Music and Lyrics by William Finn
An intimate and moving remembrance of departed friends by the Tony award-winning composer William Finn. Elegies pays tribute to a disparate group that includes impresario Joe Papp, actors Peggy Hewitt and Jack Eric Williams, a teacher, the Korean family who ran a deli frequented by Finn, relatives in New Jersey, friends, long-lost pets, Finn’s own mother, and a three-song tribute to the victims of 9/11.
Hollis Alexandra Dohr
Select Theatre: Juliet in Romeo & Juliet (Conejo Players Theatre); Olive in … Spelling Bee (The Merage); Cosette U/S in Les Misérables (Interlochen); Ensemble in The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare’s Globe U.S. Tour) and Dead Man Walking (Opera Parallèle) at The Broad Stage. New works include Windows Wide (Stella Adler Theatre) and the staged reading of Bekah Brunstetter’s Esther Arms. Hollis has performed at the Mark Taper Forum as a finalist in the National August Wilson Monologue Competition and is a National YoungArts Award recipient in Musical Theater. BFA, Pace University. @hollis.alexandra.dohr. For Aunt Stephanie.
Christopher Fishburne
Christopher Carnell Fishburne is thrilled to be joining the cast of Elegies! Singer/songwriter, dancer, and actor originally from New York City. His formal training started at the Dance Theatre of Harlem School, under the direction of the late Arthur Mitchell. He studied Vocal Jazz at Five Towns College before earning his BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from the University at Buffalo, after which, he continued his dance studies as a fellowship student at The Ailey School. Regional and theatre credits include; “Richie” in A Chorus Line, “Ken” in Smokey Joe’s Cafe at Artpark, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, “Paul” in Kiss Me, Kate at The Westchester Broadway Theatre, “Storyteller” in Once on This Island with 3-D Theatricals, and “Michael” in Tick, Tick… Boom! with UpNext Productions. Christopher also appeared on America’s Got Talent as “Devyn” of “The Other Direction”. His performance career has included background vocals alongside Bastille, Sam Smith, and Isac Elliot on Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, The View, and The Today Show. He is also proud to sing with the Metropolitan Master Chorale under the direction of Glenn Carlos and currently has 2 singles available on all music platforms (iTunes, Spotify, Google, etc.) as he continues to finish recording and (FINALLY!) release his first EP! (…..why’s it taken SO.LONG????) You can find him under “Carnell Christopher“. Christopher sends heartfelt love to his family, friends, mentors, and everyone who continues and has always supported his artistic journey.
Andrew Gillespie
Andrew Gillespie is an actor making his LA theatre debut with Elegies, his return to musical theatre after a near-ten year absence. His credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), Winning Time (HBO), and The Follower (Tubi). He is repped by Stewart Talent. @andrewgillespieeats
Myia LaShaun
Myia LaShaun , a native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, is a Los Angeles-based actress who began her artistic journey at Shenandoah University, where she studied vocal performance with an emphasis in opera. After moving to Los Angeles in February 2021, she re-entered the arts and continues to grow her career in film and theatre. She recently appeared in an independent film and looks forward to making her final musical theatre debut, marking an exciting new chapter in her artistic journey.
Juliana “Jules” Lustenader
Jules is a singer-songwriter and actor originally from the San Francisco Bay Area who now performs throughout CA. Recent musical acting credits include the Musician in Romeo and Juliet, Beth in Merrily We Roll Along, Maria in Sound of Music, Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Clara in Passion (BATCC Award Winner), and Violet in Violet. She is featured as the lead role of Meg in the original cast recording of Tinderella the Musical. Jules has been writing and performing original folk-rock music since she picked up the guitar in 2009. She is a proud graduate of San Francisco State University’s Theatre Department.
Ella Raziel
Ella Raziel graduated from Occidental College (‘24) with a degree in Theater and Performance Studies and Spanish Studies. After graduating, she spent a year teaching English in Madrid, Spain and had a wonderful time. She is excited to be back in L.A. doing theater and is thrilled to be a part of Elegies. Other recent shows include: Grease, Legally Blonde, and Die Fledermaus. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her, and the Elegies team for giving her the opportunity to sing William Finn’s songs, no matter how much stress it caused her. Enjoy!
Richard Rosales
Richard is excited to be back for Fringe 2026 after appearing last year as Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing. LA native, he started his career in gospel music. He now studies Musical Theatre/Classical with voice coach, Cathy Wallace. Recent Roles: Torasso, Passion (Chromolume). Melvin Thorpe, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Morgan Wixson). Chef Louis/Grimsby, The Little Mermaid (Chromolume). Lumpy, La Piñata (Teatro Fogata). What’s next? Follow @Ri.Ro.Ro
Kendre Scott
Kendré (Dre) is an LA based actor singer excited to be back in the Fringe! He was last seen in a surprise swung role in Chromolume’s The Color Purple and officially as Benny in Simi Valley’s Rent. Other recent credits include The Man in Marry Me a Little (Chromolume Theatre), Luis in West Side Story (Nocturne Theater), Gabe in First Date (Chromolume Theatre), Benny in In The Heights (Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center), and Jack Kelly in Newsies (Canyon Theatre Guild). When not on stage, Kendre can be found climbing trees and talking about his amazing wife, Gina. Follow him on insta @kdscott_7_
Judd Yort
Judd is excited to be working on this production of Elegies. This is his second production with Chromolume Theatre, previously appearing as Male Swing in Hello, Again. Previous credits include: Walter in A Perfect Ganesh, Kurt in Lili Marlene, and Ken in The Waiting Room. He has a BA in Theatre with a minor in Musical Theater from USC. He is currently taking class at Studio 24/7 with Mark McPherson. He is repped commercially by Steven Acevedo at PKA and managed by Patricia Vittori at Midwest Talent. Enjoy the show!
Carol M. Becker, Director
Carol M. Becker is a Director/Dramaturg and the current Artistic Director of NEO Ensemble Theatre. Some directing credits: Sister from Another Planet (HFF ’23), Dismissed (HFF ’22), Boy Crazy Psycho Slut (HFF ‘21), I’ll Be With You Shortly, Basement Foley, The Christmas Spirit, I Love You Because, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Violet, and Beau Jest. Assistant Directing credits: Mrs. Warren’s Profession (A Noise Within), Beauty and the Beast (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Procreation, A Man’s a Man, and The Chicago Conspiracy Trial (Odyssey Theatre Ensemble). She received her BFA in Acting from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Additionally, she is a proud member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society (SDC), Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA), and Fierce Backbone.
Isaac Schanno Johnson Musical Director
Isaac Schanno Johnson is a composer, conductor, and educator originally from the DC area. He has written contemporary classical music (both instrumental and choral), electronic music, music for films, music for video games, and educational music. He sings, plays guitar, piano, cello, and melodica and writes a lot of his music out by hand while sitting at the piano (ew how old fashioned!). He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Music from Berklee College of Music, double majoring in film scoring and composition, minoring in psychology, English literature, video game scoring, and conducting. He also holds a Master’s of Science in Education from Mount Saint Mary’s University. He’s currently completing a Master’s of Music in orchestral conducting from California State University at Northridge. Isaac works in Los Angeles as a composer, conductor, music director, and music educator. He has served as music director for over 30 musical productions from Rent to Newsies to Lizzie to Matilda; ranging from student productions with elementary and middle school students, to high school student shows, to adult shows. He currently teaches general music, choir, and music technology with Education Through Music Los Angeles and orchestra, violin, cello, and piano with the Los Angeles Music and Art School. He also works at a church as the music director where he conducts the choir and is currently composing a second cantata to be premiered on Christmas Eve. His first cantata “Father, Into Your Hands” was premiered earlier this year. In his free time he enjoys reading fantasy novels, listening to comedy podcasts, and learning Spanish and French.
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).