Directed by Patrick Ciamacco
Music Direction by Matthew Dolan
Stage Managed by Brittany Gaul
Assistant Direction by Jonathan Kroneneberger
Costume Design by Jenniver Sparano
Set, Lighting, and Sound Design by Patrick Ciamacco
CAST
Curt Arnold (Ensemble) returns to Blank Canvas, one of his favorite Cleveland venues, where he has appeared onstage in The Texas Chainsaw Musical! (both times), Next Fall, 12 Angry Men, and The Wild Party, on video in Night of the Living Dead, and as assistant stage manager for Hellcab. He has also been seen occasionally behind the bar and in the box office. Congratulations to Patrick and the BCT family on six fantastic seasons, and thanks for your support toward the future!
Brian Altman (Anatoly) - is thrilled to be singing this benefit concert for Blank Canvas Theatre. He made his BCT debut in Bat Boy: the Musical (Dr. Parker) and was most recently seen in Silence! The Musical (Dr. Hannibal Lecter). He's been involved in community theater for many, many years all over Pennsylvania and Ohio. His favorite theatrical credits include Into the Woods (The Baker), Ragtime (Tateh), Cabaret (Emcee), Sweeney Todd (Tobias), and Forever Plaid (Smudge). Brian continues to perform, honoring the memory of his mother. He thanks you all for your supporting live theater and hopes you'll enjoy the show!
Hannah Beaumont (Ensemble) has previously appeared twice on the Blank Canvas Theatre stage, in Night of the Living Dead and Reefer Madness. Otherwise, you may have seen her in the box office, behind the bar, or behind the scenes. BCT and those who bring it to life have created a beautiful little world of art, entertainment, learning, and friendship for Hannah and she is honored to be a part of this year's benefit.
Angie Bendahan (Ensemble) is honored to be a part of this very special event at Blank Canvas Theatre! Angie, a Cleveland native, became involved with the local theater scene three years ago, and she has had the privilege of working on some incredible projects since. After Chess, Angie can be seen in BCT’s upcoming production of The Rocky Horror Show, and she could not be more thrilled! Whether Angie is in the audience, behind the scenes, or on stage, she absolutely loves being a part of the magic. Blank Canvas Theatre is THE place to find that magic, and your support will help to ensure many more seasons of daring, original, top-notch theater! THANK YOU, BCT!
Tonya Broach (Ensemble) was introduced to Blank Canvas Theatre in 2014 when she was cast in a production of Hair (Dionne). She had such a great time, she came back to perform in Night of the Living Dead (Zombie) and, most recently, Silence! The Musical (Ardelia/Lamb). She has donated hand-made jewelry to BCT for a previous fundraiser and has performed on various stages in the Cleveland area including Karamu Theatre, Beck Center, Weathervane Playhouse, and more. She is looking forward to having lots of fun with this show and its talented staff. Thank you all for supporting Blank Canvas Theatre!
Becca Frick (Ensemble) is always excited to be on the BCT stage. She was last seen in Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Suzanne), Reefer Madness (Ensemble), Our Town (Emily Webb), Hair (Jeanie), and Debbie Does Dallas (Roberta). She also serves as the Volunteer Manager for BCT. Thank you all for being here today and for your continued support and belief in Blank Canvas Theatre.
Patrick Ciamacco (Freddie) is thrilled to share the stage with so many talented and amazing people! Without them -- and YOU -- this place would not exist. Patrick is the Artistic Director and founder of Blank Canvas Theatre. Every day when I walk into this place, I feel like I am the luckiest man alive!
BJ Colangelo (Ensemble) has been seen on the Blank Canvas Theatre stage as an ensemble member in The Wild Party, as Catherine/Lamb in Silence! The Musical, and in last year's benefit concert. She and her long-time collaborative partner, Zach Shildwachter, are also light sponsors of the theatre through their film production company, Sickening Pictures, LLC. Blank Canvas Theatre is BJ's favorite place to perform in Cleveland and she is so thankful to Pat Ciamacco for bringing this theatre into existence.
Amiee Collier (Svetlana) is always pleased to return to Blank Canvas Theatre. She has been seen on stage here as Hester Solomon in Equus, Miss Jane in Floyd Collins, Meredith Parker in Bat Boy, Patricia in Extremities, and in a few benefit performances. Amiee is a season ticket subscriber and, when not on stage, is so happy to cheer her friends’ performances from the seats!
Kenzie Critzer (Ensemble) has been seen recently at Blank Canvas Theatre as Kara in Fissures of Men and Frenchie in Cabaret. This theatre truly has a special place in her heart. It is her favorite place to perform because of the incredible artistic staff, the overwhelmingly supportive environment, and the wonderful artistry created here. She is grateful to Patrick that a theater like Blank Canvas exists!
Venchise Glenn (Ensemble) is over the moon to be back at Blank Canvas Theatre. Since 2014, Venchise has been involved in ten different BCT productions. She has performed Hair, Night of the Living Dead, Bat Boy: The Musical, and the 2016 benefit concert, and worked as the stage manager and sound operator for Reefer Madness, The 39 Steps, The Wild Party, Glengarry Glen Ross, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Cabaret, as well as popping up behind the bar and ticket office. Venchise considers herself lucky to be a part of such an incredible theater, and can’t to see what the future holds for BCT!
Tony Heffner (Ensemble) is so excited to be performing in this benefit! He has only performed a couple times on the Blank Canvas Theatre stage, back in December, 2014 in High Fidelity (Mohawk Guy) and this past May in the caberet Broadway: The New Millenium. He hopes to get back on the BCT stage sometime soon. GBOGB! For Bug!
Bernadette Hisey (Ensemble) was last seen at Blank Canvas Theatre as Fraulein Schneider in the December, 2016 production of Cabaret. She has performed in over 50 shows in 25 theaters in 5 counties of Northeast Ohio. She is an Equity Member Candidate.
Daryl Kelley (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at it with Blank Canvas Theatre in Chess. Prior BCT credits include Cabaret (Hans) and Equus (Nugget/Horseman). Daryl is honored to be a part of this wonderful benefit concert and is happy to support this amazing venue in such meaningful capacity. Благодария!
Kevin Kelly (Arbiter) is honored to support Blank Canvas Theatre by participating in this benefit. He has appeared here in The 39 Steps and The Wild Party, and is thrilled to join the cast of the The Rocky Horror Picture Show, coming up in October, as the oldest Frank-n-Furter in recorded history. As always, to my mother Mama Kelly. #tpog
Joe Kenderes (Walter) debuted at Blank Canvas Theatre in their its production ever, as George in Of Mice and Men. Shortly after that, he moved out of state for a few years. Upon his return, he came back to BCT in the role of Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps. He has also appeared multiple times with the sketch comedy troupe The Laughter League. He is excited to reprise his role of Walter in Chess, a role that he played at Near West Theatre a decade ago. #balski
Michael Knobloch (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in Chess with a host of talented Blank Canvas Theatre veterans. Michael is fairly new to BCT and first debuted last December in Cabaret as Victor/Max. Most recently, Michael played Homer Collins in Floyd Collins to kick off Blank Canvas Theater's 2017 season. He's been so grateful to work with talented and welcoming community of Blank Canvas Theater and hopes to work with them in the future. Thank you for supporting BCT and live theatre!
Robert Kowalewski (Ensemble) is overjoyed to be working with Blank Canvas Theatre again, previously appearing in the Millennium benefit cabaret in May and Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Albert Einstein) in June. Having recently moved to the west side, Robert now lives a solid five-minute drive away from BCT and couldn’t be more thrilled. Many thanks to Artistic Director Patrick Ciamacco for continuing to put his all into BCT, which strives to produce professional quality shows as one of THE MOST actor-friendly theater companies in northeast Ohio -- and succeeds!
Madeline Krucek (Ensemble) Doing what she loves, Madeline is ready to "check" such a powerful show with this brilliant theatre community that she proudly and humbly can call "friends". Marking a third appearance on this stage, BCT has been nothing short of enlightenment, growth and passion. Working on shows like Cabaret (Rosie) and Floyd Collins (Nellie Collins), this theatre has proven how highly it is regarded and how deeply it is humbled. Thank you everyone for all the amazing moments, there is endless love and adoration.
Evan Martin (Ensemble) is very excited to be a part of this wonderful benefit. Blank Canvas Theatre has been a home away from home for Evan, and he is excited to be back for a fourth time. His recent credits include Cabaret (Herman), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (The Singer), and The Pirates of Penzance (The Pirate King). As always, he thanks his friends and family for always believing in him.
Meg Martinez (Ensemble) is excited to be supporting Blank Canvas Theatre in its benefit performance of Chess before making her official BCT debut as Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Show this October. She hopes this is only the first of many opportunities to work with Patrick and the rest of the BCT family. Huge thanks to Patrick, so much love to Matt, and gratitude to everyone for supporting live theatre here at Blank Canvas Theatre!
Sarah Menser (Ensemble) is thankful for the opportunity to support one of her favorite theaters in Northeast Ohio. A long-time supporter of the theater, Sarah made her Blank Canvas Theatre debut in last year's production of Cabaret as Helga. She hopes to return to this stage soon and work with all the wonderful people here. Thank you for supporting the arts and BCT!
Jillian Mesaros (Ensemble) is so happy to be on stage for this benefit! She previously appeared in Hair and High Fidelity. Endless thanks to Patrick and his fabulous team for taking risks and making Blank Canvas Theatre such a unique and wonderful environment for us performing artists. We love you all and thank you for your support!
Aaron Patterson (Ensemble) has been lucky enough to be an actor, janitor, painter, seat installer, bartender, ticket taker, and patron for Blank Canvas Theatre. Thank you, Patrick for creating a wonderful space for artists and audiences.
Fae Patterson (Ensemble) is excited to be on the Blank Canvas Theatre stage for the first time! She has volunteered behind the scenes at BCT for several seasons and, thanks to her obsessive husband, has learned the scores of many previous musicals here! Thanks to Patrick for this opportunity and to Aaron for encouragement and love.
Robert Pierce (Molokov) made his first appearance on stage at Blank Canvas Theatre earlier this season in Floyd Collins after spending several years as a devoted audience member and supporter of BCT and his friend Patrick Ciamacco. BCT is Robert's absolute favorite intimate theater space in Cleveland, where he has particularly enjoyed seeing past productions of Cabaret, Bat Boy: The Musical, Our Town, 12 Angry Men, and Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical. Thank you all for your support of this fantastic theater!
John J. Polk (Gregor/Ensemble) is a "hardy perennial" at Blank Canvas Theatre, having performed in seven BCT productions, most recently Floyd Collins (Ed Bishop) and Cabaret (Herr Schultz). His BCT experience has given him the opportunity to tackle roles he'd never be considered for in other venues, and to challenge himself as an actor in the kinds of shows in which he dreamed of performing as he grew up (looong ago). Patrick's unique vision and expansive theatrical tastes have brought together an eclectic mix of talented actors and created an environment in which we can collaborate to produce great work which is accessible and affordable. It's an honor to be a part of his Merry Band of Pirates.
Luke Scattergood (Ensemble) is excited to be performing with all these awesome folks! Since stage managing the very first production at BCT, he has been active in numerous on and off stage roles throughout the years. He has worked as actor, costumer, assistant technical director, assistant director, bartender, box office, and stage manager. He is also a proud member of The Laughter League. Thank you for being here and for your continued support of this awesome theatre! Enjoy the show!
Trinidad Snider (Florence) is thrilled to be a part of this talented group supporting this amazing theater! She was last seen as Queenie in The Wild Party at Blank Canvas Theater. Please continue to support this fantastic organization that challenges their artists on stage and their audience members.
David Turner (Nicolai) has been in five productions at Blank Canvas Theatre. Appearances include Equus (Horse), Cabaret (Bobby), Silence! The Musical (Pembry/Lamb), Hair (Tribe/Margaret Mead), and Bathroom Humor (Sandy). Many thanks to Pat for this wonderful direction over the years, I have grown so much! Special thanks to my family and friends for their support and especially to Jason for all his love!
Jenniver Sparano (Costume Designer) has worked at Blank Canvas Theatre since, literally, Day One, and is continually impressed by the amazing things that go on here. With the exception of Next Fall, she specializes in productions that involve blood (The Texas Chainsaw Musical!, Night of the Living Dead, Bat Boy: The Musical, Silence! The Musical) or men in suits yelling at each other (12 Angry Men, Glengarry Glen Ross). This is her second musical benefit concert with BCT, having previously designed costumes for Merrily We Roll Along in 2013.