Tag Archives: Kerry Long

Staples Players Rewind: “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory”

Posted on July 14, 2026 | Leave a comment

Jim Honeycutt — who faithfully recorded nearly all of directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s Staples Players shows — missed the summer 2012 “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (family vacation).

Nick Pisarro — Jim’s longtime helper — took over.

Click here or below to enjoy.

Many actors have gone on to successful careers — often in entertainment. They include:

Matthew Van Gessel (Willy Wonda) is an actor, director and writer. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”

Will Haskell (Charlie Bucket) went on to serve 2 terms as Connecticut state senator — one of the youngest state legislators in the country.

Johnny Shea (Granpa Joe) is a New York based actor. He has appeared in “Spring Awakening” and “Peter Pan” and more, at Goodspeed, Shakespeare Theater Chicago, Portland Stage Company and others.

Sylvie Lexow (Grandma Josephine) is a senior marketing operations and program manager.

Ryder Chasin (Phineouse Trout) is a television writer, creative and comedian in Brooklyn.

Cara McNiff (Violet Beauregarde) graduated from Elon University with a degree in musical theater. She is still involved in theater. as a regional booking manager.

Joe Badion (Mike Teavee) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.

Zoe Samuels (Matilda) is an associate strategy director at Edelman. She graduated with a degree in theater and Chinese from Middlebury College.

Daniel Pauker is a technical animator. He has a passion for 3D software and systems.

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Staples Players Rewind: “A Chorus Line”

Posted on July 7, 2026 | 2 comments

Staples Players’ fall 2013 production of “A Chorus Line” was a singular sensation.

David Roth and Kerry Long directed 2 casts. Jim Honeycutt — the former video teacher who filmed and created this highlight reel — notes where each begins. Click here or below to see this remarkable, superbly choreographed production.

Here’s a 2026 update on several cast members:

Michelle Pauker (Diana)  is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On Sunday, her band Back to the Garden 1969 performed at the Levitt Pavilion.

Clay Singer (Al) has extensive theater credits including “Masquerade” (New York), “Fiddler On the Roof” (St. Louis), “Perchik” (Westport), “The Band’s Visit” (North American tour), “Into the Woods” (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), “Next to Normal” (Vero Beach, Florida), “Man of La Mancha” (Westport), “Romeo and Juliet” and “Ragtime” and “The Full Monty” (both Pittsburgh).

Cara McNiff (Sheila) graduated from Elon University with a degree in musical theater. She is still involved in theater. as a regional booking manager.

Sylvie Lexow (Lizzie – Zach’s Assistant) is a senior marketing operations and program manager.

Will Haskell (Mark) served in the Connecticut State Senate from 2019 to 2023. He then attended law school.

Joe Badion (Paul) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.

Caroline Didelot (Judy) appeared in “Kinky Boots” at Baldwin Wallace University, “42nd Street” at New London Barn Playhouse, and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for Prime Video.

Julia Mandelbaum (Lois) has performed in a number of shows since leaving Staples.

Caroline Rossi (now McCluskey) (Judy Turner) is working in public relations and marketing. She lives in New York City with her husband.

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Staples Players Rewind: “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Posted on June 30, 2026 | 2 comments

On the one hand, Staples Players’ summer productions had an advantage: Young actors could concentrate on their show without the distractions of school.

On the other hand, directors David Roth and Kerry Long had much less time to pull everything — acting, choreography, staging, sets, costumes, music — together.

The results were (of course) off-the-charts smashes.

Previous Players’ “nutshells” — highlight reels, compiled lovingly by former Staple High media teacher Jim Honeycutt, who taped all the shows — featured “Les Misérables” and “Rent.

This week it’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” from the summer of 2011. Click here or below to see.

In the 15 years since the show, many of the actors have gone on to careers in entertainment. Among them:

Johnny Shea (Jesus) is a New York based actor. He has appeared in “Spring Awakening” and “Peter Pan” and more, at Goodspeed, Shakespeare Theater Chicago, Portland Stage Company and others.

Clay Singer (Judas)  has extensive theater credits including “Masquerade” (New York), “Fiddler On the Roof” (St. Louis), “Perchik” (Westport), “The Band’s Visit” (North American tour), “Into the Woods” (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), “Next to Normal” (Vero Beach, Florida), “Man of La Mancha” (Westport), “Romeo and Juliet” and “Ragtime” and “The Full Monty” (both Pittsburgh).

Max Samuels (Pilate, Thaddeus) is a stage and screen actor known for his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He also appeared in “George Kaplan,” “Angry Young Man,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”

Audrey Twitchell (Annas) has appeared in many commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006 she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.” She lives and works in New York City.

Charlie Greenwald (Priest 3, Nathaniel, Tribe, Guard) is an actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the Academy Award-winning film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” (2018).

Matthew Van Gessel (Matthew)  is an actor, director and writer. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”

Michelle Pauker (Mary Magdalene, Tribe) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On July 5, her band Back to the Garden 1969 will perform at the Levitt Pavilion.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Rent”

Posted on June 16, 2026 | Leave a comment

In 2008, David Roth and Kerry Long staged a Staples Players production of “Les Misérables.”

It’s ambitious for any high school troupe. It was especially challenging as a summer show, with its very tight time frame.

The next summer, the Players’ directors chose another great, but complex and super-difficult, musical: “Rent.”

As he’s done with every Players mainstage and summer show since 2000, former media teacher Jim Honeycutt took on the nearly equally tough task of distilling it into a highlight reel.

Click here or below to relive “Rent.”

As with so many Players shows, a number of actors went on to careers in entertainment. They include:

Chris McNiff (Mark Cohen) ) is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York City. He has appeared in “White Christmas,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Hair.”

Dan Shure (Mark Cohen) plays bass, in Charley Bliss, a successful New York band, with Eva Hendricks (Maureen Johnson). Their current release is “Back There Now.”

Clay Singer (Roger Davis) has extensive theater credits including “Masquerade” (New York), “Fiddler On the Roof” (St. Louis), “Perchik” (Westport), “The Band’s Visit” (North American tour), “Into the Woods” (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), “Next to Normal” (Vero Beach, Florida), “Man of La Mancha” (Westport), “Romeo and Juliet” and “Ragtime” and “The Full Monty” (both Pittsburgh).

Steve Autore (Roger Davis) is a humorist, writer, actor and singer, and produces unique, original original media content. After Elon University he founded an independent dark comedy production group, Nice Hog! Productions. They’re currently in development for 2 animated series, CREEPS and Drop Dead.

David Ressler (Tom Collins) is an actor and singer. He is currently performing in a Bay Area Opera Collaborative production of “Pirates of Penzance.”

Johnny Shea (Angel Dumont Schunard) is a New York based actor. Credits include “Spring Awaking,” “Deathless” and “Peter Pan,” in theaters ranging from Goodspeed and the Shakepeare in Chicago to the Portland Stage Company.

Charlie Greenwald (Benjamin Coffin III) is an actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”

Audrey Twitchell (Mimi Marques) has appeared in numerous commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006, she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.”

Michelle Pauker (Mimi Marques) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse).

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Les Miserables” (Summer)

Posted on June 9, 2026 | 2 comments

Staples Players’ production of “Les Misérables” last fall was magnifique.

Audiences thrilled to the acting, music, staging, sets, costumes … it was all nearly Broadway-worthy.

Yet it was not the first time directors David Roth and Kerry Long produced the iconic show.

In 2008, they debuted “Les Mis” — in the summer.

Retired media instructor Jim Honeycutt — who spent 2 decades videotaping Roth and Long’s shows — marvels, “To this day, I cannot figure out how they could do a show of this extensive musical complexity in a summer!

“Even the sets with rotating barricades were extraordinary for a summer show. How Tyler Paul learned all of this music in a month or two is beyond me.”

Honeycutt has done something quite impressive himself. He has distilled the epic production into just under 30 minutes. Click here or below, to hear — and see — the people sing.

Very, very, very well.

Many cast members have made careers in entertainment. Honeycutt also offers these updates, on some of the performers from the 2008 “Les Mis”:

Tyler Paul (Jean Valjean) retired from acting and moved to the other side of the stage lights. He is now head of human resources at ANC.

David Ressler (Javert) is an actor and singer. He is currently performing in a Bay Area Opera Collaborative production of “Pirates of Penzance.”

Audrey Twitchell (Eponine) has appeared in numerous commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006, she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.”

Megan Watt (Eponine) is a voice actor and commercial artist based in West Hollywood. She specializes in commercial, animation and audiobook narration.

Brooke Benedetto (Fantine) has acted in many shows, including “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Godspell,” at Muhlenberg College and the Music Theater of Connecticut.

Britt Hennemuth (Thénardier) is a Los Angeles-based actor. He recently joined Universal Pictures as senior vice president of production development and special projects.

Nick Boak (Enjolras) is an entertainment executive, involved with “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Warcraft” and “American Hustle.”

Max Stampa-Brown (Grantaire) appeared in “The Third Man,” “FREUD” and “The Garret East,” after the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Chris McNiff (Feuilly) is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York City. He has appeared in “White Christmas,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Hair.”

Matthew Van Gessel (Lesgles) is an actor, director and writer. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”

Charlie Greenwald is actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”

Vinny Amaru (Joly) continued his interest in stage at Tufts, singing in the a cappella group Beelzebubs. He is now a global investment strategist at JP Morgan Asset and Wealth Management.

Matt Greenberg (Prouvair) is a tenure track assistant professor of theatre and dance at the University of Wyoming.

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Staples Players Rewind: “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying”

Posted on May 19, 2026 | 3 comments

Every Staples Players show is special.

But the fall 2008 production was especially special.

For “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” directors David Roth and Kerry Long made an inspired cast choice.

Principal John Dodig delivered a tour de force — and, to some audience members, unexpected — performance, near the end of the musical.

Many did not know that the popular educator had experience in community theater. Watch his “Brotherhood of Man” number here, or below — taped and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt — to see.

Dodig retired a decade ago. But some fellow cast members — all decades younger — have gone on to remarkable careers, in the entertainment world. For example:

Max Stampa-Brown appeared in “The Third Man,” “FREUD” and “The Garret East,” after studying acting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He now works as a mixologist at Borochito in NYC.

Eva Hendricks is a lead singer, and Dan Shure plays bass, in Charley Bliss, a successful New York band. Their current release is “Back There Now.”

David Ressler is an actor and singer currently performing in a Bay Area Opera Collaborative production of “Pirates of Penzance.”

Chris McNiff is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York. Notable credits include Phil Davis in “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Claude in “Hair.”

Brittany (Uomoleale) Baron is an actress, best known for her role as Justine Biagi in the TV series “GLOW,” and for voicing Tifa Lockhart in the “Final Fantasy VII Remake” franchise, for which she received an award for Best Supporting Performance.

Zoe Apoian is a model, an actress and dancer. She starred in the 2015 movie “Karina Jones: Lazy.”

Matthew Van Gessel is an actor, director and writer based in New York.  He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”

Max Samuels is a New York-based stage and screen actor known for his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He also appeared in “George Kaplan,” “Angry Young Man,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”

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“12 Angry Men”: Staples Players’ Dramatic Twists

Posted on May 13, 2026 | 2 comments

In 2018, Staples Players put on “12 Angry Men.”

In the Black Box, the audience surrounded the courtroom set on all 4 sides. I saw 3 productions. Each time, I sat in a different spot. Each time, the show felt completely different.

On May 28-31, Players will stage “12 Angry Men” for the third time. (They premiered it in 2009. As before, some of the “men” are females.)

The drama — a compelling exploration of human morals and values, and a sharp critique of the American legal system — is familiar. But directors David Roth and Kerry Long have made sure that, like the variety of views from each seat, this one will be quite different from previous productions.

For example, this — like the Sidney Lumet film starring Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley and E.G. Marshall  — is set in the McCarthy-era 1950s. (Players’ 2 others were updated to the ’70s.)

For another, the set and costumes are all black and white. They pay homage to the 1957 movie.

From left: Brady Walker, Lilliana Gomez, Griffin Delmhorst.

For a third, it’s the first time that Staples actors have worked with a dramaturg. Former Player AnnaMaria Fernandez helps the ensemble understand the political, racial and social realities of the play’s era.

She brings plenty of insight into the role. She was a juror in the 2018 show.

Perhaps most interestingly, the show is double-cast — but the combinations will be different for every production. That makes each one unique, as actors play off each other in different ways.

“’12 Angry Men is great, for the cast and audiences,” Roth says. “It’s a real ensemble show, with everyone on stage all the time.

From left: Harper Iglehart, Denver Razza, Ari Sklar.

“It’s a fantastic script. It teaches everyone about the judicial process. The jury doesn’t have to believe the alleged murderer is innocent. They do have to agree 100% — all of them — that he is guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The stakes are high. There was a mandatory death sentence for the crime of murder.”‘

Long adds, “It really deals with the prejudices we have inherent in ourselves, while a group of strangers comes together, and figures out how to work as a team.”

“12 Angry Men” will be the last show for several Players, members of a strong senior class. Some will study theater in college.

From left: Blake Raho, Will McCrea, Sara Stanley. (Photos/Kerry Long)

ENCORE: Will McCrae plays Juror #8. That’s the same role his grandfather — the legendary Jack Lemmon — played in the 1997 Showtime film version of “12 Angry Men.”

Will — a familiar face for Players’ audiences over the past 4 years — says that when he learned he would share a role with his grandfather, “I was ecstatic. Realistically, I’m not going to get another chance like this.

“I’ve got some tremendous shoes to fill — and yes, I am a bit scared. But I am determined not to play the role as ‘well’ as he did. I want to bring my own interpretation to the part, and not try to mirror his choices simply because I feel an obligation by blood.

“My grandfather died several years before I was born. Playing this part is the closest I’ll ever get to meting him. I’m honored, terrified, and really, really excited.”

(“12 Angry Men” is set for 7:30 p.m. on May 28, 29 and 30; 5 p.m. on May 30, and 2 p.m. on May 31. Click here for tickets. Click here for each show’s cast.)

(“06880” regularly covers Staples High School, the arts — and politics, and more. We rely on reader support to help us do it all. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thanks!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Beauty & The Beast”

Posted on April 28, 2026 | 1 comment

In the fall of 2007, Staples Players produced “Beauty & the Beast.”

Directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s adaptation of the beloved fairy tale musical is this week’s “nutshell” — a 17-minute highlight reel filmed and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt.

Click here or below to enjoy:

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Staples Players Rewind: “Beauty & The Beast”

Posted on April 14, 2026 | 1 comment

Our trip down Staples Players’ memory lane continues with “Beauty & the Beast.”

The cast of the fall 2007 production, directed by David Roth and Kerry Long, included several actors who went on to professional careers.

  • Adam Kaplan (Cogsworth) starred in “Newsies” and “A Bronx Tale” on Broadway.
  • Hannah Dubner (Belle) has performed in many shows, including “Hamlet” and “My Big Gay Italian Wedding.”
  • Andy Friedland (The Beast)  had a part in the series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” He is now executive director of Hiller International.
  • Dan Shure (Belle’s father) is a recording artist in Charley Bliss, with Players actress Eva Hendricks.

Now … sit back and enjoy the show!

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Staples Players Rewind: “Children Of Eden”

Posted on March 31, 2026 | 1 comment

Our look back at Staples Players’ past shows continues today, with the fall 2005 production of “Children of Eden.”

David Roth and Kerry Long directed the 1991 musical. Based on the Book of Genesis, it tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah and the flood.

Longtime media teacher Jim Honeycutt created these “nutshells,” part of “06880”‘s continuing coverage of Players, yesterday and today.

He notes that some of actors in this show went on to bigger things.

Mia Gentile (Eve) starred on Broadway in “Kinky Boots.” She also made it onto “Good Morning America,” with hilarious Stanley Steemer ads.

Jacob Heimer (Adam) starred on Broadway in “Beautiful.” Adam Kaplan (Japheth) went on to star on Broadway too, in “A Bronx Tale.”

Drew Angus (Ham) is now a successful recording artist.

Now you can say, “I saw them ‘when.'”

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