Staff & Leadership

Michelle Freeman Cucchiaro* / Chicago, IL

Retired

For as long as she can remember, Michelle has had a passion for musicals. At a young age, listening to — and singing along with (albeit not well!) — Broadway cast albums. And in Chicago, the very best place for musicals is Porchlight. In addition to music theatre, film plays a major role in Michelle’s life. She serves on the Gene Siskel Film Center’s advisory board, and has been a member of the Chicago International Film Festival/Cinema Chicago for many years. During the late 1970s, when Chicago/Off Loop theatre was in its infancy, Michelle (along with her husband Steven) served on the audience development board at Victory Gardens Theatre, and later on the board of directors at VG. A lifelong Chicagoan, she takes great pride in the current theatre scene, subscribing to and supporting many of the local theatres. She is a member at the Arts Club of Chicago, sits on the board of the Sarah Siddons Society and is proud to be an advocate for Porchlight Music Theatre.

Brenda Didier* / Libertyville, IL

Director-Choreographer / Owner, Lincolnshire Academy of Dance

Brenda is a freelance choreographer/director based in Chicago and owns and directs the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance, which she founded nearly 20 years ago. She received the Equity Jeff Award for Best Director of a Revue for Porchlight’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2014), and she has received Non-Equity Jeff Awards for both direction and choreography, After Dark Awards for choreography, the National Youth Theatre Award for choreography and the 2010 Broadway World Chicago fan favorite award for choreography/non-equity. Brenda has collaborated with Porchlight on more than a dozen productions including, most recently, Sophisticated Ladies, A Chorus Line, Billy Elliot The Musical, In The Heights,Dreamgirls, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and the smash-hit Ain’t Misbehavin’. She has served as a guest instructor/choreographer for Northwestern University, Columbia College, the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Carthage College. She has choreographed musicals, industrials, special events as well as productions for Second City’s mainstage and five installments of Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage. These productions toured and played in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Cirque Shanghai Extreme Off-Broadway. 

Rhona Frazin* / Chicago, IL 

Retired

Rhona recently retired after a non-profit leadership career spanning more than five decades. Boxes of well-worn 33 1/3 rpm Broadway original cast recordings from the 60s, and 70s attest to her long love for musical theatre and the great American song book. Her earliest work experience focused on public relations and marketing for Goodman Theatre and Goodman School of Drama, Wisdom Bridge Theater, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana and Drury Lane Theater McCormick Place. Executive Leadership roles followed with The Nature Conservancy and The John Marshall Law School. For 18 years she led all institutional advancement efforts, including two highly successful capital campaigns, for Metropolitan Family Services (formerly United Charities of Chicago), the region’s oldest largest non-sectarian human service organization. In 1994, she was named President and CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Throughout her career, she actively gave back to the non-profit sector as a speaker for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Publicity Club of Chicago, Family Service America, Women in Philanthropy and the Urban and American Library Associations. She has served on a number of non-profit boards, including Girls in the Game, Wisdom Bridge Theater, Acorn Center for the Performing Arts in Three Oaks Michigan, and as a member of the Joseph Jefferson Committee. A BMI lyricist, she and her husband, retired Judge Julian Frazin, have written scores of parodies and song lyrics together, including “The Voice Above the Crowd” a tribute to the great radio voices of baseball, which was performed at the 1993 Major League All-Star Game by STYX lead singer Dennis DeYoung.

William Gilmer+ / Chicago, IL

Edward Hines Jr. Hospital & Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Bill is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and the Director of Psychiatric Research and Academic Development at Edward Hines Jr VA. Bill also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), an advocacy and educational organization with a national network of peer support groups and online services for people living with mood disorders and their families. A lifelong enthusiast of theatre, he was drawn to Porchlight’s commitment to expressing meaningful, dramatic themes through music theatre. As an admirer of the works of Stephen Sondheim and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bill subscribes to the words of Sondheim’s Franklin Shephard, “Musicals are popular. They’re a great way to state important ideas. Ideas that could make a difference.” Bill is delighted to be a supporter and board member of Porchlight Music Theatre, a company whose artistry embodies those words.

Nate Groonwald+ / Chicago, IL

Philanthropy Officer, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Nate is currently a Philanthropy Officer at Lyric Opera of Chicago. He has worked in the non-profit arts space for over ten years, starting his career at Porchlight Music Theatre. Nate has worked at prominent arts organizations across the country including Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Studio Theatre (Washington DC), and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, where he co-created Bravo, the Milwaukee Symphony’s young professionals donor and affinity program. Nate received his Bachelor’s of Music from Roosevelt University, Chicago College of Performing Arts. A former actor and director, Nate has directed multiple acclaimed productions including Into the Woods, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Bonnie and Clyde, Legally Blonde, and others at various theatre companies in Wisconsin. Nate also serves as the Board Chair of Porchlight Young Professionals.

Brandon John Harrington+, Vice Chair / Chicago, IL

Global Staffing Lead / Google

Brandon John Harrington is an avid supporter of the theatrical arts, having worked with theatre companies in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, on Broadway and in the West End. By day, Brandon is the global staffing lead for three product areas at Google. Prior to his time in talent acquisition, he spent three years working alongside C-suite leadership at the company. Before joining Google, Brandon spent five years working in film and theatrical development for DreamWorks Animation & DreamWorks Theatricals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Northwestern University and is a proud Bay Area native.  

Joseph Higgins+ / Chicago, IL 

Director, External Affairs / Comcast

Joe is the director of External Affairs Comcast in the Greater Chicago Region. Serving Metro Chicago, Illinois, northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan, Joe is responsible for advancing the community impact strategy, strengthening diversity commitments, and leveraging broadband opportunity programs for the region. He is the market leader for partnership marketing and communication strategies that drive awareness and leverage brand value. Joe also leads corporate social responsibility which includes a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Joe currently is the executive champion for Out at Comcast, the company’s employee resource group focusing on LGBTQ and ally issues. Joe also serves on the board of Disabiltiy: INChicagoland. In the early part of his career, he worked in public relations, marketing, communications and product management. Born and raised in the Chicago western suburb of Glen Ellyn, Joe received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Journalism from Western Illinois University. 

Kenny Ingram+ / New York, NY

Director-Choreographer  / Actor / Creator

Hailing from San Jose, CA, Kenny’s dance career took him to Chicago where he was part of musical theatre for 25 years. On Chicago stages, Kenny has performed at Marriott, Candlelight Playhouse, Drury Lane, Goodman and Steppenwolf. As a choreographer he has worked with Marriott, Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakes and Court. Kenny was a part of Goodman’s Summer Program where he choreographed for The Robert Taylor Homes and taught dance at the Music Theatre Workshop. He also taught in Chicago schools on the south side and Cabrini Green. In New York Kenny has performed in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway for 10 years and has choreographed Off-Broadway’s Emojiland (New York Times Critic’s Pick), Till ,The Musical and Turtle on a Fence Post. Regionally, he has worked at Paper Mill Playhouse, The Fulton Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre, Theatre by the Sea, New Bedford Festival Theatre and Zeiders American Dream Theatre. Kenny is the recipient of Jeff Awards for his portrayal of Mr. Magix at Candlelight, Best Choreography for 42nd Street at Marriott Theatre and, most recently, Best Direction for Blues in The Night at Porchlight. He has also received Black Theatre Alliance Awards for Dreamgirls and Blues in the Night.

Jonathan Klein+ / Chicago, IL

Professor & Executive Department Head / UIC Department of Pediatrics

Jon is a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine and in health services research. He is a graduate of New Jersey Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health. After residency and fellowship in Boston and North Carolina, Jon served on the faculty of the University of Rochester in New York for many years before moving to Chicago to work for the American Academy of Pediatrics as Associate Executive Director in 2009. In 2017, he moved to the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine as Professor of Pediatrics and Executive Vice Head of the Department, where he helps develop people and programs serving the south and west side of Chicago. Jon spent most of his adolescence as a theatre techie, first with the New Players Company in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and then at Brandeis University, as a stage manager and lighting designer, before drifting into health policy and medicine. He and his wife, Susan Cohn, have two adult children, and are active members of Chicago’s lindy hop/swing dance community. They both love music theatre, and are delighted to have the chance to support Porchlight’s mission.

Charles Laff+ / Chicago, IL 

Partner / Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Chuck is an attorney specializing in intellectual property and served many years as an Adjunct Professor of Intellectual Property Law at Loyola University of Chicago Law School. Chuck earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. During his career, he has had the opportunity to work with the owners of valuable intellectual property, including merchandising rights and copyrights for popular film characters and musical works. Chuck also serves on the Board of Managers of a fast-growing highly-innovative material science company. Growing up in Chicago, Chuck had the opportunity to watch live entertainment in intimate theaters and night clubs and learned to appreciate the wonderful experience of watching live performances up close. As lovers of theatre Chuck and his wife, Diane, regularly attend and are particularly fond of musicals. Chuck and Diane are firm believers that theatre is an essential part of our culture, serving as a wonderful vehicle for educating audiences and encouraging people to open their minds and hearts. With his background and beliefs, it was natural for Chuck to join the Porchlight family and participate in the exciting growth of Porchlight and music theatre in Chicago.

Tamara Sims* / Chicago, IL 

Owner / Elegant Event Lighting

Tamara is beyond elated to be part of the Porchlight family. An avid Sondheim lover, Tamara’s first Porchlight production was Merrily We Roll Along and she has been a devoted fan ever since. Tamara and her husband own the award-winning companies Elegant Event Lighting and Something 2 Dance 2 DJ Entertainment in Schaumburg. Tamara will always greet you with a warm smile and she can also let you know where to find the best desserts! Her passion for theatre is only exceeded by the passion she has for her business and life partner, Jay. Tamara is a graduate of Loyola University.

Sue Suchy* / Chicago, IL 

Director of Operations / Sidley Austin LLP

Sue is the Director of Operations at Sidley Austin in Chicago. Throughout her career, Sue has worked for multi-national law firms in various financial, operational and administrative capacities, which means she has been very active in all aspects of opening domestic and international law offices as well as overall process improvement initiatives. As a native Chicagoan, she discovered her love for all things Broadway at a young age during her church’s annual fundraiser “Way Off Broadway.” In high school and college she was in a variety of school choirs, and since then has developed a keen interest in the business and behind-the-scenes creation of musical theater.  She has her B.B.A. in accounting from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN, her M.B.A. in finance from DePaul University and she is a Certified Public Accountant. Her other interests include travel and architecture. She is also a board member for the Sarah Siddons Society. She is a dedicated fan of the Chicago theater scene and most appreciative of the magic that Porchlight creates!

Gretchen Upholt*, Chair / Chicago, IL 

Managing Director / FMA BDO

Gretchen is a Managing Director with BDO FMA, a consulting firm focused on building nonprofit organizations’ capacity in finance and operations. In that role Gretchen is responsible for the business development and growth strategy of FMA’s Midwest region, while also playing an active role as trainer, coach, and consultant to nonprofit clients across the country. Prior to FMA, Gretchen spent 5 years in international development, first as a Community Development Consultant for the Peace Corps in Ukraine, then as head of the Volunteer Department at the Thabyay Education Network in Thailand. Gretchen’s diverse experience includes working in corporate citizenship, housing and homelessness and the arts. She holds an MPA from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service and her BA and MA in Arts and Cultural Management from American University in Washington, DC. Gretchen is also a board member for the National Peace Corps Association and maintains her love of the arts not only as board member with Porchlight but also as a singer with Allegrezza Singers, a Chicago-based SATB choir.

Ex Officio

Jenna Deja* / Oak Park, IL

Michael Weber+ / Chicago, IL

Emeritae

Mary Kay Conley* / Orland Park, IL 

James “Jim” Jensen+ / Chicago, IL 

Rhoda Reeling* / Chicago, IL