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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Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know

Written by Barry Creyton, Lesley Davison, Nick Santa Maria, Stan Freeman, Dave Frishberg, Denis Markell, Douglas Bernstein, Francesca Blumenthal, Glen Kelly, Jay Leonhart, Michael Brown, Murray Grand and Addy Fieger.

march 10 – april 1, 2007
theatre/theater

If you’ve ever traveled anywhere by boat, plane, train or bus and lived to tell about it, this is the show for you! Based on the best-selling book from Fodor’s, this hilarious revue offers travel tips and cautionary tales certain to tickle the ribs – or chill the spine – of anyone who has ever set foot outside of his or her own hometown.

 

Everything from the coach class blues to pesky customs officials is lampooned in this smash-hit off-Broadway revue. One segment lambastes “automated flight reservation systems” as a man tries to book a flight with “Miracle Airlines” (“If it’s a good flight, it’s a Miracle.”) Lost luggage is the subject of another about a hapless business traveler who finds himself “Naked in Pittsburgh.” So hop on for the ride – it’s sure to be a hysterical journey.

Cast/Crew Bios
PERFORMANCE
MAIN CAST
secrets every smart traveler should know

Latest Reviews

  • [Secrets'] strength lies in its score [with] tunes by such luminaries as Stan Freeman and Dave Frischberg.

    Meghan Olson was a simple delight...Her mere presence onstage was an omen of laughter.

    James J. Stephens [is] a gifted comedic actor with a graceful facility for characterization.

    Andrew Block's joust with an automated phone reservation system was wonderfully funny.

    Keith David Dillon, Moochie Music and Stage Door Swings

  • Alayna Falco's costumes...continue to amaze and engage. They are fabulously, and consistently, God-awful creations on the stage, but it's clear that that's what they're meant to be.

    Laurels, as well, to music director Benjamin Jose...

    [A] performance highlight, [is] the Coward parody 'Private Wives,' in which [Richie] Cunningham and [Meghan] Olson get to chew scenery and acting styles...

    Wenzel Jones, Backstage West

  • Secrets settles into a breezy and fun send up of the travel industry and it's patrons.

    Then there's Rachel Rawlins Prescott and Andrew Block's interpretation of an older couple who want to see America first before exploring other countries. This scene is a hoot as the couple list all the disasters they encounter, including an earthquake in San Francisco and traffic in L.A, which ultimately leads them to want to see America last.

    Overall it was a light, fun and fast paced evening. Check out Secrets before your next vacation and if you decide you still want to travel after all the disasters you witness, you just might want to give your pilot a breathalyzer before you take off.

    Lori Wilson, LA's The Place

  • [T]his musical with book, musical and lyrics by Douglas Bernstein, Francesca Blumenthal, Michael Brown, Barry Creyton, Lesley Davidson, Addy Fieger, Stan Freeman, Dave Frishberg, Murray Grand, Glen Kelly, Jay Leonhart, Denis Makell, and Nich Santa Maria (*whew*), is very witty!

    With musical direction by Benjamin Jose and stage direction by Marc Mercury, this is a very unique and funny production!

    Rich Borowy, Accessibly Live Off-Line

  • It’s no secret that this play is funny from start to finish.

    Special kudos go to Andrew Block, whenever you hear the dreaded words, ‘Please listen to the following choices,’ you’ll think of his performance.

    So if you’re interested in a night of playful lunacy, this is the comedy to see.

    Mitchell Ehrlich, On The House

  • Bright, witty, cleaver, funny, and wonderful - just wonderful

    This musical comedy romp delivers!

    Under the capable direction of Marc Mercury and some clever choreography by Kristie Rutledge, the seven actors and inspired piano of Benjamin Jose take us on a tour of the world.

    Rachel [Rawlins Prescott], who sings and dances right into your heart...is amusing, while Richie [Cunningham]...has a very fine voice designed to entertain; he does so consistently.

    Joseph Feinstein, Showmag.com

Andrew Block

 

Andrew Block moved to L.A. a little over a year ago, most recently from Chicago, where he received his MFA from DePaul University. Prior to Chicago, Andrew worked for several years as an Actor, Director and Teacher, running a High School Theatre program in Texas, and also spent time in New York as an Undergrad at Adelphi University. Favorite roles include Douglas (The Waiting Room), Bobby Gould (Speed-the-Plow), Guiteau (Assassins), Max (Lend Me a Tenor), Herbie (Gypsy) and Jack (The Importance of Being Earnest). Directing credits include Noises Off, Dancing at Lughnasa, Twelfth Night, and City of Angels. Among other recent film and commercial work he was heard as the voice of several characters in the clay-animated special Holidaze on ABC. Andrew is a member of SAG, AFTRA and is a certified Actor/Combatant by SAFD. Most important, he is a proud native of New Orleans, LA.

 

Richie Cunningham

 

Richie began in musical theatre in Jacksonville, Florida, while also writing for The Hollywood Reporter. Since, he’s worked in film and television with Terry Rossio, Stephen Langford, Jim Lindsay and Jeff Weaver. You’ve seen him on the History Channel, The Travel Channel, on the Internet and in commercials/infomercials for ReMax (international) and Epione (regional). On stage, Richie’s played about 40 roles. He was last seen in the 2006 Chromolume Christmas show.

Aaron Eaton

 

We have yet to actually receive a bio from Aaron. So, if you happen to see him on the street or know his phone number, why don’t you give him a call and ask him to send us his bio soon. Oh, and if you can see if he can send us a headshot too, that’d be great. Thanks! – Chromolume Management Team. Actually we did find a headshot for Aaron, but not much else. If you happen to see him in the booth, you can just ask him what he has done. I’m sure he’ll tell you.

 

Meghan Olson

 

Meghan is very excited to be a part of her third Chromolume Production. She recently was in the Holiday Fundraiser and was also part of the Angeles City Four in City of Angels. Most of her experience comes from the productions she did in the Midwest, a few of her favorites are, Nancy in Oliver, Connie in 1940’s Radio Hour, and Sally Bowles in Cabaret. She feels truly blessed to be able to keep performing and will always love the art of theatre.

Rachel Rawlins Prescott

 

Rachel Rawlins Prescott is thrilled to be part of Chromolume’s production of Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know. Rachel received her BFA in Music Dance Theatre from Brigham Young University. Some of her favorite roles have included Mrs. Cratchit, in ICT’s production of A Christmas Carol, Cinderella in DOMA Theatre’s production of Into the Woods, Lili in the Nevada Conservatory’s production of Carnival, Julie Jordan in Morgan-Wixon Theatre’s production of Carousel, Jennifer Rumson in Mack’s Inn Dinner Theatre’s production of Paint Your Wagon, and especially Viola in Twelfth Night, where she met her wonderful husband. She was also recently seen in Comedy Central’s Hollow Men and various commercials.

Kristie Rutledge, Choreographer

 

Kristie is excited to join her good friends Gary and James as part of Chromolume Theatre Company. Kristie is currently the resident costume designer for Santa Monica College and Beverly Hills High School. She also has been directing youth drama productions for years and is happy to be bringing her experiences and expertise to the Chromolume Kids program. She has been seen in many productions, directed more, but most recently was seen on myspace looking for Mr. Right. She was recently dismayed to find out her radar has been set to “loser” and is determined to get that fixed right away so she can snag Mr. Right, because she is tired of settling for Mr. Right Now.

James J. Stevens

 

Jim has lived in Los Angeles so long he does not remember where he is really from. He just booked two national commercials (VISA and Comcast) where he will be paid much and seen very little. He has three good actor friends that have just booked pilots, and he has not even had a pilot audition! Oh well. He IS happy to be doing this play. Who needs television, right? Money. Prestigue. Glamour. Jim thanks his mom for having him and especially for coddling him too much. And thanks to his best and oldest friend, Mr. Daniel of Hollywood, for making him laugh so much.

Richard Van Slyke

 

Richard is very excited to be bearing all for you. He is currently a member of The Charlie Company sketch comedy group just up the road at Acme Comedy Theatre. Richard has appeared in theaters all across the country. Favorite roles: Judas (Godspell), Reuben (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Charlie Brown (You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown), Dauntless (Once Upon A Mattress), Scrooge (A Christmas Carol), Axel (Don’t Drink the Water). Richard is a member of Actors Equity Association.

Marc Mercury, Director, Scenic Design

 

Born one Sebbicia J. Babba, Marc grew up to become very short with an orange afro and wore nothing but plaid disco suits and platform shoes. He went to work at a nacho factory where they made little dash board compasses and everyone is paid in broken glass. He soon quit though when discovering he was not given a dental plan. After a failed attempt at being an Acrobat Reader performing for trained circus monkeys, he returned home to the land-o-big-breasted-small-brained-dooslewarfers and threw an asphalt-kickin shin-dig. He partied all night to the Bay City Rollers on eight track. He then became so happy his head exploded into small pieces that fit nicely into a pickle jar. He also acts and directs and has no idea how to write a good bio. Marc would like to thank his parents, Zoya, and 24 hour drive-throughs for all there help and love.

 

Benjamin Jose, Musical Director

 

Ben Jose studied piano performance at USC, where he was heavily involved as a musical theatre accompanist. His experience includes rehearsal accompanist for Showboat at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as extensive work in private voice studios and musical direction for local theatre groups. Ben’s virtuosity extends beyond the piano–he is also widely regarded as an accomplished air guitarist in the underground air guitar scene.

Alayna Falco, Costume Design

 

With over 10 years costuming experience in theater and film, she is excited to be a part of Chromolume Theatre Company. Alayna holds a BA in costume design from UCLA’s School of theatre, film and TV. She has just completed design on her first feature film but is very happy to be back in the theater. Some of her favorite design credits include, Babes in Arms (Reprise), Aida (Sacramento Music Circus & Bakersfield Dinner Theater), Anything Goes (Candlelight Pavillion), Peter Pan (Columbian Theater), Pin Up Girls (Mountain High Entertainment), The Vaudevillians (Met Theater), Ragtime, Marat Sade, and Damn Yankees to name a few.

Christopher Singleton, Lighting Design

 

Christopher Singleton is the Resident Lighting Designer for Chromolume Theatre Company, the Stephanie Feury Studio, and Lodestone Theatre Ensemble, a Resident Artist for Moving Arts and involved with Comedy Central Stage. Christopher discovered his passion for theatre arts in kindergarten when he was a clown in Keys School’s production of Barnum. He discovered the art of lighting design at Loyola Marymount University, where he graduated from in May 2004. Since starting his journey, Christopher has designed the lights for over fifty shows all over the United States. Some of his most recent projects include The Empty Bed (February 2007), Telemongol (February 2007), Twelfth Night (February 2007), Master Class (January 2007), 2006 Black Movie Awards (October 2006), and the Colorado Festival Of World Theater 2006 (July-August 2006).

James Esposito, Sound Design

 

James is the producing Artistic Director at Chromolume Theatre Company. As he received an A in stagecraft from Santa Monica College which, of course, qualified him to design the set for Do Lord Remember Me, his A in Stage Sound from the same college further qualified him to do sound design as well. He has designed the last two productions for Chromolume, both the original and revival runs of the aforementioned Do Lord Remember Me.

Elliott Lawrence, Stage Manager

 

Pennsylvania native Elliott Lawrence graduated from the acclaimed Pittsburgh H.S. for Creative & Performing Arts. After studying journalism and music at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, a chance encounter drew him across the country to join The Young Americans, with whom he went on seven national and international music outreach tours. On these tours, he worked as a line captain and logistics director. Elliott has done sound design for musicals such as Anything Goes and Fame. An accomplished musician, Elliott has also played bass for numerous shows, including A Chorus Line and Working. Elliott has also served as music director for Damn Yankees and the Leehman Sands Dinner Theatre as well as stage managed Chromolume’s critically acclaimed production Do Lord Remember Me which makes its return to the Los Angeles stage in 2007. Elliott is very proud and grateful for the opportunity to bring his experience to such a great group.

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).