Books

BY STUART KAMINSKY

DIRECTED BY DAN CHESTER

February 10^th, 12^th, & 13^th, 2022 at the Morton Memorial Library

The Cast

Alex Skovan: Brian

Emily McCarthy: Maddy

Sheryle Gallant: Betty

Mark Colvson: Christopher

Dan Chester: Cop

Joseph Beem Jr.: Roger Edmonds

Regina Perrone: Claudia

David Haitkin: Eddie

Production Team

Dan Chester: Director

Joseph Beem Jr.: Rehearsal Stage Manager

Hannah Karp: Production Stage Manager

Donna Letteri: Costumes

Dan Chester & Joseph Beem Jr: Set Design & Construction

Josie Grant: Photography & Social Media

CAST AND CREW BIOS

Joseph Beem Jr. (Stage Manager, Roger Edmonds) is proud to have worked on this great new production for Dan as a new director. Most recently Joseph was in the RTS radio play version of Miracle on 34th Street and stage managing Gaslight for CENTERstage. He has been cast in the upcoming Shakespeare In Love and Henry V at the Center for Performing Arts.

Dan Chester (Director, Cop) is a Hudson Valley based artist, musician, filmmaker, and now theatre director. He currently works at Megabrain Comics and Arcade in Rhinebeck where he's a professional nerd. He also is working his way up the local film crew ranks. He lives with his fianceé and dog in Poughkeepsie.

Mark Colvson (Christopher): It has been a privilege to work with everyone involved in this special project. Heartfelt thanks for including me guys! Selected area credits include Duke Senior in As You Like It; Lt. John Stokes in American Son; and Booker T. Washington in Ragtime: the Musical (all at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck); Donkey in Shrek: the Musical, Brocklehurst in Jane Eyre, and Reuben in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (90 Miles Off Broadway); Hedley in Seven Guitars (SUNY New Paltz); Pickering in My Fair Lady and George in I’ll Be Back Before Midnight (County Players); Dr. Lundeen in Caine Mutiny Court Martial (New Day Repertory); Principal Weeks in Gleeful and John Jones in dEAD dOG pARK (Phillipstown Depot Theatre). Music: vocalist with Poughkeepsie based ensemble, The Big Band Sound. Film: Announcer in Mi America (independent). Heartfelt thanks and love to Deb - without whom none of this would have been possible.

Sheryle Gallant (Betty) moved from Austin, Texas to Rhinebeck, New York this past November. She is very happy to be back in the area of the country where she grew up. She is a retired psychologist and attorney. This is her first stage appearance. She is delighted to have been selected to work with such a talented and seasoned cast and deeply appreciates their warm welcome and willingness to help her “learn the ropes.”

David Haitkin (Eddie) most recently played Starveling in a Tivoli Player’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Before that he was actively engaged in improv with independent groups. A retired teacher, he is hoping to get to do more acting.

Emily McCarthy (Maddy) is a local actor, improviser, and professional cat lady. Previous credits in the region include: Nancy (Gaslight), Bear Arms Comics (Intermission: a Night of Improv), Irene (The Dresser), Siobhan (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time). They are very excited to be back performing with RTS and working with such a talented group of people. Emily would like to thank Dan and the whole production team for this wonderful opportunity.

Regina Perrone (Claudia) is delighted to be performing live theater once again. Most recently having performed with SUNY Sullivan in a pandemic congruent production of Spring Awakening. Favorite roles include Alison in Fun Home and Dolly Levi in The Matchmaker. She’s excited to be a part of this New Directors Series and having the opportunity to work with Dan Chester and this cast. Don’t miss her daughter Audra James in the upcoming production of She Kills Monsters.

Alex Skovan (Brian) has been in many previous productions, most recently Read Between The Lies and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. He is thrilled to be acting at the Morton Library, and humbled to be working with this terrific cast, crew, and director on this challenging play.

"Books" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com