Jane Jakubowski (Annie) is a Newton 7th grader, back for her second production with WFS after playing Henricka in Miracle on 34th Street. Jane is an avid singer who enjoys spending time with her family & friends. Annie has been Jane's favorite musical since age two, when she began performing her renditions of "Tomorrow" & "Maybe”, before playing Molly in Annie in Newton Youth Players in her first stage experience. Jane is thrilled to play her dream role & loves working with WFS members. She thanks her family & is extremely grateful for the opportunity. May all of your TOMORROWS be brighter than the ones before!!
Paul Murphy (Warbucks) is excited to be back at Weston Friendly, previously playing the Beast in Beauty and the Beast and Harry in Once Upon a Mattress. Onstage credits include: Bill in August Osage County, Horace Vandergelder in The Matchmaker, Captain in The Sound of Music, Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance, Count in Fools, Inspector in Mousetrap, Billy in Anything Goes, and Curly in Oklahoma. Directing Credits include: 9 to 5 (AFD), Moon Over Buffalo(QP - EMACT nomination), Dinner with Friends (Concord), Man Who Came to Dinner (Concord), You Can’t Take It with You (QP), All Night Strut (QP), and Curtains (AFD).
Dana Sullivan (Grace Farrell) is honored and excited to reprise the role of Grace in Annie at WFS. Favorite credits include: Guenevere in Camelot, Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mrs. Walker in The Who’s Tommy, and Welfare Worker / Ensemble in Ragtime. Dana holds a B.M. in vocal performance from the Hartt School of Music. As a soprano with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, she performs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops throughout the year. When not performing onstage, Dana is a pediatric nurse practitioner and dog-mom to @HarvardDangerfield.
Jo Ann Kaplan (Miss Hannigan) recently retired with her husband to Nashua, NH after practicing law in the Boston area for many years. The greatest joy of retirement for her has been returning to the theater after a hiatus. She is thrilled to be performing for the first time with WFS. Her favorite early roles included Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Eve in Applause, and Jennet inThe Lady's Not For Burning. Recent roles have included Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, the title role in Drowsy Chaperone, Alice in The Addams Family Musical, and the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins.
James Fernandes (Rooster) is excited to return to WFS where he played Sid Sorokin in The Pajama Game this past winter! Some of his favorite credits include: Dan in Next to Normal, Enjolras in Les Miserables,Van Helsing in Dracula, Houdini in Ragtime, John Wilkes Booth in Assassins, Cinderella's Prince/Wolf in Into the Woods, Bobby in Company, Nicky, Trekkie Monster, Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q, Man 1 in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Jitter in The Musical of Musicals, the Musical. James would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support!
Cynthia Krebs (Lily St. Regis) is delighted to be back at Weston Friendly. She’s danced with Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Oakland City Ballet. After joining Joffrey Ballet, an injury ended her ballet career. She earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theater and Communications at California State University, Chico. She’s taught jazz, and ballet at Jeannette Neill Dance Studio, Boston Youth Moves. She is a certified barre instructor. Recent credits include The Pajama Game (Babe) at WFS, Company for the Holidays (Soloist) at TCT, and Chicago (Mona) at Vokes Players. Cynthia is beaming with joy to be on stage with her daughter Reese!
Allan Singer (Fred McCracken), in his 17th community theater musical performance, is delighted to channel his theatrical alter ego through the ventriloquism of a dummy named "Wacky." As a real-time, Weston-based psychotherapist in private practice, Allan thanks the insightful, visionary perception of Dan Sullivan, along with such a scintillating, sparkling cast and crew, for supporting Allan in manifesting his inner-and-outer Wacky-ness, which is readily available and never far from conscious accessibility. Allan's husband, Emil, and their pups, Simon and Bailey, can attest to that!
Anne Ludlow (Sophie) is thrilled to be back with Weston Friendly for Annie! She is a retired school social worker now playing as a substitute teacher in the Lowell Public Schools. Previous ensemble performances include Music Man (WFS '11), Oliver & Children of Eden (Wellesley Players '12& '13). Much love to my husband Dave, Ali & Dom, & Meredith & Ben, who all know that a life without musical theater is one that is not fully lived.
Anthony Masciangioli (Bert Healey) is a resident of Dudley, MA. He has been involved in over 40 productions in central MA and is excited to return to Weston Friendly! Some favorite past shows include The Fantasticks (The Boy), Into the Woods (Jack, Rapunzel’s Prince), How to Succeed in Business…(Finch), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), 1940s Radio Hour (BJ Gibson), Once on this Island (Agwe), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Phoebus), Heathers the Musical (JD), and most recently Company (Bobby).
Becca Mayersohn (Bonnie Boylan, Co-Dance Captain) is thrilled to return to Weston Friendly this fall for her sixth production, having previously performed in White Christmas(2013), A Christmas Carol (2016), Fiddler on the Roof (2017), The Pajama Game(2018), and Jerry's Girls (2018). She also recently joined the Weston Friendly Board as Development Chair. When she's not at Town Hall, Becca works at Walnut Hill School for the Arts as the Stewardship & Research Coordinator, and lives on campus as a Dorm Parent with her boyfriend and pets. Thanks to DFS for everything.
Bevie Lord (Secretary) is a retired foreign language teacher and director from Foxborough High School. Through NETC she is New England's representative to AACT. She received the Marie Philips Award for her service to NETC. She was inducted into AACT's College of Fellows for having "contributed significantly to the idea and ideal of community theatre." She’s represented AACT as a voting delegate at the Congress of Mondial du Theatre International Community Theatre Festival in Monaco. Three favorite WFS shows areBen Franklin in Paris, White Christmas, and A Christmas Carol. Her favorite role is playing "Grammie" to three year old Benjamin.
Bridget Sullivan (Connie Boylan,Co-Dance Captain) is excited for her fourteenth production with The Weston Friendly Society, having variously performed, stage managed, ran sound and painted the set for seven of their seasons. She is currently working towards her goal of being a professional potter. Bridget would like to thank her family for all of their love and support.
Cara Siobhan (Annette) is excited to return for her third season with the Weston Friendly Society as a part of another great cast. When not on the Weston Friendly stage, Cara can be seen performing with The LIARS at various events around New England.
Curtis Keene (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back with WFS after making his acting debut here as Jonathan in A Christmas Carol. Other WFS shows include Fiddler on the Roof and Miracle on 35th Street. He has enjoyed roles as The Boy in Flyleaf's Into the Woods and Young Shrek/Grumpy in Lasell's Shrek The Musical. Curtis is a fifth grader at Weston Field School. He loves just about everyone and everything - especially flag football, his cat and gecko, and the entire cast and team of Annie!
Declan Pignone (Ensemble) is excited to be making his Weston Friendly Society Debut! He is 10 and in the 5th grade at Hemenway Elementary on Framingham. He attended Star Fun Theater Camp and was a squire in Cinderellaat Open Door Theater in Acton. He is looking forward to playing Shenzi in November for his 5th grade play Lion King Jr.. Declan would like to thank Juliana and Alice Miller for getting him involved in community theater. He wants to thank his mom for her love and support.
Elizabeth Hassett (Apple Seller) is delighted to make her debut with Weston Friendly! Recently, she was seen in 9 to 5at AFD (Ensemble), The Footlight Club’s The Music Man (Dance Ensemble), The Producers at Concord Players (Ensemble), and Shrek The Musical (Baby Bear) at Wellesley Players. She is originally from Atlanta, GA and is a Marketing Manager by day. Thanks to the Weston Friendly cast and crew for their friendly welcome and to friends, family, and my forever honey for their support!
Eric Pell (Cordell Hull/Judge Brandeis) is very excited to again perform with the Weston Friendly. His first show with the Friendly was How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying as Mr. Twimble. Recent shows included Fiddler on the Roof and Pajama Game. Eric is a very happily retired elementary teacher who, along with his wife Margie, own and operate Starfun Theater Camp. He dedicates his performance to Dr. Malcolm Astley, his former principal at Bowman School.
Honor WIlliams (Assistant Dog Catcher) is excited to be joining Weston Friendly for this years production of Annie. Honor has performed in many productions with Commonwealth Ballet including Sleeping Beauty, Midsummer Nights Dream, The Nightingale, The Nutcracker, and The Secret Garden. With her school, Honor performed in Spamalot and Guys and Dolls, and over the summer she joined the Ogunquit Youth Theatre in their performance of High School Musical at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Honor sings in CCHS' select choir and combined chorus performing, competing, and auditioning throughout the year.
Joey Thordarson (Lt. Ward) was last seen on the Weston Friendly stage in March, portraying Charley in The Pajama Game. He is thrilled to return for Annie. Joey has also appeared in a number of productions and concerts through the Catholic Univeristy of America, from which he holds a BM in Vocal Performance. In addition, he has performed at the Bulgarian Embassy. Joey would like to thank God, his friends and family, and Weston Friendly Society. A special shout-out goes to his voice teachers: Rick and Tom from CUA, and his current teacher, Angela.
Josie May Barry (July) is a 5th grader from Winthrop and is beyond excited to be performing in her first show at Weston Friendly Society. Past roles include Skipper (Madagascar Jr. at Greater Boston Stage Company) Fanny (Mary Poppins at Marblehead Little Theater) Baby Nala (The Lion King Jr. at Winthrop School of the Performing Arts) and Ugly (HONK! Winthrop School of the Performing Arts). Josie would like to thank her family, friends and teachers for their continued support.
Julie Jakubowksi (Mrs. Greer) has come out of “retirement”, having been urged by her family & leaps back onto the musical stage for the first time since her tweens! Her big break was as Brigitta in Michigan Opera Theatre’'s The Sound of Music (with Judy Kaye as Maria). Roles include Amaryllis (Music Man), Annie (Annie), & Ensemble (George M!). In her twenties, Julie was a vocalist in a rock band that played the Bell in Hand & other Boston nightlife scenes. Julie thanks Dan, Holly, & Meghan for this opportunity...made even more special being alongside her ray of sunshine, Jane! Much love to Bill, Gwendolyn, Jane & Annabelle!
Kenly Murray (July) is thrilled to be making her Weston Friendly Society debut, and is excited to be on stage with her younger sister. Kenly is 10 years old and lives in Sudbury, where she is a fourth grader at Nixon Elementary. She takes ballet, tap, musical theater, and vocal lessons at The Performing Arts Connection. One of Kenly’s favorite past roles has been playing Flounder in The Little Mermaid, for both MetroWest Family Theater and for Rivers Edge Art Alliance. Her hobbies include singing, performing, and basketball. She wishes to thank her parents and her little sisters Peyton and Devyn.
Lance Dillaway (Drake) has enjoyed a variety of roles from orchestra and set construction to singing and dancing, since his first Weston Friendly show in 1977. Favorite roles include: Will Parker in Oklahoma, the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Harry Beaton in Brigadoon, Sir Harry and King Sextimus in separate productions of Once Upon a Mattress and Gangster #1 in Kiss Me Kate. Special thanks to all who helped to make this show possible as well as to his wife Beverly and daughters Becky and Molly for their continuing love and support.
Lillian Rogers (Kate) is a fifth grader at McCarthy Middle School in Chelmsford. She’s delighted to join the talented cast of Annie while making her stage debut at Weston Friendly. Lily discovered theater when she played “Gretl” in The Sound of Music. She’s appeared in Mary Poppins (“Michael Banks”), Beauty and the Beast (“Chip”), Carousel (Snow Child), and Seussical (“JoJo”). When not on stage, Lily can be found on the soccer field, basketball court or dance studio. Her family is very proud of her, and love watching her shine in the spotlight. She may be small, but she can do big things.
Louie McGowan (Sandy) This is Louie’s stage debut. He wants to thank everyone for all the peanut butter treats and ear rubs. He especially wants to thank his mom and dad for the long walks and for letting him lie on the couch after a long rehearsal. He also loves Jane, because she has the best treats and always tickles in the right spots.
Margie Pell (Mrs. Pugh) is pleased to be returning to the WFS stage. She is a retired First Grade teacher and reading interventionist. Margie is currently co/owner and director of StarFun Theater Camp, a musical theater summer camp in Framingham, for young people in grades 1-9. Some of her favorite roles are Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Matron in Chicago, Eulalie Shinn in Music Man and Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie. Margie would like to thank hubby Eric for joining her onstage and her family, Dayna, Paul, Adam and Sara for always coming out to support their mom.
Maya Harrington (Duffy) is 9 years old and in 4th grade. She has loved music and dancing for as long as she can remember and after taking lessons, she quickly caught the musical theater bug. She has participated in Rivers Edge Summer Drama Workshop for 3 years and got to be Aladdin in Aladdin Jr.! This year, she was in Dear Edwinaand also joined Morning Glow Production’s Into the Woods Jr. as Jack. Her favorite part about theater is meeting new people and singing on stage. She’s very excited to be a part of Weston Friendly Society’s Production of Annie!
Nell Jacobsen (Tessie) is making her Weston Friendly Society debut and she’s so excited to be part of this talented cast and crew. Nell has performed with North End Music & Performing Arts Center and Charlestown Working Theatre with roles in Seussical and Elf Jr, as Antonio in Twelfth Night and most recently Marta in The Sound of Music. In addition to musical theatre, Nell enjoys traveling and fencing. She’d like to thank her voice coach Jaime Castellanos and her Mom and Auntie, for introducing her to Broadway at age four—by taking her to see the revival of Annie!
Nora Sullivan (Star-to-Be) is excited to be back for her 15th production with the Weston Friendly Society, having been in Annie the last time Friendly did it. Recent credits include Into the Woods (Little Red), Pajama Game (Mae), Shrek (Dragon), and Bye Bye Birdie (Ursula). She thanks her family for all their love and support.
Paul Keefe (Morgentheau) is excited to return for his second season at Weston Friendly. He studied Composition at the Longy School of Music, and his favorite roles include Father in Children of Eden, Giles Corey in The Crucible, Prince’s Steward in Into the Woods among others. He also appeared in Weston Friendly's The Pajama Game last spring. He would like to thank Danny, Meghan, Holly and everyone involved for their hard work, support and determination in bringing Annie to life.
Peyton Murray (Molly) is thrilled to be making her Weston Friendly Society debut, and is excited to be on stage with her older sister. Peyton is 7 years old and lives in Sudbury, where she is a second grader at Nixon Elementary. Peyton takes jazz/hip hop/acro and musical theater classes at The Performing Arts Connection. Some of Peyton’s favorite past roles are Cruella De Vil and Tigger. Her hobbies include art and performing, and she is also obsessed with pigs. She wishes to thank her parents and her sisters Kenly and Devyn.
Reese Krebs (Duffy) is excited to be making her Weston Friendly Debut! Recent credits include Mulan (Magyar), CATS(Possum), Willy Wonka (Children’s Ensemble), Lion King (Children’s Ensemble), and Cinderella (Children’s Ensemble), all with ACT at The Company Theatre, and Company for the Holidays (Soloist) at The Company Theatre. She also enjoys playing the piano and soccer. Attending the 4th grade, she lives in Norwell with her two sisters and cat Georgie. She would like to thank all her new friends for being so fun to work with and her Mom and Dad for driving her everywhere!
Rick Grenier (Bundles) is returning for his fifth show with WFS having previously performed in A Christmas Carol (Fezziwig), Fiddler on the Roof (Nachem), Miracle on 34th Street (Shellhammer), and The Pajama Game (Hasler). Memorable roles include Jack (Into the Woods), Tommy (Brigadoon), Kralahome (King and I), Mayor Shinn (Music Man), Major General (Pirates of Penzance), Billis (South Pacific), Seymour/Dentist (Little Shop), and Rooster (Annie). Rick serves on the WFS Board as Membership Director and is also Props Master for each production.
Sarah McGowan (Ronnie Boylan) This is Sarah’s fifth show with WFS and her first as a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to her roles with WFS, she appeared in productions with UMass Dartmouth’s Theatre Company. Favorite past shows include The Pajama Game, Fiddler on the Roof, Jekyll and Hyde, andYou Can’t Take It With You. Thank you to my family and friends for all their support, and especially to John for his love, encouragement, and willingness to do the grocery shopping while I’m at rehearsal.
Sarah Minkoff (Cecile) is so excited to be in her fourth production at Weston Friendly. Past shows include Miracle on 34th Street, Pajama Game, and Jerry’s Girls. She is so grateful to WFS for allowing her to sing and dance in front of people(still not sure why). Sarah would also like to thank her family and friends for being so supportive and her roomates for doing all of the chores while she is at rehearsal.
Skylar Brunk (Pepper) is excited to be making her debut with the Weston Friendly Society in Annie. A 7th grader at Weston Middle School, Skylar has been performing on stage since she was 7 in productions with LINX Theater, Weston Drama Workshop, and the Weston schools. She has also appeared in the film Daddy’s Home 2 and as the lead in the short film The Cape, which premiered in September as a selection at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival.
Todd Yard (FDR) is happy to join the Weston Friendly family with Annie. Previous credits include Fun Home (Bruce) at SpeakEasy, Barnum (PT Barnum) and The Wild Party (Burrs) with Moonbox Productions, Company (David) and Gypsy (Uncle Jocko) at Lyric Stage, Man of La Mancha (The Governor) at New Repertory Theatre, Sunday in the Park... (George) and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Jasper) at Vokes Players, Carousel (Jigger) and Oklahoma! (Ali Hakim) at Reagle Music Theatre, and La Cage Aux Folles (Albin) and Ragtime (Tateh) at The Umbrella. Todd is a graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
Vallery Koenig (Frances Perkins) is excited to join Weston Friendly for the sixth time. She has most previously been seen on the WFS stage in Miracle on 34th Street, Pajama Game, and Jerry's Girls. She would like to thank her friends for all their support and for the excitement they bring to life, the rest of the WFS Board for all their support and work, and her family for their love!
Zooey Smoler-Curran (Tessie) is 7 years old and in second grade at Happy Hollow Elementary School in Wayland, MA. She loves to sing, dance, read, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends. She is so excited be in her first musical! Oh my goodness!