Mission

Chromolume Theatre’s name comes from the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical, Sunday in the Park with George, about an artist struggling to make art meaningful in 19th Century France. Chromolume Theatre was founded by two struggling artists in 2003 with its primary mission to present the American musical on an intimate level in an entertaining, intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying way. With growth and change, Chromolume Theatre’s mission has evolved with a new dedication to presenting Broadway’s forgotten gems and off-Broadway’s undiscovered treasured, and shining a light on productions that deserve a second look. Chromolume Theatre also provides opportunity for artists to shine who have not had such an opportunity in the past, as well as a dedication to diverse and multi-cultural casts and crews.

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The Bridges of Madison County

Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Marsha Norman

july 18 – august 3, 2025

Based on the best-selling novel, The Bridges of Madison County captures the lyrical expanse of America’s heartland along with the yearning entangled in the eternal question, “What if…?”

 

Francesca Johnson, a beautiful Italian woman who married an American soldier to flee war-ravaged Italy, looks forward to a rare four days alone on her Iowa farm when her family heads to the 1965 State Fair. When ruggedly handsome, National Geographic photographer, Robert Kincaid, pulls into her driveway seeking directions, though, what happens in those four days may very well alter the course of Francesca’s life.

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Rachel Wirtz, Francesca

 

Rachel Kae Wirtz is honored to be performing in Bridges as her first Chromolume show. With her BFA in musical theater from the Boston Conservatory, she sings, dances, and does stunt work at Disneyland, Universal and LA theaters. She just finished recording the cast album and performing Mystic Pizza at Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey amidst a couple workshops for new musicals in New York. Other roles include Hannah in Allegiance (Speakeasy Stage Co), Peggy Carter in Rogers the Musical (Disneyland), Vilmos in Bat Out of Hell (Paris Hotel in Las Vegas), and The Narrator in Joseph (Interlakes). She thanks her family and chosen family for their constant support and hopes you enjoy the show.

Kyle Critelli, Kincaid

 

Kyle Critelli is thrilled to be performing alongside such a talented cast in his Chromolume debut. Kyle moved from New York in 2022 where he had the pleasure of performing some of his favorite roles such as Tony in West Side Story, Brad Majors in Rocky Horror, and Jekyll & Hyde in Jekyll & Hyde. Kyle is also an accomplished sound designer. He has designed 50+ shows in the last 10 years from community theatre to professional shows on Broadway. 

James Esposito, Bud, Scenic & Sound Design

 

James Esposito is a founding member of Chromolume Theatre and is currently the V.P. of Operations.  On stage, his credits include In The Heights (Kevin) Company (Bobby), City of Angels (Munoz), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Thurio) and Forever Plaid (Sparky) just to name a few.  Directing credits include First Date, Dessa Rose (LA Premiere), Pacific Overtures (Stage Raw Winner for Best Musical), Songs For A New World and Strip.  Sound Design credits include Dessa RosePacific OverturesZanna, Don’t!. Scenic Design credits include the NAACP Award Winning production of Do Lord Remember Me and Dessa Rose. He dedicates this show to his wife, Tanessa, who, as far as he knows, has not had an affair, with a National Geographic photographer.

Abby Espiritu, Carolyn

 

Abby Espiritu (she/her) is a Filipino-American actor originally from New Jersey. Select credits include – Theatre: …Spelling Bee (Marcy), A Chorus Line (Connie), Into the Woods (Little Red), Take the Lead – Reading (Styx). Film: “Barbie”, “The Idea of You”, “The First Slam Dunk”. TV: “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Re:Zero”, “Hamster & Gretel”, “Pokémon”. Video Games: Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, NIKKE. Brown University Class of 2019. Theatre Producers of Color 2024 Cohort. Website: abbyespiritu.com. Socials: @missabbyespirit. Thank you, Chromulume Theatre!

Chris Gutierrez, Michael

 

Chris is thrilled to make his Chromolume Theatre debut as Michael! Recently returning to the stage, his favorite credits include Anastasia (Von Rothbart/Dmitry u/s) and Newsies (Oscar Delancey). A proud son of immigrant parents, Chris is honored to help bring meaningful stories to life across Los Angeles. He sends heartfelt thanks to God, his family, and friends for their unwavering support.

Mary Zastrow, Marge

 

Mary Zastrow is delighted to be making her Chromolume Theatre debut! You may have seen her as Lucy in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Morticia in The Addams Family, The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda. She received her BFA in vocal performance from California Institute of the Arts, and resides in Burbank teaching voice, Intimacy Directing, and producing for DAPPER DAY. Special thanks to my supportive family and to my forever showmance, Scott.

David Michael Trevino, Charlie

 

David is honored to return to the Chromolume Theatre family after many years.  A former Texas public school music teacher, David serves as assistant choir director/music minister at Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills and is an active professional vocalist in the greater Los Angeles area. During the holidays, he sings in a professional Christmas caroling group, as well as the Jewish High Holidays. Stage credits include: Frankenstein, a new musical, Nine, Xanadu, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie Get Your Gun, The King and I, and premieres of new stage plays and musicals. TV credits include: On Call, Jane the Virgin, Castle, and The History Channel’s “Breaking Vegas: The Roulette Assault,” as well as commercials, independent films, and print work. Your support of live theatre is greatly appreciated.

Lina VanGerpen, Marian/Chiara

 

Lina VanGerpen is excited and honored to be a part of this show and in this role that she loves so much! Most recently she has performed in the following: JStage’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle) and Sound of Music (Baroness Elsa Schroeder), ECT’s Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), and OMP at the GEM’s Evita (Featured Ensemble). You can also find her performing at the Disney Parks, Pirates Dinner Adventure, and the Beach Boulevard Club. Follow her adventures @lina_vangerpen!

Renee Cohen, State Road Singer

 

Renee Cohen is delighted to return to Chromolume after playing NYC Citizen in I Love You Because. Credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Yitzhak), Cabaret (Emcee), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas/Mary), Rent (Maureen), Legally Blonde (Paulette), Peter Pan (Peter), Lippa’s Wild Party (Queenie/Kate/Mad True), American Psycho (Evelyn), Assassins (Guiteau), Lizzie (Emma), Merrily We Roll Along (Gussie), American Idiot (Whatshername), Shrek (Dragon), Pippin (Leading Player). Currently seeking representation! Instagram: reneesings TikTok: naynayrc

Andrew Landecker, Ensemble

 

Andrew Landecker is an actor, singer and musician. He is thrilled to join the cast of The Bridges of Madison County.  Andrew has performed from coast to coast. Some of his credits include: Sir Robin, Monty Python’s Spamalot; Will Parker, Oklahoma!; Amos, Chicago, the Musical; Motel, Fiddler on the Roof; LeFou, Beauty and the Beast; Robin, Something Rotten!. Thank you to the “Bridges” team, my family, friends and mentors for their support. 

Rachel Williams, Francesca u/s

 

Rachel is so excited to be making her Chromolume debut in one of her dream roles! After graduating from UC Irvine with Honors in Musical Theatre, Rachel has gone on to perform professionally as a vocalist, actor, improviser, and puppeteer at theme parks across SoCal, including Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm. Follow her on instagram : @rachelelainewilliams and enjoy the show!

Troy Dailey, Kincaid u/s

 

Troy enjoys long walks on the beach, an Irish mule, and playing with all the doggies. His first memory on stage is joining Van Halen during their Balance Tour. Introducing them in true rebel child fashion, he froze hearing the thunderous applause. Being carried offstage by a band member aside, it was love at first fright. Favorite roles: Archibald Craven (The Secret Garden), Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Baker (Into the Woods). Troy dedicates today’s performance to his mother, who was always his biggest supporter.

Richard Van Slyke, Director

 

Richard Van Slyke last directed Hello Again at Chromolume Theatre in 2017. Other directing credits include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, The Lisbon Traviata, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Trixie True Teen Detective, among others. He has also appeared on the Chromolume stage a number of times over the years, as well as many other theaters across So Cal since moving here from NYC in 2003. He has been a working actor for over 30 years. He also wrote and directed two seasons of the web comedy series, The Playhouse Soap Opera. Richard is represented by The Happen Agency. www.richardvanslyke.com IG: @richardvanslyke

Richard Berent, Musical Director

 

Richard has been busy in L.A. for over 30 years, playing piano, teaching at AMDA, musical directing, and composing. He’s done 7 shows at Chromolume. Lately he’s been getting attention as music teacher of a young Josh Groban.   Over the years he’s gone from being Sondheim’s #1 fan to Jacob Collier’s #1 fan.  Come join the fun every Friday Night at the Jeweled Universe in South Pasadena where Richard convenes a Broadway themed open mike night.

Ariella Salinas Fiore, Intimacy Director

 

Ariella Salinas Fiore (she/her/ella) is thrilled to join in on another Chromolume production!  She was Intimacy Director for First Date and I Love You Because and has created consent forward spaces and intimate moments for theaters all over Southern California including Romeo and Juliet, Choose Your Own Ending (Morgan-Wixson), Las Sirenas (LATC), American La Ronde (PRT), Elf (SVCAC), Losing Your Humanity (HFF), and Seminar (Little Fish Theatre), among many others.  She is also an Intimacy Coordinator for film and television.  She has been performing as an actor since she was 3. She is grateful to James, Richard, and the team for having her on board to help tell this story. Much love and thanks to her amazing people, who all always provide her with so much love and support. ¡Pa’lante! IG: AriellaSalinasFiore

Shon LeBlanc, Costume Design

 

Shon LeBlanc, IATSE 892. Shon celebrates 4o yrs in the business.  Over 400 productions, 2 Ovations, 8 nominations, 5 Garlands, Drama Critics Circle Award & more Film: Lobsterman from Mars, Toolbox Murders, Pellett, Encore for Disney Plus, Redline. Theatre: Titanic, I Love Lucy Live on Stage, The Women, Network, and more. Owner of Valentino’s Costumes & Special Exhibits Curatior at the Hollywood Musuem.

Antonio Cruz, Lighting Design

 

Originally from Mexico, Antonio graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2020 as a first-generation college student.  He pursues his career as a lighting designer who creates art to tell great stories by using design elements.  He has designed for Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, UCSB Theater and Dance, Los Angeles Theater, the Palace Theater, Los Angeles Valley Collegiate Players, Side Track Artists as well as Center Stage Theater, The NoHoArts Center and the Ojai Playwrights Conference.

Mara Aguilar, Production Stage Manager

 

I am so happy and thankful for having you support this live theater production. This will be my fourth production with Chromolume Theater. The first production she was involved in was Hello Again in which she got to work with a wonderful team. Other previous works were Alice in Wonderland: a follow the white rabbit musical adventure which premiered in April 2024 by Brooke DeRosa as well as a French opera called Dialogue of the Carmelites with Independent Opera company. If you would like to see more of her past, present , and future adventures feel free to follow her on her instagram page @maramargarita13.

Kyle Lukas, Assistant Stage Manager

 

Kyle Kathleen Lukas is a Los Angeles based theatre technician and performer and is thrilled to be making her Chromolume crew debut! Select credits include Newsies (Conundrum), Bat Boy: The Musical (MWT), Footloose (MWT), Something Rotten! (TTC), Kinky Boots (TTC), The Addams Family (TTC). Many thanks to James, Richard, and Emily for the opportunity to join the Bridges company, and to her family and friends for allowing her to follow and grow in her passion.  

Ken Werther, Publicity

 

KEN WERTHER PUBLICITY has been a staple in the Los Angeles performing arts community since 1982. Public relations, producing, directing. As producer: All Your Hard Work (Brimmer St. Theatre Company); The Good Boy (LATC); A Kind of Kind (Celebration Theatre @ Atwater Village) the Queer Classics productions of The Importance of Being Earnest and The Taming of the Shrew. Assistant director: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off (Musical Theatre Guild); The Women of Brewster Place (Celebration Theatre); The Woodsman (Coeurage Theatre Company).  Visit www.kenwerther.com

Troy Dailey, Aaron

 

Troy Dailey enjoys walks on the beach, an Irish mule, and playing with all the doggies.  His first memory on stage is joining Van Halen during their Balance Tour. Introducing them in true rebel child fashion, he froze hearing the thunderous applause. Being carried offstage by a band member aside, it was love at first fright. Favorite roles: Archibald Craven (The Secret Garden), Beast (Beauty and the Beast), The Baker (Into the Woods). Troy dedicates today’s performance to his mother, who was always his biggest supporter.

Paloma Malfavon, Casey

 

Paloma Malfavón is excited to be making her Chromolume Theatre debut as Casey in the Los Angeles premiere of First Date at the Zephyr Theatre. She recently played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the El Portal Theatre, earning a SCENIE Award for Breakout Lead Performance. Other favorite roles include Rizzo in Grease and Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and encouragement.

Kendre Scott, Gabe

 

Kendre Scott is ready to help bring in the new era of Chromolume after their hiatus and kill it on stage doing the LA premiere of First Date: The Musical. He’d like to thank his wife Gina for always pushing him to perform and do what he loves. His previous roles include Jack Kelly (Newsies at CTG Santa Clarita), Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors at ActingOut!), and Benny (In The Heights at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center)   

Natalie Scott, Lauren

 

Natalie Scott is a Los Angeles-based actor and singer. After earning her BA in Theatre from Eastern Michigan University, she moved herself out to California where she’s performed on stages with Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Whoopi Goldberg. Favorite theatre credits include: Legally Blonde (EMU), Alice in Wonderland (Wilshire Ebell), and A Case of the Mondays (The Actors Group). She recently starred in the Christmas caper, Merry Heistmas, and is looking forward to continuing her training with The Groundlings this spring. ItsNatalieScott.com

Christopher Baker, Reggie

 

Christopher Baker, a Florida native, is excited to be part of First Date. He has performed in productions such as Rent at Chance Theatre, where he played Benny, and recently portrayed Jerry in ARENA: A House Music-al. Christopher is a passionate actor, constantly honing his craft at Baron Brown Studio, and looks forward to delivering a great performance.

Rachel Yoffe, Allison

 

Rachel is excited to be making her Chromolume debut! Rachel received her BA in Theatre from California State University, Northridge and some of her previous credits include: Sweeney Todd (Johanna), The Secret Garden (Lily), Spring Awakening (Martha), Evita (Mistress), The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty), Legally Blonde (Vivienne U/S), Big Fish (Sandra), The Prom (Kaylee), Something Rotten (Portia U/S), Les Miserables (Cosette U/S), Elf (Jovie U/S). Enjoy the show!

Michael Angel, Waiter

 

Michael is extremely honored to be back at Chromolume Theatre, after having played Buck in Zanna, Don’t! back in 2017. Some past credits include Legally Blonde (Elle’s Dad/Ensemble), In the Heights (Domingo), Mamma Mia! (Eddie), Grease (Roger) and Elf (Store Manager). When he is not performing, you can catch him serving Theatre greatness in the Box Office at the Pantages Theatre! Thank you for supporting live theatre and enjoy the show!

Bonnie Joy Sludikoff, Grandma Ida

 

Bonnie Joy Sludikoff is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a nearly four year hiatus! These days Bonnie mostly works as a writer and activist/advocate, but she never turns down an opportunity to burst into song whether onstage or— let’s face it — literally anywhere else. Past favorite performances have included Songs For A New World (Woman 2), A Chorus Line (Bebe), Hair (Jeanie), The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas (Doatsy Mae), Godspell (Joanne), and six magical seasons singing at Disneyland Resort and other amazing venues with Mixed Company’s Tis The Season Handbell Carolers. Bonnie has also starred in four solo shows including The Magic Schoolbus: A Traumedy.  She is grateful for the opportunity to get back to the magical world of telling stories through song. www.BonnieJoySludikoff.com

Andreas Pantazis, Aaron u/s

 

Andreas Pantazis is grateful for the return of Chromolume Theatre and be apart of that. Just seen in Guys and Dolls with Altadena Music Theatre, Beauty and the Beast as Beast with Nocturne Theatre and as Gaston with Candlelight Pavilion/Inland Pacific Ballet. Other Credits: Les Miserables (Courfeyrac, u/s Marius) Regional Tour; Kiss Me Kate with Marina Del Rey Symphony; Home For The Holidays (Santa) Knott’s Berry Farm; Elf the Musical (u/s Santa, Greenway) Sierra Repertory Theatre; and Cinderella with 5 Star Theatricals. He’s thanks James, Jonny, Michael and talented cast for letting him share the stage with them. Big thanks to his family and friends, and you for your continuous support of LA theatre. IG: @Andreas.a.Pantazis

Olivia Leyva, Casey u/s

 

Olivia has a B.A. in English and a minor in Theater Arts from California Lutheran University. Her recent previous acting credits include In The Heights (Morgan-Wixson Theater) and The Prom (Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center). She’s also a director, playwright, and dramaturg around Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She hopes you have many fruitful first dates!  

James Esposito, Director, Scenic Design, Sound Design

 

James is thrilled to be back in the director’s chair after a six year hiatus. Directing credits include Dessa Rose (LA Premiere), Pacific Overtures (Stage Raw Winner for Best Musical), Songs For A New World and Strip. He is a founding member of Chromolume Theatre and is currently the V.P. of Operations. Sound Design credits include Dessa Rose, Pacific Overtures, Zanna, Don’t! just to name a few. Scenic Design credits include the NAACP Award Winning production of Do Lord Remember Me and Dessa Rose. On stage, his credits include In The Heights (Kevin) Company (Bobby), City of Angels (Munoz), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Thurio) and Forever Plaid (Sparky) just to name a few.

Brianne Lopez, Assistant Director

 

Brianne Lopez is thrilled to make her debut as assistant director for the production of First Date. Brianne’s previous acting credits Include In The Heights at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Rent at Cabrillo stage, Little Shop of Horrors and Bring It On The Musical at College of the Canyons. While Brianne is regularly seen on stage, she is so excited to step onto the other side of the curtain. She wants to thank her partner Domonique for always supporting her in whatever she does.

Jonny Perl, Musical Director

 

Chromolume debut! Former Managing Director, Shinbone Theatre Company. Musicals: Shel, Lorelei, Macabaret, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Cabaret; and Immersive Experiences: What Went Wrong, Welcome Back Woodchucks, Afterlife Anonymous. Actor: Cuckoo’s Nest, Tick, Tick…BOOM!, and Merrily We Roll Along. Co-Producer How to Dance in Ohio on Broadway, Production Supervisor Paws of Fury for Paramount. Upcoming: Farewell My Concubine by Kenneth Lin and Jason Robert Brown. Jonny also regularly music directs, accompanies, teaches, and leads piano bar singalongs. Best known for TikTok @Jonny.Perl.

Michael Marchak, Choreographer

 

Michael received a BA in theatre with a minor in chemistry from USC. He is currently pursuing a masters in Urban Planning also at USC. Having choreographed Zanna Don’t, Pacific Overtures, Dessa Rose, and directed Story of My Life; Michael is thrilled to be back at Chromolume once again! Starting his dance training at sixteen years old, Michael found a passion for storytelling through movement. Ballet became a favorite while also training in jazz, tap and dabbling in hip-hop. Past choreography/directing credits: Mean Girls (Fairfax High School), Topsy Turvy (Cupcake), The Legend of Georgia McBride (Crown City), The Importance of Being Earnest (Crown City), She Loves Me, Charlie Brown, Legally Blonde, Little Women, Wild Party, Matilda, Frog & Toad, Addams Family, and Prom (all at MWT). @mikejmarch “You’ve got talent. Don’t give up.”

Ariella Salinas Fiore, Intimacy Director

 

Ariella Salinas Fiore (she/her/ella) is excited to be part of the return of Chromolume! This is her first time working with this company.  She has served as Intimacy Director for Romeo and Juliet, Choose Your Own Ending (Morgan-Wixson), Las Sirenas (LATC), American La Ronde (PRT), Elf (SVCAC), Losing Your Humanity (HFF), and Seminar (Little Fish Theatre), among many others.  She is also an Intimacy Coordinator for film and television.  She has been performing as an actor on stage since she was 3, and has worked as a sex educator since college, so the leap to Intimacy Professional was a natural one. She is grateful to James and the team for having her on board to create a consent forward space for this story. Much love and thanks to her partner, Michael, to their loinfruit, and to her friends, who all always provide her with so much support. IG: AriellaSalinasFiore

Kara McLeod, Costume Design

 

Kara has been a theater professional for about a million years, or over 30, depending on how you count them.  She has worked with companies such as South Coast Repertory, Center Theater Group, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, LA Opera and Disney Imagineering.  Some of her past shows with Chromolume are The Musical of Musicals, the Musical!, Pacific Overtures and Dessa Rose.  She’s excited to be back at this, the rebirth of Chromolume Theatre and hopes you enjoy this and many more shows to come!

Cici Mao, Lighting Design

 

Cici is excited to join Chromolume for First Date! Their past work includes Footloose at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, If All The Sky Were Paper with Arroyo Reparatory Theatre, and various theatre productions at MIT, including Jekyll and Hyde, The Wedding Singer, and A Chorus Line.

Brandon John, Master Electrician

 

Brandon John is excited to join Chromolume as the Master Electrician. Recent lighting and sound design credits include Small Mouth Sounds, Jekyll & Hyde, Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line, Jasper in Deadland, Spamalot, Footloose, and The Addams Family.

Emily Walker, Production Stage Manager

 

Emily is so excited to work with Chromolume for the first time as the Production Stage Manager. Her previous work as a PSM includes Footloose, In The Heights, and Wild Party. She would like to thank her friends and family for all the support and love. 

Ken Werther, Publicity

 

KEN WERTHER PUBLICITY has been a staple in the Los Angeles performing arts community since 1982. Public relations, producing, directing. As producer: All Your Hard Work (Brimmer St. Theatre Company); The Good Boy (LATC); A Kind of Kind (Celebration Theatre @ Atwater Village) the Queer Classics productions of The Importance of Being Earnest and The Taming of the Shrew. Assistant director: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off (Musical Theatre Guild); The Women of Brewster Place (Celebration Theatre); The Woodsman (Coeurage Theatre Company).