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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Prez

By Willard Manus

february 5 – february 28, 2016
chromolume theatre

Dessa Rose premiered at Lincoln Center in 2005 and tells the story of a runaway slave and the deserted wife of a plantation owner who form a grudging alliance in their struggle to find their individual freedoms. The musical is based on the book by Sherley Anne Williams and will play during Black History Month, opening February 2, 2018 and playing through February 25, 2018.

Cast/Crew Bios
prez

Latest Reviews

  • Jones' performance is affecting and engaging.

    Director Daniel Edward Keough maintains an upbeat tone that never lets the bitterness of some of Young's recollections linger in the play's emotional atmosphere for very long.

    Sound designers James Esposito delivers a rich listening experience that sent us back later to re-encounter the essential Prez legacy that never stops resonating.

    Lyle Zimskind, LAIst

  • Settled into a stylish Parisian hotel room nicely done by director Daniel Edward Keough...

    Jones does a good job of channeling Young.

    Lovel Estell III, StageRaw

  • Jones is not just a wonderful actor, he is, above all, a riveting and unapologetic storyteller.

    For an all too short 80 minutes, the audience sat in rapt attention as this rich history of Jazz Americana unfolded.

    Jason Metropole, Beverly Hills Courier

Leslie A. Jones, Lester Young

 

Leslie A. Jones hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is an actor and musician. Leslie started his acting studies here in Los Angeles at The Wilshire Theater of Arts, and continued studies at The Crossroad Academy, Expressions Unlimited and later at the Howard Fine Conservatory. Leslie has been a recipient of such awards as The Los Angeles Weekly Award and the Drama Logue Award for Best Original Music for composing and performing the music for the play Indigo Blues, penned by the late Judi Ann Mason. Also Jones was presented with the N.A.A.C.P. Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Randall, in Matthew Witten’s original play Washington Square Moves. Leslie has recurred on Spellings’ original, Beverly Hills, 90210 and has appeared as guest star on numerous sitcoms. Leslie made his film debut in 2002 starring as Kenny Curtis, a smooth jazz saxophonist, opposite Antonio Fargas and Nia Peeples in the movie The Riff that won the Black International Film Festival Award. He has also starred opposite of Clifford Powell and Tatyana Ali in a faith based film titled, The 23rd Psalm Redemption. Leslie has starred in numerous independent films. Also a musician, playing saxophone, flute, percussion, and vocals. His band, Right Hand Rule, has music on iTunes.com, Amazon.com, cdbaby.com and at other on line music stores. Leslie’s goal as an artist is to continue creating art, be it music or characters for all to enjoy.

Daniel Keough, Director, Scenic Design

 

Daniel began studying Theatre Arts at the Goodman Theatre School of Drama. Trained also in voice and dance, he acquired his first professional experience performing in musical theatre. After moving to Los Angeles and working in all aspects of the entertainment industry, he became a member of Theatre West. He directed two of its main stage productions, one of which he also wrote. In addition he directed numerous plays for its West-Works Festivals. Currently he is a member of the Playwrights/Directors Unit of the Actors Studio.

Lauren J. Peters, Lighting Design

 

Lauren J. Peters is enjoying the experience of working on such a special production. Originally a performer, Lauren started working in theater at the age of 3 and continues to work in various capacities both on stage and behind the scenes. Finding stage management her favorite place in the theater in high school, she has been working as a stage manager for 10 years around the Los Angeles area. She has worked on shows such as Forever Plaid and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in San Pedro at the Warner Grand Theatre for The RelevantStage Theater Company, at Stage52LA for Sustaining Sound Theatre Company’s production of Little Women, the Musical, The El Portal for the Kelrik Production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and here at Chromolume Theatre for the recent productions of The Musical of Musicals, the Musical and Altar Boyz. She is currently the Assistant Technical Director at Chromolume Theatre, and will be working on the upcoming production of Putting It Together in November and will be working on the upcoming production of 9 to 5 at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center this Fall. Lauren feels very blessed to have the opportunity to be working in the field she is passionate about and feels she was born for. Thanks Mom & Ksells for all the support.

James Esposito, Sound Design

 

James is currently the V.P. of Operations at Chromolume Theatre. Scenic design credits include all three incarnations of Do Lord Remember Me and Love Songs – A Musical for Chromolume Theatre. Sound design credits include Do Lord Remember Me, Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know, Merrily We Roll Along, Capsized Floatsam, Greek Tragedy, Musical of Musicals, the Musical, Altar Boyz, and Strip, the latter of which he also directed. On stage, his credits include Company (Bobby), City of Angels (Munoz), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Thurio), Forever Plaid (Sparky), Fiddler on the Roof (Twice!), Cinderella and Chess just to name a few.

Olivia Sedoryk, Stage Manager

 

A recent graduate of California State University Long Beach, Olivia is thrilled to join the production team of Prez. Raised in Monterey CA, home of one of the world’s greatest annual jazz festivals, she has a strong passion for jazz music and performance. Her most recent works include makeup design and assistance for the California Repertory Company’s productions of Caryl Churchill’s Far Away and Jennifer Maisel’s Out of Orbit, and the University Player’s productions of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice. Her most recent works as a stage manager include the University Player’s productions of George C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum, and Adam Rapp’s Red Light Winter.

Willard Manus, Playwright

 

Willard Manus has had over 40 plays produced in L.A., regionally, and Europe. In 2014 his solo play about Charlie Parker, Bird Lives!, was produced by Chromolume Theatre. It was followed by Who Killed Comrade Rabbit (co-written with Ilia Volok) at the Blank Theatre. In March 2016 his latest play, Joe & Marily: A Love Story, will premiere at Write-Act Rep in Noho, followed a month later by Gold Rush Follies at the same venue (lyrics and music by Lou Briggs). Manus is also a novelist whose best known book, Mott the Hoople, became the name of the British rock band of the 70’s. He is a member of the Actors Studio, playwrights/directors unit.

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).