Productions
2011
Galileo The Musical
For the first time, _gaia will be participating in the 2nd annual Planet Connections Festivity in an evening of one-acts presenting Galileo the Musical, book written by Marisol Tirelli Rivera, composed by James Behr, directed by Jenny Fersch, musical direction by Esther Ji Hye Choi and produced by Lillian Ribeiro. The Festivity will take place June 1st through the 26th at Gene Frankel Theatre (24 Bond Street), and The Robert Moss Theater at 440 Studios (440 Lafayette Street) in New York City.
After an interrogation by Conservative Senators on climate change research, NASA Administrator, Dr. John Holden embarks on a soulful journey to the past life of Galileo Galilei in his quest to save the environment and preserve intellectual freedom. The production features Paul Fraccalvieri, Tatum Kenney, Nathan Lugo, Ben Prayz, Jason Pumarada, Gloria Rice, Trish Szymanski and Ellen Weiss.
Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, New York, NY
The theater is located between Astor Place and 4th St. and across the street from The Public Theater. Conveniently located near the N, R, W, and 6 trains.
Play Schedule:
Wednesday, June 8 – 8:30 PM
Saturday, June 11 – 4:00 PM*
Wednesday, June 15 – 6:30 PM
Sunday June 19 – 3:30 PM
Tuesday June 21 – 8:00 PM
Friday June 24 – 6:30 PM
Tickets are $18 and can be purchased in advance at http://planetconnections.org/ or by calling 1-866-811-4111.
*A special benefit show on June 11 will feature a talk back from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with artist and author, C Bangs and space scientist and author Dr. Greg Matloff (authors of Paradise Regained: The Greening of the Earth. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the East Coast Maine Coon Rescue an organization dedicated to rescuing cats and placing them in homes.
Who’s Who:
Paul P. Fraccalvieri (DR. HOLDEN/GALILEO)
is pleased to be speaking Ms. Tirelli’s inspirational words and singing Mr. Behr’s glorious music again having originated the role of Galileo in last year’s West Village Music Theatre Festival (Honorable Mention-Best Actor). He has appeared off-broadway in BELLEVUE SKETCHES as well as on the original cast soundtrack and in a concert version of FINIAN’S RAINBOW at Theater for the New City as well in a host of other NYC venues, cabarets, nightclubs etc. He has toured around the U.S. and Canada in leading roles in: CITY OF ANGELS, MY FAIR LADY, HOW TO SUCCEED…, THE KING AND I, JOSEPH…, GREASE, GODSPELL among myriad others. Recordings include: LA CAGE, GUYS AND DOLLS, INTO THE WOODS, THE KING AND I as well as jingles and voice overs. He received a 4-year vocal scholarship for voice from St. Bonaventure University. He is delighted to be a part of this festival.
Tatum Kenney (SENATOR/CLERGYMAN)
An avid runner and rabid vegetarian, Tatum Kenney is pleased to be a part of Galileo: The Musical. Former favorite roles include Maria in West Side Story and Virginia in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Much thanks to Jenny, and as ever, love to Jane and Mom. Seize the fish!
Nathan Lugo (SENATOR/CLERGYMAN)
is making his theatrical debut! (Please be nice.) Nathan joins us after finishing his first experimental theater project, “Family Jewels” with Parlour Productions. A Columbia alumnus and former Army Ranger, Nathan has found the challenge of a live show thrilling and has been singing and dancing since. Nathan would like to thank the theatre family for welcoming him and looks forward to continuing to learn and develop his newly found passion for theatre.
Jason Pumarada (SENATOR/CLERGYMAN)
is excited to be returning to a NYC stage for this production. He was last seen in the critically acclaimed, sold-out run of Balm in Gilead at the Gloria Maddox Theatre at T. Schreiber Studio, where he is a proud alumnus. His other NJ theater credits include Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair. Thanks to Jenny for this opportunity! Love to family, friends, and to Rea for her love and support since day one.
is happy to be a part of this go round of Galileo, having been Pope for last years’ West Village Musical Theatre Festival. OOB includes: Mr. Hirsch Died Yesterday (Castillo Theatre/Woodie King, Jr., Dir.) Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Queens Theatre in the Park); Macbeth (Secret Theatre); A View From the Bridge (Studio Playhouse); The Real Inspector Hound (T. Schreiber Studio); The Foreigner (Hudson Theatre Ensemble); Slap & Tickle (reading for director David Drake) andTo Gillian on Her 37th Birthday (Ridge Rep); Ben’s also done a bunch of original musicals in NYC, including: Dollface (Theater for the New City); In the Schoolyard (‘10NYCFringe); Celluloid (The Tank); Muffin Man (‘09NYCFringe); and The Harvest (Dramatist Guild). Films include principal roles in: Humberville Poetry Slam, Socks & Cakes and EXA (all on IMDB), and the feature DELI 2006, due in late 2011. Some commercial and industrial work as well. Ben has a passion for Seido karate in which he is a black belt. Osu! (bprayz@rcn.com)
is a Floridian who now makes her home in New York City to perform and enjoy some seasons! In Orlando, Gloria was a studio artist of the Orlando Opera Company where she worked with such opera heavyweights as Anton Coppola and Denyce Graves. Having now chosen the path of musical theatre, she has spent time training and developing her craft. Gloria is a soloist and member of the Sacred Center Gospel Choir where she enjoys taking people deeper. She is thrilled to be working with Marisol Tirelli Rivera again after working together on the staged reading of Abstract for Lovers. She is very excited to be a part of this fantastic piece and festival. Thank you to everyone who made this moment possible!
Trish Szymanski (SENATOR/CLERGYMAN)
acting, performing and writing for over thirty years. She studied character development with Judith Sloane, voice with Hellaine Relles, and acting with Christine Goodman and Erik-Anders Nilsson. She has acted on stages small and large, from community theater to off-off-Broadway to Carnegie Hall. Most recently she participated in dramatic readings of 19th Century literature staged by Uptown Crew, the nonprofit cultural organization she directs.
Ellen Weiss’ (SENATOR/CLERGYMAN)
first big love affair was with Broadway Musical Theater. Her favorite appearances in theatrical productions include “Kiss me Kate”, “Mighty Fine Music (Revue of the music of Burton Lane”, “The Golden Apple” and “Titanic.” Ellen is also a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her personal musical expression desires to go beyond genre always dedicated first to reaching hearts when playing her original theater, pop, folk, blues influenced songs or the beloved Great American Songbook repertoire. Ellen has appeared in New York City clubs such as The Bitter End, Café Vivaldi, The Triad Lounge, The Duplex and Don’t Tell Mama’s and can be heard as back up vocalist on Brian Kramer’s blues album, “Strike While it’s Hot, where she also acted as vocal coach. Ellen was a member of the contemporary folk music group “Water Sign” for many years they have an award winning self-titled CD. Ellen is a Vocal instructor by day teaching private lessons and group classes at her NYC studio, and is dedicated to helping people free and explore their most authentic, empowered vocal expression.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Composer and concert artist James Behr was hailed by The Boston Globe as “a demon pianist” and by InTheFray Magazine as a “genius composer.” His award-winning musical, The Count of Monte Cristo, called “dramatic, exciting, melodic” by News Blaze, won Best Musical Score at the New York 2010 West Village Musical Theater Festival. A Juilliard graduate, Behr has performed throughout the U.S., including solo appearances on TV and radio; at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall; at the Ravinia, Cullowhee and Chautauqua festivals; and with many orchestras. His Blue-Age music introduces a new sound reflecting this modern day artist’s exposure to R&B, Classical, Rock and Jazz trends. Behr’s music features his piano concerto Europa, Rhapsody Tableaux; the autobiographical Suite Memoirs (Blue Age); Kaleidoscope Suite (fusion Rock/Classical); Prisms (Nu Jazz); and the romantic, sweeping score for The Count of Monte Cristo. Other musicals include E-Love, Dreamquest, and The Jungle Island. He has a B.M. and M.M. from Juilliard and a B.A. from Northwestern University. A professor at Manhattan College, Behr resides in Manhattan. He is a Steinway Artist.
is a passionate theatre artist, community advocate, and a graduate of Catholic University’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music. Jenny has been working in the theatre in DC, NYC, and NJ in many different capacities since she graduated in 2006. An actor in training, Jenny is thrilled to have this chance to step into the directing role for Galileo The Musical. Jenny has written, directed and performed two one woman reviews in DC as well as a cabaret theater review for an ensemble. She is proud to be working on Marisol’s original play along with the wonderful music composed by James Behr. Jenny hopes to present an inventive piece of grass roots theater for you at the Planet Connections Festivity this year, as we watch this musical grow. Thank you to Lillian and _gaia! Past credits of Jenny’s include: The Rocky Horror Show (Janet), Tommy, Working (Deloris Delante), and Seussical at The Theater Company, Hoboken, NJ; Little Shop of Horrors (Ronette) Actor’s Harbor Theatre SI, NY, It’s A Wonderful Life Radio Play (Mary Hatch) The Attic Ensemble, Jersey City; Biloxi Blues (Rowena) Snug Harbor; George M! (Ethel) Toby’s, Columbia; Grimm Tales (Hansel/Ashputtle) Snug Harbor; The Boys Next Door (Sheila) Colonel’s Men, D.C.; Pippin, Snug Harbor; Titanic (Marion Thayer) Toby’s Columbia; and Grease at Toby’s Baltimore. See you at the theater!
Esther Ji Hye Choi (MUSICAL DIRECTOR)
was born on October 27th, 1987 in South Korea. She immigrated to USA at age 11. She attended the Center for Preparatory Studies in Music at Queens College during elementary years. She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts and won the Annual LaGuardia Concerto Competition on March 4th, 2004. She won the 3rd prize for LISMA Foundation of International Music Competition on August, 2004. She graduated from Manhattan School of Music for Piano Performance in Bachelor degree. She performed in various places such as Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music, Bargos in Spain and State University of New Paltz for solo piano performances. She is currently attending Teacher’s College at Columbia University for Music Education Degree in Masters.
Bruce A! Kraemer (LIGHTING DESIGNER)
Bruce A! Kraemer (Lighting Designer) has done lighting at the Roundabout Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Soho Rep and at 59e59 theaters. Bruce also does audio, technical direction, stage management and production communications. He has done those for the Summer and Winter Olympics, World Cup, Superbowls, Papal visits, Commonwealth Games, Goodwill Games, Tony Awards, Grammys, Video Music Awards, NBA All Star game, WNBA All Star Game, NBA Draft, NFL Drafts, MLB Draft, Christmas Tree Lightings at Rockefeller Center, on Broadway, off Broadway, off, off Broadway, for dance, fashion shows, art installations and hundreds of corporate events.
has organized original and nationally recognized theatrical productions and film events around social issues that impact people locally and globally. With over 10 years experience of developing residencies, programs, and events, Lillian has fostered large groups of supporters, artists, and volunteers for over 5 well-respected organizations. Currently Lillian is studying at City University of New York School of Professional Studies where she expects to receive her Master of Arts in Applied Theatre Studies in 2013.
Michael Rivera (CHARITY/ PRODUCTION COORDINATOR),
husband of Marisol Tirelli Rivera, is an assistant director at Integrity House in Newark New Jersey. He is an animal rights activist, supporter, and member of several animals organizations throughout the world. Michael and Marisol live in New Jersey with their four cats: Niko, Cinderella, Patches, and their talkative Maine Coon: Bullwinkle.
Marisol Tirelli Rivera (PLAYWRIGHT)
a native Californian, graduated from Pepperdine University in Malibu with a BA degree in Theatre Arts/Acting where she also studied opera in Florence, Italy. Immediately after she graduated, she was admitted into the Actors Studio Drama School after singing in a live audition for James Lipton, Ellen Burstyn, Martin Landau, and Ann Margaret, where she studied for a year. By 2002, Marisol was producing performance art pieces in her art studio in Long Island City with both visual arts and live world music. In 2006, she met Lillian Ribeiro and performed in the Vagina Monologues for V-Day in Union City as both an actor and painter. She received her MA degree in Educational Theatre at NYU in 2008, where she began to write and develop plays and musicals in workshops within the Provincetown Playhouse and NYU’s Graduate School of Musical Theatre Writing. She has had staged readings of her musicals and plays with the Lilly Lips Reading series at _gaia and with Small Pond Entertainment. In June of 2010, she began developing Galileo the Musical within the West Village Musical Theatre Festival, and is thrilled to be having it produced by _gaia for this year’s Planet Connections Festivity, where part of the ticket proceeds will go towards an environmental cause. She is the founder of
TESOL Drama (Where students can get certified to teach English and Drama internationally), is an active member of several human and animal rights organizations, and a doctoral student in art and art education at Teachers College, Columbia University- where she continues to write musicals and work with mixed art mediums.
