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.

Follow Us:

 

City of Angels

Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by David Zippel
Book by Larry Gelbart

october 7 – november 6, 2005
noho arts center

City of Angels is the rarest of musical comedies; one that is not only loaded with music and written in the contemporary jazz idiom, but also filled with sidesplitting comedy. Set in the glamorous, seductive Hollywood of the 1940s, the show chronicles the misadventures of Stine, a young novelist, attempting to turn one of his novels into a screenplay for movie producer/director, Buddy Fidler.

 

Every movie scene that Stine writes is acted out onstage by a group of characters whose costumes are limited to various shades of black and white. With music scored in the genre, we are treated to a live version of a 1940’s private eye film. It is a tale of decadence and homicide with a liberal sprinkling of femmes fatale.

 

At the same time, during the real life scenes, all played out in glorious technicolor, Stine has his hands full. He must fight off the increasingly demanding Buddy Fidler, and is left to do this alone after his wife Gabby returns to New York because she disapproves of Stine’s tactics. To make matters worse, Stine is then confronted by his alter ego, Stone, the private eye, who is totally disgusted by Stine’s willingness to sacrifice his principles. Finally stepping over the line that separates fantasy from reality, Stone challenges his creator, Stine. What follows is what is sure to make it difficult to attain the best of all Hollywood conventions; a happy ending.

Cast/Crew Bios
city of angels

Latest Reviews

  • Director Steven Benson and Designer Matt Scarpino have expertly staged this fast-moving piece...

    Gary Mattison's musical direction...exacts supple performances from the company.

    First-rate performances abound...but some particularly nice work is turned in by [Alan] Safier...Mueen Ahmad and the Angel City vocal quartet.

    Musical comedy fans should be enthralled by this production.

    Kyle Moore, Tolucan Times

  • Alan Safier do[es] a fine turn in the showiest role in the production.

    The performers all are clearly able in both acting and musical skills.

    Several [performers] reached moments of exceptional theatre, such as Fleur Phillips and Amy Tolsky in 'What You Don't Know About Women,'...

    Don Hart, Beverly Hills Outlook

  • Alan Safier is perfectly attuned to the style of the piece as the studio head in both story lines, equal parts bombast and charm, with a singing voice that celebrates the music and the humor.

    In the studio-ing*nue/missing-person role of Mallory, Taylor Jordan is a treat. Her first appearance, a remarkably Technicolor moment though it occurs in the black-and-white story line, is a delectable jolt both for the eye and ear.

    It's a pleasure to watch Amy Tolsky as she assays the roles of the helpful but romantically overlooked ladies Donna and Oolie. Her rendition of 'You Can Always Count On Me' is one of the production's highlights.

    Mueen Ahmad shines in the viciously comic song 'All You Have To Do Is Wait'...

    Shon Leblanc delivers amazing costumes, perfect in every detail.

    Wenzel Jones, Backstage West

  • Overall I would classify it an audience-grabbing fun time...

    Director Steven Benson deserves plaudits for his staging.

    Standout performances come from Alan Safier, Amy Tolsky and Fleur Phillips whose dynamic 'It needs Work' in Act II is worth waiting for.

    Don Grigware, NoHoLA

  • The Chromolume Theatre Company serves up an entertaining production of City of Angels.

    The fates have presented [Chromolume] with the direction of Steven Benson, who gets an impressed ‘thumbs up’ for taking on this vehicle.

    Stef Tovar and Paul Clausen give strong performances as Stine and Stone. Kendra Munger brings the dual roles of Clara and Alaura beauty and glamour. Fleur Phillips is wonderful juggling her dual roles of troubled Bobbi and Gabbi making someone who doesn’t receive a program believe that there are two different actresses performing on stage.

    Amy Tolsky...delights as secretaries Donna and Oolie.

    Under the music direction of Gary Mattison, vocals are on key...

    Costume design by Shon LeBlanc is on target bringing the feel of the 1940s into effect. The scenic design by Matt Scarpino looks great on paper and translates daring in appearance.

    Craig Housenick’s lighting design looks wonderful and well thought out.

    City of Angels is a wonderful production to watch. The actors give an intelligent interpretation that is faithful and loveable to the original Broadway production. Go buy a ticket and catch a performance!

    Adrian Morales, Maestro Arts & Reviews

Stef Tovar, Stine

 

LA credits include Jamie in the LA premiere of The Last Five Years, Homer in the LA premiere of Floyd Collins, George in Sunday in the Park with George (Ovation nominee-Best Musical) and Kip in Wonder of the World. TV and film: Employee of the Month (Sundance 2004), Judging Amy, lots of commercials and most recently, Porting written and directed by Ned Farr. Stef is from Chicago where he was a recipient of the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Vinal in Blade to the Heat. Favorite role: Karen’s husband and soon to be father of their child.

Paul Clausen, Stone

 

Broadway National Tours: Mamma Mia! (Father Alexandrios), The Best Little Whorehouse…(Governor) starring Ann-Margret, Me and My Girl (Bill), Cats (Munkustrap) and again with A-M in Ann-Margret, Here, Now. Toronto: Sunset Blvd. starring Diahann Carroll. Los Angeles: Call Me Madam (Sen. Brockbank) for Reprise and stand-by for Forbidden Broadway Y2K LA at the Tiffany Theatre. Television: Guest-starred on USA High, co-starred on City Guys, All My Children and numerous voice-overs. Actor’s Equity member since 1984.

Fleur Phillips, Gabby/Bobbi

 

Broadway/Off: Little Voice, Blood Brothers (National Tour), Scapin (w/Bill Irwin), The Fantasticks (Sullivan Street Playhouse). Regional: Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Coconut Grove), Arcadia (Goodman Theatre), Over The Tavern (Studio Arena), She Loves Me, Sweeney Todd (Weston Playhouse), Bon Voyage (DCT), Los Angeles: Bark! (Coast Playhouse), 24 Hours (Ovation Nomination), Hamlet (Acting Shakespeare Company), Heartbreak House (dir. Stephen Tobolowsky). Film/TV: Labels, Far Star, Before I Turned Yellow, and Strong Medicine. Training: RADA/London, BFA – Southern Methodist University.

Alan Safier, Buddy Fidler

 

Alan recently played Frank Versati in Steve Martin’s The Underpants at Laguna Playhouse. Other L.A.-area credits: The Men from the Boys, Dealer’s Choice, Rocket to the Moon, Misalliance. Off-Broadway: Say Goodnight, Gracie; Scrambled Feet; the hit revival of New Faces of 1952. Musicals include 1776 (Adams), Assassins (Guiteau), Stop the World… (Littlechap). Alan has done hundreds of voiceovers (he’s the Kibbles ‘n Bits dog!) and has made guest appearances on scores of TV series.

Kendra Munger, Clara/Alaura

 

Off-Broadway: Queen of Hearts (Princess Diana-original cast)- featured on Access Hollywood, Extra, CNN, BBC, Fox News and radio programs around the world. Received “Best Actress in a Feature Film” – Huntington Beach Filmsup! Film Festival for the Independent film Much Ado. Regional theatre credits include: The Lion in Winter (Alais), My Fair Lady (Eliza), The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn) I Do! I Do! (Agnes), Annie Warbucks (Grace), Mame w/Sally Kellerman (Pegeen).

Amy Tolsky, Donna/Oolie

 

LA THEATRE: Wind in the Willows-South Coast Repertory; Three Postcards, Twelfth Night, Real Inspector Hound, Chekhov in Yalta, Nicholas Nickleby-Theatre 40; The Tempest-CTL; Ken Roht’s Growing With Ghosts; Proof of the Promise, Trial By Jury-Antaeus; Man of Mode-PRT; Scream Queens. LONDON/EUROPE: The Pistols, Torch Song Trilogy, Hair, The Misanthrope, Angel City. TV/FILM: Scrubs, Strong Medicine, Amanda Show, The Nanny, Caroline in the City, Jeeves and Wooster, Million Dollar Hotel, Intimate with a Stranger, several shorts and commercials.

Mueen Jahan Ahmad, Pancho/Munoz

 

STAGE: Bombay Dreams (Broadway), Homebody/Kabul (The Mark Taper Forum), Island of the Blue Dolphins (The Laguna Playhouse), The Snow Queen (The Falcon Theatre), Asylum (2100 Sq. Feet), For which he was Nominated for a 1999 LA Ovation Award). TV: The Sopranos, Law & Order, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, Homicide: Life on the Streets, The Tonight Show w/Jay Leno. TRAINING: MFA in Theatre Performance (University of Cincinnati), BA in Theatre/Minor in Dance (Shenandoah University), Member of Actors Equity Association.

Taylor Jordan, Avril/Mallory

 

A recent graduate of Stanford University, Taylor is thrilled to be prancing around as the uber-friendly Mallory in this great musical. Taylor was last seen on the LA stage as Anastasia in the new musical If Only. Favorite roles include Maria in the Sound of Music, Kate in Kiss Me Kate, and Cassie in A Chorus Line. Much love to her family, her chihuahua, and her sexy man.

Chris D. Thomas, Jimmy Powers

 

Chris appeared in the Colony Theatre Company’s Ovation award-winning musicals City of Angels and On The 20th Century and also their Second Stage production of Mountains (Drama-Logue Award). Other performances include Henrik in A Little Night Music, Anthony in Sweeney Todd, Emcee in Cabaret, Bill Calhoun/Lucentio in Kiss Me, Kate, Older Patrick in Mame, Magaldi in Evita, Rooster in Annie and Tony in West Side Story.

Mark Cross, Big Six

 

Mark A. Cross is from Kansas and obtained an MFA in Acting from USC. He has performed in over 40 plays, including Our Town, Taming of the Shrew, A Lie of the Mind, The Real Thing, and Judy’s Scary Little Christmas. His TV credits include The Bold & The Beautiful and Passions and a national TV commercial for Jeep, and his voiceover credits include the 14-hour long audiobook Producer, A Memoir, by David L. Wolper and many industrials.

Allen Riberdy, Sonny

 

Credits include the New York City Opera, Woftrap and The Paper Mill Playhouse. He has appeared on television in PBS Great Performances. Allen has received praise for his acting from The New York Times and The Washington Post. Past performances include A Little Night Music, The New Moon, The Pirates of Penzance, The King and I, Guys and Dolls and Kiss Me Kate. He is a member of Actors’ Equity.

Adam Hoehn, Gerald/Peter

 

Raised in a small town in rural Tasmania, Australia; Adam recently graduated from York College, Nebraska. While enrolled he discovered a deep passion for the art of acting. Some of his favourite roles include: Frederick Treves (The Elephantman), Tony Kirby Jr. (You Can’t Take it With You), and Don Pedro (Much Ado About Nothing). Adam is delighted to be making his Los Angeles stage debut.

Ellen Dostal, Angel City Four

 

L.A/Regional: The Big Deal (Mercury Musicals London/ANMT, in development), Little Mary Sunshine, Stop the World I Want to Get Off, Seesaw, Jump Kiss: An Indian Legend (Native Voices at the Autry), Eastern Standard (Coast Playhouse). Tours: Original musical productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Princess and the Pea and Cinderella and Department of Defense Revues overseas for the troops. Ellen has also appeared in and produced shows for Carnival Cruise Lines.

Meghan Olson, Angel City Four

 

Meghan is very pleased to make her L.A. theatrical debut in the show City of Angels. She has always loved acting, and music, so obviously she developed quite a passion for musicals. She has been involved in several productions, some of her favorites are: Cabaret(Sally), 1940’s Radio Hour(Connie), and Oliver(Nancy). Meghan feels very lucky to be part of such a talented cast and crew!

Alex Camp, Angel City Four

 

Alex is excited to join this great cast of City of Angels. Other credits include Forever Plaid (Frankie), Children of Eden (Adam/Noah), Music Man (Jacey Squires), Damn Yankees (Henry), Secret Garden (Albert Lennox), Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon), and Tommy (Uncle Ernie). Alex has added harmonies to numerous recordings, including the debut solo album, Another Place And Time, by Alan Paul (Manhattan Transfer).

Paul Wong, Angel City Four

 

Recently featured in Chromolume’s You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow. Previous LA stage: Passion (Fosca’s Father, Sgt. Lombardi – LA Premiere), the revised Anyone Can Whistle (George – US Premiere), the Ovation Award winning Sweeney Todd (Anthony), the Ovation Award nominated Pacific Overtures (multiple), Into the Woods (Jack), Merrily We Roll Along (Charley), Follies (Roscoe), Beijing Spring (Father), Canton Jazz Club (Quartet Tenor), A Chorus Line (Don). Thanks, Mom & Dad for music; Tomm & Beamer for love & support.

Myrton Running Wold, Dr. Mandril

 

Myrton is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe located in Browning, Montana. His mother, Lillian, raised him near Lake Tahoe, California. Myrton attended Western Michigan University on a full athetic scholarship, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Soon after graduation, he received a scholarship to attend the American Musica and Dramatic Academy in New York City, where he studied classica and modern acting. He made his New York City stage debut with the Julliard School’s Journey Beyond the West, his network television debut on the daytime drama Another World, and his feature film debut at the Sundance Film Festival in the Native American independent film Skins (2002). Myrton received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California.

Larry Lederman, Warner/Luther

 

Larry has performed in dozens of plays and musicals in New York, LA, and on tour. Among his local favorites: The Diary of Anne Frank, Electra, Epic Proportions, The Grapes of Wrath (Pa Joad), Wonder of the World and Floyd Collins at West Coast Ensemble; and Grand Hotel: The Musical at the Colony. Film credits include The Mark and Soldier of God, and few will forget him as the town jeweler on ABC-TV’s Port Charles.

Elizabeth Greene, Ensemble, Angel City Four u/s

 

Regional: Big River, Ford’s Theater, Washington DC (Widow Douglas). National Tour: In The Now (one-woman show performed in American Sign Language – eight character voices). Local credits: Fifth of July (June), Pippin, Oklahoma!; Medea and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, both at Deaf West Theater Company. Numerous Opera/Choral performances at The Kennedy Center (National Symphony Orchestra/Oratorio Society of Washington), The Hollywood Bowl, John Anson Ford Amphitheater.

Christopher Culberson, Ensemble

 

Christopher is thrilled to be venturing back to the world of comedy after having most recently been seen in Ragtime and West Side Story as Angry Black Man and Angry Puerto Rican Man, respectively. Other credits include My One and Only, Sweet Charity, Promises, Promises, Damn Yankees, and Stephen Sondheim’s 75th: The Concert at the Hollywood Bowl. He would like to thank his friends, family, and Nattles for their love and support.

Dennis Larkin, Ensemble

 

Los Angeles stage credits include Victor in Some People with the Blank Theatre Co., Peter in Zoo Story at the Next Stage and Rep member with the Academy for New Musical Theatre. Regionally, Dennis was seen as Ramon in Love! Valour! Compassion!, Riff in West Side Story and Benny in Guys & Dolls. On screen Dennis has been seen in the independent cult feature Leather Jacket Love Story, Choices with 3-6 Mafia as well as short films for the LA Film School and USC. BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory.

Betsy Nickels, Swing, Angel City Four u/s

 

A graduate of USC’s Thornton School of Music, Betsy’s credits include the Ovation Award Nominated Ragtime (CLOSBC); Parade (Musical Theater Guild); The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Secret Garden (Cabrillo Music Theater); The Sound of Music, Camelot and Robby Award winning Jeckyll & Hyde (FCLO); Great Expectations; Phantom (Musical Theater West).

Steven Benson, Director

 

Steven has worked for a number of area theatre companies including Theatre Neo, Theatre of NOTE, The Contemporary Music Theatre of Santa Barbara, singular productions, and Theatre Geo. His production of the Los Angeles premiere of Buddy Thomas’ The Crumple Zone ran for five months in LA and he repeated his directing duties on the Seattle premiere. His production of A Gay Christmas Carol, which he also co-created, was nominated for the 2000 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Los Angeles Theatre Production. Steven has spent the last seven years as a member of the Board of Directors for Theatre Neo where he has directed numerous productions, including the 2003 Ovation Award winning production of The Women. Steven received his Master’s degree in theatre from the University of California, Irvine, also having attended the University of Minnesota, and Hunter College, in New York City.

Gary Mattison, Musical Director

 

Gary Mattison has served as music director/pianist/conductor for over 110 musical theatre productions. He was recently named music director for the Academy Repertory Company, part of the Academy for New Musical Theatre. He travels a lot and refuses to grow up.

Judy Young, Choreographer

 

After earning an MFA from UC Irvine she performed in You Never Can Tell at South Coast Repertory. She originated the role of Sister Vivien in the Robby Award winning show, And Then There Was Nun… earning a Robby Award Nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy. She received a Backstage West 2002 Garland Critic’s List Award for Choreography for Coming Attractions. She is very happy to be working with Chromolume Theatre Company and Steven Benson.

Shon Leblanc, Costume Design

 

Shon is one of the most well known designers in town and a Ovation Award winning designer, having won the award for his design of The Women, also directed by Steven Benson. Owner and operator of Valentino’s Costumes in Sherman Oaks, Shon most recently designed The Ghost and Mrs. Muir here at the NoHo Arts Center and was excited to learn that the show is now destined for Broadway! Shon is most pleased to be working on City of Angels as he designed the costumes for the last production in LA in 1998 at the Colony Theatre, which won the Ovation Award for Best Musical.

Matthew Scarpino, Scenic Design

 

Matt Scarpino has worked as a Scenic Designer, Scenic Design Consultant, Trade Show and Industrial Designer, Production Designer, Technical Director and Stage Manager. His recent design credits include the West Coast Premiere of The Melody Lingers On, The Songs of Irving Berlin, the World Premiere of Love Tapes and The Bank of the West 2005 Kick Off at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Los Angeles credits include: the Comedy Central New Work Space at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, Company, Dirty Laundry for Chromolume, The White House Murder Case, The Women, Coming Attraction’s, Honey I’m Home, Alfie, Abstract Expression, Reunion, and Gangster Planet. Other design credits include Heartbreak House, Macbeth, The Man of La Mancha, Pump Boys and Dinettes, The Trip to Bountiful, The Foreigner, and the two short films High School and Awake. A two time Kennedy Center Award winning scenic design finalist, Matthew holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in the area of Scenic Design and Technical Direction from California State University, Fullerton.

Craig Housenick, Lighting Design

 

Craig is currently the technical director at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. He has also spent the last several years designing lights for theatres in both California and Hawaii. He is very excited to be working with such a talented cast and crew.

Ron Wyand, Sound Design

 

Ron’s sound designs can be heard throughout Southern California. Some of his favorite designs include: Lee Miller, The Angel and the Fiend for the J. Paul Getty Museum; Newport Theater Arts Center’s production of Camping with Tom and Henry; The Ovation Award winning production of The Women for Theatre Neo; Quilters and Cabaret for the Huntington Beach Playhouse; The Crumple Zone in Los Angeles and Seattle for Dad ‘n’ Pop Productions, A Noise Within’s production of The Price which earned a Backstage West Garland Award; The Rose Tattoo and Blues for an Alabama Sky (GLAAD Media Award Nominee)at Long Beach Playhouse; Ernest In Love at the Fremont Center Theater and Goodnight Children Everywhere at the Chance Theatre. Ron has received numerous design awards including a Backstage West Garland Award for The Interact Theater’s production of The Cherry Orchard. He is the resident Sound Designer at the Long Beach Playhouse, a member of the Production Staff at A Noise Within.

Mery Galadjian, Stage Manager


Mery recently graduated John H. Francis Polytechnic High School having already done acting with the Los Angeles Opera in Journey to Cordoba and joined the Chromolume Theatre Crew in You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow as the Stage Manager hoping for a great start in her career. City of Angels is her second show with Chromolume, and she enjoys working with this cast and crew.

Troy Dailey, Aaron

 

Paloma Malfavon, Casey

 

Kendre Scott, Gabe

 

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

 

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!

Andreas Pantazis, Aaron u/s

 

Olivia Leyva, Casey u/s

 

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.

Jonny Perl, Musical Director

 

Michael Marchak, Choreographer

 

Ariella Salinas Fiore, Intimacy Director

 

Kara McLeod, Costume Design

 

Justin Kelley-Cahill, Lighting Design

 

Emily Ellis, Production Stage Manager

 

 

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).