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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Zanna Don’t

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Tim Actio
Additional Book and Lyrics by Alexander Dinelaris

january 13 – february 5, 2017
chromolume theatre

Welcome to Heartsville High, set in a world where everyone is gay–well, almost everyone! The big-man-on-campus is the chess champion, and the captain of the football team is made cool by being cast as the lead in the school musical. The students write a controversial show called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” about straight people in the military, which becomes the catalyst for a young man and woman to fall in love. Enter Zanna, a magical, musical fairy who, with a wave of his wand, brings true love to one and all!

Cast/Crew Bios
PERFORMANCE
MAIN CAST
zanna don’t

Latest Reviews

  • Director and scenic designer, Lauren J. Peters, and lighting designer Richard Fong transform Chromolume Theatre's intimate space into the perfect playground for this musical.

    One character who easily stands out in the best way possible is Roberta (Vanessa Magula) who fully embraces her role and squeezes every bit of character and comedy out of every scene.

    Lilly Elliot is a master chameleon tackling three different roles changing costumes and personalities at the drop of a hat—fantastic energy and acting.

    A favorite number of the evening is 'Fast', a tour de force of quick patter song, excellently performed by Michael Angel (Bronco), Ken Maurice Purnell (Tex) and Lilly Elliot (Loretta).

    Ryan Leuvano, Tin Pan L.A.

  • The four romantic leads, [Chris] Tiernan, [Everjohn] Feliciano, [Jillian] Easton and [Vanessa] Magula must be singled out as quite impressive, as well as Jason Bornstein as the wand-bearer.

    Eric Gordon, People's World

  • Everjohn Feliciano as the very popular chess champion Mike nailed his sweet tunes with his dulcet vocals.

    Jillian Easton as Kate, the leader of the mechanical bull riding group, seized her opportunity to showcase her strong vocals in Ride 'Em.

    But the scene-stealing, show-stopping performance belonged to the incomparable Vanessa Magula as the ball-busting, unlucky in love Roberta.

    Magula wowed the audience in 'I Ain't Got Time' with her Christina Aguilera-esque vocals. In 'Whatcha Got?' Magula's hot moves rivaled Beyonce's.

    Gil Kaan, BroadwayWorld

  • Zelonky and Easton are especially engaging as the guileless star-crossed lovers, and Lily Elliott displays solid comic chops in a variety of supporting roles.

    Michael Marchak's zesty choreography, executed with great enthusiasm, adds lots of fun, while Michael Mullen's costumes furnish comic color.

    Deborah Klugman, StageRaw

  • RECOMMENDED!

    This is a fun fairy tale for adults to relish!

    "Also terrific in the 9 member ensemble are Everjohn Feliciano as Mike, Ken Maurice Purnell as DJ Tank, Lilly Elliott so deliciously obnoxious as Candi and Michael Angel as Buck.!"

    "Praise to Michael Marchak for his bright choreography and to Michael Mullen who designed some colorful costumes, especially for Zanna. Loved that suit in the final scene!"

    "This adorable satire takes the world close-minded and selfish out of the vernacular and gives brand new meaning to the expression jump for joy!"

    Four stars!

    Don Grigware, Grigware Reviews

  • Thanks to the dexterous work of the multi-talented cast, not to mention to Ms. Peters’ fluid, insightful, direction and the daringly unique and always enlivening choreography of Marchak, they carry out some jivey, street-savvy, and even at one point, rustic ‘country’ dance maneuvers—while conjuring some terrific group harmonies in the process.

    Jason Bornstein provides a manic mix of a fledgling Gene Wilder circa his 'Producers' days with the engaging gentle-nature of 'Sex And The City's' 'Stanford Blatch'.

    Jacob Zelonky...has [a] prodigious voice which he exhibits to superb advantage.

    Everjohn Feliciano...has an awesome voice and genial stage presence.

    [Everjohn] Feliciano's simple but deeply touching interpretation makes for another absolute standout.

    Vanessa Magula as Kate's main-squeeze, 'Roberta' can lay claim to a formidable voice in her own right, with an equally compelling, soulful song-styling akin to a young Aretha Franklin.

    Arguably one of the more multifaceted productions to play at 'The Chromolume' in a while, 'Zanna, Don't' is also among their more significant, while remaining endlessly surprising and delightful.

    Richard Fong's exceptionally colorful lighting design adds a sense of vibrancy to the proceedings, whereas Michael Mullen's costumes are bright and eye-catching, often subtly supplying their own kind of commentary on the action.

    [Everjohn] Feliciano's simple but deeply touching interpretation makes for another absolute standout.

    Leo Buck, Buck-Ing Trends

Jason Bornstein, Zanna

 

Jason Bornstein is a Los Angeles native, having grown up in the slums of Sherman Oaks. Jason loves high-belting, RuPaul’s Drag Race, stand-up comedy, and religious history. In 2012, he graduated from UCSB with a B.A. in Psychology. Most recently, he appeared in The Second City’s Candidate Confessions. Other recent credits include Elphaba in his shower’s production of Wicked, Male #1 in his car’s production of Can You Belt That High On The 405?, and Disgruntled Neighbor in Hey, Can You Put Your Dog On A Leash So They Won’t Attack My Dog?: A Musical Revue of All The Curse Words in the English Language. Other Theater: Paint Your Wagon (Downey CLO), Fiddler on the Roof (Kentwood), Rent (ECC), Orange is the New Musical (Kefi). Film: Wall of Flesh. Jason would like to dedicate this show to those unable to come out, those too afraid to, and those whom still live in fear. “I never thought of myself as depressed so much as paralyzed by hope.” – Maria Bamford jasonbornstein.com, Facebook.com/jasonryanbornstein.

Jacob Zelonky, Steve

 

Jacob Zelonky, AEA, is thrilled to be part of Zanna Don’t! Jacob is a graduating senior at Van Nuys High School where he is a member of the Vannaires vocal jazz a cappella ensemble and the Dance Company. Jacob spent two years performing as Michael in the US National Broadway Tour of Billy Elliot the Musical. He thanks his parents, siblings, the people at Chromolume, and J.K. Rowling for their support.

Jillian Easton, Kate

 

Jillian is thrilled to be returning to Chromolume for Zanna Don’t. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, credits include originating the roles of Lucille in The Count of Monte Cristo The Musical, lead Juliette in City of Light (2015 ASCAP Selection), Nora Rodriguez in the world premiere The Baby Project, as well as lead Vivian in the original musical Siamese Sex Show this past November. Other favorite credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), Grease (Rizzo), The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily), The Sound of Music (Baroness Elsa), and Putting It Together (Woman #2 u/s) right here at Chromolume. Grateful for Yael and Mom for all the support, and Anthony at DDO. www.JillianEaston.com.

Everjohn Feliciano, Mike

 

Everjohn Feliciano is elated to be back at Chromolume and to be joining the cast of Zanna, Don’t! His last production with Chromolume was Edges by Pasek and Paul, playing Man 2 in the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and Man 1 right here at Chromolume Theatre. Most recently, he was seen as a guest star with the Long Beach Symphony, Max in Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party, Theo in American Idiot, and Man 2 in the world premiere of The Max Factor Factor. Other credits include: General Hospital (TV), Scarlet Letter: The Musical (reading), Rent, Cabaret, Pippin, as well as numerous shows he’s joined his friends in, including the annual Apple Sisters Holidoozy Christ-mess Special. Outside of performance, Everjohn loves to play tennis, go on hikes, cook, and laugh with friends. A special thanks to the three F’s (family, friends, and fans – grateful forever and always), the crew and cast of Zanna, Don’t!, and to James, Lauren, Nance, and everyone else involved in keeping theatre alive at Chromolume!

Vanessa Magula, Roberta

 

Vanessa Magula is so excited to make her LA theatre debut in this crazy show! She recently graduated from UCLA, where she performed in Legally Blonde (Vivienne Kensington), In the Heights (Vanessa), RENT (Seasons of Love Soloist/Woman With Bags), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Muzzy Van Hossmere). All the love and gratitude to her ridiculously supportive friends, HOOLIGAN Theatre at UCLA, and the creative team at Chromolume Theatre.

Ken Maurice Purnell, Tank

 

Ken Maurice hails from the Eastern Shore of Maryland as a singer, songwriter, actor, screenwriter, and director. Ken has participated in many plays, musicals and revues; from ones like Les Miserables portraying Thenardier, Into the Woods portraying Jack, as well as, taking on the role of Michael Jackson in a Motown Revue. Ken, also played the character of Oswald in William Shakespeare’s King Lear, in which he earned the high honor of “The Comedic Fool Performance Award”. Most recently, Ken appeared in Lost the Musical as Michael. Ken has also filmed test pilot shows for HBO and A&E. And has filmed an independent sci-fi film entitled Safaar which came out in 2013. Ken was also a lead actor in Iconic Dreams Entertainment, Ghetto Dreams a short Film for, the Rapper/Actor, Common’s “Ghetto Dreams” Contest. In this Global Contest of over 40 entries worldwide, a 4th placed finished was gained. Ken has gained many awards and many honors, from the Male Vocalist Award with the National Choral School. Ken not only is an actor, but is also an emerging screenwriter, look for his work, in the 2017 film circuit, as he tentatively begins production on one of his first shoots. Ken Maurice’s latest projects were portraying Kanye West in Todrick Hall’s Pop-Star High Web Series, and as well as, Ezell from the Friday Franchise, in the Friday, the Web-Series.

Lilly Elliott, Candi

 

Lilly is thrilled to be performing for the first time with Chromolume Theatre! She is a proud native of her sweet home, Alabama, and after being in a New York state of mind last year, she has finally become a California gurl. Past Credits include: Bring It On (Skylar), Carrie (Carrie White), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie Dillmount), Happy Days (Pinkette), SHOUT! (Blue Girl), Bat Boy: The Musical (Shelley Parker), CATS (Sillibub), Dames at Sea (Dance Captain) and Carousel with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in her hometown. Concerts as a vocal soloist: Jason Robert Brown in Concert, David Friedman in Concert, Exceptional Foundation Benefit Concert (AL), We Own Glam – AIM Charity Dinner/Fashion Show and The Phantom of the Opera: The Music. Before moving to New York, Lilly was Assistant Competition Team Director at Performance Dance Company in Virginia Beach where she pushed Tap Dance as a necessary class, and still frequently returns as a guest choreographer.

Michael Angel, Buck

 

Michael is ecstatic to be making his Chromolume debut, in a show he has wanted to do for so long! Recent credits include: Urinetown (Officer Barrel), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Grinch), The Wizard of Oz (Zeke/Lion), West Side Story (Diesel). When not performing, he is fortunate enough to call himself one of the managers at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Michael would like to thank his family and friends for their never-ending love and support, and YOU the audience…for supporting live theatre! “Be kind to one another” – Ellen DeGeneres

Christopher Tiernan, Steve u/s

 

Christopher Tiernan is excited to be joining the cast of Zanna, Don’t! as Steve. Recently you may have seen Chris at the Morgan Wixson Theatre as Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher and Chad in All Shook Up, or this summer as Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone with the Torrance Theatre Company. He would like to thank Lauren for approaching him with this opportunity, the cast of Zanna, Don’t! for welcoming him in, and his friends, family, coworkers, and Danny for all of their love and support.

Amy Segal, Kate u/s

 

Amy Segal was last seen in I’m Just Wild About Harry at Crown City Theatre, where she played the role of Katy. Other stage credits include Ruth/Carrie cover in Carrie the Killer Musical Experience, Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly! and ensemble in Les Miserables. She can also be seen in the award-winning film The Love Witch. Amy is a graduate of AMDA LA (BFA Musical Theatre). @AmyESegal

 

Lauren J. Peters, Director, Scenic Design

 

Lauren J. Peters is very excited to be directing this production, her 11th production with Chromolume Theatre. Lauren recently directed Edges for Chromolume Theatre at the Hollywood Fringe Festival last year. Working in the musical theatre world for most of her life, Lauren has worked in a lot of areas on and off stage. From working with El Segundo’s Broadway In The Park in its inaugural year on the Advisory Committee, to working as the stage manager for over 15 years on numerous productions from the South Bay to Simi Valley. Working at Chromolume Theatre as the Managing Director Lauren has learned so much and continues to hone her craft in Musical Theatre. Delighted to be working with such a great cast and production team, Lauren hopes you all enjoy the show. As they have all come so far on this production together Lauren would like to give her amazing cast a huge shout out for their perseverance and immense professionalism. She would like to thank her Choreographer, Musical Director and Stage Manager for coming along side her on this crazy ride. And of course would like to thank her mom, Nance, her fiancee, Emily and her best friend Ksells for all of the support through the years.

Daniel Yokomizo, Musical Director

 

Daniel Yokomizo is thrilled to be working with Chromolume Theatre on his third professional show! He’s worked as music director for Chromolume previously, doing Songs For A New World and Edges, the latter of which was performed at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Daniel hopes you enjoy the show, take it to heart, and have a wonderful 2017!

Michael Marshak, Choreographer

 

From Philadelphia by way of Rhode Island, Michael studied theatre and chemistry at USC. He was last seen on Chromolume’s stage playing Mark in Altar Boyz. Having started his dance training at sixteen years old, Michael found a true passion for storytelling through the use of movement. Ballet quickly became a favorite as he trained in jazz, tap and dabbled in hip-hop. Michael works extensively on stage with Crown City Theatre in North Hollywood having recently appeared in Nosferatu and currently in I’m Just Wild About Harry. Past productions: Crown City’s The Fantasticks (Matt), A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Miles Gloriosus), Cabaret (Ernst, Emcee); San Diego Musical Theatre’s White Christmas (dance ensemble, quintet) and A Chorus Line (Mike), Sweeney Todd (Moonlight), Legally Blonde (Moonlight), A Chorus Line (Mark, Morgan Wixon Theatre), Sound of Music (3D Theatricals), The Real Love (Pasadena Civic Auditorium), Once Upon a Mattress (Cabrillo). On-Camera: Competent Charlatan Productions’ Bizaria short and webseries, Week Night Stands; as well as the part of Ronnie in the feature movie musical Waiting in the Wings: Still Waiting. This is Michael first full length musical he has ever choreographed and he couldn’t be more thrilled and grateful to Chromolume for giving him this opportunity! Given the current political climate, this musical is more important than ever to tell as we transition into a new phase and hopefully not lose sight of the progress we made. Enjoy! @michaeljmarchak “You’ve got talent. Don’t give up.”

Michael Mullen, Costume Design

 

Michael is excited to be working on this show! He has costumed such shows as The Boy From Oz (Ovation, Robby, and Broadway World nominations), Fugue (Ovation and Broadway World nominations), Sweeney Todd (Stage Raw nomination), American Idiot (TicketHolder Award), When Stars Align (Broadway World nomination), Dorian’s Descent (Broadway World nomination), Moon Over Buffalo (Broadway World nomination), God’s Gypsy (Broadway World nomination), Dreamgirls (Ovation Award, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, NAACP Theatre Award, LA Weekly Theatre Award, Broadway World Award). He has received such Stage SceneLA Awards as 2015-2016 Costume Designer Of The Year, 2014-2015 Costume Designer Extraordinaire, 2013-2014 Costume Design of The Year (Individual Production) for Dorian’s Descent, and 2012-2013 Costume Designer of The Year. He would like to thank everyone involved with Zanna Don’t, his friends and family, and you for coming to see it, mmmkay! :)

Richard Fong, Lighting Design

 

Richard is thrilled to be working with Chromolume Theatre again after previously working with them on Next Thing You Know and Songs For A New World last year. His devotion to theatre has led him to UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television where he currently studies under industry professionals. Hailing from the Bay Area, he has worked with Berkeley Repertory Theatre on their production of An Audience with Meow Meow, Contra Costa Civic Theatre’s production of La Cage aux Folles, and Ray of Light Theatre’s Heathers: The Musical. He aims to enrich his theatrical design career in the Los Angles area and hopes that he can bring something exciting to Zanna, Don’t!.

James Esposito, Sound Design

 

James is currently the V.P. of Operations at Chromolume Theatre. Sound design credits include Next Thing You Know, Bird, Prez, 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. Scenic Design credits include the NAACP Award Winning production of Do Lord Remember Me and Love Songs – A Musical, both for Chromolume Theatre. He also directed last season’s production of Songs For A New World for Chromolume Theatre as well. 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.

Veronica Vasquez, Stage Manager

Mara most recently worked on A wrinkle in Time at the Sierra Madre Playhouse as both SM and ASM substitutes. She previously worked with Center Stage Opera as SM for Romeo et Juliette. Other past credits include Love Letters with Katherine Ross and Sam Elliot at the Malibu Playhouse, Bonnie and Clyde, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Do I hear A Waltz? among other shows. She is excited to be working on Hello, Again.

Danielle Han, Assistant Stage Manager

 

This is Danielle’s first time assistant stage managing a production and working with a theatre company outside of school. She’s previously worked as a director on a 10-minute play (Iceberg to Nowhere) and a one-act play (Bang Bang You’re Dead), as well as acted in a one-act play (Elephants) at Valley College.

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; The Good Boy; 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). For a complete listing of PR activities, visit www.kenwerther.com.

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).