STAFF ::
David Spangler (Lovewell Founder/Artistic Director) :: Currently the Program Administrator and Artistic Director of Nova Southeastern University’s Graduate Degree Program in Interdisciplinary Arts. Mr. Spangler graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with post-graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and Kansas State University and is a Ph.D. candidate at The Union Institute and University, where he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theatre. He has worked professionally in theatre, film, and television as a director, writer, composer, and performer.
His Broadway credits include The Magic Show, Seesaw, and Elizabeth I. In New York, he has directed Brothers at the LaMama Theater, and Goodbye, Harry at the Ballroom. He has also written and directed for numerous regional theaters including the Papermill Playhouse, the Lenox Art Center, Barter Theatre, Village Theatre, and is a past recipient of a Carbonell Award for “Best New Work.” In addition, Mr. Spangler directed Mame for the grand opening of the Jerry Herman Ring Theater at the University of Miami, and has composed music for several major Hollywood feature films. He has also written and produced numerous television commercials for Hallmark, Folger’s, and Mercedes Benz, as well as the music for the Emmy Award winning Romper Room.
As an Interdisciplinary Arts administrator and consultant, he has served in various capacities with the Miami City Ballet, Walt Disney World Entertainment, the Theatre League of South Florida, the Arts Advisory Committee for the Broward Public Schools, and was appointed by the Florida Secretary of State to serve as a grant panelist and evaluator for the State Division of Cultural Affairs.
Carrie Gilchrist (Associate Artistic Director/Program Director) :: This production marks Carrie’s twentieth Lovewell process in cities all across the U.S. and in Sweden . After receiving her BFA in musical theatre from Webster Conservatory in St. Louis, Miss Gilchrist headed to Chicago to pursue an acting, directing and teaching career. While there, she worked with many different theatre companies including Pegasus, DolphinBack, Theatre Building of Chicago, The 24 Hour Project, New Tuners, Windy City Players and Scrap Mettle Soul. She is also a founding member of the Lovewell Theatre project, a professional company dedicated to bringing life to musicals that push the boundries of our times. In the classroom, Carrie helped to develop and taught a creative arts outreach with the Youth Coalition of Humbolt Park and the Chicago Public School System. She recently relocated to South Florida where she has been teaching for the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, stage managing for David Spangler’s musical, “Nefertiti, and working for Lovewell full time. She would like to thank the entire Lovewell family for letting their LovewellLIGHTS shine and her husband, Joe, for his unending love and constant joy.
Ryan McCall (Music Director) :: “Taking Root” marks Ryan’s 20th Lovewell experience. Ryan is a composer/arranger/performer who has worked professionally with Improv Olympic, Comedy Sportz, Dolphinback Theatre and the world famous Second City. In 2000, Ryan won a Chicago Theatre After Dark award for Best New Score for his musical “The Sound of One”. In 2002 he was a co-recipient of a Kansas Horizons Grant to write the family musical with friend and Lovewell director Nathan Tysen. Ryan performed internationally with the Improv Troup “Baby Wants Candy” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, and now he works at Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar located at Beach Place in Ft. Lauderdale. Ryan would like to thank the staff for another great Lovewell experience and the students who have given so much of themselves and have been a joy to work with. He is originally from Salina, Ks. I love you Jamie.
Jamie Johnson (Script Supervisor) :: was a student of the Lovewell Institute for two years in Kansas and began anew as a staff member in 2000. She received her BA in English/Playwriting from Webster University in St. Louis. Jamie’s play, “Drinking With Diane”, was selected to be a part of Webster University Theatre Conservatory’s 2000-2001season. Ms. Johnson was also a co-writer and actor in the Lovewell Theatre Project’s production of The Book of Phil, and is currently working on revisions of the script for a New York production. In 2004, she was proud to serve as stage manager for the Chicago-based community performance collective Scrap Mettle SOUL, which takes stories from a neighborhood in transition and molds them into a modern theatre piece performed by community members. A lifelong Midwest girl, she is a recent transplant to Ft. Lauderdale by way of Chicago.
Holly McLean (Choreographer) :: Trained in dance, yoga, and Pilates, Holly McLean has served as choreographer for Lovewell programs in the Florida Keys, Ft. Lauderdale, and California. Currently living in New York, she has worked with inspiring playwrights such as Mac Wellman, Len Jenkin, and A.R. Gurney. Holly is a former member of downtown Manhattan’s Bat Theatre Company at The Flea Theatre. She is also a member of The Lovewell Theatre Project whose original Musical: “Book of Phil” premiered in Chicago. Holly McLean received her BFA from New World School of the Arts.
Stephanie G. Wieland (Assistant Director) :: Stephanie spent over five years working in Chicago’s theatre and film community as a director, actor, and casting director. Stephanie served as Associate Artistic Director for Scrap Mettle SOUL theatre company, where she co-directed the original works The Whole World Gets Well, Stories is Good Medicine, and The Other Way. During Stephanie’s time with SMS, the company was nationally recognized as a “Point of Light”. Stephanie’s film credits include additional casting for the independent films Tenfold, Anatomy, and Design, an official selection of the Sundance Film Festival. She served as casting director and producer for the award winning independent film The Rest of Your Life, winner of the Best Comedy Award at the New York Independent Film Festival. Stephanie also worked in casting for the DreamWorks SKG film Road to Perdition. Last summer Stephanie joined the Lovewell team and served as assistant director. Stephanie received her BFA in Acting from The Theatre School, DePaul University. She recently moved to Los Angeles with her husband after nearly a decade of arctic winters and brutal summers in Chicago.
Joe Hagen (Director of Media & Design) :: This marks the fourth stint on staff for a Lovewell production. A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, he is dedicated to fusing the graphic arts with the production of theatre. He has produced Point-of-purchase graphic design for Anheuser-Busch, Miller Brewing, Coors Brewing, Harley Davidson and Catapillar. He currently works in Delray Beach, FL as a graphic designer for a direct mail marketing firm and freelances for various businesses.
Nina Zakrzewski (Administrator) :: Earned a BFA in Drama at the Boston
Conservatory of Music. She went on to get an MA from Emerson College and an
ME in Administration from Eastern Nazarene College. Mrs. Zak is also a member
of Actors Equity, AFTRA and SAG. She has performed in radio, television, movies and “on stage” – her greatest love! She and her husband Michael, were owners and co-producers of Mystery du Jour Dinner Theatre where her duties included director , choreographer and actress. Her teaching and administrative credits include Associate Director of Continuing Education at Quincy Jr. College, English and Theatre Professor at Eastern Nazarene College, as well as, an English and theatre teacher grades 6-12. Her biggest thrill is to be working at University School with wonderful people and talented students where she teaches theater and expository writing classes. She has just begun working on her doctorate degree at NSU. Wish her luck!!
INTERNS ::
Tobi Nagy (Advertising/Marketing/All around go to girl) :: is so excited to be a Staff Intern this year. Taking Root is Tobi’s 5th Lovewell production. She was also involved in the Lovewell productions of Sidetracked, Drawn In, Define It and Peace of Mind. Tobi is now a sophomore at Florida State University (Go Noles) and is majoring in Advertising. She would like to thank her Mom (who is always there for her and always there to make her laugh), her Grandma (for keeping her in shape), and her sisters (Meagan, Hallee and the ladies of Sigma Delta Tau). Tobi would also like to thank the staff for helping her through this transition and the cast for working so hard. Peace, Love & J$.
Angela Patane (Writing staff) :: is thrilled to be involved in Taking Root with so many talented staff and cast members. While this is her first creative staff opportunity, Angela is no stranger to Lovewell. This is the third show she has been involved in and she would like to thank everyone who has made this such an enriching experience. Lovewell gave her the chance to take a break from pursuing a BA in creative writing while continuing to immerse herself in the arts. She resides in Orlando with a cat named Elliott.
Candice Borden (Music Staff) :: Candice is a six-show Lovewell veteran now living in Orlando, who is thrilled to be back for this year‘s performance of Way to Grow, Bro - the musical kind of about a tree, but not reallya. Past performances include Operation Generation in Key West, Peace of Mind in Ft. Lauderdale, and Define It in Riverside, California. She would like to thank the staff, students, and interns for their dedication and hard work, for the crazy harmonies in the opening number, and for successfully writing a musical in just three weeks.
Brendan Blase (Business) :: A rising senior at University School of NSU, is thrilled to have been the program assistant this year. A seasoned theatre student, Brendan was amazed at the talent Lovewell extracted from each and every student. He wishes them all the best of luck.
STUDENTS ::
Amy Baum :: is a 19 year old female who enjoys music and vibrant colors. She would like to thank her mom, dad, stepdad, siblings, aunt, and MN.
Matt Nye :: is a writer/actor, comedian, and a spoken word poet. Hes has been in two other Lovewell shows that include ‘Peace of Mind’ and ‘Banned Together’. He has also been in shows that include ‘a spoof of Romeo and Juliet’ ‘The sword and The Stone’ ‘Summers in the Air’ and many more. He was also apart of an Independent film entitled ‘Wild Fortunes’ which is now listed on imDB.com. Oh and hes cool.
Alexander Panisch :: is 14 and will attend Nova’s University School for 9th grade. He enjoys literature, manga, video games, fine arts and travel. He is interested in politics and one day hopes to be a journalist. He enjoys Thai food and Indie (Independent) Films.
Derek Jayson :: will be performing in his third Lovewell fiesta. He is fifteen years old and will be attending Robert Louis Stevenson as a sophomore. Derek lives in Monterey California and anxiously waits all year for the creative fun of Lovewell to begin again. He enjoys acting, singing, dancing, sports, electronics, and attending Lovewell. Derek would like to thank his family, friends, staff, and Lovewell cast, for supporting him through the years. Go class of ’08.
Michaela Gaffley :: finds her first Lovewell experience super stellar! She is going to be a Junior at NSU’s University School. Michaela loves music and the arts in general. She would like to thank every single person for being so unique and making the show “JAMTASTICLY FABULASTIC!”
Kyle Garcia :: is easily mistaken for Paris Hilton. He currently attends Western High School where he is a part of the dance team. A performer at heart he likes to sing, dance and act. He has been doing theatre since the 5th grade and has starred in 7 shows that include Annie, Once on This Island and Alice in Wonderland. Kyle enjoys eating bread and cheese nicely grilled to perfection by Claudette and salt-n-pepa-ing his mango. He would like to ask everyone if they would like to be his luva? La-da-da-de-da-da-da-da.
Meagan Nagy :: is 16 years old and will be a junior at Everglades High in the upcoming school year. She is extremely excited to be returning to Lovewell for her second year. Meagan has been dancing since she was ten and has been singing since she could talk. She would like to give special thanks to HER #1 FAN her Mother, her sisters Tobi and Hallee, Melissa, the whole cast and staff, Ms. Enna, Papa and Mama “C”, Goodman, Jenny Bu, Kristin, and her two favorite TREE PEEPS! You guys rocks.
Stephanie Sharp :: is 14 years old and will be starting her first year of high school at Archbishop McCarthy High School. She is excited to say this is her second year at Lovewell. She has performed as a bird girl in Seussical the Musical and as a tutu-crazed poet in Banned Together: a Musical Taking Liberties. She would like to give a special thanks to her parents, Julia, Scott, and Roxy.
Alissandra Rodriguez :: is 14 years old and is going to the Academy of Arts and Minds for her freshman year of high school. This is Ali’s third Lovewell performance. She was recently Miss Hannigan in Annie jr. She likes to play piano and flute, and loves to sing and act. She would like to give a special thanx to Holly, Carrie, Ryan, Jamie, Stephanie, Angela, Candice, and Tobi for being such a great staff. Also to Helen Rodriguez for being the best voice teacher ever. And most importantly to her parents for making all of this possible for her.
Nori Tecosky :: is 15 years old and will be a sophomore at Charles W. Flanagan High School. This is her first year at Lovewell. She recently played Claudia in “Stand and Deliver” and has performed in many shows at the Ft. Lauderdale Children’s Theatre. Kudos to the staff and cast of Lovewell. She would like to thank her loving family and supportive B-Fries. ’08 is great.
Tim Gaffley :: is 13 years old and will be going to 8TH Grade at Gloria Dei Lutheran Academy. This is his first year of LOVEWELL and is enjoying it thoroughly. He recently played “Tiny Tim” in his school play “Scrooge”. He hopes everyone has a awesome time doing the show. He thanks his parentals for making this possible for him.
Jose Gonzalez a.k.a “snoopy” :: is a 14 years old that enjoys all the aspects of art. He likes to play the guitar and this is his first year at Lovewell. He’s about to become a freshman at Mcfatter high school. He would like to thank his family for all the everlasting support. LOVEWELL ROCKZ!!!!!!
Stephanie Gomez (Mez) :: is going to be a senior at Everglades High, where she is going to be the secretary of Thespians. She is super psyched to be in her second Lovewell production and hopes to take part in many more. Mez enjoys cow tipping on the weekends with her best friends Luis, Kristian and Aaron. She would like to thank all of her friends and family for all of their unconditional love and support as well as all of the amazing Lovewell staff and the most fabulous Lovewell cast! “I love you all A LOT, like more than the sun, and more than trees, and tress are pretty high up there...!!!!”
Angela Miller :: Her first year at Lovewell but 2nd time performing a Lovewell show. She performed “Peace of Mind: The Life-Altering Musical” at the Thespian State Competition and her and her fellow thespians from Pope John Paul II High School won straight superiors for it. She recently appeared in PJPII’s production of Footloose and I Never Saw Another Butterfly under the direction of Elissa Greenfield, whom she would like to thank for introducing her to Lovewell. Angela has had an absolutely fantastic time “fiesta-ing” with everyone at Lovewell. She would like to thank EVERYONE in the staff for their hard work and patience, my family and friends for their support, and the Finke’s for being such great carpoolers! Oh, gaucho.
Katie Farah :: is 13 years old and is loving her 1st year at Lovewell. She is going to be in 8th grade, at Florida Bible Christian School. She has performed in every school play including Annie Get Your Gun, Rag Time, Promise You, and many others. Her favorite things to do are act, play sports, sing, dance, being with her friends and siblings. She would like to thank all the staff and teens, and mostly her family. “I heart Lovewell!”
Michael Finke :: a junior at Pope John Paul II High School. While this is his second Lovewell show, this is his first summer at Lovewell. He was in the Lovewell production, “Peace of Mind: A Life Altering Musical” at his High School, directed by Elissa Greenfield. He recently finished Nefertiti: A Musical Romance as King Tut at the Parker Playhouse, under the direction of Robert Johannsen. Other shows include Footloose (Willard), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and his favorite Into the Woods (Jack). He would like to thank his entire friends and family for their support. He’d like to thank the Millers for being such cool carpools and Tobi for being his fabulous wife. He’d also like to thank the entire Lovewell staff and cast. “I’ve never been part of a cast that is as close as we are.”
Jessica Walsh :: is 15 years old and is going to be a junior at American heritage. Jessica shows include: ‘School for Nerds’ as Claudia, ‘Toy Camp’ as the Cool Cat, ‘Seven Brides for Dracula’ as the Countess, and ‘Why Mosquitos Buzz’ as the Mosquito. She also designs costumes and sets. In her spare time she enjoys singing, dancing, tumbling, and going to Fridays with her two favorite Tree Peeps. She is so excited to be part of this awesome cast for her First Lovewell show. She would like to give thanks to her mom and dad, GiGi, Nori, and Meagan! “I love you all”.
Roxanne Fraser :: also known as Roxy, feels very weird writing about herself in the third person. She is fifteen and goes to St. Thomas Aquinas High. She loves Lovewell, the cast and staff. She is so excited to be in her first Lovewell production!!! “Enjoy the Show!!!”
Hali Charron :: is a member of the International Thespian Society. Hali is human colored and is very passionate about pizza. She is also very excited to be at Lovewell for the first time; for she knows it will help her achieve her life ambition, which is to FLY!
Alexandra Martinez :: is 14 years old and will be attending Everglades High. She enjoys Flamenco. This is her first year at Lovewell and she loves it. She would like to thank her family and her friends!
Ilay Eskinazi :: is 15 years old. This will be his third year at Lovewell and he is really excited to see the result of this show. He will be a Sophomore at Everglades High in the upcoming school year. He loves food, girls, videogames, Meagan, and Lovewell Of course he would like to give a shout out to his loving and supporting family. Also to his friends and loving staff members at Lovewell.
Jason Pomerantz :: is proud to be part of this year’s Lovewell cast. He is going into his second year of musical theater, having previously been in productions of Les Miserables, Little Shop of Horrors, and Aida. Jason would like to thank everyone at Lovewell for allowing him the opportunity to learn what goes into writing a musical. He would also like to thank everyone for creating such an open environment for the sharing of ideas. Without this, the show would not have been what it is. Jason would also like to thank all of his friends and family for their amazing support and stuff.
J.D. Odom :: is very excited to be in his first Lovewell production. He has had fun writing, singing, and dancing with this year’s cast of Lovewell, and looks forward to many more. J.D. would like to thank his parents for being so supportive of him in all of his endeavors at Lovewell, also for driving him to and from Lovewell.
Cassie Spangler :: will be a junior at NSU’s University School, and is thrilled to be back for another year of Lovewell. Cassie’s previous Lovewell shows include Always Take the Stairs, Drawn In, Define It, Peace of Mind and Banned Together. She is an active member of the International Thespian Society and treasurer of her schools thespian Troupe. She would like to thank Claudette for making the best tuna sandwiches EVER, R. Kelly for his inspirational songwriting, her parents, her sisters, and all the fantastic staff and cast members that made this masterpiece possible. What an awesome summer. Oh, gaucho.
THANKS ::
Lovewell Parents
Betty & The Cleaning Crew at University School
Office Staff at University School (Debbie, Lois & Cindy)
The Odom Family
Lovewell Junior Staff & Cast
Jen Laudia
Shelley Bernstein