Seagull Program | The Company Theatre

THE SEAGULL

BY ANTON CHEKHOV

THE COMPANY THEATRE PRESENTS

DIRECTED BY CARL DEL BUONO

APRIL 14-30
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS BLACKBOX

CONTENT WARNING: This production includes strong sexual content, mental illness, self-harm, intentional self-injury, discussion of suicide, alcohol abuse, offstage gunshots, use of tobacco, and a realistic-looking firearm prop.

Anyone who needs suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or who has a loved one in crisis, can connect with a trained counselor by calling or texting 988 or clicking here.

CAST

Arkadina - Jill Rittinger

Treplyov - Philip Detrick

Nina - Jess Ruby

Trigorin - Jon Froehlich

Sorin - David Munnell

Masha - Campbell McDade Clay

Polina - Erin Kate Howard

Dorn - Christopher C. Conway

Medvedenko - Rich Steele

Shamraev - Ted Wenskus

Yakov (U/S Treplyov) - Calvin Staropoli

CREW

Director - Carl Del Buono

Stage Manager - Kate Duprey

Assistant Stage Managers - Adam Urbanic & Shannon Toot

Production Manager - Jordyn Owen

Intimacy Coordinator - Sara Penner

Scenic/Lighting Designer - Brodie McPherson

Light Board Op - Noah Morris

Costume Designer - Kendall Del Buono

Sign Language Interpreters - Diego Navarro, Gabby Kovaluskie, Zoe Seal & Julie Gross

Publicity - Susan Murad & Emily Putnam

Production Photographer - Thomas Mundell/Mundell Modern Pixels

Poster - Sean Britton-Milligan

ABOUT THE CAST

JILL RITTINGER is thrilled to join The Company Theatre for The Seagull. A partial list of acting credits include Henrietta Swan Leavitt in Silent Sky, Orsino in Twelfth Night, Catherine in Proof, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, the title role in Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh, Katharine Hepburn in the one-woman show: Tea at Five in both 2007, and 2011, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, (Blackfriars Theatre) Candy Starr in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, (JCC Centerstage) David Bowie in the staged reenactment of Bowie’s arrest in Rochester in 1976: Bowie Goes to Jail, (Eggwork Productions) Anna in Closer, Angel and Others in Angels in America: Millenium Approaches, Tallulah Bankhead, in Something Cloudy, Something Clear, (Method Machine) Colette in The Hostage, (Rochester Irish Players) Amy in Amy’s View (Shipping Dock Theatre) and Miss Fischer in A Picasso with John Hertzler (Geva Theatre Center Play Reading). Recent commercial credits include: URMC, I Love New York, Planned Parenthood, Nick at Nite, and a campaign spot for Monroe County Executive, Adam Bello. Her voice may be heard in training and travel videos worldwide. Education: SUNY Fredonia-Theatre Arts, Circle in the Square Theatre School, NYC-Acting Intensive. A proud graduate of the Masters in Adolescent Inclusive Education program at Nazareth College, she has taught in both Rochester and New York City. She is currently pursuing training in Intimacy Coordination for Stage and Film with IDC. She lends her time as the Victor Primary School Building Leader for The Spot, an organization providing free snacks, clothing and school supplies to students. www.thespotny.org

Gratitude to her Boys, and to Carl for his belief in possibility, and Love.

PHILIP DETRICK is beyond words over his luck to have been involved in this show with these people. Rochester credits include: Harvey Marshall in The Wisdom of Eve with The Company Theatre, Arthur de Bourgh in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Princeton/Rod in Avenue Q and Ensemble in The Rocky Horror Show at Blackfriars Theatre, Antony in Antony and Cleopatra with RCP at The Highland Bowl, Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing and Shawn Keogh in Playboy of the Western World with RCP at MuCCC, and Ensemble in Geva's A Christmas Carol. Philip would like to thank his three cats Lucky, Dusty, and Ned for supporting him in his nightly theatrical endeavors.

JESS RUBY (she/her) is delighted to be making her Company Theatre debut alongside a tremendously talented cast and crew. In addition to being her second Rochester production, The Seagull also happens to be one of her all-time favorite plays. Most recently, Jess appeared in Blackfriars’ production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley as Elizabeth Darcy. In 2021 she graduated from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia with her BFA in Musical Theatre. Her past credits also include Lilith and Her Demons (Lilith) and All That’s Left (Girty), both original works at UArts, as well as Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Our Town (Emily Webb), and City of Angels (Gabby/Bobbi) with Porch Light Productions. Jess currently works at a local record store and is also fond of reading, hoarding yarn, and vintage fashion. She’d sincerely like to thank her husband, Alex, her parents, family, friends, and most importantly her dog, Cowboy, for endlessly cheering her on.

JON FROEHLICH is an actor, director, teacher, and writer recently transplanted to the Rochester area. He is co-founder and co-artistic director of Infinite Spark Theater Company, whose debut production premiered at Geva Theatre Centre as part of the Rochester Fringe Festival.

Before moving to Rochester, Jon lived in New York City, where he was co-founding member and artistic director of experimental theater company, Cloud of Fools, for whom he wrote, directed, acted, and led the training program. The company’s 7 productions played in NYC, and toured regionally.

He was also a founding company member of Niky Wolcz’s Theatre Kuden, with whom he performed Shakespeare, Commedia dell’Arte, Moliere, Calderon, Gertrude Stein, and original work in NYC, Germany, Italy, and Puerto Rico.

His commercial acting career included performances in independent, regional, and off-Broadway theaters, along with frequent collaborations with sister companies Caborca (Distant Star, Hamlet), Stolen Chair (The Man Who Laughs, Potion, Kill Me Like You Mean It), and Dangerous Ground (Paris Belongs to Us, Solaris), and others.

Before his move to Rochester, Jon taught movement and acting at Pace University, The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, and Columbia University’s MFA Acting program. Currently, he teaches Movement for Actors at the University at Buffalo.

MFA Columbia University.

Jon is excited to make his debut with The Company Theatre, and dedicates his performance to his fierce Margo Crane, his fiery Popova.

DAVID MUNNELL is very excited to have this opportunity to work with one of Rochester’s most electrifying new theatre groups, The Company Theatre. This will be Mr. Munnell’s second time on stage since COVID, having performed the role of Picasso in Out of Pocket’s production of A Picasso at MUCCC in the fall of 2021. Prior to COVID, local audiences may recall Mr. Munnell’s work in the roles of Shelly in Glengarry Glen Ross, Willy in Death of a Salesman, and Robert in Proof (all at Blackfriars). In addition, one of Mr. Munnell’s favorite roles was Bev in the JCC Centerstage production of August: Osage County. In 2020, Mr. Munnell retired as the Director of the Theatre Program at RIT. Nowadays, in addition to staying involved in the local theatre community, he and his wife Micheline are enjoying retirement: sailing, gardening, traveling, and playing with their dog, Gracie.

CAMPBELL MCDADE CLAY (she/her) is beyond thrilled to be making her Company Theatre debut. She is a proud alumna of the University at Buffalo, where she earned a BFA in Theatre Performance. Recent credits include Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Mary Bennet), Pipeline (Laurie), Everybody (Everybody, non-lottery), Julius Caesar (Cassius), and 45 Plays for 45 Presidents (George H. W. Bush, Benjamin Franklin). Special thanks to her family, Juan, Frieda, and Timiyah.

ERIN KATE HOWARD - is delighted to be joining The Company Theatre for her second time after having performed in Richard II in the fall. You may have also recently seen her in other productions with RCP's Antony and Cleopatra (Cleopatra) and Measure for Measure (Duke). JCC Centerstage as Tracy Jones in the world premiere of Stephen Kaplan’s Tracy Jones and in the regional premiere of Gloria: A Life in the role of Gloria Steinem. At Blackfriars Theatre: Silent Sky (Annie Jump Cannon), Twelfth Night (Olivia). Erin-Kate has an MFA in acting from Catholic University of America. Local work includes: Out of Pocket Production’s The Language Archive (Mary), Grace (Sarah) and The Shadow Box (Maggie); Method Machine’s Angels in America: Perestroika (The Angel); Lady Parts Theatre Co’s The Revolutionists (Olympe), The Drowning Girls (Margaret) and Exit, Pursued By a Bear (Nan).

CHRISTOPHER C. CONWAY hails from rural, deep East Texas, and has appeared on stages in Houston, TX and Seattle, WA. Since relocating to Rochester in 2017, he has had the great good fortune to work with Blackfriars Theater (Glengarry Glen Ross); Out of Pocket (Yankee Tavern); JCC’s CenterStage (Indecent, Tracy Jones); Rochester Community Players (Much Ado About Nothing); University of Rochester’s International Theatre Program (The Crucible); and The Company Theatre (Cell Outs, Richard II). A few favorite past roles: Larry in Lanford Wilson’s Burn This, Roy Cohn in Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, Fagin in Oliver!, Moricet in the Feydeau farce 13 Rue de L'Amour, and Royce the Guard in Richard Steele’s Cell Outs. He’s tickled beyond words to be a part of this Chekhovian endeavor, and is as thrilled as all get-out to work with this amazingly talented and supportive team. Christopher is a proud member of The Company Theatre.

RICH STEELE is thrilled to be working again with The Company Theatre! He was recently seen as King Richard in Richard II. Other favorite roles include Benedick in RCP’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, Orin the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors at JCC. Rich is also the playwright of Cell Outs, a 1 act play which was produced by The Company Theatre at last year’s Fringe Fest. When he’s not onstage, you can find him teaching Theatre and Performing Arts at Eastridge High School. Rich would like to thank his cast mates for their energy and passion. He would also like to thank Carl, Kate, Kendall, and Jordyn for their warmth and dedication. Lastly, Rich would like to thank his parents, and his wonderful fiancé Amanda.

TED WENSKUS is a stage and voice actor from Rochester, NY. He has performed in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Judgment at Nuremberg, Hedda Gabbler, The Doctor’s Dilemma, and At Swim, Two Boys on stage and been featured in multi-cast productions of Dracula, Spring Awakening, and The Devil’s Disciple on audible.com. Ted is also a published playwright and has had works produced in Dubai, England, Australia, the Philippines, and throughout New York, earning a Theatre Association of New York State award for playwriting in the process. He is currently working on numerous writing, theatre, and radio drama projects (as always).

CALVIN STAROPOLI is thrilled to once again be working with the Company Theatre on this iconic play. He recently worked with them last year in their production Richard II where he played Aumerle. Other recent credits include Rochester Community Player's production of Antony & Cleopatra (Octavius Caesar), the Fringe Festival one-act play Cell Outs (Guard, Larry & Royce U/S), and OFC Creations’ A Golden Girls Christmas Carol (Various Characters). He also recently directed the murder mystery play Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine at OFC’s Old Farm Cafe. He graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 2020 with a BFA in Acting. He would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support, and for the Rochester theatre community for always being so kind and welcoming.

ABOUT THE CREW

CARL DEL BUONO - As one of the Founding Artistic Directors of The Company Theatre, Carl is committed to bringing audiences offerings of the highest level of artistic engagement, while also creating a holistic space for performers to explore, grow, and transcend. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, Carl has been a staple of theatres all over New York State, especially here in Rochester. As a director, his recent productions of Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (RCP), ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA (RCP), and the debut production of The Company Theatre, RICHARD II, have been lauded by critics and audiences alike for the passion and clarity of their vision and Carl’s fresh, sensitive approach to classic theatre.

KATE DUPREY - Being named after a Shakespearean character Kate really had no chance to escape the theatrical life. Growing up she acted in plays and musicals, before finally finding her forever role as a Stage Manager at 17. After graduating from SUNY Fredonia, she has moved around the area quite a bit, from Rochester to the Finger Lakes and back, plus some time spent as a Venue/Production Stage Manager onboard Celebrity Cruises. For the past several years she has been lucky enough to be consistently working as a freelance Stage Manager/Tech in and around Rochester. But now, she is incredibly excited to be starting this new venture with some amazing people and making this her home! As one of the founders and Executive Director of The Company Theatre she looks forward to sharing the highest quality of productions, the space to teach and discover new ways of presenting classic theatre, and drawing out the artistic talent that already resides in Rochester.

JORDYN OWEN - is very excited to be production managing her first production with The Company Theatre. Jordyn is new to the theater world and is looking forward to the new opportunities The Company Theatre will encounter. Jordyn’s background is in retail and emergency service work. She would like to thank the wonderful people on the board for welcoming her with open arms, her family and husband, Ged Owen, for their constant support and encouragement.

BRODIE MCPHERSON - 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!

KENDALL DEL BUONO (Costume Designer) is a local artist, costume designer and student of graphic design. Kendall worked as Production Assistant on RCP’s productions of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA as well as Costume Designer on The Company Theatre’s production of RICHARD II. Kendall is also making his way into the world of fashion design with a line of gender nonconforming clothing essentials called DEL BUONO with his husband, Carl. Kendall would like to send extra love and thanks to the cast, crew, and creative team of THE SEAGULL whose passion and dedication continue to inspire him every day.