Production

Ava is so excited to play Sandy in the cast of Grease! She is currently an undergraduate at MSU getting her masters in Law & Governance with plans of going to law school. But her heart will always belong to the theatre! You may have seen her in Paper Mill Playhouses “New Voices” production or SKITs Cinderella production appearing as Cinderella. Ava would like to thank the her cast mates and Madison Square Theatre staff for welcoming her with open arms and inspiring her to be the best she can possibly be!

Jason Benjamin (Eugene 8/17 & 8/19/ ensemble 8/18 & 8/20) is a true Grease nerd, a fan since age four. So it is his distinct pleasure to be playing Rydell High’s class nerd in Madison Public Theatre’s wonderful production, and to share the stage with this cast of friends – “We Go Together,” indeed! Previously, Jason appeared in interACT Theatre productions of 1984 and The Wedding Singer, and Suburban Legend’s pantomime, En Garde! Originally from Michigan, Jason worked for 16 years in NYC as a musician and an operations manager in education non-profits. He now resides in Maplewood, NJ with his wife and kids, whom he thanks deeply for their love and support through these summer nights.

Heather Cozine (Miss Lynch) is thrilled to be making her debut with this talented cast and creative team at Madison Public Theatre. A true lover of music and stage Heather enjoys singing and acting with various theaters and show choruses throughout NJ.  Credits: “Velveteen Rabbit” (Train Engine Spirit) (BCP); “Gemini” (Bunny Weinberger) (NLT); “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” (Angela) (OLT); “Choices, Choices” (She) (OLT); “Honey” (Jane) (OLT); “Sweet Charity” (Ensemble) (OLT); “A Christmas Carol” (Ghost of Christmas Future) (Bergen PAC); “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Pharaoh) (A Work of Heart Productions); “Side-Show” (Auntie) (OLT); “Hairspray” (Edna) (Hackensack Theatre Company); Harmony & Celebration Singers (NJ). Heather would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support. “Dig the scene on the Big 15”.

Thomas is thrilled to be making his return to the stage in almost 5 years for this production. He graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2018 with a B.A in Stage Management & Directing. He is finishing his MA in Educational Leadership from his alma mater as well. He would like to thank the cast, crew, friends, and family for their endless love and support!

Tess graduated Seton Hall University in 2019 with a Degree in Theatre and Vocal Performance. She has appeared on many stages, professionally and otherwise, in shows ranging from Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical, to Steel Magnolias, to The Learned Ladies and most recently The Wedding Singer and ultimately just loves performing. She hopes everyone has a blast!

Katy would like her husband Tom and daughters Erin and Maggie for encouraging her to step back onto the stage after MANY years. She was a long time resident of Madison NJ and soon will be making a move south. She was a "theater kid" in high school and college but put that on pause while first working in the stock footage industry in NYC then leaving to raise her twins. She kept her creative juices flowing however as an enrichment instructor at the Madison YMCA until covid struck, a cabinet shop owner and designer, and most recently a Madison public school substitute teacher. Being part of this diverse Grease cast has been amazing and makes her want to keep going. Thank you cast mates, Jacqueline, and Ryder!

Kaan is excited to be a part of Grease and the Madison Public Theatre! He most recently played Sammy in interACT’s spring production of The Wedding Singer. He has appeared on television and in several short films including the award winning ‘The Van’ and ‘Skiff’. Kaan studies at the Houde School of Acting. When he is not on set, Kaan enjoys playing guitar and video games, and watching horror movies with his wife and pets.

Rider R. Foster has performed as a conductor, soloist, and chorister throughout his life.
A former student of Thomas Faracco at Westminster Choir College, he was a member of internationally recognized Westminster Choir under the direction of Dr. Joe Miller, and of the Grammy-Nominated Williamson Voices under the direction of Dr. James Jordan.
Along with myriad performances, notably with NYC Opera and with similarly prominent conductors and orchestras, he is Conductor in Residence at Off-Brand Opera, Conductor and Music Director of Madison Public Theater, Choral Scholar for Christ Church in Ridgewood NJ, and founder of O.N.E. - a touring ensemble and traveling opera chorus.
He serves as chorus master for Light Opera of New Jersey, Teatro Lirico D’Europa, and Nickel City Opera.
He is also the Executive Director and Conductor of Clarum Sonum, which is an collaborative ensemble dedicated to the performance of new music and enriching local music programs both sacred and secular.

Happy to be back on stage after 37 years. Previously in HS productions of Grease (Ensemble), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Ensemble), Bye Bye Birdie (Gloria Rasputin), West Side Story (Jet Girl) and College production of Grease (Marty). Thankful to our amazing cast, Jaquie and Rider for helping me get back to being on stage. And a special shout out to my amazing son Ethan for his unwavering support and encouragement during this whole process.

Jade, a versatile performer, recently graced Carnegie Hall & Don’t Tell Mama’s NYC. Her range of credits include Mary Poppins to The Addams Family. Asst. music director at Mt. Tabor Arts’ Broadway Benefit concert. Upcoming: LOTUS community chorus singer & Rider University’s The Great Comet of 1812, her debut as a 2nd yr. in RU’s BFA program. Thanks to MPT for the warm welcome!!

Erica is thrilled to make her debut with Madison Public Theatre & Radcliff Theatricals! Originally from Rockaway Beach, NY, Erica started her musical journey at Pope John XXIII HS. Acting Credits include The Crucible (Mrs. Putnam), Euripides' Medea (Medea), Almost Maine (Gayle), Extremities (Marjorie), Slush (Snow White), Inherit the Wind (Mrs. Brady), The Wedding Singer (Airline Agent/Ensemble) & Merlin: The Warrior Wizard (Lady Althea). She would like to thank the Vieira family, interACT productions, Stan Barber & her amazing friends and for their continuous love and support. This show is dedicated to my mommy, Ariana Vieira as I will always be hopelessly devoted to her.

This marks Rod first appearance with MPT but by no means is he a thespian. He's been quite the buzy bee this year. He just completed West Side Story with Villagers Theater. Previously he appeared as Mr T. In InterActs production of The Wedding Singer, then Dec 2023 he performed with Phoenix Production of A Christmas Carol. Other credits both NJ/NY (off Broadway) A Chorus Line. Rent, Once On This Island. Legally Blonde. Ragtime, To Kill A MockingBird, And Then There Were None, Guys And Dolls and more. He is an award winning filmmaker who is also a WGA (writers guild) member. Next up in Sept he will be performing with Stone Church Players powerful&haunting classic. The Crucible. He thanks Jaqueline, River, for the awesome experience and cast "GO! GO! GO! GO!

Zachary Morehouse jumped into the world of musical theater last year in Madison Public Theater’s premiere season as Gremio in Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate. He has also been seen as Dr. Blind (Die Fledermaus), Frederic (Pirates of Penzance), the toy-seller Parpignol (La Bohème), and Ralph Rickshaw (H.M.S. Pinafore). Zachary holds his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Montclair State University.

This show marks the end of Meredith's 17 year hiatus from musical theater! In the past year, Meredith performed in the Summer Solstice Showcase at The Barn Theater, and appeared as Mary Anne in "When We Were Young & Unafraid" at Nutley Little Theater. Meredith thanks her family and friends for their love, support, and encouragement!

DAWN COLLET (Frenchy/Ensemble) is delighted to be back on stage after a long hiatus and grateful to join this talented cast. Previous credits include House Red (Racine) at Theater for the New City, If a Train (Doralene) at Producter’s Club and starring roles in TV and film. A professional SEO & perpetual dreamer, Dawn thanks her husband, daughter, and family for their support.

Peter is a high school math teacher, but has a long history of being involved in theater and the performing arts. Past credits include Kiss Me Kate (ensemble), Edges (Man 2), Twelfth Night (Feste), Ernest in Love (Algernon), Vanguard Theater Company’s Broadway Buddy Cabaret (Performer), and The Benanti Group’s Christmastown (Performer). Peter wants to extend a huge thank you to the entire cast and creative team for making this show such an enjoyable experience, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Mariah graduated from Purdue University in May 2020 with her B.S. in biomedical engineering. She moved to New Jersey in June 2020 and currently works in sterile drug development at Merck, formulating IV and subcutaneous biologics. Though an engineer by trade, Mariah has always loved to sing and has sung in choirs and shows since childhood. She is excited to continue her musical endeavors in adulthood and is thrilled to be performing in her second show with Madison Public Theatre!

Erica Stuppler (Dance Captain/Cha Cha) Erica is excited to be returning to the Madison Public Theatre stage in Grease! Previous credits include West Side Story (Anybodys), The Wedding Singer (Dance Captain/Cher Impersonator/Featured Dancer), Elf, The Musical (Dance Captain/Charlie), Sweet Charity (Rosie/Fandango Dancer), Anyone Can Whistle, Kiss Me, Kate, Legally Blonde, Tuck Everlasting, Les Misérables, Footloose, and Mame. Erica was also recently seen in Jersey Voices at Chatham Community Players. Erica would like to thank the cast and crew for making this a memorable experience and thanks her friends and family for coming out to see the show!

Jake Kantrowitz (Eugene) (they/he) is elated to be apart of Grease! Previous shows they’ve been in include Perfect Arrangement (Jim Baxter), Clyt (Electra), and Head Over Heels (Chorus). Jake is a rising Junior Theatre Major (Musical Theatre and Theatre Education) at Rowan University, and also has a minor in Music. When off-stage, Jake can be found reading their horoscope, going on Dunkin runs, and spending an absurd amount of time on TikTok.

Jaime is super excited to be playing this Beauty School Dropout in Grease! She has loved working with this cast and has made many new friends through this experience. She wishes her cast good luck and thanks all of the creative staff for their help and support! Xoxo

Jessie is thrilled to be back with the Madison Public Theater! Her other credits include The Barn Theatre’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Dance Captain); Chester Playhouse’s Book of Will (Alice); MPT’s Kiss Me, Kate (Dance Captain); and Chatham Playhouse’s Tuck Everlasting (Dance Captain). She thanks her friends and family for all their support!

Steve Dodrv is very excited to be playing the role of Roger in this production of Grease. This is his first production with Madison Public Theatre. He most recently performed in InterACT’s production of The Wedding Singer and Villagers Theatre’s production of Godspell. When he is not performing he is a music teacher and choir director. He is thankful to his family and friends for their love and support.

Ryan Smith is jazzed to appear as Teen Angel with the cool cats on this cast. Recent credits from this year include Ricky/Shane/Featured Dancer in Wedding Singer(interACT) and Jean-Michel in Cinderella (Wyckoff YArts). Ryan studied acting at Ramapo College where he earned his BA in Theatre in 2020. He’d like to thank everyone for this support, on and off stage.

Jaime is super excited to be playing this Beauty School Dropout in Grease! She has loved working with this cast and has made many new friends through this experience. She wishes her cast good luck and thanks all of the creative staff for their help and support! Xoxo

Kimberlee is playing Jan in the Arcade cast, and is excited to be back on stage after 10 years. Normally, you can find Kimberlee waving her baton in the pit for various high school musical productions. Most recently Kimberlee was the music director for New Milford High School's summer production of The Wizard of Oz, her sixth production as music director. She's grateful for this opportunity to be on the other side and perform for an audience.

Megan is so excited to be apart of this production of Grease! Megan is a proud Rutgers University,
Mason Gross School of the Arts alum with a degree in classical music. When not performing, she enjoys crocheting, baking and spending time with those she loves. She is grateful to this awesome cast, break legs everyone!

Ralph is pumped to get a chance to play Sonny in Grease. He's appreciated the opportunity to practice and create with a group of kind and talented cast mates. Special thanks to a good friend and resident dapper gentlemen Jason Benjamin for the encouragement to audition!

C. Paige Porter (Marty) is an active performer and voice teacher in the greater NYC region. This is her second production with MPT, last year she sang the title role in Kiss Me Kate. Other favorite roles include Josephine in HMS Pinafore, and Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte (Light Opera NJ). Paige holds a Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music.

Kyra is a 2022 graduate of Madison High School and is excited to be playing Sandy. She recently finished summer training at Stella Adler in NYC and is currently pursuing a career on the professional stage. Past roles include Bianca in MPT’s  Kiss Me Kate; Charity in Sweet Charity; Irene Malloy in Hello Dolly!; and Janet Van de Graaff in Drowsy Chaperone.  She’d like to thank Tom Sellwood, Jaquie Radcliff, her supportive friends and family,  and the talented cast and crew of Madison Public Theatre.

Lisa Wolper/Teen Angel

Lisa is so excited to be making her NJ community theater debut, with Madison Public Theatre/ Rad Theatricals.  After spending ten years on oxygen due to pulmonary fibrosis, Lisa received a life saving lung transplant in November 2022 and is so grateful to finally be making her way back to the stage. (Shifting to first person) Thank you so much to my family and friends for all their support and encouragement!  I love you all so much.  Also a very special thank you to Jackie and Rider.  I would like to dedicate this performance to my lung donor.

Previous favorite musical credits include Cinderella, in Into the woods, Maria, in West side story, Mary, in Mary Poppins, Adriana in Boys from Syracuse,  Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Lucy, in Three Penny Opera, and Rosa Bud, in The Mystery of Edwin Drood.