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"MEN ARE DOGS"
Written & Directed by Joe Simonelli
RUN: MAY 5TH THROUGH JUNE 11TH, 2006 SYNOPSIS:
This hilarious comedy explores the relationship conflicts of the members of a women’s single and divorced therapy group led by their rather unorthodox psychologist, Dr. Cecilia Monahan.Dr. Monahan hires a bartender/actor to role play men in the difficult moments in the lives of her group members. This process can be rather dangerous for the actor, as he faces the group of hostile women who are eager to express their anger toward men! As the story unfolds, Dr Monahan realizes she shares some of the same issues about men as her group members. When she meets the new substitute postal carrier, Bob Crowley, who delivers more than mail, the smitten Cecelia must learn to practice what she preaches.
MEET THE CAST
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Michele Kallman: ( Dr. Cecelia Monahan) – Michele graduated from Rowan University, Magna Cum Laude, where she received her BA in Speech, Arts & Dramatics as well as certifications in English and Theatre Education. She currently teaches English and Drama at Manalapan H.S. and has directed 9 of their productions, including: Makin’ it, Kiss Me, Kate, The Good Doctor, Little Shop of Horrors, Rumors, Bye Bye, Birdie, Barefoot in The Park, Grease & Voices From the High School. Michele has acted in numerous college productions and devoted her post-college years to teaching and directing. She would like to thank Cass and Joe for the opportunity and for their guidance. She would also like to express her gratitude to the talented and wonderfully kind-hearted cast. This has been such a phenomenal experience, I have learned so much and worked with such beautiful people. Thank you ever so much, it is great to be back!
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Tim Kelsey: ( Bob Crowley) - Tim is happy to be back at Center Players where he was last seen in Barefoot in the Park. He has appeared on several community theatre stages in plays like California Suite, Never the Sinner, It Had to Be You, Web of Murder, Lovers and Other Strangers, and Bill W. and Friends. Tim sincerely thanks the entire cast for graciously sharing the stage and giving him an opportunity to learn from them. He thanks Cassandra and Joe for their guidance and Bonnie, Michelle and everyone behind the scenes who really brought this show to life. Tim sends a special thanks to John (ATI), Michael K, SSP, Carol (tired of “running lines” yet?) and all the amazing, dedicated artists he worked with and who never got annoyed at his feeble attempt to emulate them. Oh – and men aren’t really dogs…are they? Woof!
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Grace Emley :
(Rose) - Grace is making her Center Players debut. Although Grace has more years of theater experience than she wants to admit, most of her time is spent backstage as stage manager at First Avenue Playhouse and Shrewsbury Players. Her onstage credits include Bermuda Avenue Triangle (Tess), Born Yesterday (The maid) and several roles in Love Always, including playing a 9-year-old boy. Hmmm... Thanks to cast and crew for your patience with the old broad and thanks to Wayne. |
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Kim Sarnoski: (Allison) - Kim is thrilled to return to the Center Players stage after playing Miss Casewell in last fall's production of The Mousetrap. Other regional credits include Vanities, Social Security, The Music Man and Oliver. Kim would like to thank her amazing family, especially her mom for always being her number one fan. Special thanks to Jennifer and her "twin" Gwen for being the greatest friends in the world. Kim currently studies voice with Barbara D'Angelis and attends the Actors Training Institute. To the cast and crew, break a leg!!!
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Phil Eichinger :(Tony) - Phil was born in Staten Island, NY, he moved to Howell, NJ, where he graduated from Howell H.S. and pursued college, graduating from Monmouth University with a BA in Fine Arts. He is a self-published fictional writer, entitled, Not Just Another Day. Phil has recently dedicated his adoration within acting, and currently attends acting classes and auditions weekly on route to pursuing a career in entertainment. Besides being cast in short films in New York and Philadelphia, his portrayal of Tony Rumson in “Men Are Dogs” will be his second Theater experience in only three months. He recently completed playing Dale Harding, in “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at The Brookdale Performing Arts Center. |
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Noelle Martines: (Madeline) - Noelle is a student at Monmouth University studying English, Education and Drama. She is thrilled to be a part of Men Are Dogs & her first production here at Center Players. She has partaken in many theatrical productions over the years including: Mame, Bye Bye Birdie, Once Upon a Mattress, The Music Man & most recently The Bald Soprano as Mrs. Martin. Huge thanks to Joe for this wonderful opportunity & Cassandra for her kindness & compassion. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with this outrageously talented cast & will miss them very much. Much love to family & friends for all their encouragement & support! Thanks for the memories! If all men are dogs, shouldn’t they come with an optional shock collar? |
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Judy Drucker:
(Jane) - Judy has been performing for many years in community and college theatre groups. Men Are Dogs is the perfect foray back to the stage after a multi-year hiatus. She says that once her feet touched the stage, the positive feelings and love of theatre came rushing back. Comedy and making people laugh comes naturally for Judy, whether intentional or not. Judy would like to extend thanks to her extremely supportive husband David and children Max and Julian for always allowing her to follow her heart. Also, she thanks her good friend Enid for her encouragement and support through auditions and beyond. Judy sends hugs and thanks to all of the cast and of course Cassandra and Joe for their hard work, vision, and freely shared laughs. Past local performances for Judy include Electra, Gypsy; Vera, The Female Version of the Odd Couple; Mrs. Hinch, Twilight Zone; Dream Girl, Play It Again Sam; Portia, Merchant of Venice; Betty, Sure Thing; Chava, Fiddler on the Roof. |
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Ranessa Porter : ( Loretta) - Ranessa is grateful to join Center Players in its production of the charming, yet provocative comedy, "Men Are Dogs." Ranessa returned from a 10-year theater hiatus last summer when she played Pancha in "Real Women Have Curves". Before her hiatus, Ranessa studied Acting at the Virginia Governor's School for the Gifted and Talented. Ranessa has a knack for making people laugh, even when she's not trying, and she has landed comedic roles as the Nurse in "Romeo & Juliet", Mickey in "The Odd Couple" and the Moon in "A Midsummer Night's Dream". |
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Joe Simonelli (Author / Director) : Joe would like to thank everyone at center players for allowing him to once again showcase "Men Are Dogs." Joe has written eight plays including two musicals. His next play, "Ladies in Lingerie" will premiere in August after having a staged reading in May right here at Center Players. (Check Centerplayers.org for time and date). Joe is also planning on bringing his musical about internet dating "Romance.com." into New York City for a limited run this Fall. (Check his website at Joe Simonelli.com for details on all show performances) When not writing or performing, Joe is an independent financial advisor. He is the proud father of three children and resides somewhere near the water in Monmouth County.
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Cassandra Ferrigno – Producer/Asst. Director –Cassandra has been very actively involved in the “Theatre BIZ” for the past year and a half. She has hit just about every area of the theatre and still can’t tell which side of the house she likes more: She has acted with the Shrewsbury Players and First Ave. Playhouse, stage managed and produced both locally and in NYC, she is a recorded voiceover talent, and somehow convinced Joe to let her carry out the role of Asst. Director for this show. While the jury may be out on her asst. directing there is no question she gets the producing job done and well! Cassandra wants to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with this production - the Board here at Center Players has been so very cooperative and supportive. The cast has made this endeavor truly memorable and the laughter never stops. And “Joe, what can I say, He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother”. Everyone should get to laugh as much as we do at work, if you can call this work! |
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Bonnie Riddle – Stage Manager -Bonnie is on the Board of Trustees of Center Players, serving as Secretary. She has been stage manager for many past productions, most recently The Mouse Trap, and loves being an integral part of the production, though she has no desire to be on stage. Thank you Joe, Cassandra, the talented cast, and my husband, David, for another opportunity to do what I so enjoy. |
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Michelle Perrin - Backstage- This is Michelle's first experience working behind the scenes and she is thrilled to have had such a talented cast and Board to create theatre with. She would like to thank Joe and Cass for giving her the opportunity to have this creative outlet. She also thanks her family and friends for their continued support. Michelle is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Syracuse University College of Law. By day, she is a Judicial Law Clerk for a Judge in Monmouth County.
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BACK
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Funding 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.
