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WORKING: A MUSICAL features 6 vocal powerhouses

Depot Theatre’s second 2021 main stage production celebrates everyday heroes

Westport, NY — The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce the cast of its second 2021 main stage production, WORKING: A MUSICAL, with performances from July 22 – August 8.

Nominated for six Tony Awards, WORKING: A MUSICAL features vibrant portrayals of 26 real-life American workers – including a schoolteacher, trucker, housewife, fireman, and millworker – played by 6 actors. The show conveys how people’s relationships to their work reveal key aspects of their humanity. The musical includes songs by Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda and favorite numbers by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, and James Taylor.

Six vocal powerhouses comprise the cast, including Broadway and Depot Theatre alumni, along with some artists making their Depot debut. 

The Depot’s own Producing Artistic Director, Kenney M. Green, will take the stage as Man #1 for this production. Along with being a seasoned director, choreographer, dancer, and musician, Green’s acting credits include:  Off-Broadway: FINKS! (Ensemble Studio Theatre) and GROWING UP 70’s starring Barry Williams (Luther).  National/European Tours: SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ starring Gladys Knight (Victor/Dance Capt.), AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, and THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER (Ensemble). 

Broadway alum Brandi Chavonne Massey will play the role of Woman #2. Her credits include: West End Nala in Disney’s THE LION KING. Broadway and National Tours include roles such as Nettie/Celie in THE COLOR PURPLE; Elphaba in WICKED; The Radio in CAROLINE OR CHANGE; and Lucy in JEKYLL AND HYDE. New York projects include Ghetto Superstar singing background for Billy Porter as well as Sam Smith; Kira in BARE; Pam in BABY; Myrt in CARMEN JONES at the York Theater; Muse in the Nike workshop of Ball with L.L. Cool Jay and Savion Glover; Linda Eder’s Christmas Concert; and Dionne in HAIR in the Encore Series. She also has several T.V and film credits.

Amy Fitts is thrilled to be back at the Depot in the role of Woman #3. She’s worn many a wig and dress on the Depot stage, playing Philia in FORUM, Woman 2 in I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, Yum Yum in MIKADO, and more. In NYC she’s performed in shows at The Mint, Lucille Lortel, Joe’s Pub, and other downtown venues. She traveled Japan singing Disney songs with the Tokyo Philharmonic and performed closer to home at Peterborough Players (Laura, GLASS MENAGERIE), Weston Playhouse (HAIRSPRAY/AS YOU LIKE IT), and Cohoes Music Hall (Gooch, MAME).  

Xavier Reyes plays the role of Man #2. Reyes is a storyteller from Puerto Rico and a graduate of upstate New York’s Ithaca College. Some favorite credits include Broadway’s National Tour of KINKY BOOTS in the USA, Japan, and Canada; Roy/Mark/Peter in FUN HOME at American Stage; Angel in HAIR at the Titusville Playhouse; Graffiti Pete in IN THE HEIGHTS at Geva Theatre/Melissa Rain Anderson; and Lynn Nottage’s SWEAT at Pioneer Theatre Company.

Terry Lewis and Thani Brant will be making their Depot Theatre debuts in WORKING. Lewis plays the role of Man #3. Favorite roles include: Frank-n-Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Selma Arts Center, Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf in INTO THE WOODS, and Black Stache in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Stageworks Fresno. 

Thani Brant will play the role of Woman #1. A 2021 graduate of the University of Michigan, with a BFA in Musical Theatre, recent credits include Touchstone in U of M’s AS YOU LIKE IT and Anna in SPRING AWAKENING with Exit Left Theatre Co.

The show is directed by Julie Lucido, an associate member of the Stage Directors & Choreography Society and a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz in Theatre Arts. Lucido is thrilled to be making her Depot directing debut. “Celebrating the ‘every’ person, the worker, as the backbone of what makes the world go around is particularly important in this time,” said Lucido. “As we have been reminded, we should honor the essential workers, and how interconnected we are; the stories we will weave, share, and sing are so very important.”

The Depot Theatre’s production of WORKING: A MUSICAL runs Thursdays-Sundays from July 22 through August 8, 2021, and is sponsored by Chazy Westport Communications/Westelcom. The 2021 Season sponsor is Casella.

As a professional Actors’ Equity- and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society-affiliated theatre, the Depot must adhere to both government and union health and safety guidelines. As such, audience members are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Tickets and information are available by calling the box office at 518.962.4449 or visiting DepotTheatre.org.

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About The Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by Essex County Arts Council. www.DepotTheatre.org

DEPOT THEATRE PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR IS SPECIAL GUEST FOR FILM SERIES DISCUSSION

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FILM SERIES PRESENTS HOME TOGETHER FILM SERIES’ SECOND REEL TALK ABOUT MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 at 7:30pm.

WHALLONSBURG, N.Y. – Depot Theatre Producing Artistic Director Kenney Green will be the special guest for the discussion about the film MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM on January 30, 2021, at 7:30 pm.

In order to keep the community safe, The Champlain Valley Film Series, typically shown at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall during winter months, has announced its Home Together Winter Film Series, which consists of five movies selected for individuals to watch anytime at home, followed by a REEL TALK via Zoom. The REEL TALK will be a provocative discussion about the film with a special guest, and participants are invited to submit questions.

Participants are to watch the film, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM [streaming on Netflix] on their own, and join for a live Zoom “Reel Talk” with a discussion on the movie with  Kenney Green, producing artistic director at The Depot Theatre in Westport.  Green has extensive experience as a choreographer, musical director, and director.  He is also a faculty member in Musical Theatre Performance at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, in New York City.

ABOUT THE FILM

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM streams on Netflix. This is the powerful, riveting story of the real-life, legendary Ma Rainey. Academy Award-winner Viola Davis is unforgettable as the larger than life “Mother of the Blues.” In his final role, Chad Boseman is electrifying as Levee, the hot-headed trumpeter who dares to lock horns with Ma in a shabby Chicago recording studio where they’re forced to make music the way the white bosses want it. The year is 1927 but the bristling racial tensions feel as timely as ever. “Mesmerizing” – Washington Post.

REGISTER

The Zoom Event is Free and Open to the public, but registration is required. Questions may be submitted to the moderator and will be responded to in the second portion of the program.

REGISTER ONLINE HERE: https://www.thegrangehall.info/events-page/reeltalk-marainey

This is the second movie in the Winter Home Together Series:  February 13th – Collective;  February 27th – The Personal History of David Copperfield;  March 13th – Mangrove.  Visit www.thegrangehall.info for reviews, trailers and additional links and information.

Six character (actors) in search of the Depot

A Physically Distanced One Act Play

As we come to the end of what would have been our 43rd season at the Depot Theatre, we felt the need to interview some Depot alumni and see where and how they spent their Summer of 2020.

However, since we are all STARVED for live theatre, we decided forgo the usual interview format and transform their answers into a short One-act play.

Feel free to act it out in your living rooms or back yards!

 

 

PLACE:

The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY

TIME:

The end of the summer during the Pandemic of 2020

CHARACTERS:

LORI FUNK (Actor, 39 Steps & An Act of God), YVETTE CLARK (Actor, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Route 66) AMY GRIFFIN (Director, 39 Steps & actor, Outside Mullingar) SARAH OVERTURF (Stage Manager 2013-15) JONATHAN HADLEY (Actor, Pete N Keely, 39 Steps, Interim Producing Director 2014-15) and BETH GLOVER (Actor in over 12 productions, Director of Heroes and Wicked City). With some surprise guests.

 

(LIGHTS UP on the beloved Depot Theatre stage; the stage we all love and have seen transformed into any number of exotic places depending on the demands of the show. It is empty now. Suddenly there is the sound of a TRAIN WHISTLE. Six figures appear on the stage – all wearing masks and physically distanced, of course.)

LORI- Hey! We’re on the Depot Stage!! How the heck did we get here? I was walking in Fort Tryon Park with my husband and daughter and suddenly here I am!
BETH – (who is wearing a wide-brimmed sun bonnet) I was in the yard at my house in Saranac Lake, weeding my garden, and suddenly here I am!
YVETTE- (holding a remote control) I was in Brooklyn watching TV with my Mom and my son. Next thing I know..!!
SARAH – (wearing a headset) I was in Astoria on a Zoom call with my job and BOOM! Here I am!
JONATHAN – (holding a martini glass) I was having a cocktail on my roof in Greenwich Village! Cheers!
AMY – I was at my home in Nyack with my husband and son finally organizing my basement …..but I was thinking of my Summers at the Depot.
BETH – Me too!
JONATHAN – So was I!!
SARAH and YVETTE- Me TOO!!!
LORI – Ohhh… I think of the Depot often!

(Everyone sighs. Suddenly KENNEY GREEN, Producing Artistic Director of the Depot, appears and begins playing a jazzy tune on a baby grand piano that has also magically appeared. A second later KIM RIELLY, the Depot’s Executive Director, appears lounging on the piano.)

WHAT THEY MISS AT THE DEPOT…

EVERYONE- HI Kenney!!! Hi Kim!!!!
KENNEY and KIM- Hi you guys!!!
KIM – We certainly have missed you all this Summer!!
KENNEY – Let me ask you guys a question: What do ya’ll miss most about the Depot Summer experience?

YVETTE – You know…I’ve worked at many places but the Depot is special. I miss the mountains and the wrap around porch at the artist’s house.

LORI – The community is so lovely and supportive and welcoming. The space is perfectly quirky and charming. The gorgeous Adirondack setting cannot be beaten. The people I’ve met and worked with, and, subsequently, become great friends with, are some of the best of the best. Mix that with the chance to do what I love, and that sums up pretty much everything I miss the most right now.

AMY – The Depot is such an intimate theatre, and the sense of community is really special. The fact that the company rehearses and performs together all day and lives together in one big house creates a wonderful sense of family.

Jonathan Hadley and Sarah Overturf “working” at the Depot.

SARAH – The people, the art, the collective goal of making excellent theatre accessible to people in that area are what I miss.

BETH – The fast collaborative experience is always thrilling — rehearsing and creating in 9 days demands tight bonds both onstage and off.  When it works (which is 99.99% of the time at the Depot), it is positively…. magical.

(KENNEY plays a verse of “Magic to Do” from Pippin and everyone sings along.)

JONATHAN – Absolutely! I miss the wonderful roles we get to play up here, away from the pressures of the city. Along with the Dogwood pizza and Stewart’s iced coffee!!

SARAH – Oh! The Keene Valley Farmer’s Market on Sundays is the BEST! And the Noon Mark Diner’s pies!

LORI – I want to take advantage of all those goodies once again. And, for me, ‘all those goodies’ means food and shopping. Westport, and places nearby, have fantastic restaurants, along with sweet little hidden retail gems. And I love introducing friends and family to all those places, too.

WHAT THEY’VE BEEN UP TO

Amy Griffin, obviously thinking about the Depot…

KENNEY – (playing an “up tune” on the piano). So what has everyone done to keep busy during this crazy time?

AMY – Well, drinking wine and crying was my major pastime in the beginning. It was–and is–very hard to have basically everything in your profession cancelled with no idea when it will resume.

EVERYONE – Here, Here!!!

JONATHAN – It’s so true! 100% of the theatrical unions are out of work which makes us dependent on whatever we can get from Unemployment. I was in a touring show that was cancelled and we’re just waiting to see when and IF we will be able to return to a theatre. In the meantime, I hope something will come up!

AMY – It’s so rough! But, I will say, I have rallied somewhat. I’ve now been doing a lot of acting coaching on Zoom. Thankfully, one-on-one coaching works well in that format. I’m also continuing my own study (remotely) with my voice and acting teachers. I’m also directing a Zoom play reading coming up, and also acting in a Zoom reading. So that’s what’s keeping me alive creatively!

Beth Glover – shown here wide-brimmed-sun-bonnet-less.

JONATHAN- I painted my entire apartment and read the whole C S Lewis Narnia series. But NOT at the same time!

SARAH- I tried to get caught up on script reading and listening to soundtracks. I began running (not creative, but definitely an outlet). I can’t wait until the city opens up a bit more to be able to get out to museums, music, etc.

BETH – I’ve been doing some writing and reading quite a few plays.  I’ve participated in some readings of plays on Zoom and organized some.  Karen, my wife/partner of 23 years…
EVERYONE: 23 years!!!!
BETH: Yep…while she and I were hunkered down here in the beauty of the Adirondacks we talked quite a bit about figuring out how to produce socially distanced theatre.  We found a play for 2 actors that is PERFECT.  The characters are strangers so using social distancing is natural.  We are now in rehearsals and plan to hold performances in our yard (Mickey and Judy put on a show!) in late September.  The audience will be limited to 20 people so they can also socially distance.  A win for art! A win for theatre! A win for actors!

LORI – Taking inspiration from other friends and colleagues, my husband and daughter and I decided to do a family story time from our living room bean bag chair entitled ‘Bean Bag Story

Lori Funk and her daughter reading in their online series “Bean Bag Story Time.”

Time.’ We post the videos on Facebook. To date, we’ve read close to 50 stories for the little folks (and some big folks, too). We’ve heard from people all over the country who have enjoyed watching. The goal was to create something that could potentially spread a tiny bit of joy. Hoping we’ve done just that. Fun fact: One of the books we read was Ingredients for a Witch, written by the multi-talented John Treacy Egan, who just happened to be our fabulous director for An Act of God at The Depot last season.

YVETTE – I just did my first virtual cabaret on August 28th, “Diva of the ‘Demic” on Facebook Live. Be on the lookout because another one is coming soon! For the past six months I have been posting videos of me singing show tunes on Marie’s Crisis Café page, Marie’s Group. We took our showtune piano bar virtual when our doors closed in mid-March.

 

ON STAGE MEMORIES

Yvette Clark

Yvette Clark – aka “Diva of the “Demic”

JONATHAN – Being on this stage brings back so many memories. Most of them having to do with a train stopping the show!! Beth, do you remember during Born Yesterday after a long train went by, that I picked up the phone on the set and said “Front desk? Can you move me to another room that’s not so near the train tracks??” Do any of you have a good memory to share?

BETH – Oh yes!!! When we were doing Guys and Dolls, Paul Kelly was Nathan Detroit and I was Miss Adelaide, we were in the scene where Adelaide is telling him she writes her mother about the 5 children they have, when a bat began swooping down causing us to duck several times.  Paul Kelly said, pointing at the bat, “Did you tell your mother about this kid? He’s trying to kill us.”

YVETTE – I was in a production of Route 66 in 2014, I believe, and one of my character’s names in the show was Vonda Carter and she was a sheriff. One day in rehearsal, Adam Michael Tilford, who was our musical director, decided that she needed theme music to enter on. Well, I can’t tell how much I enjoyed walking out to my own theme music! HA!

AMY – When I was playing Rosemary in Outside Mullingar, we had a very unexpected moment of audience participation. The play is a very unconventional love story, and in the very last scene the two protagonists finally confess their long-hidden love for each other and share a long-awaited kiss. In one unforgettable performance, the fabulous actor, Todd Cerveris, embraced me, kissed me tenderly, and we heard (as usual) the “Ahhhh” of the touched and happy audience. Then, after one beat of silence, we heard a male audience member yell out a top volume: “GET A ROOM!” Todd and I began silently laughing so hard our shoulders were shaking and our teeth clicking together in our stage kiss! Thankfully, we only had about ten more lines before the play ended and we managed to keep it together till the lights went down.

SARAH – The people have always been the highlight of The Depot for me. But if I had to pick one memory, I would have to say the chicken story, and if you know, you know!!

(Suddenly in the distance we hear the rumbling of a train.)

SARAH – Ladies and Gentlemen, as your stage manager, I must inform you that a train is coming. We’ll need to dim the lights, as is tradition. Margaret! Margaret are you here?

(MARGARET SWICK, ace Lighting Designer and Master Electrician answers from the lighting loft).

MARGARET – Sure, I’m here! I’ve spent the whole pandemic up here. It’s very peaceful.

SARAH – Can you begin to dim the lights please? It looks like our time is up here, folks.

LOOKING AHEAD

KIM – You know, no matter how bleak it seems now, we’ve got lots of plans for our theatre in the coming months, and the Depot WILL be back next summer! We can promise you that! But before you all leave one more question: is there any project you’d like to do or role you’d like to play when we are able to be back on this stage for real, sometime in the future? No promises, but we can add them to Kenney’s “potential show” list. Right, Kenney?

(KENNEY plays a fanfare on the piano and everyone cheers.)

SARAH- I know that when the train is back up and running I want to be available however The Depot needs me. I would love to stage manage in the train station again.

BETH – I’d like to play Polly in Other Desert Cities; Mame in Mame (if Depot ever started having large cast shows again); Mrs. Kitty Warren in Mrs. Warren’s Profession; Virginia in Native Gardens to name a few.

YVETTE – Anything written by August Wilson. If Fences were done, I would love to play Rose.

AMY- Oh, gosh, so many! Proof, I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change, Good People, God Of Carnage, Daddy Long Legs, ….the list goes on and on!

LORI – Oh I’d be happy to play ‘2nd tree from the left,’ in any production at The Depot, quite honestly. But, if I had my ‘druthers,’ it would be an honor to reprise either of my roles in an upcoming anniversary season of “favorites.” hint-hint ;) I also think an all-female production of ‘Art‘ could be pretty fantastic. And, I’ve always wanted to play ‘Miss Hannigan’ in Annie. Hey, a gal can dream!

(KENNEY begins to play a dreamy version of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” on the piano as the lights slowly dim and fade to black.)

See you all next summer!

Depot Theatre rounds out season in four-part harmony

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Cast announced for Depot Theatre’s THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND

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(L-R) Lauren Gemelli, Dan Bob Higgins, Michael Indeglio, Megan Koumis, and Zoie Morris.

Westport, N.Y. – The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce the cast for THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND, the first of the theatre’s 2019 season main stage lineup.

THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND is a clever collage of songs from CABARET, CHICAGO and more by the Tony Award-winning team of John Kander and Fred Ebb.

The nonstop hit-parade features five individuals singing unforgettable gems, including “Mr. Cellophane,” “Maybe This Time,” “Cabaret” and “New York, New York,” seamlessly interwoven into a passionate, harmonious, up-tempo evening of musical theatre.

“We’ve cast the best of the best for this show, with five extremely talented performers, one of whom has performed some of this show’s material on the national tour of Chicago,” said Depot Theatre Producing Artistic Director Kenney Green. “Every one of these artists is a seasoned veteran, and they are all making their Depot debut. Our audiences are in for a real treat!”

Lauren Gemelli’s New York City experience includes City Opera’s CANDIDE, national tours of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL, 42nd STREET, and a long list of regional theatre roles at Arena Stage, Trinity Rep Theatre by the Sea, and Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston.

Dan Bob Higgins’s previous credits include: WEST SIDE STORY tour, ELF THE MUSICAL tour, CHASING RAINBOWS: THE ROAD TO OZ (world premier), and other productions at MSMT, Ogunquit Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, and Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre.

Michael Indeglio’s resume features tours of TITANIC, MAME, and FOREVER PLAID, with favorite regional roles as Jon in TICK TICK BOOM, Jaime in THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and IN MY BODY.  He is also a current member of the Jersey Tenors.

Megan Koumis was last seen in the Off-Broadway show MADE IN AMERICA at The Public Theatre in New York City. Her regional credits include: EVITA, JEKYLL AND HYDE, GODSPELL, JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, XANADU, and GUYS AND DOLLS. Television credits include: THE DEUCE, on HBO and a commercial for RealSleep by RealSimple.

Zoie Morris is originally from Norfolk, VA. Her Broadway/national tour credits include: RAGTIME and THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (national tour). Off-Broadway credits include: HARLEM SONG RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. Favorite regional theatre credits include: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, CAMELOT, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE, RAGTIME, and THE WIZ. Zoie has been filming THE GOOD FIGHT TV series for the past 2 years.

“I selected this production in part because it features some of the greatest collective work from bigger Kander and Ebb productions that the Depot doesn’t have the capacity to produce individually,” said Green. “THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND packages the best of their songbook into a stunning musical production that our audiences will love.”

THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND is sponsored by The Galley Restaurant and Bar at Westport Marina. Performances run June 29-July 14, with a $20 preview on June 28.

Tickets and information are available by calling the box office at 518.962.4449 or online at depottheatre.org.

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ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2019 Season is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The season productions are made possible, in part, by the Essex County Arts Council’s Cultural Assistance Program Grant with funding provided by Essex County. The Depot Theatre’s 2019 Season is sponsored by the The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

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Depot Theatre announces appointment to new Producing Artistic Director position

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Westport, N.Y. – Depot Theatre Executive Director Kim Rielly is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenney M. Green as the new Producing Artistic Director, charged with defining and implementing the artistic vision and program goals of the organization.

Kenney M. Green has been appointed Producing Artistic Director at the Depot Theatre.

Green takes on an expanded artistic role at the Depot, as outlined in the organization’s new strategic plan, approved by the Depot’s Board of Trustees in early 2018. Among other priorities, the strategic plan calls for increased engagement through youth and family programs, and for ultimately extending the theatre’s cultural and economic impact by offering year-round programming.

Former Depot Theatre Producing Director Kevin Cochran has left the Depot and will continue in his role as Artistic Director and CEO of the Grove Theater Center (GTC) in Southern California and as Producing Artistic Director for the Moss Hart and Kitty Carlisle Hart New Play Initiative.

“We are deeply grateful for Kevin’s contributions to the Depot over the past three seasons, and wish him the best as he concentrates on his other artistic projects,” said Rielly. “Kenney’s experience and energy will ensure a smooth transition during this exciting time at the Depot.”

Green is no stranger to the Depot, with a decade of experience at the theatre, most recently as director and choreographer for AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ last summer as part of the 40th Anniversary Season main stage lineup. His Depot credits include FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE in 2008, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE and ALWAYS : PATSY CLINE in 2009, and WHAT A GLORIOUS FEELING in 2010.

Originally from Fresno, California, Green moved to New York City in 1999 where he attended The American Musical & Dramatic Academy. He joined the European Tour of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2000 and has been working in some aspect of the theatre ever since.

Green has extensive experience as a choreographer, musical director, and director at venues that include New Harmony Theatre in Indiana, Lake Dillon Theatre in Colorado, Interlakes Theatre in New Hampshire, Emelin Theatre in New York and the RPI Young Actors’ Guild in New York. Green also directed and choreographed the children’s musical pre-show program for the Good Company Players in Fresno, CA for three years. He has a long list of acting roles, is a longtime performer at New York’s Marie’s Crisis Pop Piano Bar, and produces the Marie’s Crisis annual International tours in London and in Sydney, Australia. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC).

“This unique performance space, the people, and this community are very special,” said Green. “I’m thrilled to take on this creative role at the Depot, and look forward to enhancing the organization’s contribution to the quality of life in the Adirondacks.”

The Depot Theatre will be releasing more information about the 2019 season and new initiatives over the next several months. For more information about the Depot Theatre, visit www.depottheatre.org.

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ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2018 Season, its 40th, was made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council.

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Cast Announced for Depot Theatre’s AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

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Westport, NY – Triple threat New York City actor/singers/dancers are set to wow audiences with the dynamic songs of Fats Waller in the Tony Award winning Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Depot Theatre.

The Depot Theatre continues its fan-favorite 40th season with a glorious, joyous, sultry romp through the 1920’s during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club. With a mix of Depot alums and new faces, the five-person cast will take audiences on a journey through the timeless music of Fats Waller.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is directed and choreographed by Kenney Green, a Depot Theatre alum. “I am thrilled to be returning to the Depot Theatre for my 10-year anniversary which began with Five Guys Named Moe in 2008,” said Green. “Having directed and performed in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at other theatres around the country, it is wonderful to help bring this show to life on the Depot stage.”

Philip Hall

Philip Hall is the Musical Director/pianist for Ain’t Misbehavin’

Green’s previous Depot shows include Smokey Joe’s Cafe, What a Glorious Feeling, and Always Patsy Cline. He just directed an acclaimed run of Topdog/Underdog at the Lake Dillon Theatre in Silverthorne, Colorado. As an actor…Off-Broadway: Finks! (Ensemble Studio Theatre, Drama Desk Nomination), Growing Up 70’s starring Barry Williams (Luther). National/European Tours: Smokey Joe’s Cafe starring Gladys Knight (Victor/Dance Capt.), Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Ensemble). Regional: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Atkins), Avenue Q (Gary Coleman), Diva Diaries: The Musical [WORLD PREMIERE] (Young Randee Jean), Ain’t Misbahavin’ (Milwaukee Rep./Arkansas Rep), The Music Man, A Chorus Line, The Full Monty, Once on This Island, and many more. Directing Credits: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Godspell, The Wiz, Full Monty (Westchester Sandbox Theatre), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Emelin Theatre), Almost Connected: The Music of Jimmy Webb, The Wiz, Legally Blonde, Oliver! and Hairspray!  Kenney is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC).

Yvette Monique Clark

Yvette Monique Clark will play Nell in Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Although new to The Depot Theatre, Musical Director and pianist Phillip Hall is no stranger to Ain’t Misbehavin’. This production marks the eleventh time he’s been affiliated with the show as a pianist and/or musical director. He has also served as musical director for productions of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Little Shop of Horrors, The Wiz and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Prior to venturing into professional theatre, Phillip worked in the Houston public school system. He’s had the distinct pleasure of playing with Aretha Franklin, jazz trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, Liza Minnelli, Rita Moreno and for Presidents George H.W. Bush and William J. Clinton. Phillip was selected to accompany a choir assembled to commemorate the 90th birthday of South African President Nelson Mandela. Currently, Phillip is the program director of Music Doing Good in Service, a non-profit entity based in Houston, Texas, and is the founder/accompanist of the eponymously named Phillip Hall Singers.

Larry Darnell Penn Whitfield

Larry Darnell Penn Whitfield will play Ken in Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Yvette Monique Clark (Nell) is happy to be returning to the Depot Theatre since her debut there in the World Premiere of Route 66. She has been busy during her time away, performing in productions of The Wiz (Aunt Em, Evilene and Glinda), the World Premiere of UniSon (Momma, Terror #7), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Muzzy Van Hossmere), and Smokey Joe’s Cafe (BJ) to name a few. She is ecstatic to be reprising her role as Nell in Ain’t Misbehavin‘.

James Roberts IV

James Roberts IV will play Andre in Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Larry Darnell Penn Whitfield (Ken) returns to the Depot where he performed in Five Guys Named Moe in 2008. A Southern dreamer with an intense passion for comedy, storytelling, and song, he’s thrilled to be part of this dynamic cast and back in Westport. He received a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Dance Minor from Catawba College and moved to NYC shortly after. Some favorite professional regional shows include Five Guys Named Moe, Ragtime, Dreamgirls, Jekyll and Hyde, Godspell and Fiddler on the Roof.

Anna Anderson

Anna Anderson will play
Armelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’.

James Roberts IV (Andre) is thrilled to be working with this wonderful director and cast! His stage credits credits include: Hair (Intl. Tour, Dir. Diane Paulus), The Producers (Natl. Tour), Pageant (AZ Broadway), Kiss Me Kate (STONC), Memphis (Arkansas Rep), Spelling Bee (Jenny Wiley), and Hairspray (STONC). James also hosts a YouTube vlog series called Take the Stairs.

Katelyn Bowman

Katelyn Bowman will play Charlaine in Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Anna Anderson (Armelia) is excited to join The Depot Theatre for its 40th season. Ms. Anderson has taken center stage most recently as Mary/Faith in Grab and Grace (NYC), Anne Chovie in The Great Pie Robbery (NYC), Janice in The First Lady (NYC), Bobbie in Ha! the Musical (NYC), and Billie Holiday in the Arizona Onstage production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.

Katelyn Bowman (Charlaine) is thrilled to be part of this production. Her credits incude: National Tour: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! (Miss Elaina/Teacher Harriet), International Tour: Legally Blonde (Pilar). Regional: Grease (Frenchy), The Color Purple (Squeak), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), and Hairspray (Lil’ Inez).

The production is sponsored by The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation. Performances run August 11 – August 26, with a $20 Preview on August 10. For more information and tickets, call 518.962.4449 or visit DepotTheatre.org.

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ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2018 Season, its 40th, is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council.

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Our Mission & Vision

Mission: The Depot Theatre is to entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.

Vision: The Depot Theatre will have a robust, regional, and year-round presence by creating the highest of quality programs, building strong partnerships, and enhancing community engagement while promoting diversity in all that we do.

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The Depot Theatre receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

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