CAST & CREATIVE
TESS BARAO (BELLE)
Tess is a Toronto-based actor and a graduate of Theatre Sheridan's Musical Theatre Performance program, as well as the Second City Training Program, Armstrong Acting Studios and Pro Actors Studios. She is extremely grateful to be able to honour her dad through this benefit production of Beauty and the Beast. Her most recent credits include Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party at the Toronto Fringe Festival (of which she was nominated for a My Entertainment Award for best actress), Pickled Heart at the London Fringe Festival, and portraying the iconic Ethel Merman at the Sunshine Theatre Festival. Big thanks to mom, Tim and Anna, and special thanks to dad.
Tess is a Toronto-based actor and a graduate of Theatre Sheridan's Musical Theatre Performance program, as well as the Second City Training Program, Armstrong Acting Studios and Pro Actors Studios. She is extremely grateful to be able to honour her dad through this benefit production of Beauty and the Beast. Her most recent credits include Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party at the Toronto Fringe Festival (of which she was nominated for a My Entertainment Award for best actress), Pickled Heart at the London Fringe Festival, and portraying the iconic Ethel Merman at the Sunshine Theatre Festival. Big thanks to mom, Tim and Anna, and special thanks to dad.
RYAN ALLEN (BEAST)
Ryan is honoured to be playing the Beast in the classic story and to be a part of the fight against Stroke and Heart disease. SELECTED THEATRE: Book of Mormon (Broadway), Twelfth Night (Theatre Calgary), Oil and Water (National Tour) Sousatzka (Teatro Proscenium Ltd.), Metamorphoses (National Arts Centre), Feelgood (Theatre New Brunswick) Master Harold and the Boys (Thousand Islands Playhouse). SELECTED FILM AND TV: Between (Netflix), 21Thunder (CBC), Frankie Drake (CBC), Taken (NBC), Rogue (DirecTV), Blue Mountain State (Spike TV) Orphan Black (BBC America). UPCOMING: In 2019 Ryan can be found in the Netflix film In the Shadow of the Moon and in the Canadian premiere of the Colour Purple at Neptune Theatre.
Ryan is honoured to be playing the Beast in the classic story and to be a part of the fight against Stroke and Heart disease. SELECTED THEATRE: Book of Mormon (Broadway), Twelfth Night (Theatre Calgary), Oil and Water (National Tour) Sousatzka (Teatro Proscenium Ltd.), Metamorphoses (National Arts Centre), Feelgood (Theatre New Brunswick) Master Harold and the Boys (Thousand Islands Playhouse). SELECTED FILM AND TV: Between (Netflix), 21Thunder (CBC), Frankie Drake (CBC), Taken (NBC), Rogue (DirecTV), Blue Mountain State (Spike TV) Orphan Black (BBC America). UPCOMING: In 2019 Ryan can be found in the Netflix film In the Shadow of the Moon and in the Canadian premiere of the Colour Purple at Neptune Theatre.
JONATHAN CULLEN (GASTON)
Jonathan has wowed audiences on stages across North-America since 2010. Most recently he played a leading role on the 1stNational Tourof the BroadwaySmash-hit, The Book of Mormon. Since touring with the South Park created sensation, he has been touring across Canada with the TIMA(Toronto Independent Music Award) nominated Pop/Soul group, Silver Lining. Fans say Silver Liningsounds like The Bee Gees meets Chromeo. Before touring with his band, Jonathan helped Grammy NominatedSteven Page, formerly ofBarenaked Ladies, workshop his new musical, to be released in the near future. Previously in his Career, Jonathan worked with Tony Award Winning Director Stephen Daldry and Tony Award Winning choreographerPeter Darling along with multiple Academy and Grammy Award winning artist Elton Johnon their ground-breaking broadwaysuccess, Billy Elliot. You can follow Jonathan online through his IG account or his website Wearesilverlining.com @JonathanCullen9 @Wearesilverlining
Jonathan has wowed audiences on stages across North-America since 2010. Most recently he played a leading role on the 1stNational Tourof the BroadwaySmash-hit, The Book of Mormon. Since touring with the South Park created sensation, he has been touring across Canada with the TIMA(Toronto Independent Music Award) nominated Pop/Soul group, Silver Lining. Fans say Silver Liningsounds like The Bee Gees meets Chromeo. Before touring with his band, Jonathan helped Grammy NominatedSteven Page, formerly ofBarenaked Ladies, workshop his new musical, to be released in the near future. Previously in his Career, Jonathan worked with Tony Award Winning Director Stephen Daldry and Tony Award Winning choreographerPeter Darling along with multiple Academy and Grammy Award winning artist Elton Johnon their ground-breaking broadwaysuccess, Billy Elliot. You can follow Jonathan online through his IG account or his website Wearesilverlining.com @JonathanCullen9 @Wearesilverlining
JONATHAN WHITTAKER (MAURICE)
Jonathan is honoured to be part of this auspicious occasion in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Jonathan has had an eclectic forty year career spanning music, theatre, film, writing and directing. To Taylor - my son and Shelley Hanson - my co-vivant of thirty years, my world would not be complete. Thank you for all your love, support and roaming charges.
Jonathan is honoured to be part of this auspicious occasion in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Jonathan has had an eclectic forty year career spanning music, theatre, film, writing and directing. To Taylor - my son and Shelley Hanson - my co-vivant of thirty years, my world would not be complete. Thank you for all your love, support and roaming charges.
BRUCE DOW (COGSWORTH)
Bruce is best known for his 12 seasons at the Stratford Festival; 4 featured roles on Broadway, including “King Herod” in Jesus Christ Superstar, Jane Eyre, The Music Man, Anything Goes; 2x Dora Award winning work at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Bruce most recently appeared in the critically acclaimed World Premiere of Dr. Silver, a Celebration of Life for Musical Stage Co., and Outside the March Theatre companies . Next for Bruce is the World Premiere of the Broadway-bound Diana at the La Jolla Playhouse - from director, Christopher Ashley, and the TONY® award winning creators of Memphis. www.brucedow.com @DowBruce
Bruce is best known for his 12 seasons at the Stratford Festival; 4 featured roles on Broadway, including “King Herod” in Jesus Christ Superstar, Jane Eyre, The Music Man, Anything Goes; 2x Dora Award winning work at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Bruce most recently appeared in the critically acclaimed World Premiere of Dr. Silver, a Celebration of Life for Musical Stage Co., and Outside the March Theatre companies . Next for Bruce is the World Premiere of the Broadway-bound Diana at the La Jolla Playhouse - from director, Christopher Ashley, and the TONY® award winning creators of Memphis. www.brucedow.com @DowBruce
ALESSANDRO COSTANTINI (LUMIERE)
Alessandro is the founder and Artistic Director of YES Theatre in Sudbury, ON, currently celebrating its10 year anniversary. His work with youth in the arts has seen him become a key player in the development of Arts and Culture in Northern Ontario. He is currently the interim Associate Artistic Director for the Musical Stage Company and most recently directed the Canadian Premiere of Jeanine Tesori’s Violet with YES Theatre. Other credits include: PROM QUEEN [Segal Centre- META Nom- Outstanding Lead Performance], James and the Giant Peach [YPT], Lost In Yonkers [HGJT], Faust [TBTB], Hair, Rent, Spring Awakening, Merrily We Roll Along [YES Theatre]. Alessandro is a graduate of the George Brown Theatre School.
Alessandro is the founder and Artistic Director of YES Theatre in Sudbury, ON, currently celebrating its10 year anniversary. His work with youth in the arts has seen him become a key player in the development of Arts and Culture in Northern Ontario. He is currently the interim Associate Artistic Director for the Musical Stage Company and most recently directed the Canadian Premiere of Jeanine Tesori’s Violet with YES Theatre. Other credits include: PROM QUEEN [Segal Centre- META Nom- Outstanding Lead Performance], James and the Giant Peach [YPT], Lost In Yonkers [HGJT], Faust [TBTB], Hair, Rent, Spring Awakening, Merrily We Roll Along [YES Theatre]. Alessandro is a graduate of the George Brown Theatre School.
PAULA WOLFSON (MRS. POTTS)
Paula is a 38-year Dora Mavor Moore Award-winning theatre professional who has performed across much of the continent in “mega-musicals” (Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast) and at regional theatres (Charlottetown Festival, Belfry Theatre). She is the regular Cantorial soloist with her congregation Shir Libeynu. Paula conducts Singing With Parkinson’s and is a Certified Artist Educator with a special interest in seniors and those with special needs. Paula begins a new adventure this Fall at Sheridan College as Music Director on Threepenny Opera. More gory details on her website www.paulawolfson.com
Paula is a 38-year Dora Mavor Moore Award-winning theatre professional who has performed across much of the continent in “mega-musicals” (Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast) and at regional theatres (Charlottetown Festival, Belfry Theatre). She is the regular Cantorial soloist with her congregation Shir Libeynu. Paula conducts Singing With Parkinson’s and is a Certified Artist Educator with a special interest in seniors and those with special needs. Paula begins a new adventure this Fall at Sheridan College as Music Director on Threepenny Opera. More gory details on her website www.paulawolfson.com
JOSEPH ZITA (CHIP)
Joseph is honoured to be joining the company of Beauty and the Beast in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. He was most recently seen in B!tch Island: The Musical at the Hamilton Fringe Festival, and in And Then...She Did! at the Toronto KidsFringe Festival. Select Credits: Picture This (Soulpepper), Richard III (Shakespeare BASH’d), In the Heights (We Are Here Productions), Maddie’s Karaoke Birthday Party, and Jay and Shilo’s Sibling Revelry (Toronto Fringe 2017). Training: University of Windsor (BFA - Acting), Stella Adler Studio (Musical Theatre Intensive). Upcoming: Lillies (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre).
Joseph is honoured to be joining the company of Beauty and the Beast in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. He was most recently seen in B!tch Island: The Musical at the Hamilton Fringe Festival, and in And Then...She Did! at the Toronto KidsFringe Festival. Select Credits: Picture This (Soulpepper), Richard III (Shakespeare BASH’d), In the Heights (We Are Here Productions), Maddie’s Karaoke Birthday Party, and Jay and Shilo’s Sibling Revelry (Toronto Fringe 2017). Training: University of Windsor (BFA - Acting), Stella Adler Studio (Musical Theatre Intensive). Upcoming: Lillies (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre).
CAMILA DIAZ-VARELA (BABETTE)
Camila is a first-generation Mexican-Canadian theatre maker, performer and musician based in Tkaronto, on Dish with One Spoon wampum belt treaty territory. Camila composes music for theatre and film, and performs both for theatre and as a singer-songwriter under the name Hope Comfort Beautifuldays (@hopecomfortbeautifuldays on soundcloud + instagram). As an actor and musician, she has most recently been seen in The Silver Arrow: The Untold Story of Robin Hood, a new musical written by Meiko Ouchi and Hawksley Workman, and The Princess of the Tower, a new musical written by Leslie Wade, Scott Christian, and Alisse Lee Goldenberg.
Camila is a first-generation Mexican-Canadian theatre maker, performer and musician based in Tkaronto, on Dish with One Spoon wampum belt treaty territory. Camila composes music for theatre and film, and performs both for theatre and as a singer-songwriter under the name Hope Comfort Beautifuldays (@hopecomfortbeautifuldays on soundcloud + instagram). As an actor and musician, she has most recently been seen in The Silver Arrow: The Untold Story of Robin Hood, a new musical written by Meiko Ouchi and Hawksley Workman, and The Princess of the Tower, a new musical written by Leslie Wade, Scott Christian, and Alisse Lee Goldenberg.
RUTHIE NKUT (MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE)
Ruthie is an actor and singer from Sudbury, Ontario and it so excited to be in one of her favourite musicals: Beauty and the Beast. Some recent credits include Violet, Merrily We Roll Along and Jesus Christ Superstar with YES Theatre. Ruthie would like to thank Angelwalk theatre for choosing to support such an immensely important cause.
Ruthie is an actor and singer from Sudbury, Ontario and it so excited to be in one of her favourite musicals: Beauty and the Beast. Some recent credits include Violet, Merrily We Roll Along and Jesus Christ Superstar with YES Theatre. Ruthie would like to thank Angelwalk theatre for choosing to support such an immensely important cause.
JAKE DEETH (LEFOU)
Jake was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, and currently resides in Toronto as of 2013. Jake is a graduate of George Brown Theatre School. Select theatre credits: Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Javert in Les Miserable, Will in American Idiot, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Joe in Merrily We Roll Along, Dad in Violet (YES Theatre), Mephistopheles in Faust: A New Musical Adaptation (Theatre By The Bay), Seymon in The Suicide (George Brown Theatre School), and Five in Black Dog: 4 vs. The World (Sudbury Theatre School).
Jake was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, and currently resides in Toronto as of 2013. Jake is a graduate of George Brown Theatre School. Select theatre credits: Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Javert in Les Miserable, Will in American Idiot, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Joe in Merrily We Roll Along, Dad in Violet (YES Theatre), Mephistopheles in Faust: A New Musical Adaptation (Theatre By The Bay), Seymon in The Suicide (George Brown Theatre School), and Five in Black Dog: 4 vs. The World (Sudbury Theatre School).
A’MAR WHARTON-MATTHEW (MR. D'ARQUE)
This is A’mar’s first time doing a Disney show and he’s so excited. A’mar is a vocalist and musical theatre performer based in Toronto, ON. He works to find shows that present stories as beautiful as this one. He can’t wait to share this story with you.
This is A’mar’s first time doing a Disney show and he’s so excited. A’mar is a vocalist and musical theatre performer based in Toronto, ON. He works to find shows that present stories as beautiful as this one. He can’t wait to share this story with you.
OLIVIA SINCLAIR-BRISBANE (SILLY GIRL)
Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane is so happy to be a part of this wonderful experience! It means so much to he able to contribute to a great cause. Olivia thanks her family and partner Stephen for their unfailing love and support and hopes that the audience has as much fun watching as the cast will on stage! Her previous credits are: Sophie-MAMMA MIA! Rainbow Stage, Ensemble-How to Succeed in Business- Theatre Sheridan, Mona/Nurse-Small Wonder(CMTP) Theatre Sheridan, Apollo Singer-Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story The Grand Theatre, Yolanda/Ensemble-In the Heights TheatreSheridan, Rusty-Footloose The Grand Theatre, Reno Sweeney-Anything Goes The Grand Theatre.
Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane is so happy to be a part of this wonderful experience! It means so much to he able to contribute to a great cause. Olivia thanks her family and partner Stephen for their unfailing love and support and hopes that the audience has as much fun watching as the cast will on stage! Her previous credits are: Sophie-MAMMA MIA! Rainbow Stage, Ensemble-How to Succeed in Business- Theatre Sheridan, Mona/Nurse-Small Wonder(CMTP) Theatre Sheridan, Apollo Singer-Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story The Grand Theatre, Yolanda/Ensemble-In the Heights TheatreSheridan, Rusty-Footloose The Grand Theatre, Reno Sweeney-Anything Goes The Grand Theatre.
MARK CAMILLERI (MUSIC DIRECTOR)
Mark’s theatre credits include “THE TOXIC AVENGER”, “MAMMA MIA”, “DIRTY DANCING”, “THE LORAX”, “FUNNY GIRL”, “CATS”, “WEST SIDE STORY” and the World Premiere of “JUKEBOX HERO”, “QUEEN FOR A DAY” and “PROM QUEEN”. Mark’s concert credits include “THE PRIESTS”, “THE CANADIAN SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME GALA”, the “CANADIAN SCREEN ACTOR AWARDS”, “THE CANADIAN TENORS PBS SPECIAL”, and has shared the stage with Il Divo, Celine Dion, Sting, Eric Clapton, Seth MacFarland Andrea Bocelli, Paul Anka, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, David Foster, Annie Lennox, Audra McDonald, The Canadian Tenors, Herbie Hancock, Johnny Reid and Jim Cuddy. In 2016, Mark co-founded PODIUM Concert Productions, bringing shows like “THE SECRET GARDEN” and “NINE” to the stage with full orchestra. Mark also owns and operates his own recording studio IMAGINE Sound Studios. and his Recording/Producer credits include his own CD “Mark Camilleri and the CT Project” as well as working with Jeff Healey, Jason Priestly, Quartetto Gelatto, Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Thicke as well as various CDs for Somerset Entertainment. T.V. and Radio credits include composing and recording commercials and corporate videos for Cosmopolitan Magazine, Johnny Walker, General Mills, Microsoft, General Motors as well as scoring documentaries for the History Channel and TLC. Mark was also part of the creative team for both seasons of “Triple Sensation” (Produced by CBC/Garth Drabinsky).
Mark’s theatre credits include “THE TOXIC AVENGER”, “MAMMA MIA”, “DIRTY DANCING”, “THE LORAX”, “FUNNY GIRL”, “CATS”, “WEST SIDE STORY” and the World Premiere of “JUKEBOX HERO”, “QUEEN FOR A DAY” and “PROM QUEEN”. Mark’s concert credits include “THE PRIESTS”, “THE CANADIAN SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME GALA”, the “CANADIAN SCREEN ACTOR AWARDS”, “THE CANADIAN TENORS PBS SPECIAL”, and has shared the stage with Il Divo, Celine Dion, Sting, Eric Clapton, Seth MacFarland Andrea Bocelli, Paul Anka, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, David Foster, Annie Lennox, Audra McDonald, The Canadian Tenors, Herbie Hancock, Johnny Reid and Jim Cuddy. In 2016, Mark co-founded PODIUM Concert Productions, bringing shows like “THE SECRET GARDEN” and “NINE” to the stage with full orchestra. Mark also owns and operates his own recording studio IMAGINE Sound Studios. and his Recording/Producer credits include his own CD “Mark Camilleri and the CT Project” as well as working with Jeff Healey, Jason Priestly, Quartetto Gelatto, Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Thicke as well as various CDs for Somerset Entertainment. T.V. and Radio credits include composing and recording commercials and corporate videos for Cosmopolitan Magazine, Johnny Walker, General Mills, Microsoft, General Motors as well as scoring documentaries for the History Channel and TLC. Mark was also part of the creative team for both seasons of “Triple Sensation” (Produced by CBC/Garth Drabinsky).
ALAN MENKEN (MUSIC)
Alan Menken's music and lyrics have become an integral part of the fabric of our lives since his first works were produced nearly 40 years ago. His stage musicals includeGod Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy,Real Life Funnies, Little Shop of Horrors,Kicks, The Dream on Royal Street, Beauty and The Beast,A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap of Faith , Newsies, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and A Bronx Tale. Song and score credits for film musicals includeThe Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast (Animated),Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas,The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules,The Shaggy Dog, Home on the Range, Enchanted,Tangled, Mirror Mirror and Beauty and the Beast (Live Action). Individual songs for film include Rocky V - "The Measure of a Man", Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - "My Christmas Tree" , Life With Mikey - "Cold Enough to Snow", Noel - "Winter Light", Captain America: First Avenger - "Star Spangled Man" and Sausage Party - "The Great Beyond". Television credits include writing songs for Sesame Street, the ABC mini-series Lincoln, a musical episode of The Neighbors, the ABC series Galavant and the Disney Channel's Tangled: The Series. His chart topping songs have included "Beauty and the Beast", "A Whole New World", "Colors of the Wind" and "Go the Distance". Winner of the 2012 Tony and Drama Desk awards for his score for Newsies, he has won more Academy Awards than any other living individual, including eight Oscars® with 4 for Best Score and 4 for Best Song; 11 Grammy® Awards (including Song of the Year for "A Whole New World"); 7 Golden Globes; London's Evening Standard Award; the Olivier Award; the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award. Other notable achievements include induction as a Member (2008) in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame followed by receiving the lifetime achievement acknowledgement of the Johnny Mercer Award (2017); Billboard's number one single ("A Whole New World") and number one album (Pocahontas). In 2001 he received the distinction of being named a Disney Legend. Awarded two doctorates in Fine Arts from New York University and the North Carolina School of the Arts. In 2010 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Recent live concert appearances include the Hollywood Bowl, Segerstrom Center and the Royal Albert Hall.
Alan Menken's music and lyrics have become an integral part of the fabric of our lives since his first works were produced nearly 40 years ago. His stage musicals includeGod Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy,Real Life Funnies, Little Shop of Horrors,Kicks, The Dream on Royal Street, Beauty and The Beast,A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap of Faith , Newsies, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and A Bronx Tale. Song and score credits for film musicals includeThe Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast (Animated),Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas,The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules,The Shaggy Dog, Home on the Range, Enchanted,Tangled, Mirror Mirror and Beauty and the Beast (Live Action). Individual songs for film include Rocky V - "The Measure of a Man", Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - "My Christmas Tree" , Life With Mikey - "Cold Enough to Snow", Noel - "Winter Light", Captain America: First Avenger - "Star Spangled Man" and Sausage Party - "The Great Beyond". Television credits include writing songs for Sesame Street, the ABC mini-series Lincoln, a musical episode of The Neighbors, the ABC series Galavant and the Disney Channel's Tangled: The Series. His chart topping songs have included "Beauty and the Beast", "A Whole New World", "Colors of the Wind" and "Go the Distance". Winner of the 2012 Tony and Drama Desk awards for his score for Newsies, he has won more Academy Awards than any other living individual, including eight Oscars® with 4 for Best Score and 4 for Best Song; 11 Grammy® Awards (including Song of the Year for "A Whole New World"); 7 Golden Globes; London's Evening Standard Award; the Olivier Award; the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award. Other notable achievements include induction as a Member (2008) in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame followed by receiving the lifetime achievement acknowledgement of the Johnny Mercer Award (2017); Billboard's number one single ("A Whole New World") and number one album (Pocahontas). In 2001 he received the distinction of being named a Disney Legend. Awarded two doctorates in Fine Arts from New York University and the North Carolina School of the Arts. In 2010 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Recent live concert appearances include the Hollywood Bowl, Segerstrom Center and the Royal Albert Hall.
HOWARD ASHMAN (LYRICS)
Best known as a pivotal creative mind behind the renaissance of Disney animation and his work on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast (which is dedicated to, "Our friend, Howard Ashman, who gave a Mermaid her voice and a Beast his soul...") Ashman's first love was theater. Ashman was a founder of off off Broadway's renowned WPA Theater, where he conceived, wrote and directed God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, as well as the classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors (both music by Alan Menken). In 1986, he wrote and directed the Broadway musical Smile (music by Marvin Hamlisch). Lamented as a lost treasure of the 1980's theater scene, Smile remains popular on High School and College campuses throughout the country. Howard Ashman died in 1991 from complications of AIDS. For more information, please visit howardashman.com
Best known as a pivotal creative mind behind the renaissance of Disney animation and his work on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast (which is dedicated to, "Our friend, Howard Ashman, who gave a Mermaid her voice and a Beast his soul...") Ashman's first love was theater. Ashman was a founder of off off Broadway's renowned WPA Theater, where he conceived, wrote and directed God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, as well as the classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors (both music by Alan Menken). In 1986, he wrote and directed the Broadway musical Smile (music by Marvin Hamlisch). Lamented as a lost treasure of the 1980's theater scene, Smile remains popular on High School and College campuses throughout the country. Howard Ashman died in 1991 from complications of AIDS. For more information, please visit howardashman.com
TIM RICE (LYRICS)
Tim Rice has worked in music, theater, and film since 1965, when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim's ambitions to write rock or pop songs, they turned their attention to Andrew's obsession - musical theater. Their first collaboration, The Likes Of Us (lyrics by Tim, music by Andrew), was an unsuccessful show based on the life of Dr. Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist. Their next three works together were much more successful: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita. Tim has also worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), and Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess). From Here to Eternity, with music by newcomer Stuart Brayson, coproduced with Lee Menzies, directed by Tamara Harvey, and with book by Bill Oakes, premiered in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2013. He formed his own cricket team in 1973 and was president of the MCC in 2002. In 2013, he wrote and presented a 52-part series for BBC Radio 2, American Pie, a trawl through the music and musicians of every American State. He has won several awards, mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up.
Tim Rice has worked in music, theater, and film since 1965, when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim's ambitions to write rock or pop songs, they turned their attention to Andrew's obsession - musical theater. Their first collaboration, The Likes Of Us (lyrics by Tim, music by Andrew), was an unsuccessful show based on the life of Dr. Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist. Their next three works together were much more successful: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita. Tim has also worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), and Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess). From Here to Eternity, with music by newcomer Stuart Brayson, coproduced with Lee Menzies, directed by Tamara Harvey, and with book by Bill Oakes, premiered in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2013. He formed his own cricket team in 1973 and was president of the MCC in 2002. In 2013, he wrote and presented a 52-part series for BBC Radio 2, American Pie, a trawl through the music and musicians of every American State. He has won several awards, mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up.
LINDA WOOLVERTON (BOOK)
Linda Woolverton's writing credits include the screenplay for the animated feature film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Golden Globe winner and Academy Award Best Picture nominee); the screenplay (shared) for HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY; screenplay (shared) for the animated feature film THE LION KING; the book for the Broadway musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical, winner 1998 Olivier Award Best New Musical); and book (shared) for Elton John and Tim Rice's Broadway musical AIDA. Also she has written two young-adult novels, STAR-WIND and RUNNING BEFORE THE WIND. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from California State University Long Beach and a Master's degree in Theatre from California State University Fullerton. Linda is currently involved in writing and producing film projects for Miramax and Revolution studios. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Lee Flicker and daughter Keaton.
Linda Woolverton's writing credits include the screenplay for the animated feature film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Golden Globe winner and Academy Award Best Picture nominee); the screenplay (shared) for HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY; screenplay (shared) for the animated feature film THE LION KING; the book for the Broadway musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical, winner 1998 Olivier Award Best New Musical); and book (shared) for Elton John and Tim Rice's Broadway musical AIDA. Also she has written two young-adult novels, STAR-WIND and RUNNING BEFORE THE WIND. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from California State University Long Beach and a Master's degree in Theatre from California State University Fullerton. Linda is currently involved in writing and producing film projects for Miramax and Revolution studios. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Lee Flicker and daughter Keaton.
MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI)
MTI is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).
MTI is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).
