Titanique
Chicago Premiere
Presented in association with Broadway In Chicago
March 25 – July 13, 2025
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St.
Book by
Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and Tye Blue
Musical Arrangements by
Nicholas James Connell
All aboard NYC’s must-sea musical comedy! When the music of Céline Dion makes sweet Canadian love with the eleven-time Oscar®-winning blockbuster film “Titanic,” you get TITANIQUE, off-Broadway’s most award-winning splash hit, which turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical musical fantasia. Want to find out what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night? Just leave it to Céline Dion to enchant the audience with her totally wild take, recharting the course of “Titanic’s” beloved moments and characters with her iconic song catalog. Sailing on fierce powerhouse voices in show-stopping performances of such hits as “My Heart Will Go On,” “All By Myself” and “To Love You More” – backed by the unparalleled energy of a full live band –TITANIQUE is a one-of-a-kind theatrical voyage bursting with nostalgia, heart and campy chaos.
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Broadway In Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre proudly announce the all-Chicago cast for the 2023 Lortel Award-winning musical comedy TITANIQUE. The irresistibly funny and irreverent send-up of the blockbuster film “Titanic,” driven by the songs of pop icon Céline Dion, showcases the exceptional talent of local performers, led by Jeff Award Nominee Clare Kennedy McLaughlin as “Céline Dion,” Jeff Award Nominee Adam Fane as “Jack” and Maya Rowe as “Rose” along with Jackson Evans as “Victor Garber/Luigi,” Rob Lindley as “Ruth,” Adrian Aguilar as “Cal” and dance captain, Abby C. Smith as “Molly Brown,” Lorenzo Shawn Parnell as “The Seaman/Iceberg” with background vocalists David Robbins, Caroline Lyell and Elaine Watson and understudies Jordan Douglas Ellis, Kaitlin Feely and Peyton Schoenhofer.
The TITANIQUE creative team includes: Tye Blue (director and co-creator); Michael Weber (artistic director and resident director); Kasey Alfonso (choreographer); Dr. Micha
TIQUET INFORMATION & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
TIQUETS: Prices range from $45.00 to $100.00 with a select number of premium seats available.
Performance Schedule:
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings: 7PM (Wednesday matinees at 1PM on April 16, April 23 and May 14)
- Friday and Saturday evenings: 7:30PM (Saturday matinees at 2PM)
- Sundays: 1PM (Sunday evening performances at 6:30PM on April 6, April 13, May 4 and May 11)
Runtime: 100 minutes with no intermission
Age Recommendation: Recommended for ages 13+ for sexual innuendo, adult humor, and language
Group Sales: Group tickets for 10 or more are on sale now by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com
ABOUT TITANIQUE
TITANIQUE’s storied history includes a smash hit live-streamed concert – Titanique: The Maiden Voyage Concert – on the premium streaming service Stellar, on May 2, 2021, which followed sold-out pop-up concert engagements in Los Angeles and New York, earning the show a 2019 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award. Upon the show’s off-Broadway premiere in 2022, The New York Times praised the musical as, “very funny! This Titanique Musical Finds Its Sea Legs…. Near, far, wherever you are, Céline Dion will be there, in this camp reimagining of the maritime blockbuster that revs up into increasing absurdity.” Vulture raved, “Titanique is f*cking great. Swim, Don’t Walk, to see this Céline Dion jukebox fantasia!” The New York Post hailed the show as, “Sensational, hilarious and deranged! Titanique is, by a nautical mile, the funniest musical in town!” Upon the show’s reopening at the larger Daryl Roth Theatre, People magazine declared, “Just when you think it couldn’t get better, Titanique makes you love it more, with a glow-up that makes the show even more impactful and irresistible. Yet, there’s still a scrappy, endearing ‘let’s put on a show’ energy to it, that gives the musical its Titanic-sized charm. You’re guaranteed to laugh your iceberg off.” TITANIQUE won seven major awards of the 2022-23 theater season, including three Lucille Lortel Awards (Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Lead Performer: Marla Mindelle, Outstanding Costume Design: Alejo Vietti), the off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, Las Culturistas’ Culture Award for Best Indoor Performance, and two Dorian Awards (Outstanding off-Broadway Production, Outstanding off-Broadway Performance: Marla Mindelle). The show earned an additional nine award nominations, including two 2023 Drama League Award nominations (Outstanding Musical, Distinguished Performance: Marla Mindelle), two Outer Critics Circle Award nominations (Book of a Musical, Lead Performer: Marla Mindelle), two Lortel Award nominations (Choreography, Featured Performer: John Riddle) and a Drama Desk Award nomination (Book of a Musical).
For more information about the show, visit TitaniqueMusical.com
@TitaniqueChicago (IG) / @TitaniqueChicago (FB)
ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.
For more information, visit BroadwayInChicago.com
Follow @BroadwayInChicago on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok #BroadwayInChicago
TYE BLUE (he/him) Director and Co-Creator
Porchlight Debut
TYE BLUE is proud to be making his Chicago theatre debut with this all-Chicagoan production of TITANIQUE. He received the 2023 Lucille Lortel Award for best new musical as well as Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle & Drama League nominations for his work as co-author and director of the original Off-Broadway production of TITANIQUE in NYC. Since then, he’s had the great fortune to direct new productions of TITANIQUE on the West End (Olivier Award), Sydney, Montreal, Toronto and Paris! Directing: Rocky Horror Picture Show, Estelle Show (Rockwell Table & Stage), Spring Awakening (Studio School Mainstage), The Drowsy Chaperone, Little Shop of Horrors (Houston Academy of Dramatic Arts). Parody adaptations of Mean Girls, The Devil Wears Prada, Troop Beverly Hills, The Big Lebowski, Hocus Pocus (Rockwell Table & Stage). Artistic Director of Short+Sweet Theatre Festival. In Development: Fowl Play (Billy Recce & Yoni Weiss), Tipsy Whisper (Tenealle Farragher), Channing/Tatum (Adam Overett), The Mentor (Tim Murray) TV & Film: A24, Four seasons on the Emmy-winning casting team of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Project Runway,” “Nailed It,” “Say, I Do!,” “Snoop Dogg’s Jokers Wild!”, “The Real Housewives,” “Catfish” Music & Recording: Rumer Willis’ Cafe Carlyle debut and Over the Love Tour. Concerts for Isabela Moner, Brian Justin Crum, Houston Pride, and the long-running For the Record series in LA. Training: Berklee College of Music (Voice & Saxophone), Sam Houston State University.
MICHAEL WEBER (he/him) Artistic Director and Resident Director
Porchlight Staff Member
MICHAEL WEBER is a nationally recognized, award-winning director, producer, actor and educator. Previous Porchlight shows include Anything Goes, Cabaret, Sunset Boulevard, Gypsy and Merrily We Roll Along. He recently directed the Off-Broadway and European premieres of Call Me Elizabeth written by and starring Kayla Boye as “Elizabeth Taylor.” Under his artistic leadership, Porchlight Music Theatre was awarded Chicago’s Jeff Award for “Best Production” six times. He previously served as artistic director for the inaugural season of Chicago’s Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place (now Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse) and at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana. The recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards, he has been nominated for nine awards and he wrote and directed 14 Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremonies (2006-2018). Weber’s regional acting credits include The Merry Widow (starring Renée Fleming) at Lyric Opera, Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy (both starring Patti LuPone) at Ravinia Festival, The Winter’s Tale and Henry V at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and more. He is author of the play WAR of the WELLeS (about Orson Welles’ infamous radio broadcast) and he is a longtime pledge host for PBS station WTTW channel 11.
KASEY ALFONSO (she/her/they/them) Choreographer
Porchlight Debut
KASEY ALFONSO is thrilled and honored to join the creative team of TITANIQUE! A performer, choreographer and educator, her choreography has been seen at Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane, Teatro Vista, Northwestern University, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Chicago, Griffin Theatre, Firebrand Theatre, Kokandy Productions, Grelley Duvall, Willow Pill and The Fly Honeys. UPCOMING : CATS (Paramount Theatre, May 2025). Love to Max, Banksy, + Gobi. IG: @Kase_Face89
DR. MICHAEL McBRIDE (he/him) Music Director
Previously at Porchlight: Rent
DR. MICHAEL MCBRIDE is a Chicago-based Jeff Award-winning music director, internationally-performed composer, performer and educator. INTERNATIONAL: The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale (GWB Productions, New Zealand) CHICAGO: The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale, Sinister (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Revolution(s) (Goodman Theatre), Grease (Drury Lane Theatre), Big Fish (Boho Theater, Jeff Award — Best Music Direction), The Choir of Man (Apollo Theater Chicago), Rent (Porchlight Music Theatre), Passing Strange (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre), Billy Elliot, Brigadoon, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Carousel (Music Theater Works). REGIONAL: The Scarlet Pimpernel (John W. Engeman Theater, NY), We Will Rock You, Legally Blonde, Escape to Margaritaville, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Robber Bridegroom, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, Man of La Mancha, Mamma Mia!, Into the Woods, The Little Mermaid (Timber Lake Playhouse). ACADEMIC: Ride the Cyclone (DePaul University), Yeast Nation (North Park University), The Old Man and the Old Moon, Fun Home, Violet, Cabaret, Tintypes, She Loves Me, Spring Awakening, Hot Mikado, Urinetown (Loyola University Chicago). COMPOSER: The Boys and The Nuns EDUCATION: DM Composition, Northwestern University. IG: @TheRealMcBride
LINDA MADONIA (she/her) Music Supervisor and Company Manager
Previously at Porchlight: Porchlight ICONS, Broadway in your Backyard, Anything Goes and others
LINDA MADONIA is thrilled to be back at Porchlight where she recently music directed the ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza and previously worked on Broadway in your Backyard, Anything Goes, Cabaret and A Chorus Line. Other recent projects include Legally Blonde: The Musical, Shrek the Musical, Mamma Mia! and Camelot at Music Theater Works and Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages and Sister Act at Mercury Theater Chicago. Linda also serves as the contractor for the Chicago Federation of Musicians for Porchlight Music Theatre, Music Theater Works and Teatro Zinzanni. She is the vocal coach for the master’s degree program in music theatre pedagogy at Carthage College and owns American Eagle Productions, which has been at the forefront of theatre education in the Chicago area for the past 35 years.
JUSTIN KONO (he/him) Electronic Music Designer
JEFFREY D. KMIEC (he/him) Scenic Designer
Previously at Porchlight: Anything Goes, Sunset Boulevard and others
JEFFREY D. KMIEC is an award-winning New York-based Production Designer for Theatre and Television. His designs have been seen on NBC, Apple+, Comedy Central, and the CW as well as Norwegian Cruise Line, The Rev, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Lyric Opera, Theatre Under the Stars, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Timeline Theatre, American Players Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Raven Theatre, The Artistic Home, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, Heritage Theatre Festival and The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Jeffrey received his MFA from the University of Virginia, BA from Illinois State University, and is a member of USA 829.
MILO BUE (he/him) Assistant Scenic Designer
JOHN McTAGGART (he/him) Technical Director
Previously at Porchlight: Fun Home, Broadway in your Backyard, Cabaret
JOHN McTAGGART has been a technical director in Chicago for more than a year. Education: Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Jersey; BFA in theater and a focus in technical direction. Porchlight Music Theatre credits include assistant technical director for Fun Home and Cabaret and technical director for Ernest Shackleton Loves Me. Additional Credits: co-scenic supervisor: Lifespan of a Fact (TimeLine Theatre Company) and head technical director, Household Spirits (Theater Wit).
DANNY CARRAHER (he/him) Assistant Technical Director
LYDIA MOSS (she/her) Scenic Charge
Previously at Porchlight: Fun Home, Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George
LYDIA MOSS is a theater maker based in Chicago, IL. Some of her recent scenic charge credits include Fun Home and Sunday in the Park with George (Porchlight Music Theatre), The Outsiders (College of DuPage) and How I Learned What I Learned (Congo Square Theater). She graduated from Florida State University in 2020, where she studied scene painting, acting, playwriting and dramaturgy. Since graduating she has expanded her knowledge set to include theater administration and arts education. She is grateful to everyone supporting the arts, and is excited for you all to see the show!
JOS N. BANKS (he/him/they/them) Costume Designer
A true renaissance man… JOS N. BANKS is a multi- award winning Visual/ Performing Arts Artist, Costume Designer, Stylist, Teaching Artist & overall LGBTQ+ trailblazer. Tours: International – Kinky Boots (Lola), Hair (Hud), The Color Purple (Harpo). Select Regional Work: STEPPENWOLF, Goodman, Yale, The Muny, Drury Lane- Oak Brook, Paramount Theatre, The Second City, Orlando Shakes, About Face Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Writers Theatre, Congo Square, Farmers Alley, Raven Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Black Ensemble Theatre, Theo Ubique, Royal George, Dutch Apple & many more. Film: “Ocean” in Showtime’s “THE CHI”, “Dr. Greg Martinson” in Showtime’s “WORK IN PROGRESS” & Rise Against’ music video “Make It Stop” (Lead). 4X Nominee as “Best Costume Designer” at the Black Theater Alliance Awards. Curator & keynote speaker of his very own Master Class, titled “#BeFEARLESS w/ Jos N. Banks” which he has now instructed to young theatre artisans from grade school to collegiate, nationally. Jos also serves as an Artistic Associate with About Face Theatre in Chicago, IL & was afforded the company’s first ever costume designer residency. Rep: THE MINE AGENCY. www.FearlessJos.com // IG: @JosNBanks
BETTE SCHNEIDER (she/her) Costume Director
ALI WESTENDORF (she/her/they/them) Assistant Costume Director/Wardrobe Supervisor
Previously at Porchlight: Fun Home, Anything Goes
ALI WESTENDORF is thrilled to return for their second season with Porchlight Music Theatre in TITANIQUE and recently as wardrobe supervisor on Fun Home. Previous Chicago credits include Coronation with Refracted Theatre Company (Wig and Wardrobe Crew), Jersey Boys with Mercury Theatre (Wardrobe) and Anything Goes with Porchlight Music Theatre (Wardrobe Supervisor). Before moving to Chicago, Ali worked with the Utah Shakespeare Festival as Wardrobe on Timon of Athens, Coriolanus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Greenshow. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, they are excited to share this production with you and hope you enjoy the show!
AMANDA MAY (she/her) Hair and Makeup Director
GREG HOFMANN (he/him) Lighting Designer
Selected designs: A Christmas Carol, Naked Mole Rat Gets
Dressed, Ride the Cyclone (Alliance Theatre); Ride the Cyclone (MCC Theater); Nell Gwynn, Peter Pan; A Musical Adventure, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Ride the Cylcone, Road Show (Chicago Shakespeare). Ride the Cyclone (ACT Seattle). Man Of Destiny (American Players Theatre); Mark Twain’s River of Song (Milwaukee Rep); Frozen, Beautiful, Billy Elliot, School of Rock, Rock of Ages, Kinky Boots, Secret of My Success, Wizard of Oz, Elf, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia!, Hairspray, Oklahoma!, Tommy, Mary Poppins, Annie (Paramount Theatre); Rock of Ages, The Game’s Afoot, Les Misérables, Oliver! (Drury Lane); Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, Airness, Lewiston/Clarkston, Marjorie Prime, Outside Mullingar, Silent Sky (Forward Theatre). Greg has also designed over 100 productions for Cedar Fair amusement parks across the country. More info at HofmannLightingDesign.com.
JESSICA NEILL (she/her) Assistant Lighting Designer
RACHEL WEST (she/her) Lighting Director
RACHEL WEST has been serving as the lighting supervisor for Porchlight since 2016. She most recently worked on Fun Home and Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, as well as many past MainStage/Revisits productions including I Am A Camera, Passing Strange and Nunsense. Other recent designs include Waitress with Skylight Music Theatre and The Reclamation of Madison Hemings with American Blues Theater where she is an artistic affiliate. Rachel is the lighting supervisor for The Black Ensemble Theater and a graduate of the Boston University School of Theatre.
RILEY WOODS (they/them) Assistant Lighting Director
Previously at Porchlight: Fun Home and others
RILEY WOODS is excited to be working with Porchlight again, normally as an electrician and after making their debut with Fun Home as assistant lighting director returns for Titanique. Riley’s favorite job to have is lighting designer and their favorite designs include: The Last Five Years, Fun Home, Little Shop of Horrorsand Godspell from Art 4; Elixir of Love, Chance the Snapper and Fabulation from Temple University; Kindertransport and Julius Caesar from Goshen College. Riley has an MFA in Lighting and Projection Design from Temple University and has been living in Chicago for the past three years. W: RileyWoods.net
STEPHANIE FARINA (she/her) Co-Sound Designer
Porchlight Debut
STEPHANIE FARINA is a sound designer, educator and musical mixer. Sound designing credits include Nacirema Society, New Stages (Goodman). Associate sound designing credits are Life After, Fannie, Music Man. Chicago credits include: Falsettos (Court Theatre); Ain’t Misbehavin (DLOB); Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, Light in the Piazza (LOC). Regional credits include Spelling Bee, Fannie (IRT) and Dream Girls (McCarter). She is the interim head of sound design at DePaul University and a Journeymen in IATSE L2.
SARAH RAMOS (she/her) Co-Sound Designer
Porchlight Debut
SARAH RAMOS recently designed Falsettos at Court with Timeline after designing The Gospel at Colonus, Arsenic and Old Lace and having previously spent nine seasons as the sound and video supervisor. Chicago sound credits: Goodman, Steppenwolf, Lookingglass, Drury Lane, Writers, American Blues, Griffin, About Face, The Gift, Congo Square, Bailiwick, Teatro Luna and Prop Thtr. Regional credits: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, First Stage, Renaissance Theaterworks, Indiana Repertory. She is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a mother of two.
MORGAN DUDARYK (she/her/they/them) Audio and Video Director
Previously at Porchlight: Fun Home, Broadway in your Backyard 2024, Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George
MORGAN DUDARYK is a Chicago based audio engineer, sound designer and aspiring pastry chef from Bolingbrook, Illinois. She is honored to be a member of Porchlight’s 2024/25 season. Audio and video director credit: Fun Home (Porchlight Music Theatre). Audio director credits: Sunday in the Park with George in Concert, Broadway in Your Backyard 2024 (Porchlight Music Theatre), Inanimate (Theater Wit). Assistant Audio Director credits: Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon, The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Lookingglass Theatre). Audio Engineer Credits: The Secret Garden (Theo Ubique), Jersey Boys (Mercury Theatre). Design credits: The Hatmaker’s Wife (Theatre Evolve, also original music), Student Body (Northwestern University), Vinegar Tom (DePaul University, also original music). Morgan graduated from DePaul University in 2024 with a BFA in Sound Design and minors in Music Studies and Music Recording. In her spare time, she can be found doing the New York Times daily crossword and cuddling with her two cats Gonzo and Toast. IG: @morgandy._
STARK WINTER (she/her/they/them) LX Programmer
KIM CARBONE (she/her) A1
BEK LAMBRECHT Rigging and Automation Specialist
PATRICK McGUIRE (any with respect) Properties Director
Previously at Porchlight: Fun Home, Anything Goes
PATRICK McGUIRE is a Jeff Award-nominated designer whose recent credits include: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Haven Chicago), Million Dollar Quartet (Metropolis PAC), Fun Home and Anything Goes (Porchlight Music Theatre), Xanadu (Skylight Music Theatre), Silent Sky (Citadel Theatre) and The SpongeBob Musical (Kokandy Productions). Patrick has done freelance work for companies including; Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Music Theater Works and Gallaudet University, as well as design/fabrication work in puppetry, historical millinery, props and costume crafts. MA (theatre directing), CCPA at Roosevelt University; MM, Boston University; BME, Illinois State. W: PatrickMcGuireArts.com
RITA VREELAND (she/her) Production Stage Manager, AEA
Previously at Porchlight: Ernest Shackleton Loves Me
RITA VREELAND returns to Porchlight after stage managing Ernest Shackleton Loves Me. Other favorite projects include Short Shakes! A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Chicago Shakespeare, The Little Mermaid and A Christmas Carol at Drury Lane Theatre, three years of The Polar Express Train Ride and productions at Raven Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Victory Gardens, Route 66 Theatre Company, Theatre at the Center, Northlight Theatre in Skokie and The Galway International Arts festival in Galway, Ireland. She is the proud wife of actor Tom Hickey and mom to twelve-year-old Charlie. Thank you for supporting live theatre!
DREW DONNELLY (he/him) Assistant Stage Manager, AEA
Previously at Porchlight: Fun Home, Cabaret, Anything Goes and others
DREW DONNELLY is very excited to return to Porchlight, where he previously had the pleasure of working on Fun Home, Cabaret, Anything Goes and the concert of Sunday in the Park with George. Originally from the panhandle of Texas, Drew got his Chicago start with Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company where work included The Glass Menagerie and Superior Donuts. Recent work includes The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale, Islander, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) and The Lehman Trilogy(TimeLine Theatre Company).
BILL WALTERS (he/him) Assistant Stage Manager, AEA
Previously at Porchlight: Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, Passing Strange, Minnie’s Boys, Do Re Mi, On a Clear Day… and Chess
BILL WALTERS was stage manager for Porchlight’s Sunday in the Park with George, Passing Strange, Minnie’s Boys, Do Re Mi, On a Clear Day…, and Chess. A Chicago native, Bill began his career as a performer appearing in over 20 productions at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. He was seen as “Seymour” in Little Shop of Horrors which opened the Royal George Theatre. Bill then returned to Candlelight as stage manager, working on 30 productions as well as productions at Drury Lane Oakbrook, Ravinia, the Barn Theatre and Theatre at the Center. Bill was the Director for Chicago Folks Operetta’s Arizona Lady and The Circus Princess. Since 2005, he has been a stage manager and the supernumerary captain at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Thanks to Michael for this opportunity.
AMANDA BLANCO (she/they) Assistant Stage Manager, AEA
AMANDA BLANCO is a Chicago-based stage manager working in theatre and other live events. Select credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Paramount Theatre), Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Noises Off, a home what howls (Steppenwolf Theatre Company) and Port of Entry (Albany Park Theater Project/Third Rail Projects). Amanda is a proud DePaul alum and a member of Actor’s Equity.
FRANKIE LEO BENNETT (he/him) Producing and Casting Associate
Porchlight Staff Member
FRANKIE LEO BENNETT is a Jeff award-nominated Chicago-based theatre multi-hyphenate. Directing: The Apple Tree (co-director), RENT (asst. director), multiple editions of New Faces Sing Broadway, Broadway in your Backyard and Chicago Sings (Porchlight Music Theatre); Out of Focus (CMTF/Kokandy/Steppenwolf): The Golden Girls: Meet the Skooby Don’t Gang and Save XMAS (Hell/Handbag); Acting: The SpongeBob Musical (Jeff nom – Best Principal Performer), Head Over Heels (Kokandy); Sweeney Todd, Altar Boyz(Theo); Cabaret, 1776, In The Heights (B’Way World Award – Best Actor) (Porchlight Music Theatre) among others. Writer: The Adventures of Ash (w/ David Lipschutz) and Resident Services – A Crossed-Up Animal Musical. Producer: The 94th Annual Waa-Mu Show (Northwestern University). Member: Dramatists Guild; Staff: Producing & Casting Associate – Porchlight. W: FrankieLeoBennett.com
MAJEL CUZA (she/her) Director of Production
Porchlight Staff Member
MAJEL CUZA is Porchlight’s director of production. A Chicago native, she has managed productions at Victory Gardens, Broadway in Chicago, Theater Wit, About Face, Steep, American Theater Company and Griffin. In recent years she has led production departments at Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare festival in Incline Village and the Dallas Theater Center in Dallas. She is thrilled to be back in Chicago and working with Porchlight!
HEATHER LYNN GERVASI (she/her) Associate Production Manager
Porchlight Staff Member
HEATHER LYNN GERVASI is originally from Buffalo, NY and has been a Chicago creative since 2021. Heather is thrilled to now hold the title of associate production manager and to have the opportunity to not only work with such incredible individuals, but to learn from them too. She holds immense gratitude to not only continue her work with Porchlight, but to also work alongside other companies such as Northlight Theatre and the Goodman Theatre in various capacities. She cannot thank her circle enough for overflowing her cup with love.
JESSICA MINOGUE Production Assistant
EVA PRICE (she/her) Original Producer
Eva Price is an NYCLU/ACLU honoree and a three-time Tony award-winning and two-time Olivier award-winning producer. Her productions have garnered six Olivier Awards, two Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and 19 Tony Awards. Current: & Juliet (Broadway, nine Tony nominations); Titanique (Off-Broadway, Lucille Lortel Award, Outstanding Musical) The Hip Hop Nutcracker (Touring Live Show, Disney +). Upcoming: Redwood (Broadway); Take the Lead (Paper Mill Playhouse). Selected credits: Redwood (La Jolla Playhouse), A Transparent Musical (Center Theatre Group); Mindplay (Arena Stage & Geffen Playhouse); Jagged Little Pill (two Tony Awards); Oklahoma! (two Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, Best Musical Revival, National Tour, West End); Tina – The Tina Turner Musical; What the Constitution Means to Me; Angels in America (Tony-winning Broadway Revival starring Nathan Lane and Andrew Garfield); Dear Evan Hansen (six Tony Awards, three Olivier Awards); Peter and the Starcatcher (five Tony Awards) along with several solo shows and critically acclaimed concerts starring The Temptations & The Four Tops, Kathy Griffin, Lewis Black, Colin Quinn and Hershey Felder.
CLARE KENNEDY McLAUGHLIN (she/her) Céline Dion
Previously seen at Porchlight: Blues in the Night and New Faces Sing Broadway 1961
CLARE KENNEDY McLAUGHLIN is thrilled to be returning to Porchlight, where she began her professional career! Previous credits include: Frozen, Beautiful (Paramount Theatre); Beehive: The 60’s Musical (Marriott Theatre); Blues in the Night (Alabama Shakespeare Festival; Porchlight Music Theatre – Jeff Award Nomination). She is a proud Northwestern alumnus and is represented by Stewart Talent. For Lily. Shall we go for it?! W: ClareKennedy.me IG:@ClareKMcl
ADAM FANE (he/him) Jack
Previously seen at Porchlight: Billy Elliot
ADAM FANE feels like the king of the world to be returning to Porchlight/BIC with TITANIQUE! Credits include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (MUNY); Frozen, The Full Monty, Into The Woods and Mel Brooks’ The Producers (Paramount Theatre); Jim Hensen’s Emmet Otter (Studebaker Theater); Ms. Blakk for President (Steppenwolf Theatre); Shrek the Musical, Gypsy and Ride the Cyclone (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Billy Elliot: The Musical (Porchlight Music Theatre); Chicago (Mason Street Warehouse); First Date (Royal George Theater); Sex Tips (Chicago premiere/Edinburgh Fringe Festival) and Jersey Boys, Spamalot, Pippin and Avenue Q (Mercury Theater Chicago). Touring: Rock of Ages (Broadway Playhouse) and Jersey Boys (NCL). Film: “Canal Street” and TV: “Chicago PD”. Represented by DDO. IG: @almostfanemous
MAYA ROWE (she/her) Rose
Porchlight Debut
MAYA ROWE is honored to be making her Porchlight Music Theatre/Broadway In Chicago debut in this famous (spoiler alert) shipwreck of a show! Favorite regional credits include: “Sonya” in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Writers Theatre); “Sally Bowles” in Cabaret (The Studio Theatre TDS), “Babette” in Beauty and the Beast (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); “Gingy” in Shrek (Drury Lane); “Clara” in The Light in the Piazza (AGPA Festival); “Sibella” in A Gentleman’s Guide… and “Sister Mary Downy” in Disaster! (Rocky Mountain Rep); “Marilyn Wald” and U/S “Cynthia/Carole” in Beautiful! (Marriott Theatre); “Ursula” and U/S “Frau Schmidt/Maria” in The Sound of Music (Paramount Theatre) and “Charlotte” in A Little Night Music (Theo). Recent Awards: Jeff Award Winner for Best Performer in a Supporting Role – Musical, A Little Night Music (Theo). You can also catch her in “Tankhouse” on AppleTV! Love to Gabe, Felix & Cadbury chocolate. IG: @MayaLRowe
JACKSON EVANS (he/him) Victor Garber/Luigi
Previously seen at Porchlight: Anything Goes
JACKSON EVANS is nervous he might get seasick. Chicago credits: Anything Goes (Porchlight Music Theatre, Jeff Nomination); Falsettos (Court/Timeline Theaters) The Full Monty, School of Rock, Beauty and the Beast (Paramount, Jeff Nomination); Guys and Dolls, Matilda, Spamalot (Drury Lane); Ride the Cyclone(Chicago Shakespeare); Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady (Lyric Opera); Boys in the Band (Windy City Playhouse); Singin’ in the Rain, A Christmas Story (Marriott); Avenue Q, Bunny Bunny(Mercury Theater). Touring: The Realish Housewives (Second City). Regional: Peninsula Players, Milwaukee Rep, First Stage. Film: “Christmas is Canceled” TV: “Paper Girls,” “Chicago PD,” and “Sirens”. This show is dedicated to the biggest Céline fan he knows- his brilliant mother.
ROB LINDLEY (he/him) Ruth
Previously seen at Porchlight: Children of Eden, Sweeney Todd, A New Brain and Closer Than Ever and directing A Wonderful Life, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, How to Succeed… and Far From Heaven
ROB LINDLEY is pleased to be returning to Broadway In Chicago after touring with Phantom of the Opera and returning to Porchlight Music Theatre after serving as an artistic associate for many years, appearing in Children of Eden, Sweeney Todd, A New Brain and Closer Than Ever and directing A Wonderful Life, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, How to Succeed… and Far From Heaven. Rob is also one of the co-creators of Porchlight’s “Chicago Sings” annual fundraising concert. Other Chicago acting credits include The Little Mermaid (Drury Lane); Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Oh Coward!, Bach at Leipzig (Writers Theatre); Andy Warhol in Iran, Funnyman (Northlight Theatre); Sound of Music (Marriott Theatre); Fun Home (Victory Gardens); Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, Secret Garden, James Joyce’s The Dead, Caroline or Change, Carousel (Court Theatre). Rob’s directing credits include the Off-Broadway production of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody; Two Pianos Four Hands and Songs for Nobodies (Northlight Theatre); two star-studded concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia Festival and countless galas for practically every Chicago arts organization. Rob is a graduate of the Second City Training Center, a Jeff Award-winner, host and creator of the (Queer) Sacred Space Salon and his favorite role to date was playing Susan Sarandon as “Jackie Harrison” in Stepmom – Live in the Old Ethan Allen Space at Steppenwolf.
ADRIAN AGUILAR (he/him) Cal
Previously seen at Porchlight: Pal Joey, Double Trouble, Broadway in your Backyard Porchlight Revisits Chess and others
ADRIAN AGUILAR has performed on stages and screens all over the country in his 20 year career, but he will always call Chicago his home. Born and raised in the burbs, he chose to come back to Chicago to start his career and family, rather than the typical path to New York City. Adrian has been married to the woman of his dreams, Brianna Borger, for nearly 14 years,and they live a quiet life in Evanston with their perfect son, Ian and their perfectly imperfect meatball of a pittie, Ahsoka Doggo. Adrian considers himself to be the luckiest person on the planet.
ABBY C. SMITH (she/her) Molly Brown
Porchlight Debut
ABBY C. SMITH is thrilled to board the ship of dreams for Chicago’s TITANIQUE, which combines some of her favorite things: musical theater, gay pop culture and stupidity for the sake of comedy. She saw “Titanic” in the movie theater four times in 1998. Theater credits: The SpongeBob Musical (OBC); Paramount, Marriott, MSMT, Fulton, Mason Street, Theater Aspen, Arkansas Rep, Lyric OKC and Arrow Rock. TV credits: “Orange is the New Black,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Blue Bloods“ and “Search Party.” This one is for all my besties. I love you! W: AbbyCSmith.com IG: @AbbyCSmith
LORENZO SHAWN PARNELL (he/him) The Seaman/Iceberg
Previously seen at Porchlight: New Faces Sing Broadway NOW (2024)
Originally hailing from Rochester, New York, tenor LORENZO SHAWN PARNELL is thrilled to be making his Mainstage debut performance with Porchlight Music Theatre. Regional credits include, “Macy’s Manager/ Charlie” in Elf: The Musical (Drury Lane Theatre); “Lola” in Kinky Boots (Shea’s 710); “Motormouth Maybelle” in Hairspray (Kavinoky Theatre); “Coalhouse Walker Jr” in Ragtime (Musicalfare); “Lt. Eddie Souther” in Sister Act:The Musical (Lancaster Opera House) and “Tom Robinson” in To Kill a Mockingbird (GEVA Theatre). He currently lives in Avondale with his partner Jim and their sassy (yet fluffy) bunny, Viper. IG: lorenzos.parnell
DAVID ROBBINS (he/him) Background Vocalist
Previously seen at Porchlight: Porchlight ICONS: Celebrating Ben Vereen, Chicago Sings Rock n Roll
DAVID ROBBINS is grateful to return to Porchlight Music Theatre with TITANIQUE, following his performance in Chicago Sings Rock n Roll and Porchlight ICONS: Celebrating Ben Vereen. Chicago Credits: Spamilton: An American Parody (Original Chicago Cast), Tim Sheader’s Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyric Opera Chicago), Avenue Q (Mercury Theater Chicago). Regional: “Ken” in Ain’t Misbehavin (Great Lakes Theater Festival/Idaho Shakespeare), “Frankie” in Forever Plaid (Theatre Raleigh), “Mr. Bones” in The Scottsboro Boys (Theatre Raleigh), “Bobby Dupree” in Memphis (Ivoryton Playhouse, Phoenix Theatre and Cape Fear Regional). TV/Film: “Lovecraft Country” (HBO) and “Fargo” (FX). David dedicates this to his parents. Mom, for your love of Celine, and Dad, for your passion for the Titanic. IG: David.S.Robbins
CAROLINE LYELL (she/her) Background Vocalist
Previously seen at Porchlight: New Faces Sing Broadway 1951
CAROLINE LYELL is thrilled to be returning to Porchlight after appearing in New Faces Sing Broadway 1951. Previous credits include: The Little Mermaid and Ragtime (Music Theater Works); Pride and Prejudice (Theater for the New City); In to America (Griffin Theatre) and Atlantic: A Scottish Story (RCS/AMTP). Proud graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Rep: Shirley Hamilton Talent. W: CarolineLyell.com
ELAINE WATSON (she/her) Background Vocalist
Porchlight Debut
ELAINE WATSON is so grateful for the opportunity to play with this project. New to the Chicago area post-national tour (Jagged Little Pill), she has been lucky enough to perform at Chicago Shakespeare (Sinister Workshop); Drury Lane (The Little Mermaid) and now Porchlight Music Theatre. All her thanks goes to the Stewart Chicago team, her friends and family (old and new) and the TITANIQUE creatives for the faith, trust and pixie dust. Enjoy the show!
JORDAN DOUGLAS ELLIS (he/him) U/S Jack/Cal/Victor/Ruth/Background Vocalist
Porchlight Debut
JORDAN DOUGLAS ELLIS is beyond excited to take part in his first Chicago production! After a decade in New York, this Wisconsin boy is happy to be back in the Midwest. National/International Tours: In the Mood (U.S. & Australia); Cirque Dreams Holidaze (U.S.); Regional: Pelagius – A New Musical (“Pelagius”); Smokey Joe’s Cafe (“Adrian”); Godspell (“Telly”); Chicago (U/S “Mary Sunshine”). You can also find Jordan sailing the high seas as a guest entertainer with The Company Men and in his Carpenters tribute show, I’ve Only Just Begun. Lots of love to my family for their constant and unwavering support. IG: @JordanDouglasEllis
KAITLIN FEELY (she/her) U/S Céline/Molly/Rose/Background Vocalist
Porchlight Debut
KAITLIN FEELY is thrilled to be making her debut with Porchlight Music Theatre! Most recent credits: Mary Poppins: A Staged Concert (Metropolis); It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Athenaeum Center Theatre); Avenue Q (Williams Street Repertory); “Audrey” in Little Shop of Horrors (Ramsey Theatre Company); “Kira” in Xanadu (Skylight Music Theatre); “Ilona” in She Loves Me (Citadel Theatre). Kaitlin has a BFA in music theatre and a minor in Mathematics from Illinois Wesleyan University. Many thanks to her wonderful cast and team and her exceptional family and friends. IG: @KaitlinFeely
PEYTON THOMAS SCHOENHOFER (any with respect) U/S Jack/Cal/Ruth/Background Vocalist
Previously seen at Porchlight: New Faces Sing Broadway NOW (2024)
PEYTON SCHOENHOFER is thrilled to sail aboard TITANIQUE with Porchlight and Broadway In Chicago! Recent credits include The King’s Wife (“Lord Thomas,” Paramount Theatre), The Curtain Rises (“Moss Hart,” staged reading), New Faces Sing Broadway NOW (2024) (lead vocalist, Porchlight Music Theatre) and The Forge Sings Disney (lead vocalist, Lemont Quarries Forge). Peyton was also recently featured on “Chicago Fire.” He would like to thank his family for their constant support as well as the TITANIQUE team for this opportunity.
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Photo by Michael Brosilow