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THE COMPANY THEATRE PRESENTS

ROMEO & JULIET

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S

DIRECTED BY CARL DEL BUONO

OCTOBER 13-29
THE TEMPLE THEATER

MAJOR SPONSORS

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THE NELSON B. DELAVAN FOUNDATION

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts.

MEDIA SPONSOR

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CAST

JULIET - Ariana Kizu Rivera

ROMEO - Calvin Staropoli

FRIAR - Judy McCaffrey

NURSE - Lauren MacDonough

MERCUTIO - Liz Preston

TYBALT - Ben Gillooly

BENVOLIO - Brodie McPherson

CAPULET - Tom Bigongiari

LADY CAPULET - Cynthia Brito

MONTAGUE - Jennifer Ann Galvez

PRINCE ESCALUS - Prophet Andazola

ABRAM - Corrina Mullins

SAMPSON - Jimmy Stahl

GREGORY - Kimiko "Kiki" Collins

PETRUCHIO - Sophia Mostafa

VALENTINE - Sam Nelson

PRINCE'S ATTENDANT - Imogen "Immy" McElduff

CREW

DIRECTOR - Carl Del Buono

STAGE MANAGER - Kate Duprey

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - Scott Shriner

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER - Grace Condon

FIGHT DIRECTOR - Rich Steele

DANCE/FIGHT CAPTAIN - Lauren MacDonough

SET/LIGHTING DESIGN - Brodie McPherson

COSTUME DESIGN - Kendall Del Buono, Jess Ruby

SOUND DESIGN - Erik Wheater

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT - Joanna Kneezel

ABOUT THE CAST

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ARIANA KIZU RIVERA (JULIETgraduated from Montclair State University with her BFA in Musical Theatre in 2021. Recent credits include Erzulie in Once on this Island at Blackfriars, and The Duchess of Gloucester/Bishop of Carlisle in Richard II with The Company Theatre. She would like to thank The Company Theatre and everyone involved with this production for this opportunity and for their hard work, and her friends and family for their endless love and support. You can find moreat arianakizurivera.com.

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CALVIN STAROPOLI (ROMEOis overjoyed to be playing Romeo alongside this amazing cast. He has worked with The Company Theatre previously as Yakov in The Seagull and Aumerle in Richard II. He also recently appeared as Octavius Caesar in Antony & Cleopatra for Rochester Community Players. He works as a production assistant at OFC Creations, where he has also appeared as various characters in their production of A Golden Girls Christmas Carol. He also directed the murder mystery play Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine at OFC’s Old Farm Cafe. His most recent credit is the Fringe Festival one-act play Adele In Berlin where he played the role of Tony. He graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 2020 with a BFA in Acting. He would like to thank his family for their love and support, his wonderful cast and crew, and the Rochester theatre community as a whole for always being so kind and welcoming.

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JUDY MCCAFFERY (FRIARhas worked as an actor and director throughout the Rochester area for many years. Upon receiving her MFA in Theatre, Judy worked as an acting teacher/coach for high school students, college students and beyond. She also spent three years living in NYC, where she worked as a stage manager, and acting teacher with an outreach program through Bedlam Theatre, exploring Shakespeare with Military Veterans. As an actor, some of Judy’s favorite theatre projects have been, Henry V (Chorus), Twelfth Night (Maria), Much Ado About Nothing(Antonia), Curse of the Starving Class (Ella), Angels in America (Hannah Pitt/Ethel Rosenberg), Faith Healer (Grace), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Martha), and A Long Day's Journey Into Night (Mary Tyrone). Romeo and Juliet is Judy's debut with The Company Theatre, and she is absolutely delighted to be working with such a fantastic group of artists. 

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LAUREN MACDONOUGH (NURSE) is honored to play Nurse in The Company Theatre’s season opener, Romeo & Juliet. Lauren has performed professionally and locally for 10+ years in theatre. Highlights include Senex in A Funny Thing… with Blackfriars Theatre (2023), Lady Macbeth with Rochester Shakespeare Players (2019), Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd with Pittsford Musicals (2017), and Prince Escalus in Romeo & Juliet with Wallbyrd/Rochester Shakespeare Players (2016). She also enjoys acting in commercials and film - look for her as a cult follower in The Burned Over District (2022) coming soon to streaming networks. When not onstage, Lauren is the RPO’s Marketing Manager and teaches WerQ Dance Fitness at the JCC. She would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work and her family and friends for their unwavering support. laurenmacdonough.com

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LIZ PRESTON (MERCUTIOis so excited to be a part of another Company Theatre production! They recently graduated from college, where they co-founded the student theater production department, featuring such shows as Lord of the Flies, The Great Gatsby and The Library. Some of their favorite shows include Pride & Prejudice (Jane Bennet), Peter Pan (Wendy), The Crucible (Elizabeth Proctor), Lord of the Flies (Ralph), The Library (Caitlin), The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe (Susan Pevensie), Antony & Cleopatra (Eros) and West Side Story (Minnie). They would like to dedicate this production to their parents, who have always supported them in their love of theater. Enjoy the show!

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BEN GILLOOLY (TYBALTis delighted to again be in the company of The Company, appearing with them last season in Richard II (Gardener, Willoughby). Since then, he has kept busy with the Rochester Community Players’ Shakespeare Program, in Twelfth Night (Sebastian) and The Merry Wives of Windsor (Slender). Ben would like to extend his most sincere thanks to his fiancée for her love and support, to his cats for their consistent cuteness, and to Rochester Fencing Club for keeping his skills sharp. 

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BRODIE MCPHERSON (BENVOLIO- is an instructor of theatre technology and serves as the technical director at Genesee Community College. A jack of all theatrical trades, Brodie’s creativity has a dynamic presence both on and off the stage. Born and raised in Canada, he immigrated to the US over a decade ago and has fallen in love with the Rochester community, which he now calls home! He earned a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Geneseo, where he studied Theatre with a strong emphasis on design, and recently received his Master of Arts in Theatre from Regent University. In addition to serving as scenic and lighting designer for countless productions, he has also stage managed and developed sound and costume solutions for others. He is also no stranger to the other side of things, having directed for a number of productions including The Rocky Horror Show (GCC), Legally Blonde The Musical (Geneseo Community Players), and Bakkhai (GCC).  As an avid lover of theatre and performance, he passionately  brings excitement and wonder to his work with students in hopes they too will find the performing arts a compelling, life-long career!

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TOM BIGONGIARI (CAPULET) is an actor mostly, but he also has directed several shows in the past few years, most recently, Almost, Maine for the Penfield Players. Favorite past acting roles include Father Farley (Mass Appeal), Coriolanus (Coriolanus), Edmund (King Lear), and Sharky (The Seafarer). Tom received an MFA in acting from Brandeis University and works in the non-profit field.

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CYNTHIA BRITO (LADY CAPULEThas a BA from New England College and a Certificate in Professional Performance from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She is thrilled to work with The Company Theater. Some credits include Gymnasia/Protean  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Papa Ge Understudy Once On This Island, Alice in Closer, Joanne in Godspell, Barbara in The Apple Tree, Dorine in Tartuffe, Ona Maria Judge in Thirst For Freedom, Sharon in Mr. 80%, Georgia in A Murder Of Crows, Goldie Short in The Diviners, Soloist in A Grand Night For Singing, Ensemble inThe Laramie Project.  Cynthia would like to thank her family Mark and Nathan for their support! Thank you, Carl, Kate, and the incredible production team/cast for a positive experience.

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JENNIFER ANN GALVEZ (MONTAGUE- is excited to be part of this R&J
production. Past favorite roles include A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters as
Melissa Gardner (JCC CenterStage, Bristol Valley Theater, and the
Rochester Fringe Festival); Shakespeare’s As You Like It: Duke Frederick
(Siren Song Shakespeare Company; Emily Mann’s Gloria: A Life; Francesca
(JCC CenterStage); Theresa Rebeck's Seminar: Izzy (Blackfriars Theater);
Off-Broadway roles include Kate in Taming of the Shrew, Cecily Pigeon in
The Odd Couple, and the world premiere of Pearl of the Orient as Lily at
the Westbank Café’s Laurie Beechman Theater. She has studied at Stella
Adler Conservatory and William Esper Studios in New York City, and the
American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Jennifer is currently
acting in several upcoming short films, television, and commercial
projects. Thank you to the talented Carl DelBuono for the opportunity,
it has been an honor and a privilege Sir! Thank you to her husband Kevin
and all of her beautiful friends for their loving support. Finally, this
performance and every performance is dedicated to our dearly departed
Riley Cooper Caton, Esq. We will always love you Riley!
www.jenniferanngalvez.com @jenniferanngalvezactor

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PROPHET (PRINCE ESCALUS- is a student at penfield high school and is thrilled to return to The Company Theatre for their third show after Antony and Cleopatra and Richard ||.

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CORRINA MULLINS (ABRAMis all over you, all over me, the sun, the fields, the sky. 

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JIMMY STAHL (SAMPSON) is thrilled to be returning to The Company Theatre with the amazing Carl Del Buono at the helm! A newcomer to plays, the opportunity to join one of, if not THE, Shakespearian work could not be lost. From thrilling fight choreography to pompous dance, this play has provided all the checkmarks of an iconic story, and with Calvin and Ariana forging the way, love will be reborn at the Temple Theater! Some previous credits include Melchior Gabor (The Company Theatre’s Spring Awakening), Jonathan Larson (Tick Tick Boom!), and Seymour Krelborn (Little Shop of Horrors). Jimmy would like to thank Sean Britton-Milligan for always pushing him to expand his horizons and find the vision. Grace our indelible Assistant Stage Manager who keeps him (and everyone) in line and ready to go! (and is also the greatest roommate and best friend anyone could dream of). And of course his Dad, Mom, and Grandma, whose joy for him becomes his joy for life.

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KIMIKO "KIKI" COLLINS (GREGORYa talented actress who moved from the Derby City (Louisville) to the Flower City in May 2020 with her Wayne-county-native husband. As a classically trained dancer in jazz, ballet, tap, and modern, you might recognize her from recent appearances in Rochester Dance Theatre’s Exhilaration 2023 or from the charming Fringe Festival play, Emotional Baggage, by Last Fool Productions. Beyond the realms of stage and dance, Kiki is a chemist specializing in drug product quality assurance, and a self-described, “goofball”. Kiki is excited to join this cast and grateful for all the love and support from friends and family… special shoutout to all those cheering from three states away – xoxo. IG:kikigrrl96

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SOPHIA MOSTAFA (PETRUCHIO- is joining The Company Theatre for the first time this show! Sophia has a BS in Music Business and MM in Vocal Performance & Pedagogy from Nazareth University, as well as an MS in Arts Administration from LeMoyne College. She has recently produced, directed, and performed 2 shows [A Night at the Cabaret '22 and Songs to Drink Wine To '23] for Rochester Fringe Festival. Other recent credits include Empress Sisi in Candide Carrasco's Gardenias and a member of Drive In Dramas II by Kerry Young and Abby Park. 

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SAM NELSON (VALENTINEis thrilled to return to The Company Theater! Sam is a director, stage manager, and actor in the Rochester area. Most recent stage credits include NAC's Something Rotten (Nostradamus), MCC's Spring Awakening (Hanschen Rilow), MT Ed's It Shoulda Been You (Walt/Uncle Morty), and The Company Theatre's The Wisdom Of Eve (David "Tally-Ho" Thompson). Sam also appeared in the regional premier cast of The Prom at Innovation Square. Other projects include NAC's TANYS award winning production of SpongeBob the Musical (Stage Manager), and MT Ed's 2023 pride show of My Big Gay Italian Wedding (Director). IG: @26sams

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IMOGEN "IMMY" MCELDUFF (PRINCE'S ATTENDANTis thrilled to be making his Company Theatre debut. Previous performances include ALADDIN, PETER PAN, THE WIZARD OF OZ and more throughout school and with the Bravo! Theater Arts Junior Company. ROMEO & JULIET is bringing Immy back to the stage after a brief hiatus!

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ABOUT THE CREW

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CARL DEL BUONO (DIRECTORRegional credits include: RICHARD II (Director) The Company Theatre, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Director) Rochester Community Players, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA (Director) Rochester Community Players, THE SEAGULL (Director) The Company Theatre, LITTLE WOMEN (Prof. Bhaer) Bristol Valley Theater, SISTER ACT (T.J.) Redhouse Arts Center, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (George) Blackfriars Theatre, CARL AT BLACKFRIARS, a benefit concert, MY FAIR LADY (Quartet/First Cockney) Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (now The REV), THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Jamie) JCC CenterStage, DIE FLEDERMAUS (Frosch) Finger Lakes Opera, ROMEO AND JULIET (Friar Laurence) WallByrdTheatre Co., ANGELS IN AMERICA (Prior) Method Machine. In addition to acting and singing, Carl is an experienced voice actor, acting coach, and director as well as a founding artistic director of The Company Theatre in Rochester, NY. He’s also cohost of the popular podcast BROADCAST REVISITED! For more information, follow Carl @carldelbuono and @broadcastrevisited (upcoming projects: THE WICKHAMS: Christmas at Pemberley (Mr. Darcy) Blackfriars Theatre, LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES (Director) Blackfriars Theatre, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (Director) The Company Theatre.

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SCOTT SHRINER (AD) - is very pleased to be part of this production with this terrific new Company. He thanks Carl for this opportunity. Since moving to Rochester in 2019 to be with the love of his life, Scott has performed at Blackfriars Theatre, JCC CenterStage, Out of Pocket, the Highland Bowl, Fringe Festival, RIT, and the Old Farm Cafe. He was a company member of Ohio Shakespeare Festival in his native Northeast Ohio from 2004-2019. He sends love to Julie, Lucas, Alex, and Madison.

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KATE DUPREY (STAGE MANAGER) has been a Stage Manager in the Rochester area for numerous shows and companies. As a founder, and Company Manager of this Company that has been able to open it's doors to some amazing talent, she hopes you enjoy our latest production of Romeo and Juliet!

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GRACE CONDON (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) is extremely thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to work on her first production at The Company Theatre since graduating from SUNY Fredonia with her B.A. in Theatre Arts. While she has worked in many different capacities in the theatre, her focus is stage management. She has several ASM credits including Silent Sky, Beatrice and Benedict, and Indecent and has most recently stage managed the SUNY Fredonia Mainstage production of Our Town. She wants to thank Kate, Carl, Scott, Kendall, and all the cast and crew for welcoming her with open arms as well as her family and friends for their undying support and especially her best friend, Jimmy, for encouraging her to work with the incredible team at The Company Theatre.

THANKS TO OUR DONORS:

PREMIERE ($1000+):

THE NELSON B. DELAVAN FOUNDATION

GENESEE VALLEY COUNCIL ON THE ARTS

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY ARTS FOUNDATION LGBT+ GIVING CIRCLE

LEADING ($500+):

DAVID MUNNELL

RON DUFORT

SUSAN MURAD

NEW YORK KITCHEN

BILLSBORO WINERY

STEVE AND CINDY DUPREY

MAJOR ($250+):

JONATHAN ROSENFELD

DAVID RUNZO

COLE AND BARBARA RUBY

SALLY MILLICK

WEGMANS

CANANDAIGUA QUICK PRINT

YOUNG AND COMPANY

SUPPORTING ($100+):

JIM JORDAN

SARA PENNER

PETER ELLIOT

RICK STAROPOLI

DORIS AND GREG LUDEK

CHRISTOPHER C. CONWAY

EMILY PUTNAM

SCOTT AND JULIE SHRINER

MEMBER ($50+):

JUDY MOLNER

JAEL LOPEZ

JESS RUBY

CHUCK STAROPOLI

JILL RITTINGER

DENISE BARTALO

SEAN BRITTON-MILLIGAN

THOMAS MUNDELL

PARKLEIGH

PATRON ($5+):

CONNIE NEER

MARY KITZEL

MARY HOFFMAN

LILIANA BRAUN

JANET PECK

JES SUTTON

JONATHAN JORDAN

CHRIS MCCORMACK

NIK BARON

BARBARA STAROPOLI

JON FROEHLICH

CONNIE NEER

ANNABETH MCGOVERN

DARA LUBIN

DONALD FRIDAY

KATE KREMER

SEEMA THERUVI

ELIZABETH STEELE

KATHLEEN ROTH

GLEN EGLI

SAMMI COHEN

JOAN MOUNTAIN

JESSIC BERLET

KIT PRELEWITZ

LUIS SANCHEZ

CHARLES STAROPOLI

JAMES GORDON

IAN PATTERSON

DIANA CARTER

BARBARA MARKOWETZ-KUIPERS

ANDIE GRAHAM

JONATHAN BINSTOCK

GABRIELA LOPEZ

GEORGE STEELE

MARION OWEN

DAVID KENSEK

SANDRA BUDIMIR

ERIC JOHNSON

ROGER PALMA

ERIC JOHNSON

SARA PETERS

ROGER PALMA

Any errors or omissions are purely accidental. Please email info@thecompanytheatreroc.org with corrections.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO:

BILLSBORO WINERY

THE TEMPLE THEATER

WEGMANS

LARRY WOODHOUSE

PEDULLAS WINE & LIQUOR

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AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORS AND PATRONS WHO HAVE JOINED US FOR THIS FIRST SEASON AND THE MANY MORE TO COME, THANK YOU.

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GALLERY

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