Center Players


Dramatized by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston
Directed by Robert J. Lamb

From Bram Stoker's World Famous Novel, "Dracula".
Produced by special arrang
ement with Samuel French, Inc.
OCTOBER 20 THROUGH NOVEMBER 19TH, 2006

PLAY SYNOPSIS: This play is intended for all who love thrills in the theater. It is a great mystery thriller! Lucy Seward, whose father runs an English Sanitarium has been attacked by a mysterious illness. Dr. Van Helsing, a specialist, believes that the girl is the victim of a Vampire, a ghost that sucks blood from its victims. Count Dracula, the greatest Vampire of all time is found to be the culprit - the play is pure escapism and great fun.

     MEET THE CAST

Donna Acquavella (Lucy) - Donna, a resident of Belmar, who recently graduated from Elmira College in Upstate New York with a B.A. in Theater and a minor in Philosophy, is thrilled to be making her debut on the Center Players' stage. Past credits include "Proof" (Catherine), "Blithe Spirit" (Ruth Condomine), "Othello" (Desdemona), "Barefoot in the Park" (Corie Bratter), "The Lady's not for Burning" (Alizon Eliot), and "The Diviners" (Jennie Mae Layman). She wishes to thank her family and friends, especially her co-workers at the Jersey Shore Family Health Center, for their unconditional love, support, and encouragement. To Bob and the cast - thank you for this opportunity, your friendship, and guidance. For John, for everything.

Anthony Cipriano (Van Helsing) - Anthony Cipriano studied with John Eyd at Actors Training Institute in Eatontown, NJ. He has performed in numerous plays over the years as well as in Television commercials and independent, educational, and student films. His favorite role has always been Cal Jarrett in "Ordinary People", but he is very happy to be part of "Dracula" and has a feeling that Van Helsing will soon put Cal in second place. Anthony is thankful for the opportunity to live out his dream. He would like to thank Matt, Sal, and John for helping him to see the bigger picture. He thanks his wonderful family, Mia, Christina, and Michael, for inspiring him and motivating him to do better, and especially God for humbling him and giving him clarity. "Enjoy the show, Fuzz. I miss you."

Matt De Rogatis (Harker) - The last time you saw Matt De Rogatis he was open mouth kissing Kurt Loegel on stage as Jonathan Brewster in "Arsenic and Old Lace". This time, Matt returns to the Center Players after a one year hiatus to play another Jonathan. Jonathan Harker. Matt would like to thank director Bob Lamb for the opportunity to play the role and credits him tremendously for helping him grow as an actor in the past 12 months. Furthermore, De Rogatis is happy to be reunited with Kurt Loegel, whom he has an exclusive contract with, as well as stage manager turned actress Lucyanne Pallone. And, of course, his buddy, "The Major" Anthony Cipriano. He is also excited to be working with some talented new faces as well. For those of you keeping up on Matt's personal life, he had promised family, friends and fans that he would FINALLY get his two year degree before the end of the 2006 calendar year. However, due to lack of interest, De Rogatis has suspended those plans indefinitly. It should also be noted that he has fired his agent Chris Loupos. Access Hollywood recently reported that Matt was seen having dinner with Scott Boras. Could a six figure deal be in the works? We will keep you updated on this developing situation.

Kurt Loegel (Renfield) - It was just one year ago at this time that Kurt made his first appearance at the Center Playhouse as he starred as Christopher Wren in "The Mousetrap". That production was followed by his role as the Gentleman Caller in "The Glass Menagerie" and then his first leading role in "Arsenic and Old Lace". Kurt returns to Center Players ecstatic about playing Renfield. Kurt is still head waiter at Fred & Murray's Kosher Deli in Freehold and is in his second year at Brookdale Community College. Kurt would love to thank: Mom, Dad, Eric, Robert Brown, The band, Sam, Drew, and the rest at Fred & Murray's, Lamar, Dwight Frye, Bela, the wonderful cast and "I thank Bob for once again giving me the chance to pursue my dream". Kurt dedicates this show to his Uncle Lenny.

Nicholas McNamara Preissler (Butterworth, "The Attendant" - Proud to be a part of his first stage performance, New Jersey born and raised Nicholas Preissler is finally ready to hit the stage. Being the middle child of his family definitely gives him that search for attention.   Having recently graduated from Brookdale Community College he studied Fine Arts and Acting. In his free time he enjoys working with his friends producing short films as well as drawing which has always been a passion of his. Throughout his life he's been told about his charm and ability to amuse others. After years of being himself and entertaining others as second nature, he is finally taking the initial step to stardom .

Lucyanne Pallone (Miss Wells, "The Maid") - Originally from Staten Island she performed and choreographed a number of variety shows and several plays since 1993. Since moving to NJ almost two years ago she has been the stage manager for three productions. They were: "The Mousetrap" (Center Players), "The Glass Menagerie" and "Arsenic and Old Lace" (South Street Players), She is making her stage debut here as "The Maid" in this production of "Dracula". She would like to thank her family, friends, and boyfriend for all their support. Also a special thank you to Robert Lamb for giving her this opportunity. She would also like to wish the cast and crew the best always. BREAK A LEG!!

Sal Ricci (Dracula) - Having previously been involved in three staged readings with the Center Players, Sal is happy to finally be involved in his first full production with Freehold's resident theater company.   He is also very excited to be working with Bob Lamb for the first time in an actor/director capacity, despite having known and worked with Bob for many years on the Board of Directors of the South Street Players. Sal is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and appeared previously in many shows both locally and in the city.   He'd like to thank Bob for the opportunity, Tony C. for the encouragement, and, most importantly, his 4 children and his wife for their love, support and ever positive attitude!
Rick Selterman (Dr. Seward) - At press time, Rick's bio could not be located. However, a close friend of Rick's said he did Shakespeare, Moliere, Captain Hook and Tevye too, all in another lifetime. Having performed in community theatre over the last several years, he decided to take up directing. "Hamlet For All Ages" was received here at Center Playhouse in March, with rave reviews. The gods smiled, the angels wept. After lock up, institutional stay, and community service, Rick landed the part of Dr. Seward in Dracula. Rick's "handlers/agent and publisher" felt this was the part of a lifetime, the chance to work with such a talented, warm and terrific young cast. I'm sure Rick would like to thank Center Players for this fine opportunity and his Nancy, Jesse and Nicole for being his biggest fans"
 

Robert J. Lamb (Director) - R.J. Lamb is the founder of the South Street Players. He thanks Center Players for the chance to direct "Dracula" and to his wonderful cast, "Break a Leg!"

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MCACFunding has been made possible, in part, by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, through the county Historical Commission and the NJ State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.
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