Proof
2021-09-24 18:30 - 22:00, 2021-09-25 18:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Curiosity by Intrinsic, 161 Midland Avenue, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company presents River’s Edge Stage, a new series of thought-provoking works and discussions.
The first production in this series, will be a staged reading of the critically acclaimed drama by David Auburn, the winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and a Tony® Award for Best Play. Directed by Don Filicetti.
CAST

Catherine: Brooke Gorsica
Hal: David Villa
Robert: Martin Pfefferkorn
Claire: Imani Williams

SUMMARY
Catherine — a troubled young woman on the eve of her 25th birthday — has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness — or genius — will she inherit? * (note, contains mature language)
EVENT DETAILS
Dinner by Curiosity by Intrinsic will be served al fresco. Seating at 6:30 pm includes appetizer, entrée, and dessert (beverages not included, BYOB). Advance ticket purchase required. Each performance is limited to 30 seats. A waiting list is available.
Menu: (make selections for each attendee during the check out process)

Appetizers – Garlic Naan/ Scallion Pancakes /Satay chicken/Tofu skewers
Entrée – Chicken with mushrooms or asparagus/Salmon teriyaki /Veggie bowl
Desserts – Selection of featured desserts will be available

* At the conclusion of the performance attendees will participate in a “talk back” session about the perceptions of mental illness moderated by a phycologist .
Produced in partnership with Curiosity by Intrinsic.
PROOF is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. New York.

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ALICIA
2021-10-15 19:30 - 22:30, 2021-10-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2021-10-16 19:30 - 22:30, 2021-10-22 19:30 - 22:30, 2021-10-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2021-10-23 19:30 - 22:30 | East Newark Recreation Center (behind Tops Diner), 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ, 07029, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company kicks off its Youth Stage series of family-friendly theatrical events with Alicia, a bilingual adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland written by Elaine Romero. Directed by Milagros “Milly” Gonzalez.
This production contains dialogue in both Spanish and English. Facemasks will be required for all audience members at all performances.
CAST

Alicia: Alejandra Castro
Mother: Ana Lujan
Caterpillar: Allyson Olivera
Tweedle Dum: Rachel Montoro
Doormouse: Victoria Gonzalez
White Queen/Rose: Vivian Torres
Chesshire Cat: Jaivaneese Johnson
El Conejo Moreno/Humpty: Gabriel De Los Santos
Tweedle Dee: Matthews Segura
March Hare: Max Ramos
Tiger Lily: Evan Torres
Hatter: Arianna Robaina
Bread: Marissa Costa
Teapot: Vanessa Costa
Table: Ana Lujan
Alfredito: Jarrel Torres

SUMMARY
When Alicia is sent to her room for misbehaving, she’s convinced that her parents have no idea who she really is. She confides in her beloved hamster Alfredito, who suddenly escapes through a hole in the wall, and miraculously, Alicia is able to follow him all the way into Wonderlandia. On her journey through this topsy-turvy world she meets all sorts of fantastic characters, negotiating strange situations before finally returning to her room a little wiser.
Alicia is presented by special arrangement by Playscripts, Inc.

Tickets: $15 Adults | $12 Students/Seniors
Tickets may also be available at the door.

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COVID-19 Guidelines: West Hudson Arts & Theater Company follows all current state and federal health guidelines. All audience members will be required to wear masks as well as any unvaccinated cast members, stage crew and volunteers.

Fall 2021 Arts Classes
2021-11-01 - 2021-12-16 | East Newark Recreation Center (behind Tops Diner), 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ, 07029, United States
Registration opens Thursday, October 14!

Register Now!

Información en español

Información en portugués

Information in English

Yes, Virginia Auditions
2021-11-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2021-11-04 19:00 - 21:00 | East Newark Recreation Center (behind Tops Diner), 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ, 07029, United States
Auditions will be held in-person as follows:
Date: November 3 & 4
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: East Newark Recreation Center, 44 Central Avenue, East Newark 07029 (behind Tops Diner)
Actors ages 7 – 80+ are invited to read from the provided sides. Printed copies will be available.
Sides

Side 1: Francis, Virginia
Side 2: Mary Lou, Wendy, Virginia
Side 3: Virginia, Samantha, Mother
Side 4: Walter, Francis
Side 5: Virginia, Samantha, Mother, Father

Download Audition Form
QUESTIONS? Contact yesvirginia@whatconj.org

About the Production
Playwright Jamie Gorski’s adaptation of Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, directed by Alyssa Schirm is a story inspired by a simple, poignant letter written over 100 years ago by 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun—and by the timeless editorial response printed on the front page of the Sun.
Virginia wondered and wrote: “Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it’s so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?” Ed Mitchell, the Sun’s editor, gives the assignment of answering Virginia’s letter to Frank Church who, until his wife and baby died last Christmas Eve, was the Sun’s best and most dependable reporter.
Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus is a play for young and old, magically reaffirming life’s highest beauty and joy—”the eternal light with which childhood fills the world.”

Characters

Virginia O’Hanlon (8 years old, inquisitive)
Mother O’Hanlon (about 35)
Father O’Hanlon (about 36)
Samantha O’Hanlon (about 10)
Francis Church (young editor, eccentric, klutzy)
Walter Gibson (editor and chief of “The Sun”)
Mary Lou Parker (about 8)
Wendy Parker (about 7)
Post-Person
Martha (friendly soup server)
Old Christmas Prologues (3)
* Other non-speaking roles, stage and technical crew, set building, and other volunteers are also needed for this production! To volunteer, contact admin@whatconj.org.

**COVID-19 Guidelines: West Hudson Arts & Theater Company follows all current state and federal health guidelines. During auditions and at performances, all audience members will be required to wear masks as well as any unvaccinated cast members, stage crew and volunteers, per building requirements.

Almost Maine Auditions - Dec 1 & 3
2021-12-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2021-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Hartung Center, 925 Passaic Avenue, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
Auditions for Almost Maine will be held in-person as follows:
Date: December 1st & December 3rd
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Hartung Center, 925 Passaic Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032
ALL ACTORS AGES 16 AND UP ARE ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION!
Sides (click title to download, printed copies will be available)

Side 1: Jimmy, Sandrine
Side 2: Jimmy, Sandrine, Waitress
Side 3: Gayle, Lyndall
Side 4: Marvalyn, Steve
Side 5: Chad, Randy

Click to Download the Audition Form

QUESTIONS? Contact almostmaine@whatconj.org

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Welcome to the town of Almost, Maine- a small town in Northern Maine where the skies are clear enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights once a year. One cold, magical winter night, the ordinary people of Almost find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest of ways. Playwright John Cariani’s masterpiece, Almost Maine (directed by Brooke Gorsica) is one of the most popularly produced plays in the past decade. Originally premiering off-Broadway in 2006, Almost Maine follows the individual stories of 8 different couples that all experience the magic of love as the clock strikes 9 PM on the same cold and slightly surreal winter night.
*A NOTE ON COVID-19: A few scenes in Almost Maine do have intimate moments such as kissing. Due to COVID-19, only fully vaccinated actors will be considered for these scenes to limit the risk of spreading COVID. All non-vaccinated actors are still welcome to audition for scenes that do not include these moments of intimacy.*

CHARACTERS

PROLOGUE: PETE & GINETTE who have been dating little while. (Ages 16-50)
HER HEART: EAST, a repairman & GLORY a hiker (Ages 25-70)
SAD & GLAD: JIMMY, a heating and cooling guy; SANDRINE, his ex-girlfriend and a salty WAITRESS (Ages 20-60)
THIS HURTS: MARVALYN, a woman who is very good at protecting herself, and STEVE, an open, kind fellow whose brother protects him (Ages 20-60)
GETTING IT BACK: GAYLE & LENDALL, longtime girlfriend and boyfriend (Ages 18-50)
THEY FELL: RANDY & CHAD: two ‘Country Boys’ (Ages 20-50)
WHERE IT WENT: PHIL, a working man and his hard-working wife, MARCI(Ages 25-50)
STORY OF HOPE: HOPE, who has traveled the world, and a MAN who has not (Ages 25-60)
SEEING THE THING: RHONDA, a tough woman, and DAVE, the not-so-tough man who loves her. (Ages 25-50)

* Stage and technical crew, set building, and other volunteers are also needed for this production! To volunteer, contact admin@whatconj.org.
**COVID-19 Guidelines: West Hudson Arts & Theater Company follows all current state and federal health guidelines. During auditions and at performances, all audience members will be required to wear masks as well as any unvaccinated cast members, stage crew and volunteers, per building requirements.

Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus
2021-12-10 19:30 - 22:00, 2021-12-11 14:00 - 17:00, 2021-12-11 19:30 - 22:00, 2021-12-17 19:30 - 22:00, 2021-12-18 14:00 - 17:00, 2021-12-18 19:30 - 22:00 | East Newark Recreation Center (behind Tops Diner), 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ, 07029, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company kicks off the holiday season with its family-friendly production of Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”, written by Jamie Gorski. Directed by Alyssa Schirm.
Facemasks will be required for all audience members at all performances.
Production Dates:
December 10, 11, 17, 18 @ 7:30 pm and December 11, 18 @ 2:00 pm
BUY TICKETS
SUMMARY
Inspired by a simple, poignant letter written over 100 years ago by 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun—and by the timeless editorial response printed on the front page of the Sun.
Virginia wondered and wrote: “Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it’s so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?” Ed Mitchell, the Sun’s editor, gives the assignment of answering Virginia’s letter to Frank Church who, until his wife and baby died last Christmas Eve, was the Sun’s best and most dependable reporter.
Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus is a play for young and old, magically reaffirming life’s highest beauty and joy—”the eternal light with which childhood fills the world.”
CAST

Virginia O’Hanlon – Jayla Mirassol
Samuel O’Hanlon – Joshua Belchior
Father O’Hanlon – Clint Vinacco
Mother O’Hanlon – Audrey Shapiro
Francis Church – David Mach
Walter Gibson – George Rex
Mary Lou Parker – Brooke Lynn Pulcine
Wendy Parker – Genevieve Lambo
John Patrick Munley – Post-Person, Soup Line Worker
Ensemble – Sarah Hill, Victoria Gonzalez, Riley Bennett

Yes, Virginia is presented by special arrangement by Playscripts, Inc.
Tickets: $15 Adults | $12 Students/Seniors
Tickets may also be available at the door.
Venue: East Newark Recreation Center, 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ

BUY TICKETS

PURCHASE AN AD IN OUR PROGRAM
COVID-19 Guidelines: West Hudson Arts & Theater Company follows all current state and federal health guidelines. All audience members will be required to wear masks as well as any unvaccinated cast members, stage crew and volunteers.

Spring 2022 Arts Classes - In-Person Registration
2022-02-26 10:00 - 14:00 | East Newark Recreation Center (behind Tops Diner), 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ, 07029, United States
In-person registration will be held:
Saturday, February 26, 2022
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: East Newark Recreation Center, 44 Central Avenue, East Newark (behind Tops Diner)

Bridesmaid Murder: a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
2022-03-18 19:00 - 21:30, 2022-03-19 19:00 - 21:30 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company invites you to a wedding reception to die for!
Bridesmaid Murder – a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Written by: Allyssa Hynes
Directed by: Nelson DePasquale & Allyssa Hynes
Date: March 18 & 19, 2022
Where: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032
Time: 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
$50 per person includes 3-course dinner, coffee, tea, soda. Cash bar.

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Cast List
Malcom – David R. Mach
Bianca – Jessa Blackthorne
Harold – Nelson DePasquale
Deborah – Alexis Saarela
Trudy – Lauren Proda
Francesca – Caroline Ritacco
Fiona – Denise Organisciak
Grace – Imani Nia Williams
Syd – Judy Wilson
Charlie – Lonzell Wilson
Father Carigan – Richard Rodriguez Douglass
Howard – Ed Shea

Buffet Menu Catering by Carmine’s
Appetizer: cheese board/charcuterie
Dinner:
Fish with tomatoes and olives
Chicken with lemon sauce
Veal parmigiana
Penne Vodka
Roasted Vegetables
Focaccia bread
Dessert: Wedding Cake

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If you prefer to make your reservation by phone contact:
Brandi at admin@whatconj.org or call/text (201) 540-WHAT (9428).
All calls will be returned within 24 hours.

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

Almost Maine
2022-04-01 19:00 - 21:30, 2022-04-02 19:00 - 21:30 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
Welcome to the town of Almost, Maine – a small town in Northern Maine where the skies are clear enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights once a year. One cold, magical winter night, the ordinary people of Almost find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest of ways. Playwright John Cariani’s masterpiece, Almost Maine (directed by Brooke Gorsica) is one of the most popularly produced plays in the past decade. Originally premiering off-Broadway in 2006, Almost Maine follows the individual stories of 8 different couples that all experience the magic of love as the clock strikes 9 PM on the same cold and slightly surreal winter night.
Production dates: April 1 & 2 at 7:00 pm and April 3 at 2:00 pm
Venue: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032

Purchase Tickets

CAST
Prologue
Pete: Justin Wei
Ginette: Nyasia Legra

Her Heart
East: Jim Miller
Glory: Brandi-Leigh Miller

Sad and Glad
Jimmy: Javier Alexander
Sandrine: Ivy Leigh Meyer
Waitress/Suzette: Alyssa Schirm

This Hurts
Marvalyn: Lauren Proda
Steve: Arthur Carlson

Getting It Back
Gayle: Holly Stefanik (April 3)
Gayle: Chloe Keifer (April 1, 2)
Lendall: David Villa

They Fell
Randy: Donald Filicetti
Chad: Ed Shea

Where It Went
Phil: Neil Oberndorf
Marci: Bernadette Oberndorf

Story of Hope
Hope: Andrea Mcchristian
Man Without Hope: John McCullough

Seeing the Thing
Rhonda: Amanda Castro-Conroy
Dave: Matthew Masiello

Almost, Maine is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. New York.

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

Almost Maine
2022-04-03 14:00 - 15:30 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
Welcome to the town of Almost, Maine – a small town in Northern Maine where the skies are clear enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights once a year. One cold, magical winter night, the ordinary people of Almost find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest of ways. Playwright John Cariani’s masterpiece, Almost Maine (directed by Brooke Gorsica) is one of the most popularly produced plays in the past decade. Originally premiering off-Broadway in 2006, Almost Maine follows the individual stories of 8 different couples that all experience the magic of love as the clock strikes 9 PM on the same cold and slightly surreal winter night.
Production dates: April 1 & 2 at 7:00 pm and April 3 at 2:00 pm
Venue: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032

Purchase Tickets

CAST
Prologue
Pete: Justin Wei
Ginette: Nyasia Legra

Her Heart
East: Jim Miller
Glory: Brandi-Leigh Miller

Sad and Glad
Jimmy: Javier Alexander
Sandrine: Ivy Leigh Meyer
Waitress/Suzette: Alyssa Schirm

This Hurts
Marvalyn: Lauren Proda
Steve: Arthur Carlson

Getting It Back
Gayle: Holly Stefanik (April 3)
Gayle: Chloe Keifer (April 1, 2)
Lendall: David Villa

They Fell
Randy: Donald Filicetti
Chad: Ed Shea

Where It Went
Phil: Neil Oberndorf
Marci: Bernadette Oberndorf

Story of Hope
Hope: Andrea Mcchristian
Man Without Hope: John McCullough

Seeing the Thing
Rhonda: Amanda Castro-Conroy
Dave: Matthew Masiello

Almost, Maine is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. New York.

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

Almost Maine April Flyer

We Love Disney Family Sing-Along
2022-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 | VFW Lawn, 300 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
📣The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company Presents Summer Stage (A New Outdoor Community Arts Series)
🤩🎤“We Love Disney” Family Sing-Along
🎼💖A Family-Friendly Sing Along of your favorite Disney Songs!
🧺Pack a picnic
🪑Bring your lawn chairs or blanket
🧜‍♀️🧞‍♂️Costumes encouraged!!
📌WHEN:
Saturday, July 16 @7:00 p.m.
(rain or shine)
📌WHERE:
On the lawn
VFW Post 1302
300 Belgrove Drive
Kearny, NJ 07032
🚫No outside alcohol allowed
VFW will be open to the public
🎟Free
$10 per family (Suggested donation)
(Pay at the gate)
🎭Information:
INFO@WHATCONJ.ORG
(201) 540-WHAT (9428)
Facebook: @WHATCONJ
Instagram: @WHATCO_NJ

Rock of Ages - Jukebox Sing-along
2022-08-20 20:00 - 22:00 | VFW Lawn, 300 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States

Drop Dead! Auditions - Dec 28 & 29
2022-12-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-12-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Auditions for Drop Dead! will be held in-person as follows:
Date: December 28 & December 29
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, N.J. (the former Holy Cross School)
Production dates: February 24, 25 and March 3, 4

Actors ages 18 to 75 are invited to read from the provided sides.
A note on COVID-19: all actors will be required to provide proof of vaccination when auditioning. Masks will be mandatory during the rehearsal process leading up to tech week.

Sides (click title to download, printed copies will be available)

Side 1: Drools
Side 2: Penelope, Alexander, Inspector, Bette, Drools
Side 3: Victor, Phillip, Candy, Mona, Brent, Chaz
Side 4: Piggy, Victor, Brent, Mona, Dick, Chaz
Side 5: Phillip, Mona, Victor, Bette, Drools, Constance, Alexander, Lady Barrington, Constance, Inspector
Side 6: Alexander, Penelope, Chaz, Constance, Victor, Alabama

Download Audition Form

QUESTIONS? Contact dropdead@whatconj.org

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Drop Dead! Is a murder mystery play in which a rag-tag cast of actors are desperately trying to revive their careers. But when the murders and mysteries exceed those in the script, these thespians must save the show AND their careers as well as their lives!
If you are unable to attend either of the audition dates listed above but are still interested in wanting to come out for Drop Dead, contact Matt Masiello at mmasiell2@gmail.com.

CHARACTERS

VICTOR LE PEWE – the director
SOL WEISENHEIMER – the producer
PHILLIP – the stage manager
ALABAMA MILLER – the playwright
MONA MONET – the TV star
BRENT REYNOLDS – the method actor
CHAZ LOONEY – the apprentice
CANDY APPLES – the ex-actress
CONSTANCE CRAWFORD – old stage star
DICK SHALIT – Gene Shalit’s brother

* Stage and technical crew, set building, and other volunteers are also needed for this production! To volunteer, contact admin@whatconj.org.

Trivia Night Murder Auditions - January 24 & 26
2023-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Auditions for Trivia Night Murder will be held in-person as follows:
Date: January 24th and 26th
Time: 7 – 9 pm
Location: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: March 24 & 25
Actors over the age of 18 are invited to come to auditions where they can read from character sides and show off their improv skills.
A note on COVID-19: Actors will be asked to wear masks during rehearsals until tech week.
Due to the nature of a dinner theater, the audience will not be able to wear masks while eating their meals.
Questions? Contact whatmm@whatconj.org
About the Production:
Trivia Night Murder is an interactive comedy murder mystery that will also feature a trivia game for the audience. The story centers on a bar trivia game competition that turns deadly when one team leader dies during the game.
There are scripted roles available for the investigators and suspects, as well as some trivia team leader roles that are improv-only and are not involved in the investigation.
If you are unable to attend either of the audition dates listed above but are still interested in wanting to come out for Trivia Night Murder, contact Allyssa Hynes at whatmm@whatconj.org.

Characters:
Investigators

Sammy: the personable host of Trivia, Trivia, Trivia
Malloy: a retired detective and trivia player

Victim

Graham/Gina: the off-putting head of “Graham’s Team” or “Gina’s Team”

Suspects

Jeanette: Jeremy’s annoyed ex on “Agatha Quiztie”
Jeremy: Jeanette’s annoyed ex on “The Real Agatha Quiztie”
Ethel: a sweet older woman that is part of “Guessing Grannies”
Tara: a young buzzed woman and leader of impromptu team “Happy Birthday, Tara”
Winston/Victoria: a pompous historian on “Your History”
Chip/Bambi: a competitive gym rat on “The Champions”
Shelby/Stuart: a sweet school teacher on “Schooled”
Dan/Dawn: a barfly on “We’re Here Every Night”

AUDITION SIDES

Side 1 – Sammy, Ethel, Jeremy, Jeanette
Side 2 – Sammy, Tara
Side 3 – Malloy, Sammy
Side 4 – Malloy, Chip/Bambi
Side 5 – Malloy, Winston/Victoria

* Stage and technical crew and other volunteers are also needed for this production! To volunteer, contact admin@whatconj.org.
