music by tom kitt - book and lyrics by brian yorkey
STAFF
Lena Mucchetti (Director)
Lena is beyond thrilled and humbled to have the chance to work on this production, and to be surrounded by such a generous and talented group of artists who share her passion for this project. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with degrees in English and Film, Television, & Theatre, Lena has worked as an actor, director, stage manager, and makeup artist for area companies, including Commonwealth Classic Theatre, Hedgerow Theatre, Luna Theater, Child Drama Workshops, Players Club of Swarthmore and Grey Wolf Productions, and has taught high school and college students in the Delaware area for the last several years. She thanks the cast for joining her on this journey, her children for their willingness to share her and their enthusiastic recognition of the value of theatre, and expresses her deepest gratitude to the two men in her life, Tom and Newton, for their unwavering faith in her, their dedication to making meaningful artistic experiences in any circumstances she throws at them, and for bringing music to life and light in the dark.
Tom Mucchetti (Music Director)
Tom can be heard across the Philadelphia and Delaware region as a music director, conductor, organist, pianist, and private voice teacher. Recent collaborations at various professional and community theatres include Hedgerow Theater, City Theatre Company, Wilmington Drama League, and Players Club of Swarthmore as well as several local colleges and high schools. He also serves as music director at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Newark, Delaware. Tom holds a degree in music from the University of Notre Dame. Tom relishes the opportunity to work with such a talented, passionate, and kind-hearted group on a production that presents such an exciting set of challenges. He thanks Lena, Nico, and Matteo for their unwavering support, Newton for his continued collaborative spirit, and all those who have supported us along the way.
Newton Buchanan (Technical Director)
Newton Buchanan is a Philly based actor and theatre technologist. He has most recently appeared in Revolution Shakespeare Company’s production of Cymbeline in the 2017 Philly Fringe Festival. Some memorable credits include Student 3 in the Philly premiere of Shakespeare's R&J with Mauckingbird Theatre Company and Judah in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Devon Theatre (for which he and the ensemble were Barrymore nominated). This likable loquacious lad also holds many lighting design and sound design credit from Hedgerow Theatre, Curio Theatre, Painted Bride Art Center, and Lucidity Suitcase Intercontinental, and is the Technical Lead for Padua Academy’s Theatre program. In his spare time, he holds a full time position at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a Simulation Research Engineer; where he is a project manager for clinical research studies. His medical simulation career involves him in a host of national and international societies for which he is an active member, and a published researcher.
To my son Ethan, for which all I do is in tribute.
Lindsay Wigo (Marketing Director)
Lindsay is excited to be back working with Lena, Tom and Newton— this time behind the scenes! She has been seen on Padua and Salesianum's stages, and after 4 years filled with performing, she is now pursuing a journalism degree at George Washington University. Since graduation, she has written for platforms including Teen Vogue, Fresh U and College Media Network, and continues to work with all kinds of brands. She is thrilled to be able to combine her love for performing and passion for writing to help promote Next To Normal.
Thank you to Lena for being so eager and open to hearing our ideas. Break a leg to the cast!
Brendan Moriak (Marketing Director)
Brendan is super excited to be working as a marketing director for this production of Next To Normal. Brendan was recently seen as Moritz in JustArt Theatricals production of Spring Awakening and as Enjolras in SST's production of Les Miserable. Brendan also recently directed First Date at Salesianum. He spends his free time composing music and will be attending American University in the fall for Music Composition and Audio Production.
Carlyn Miller (Stage Manager)
Carlyn returns to the booth after almost a decade away from the board and calling cues. She has spent those nearly ten years learning to craft events of all shapes and sizes, including a few films, more than one wedding, and lots of academic shindigs. She is delighted to be making the lights and sounds "go" once again, especially among friends.
Audrey Embley (Asst. Stage Manager)
Audrey is a rising junior at Padua Academy. Her recent works include First Date the Musical (Allison) with Salesianum School Theater and Evita (Ensemble) with Delaware All-State Theater. Audrey would like to thank this fabulous company for welcoming her with open arms.
Tania Potts (Choreographer)
Tania Potts is a dance educator, performer and choreographer based in Delaware who has studied, taught, performed and choreographed classical ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and musical theatre. Tania embraces teaching ages 3 through adult, beginner through advanced, and pre-professional levels and enjoys the challenge of new projects, creating new works in different music genres, and working with a variety of dance levels. Recent education and choreography credits include: Providence Creek Ballet Theatre, Padua Academy Theatre, Child Drama Workshops, Barbara’s Dance Academy, Spotlight Cabaret and Newark Arts Alliance. Tania honors the opportunities she has been gifted with by sharing her passion and dedication to dance with others.