the CBS-TV Series, CPW opposite Raquel Welch and Gerald McRaney in the recurring role of the CEO. Richard has recently returned to the stage with his cabaret act to the delight of the public and the critics. He is the proud recipient of the Academy Award for his film:"Norman Rockwell's World...An American Dream“ and three Emmys for the television special: "The American Woman..Portraits of Courage" hosted by Patricia Neal.
Scott Gofta - (Performer) Recent NYC appearances include Sherlock Holmes: The Early Years (NYMF, 2007), The Kay Swift Project (Casey Nicholaw, dir.), and The Musicality of Vincent Youmans (Jay Records, to be released 2008). Regional credits: How to Succeed... (Finch), Joseph. ..Dreamcoat (Benjamin), Cabaret (Emcee), Once Upon a Mattress (Minstrel), Mousetrap (Christopher Wren), Baby (Danny), Gypsy (Tulsa), Phantom, Secret Garden. Concerts:Get Happy-Harold Arlen Centennial starring Christine Ebersole (Chicago Symphony Hall), 'Swonderful (Warner Theatre - D.C.), A Tribute to the Four Seasons, Johnny Rodgers Band (Birdland, The Jazz Standard). Recordings: Fine and Dandy, Through the Years (original cast recordings on PS Classics). Graduate, Tarkio College, MO.
Helen Klass - (Performer) describes herself as a “Long-Term Closet Chanteuse” who, after studying musical comedy with Rita Gardner at HB Studios, went on to become a “Late-Blooming Cabaret Diva.” Starting at the Old Duplex, she performed at Reno Sweeney’s, Ted Hook’s On Stage, The Ballroom, Jan Wallman’s, Judy’s and Helene’s Hideaway Room. Two of her early inspirations were Mabel Mercer, a lady who had a way with a lyric and the music of Rodgers and Hart. Venturing out of the cabaret venue, she was a featured performer in Off-Broadway productions of Sondheim’s Follies (Carlotta) and Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider) which she feels were broadening and rewarding experiences, adding to her very deep affection for the intimacy of cabaret.
Adrian LiDonni - (Performer) is thrilled to be a part of the Midnight Frolics! In NY, he has performed at Joe’s Pub in Leap and in two concert versions of George White's Scandals for Bandwagon of Vintage Musicals. Australian Theatre include Rent, Songs For A New World. Soon to graduate the Circle In The Square Theatre School.
Rob Lyons - (Performer) National Tour: South Pacific (Professor). Regional Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof (Fiddler/US Motel—Gateway Playhouse); A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre/Rob Ashford, choreo.); Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius); Side Show (Boston, New England premiere); Falsettoland; Hair; Babes in Arms; Footloose; Tommy; Crazy for You. Rob holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory of Music. Much love to CT, JC, SA, GP and, most of all, his family for all of their love and support. I’m back!!
Tony Majewski - (Performer) is thrilled to be joining The Ziegfeld Club’s production of Midnight Frolic. He recently performed in Fiddler On The Roof at the Fulton Opera house. His favorite roles consist of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Bobby in A Chorus Line, Dr. Craven in The Secret Garden, and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. After this production he will travel to the Carousel Theater in Ohio, to perform in Damn Yankees as Sohovik. Tony received his BFA in Music Theater from Millikin University in Decatur IL. He would like to thank his mother and uncles for love and support.
Amy Montgomery - (Performer) New York: The Hadleyburg Project (Metropolitain Playhouse) Bump In the Road ( New York Musical Theatre Festival) Regional: A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre) Fall Festival of the Future (Madison Repertory) Comfortable Shoes (Royal George) Othello( Journeymen) Footfalls (Irish Repertory) Troilus and Cressida, As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, The School for Scandal, All's Well that Ends Well, and Henry IV ( Chicago Shakespeare Theatre). Amy holds an M.F.A. in Acting from The Theatre School, DePaul University, a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the College of Santa Fe, and was selected for the one year classical acting program for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. Love to her husband Mark, her little boy Lewis and her mother, Hilda.
Chris-Ian Sanchez - (Performer) is excited to be a part of this fantastic production! He recently finished a run of Miss Saigon as Thuy at Virginia Music Theatre. Other credits include Passin’ It On with the Len Cariou at Coconut Playhouse, Thoroughly Modern Mille (Ching Ho), Aida (Mereb), Grease! (Roger), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Judah) and Annie Get You Gun (Tommy Keeler) at Surflight Theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar (James, the Elder) at K.C. Starlight and of course performing most of the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire with the reputable New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players at City Center. Mr. Sanchez has also performed as soloist/ensemble in Broadway Backwards! benefiting the Gay Men’s Community Center at the American Airlines Theatre. He is a graduate of the Mannes School of Music with a Master’s in Vocal Performance.
Suzanne Scott - (Producer-Performer) Regional credits include: Mame (Mame), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel), Godspell (Robin), Mack & Mabel (Lottie), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Phyllia), & many others. Most recently Suzanne played Everybody #4 in the August reading of Mark York's The Porker Sisters and was featured in the title role in a reading of another Mark York musical Apple Annie with lyrics and libretto by Don Loftus. This past spring, she appeared in George White’s Scandals with Helen Gallagher, Julie Wilson, Penny Fuller and Joel Higgins. After a nearly 15-year hiatus from show business, Suzanne is thankful for the opportunity to get her ‘chops’ back.
Midnight Frolic Showgirls
Merrill Grant - (Showgirl) debuted this month at Avery Fisher Hall as a soloist with the Little Orchestra Society. Previous roles include Louisa (The Fantastiks), Maria, (West Side Story), Adelaide (Guys and Dolls), Yum-Yum (Mikado), Maggie (A Chorus Line), Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), Chava (Fiddler On The Roof), Despina (Cosi Fan Tutte), and Anne Marie in Disney Dreams. She originated the role of Donna in The Brain from Planet X in L.A. and repeated the role at the 2007 New York Musical Theatre Festival. She also originated the lead role of Tabitha in the new musical Slammer. She is thrilled to be performing songs and dances from this glamorous era she grew up adoring!Sagan Rose - (Showgirl) Previous credits include: Sweet Charity (Elaine), Carousel (Louise), Anything Goes (Purity), Damn Yankees, The Tempest, Arabella's Journey (Arabella), Paragon Music Theater, Lexington Shakespeare Festival, UK Opera Theater, Kentucky Classical Theater, Kentucky Ballet Theater. Training: Circle in the Square Theater School. Thanks to God and family!
Lexi Windsor - (Showgirl) is thrilled to be a part of Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2008! She performed in the 2007 centennial production of Oklahoma! at Lyric Theatre starring Kelli O’Hara and Will Chase. Favorite credits include: A Chorus Line (Val), Grease (Marty), Sweet Charity (Nickie), 42nd Street (Anytime Annie), Dr. Dolittle (Emma Fairfax), & Once Upon A Mattress (Winnifred). Lexi currently performs on Spirit Harbor Cruises out of Chelsea Piers. Special thanks to Mark York, Matthew Corozine Studios, Joshua, and Mom & Dad!
Production Staff
Mark York - (Producer-Director-Pianist-Composer) is the Executive Producer for The Ziegfeld Club, the Music Coordinator for Jerry Herman and was the Musical Director for The Cy Coleman Estate from 1999-2006. Most recently, He produced/directed Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2007 to a SRO audience. This production gave birth to tonight’s production. Also in 2007, Mark was the Arranger/Pianist for the sold out run of The Day Before Spring at the York Theatre (also featured as an Secondary Lead) and in 2006, Busker Alley Benefit Gala Concert for The York Theatre starring Jim Dale and Glenn Close. He will be Arranger/Supervisor when Busker Alley comes to Broadway in 2008. Summer 2008, Mark’s musical Alice In Wonderland will tour through Europe. He musically directed the George White Scandals for The Bandwagon Theatre Co. this past April starring Helen Gallagher, Penny Fuller, Jane Summerhays, Julie Wilson, Sarah Rice, Meg Bussert, Joel Higgins, Martin Vidnovic & Arlene Dahl. Mr. Auxier & Ms. Scott were featured in this star studded benefit. He is currently working on Apple Annie, a musical version of Lady For A Day with lyricist/librettist Don Loftus. The World Premier of his newest musical, Galveston! The Musical opened July 2003 and also starred in Jerry Herman On Broadway, at The Strand Theatre 2002. Mark started playing the piano in his father's church in Oklahoma at age 9. At age 23, he formed his own children’s musical theatre company, York Productions, producing over 50 shows in 6 years, one of his favorites being a six year series of Ziegfeld style revues called York’s Broadway Jubilee, featuring over 60 children. Mark has composed numerous musicals including Rest In Peace direct/choreographed by Baayork Lee, A Midsummer Night, The Porker Sisters and The Odd Ducklings and 11 children's musicals. His Broadway/New York/London credits include: Busker Alley (coming 2008), Sweet Charity 2005 Revival, In The Pocket by Cy Coleman, Cy's Pamela's First Musical starring Michele Lee & Tony Roberts, Jerry Herman’s Mack & Mabel In Concert starring Leslie Uggams, Donna McKechnie and Jerry Orbach, Jerry Herman At The Hollywood Bowl starring Carol Channing, Bea Authur and Rita Moreno, Cy Coleman at the New York Pops, Kenny Rogers: Christmas From The Heart, Broadway, Mack And Mabel, London West End (Music Coordinator).Margret Fiedler - (Makeup & Hair) has been a makeup artist for 30 years. She started her career as a ballet dancer where she got her first training in applying makeup. In 1978 she was became a full time makeup artist going into print work, movies and stage where she did an off Broadway Production called World War Won or Thats the Wrong Way to Tickle Mary. In the 80's she worked with LifeTime television for 4 years and then finally settling into a long and wonderful career as a makeup artist with CNN Television. She is a member of The Ziegfeld Club.
George Halley - (Costumes) a winner of the 1968 Coty Award, is a designer in the grand manner. Yet he come from the kind of background one would judge least likely to produce a great couturier – a farm in Alliance, Ohio. And his arrival in New York was very much in the farm boy/big city tradition: he hitchhiked to get here. He was a display assistant at Lord & Taylor, then an associate of the Master Builder, Charles James, as well as with Samuel Winston, Jo Copeland and Jane Derby. It's been a long apprenticeship, but once installed in his own business, Mr. Halley was off like a rocket. (“Enormous talent,” “A magnificent collection” are among the quieter pronouncements on his clothes.) “Everything he makes is simply refreshingly beautiful. His fabrics are superb, as are his shapes, his details, his accessorizing.” “I like to see women dressed beautifully,” he says. “When they are, it’s often because they’re wearing a Halley.”
Aaron Gandy - (Musical Director) Broadway credits include Disney’s The Lion King, Urinetown, and Dora the Explorer Live! at Radio City Music Hall. He has concertized with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Chicago Humanities Festival, 42nd Street Moon, Cami Hall, San Francisco’s 42nd Street Moon, The Museum of Television and Radio, Symphony Space, Tribeca Performing Arts Center and solo appearances with Davis Gaines, Leslie Uggams, Jerry Hadley, Patti LuPone, Lainie Kazan and Bette Midler. He has conducted three recordings for PS Classics, and the upcoming Busker Alley (with Mark York on piano) for Jay Records. A native of North Florida, Mr. Gandy is a graduate of Florida State University’s School of Music.
Collette Black - (Lighting & Sound) has received numerous awards and citations for excellence in various fields of cabaret including The Manhattan Association of Cabaret (MAC), The Nightlife Award, Backstage Bistro Award, Cabaret Hotline, and Time Out New York. Her Off-Broadway directing credits include Take It Easy at The Judith Anderson Theatre, What in the World?: The Newsical Revue at The John Houseman Theatre, and Our Life & Times at Caroline's on Broadway. Other favorite directing credits include What's The Point? by Hector Coris and Alan Cancellino and Eadie Scott¹s Wished on the Moon: A Tribute to Dorothy Parker. Collette produced the 20th anniversary production of Eve Merriam's The Club and co-produced All the News Un-fit to Print at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. Collette serves as cabaret class instructor at the 92nd Street Y and is a technical director at Don't Tell Mama and The Reprise Room.