










PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS
Presents
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PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS
Presents
Book by Douglas McGrath
Words and Music by Gerry Goffin & Carole King Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
Music by Arrangement with Sony Music Publishing
Orchestrations, Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements Steve Sidwell
Additional Music Arrangements by Jason Howland
Originally Produced on Broadway by Paul Blake Sony Music Publishing Mike Bosner
Scenic Designer ASHLEY CUSACK
Properties JOYCE BELITSKY
Production Stage Manager DENNIS TOLENTINO
Production Manager FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
Lighting Designer KYLE SANTOPADRE
Technical Specialist TOMÁS ALFONSO TORRES
Choreographer NICOLE CEBALLOS
Director JAMES GRAUSAM
Wig and Costume Designers JANNETTE (JSA) FISHER JOANNE PENROSE
Technical Director KYLE SANTOPADRE
Music Director MICHAEL GILCH
BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Season Sponsors: Circle Subaru
Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft
The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates
Show Sponsors: The Coleman Family 5 Centz, LLC
As.we.come.to.the.end.of.another.amazing.season,.I.can’t.help.but.refl.ect.on.what.a.year.it’s.been. here.at.the.Count.Basie.Center.and.for.our.community.theatre.company..
The Count Basie Center is celebrating its 100th.anniversary.and.we.can.only.imagine.the.stories. these.hallowed.walls.would.tell.if.they.could.speak.to.us...So.much.has.changed.for.our.community,. our.state,.and.certainly.popular.entertainment.during.the.Basie.Center’s.lifespan..Just.ponder. for a moment and imagine the tens of thousands of performers, both professional and amateur, who.have.tread.these.boards.to.entertain.millions.over.the.last.century,.and.how.so.much.has. transformed.within.those.times.–.from.music.styles,.comedy,.theatre,.technology,.lighting,.and. even.sound...That’s.what.makes.this.show,.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,.so.timely..
Between.1958.through.1971,.the.onset.of.rock.and.roll.created.a.volatile.period.for.music.and. popular.culture..Carole.King.wrote.“The.Locomotion”.and.“It’s.Too.Late”.during.this.time..Talk. about.two.wildly.different.songs.–.but.both.are.great.examples.of.pop.music,.perfectly.suited.for. its.time..
Carole.King.has.famously.said,.“Songs.help.us.connect.–.it’s.like.having.a.friend.in.the.room”..That’s. what.the.arts.do..They.unite.us.and.teach.us.that.despite.any.differences,.we.feel.the.same.things. when.the.right.chords.are.played.or.when.the.right.words.are.sung..
So.as.the.Count.Basie.Center.looks.toward.its.second.century,.I’m.proud.we’re.providing. opportunities.for.so.many.in.our.community,.our.county,.and.our.state.to.tell.these.stories,.to. sing.these.songs,.to.entertain.our.friends.and.neighbors….and.to.remind.everyone.that.we.share. the.same.feelings..We.were.so.fortunate.to.welcome.over.400.volunteers.and.engaged.over.100. professional.musicians.this.year.to.help.us.craft.some.brilliant.theatre.in.this.historic.building..And. we’re.looking.forward.to.kicking.off.our.next.season.this.summer.
Enjoy.the.show.
James Managing Artistic Director
Phoenix.Productions.at.the.Count.Basie.Center.for.the.Arts









Phoenix Productions would.like.to.thank.our.dedicated.cast,. staff.and.volunteers.that.worked.so.hard.to.make.our.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical show.a.success.

If.you’d.like.information.about.auditioning.for.a.future.show,. please visit our website at: www.PhoenixRedBank.com/auditions
























Carole King....................................................................................................... REAGAN WHITE
Gerry Goffin................................................................................................. SEAN OPENSHAW
Cynthia Weil...................................................................................................... JACKIE NUZZO
Barry Mann........................................................................................NICHOLAS BUONVICINO
Don Kirshner................................................................................................ JAMES MARHOLD
Genie Klein.................................................................................................... LEANNE DeCAMP
Dick Clark, Righteous Brother - Bill Medley............................MATTHEW ABRAHAM BASEN
“Yakity Yak” Singer, Neil Sedaka............................................................... STEVEN BELLOISE
“I Go Ape” Soloist, Bobby Vee............................................................................... ERIC BRÁS
Lead Drifter.......................................................................................... CHRISTOPHER CHERRY
Lead Shirelle - Shirley......................................................................................... DAISHA DAVIS
“Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” Singer............................................................. KATHLEEN ELLE
“Poison Ivy” and “Uptown” Soloist, The Shirelles......................... JANNETTE (JSA) FISHER
The Drifters...................................................................................... BRANDON GUILLEBEAUX
Janelle Woods TARA HINES
Little Eva KARI BELLE KING
Betty EMILY LAUGHERY
“There Goes My Baby” and “Be Bop a Lula” Soloist, Lou Adler.........................BILLY MILLS
The Shirelles................................................................................................. MIKAYLA NELSON
Lucille................................................................................................. ALEXANDRA OGRODNIK
“Yakity Yak” Singer, Righteous Brother - Bobby Hatfield........................ CASEY OKAMOTO
Marilyn Wald..........................................................................................................HOPE REYES
“Love Potion No. 9” and Lead Diamond Soloist, Nick.................... ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO
The Drifters..................................................................................................................TRINIRAY
The Shirelles.................................................................................................... J’NEY UPLINGER
“Splish Splash” Soloist, The Drifters........................................... COREY CORTEZ VAN HUFF
“Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” Singer ALEXA WESSEL
“Stupid Cupid” Soloist HAYLI B. WOLKOWITZ
Dance Captain: ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO
For Carole King: EMILY LAUGHERY, for Don Kirshner: BILLY MILLS, for Cynthia Weil: HAYLI B. WOLKOWITZ

Production Manager FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
Director......................................................................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM
Choreographer............................................................................................. NICOLE CEBALLOS
Music Director................................................................................................. MICHAEL GILCH
Technical Director / Lighting Designer.................................................... KYLE SANTOPADRE
Technical Specialist........................................................................TOMÁS ALFONSO TORRES
Scenic Designer / Scenic Charge.................................................................. ASHLEY CUSACK
Costume Designer JOANNE PENROSE
Wig Designer JANNETTE (JSA) FISHER
Properties JOYCE BELITSKY
Sound Design............................................ ZACK TENETY - ACIR, FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ
Production Stage Manager..................................................................... DENNIS TOLENTINO
Assistant Production Manager...................................................................AMANDA MUNICE
Assistant Stage Managers.......................................................... BECCA WYCOFF, LIZ ZABAT
Carpenter................................................................................................................. ZACK BLISS
Stage Crew....................................... JACK HADDEN, MANNY JEAN-PIERRE, JASON KATZ, ELENA WORTON, STEFANIE WORTON
Scenic Crew MEGAN ARNOLD, JESSICA COGAN, STEPHANIE FAZZOLARI, TARA HINES, DONNA HUNT, PAT KAY, DANA JILL MALEY, BILLY MILLS, SHEA ROBERTS, LISA SIKO, BECCA WYCOFF
Costume Crew.............................. RYANE BONDI, DONA COFFEY, FRANKIE CONFALONE, DESIREE DAVENPORT, MARIAN ENNY, STEPHANIE MALEWSKI
Audition Monitors............................................. TOM HESSMAN, DANIEL LAVIE-HOROVITZ, DANA JILL MALEY, PAT MALIWAT, STEPHANIE SCHOPPE, KEIRA SULLIVAN
Managing Artistic Director.......................................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM
Special Thanks
COUNT BASIE CENTER MARKETING DEPARTMENT, DIANE DiYANNI, TOM MARTINI, TOM O’BRIEN, JOHN POSADA, JOE WAJDA
Conductor/Keyboard 1.................................................................................. MICHAEL GILCH
Bass...................................................................................................................... PAUL CUFFARI
Drums........................................................................................................... CHRISTIAN LOPEZ
Guitar 1....................................................................................................................... RAY SUHY
Guitar 2.................................................................................................................. JOSH SIEGEL
Keyboard 2............................................................................................................. KARA LEIGH
Keyboard 3 TEDDY KERNIZAN
Reed 1 MITCHELL MARTIN
Reed 2............................................................................................................... TESSA O’BOYLE
Trombone........................................................................................................ OSCAR MENDEZ
Trumpet.................................................................................. GABRIEL GILCH, JOE GULLACE






































ABOVE GROUND
TUBS
SEMI IN-GROUND AND IN-GROUND POOLS
SoVonna.Day-Goins.(Co-Chair)
Sarah.Bradley
Jerry.Conaty
Natalie.Hayes-Scott
Tom.Hessman
Nancy.Karpf
Joe.Wajda.(Co-Chair)
Fran.Centofante.Katz
Maria Maher
James.Marhold
Adam Philipson
Izzy.Sackowitz
Jarrod.Scott
Dennis Tolentino
Fran.Turner
Jon.Vena
Anthony.Viera
Darrell.L..Willis
Jeremy Grunin Chairperson
Jerry Conaty Treasurer
Robin Klein Governance Officer
Stuart Alderoty
Mitch Ansell
Alison Banks-Moore
Tom Bernard
Sarah Bradley
Michael Bruno
Heather Burke
Craig Cummings
Stephen Cutler
Lauren Goldfarb
Maria Maher Co-Vice Chairperson
SoVonna Day-Goins Co-Secretary
Claudia Dulac Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Maggie Riker Co-Vice Chairperson
Delisha Grant Co-Secretary
Adam Philipson President & Chief Executive Officer, Ex Officio
Carlina Jessen
Jason Jurgens
Steve Kaiman
Nancy Karpf
Marshall Knopf
Kathryn Lissy
Mario Monello
Michael Parent
Cathy Pugliese-Sivo
Mark Rohl


Peter T. Roselle
Matthew J. Saker
Dr. Perry Scaranni
Carol Stillwell
Fran Turner
Joe Wajda
Tom Widener
Darrell Lawrence Willis
Kaye Wise
Edward J. Zipprich


































“So Far Away”...................................................................................................... Carole King
“Oh! Carol”........................................................................................................... Neil Sedaka
“1650 Medley”.........................................................................................................Ensemble
“It Might as Well Rain Until September”........................................................... Carole King
“September Playoff”.............................................................................................. Bobby Vee
“Be Bop a Lula”.............................................................................................................. Singer
“Some Kind of Wonderful”..............Carole King, Gerry Goffin, The Drifters, and Ensemble
“Happy Days / Cynthia”...................................................................................... Cynthia Weil
“My Little Darlin’ Carole”.................. Lead Diamond Soloist, The Drifters, and Neil Sedaka
“Take Good Care of My Baby”................................................ Gerry Goffin and Carole King
“Who Put the Bomp”............................................................................................ Barry Mann
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”.................................................................. Carole King
“He’s Sure the Boy I Love”...................................................... Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”................................................................... The Shirelles
“Up on the Roof”.................................................................................................. The Drifters
“On Broadway”..................................................................................................... The Drifters
“The Locomotion”............................................................................ Little Eva and Ensemble
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’“....... Barry Mann, The Righteous Brothers, and Ensemble
“One Fine Day”.................................................................... Janelle Woods and The Shirelles
“One Fine Day (Reprise)”.................................................................................... Carole King
THERE WILL BE ONE 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION.
“Where You Lead / Entr’acte”................................................................................ Orchestra
“Chains”......................................................................................... Carole King and Ensemble
“Walking in the Rain”............................................................... Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil
“Pleasant Valley Sunday”.................................... Marilyn Wald, Gerry Goffin, and Ensemble
“We Gotta Get Out of This Place”....................................................................... Barry Mann
“Will You Still Love Me (Reprise)”....................................................................... Carole King
“Uptown”..................................................................................................................Ensemble
“It’s Too Late”............................................................................... Carole King and Ensemble
“You’ve Got a Friend”................. Carole King, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Don Kirshner
“Tapestry”............................................................................................................. Carole King
“You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” Carole King and Ensemble
“Beautiful” Carole King and Company
“Bows (I Feel the Earth Move)” Carole King and Company
WARNING: THIS PERFORMANCE UTILIZES STROBE LIGHTING AND THEATRICAL HAZE.


Circle Subaru - Joe.&.Nicole.Wajda Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft
The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates - Jon.&.Jade.D’Agostino
The Coleman Family 5 Centz, LLC
ANGEL LEVEL: $1,000-$1,999
Joseph.Ercolino
RISING STAR LEVEL: $500-$999
Chris.Adamo,.John.Jackson,.Stephanie.Malewski,.Diane.Tresente
PATRON LEVEL: $250-$499
Dennis Tolentino
FAN LEVEL: Up to $249
Dianne.C..Asay,.Joyce.Barnett,.In.memory.of.Al.Bevacqua,.Jayne.Cybulski,. Elizabeth.Dean,.Judith.&.William.Fraser,.Kenneth.Groeschel,.Gloria.Gross,.Lorraine.Lawson,. Debra.Marsh,.Leah.Moskowitz,.Anthony.Petrizzo,.Carol.Petscavage,.Donna.Pinamonti,. Albert.Reher,.Barbara.Saake
STARS ON PHOENIX’S “WALK OF DREAMS”
Todd.Aikens,.Andrea.Andrews.Zawadzky,.Matthew.Blankley,.Grace.Brancato,.Brothers.Commercial.Brokerage,. The.Brown.Family,.Chloe.Carone,.Erin.O’Malley.Chiaravalloti,.Sarah.Coleman,.Liz.&.Randy.Cooper,.Sophie.Creed, The.Cullen.Family,.The.D’Agostino.Family,.Mike.&.Betty.Ann.Dalberg,.Bobby.Davis,.Lily.DelPresto, In.Memory.of.Mildred.&.Patrick.DeLuca,.Tina.&.Mike.DeVito,.Denise.DiBona.DDS,.The.Dobbs.Family, Hudson.Eder.&.Jo.Wymer.Music.Studios,.Joe.Ercolino.&.Melvin.Polisher,.FILCO.Red.Bank, Immediate.Care.Medical.Walk-In.&.CEO.Sal.Cannizzaro,.In.Memory.of.Jakob.Franke,.Bob.Fuller,.Carmen.Gemellaro, Kayla.Goins,.Jennifer.Grasso,.James.Grausam,.Anthony.Greco,.Keegan.Robert.Haack,.Holly.Hankins.&.Family, Don.&.Lois.Heirman,.Thomas.K..Hessman,.Taylor.Nicole.Kaplan,.Nancy.Karpf,.Fran.Centofante.Katz, Sydney.&.Jason.Katz,.Zoe.&.Molly.Kenney,.George.&.Kelly.Kerrick,.The.Kinneman.Family,.The.LaRue.Family, James,.Kathleen.&.Patrick.Marhold,.The.Martini.Family,.In.Loving.Memory.of.Pat.Mercandetti, The.Monteleone.Family,.Jillian.Mueller,.Scott.Naef,.The.Nodes.Family,.Don.Olah.Hair/Wigs,.Alexa.Origlio, Christine.Paccillo,.Wayne,.Daniel.&.Marisa.Peck,.The.Pennington.Family,.Joanne.Penrose,.Red.Oak.Mortgage, The.Regan.Family,.Remember.Jones,.Lily.Grace.Riddle,.Kara.Robertelli,.Harper.Robinson,.The.Robinson.Family, The.Scherzo.Family,.Haley.&.Chris.Schmalbach,.Thomas.Scove,.The.Sheftel.Family,.Carl.Sterling.Smith, Jack.&.Joyce.Sica,.The.Stefanelli.Family,.The.Thorner.Family,.Mary.Jo.Tort-Bergeron, Carol.Wade,.The.Wagar.Family,.Ellen.&.Michael.Walsh,.Amanda.Winter,.Lindsay.Wood, Chip.&.Ilda.Wood,.World.Subaru














REAGAN WHITE (Carole King) is.thrilled.to.be.back.at.Phoenix.after. making.her.debut.in.Jesus Christ Superstar.. Previous credits: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.(Betty,.Axelrod.PAC),. Spring Awakening.(Ilse,.Premier.Theatre.Company),. Hair (Sheila,. Livingston.Theatre.Company), Spring Awakening (Wendla,. Cabaret.Theatre),. Hands on a Hardbody.(Norma,.NENA. Productions),. Night of the Living Dead (Betty.Lou/Others,. Exit.82.Theatre)..By.day,.she.is.a.public.librarian,.graduate. student, and proud Jeopardy! loser..Endless.gratitude.to. everyone.at.Phoenix.and.all.my.love.to.Mom,.Dad,.and.the. boys..Special.thanks.to.Lindsay!

MATTHEW ABRAHAM BASEN
(Dick Clark, Righteous BrotherBill Medley, Ensemble) is.eager.to.be.back.on.the.Phoenix.stage.. With.a.B.A..in.Theater.Arts.from.Rowan. University,.his.previous.credits.include:.Parade (Tom.Watson,.Pixie.Dust.Players),. Evil Lives Here.(Joel),. Fiddler on the Roof.(Perchik,.Phoenix.Productions),.Diary of A Wimpy Kid.(Rowley.Jefferson,.Main.Street.Theater),.Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Crown Jewel.(Watson,. Sherlock.u/s).and.more...He.would.like.to.thank.his.friends,. family,.coworkers.and.clients.for.all.their.support.

STEVEN BELLOISE
(“Yakity Yak” Singer, Neil Sedaka, Ensemble) is.just.happy.to.be.here..He.hopes.he.can. help.the.ball.club..Favorite.past.credits. include: A Christmas Carol.(Fred/Marley’s. Ghost,.First.Flight.Theatre.Co.),. Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.(Ensemble,.Muhlenberg.College). and Dogfight.(Fector,.Streetlight.Collective)..

ERIC BRÁS
(“I Go Ape” Soloist, Bobby Vee, Ensemble) is.super.excited.to.be.back.at.the.Count.Basie. Center.for.the.Arts.for.Phoenix.Productions’. presentation of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical..The.Count.Basie.is.like.a.second.home.to.him.and. he.is.always.happy.to.be.onstage.under.the.light.of.the. chandelier..His.other.credits.include:. Oklahoma!.(Jud.Fry),. Evil Dead The Musical.(Evil.Eddie),. Company (Andy),.and. Kinky Boots (Richard.Bailey,.u/s.Don)..He.would.like.to.thank. his.family.and.friends.for.always.coming.to.support.him.

NICHOLAS BUONVICINO
(Barry Mann)
is.thrilled.to.be.back.with.Phoenix.Productions. in.this.amazing.company.of. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical!.Nicholas.was.last.seen. on.the.Basie.stage.as.Mark.Cohen.in. RENT!. Recent credits: Mary Poppins.(Bert,.Villagers.Theatre),. Titanic The Musical.(Frederick.Barrett,.Trilogy.Repertory),.Green Day’s American Idiot (Johnny,.Bound.Brook.Arts.Center),.Memphis (u/s.Huey,.Ensemble;.Playhouse.22)..Outside.of.theatre,. Nicholas.is.a.member.of.the.Barbershop.Harmony.Society.. Nicholas.would.like.to.thank.James,.Mike,.Nicole,.the.cast. &.crew,.his.family,.friends.&.his.beautiful.wife.Diana.for.their. continued.love.&.support!.Instagram/TikTok:.@nbuonvicino

CHRISTOPHER CHERRY
(Lead Drifter, Ensemble)
is.so.excited.to.be.performing.in.their.fi.rst. Phoenix.production!.Their.favorite.roles. include: RENT.(Collins,.Connelly.Theater),. Dog Man.(George,.National.Tour),.and.most. recently,. Parade.(Jim.Conley,.Pixie.Dust.Players)...Cherry. has.performed.alongside.talents.such.as.Cynthia.Erivo. (Elsie.Fest),.Norm.Lewis.and.Sherie.Rene.Scott.(Jazz.at. Lincoln.Center)..Cherry.also.has.performed.at.music.venues. in.NYC.such.as.Green.Room.42,.54.Below.and.Joe’s.Pub.

DAISHA DAVIS
(Lead Shirelle - Shirley, Ensemble) is.so.excited.to.return.to.the.Count.Basie. stage!.She.recently.played.the.role.of. Aquata.in.Phoenix’s. Disney’s The Little Mermaid..Daisha.is.a.B.A..Theatre.Graduate. (Kean.University).and.a.Performing.Arts.Teacher.in.her. hometown.of.Newark,.NJ..Other.recent.credits.include:. Urinetown.(Becky.Two.Shoes,.MAC.Players),. Hairspray (Motormouth.Maybelle,.MAC.Players),. The Color Purple.(Nettie,.Phoenix.Productions),. Memphis (Felicia,. Playhouse.22),. Seussical (Sour.Kangaroo,.Light.Opera. of.NJ),. Ragtime.(Sarah’s.Friend,.Phoenix.Productions).. Daisha.would.like.to.thank.her.friends,.family,.and.fellow. cast.members.for.all.their.love.and.support.

LEANNE DeCAMP (Genie Klein)
was last seen on the Count Basie stage dancing.like.a.wild.Rocker.Chick.in. Phoenix’s.Gala.Performance.of. Jesus Christ Superstar!.She.was.then.seen.in. Anastasia (Dowager.Empress,.Spring.Lake.Theatre).and. Nine (Mama.Magdelena,.Playhouse.22)..This.is.her.11th. Phoenix.production..Highlights.include:. Ragtime.(Emma. Goldman),.The Addams Family.(Grandma),.The Wizard of Oz.(Wicked.Witch),. The Wedding Singer.(Rosie)..A.huge. thank.you.to.James.Grausam,.everyone.at.Phoenix,.and. all.her.family.and.friends.for.their.love.and.support..And. please,.as.Carole.would.say:.“Get.up.every.morning.and. show.the.world.all.the.love.in.your.heart.”



(“Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” Singer, Ensemble) is.excited.to.make.her.Phoenix. Productions/Count.Basie.Center.for.the. Arts.debut.alongside.such.a.talented,.kind. cast.and.crew!.She’s.especially.grateful.to.her.family.and. friends.for.their.support.as.she.makes.this.unexpected. return.to.the.stage.after.10.years..Like.Carole,.Kathleen. is.a.singer-songwriter.and.recording.artist..Her.latest. album, Memory Lane, was recorded at Nashville’s iconic Blackbird.Studio.and.has.already.surpassed.2.million. streams.online!.She.hopes.the.next.time.she’s.on.this. stage,.it.might.be.for.her.own.original.music.show..Learn. more.and.follow.her.journey.at.KathleenElle.com.or. @kathleen_e11e.on.socials!

JANNETTE (JSA) FISHER
(“Poison Ivy” and “Uptown” Soloist, The Shirelles, Ensemble)
is thrilled to be in Phoenix’s production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. This will be her 6th production with the company, with other credits including: Hair (Dionne, CDC), The Color Purple (Squeak, Phoenix Productions), Kinky Boots (Lauren, Phoenix Productions), and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine, Phoenix Productions). As a client with Kreative Talent Agency, she hopes to explore and expand on her skill set and opportunities. Thank you to the cast, crew, and Phoenix Productions.

BRANDON GUILLEBEAUX
(The Drifters, Ensemble) is happy to be returning to the stage with Phoenix Productions after performing in Phoenix’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Winward, u/s King Triton) and Kinky Boots Lola).

TARA HINES
(Janelle Woods, Ensemble) is elated to be making her debut with Phoenix Productions! Her recent credits include: Althea and Angela (Althea, Playhouse 22), The Cake (Macy, Playhouse 22), and If/Then (Elena, Playhouse 22). She would like to thank all the talented, “Beautiful” people involved in the making of this show for their welcoming spirit, diligent work, and encouragement. Thank you to her family, friends, and partner Billy Mills for all of their love. Thank you all and enjoy the show!

KARI BELLE KING
(Little Eva, Ensemble)
is ecstatic to be making her Phoenix Productions debut in Beautiful. She is a Nashville native and a sophomore attending Rider University getting her BFA in Musical Theater. Her past credits include: Sweet Charity (Big Daddy, Southeastern Summer Theater Institute), Mean Girls (Gretchen Wieners, Hendersonville Performing Arts Company), Hairspray (Little Inez, Sumner County Theater Company) and many more. She would like to thank the Phoenix Productions team for this amazing opportunity and her parents and her sisters for their unwavering support. She hopes you enjoy Beautiful: The Carol King Musical! Choo Choo!

EMILY LAUGHERY
(Betty, Ensemble, u/s Carole King) is thrilled to be back for her second Phoenix production—this time, on land, after previously working “under the sea” in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Allana, Phoenix Productions). No fins required for this one. She’s beyond grateful to this amazing cast and creative team for making every moment so special. A proud Berklee College of Music alum, she is deeply thankful for the mentors who have shaped her along the way. Much love to her family and friends for their endless support. @_emilylaugheryI

JAMES MARHOLD (Don Kirshner) has been a performer, Director, and Production Manager at Phoenix for over 35 years! Credits include: Legally Blonde (Callahan), Ragtime (Father), 1776 (Adams), Camelot (King Arthur), Elf the Musical (Santa), Disney’s Newsies (Roosevelt), and Mamma Mia! (Bill). Thanks to Kathy and Patrick for their love and support!

BILLY MILLS
(“There Goes My Baby” and “Be Bop a Lula” Soloist, Lou Adler, Ensemble, u/s Don Kirshner) is elated to make his debut with Phoenix! Credits: If/Then (David), Grease (Roger), Forum (Miles Gloriosus). Billy owns a private therapy practice & creates mental health content (@counselor.will) to combat stigma. He extends gratitude to the entire team for being welcoming & to James & Michael for the opportunity to sing the music that raised him. He’s proud to work with this talented cast but especially to be debuting here alongside his stunning partner, Tara! Billy sends all the love to his family & his parents for raising him on “good” music (mostly). Enjoy the show!

MIKAYLA NELSON
(The Shirelles, Ensemble)
is very excited to be making her Count Basie Center for the Arts mainstage debut, especially with this cast! She wants to thank them and Phoenix Productions for a warm welcome & all of their hard work. In addition to performing, she also loves to cook & try new recipes. She recently took 3rd place at her job’s 1st chili cook-off and cake bake-off! She would also like to thank her friends & family for their continued support of her in the arts, and hopes they enjoy the show!

JACKIE NUZZO
(Cynthia Weil)
is thrilled to be making her Phoenix Productions debut in this dream role and to be sharing the stage with her new sister-inlaw, Kathleen! Professional credits: Sistas the Musical (Off Broadway), Elf the Musical (National Tour), Disney Cruise Line & Norwegian Cruise Line. NJ theater credits include: Joseph… (Narrator), Avenue Q (Kate Monster), Freaky Friday (Katherine Blake), and The Prom (DeeDee Allen). Offstage, Jackie is a top producing realtor, consistently recognized among the top agents in the region. This one is for Mom & Dad, who made sure the soundtrack of my childhood was the good stuff. @jackie_nuzzo

ALEXANDRA OGRODNIK
(Lucille, Ensemble)
has climbed out of her usual seat in the orchestra and back on stage for her second role with Phoenix! A regular violinist here since 2018, past pit credits include: Fiddler…, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, Young Frankenstein, Songs for a New World Alex’s Phoenix acting debut was Hair (Jeanie, dir. Remember Jones, 2022). Alex is a graduate of Montclair State University (B.Mus. Violin Performance, Minor Musical Theatre, MAT Music Education). She’s a proud North Brunswick orchestra and theater teacher (Go Raiders!!), and has the best family, friends, colleagues, and students you could ask for. Mom and Dad: thanks for raising me right - especially musically.

CASEY OKAMOTO
(“Yakity Yak” Singer, Righteous Brother - Bobby Hatfield, Ensemble)
has been in over 40 shows here at Phoenix since 2009, both on-stage and backstage. Favorite roles here: Spamalot (Patsy), Guys and Dolls (Big Julie), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Lefou). He was also in the choir for The Hunchback of Notre Dame (American Premiere, Paper Mill Playhouse). Thank you to this talented cast, crew, and staff for this opportunity. Thank you also to his family, fiancé (soon to be wife), and friends for their continuous support.

SEAN OPENSHAW
(Gerry Goffin)
is thrilled to return to Phoenix Productions after a 15-year hiatus, making this experience especially meaningful. He is excited to be part of Beautiful and to take the stage as one half of the iconic Goffin and King songwriting team. Sean extends his heartfelt thanks to the incredible production staff, James, Michael, Nicole, Dennis, and Fran, for their guidance, support, and dedication throughout the process. He hopes you enjoy the show and that it leaves you feeling “some kind of wonderful.”

(Marilyn Wald, Ensemble)
is ecstatic to be returning to the Count Basie stage for Phoenix’s production of Beautiful! She is a born and raised NJ based performer with a BFA in Dance from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts. Her performance credits include: Kinky Boots (Angel, Phoenix Productions), Rent (Alexi Darling, Ensemble; Algonquin Arts Theatre), Disney’s Mary Poppins (Valentine, Ensemble; Villagers Theatre), and Into The Woods (Milky White, Perth Amboy Community Theatre). Hope is incredibly grateful to her family and friends for their support.

ARIEL SANCHEZ-BELLO
(“Love Potion No. 9” and Lead Diamond Soloist, Nick, Ensemble, Dance Captain)
is thrilled to be returning to the Basie stage, but not in a gold, skin tight full body suit (sorry to those who wanted that). Previous Phoenix credits include: Rent (Gordon, u/s Mark), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Goldfish, u/s Prince Eric), West Side Story (Pepe), and Legally Blonde (Nikos Argitakos, u/s Emmett). Ariel would like to thank NJ Transit for doing absolutely nothing but adding more stress to his life; much appreciated. Ariel will be selling “Love Potion No.9” after the show! Enjoy the performance!

is a musical theatre artist who loves to sing, act, and dance. He graduated from the CUNY program as a Musical Theatre major and is looking to make it on Broadway. He loves to use his talents to inspire and entertain people. His daily motto is to “live, love, and laugh”.

J’NEY UPLINGER
(The Shirelles, Ensemble)
is delighted to be returning to Phoenix in this production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. She studied under Juilliard professor/Director Donald Read. She was chosen to perform with Carnegie Hall’s City Wide Arts and recorded classical to contemporary worship. J’ney is currently a teacher for Music Together, a worship leader at Grace Church, and a wife and mother of four. Her credits include: Ragtime (Harlem Ensemble), Carousel (Nettie Fowler), Smokey Joe’s Café (Brenda), Hairspray (The Dynamites), and Dream Girls (Charlene). She credits her family and friends for their continued encouragement.

COREY CORTEZ VAN HUFF
(“Splish Splash” Soloist, The Drifters, Ensemble)
is an actor and vocalist based out of Neptune City. While he is no stranger to the Basie, this is his first Phoenix Productions show! Previous shows include: The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon, McDaniel College), Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding (Barry Wheeler and other roles, Various Venues), and Black Nativity (The Narrator, Dunbar Repertory Company, Count Basie Center for the Arts). He’s very excited to bring the music of Ms. King to life and to be onstage with such talented individuals. He dedicates this performance to Joseph L. Ruffini.

ALEXA WESSEL
(“Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” Singer, Ensemble)
is thrilled to be returning to the Count Basie stage with Phoenix Productions in the cast of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical! Some of Alexa’s previous credits include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ensemble, Phoenix Productions), Pippin (Fastrada, Queen’s Court Company), and Into the Woods (Rapunzel, Queen’s Court Company). She is currently in her final year of undergraduate studies at Rutgers University where she is studying English literature and Korean language. She would like to thank Phoenix Productions, her incredibly talented fellow cast mates, the wonderful production team, and her friends and family for their love and support!

HAYLI B. WOLKOWITZ
(“Stupid Cupid” Soloist, Ensemble, u/s Cynthia Weil) is thrilled to return to the Basie stage after over a decade. Previous credits include: Parade, Spring Awakening (MMP NYC), the pre-Broadway workshop of Warsaw The Musical Other favorites: Tom Sawyer (NJACT nomination, Best Actress in a Musical), Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph … Dreamcoat, and The Sound of Music (Phoenix Productions); High School Musical (Villagers Theatre); Evita, Jekyll & Hyde. To my incredible support system—Mom, Dad, Michael, Chelsea, Lindsey, and Sam—I am endlessly thankful for your love and encouragement. Sincere thanks to the wonderful creative team for this opportunity to return—I am so grateful! This one’s for you, Big Shirl!
DOUGLAS McGRATH (Book)
was a filmmaker and playwright. Most recently, he directed the HBO documentary “Becoming Mike Nichols.” He collaborated with Woody Allen on the screenplay for Bullets Over Broadway, for which they were nominated for an Academy Award. He wrote and directed the Oscar-winning Emma from the Jane Austen novel; Company Man; Charles Dickens’s Nicholas Nickleby, which won the Best Ensemble Cast from the National Board of Review; Infamous; and the HBO documentary, “His Way,” nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Nonfiction Special. His play, Checkers, opened the 30th anniversary season of New York’s acclaimed Vineyard Theatre. His book for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards. He began his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live in what was incontestably the worst year in the show’s history. He has written essays on the arts and politics for The New Republic, The New Yorker, The Nation, The New York Times, and Vanity Fair Douglas McGrath passed away on November 4, 2022.
GERRY GOFFIN (Words and Music)
Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Gerry Goffin met Carole King at Queens College, and their musical collaboration began almost immediately. They married in 1959, and that same year wrote their first hit song, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” (The Shirelles). The duo penned more than 50 Top-40 hits including “The Locomotion”, “Natural Woman”, and “Up on the Roof”. In 1987, Goffin and King were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Goffin has left an indelible mark on American music.
CAROLE KING (Words and Music)
Pop music would be very different without the contributions of Carole King, who at age 17 wrote her first #1 hit with Gerry Goffin, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?,” for the Shirelles. The dozens of chart hits Goffin and King wrote during this period became legendary, but it was 1971’s Tapestry that took King to the pinnacle, speaking personally to her contemporaries and providing a spiritual musical backdrop to the decade. More than 400 of her compositions have been recorded by over 1,000 artists, resulting in 100 hit singles and six Grammys.
BARRY MANN (Words and Music)
has written the melodies of some of the most influential pop songs in musical history. In addition to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”, the most-played song of the last century, and the songs heard in Beautiful, he composed later standards like “Somewhere Out There” (winner of two Grammys), “Here You Come Again”, “Sometimes When We Touch”, “Just Once”, and “Don’t Know Much”. Together he and Cynthia Weil have amassed an incredible 112 pop, country, and R&B awards from Broadcast Music Inc. for significant radio air play. He has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
CYNTHIA WEIL (Words and Music)
was the acclaimed lyricist of classic songs such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”, the most-played song of the 20th century. In addition to the songs heard in Beautiful, she set the words to later standards including “Somewhere Out There”, “Here You Come Again”, “He’s So Shy”, “Just Once”, and “Don’t Know Much” to name just a few. Weil was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honored with multiple Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards for “Somewhere Out There” as the Motion Pictures Song of the Year and Song of the Year. Weil passed away on June 1, 2023.
“Be Bop a Lula” by Tex Davis and Gene Vincent. Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI) and Three Wise Boys Music LLC (BMI).
“Beautiful” by Carole King. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP).
“Chains” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Screen Gems-EMI Music (BMI).
“Happy Days Are Here Again” by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen. EMI Robbins Catalog Inc. (ASCAP). Special lyrics by Douglas McGrath and Cynthia Weil.
“He’s Sure the Boy I Love” by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“I Go Ape” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) and Universal/BMG (BMI).
“It Might As Well Rain Until September” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“It’s Too Late” by Carole King and Toni Stern. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP).
“Little Darlin’” by Maurice Williams. Cherio Corporation (BMI) 100%.
“The Locomotion” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“Love Potion #9” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP).
“Oh Carol” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) and Universal/BMG (BMI).
“On Broadway” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“One Fine Day” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“Pleasant Valley Sunday” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“Poison Ivy” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP).
“So Far Away” by Carole King. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP).
“Some Kind of Wonderful” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin and Jean Murray. EMI Unart Catalog Inc. (BMI), Trio Music Co. Inc. (BMI) and Alley Music Corp. (BMI).
“Stupid Cupid” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen GemsEMI Music Inc. (BMI) and EMI Longitude Music (BMI).
“Take Good Care of My Baby” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“There Goes My Baby” by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Ben King, George Treadwell and Lover Patterson. Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI).
“Up on the Roof” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“Walking in The Rain” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). EMI Blackwood Music Inc. obo Mother Bertha Music (BMI).
“We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“Who Put the Bomp” by Barry Mann and Gerry Goffin. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“Yakkety Yak” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP).
“(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman” by Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Gerald Wexler. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).
“You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King. Colgems-EMI Music Inc (ASCAP).
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector. Screen GemEMI Music Inc, (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music Inc. obo Mother Bertha Music (BMI).
FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ (Production Manager) has been working with Phoenix Productions for almost 30 years, both on stage and behind the scenes. Fran most recently performed as Mrs. Greene in The Prom and received the 2025 NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Stage Management of a Musical for Kinky Boots. Phoenix Production Management credits include: Miracle on 34th Street, The Color Purple, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, Ragtime, Guys and Dolls, Hair, and School of Rock. Thanks to Amanda, the production team, cast, crew, and all of the volunteers for their hard work on this production. Love to Stew, Sydney and Jason.
JAMES GRAUSAM
(Director, Managing Artistic Director) has directed several productions for Phoenix at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, including: Fiddler on the Roof, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Who’s Tommy, The 30th Anniversary Gala Concert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Songs for a New World, Smokey Joe’s Café, Spring Awakening, Elf The Musical, Putting It Together, Evil Dead The Musical, Green Day’s American Idiot, The Music Man, Bat Boy: The Musical, and Kinky Boots He continues to direct and perform other places as time allows. As always, for Olivia.
NICOLE CEBALLOS (Choreographer) is thrilled to be back at Phoenix after recently Directing West Side Story. Additional Choreography credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie, The King and I, Gypsy, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Evita, Over Here, Pirates of Penzance, Grease, Crazy for You and Anything Goes. Nicole was the resident choreographer for Artspower National Touring Theater for 14 years. Shows include: The Rainbow Fish, Madeline, Harry the Dirty Dog, Monster Who Ate My Peas, and Chicken Dance. Nicole would like to thank the amazing cast, crew, and production team and her family: TJ, Gray, Harrison, Milan and Mimi!
MICHAEL GILCH (Music Director, Conductor) is a versatile Asbury Park-based musician, composer, and arranger. He has played in Broadway pits, Village jazz clubs, and conducted pit orchestras in many NYC/ NJ regional theaters and universities. He is delighted to MD and conduct his 3rd show with Phoenix Productions after The Prom and The Color Purple Thanks to James for the opportunity and both James and Nicole for the creativity.
JOYCE BELITSKY (Properties) is excited to be working with Phoenix Productions. Her past experience with props includes: A Night With Janis Joplin (Bell Theater at Bell Works), Cinderella (Axelrod Performing Arts Center), Steel Magnolias and Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Production Assistant and Props Assistant, Bell Theater at Bell Works). Being a long time patron at Phoenix, working with James and the entire cast and crew has been such a dream come true. Thank you to her dad for always supporting her and her mom in heaven for bringing her into the theater world.
ASHLEY CUSACK (Scenic Designer, Scenic Charge) is a Perry Award winning freelance designer and artist throughout the tri-state area. She holds her MFA in Set Design from Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts. Since 2007, Ashley has worked in the Phoenix shop mixing paint, building and dreaming up set pieces to fill the Basie stage. Favorite past Phoenix designs include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Kinky Boots, Once on This Island, Elf The Musical, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. When not designing for the stage, she is busy starting new home projects and keeping up with her 8 year old daughter’s imagination.
JANNETTE (JSA) FISHER (Wig Designer) is thrilled to be working on Costumes for Beautiful after making her Design debut with Phoenix’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid This will be her 6th production with the company, she is always so excited to create and collaborate with Phoenix! She graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Production Design, a Minor in Musical Theatre, and a Certification in Hair/Wig and Makeup Artistry. Costuming is her full time career and major passion. Jsa is beyond excited to share this opportunity and experience with her friends, family, and everyone on the team. Thank you to the cast/crew for sharing your grace, love and talent.
AMANDA MUNICE (Assistant Production Manager) After being involved with more than 35 Phoenix Productions since 1991, both as a performer and behind the scenes, Amanda is excited to take on a new role as the Assistant Production Manager for Beautiful She is proud to be the Art Teacher at Strathmore Elementary School in Matawan and the Center Director of Music Together Coastal Melodies (coastalmelodies.com). Both jobs provide opportunities to share her love of the arts with children - a dream come true. To you, the audience, thank you for supporting live theatre!
JOANNE PENROSE (Costume Designer) is a retired FACS teacher that loves to sew for Phoenix Productions. Some of her favorite shows are: Damn Yankees, Spamalot, The Wedding Singer, Fiddler on the Roof, and, of course, Beautiful. Enjoy the show!!
KYLE SANTOPADRE (Technical Director, Lighting Designer) has a BA in Theatre with a Design concentration from Rowan University. He is the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Past lighting designs include: The Color Purple, Ragtime, Kinky Boots, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Phoenix Productions), Dogfight (Villagers). Many thanks to a wonderful production team!
DENNIS TOLENTINO (Production Stage Manager) has been with Phoenix since 2018. This is his 18th Phoenix production as a stage manager while he has also performed in 5 others. A 2x NJACT Perry Award winning Stage Manager (including The Wizard of Oz for Phoenix), Dennis is a 1st generation Filipino-American and graduated from Georgetown University (Major: Marketing, International Business; Minor: Theatre) Dennis grew up in Bloomfield and Old Bridge and now lives in Manalapan. He works for McMaster-Carr Supply during the day. Thank you to the cast and crew, his family and friends, and to you for supporting the arts!
TOMÁS ALFONSO TORRES (Technical Specialist) is honored to wrap up his first season here with Phoenix Productions, as the in-house Technical Specialist. Having acquired a Bachelor’s in Theater Studies from Susquehanna University and an MA in Theater from Villanova University, Tomás has dedicated almost every waking moment of his adult life to the art of making art. In his spare time, you can catch him reading classic literature, riding his bike all around Red Bank, and exploring all the local book/comic book shops. Thank you to Amanda Gillette, Sandra Andrade, Juan Torres, and James Grausam for believing in me.
BECCA WYCOFF (Assistant Stage Manager) is.thrilled.to.be.an.Assistant.Stage.Manager.on.Beautiful: The Carole King Musical..After.graduating.from.Elon. University.last.May,.with.a.degree.in.Theatrical.Design. and.Technology,.she.went.on.board.Royal.Caribbean’s. Odyssey of the Seas.as.Technical.Stage.Staff.for.seven. months..Her.most.recent.credits.include:. Legally Blonde and John Proctor is the Villain.(Stage.Manager,. Elon.University)..Becca.sends.a.huge.thank.you.to.the. incredible.Phoenix.Productions.cast.and.creative.team. for.their.hard.work.and.dedication.


LIZ ZABAT (Assistant Stage Manager) is.thrilled.to.join.her.fi.rst.show.with.Phoenix.Productions.. She.is.a.graduate.of.the.University.of.Massachusetts. Amherst BA Theater program with a concentration in stage.management.and.technical.direction..Previous. credits: ¡VOS!.(Production.Assistant,.Two.River. Theater),. Gem of the Ocean.(Production.Assistant,. Two.River.Theater),. Twelfth Night.(Producer),. The Hounds of Baskerville.(Stage.Manager),. She Loves Me (Stage.Manager),. Witch (Scenic.Design.Associate),. Mr. Burns.(Technical.Direction.Associate),. The Bacchae of Euripides.(Scenic.Charge)..Thank.you.to.James,.Dennis,. Becca,.Fran,.the.cast,.and.crew.for.the.endless.support.














