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Page 1: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School
Page 2: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

SPONSORING CHURCH PARTNER

United Church of Christ Congregational 220 West 7

th St., Plainfield, NJ 07060

908-755-8658 www.uccplainfield.org [email protected]

Our vision: “Offering sanctuary to all in the storms of life.”

Sunday Morning: Adult Education 9:30 a.m.

Themes of Spirituality, Art, Bible and Contemporary Issues Worship Celebration & Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Our excellent music includes a gospel choir, congregational choir, jazz and guest artists—all under the skilled tutelage of Fred Fischer.

Diverse We are an Open and Affirming multicultural church with a long history of diversity. We celebrate African American History Month, Puerto Rican Pride, Gay Pride and Hispanic American Heritage months.

Inclusive All who seek a church home are warmly invited to our fellowship and communion table, regardless of age, creed, cultural or ethnic background, mental or physical ability, gender expression or marital status.

Progressive Our church has stood up for justice and social change in many areas, including the closing of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, health care, community violence, and the rights of children.

Samples of Programs:

Time for Children in worship Healing services

Community Vacation Bible School After school tutoring

Summer Camp Discovery Starfish Food Bank Support

Trick or Suites—Halloween for disabled children And of course, Rainbow Experience

Church Staff: Rev. James Colvin, Pastor Rev. Sarah Colvin, Pastoral Associate Fred Fischer, Minister of Music Marian Olson, Director of Christian Education

Congratulations to our sister

Sophie and the Cast of Bye Bye Birdie!

You have and always will be a

star in our eyes!

Love,

Ryan and Mary

Page 3: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations to all involved withto all involved withto all involved withto all involved with

Women’s Fellowship of Women’s Fellowship of Women’s Fellowship of Women’s Fellowship of UCCUCCUCCUCC

Danielle, Danielle, Danielle, Danielle, Reach for the Reach for the Reach for the Reach for the

moon, even if you moon, even if you moon, even if you moon, even if you miss, you will fall miss, you will fall miss, you will fall miss, you will fall among stars! among stars! among stars! among stars!

Love,Love,Love,Love, Mom, Dad, Jenna Mom, Dad, Jenna Mom, Dad, Jenna Mom, Dad, Jenna and Gramand Gramand Gramand Gram

Rainbow Experience and the United Church of Christ – Congregational, Plainfield

present

BYE BYE BIRDIE

Book by Michael Stewart Music by Charles Strouse

Lyrics by Lee Adams Originally Produced on Broadway by Edward Padula

with

Trina Bell Kristin Contrino Colleen Faede Molly Frieri

Taraka Gilbert Sophie Giuliani Kelvin Gomez Randy James Hunter Erica Jackson Genese Rami-Jackson

Khalila Matsumoto Leslie Merced Karina Muñoz Kristina Perez Ira Perlman Adam Patrick Reed Lou Ricco

Danielle Elyse Romano K’Shawn Scott Shadai Smith Jonathan Velez Brianna Whitfield Destiny Williams Lina Zikas

Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design

Jeff Olson Dan Schulz Matthew Reifsteck

Choreography by BJ Solomon

Musical Direction by

Melissa Abbate

Directed by Scott M. Goldman

Produced by special arrangement with Tams Whitmark Music Library, Inc.

Funding for this production made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts through a grant administered by the Union County Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and the Congregation of the United Church of Christ – Congregational of Plainfield, NJ

Page 4: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

ORCHESTRA Keyboard/Conductor Melissa Abbate

Reed 1 Giuseppe Fusco Reed 2 Ansy Francois Guitar Kristian Motti

Percussion Rodney Azagra

CAST (in order of appearance)

Albert Peterson......................................................... Adam Patrick Reed Rosie Alvarez............................................................ Molly Frieri Helen ....................................................................... Lina Zikas Nancy ....................................................................... Brianna Whitfield Alice.......................................................................... Sophie Giuliani Margie....................................................................... Leslie Merced Harvey Johnson........................................................ K’Shawn Scott Penelope................................................................... Shadai Smith Ursula Merkle............................................................ Danielle E. Romano Kim MacAfee............................................................ Kristin Contrino Mrs. MacAfee............................................................ Erica Jackson Mr. MacAfee............................................................. Lou Ricco Mae Peterson........................................................... Karina Muñoz Conrad Birdie............................................................ Kelvin Gomez Hugo Peabody………………………………………… Jonathan Velez Deborah Sue............................................................. Lina Zikas First Reporter............................................................ Taraka Gilbert Second Reporter....................................................... Trina Bell Mayor........................................................................ Ira Perlman Mrs. Johnson............................................................ Trina Bell Mrs. Merkle............................................................... Taraka Gilbert Randolph MacAfee................................................... Randy James Hunter Gloria Rasputin......................................................... Kristina Perez

Sierra Hunter (11/5)

Maude....................................................................... Ira Perlman

Teen Chorus Colleen Faede, Sophie Giuliani, Genese Rami-Jackson,

Khalila Matsumoto, Leslie Merced, Shadai Smith, Brianna Whitfield, Destiny Williams, Lina Zikas

TIME AND PLACE

New York and Sweet Apple, OH; 1958

Page 5: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT ONE

Scene One: An English Teacher

Office of AlMaeLou Music, New York Rosie

Scene Two: Sweet Apple, OH The Telephone Hour Teen Chorus Scene Three: How Lovely to Be a Woman

MacAfee Home, Sweet Apple Kim

Scene Four: Penn Station, New York Put on a Happy Face Albert, Deborah Sue, Alice, Margie A Healthy, Normal, American Boy Albert, Rosie, Reporters, Teens Scene Five: One Boy Lets Settle Down

Railroad Station, Sweet Apple Kim, Deborah Sue, Alice, Hugo Rosie

Scene Six: Honestly Sincere

The Steps of City Hall Conrad and Ensemble

Scene Seven: Hymn For a Sunday Evening

MacAfee Home Mr & Mrs. MacAfee, Kim, Randolph

Scene Eight: The Central Movie Theatre Scene Nine The Central Movie Theatre One Last Kiss Conrad, Teen Chorus

There will be one fifteen minute intermission

As a courtesy to the cast and those around you, please silence all cellphones, watches, and electronic devices.

For your safety please keep the aisles clear as they are used during

the production.

The use of flash photography, video, or audio recording devices is strictly prohibited by copyright law.

Page 6: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT TWO

Scene One: Kim’s Bedroom, The MacAfee Home What Did I Ever See In Him? Kim and Rosie Scene Two: The MacAfee Home What Did I Ever See in Him (Reprise)

Rosie

Scene Three: The Streets of Sweet Apple A Lot of Livin’ To Do Conrad, Kim, Ensemble Kids Mr. & Mrs. MacAfee Scene Four:

Maude’s Roadside Retreat

Spanish Rose Baby, Talk to Me

Rosie Albert

Scene Five: Outside Maude’s Roadside Retreat A Mother Doesn’t Matter Anymore Mae Kids (Reprise) Mr. & Mrs. MacAfee, Randolph,

Adults

Scene Six: The Ice House Scene Seven: Rosie

Railroad Station, Sweet Apple Rosie & Albert

Page 7: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR BYE BYE BIRDIE Producers Scott Goldman and Ruth Sykes Stage Management Ruth Sykes Sound Operator Jonathan Rubin Production Assistants Jeff Wassen,

Nasean Barlow Whitfield, Marcell Whitfield

Advertising Chairperson Jessica Beltz-Mohrmann Program Layout Scott Goldman Graphic Design Sara Axelrod Bookkeeper Nellie Jung

RAINBOW EXPERIENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rev. Jim Colvin Nellie Jung Jessical Beltz-Mohrmann

Marie Ann Perez Ruth Sykes Jeff Wassen

DONATIONS

Rainbow Experience is grateful to the following patrons for their generous support of our program: Cherry Communications Italian Village Anne Johnson Endy and Michael Berke Endy The Gilbert Family Kelvin Gomez Douglas and Joyce Reed

The Summit Animal League

(and surrounding areas)

P.O. Box 1446

Summit, NJ 07902-8446

Page 8: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

CAST BIOGRAPHIES Trina Bell (Mrs. Johnson / Reporter) studied at Eastman School of Music . She has appeared in theater productions such as To Kill A Mockingbird (Calpurnia understudy), Dreamgirls, Sorry Wrong Number, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Colored Museum.

Kristin Contrino (Kim MacAfee) has been involved in theater for 16 years. Recent credits include, The Wedding Singer (Holly), Les Miserables (Eponine), Seussical (Mayzie) and A Tale of Two Cities (ensemble) which was in London and aired on PBS. Kristin is also on semi-pro dance teams and a choreographer. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work. Colleen Faede (Ensemble) returns to Rainbow for the 2

nd year and has

had a great experience. In addition to Leader of the Pack, she has been dancing for six years. Thanks to all my family and friends for all the support. We have a great cast and crew. Molly Frieri (Rosie) is very excited to be in her 3

rd Rainbow show

having appeared in Godspell (Judas), and Leader of the Pack (Ellie Greenwich). This is her 3

rd

show playing opposite Adam after recently being his Rosemary in How to Succeed… Other credits include Rent, Smokey Joes Café, Cabaret and many others. Molly is a resident of Cranford and spends her days teaching middle school

vocal music in Teaneck. All my love to Adam, Scottt, & BJ for keeping me as part of their theatre quartet.

Taraka Gilbert (Mrs.Merkle / Reporter) is a Plainfield resident who appeared in MPower’s The Wiz and Blues Under an Alabama Sky which was presented by Dreamhouse Productions. She wants to thank the entire Rainbow Experience cast and crew for this opportunity and to her family for their constant support. Sophie Giuliani (Alice) is delighted to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School in Scotch Plains and tries her hardest there as well. She’s danced at American Dance Studio for one year. She’s also been at the Michelle Pawk Actors Camp. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Kelvin Gomez (Conrad Birdie) has had an amazing journey performing with Rainbow Experience for the first time. Coming off of a national tour with his ex-music group, "D'Votion,” he feels right at home picking up where he left off. Recent credits: The Producers (Max Bialystock); Peter Pan (John); Beauty and the Beast (Beast/ Adam). He thanks Rainbow Experience for the warm welcome and also all family and friends who have supported him throughout his endeavors.

Page 9: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

LOVE LINES

RJ - Do a great Job! -Dad Taraka - Good Luck! P.J. Gilbert Good Luck RJ and May God continue to Bless and keep you - Mr. G RJ - Have fun - Love, Emma RJ - Best of Luck RJ., Do your thang! - Coach Wheeler RJ - Do your thang aint nothin but a chix wang – Eddie Good luck RJ - Ian, Gary, & Stella

RJ - Be the star you really are - Mrs. Mack RJ - Be the best that you can be - Mr. Jackson RJ - Have fun and “Break a leg” - Mrs. Bouffidis RJ - Good luck R. K.! Keep up the good work - Slo Nelson RJ - Have fun - Love, Emma RJ - Good luck My friend - Jah Jah Yute Good Luck RJ – Eric Chan

CAST BIOGRAPHIES Randy James Hunter (Randolph) R.J. is excited to be performing with Rainbow for the first time. He has wanted to perform with Rainbow since he saw his sister in the Rainbow Production of Cinderella. He was most recently seen in Aida (ensemble). He is also excited to be working with director Scott Goldman. He thanks his family for all their love and support. Erica Jackson (Mrs. MacAfee) This is Erica’s 1

st Rainbow

Experience as she is new to NJ. A NY native who has been a performing artist since the age of 7, Erica is the proud mother of Genese Ramie-Jackson. She is a graduate of Barbizon and NPTI and now owns her own personal training business and belongs to a professional Christian based dance company. Miss East Coast USA, Miss Hawaiian Tropics NY, & Miss National America are just a few of the titles Erica has held as a former beauty pageant queen. Erica loves children, poetry, music and the arts. She wishes to thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement. Genese Ramie-Jackson (Teen Chorus) is a native of NY, new to NJ. She has been a dancer since the tender age of 4. At 12 yrs old she now attends middle school and is also a member of the Girl Scouts of NJ. This is Genese’s first Rainbow experience but she has performed in many dance and figure skating shows since age 5.

She wishes to thank her family for their continued support and encouragement. Khalila Matsumoto (Ensemble) lives in Plainfield and is 13 years old. An 8

th grade student at

Maxson Middle School, she enjoys singing and dancing. This is her first time with Rainbow Experience and she has enjoyed herself. Leslie Merced (Ensemble) is a dancing bumblebee that comes from Plainfield. She has been dancing for ten years and is very overwhelmed by the welcome of the Bye Bye Birdie cast, and Rainbow Experience. She is twelve years old and is ready to continue her dreams in the Performing arts. Karina Munoz (Mae Peterson) is excited to be working on her 3rd production with Rainbow. She played Annie Golden last year in LOTP and Cat in the Hat in Seussical ('07). Other favorite roles: Chorus Leader (Trojan Women), Princess #12 (OUAM), Josephine Strong (Urinetown), and a lead role in Ten Percent Revue. Many thanks to Family, Friends, Cast, Crew, and my "One Boy"! To Scott, who I have worked with over the last 12yrs - Thank you for always giving me the chance to take a step into the spotlight. Kristina Perez (Gloria Rasputin) is 17 yrs. old and Captain of the WHS Cheerleaders who is thrilled to perform in her 6

th production with

Page 10: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

CAST BIOGRAPHIES Rainbow. Kristy’s trained under Don Lawrence of NYC, is currently being mentored by Brenda K. Starr and records with Sebastian Richards of Philadelphia. Kristy is a 2-time National High School Teen Idol finalist, a lead singer for the RockNRoll Chorus and performed at the Apollo Theater in NYC. She thanks Alex, Scott, Annie & John, Mom, Jeff, Miss Ruth, and her RNRC family for always supporting her.

Ira Perlman (Mayor/Maude) is pleased to be part of this production on stage, instead of his usual spot in the audience or volunteering. He has been on stage in the past playing Father Christmas in Summit Playhouse's Narnia. Ira would like to thank his nephew, Scott, for the opportunity to perform with such a talented cast and crew. Ira would also like to especially thank his wife, Aimee, for all of her support and encouragement.

Adam Patrick Reed (Albert Peterson) This is Adam’s second production Rainbow. He is thrilled to be playing opposite Molly again. Adam recently starred as J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Some of Adam’s favorite roles are Nathan in Guys and Dolls, Will Parker in Oklahoma, Cornelius in Hello, Dolly!, and Jeff Barry in Leader of the Pack. Thanks to Molly, BJ, Scott for making the past 6 months exciting. We made it!

Lou Ricco (Mr. MacAfee) is no stranger to the musical theater stage or Rainbow Experience. His last performance for Rainbow was in 2007 as Mr. Mayor in Seussical. Other credits include Plays-In-The-Park's Grease (Roger), Kean University's Me And My Girl (Hethersett), and The Fantasticks (Bellomy). Straight plays include Kean University's Tartuffe (Tartuffe) and Isn't It Romantic (Simon Blumberg). Lou was recently involved in an independent film, Splash (Lars), which gained him recognition on IMDb.com as a screen performer. Also, billed on Playbill.com, Lou performed in an off-Broadway reading of Make Just One Person Happy. He's been performing for 15 years and continues to thanks to the support of his friends and family, especially his wife Marilyn, and his two BEAUTIFUL boys, Mark and Lucas. And now...on with the show <3 Danielle Elyse Romano (Ursula Merkle) After a four year hiatus from theatre, Danielle is excited to be making her return in Rainbow’s production of Bye Bye Birdie. Danielle has performed extensively throughout Hudson and Bergen Counties in such roles as Sr. Mary Amnesia (Nunsense), Sr. Robert Anne (Nuncrackers), and Sheila Kelly (Annie Warbucks). Danielle also fronts Alternative Rock Band, Five Cards Under. Special thanks to her family for their unending support, especially her “One Boy”, Phillip for continuous inspiration.

LOVE LINES Genese and Erica - Congratulations and good luck to my 2 special ladies, I’m so proud of you. Love “Pony” RJ - Break a leg - Mr. Williams Genese and Erica - Congratulations to both my girls. Break a leg! Love You, Mama Good luck RJ! Break a leg! Miss Allen Taraka - Good luck - I love you baby! :) Aunt June RJ - May God bless you! Mr. Robinson To my two angels, Genese and Erica. I Love you with all my hear. Love, Titi Lisa Good luck Mr. Hunter! Break a leg! Colleen- You are a riot! Fun to be around and great sense of humor. - Tree Colleen, Break a Leg! Love you lots - Kayla Good luck and have fun RJ! Love, Mom & Dad

RJ - You’re the best! - Mrs. Bedi

Have a great show Colleen, I love you - Aunt Patty Good luck RJ - Coach Fellldhun Colleen, my best friend in the whole wide world good luck and break a leg looove, Meagan RJ - Best wishes for a great play N. Smith Keep singing and dancing Colleen - Love you, Dad RJ - Best of Luck and have a great time! Mr. Woodard Love you Colleen! Enjoy the show - Mom RJ - Have fun !! - Mr. May Genese, you’re talented and beautiful and you make everyone proud. Love Mrs. G. RJ - Best of Luck Super Star - Ms. Young Erica, I pray this is a start of a prosperous career for you. Love and God Bless! – Wenona Do your thing RJ -Ms. Noble Taraka - Have fun on stage!! - Aleia

Break a leg Coll, sparkle and shine - Emily RJ - Best of luck - hop you have a blast! - Ms. Hanchate

Dear Colleen, have a great time on stage and be your awesome self! Break a leg – Love, Mandy

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LOVE LINES Shadai – Have a good show Great Job Destiny, I wish you many more! Love, Uncle Desi RJ - Smartest, sweetest little duded ever! you’re going to do great things! - Tree Destiny - Your kind of star will always be shining star. Love, Aunty Caron Yet another show together, Lou! Always a laugh and fun rides together. Break a Leg! -Karina Sophie - We wish you luck on your first show. We’re so proud of you! - Mom and Dad Karina - This is my 2nd show that I’m seeing you in and I couldn’t be more proud. Keep up the good work. Break a Leg!! J ♡ K Sophie - You’re the best little sister we’ve had - Mary and Ryan Danielle - BREAK A LEG!! Your Co-Star and Co-Worker, Karina Sophie - I’m so proud of you! - Grandma Molly - Rosemary or Rosie there will always be wonderful music in the sound of your name – Adam Adam, Molly, RJ, Scott, Miss Ruth - Always a pleasure! Keep

up the good work! Love Karina Destiny - I am so proud of the wonder young lady you are growing into, continue to follow your dreams. Love, Mom Lou, Erica, and Taraka - thanks for making rehearsal one to remember. You guys are just down to earth and cool people. Also Taraka it seems like I have always known you. - Tree Adam - I don’t care if you’re an English teacher, a window washer, or a leader of the pack - I LOVE YOU! Love, Molly RJ - Good Luck - Kaz Beverly Do your thang Colleenie, because you do it great! Ilya lot – Kristen Adam, Molly, Karina,& Lou – Thanks for taking another ride on the crazy train! – Scott Congrats Karina on making the show! I know you’ll do great as always! Show ‘em what you got! Oh, and I guess I love you too? – Becca To my husband Jonathan, thanks for your love and support – Tree Good luck RJ. Love Emma-Aria! Taraka - Let the church say Amen - Rev A. Branch

CAST BIOGRAPHIES K'Shawn Scott (Harvey Johnson) is from Piscataway and has been acting and singing since 11. He graduated from Piscataway High School and appeared in Joseph..., Robin Hood, Anything Goes and Aida. He is also very active in church. This is his first time doing a show with Rainbow. Shadai Smith (Penelope) is a resident of Plainfield and sings in choir and dances in a praise team. She goes to Woodland School and is ten years old. Jonathan Velez (Hugo Peabody) has been dancing and acting for three years now. He just recently graduated from the Summer Internship Program at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Rainbow Experience is his first community theater show. Recent credits include: Roger DeBris in The Producers, Smee in Peter Pan, and Lefou in Beauty and the Beast. Thanks to all the family and friends for the constant love and support!

Brianna Whitfield (Nancy) is very happy to be a cast member of Bye Bye Birdie and returns to Rainbow for the 3

rd year. She has been

doing theatre since she was nine and every show has been fun. Destiny Williams (Ensemble) is a 7th grade student at St. Bartholomew Academy and has been dancing and performing since the age of three with The American Dance Studio. In addition, she has performed at Walt Disney World, Six Flags Great Adventure, and a host of other events. Destiny currently holds the title of 2010/2011 Little Miss Union County Pre-Teen. She is thrilled to be working with the Rainbow Experience. Lina Zikas (Deborah Sue / Helen) is thrilled to be in the cast of Bye Bye Birdie with Rainbow Experience. Her previews productions include Urinetown and Oliver. She has directed children’s productions of Annie Jr. and Joseph… She goes to Park Middle School and is excited to continue her musical theatre career.

Page 12: BYE BYE BIRDIE - rainbowexp.files.wordpress.com · to be part of the Bye Bye Birdie cast. This is her first musical and she intends to do her best. She goes to Park Middle School

ARTISTIC STAFF BIOGRAPHIES Melissa Abbate (Musical Director) is excited for her first show with Rainbow. She is a graduate of NYU, and is currently the vocal music director at Union High School. She has been Assistant Musical Director for Papermill Rising Star Award winning shows like Joseph..., The Wiz, and 42nd St., and is the director of UHS's nationally recognized and award winning Swing Choir. Good luck to the cast and crew, and congratulations on a great show! Scott Goldman (Director / Producer) returns to Rainbow for the fifth consecutive year having previously directed Cinderella, Seussical, Godspell. and Leader of the Pack! He is the Executive Assistant to the Artistic Director at George Street Playhouse and the Producing Artistic Director of Stage Presence, a theatre company based in Maplewood which he founded in 2001. Other credits include: How to Succeed in Business…, Bare, Smokey Joes Café, How to Eat Like a Child, Bat Boy, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Scott is the Executive Assistant at George Street Playhouse, and a graduate of Ithaca College with a Master’s of Science in Communications and Bachelor Degrees in Drama and Speech Communication. Many thanks to Board and Ruth for your support of another journey. Enjoy the show! BJ Solomon (Choreographer) BJ is very happy to be working with

Rainbow for the second time. Other Directing/Choreography credits include: How to Succeed…, Leader of the Pack, Seussical, West Side Story, Aida, Cats, and The Full Monty. As a performer some credits include: Annie, Show Boat, Miss Saigon, Big River, and Cats. Big thanks to D, my everything. Ruth Sykes (Producer) Once again Ruth is thrilled to this year to help produce such a wonderful show for Rainbow Experience! In previous years, Ruth has stage managed and or produced most of the Rainbow productions. One thing never changes-she is always excited about the professional abilities of each of the directors and the remarkable achievement of the cast Ruth has stage managed/co-produced everything from drama, musical productions, and opera for the past thirteen years and feels that every new production is always a new experience! Everyone involved with Bye Bye Birdie has worked very hard to bring you a great show and she thanks you for your support of Rainbow and its mission. Ruth is an active member of The United Church of Christ in Plainfield and as a retired Microbiologist, now spends her days taking on environmental concerns. This year, she would like to give a special shout out to this fabulous cast and their directors! They have been spirited, diligent and devoted. You can't ask for more than that! Enjoy the show!

A Thank You to the Rainbow Board

In the winter of 1998, Rev. Jim Colvin from the United Church of Christ in Plainfield, and Rev. Pam Gilchrist from the First congregational Church UCC in Westfield together conceived the concept of forming a theater group that would encompass both communities and the surrounding area. After forming a board from both churches, the Rainbow Experience was born.

We achieved our mission by bringing together a diverse group of individuals (age, race, culture, ability, etc.) through the vehicle of theater. Members of our communities and our partner congregations created theater and choral works that were enriched by the cultural diversity of the participants.

Rainbow Experience believes that the performing arts are also a vehicle for bringing the cultures together in a deep meaningful understanding of our common humanity.

In the succeeding years, the Rainbow Experience has continued to create cultural bridges that ended at a common goal-to be able to perform, learn, and produce wonderful productions, One thing unique about The Rainbow Experience-all who audition are in our shows! Our participants, including directors, musical directors and choreographer, through hard work, dedication, and love, have produced fourteen amazing productions. It is important to note that lifelong friendships formed in many cases amongst the participants. Many have made performance their career goal and have stated their first experiences at Rainbow as the impetus.

Here, we would like to thank past and present performers, directors, as well as past and present board members for their fortitude, love of community, and the presence of mind to always see the long view!

Rainbow Experience Board members - Past and Present:

Rev. Jim Colvin, Rev. Pam Gilchrist, Rev.Joy Mounts, Jessica Beltz, Sharon Warnock, Jean Dembaugh, Gabrielle DeTora, Karen Federico, Heather McNall Lang, David Lang, Phyllis Beach, Larry Beach, Jeff Wassen, Nellie Jung, Jeff Olson, Marie Ann Perez,

Tammy Westbook, and Ruth Sykes