Andrew Blais (Sydney Bruhl)
Andrew is an actor, writer, lighting director, and Local 1 stagehand. His 35-year joyride through the Arts has so many pinch-me moments that he sometimes feels like he’s carjacked other people’s careers, and is that guy flying by you on the GSP, way too fast for a Prius. These heists include: PSM/LD: Taylor 2, MOMIX, ARB; ASM: Tharp/Baryshnikov, Nunsense; Light Boards: MTC, The Joyce, ABT, Chicago, In the Heights, Avenue Q, Seth Meyers, Meredith Viera, Martha Stewart (Daytime Emmy); Lighting Dir. Sub (LIVE Kelly & Ryan/Mark; Neil Cavuto, WNBC News) and, yes, Performing: Liddy/Leary (HERE); Quantum Trek (Surflight); The Frozen Deep, w/ Everett Quinton; Regional: A Christmas Carol (Cider Mill Playhouse), Appleseed Players; TV/Film: Ghostwriter, NYU; Voice Talent: Pearson audiobooks; and that one time singing on Broadway (11th Easter Bonnet). College Teaching: Rhetoric, Design for Dance, Electricity. Most recent acting: The 7th-ever production of Pulitzer nominee The Minutes (Mayor Superba, Summit Playhouse) and his cabaret début! (Don’t Tell Mama’s, Vegas). Career Highlights: Roar….Greasepaint (age 11, first stock show); CUNY faculty award for poetry; and flinging a rubber chicken across the Met Opera stage, onto a harpsichord, for Il Barbiere. He is extremely proud to be part of this fabulous Deathtrap company, and very grateful for his Players Guild début. Special thanks to Brad. For Elana. |
Jodi Reiss (Myra Bruhl)
Jodi is excited to be returning to the PGL stage. Having recently performed in a few short one act plays, this is her first featured part in a play since college. Being a part of this wonderful cast has been so amazing. An anesthesiologist by day, an ‘empty nester’ to two college boys, and wife to her best friend and biggest supporter, she is so happy to be able to return to her earliest love, the theatre. She would like to give a special thank you to the amazing formidable director Chris, for this opportunity. Best of luck to the most talented cast and crew. This experience has been everything! |
Nikolas Elrifi (Clifford Anderson)
Nik is incredibly excited and grateful to be a part of this production. Having graduated NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2021, he has spent the past 2 years working as an actor, writer, director, and stunt person around New York, with work appearing at The Tank, the Montreal Independent Film Festival, and Los Angeles Independent Film Festival. Recent credits include: River/Richard DuPont (The Arrival), Jason/Tyrone (Hand to God), and Titania (Midsummer Night’s Dream). To find out more, check out his website: nikolaselrifi.com |
Jessi Baden (Helga ten Dorp)
Jessi is just really happy to be here! Recent credits include Suite Surrender (Claudia McFadden) Chamber Music (Joan of Arc), Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (Quincy/Bart), A Very Great Mischief (Dorothea) Elf (Deb & Manager), The Medium (Baba), Mamma Mia (Rosie), Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider), 1776 (John Dickinson), Agamemnon (Klytemnestra), Don Carlo (La Principessa D'Eboli). Love to Laura, Kay, and Jess for always having my back. Huge thanks to The Players Guild of Leonia for such a warm welcome. |
TS Murphy (Porter Milgram)
Todd is an alumnus of Ramapo College of New Jersey and received his MA at New York University. Past performance experience includes The Elephant Man (Merrick), Master Harold & the Boys (Sam), Much Ado…(Don Pedro), Othello (Othello). He directed The Mosaic Project (JMP Media, 2019), a documentary about race, culture, and identity (nom.2022 Best Documentary, Northeast Film Festival). He originated the role of Juror #11 in the Off-Off Broadway production of 12 Mo’ Angry Men (EnlightenVision Productions). As a playwright, his work has been staged at Luna Stage and Mile Square Theatre. He has been a Theatre teacher at Teaneck High School for over fifteen years where he has directed over ten productions and worked with a lot of amazing thespians! Shoutouts to his amazing director, Chris Hietikko, for giving him this opportunity to perform and the MacMur Group for representing and supporting him for over twenty-five years. |
Production Team
Chris Hietikko (Director)
Chris is thrilled to be working with PGL. Most recently, he directed Hand to God (Nutley Little Theatre) and Falsettos (Tulsa Repertory Musicals). He won the Best Director Award at the 6th Annual One Act Jamboree at Rhino Theatre for his production of The One That Got Away. As a professional actor, some of the theatres he has appeared at are: McCarter, Shakespeare Theatre of DC, NJ Shakes, The Old Globe Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, Rep Theatre of St. Louis and The English Theatre of Frankfurt. Chris is also a headshot photographer www.chrishietikkophotography.com. Gratitude to his entire creative team, this incredible cast, two of the most incredible producers and his family for the daily laughs and support |
Ralph Martinez (Producer)
Ralph first joined the PGL in 2016. His acting debut began with Desire, Desire, Desire and Juror #5 in 12 Angry Jurors. Ralph produced Lost in Yonkers in 2017, which was nominated for several NJ Perry Awards, and fell in love with producing ever since. He has served on the PGL board as President, Treasurer, and serves on various committees such as The Prompter, Membership, Webmaster, and Social Media and Marketing. This is Ralph's last production -- he leaves the PGL with many fond memories and experiences. A big thank you to Chris Hietikko, Deathtrap's amazing cast and crew, in particular Kim Queren for all her hard work, the PGL, and his partner Christopher Milone. |
Jeff Parsons (Stage Manager)
Jeff is excited to return to backstage life where he can once again shout his favorite line - “Is that your prop?” He is grateful for the opportunity to work with this phenomenal cast and creative team. Most recently, he appeared on stage in Titanic and The Prom (Old Library Theatre), Bedroom Farce (PGL), Falsettos (Antrim Playhouse), and Greater Tuna (Studio Players). Jeff has spent many years producing and stage managing, for film and stage, including Hand to God (Nutley Little Theatre), It Shoulda Been You (OLT), the first middle school pilot production of Wicked Jr at Teaneck Community Charter School. Thanks to his incredibly supportive family. |
Edward Pierce (Designer)
Select Broadway/Tours: Angels in America (TONY nomination); Wicked [all worldwide productions]; Phantom of the Opera (World Tour); To Kill A Mockingbird (Madison Square Garden & National Tour); Love Never Dies (International Tour); Bright Star; Amazing Grace; Holler If Ya Hear Me; The Other Place; A Streetcar Named Desire; Shatner’s World; Billy Elliot; Pippin; 9 to 5; The Pirate Queen; Aida; Ragtime; Cabaret; Noise/Funk. Television: NBC’s Maya & Marty and NBC Universal Kids Sprout House. Edward represents designers as President of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829. Edward contributes to the local community through his work founding/producing a performing arts program at the Teaneck Community Charter School. www.edwardpierce.com |
Pixie Pierce (Costume Design)
Pixie has decades of experience in the costume industry. Prior to becoming a mom to three amazing children, she worked as a costume artisan at Carelli Costumes in NYC, a Broadway-industry costume shop. Since 2012, she has designed and coordinated the costumes for the performing arts program she helped to create at the Teaneck Community Charter School. Pixie operates a home-based shop where she restores vintage clothing and uses her talents for numerous unique sewing projects. One of her creations has been seen by millions of people, as she creates all the bedding featured in Galinda and Elphaba’s dormitory room in the musical Wicked for productions across the world. Pixie enjoys dedicating her time and energy to ensuring that the creative arts thrive. |
Jeff Woodman (Dialect Coach)
Jeff taught speech and dialects in the theater department at Sarah Lawrence College for 5 years. As a professional Equity actor, his credits include; Broadway: Cymbeline (LCT); Off-Broadway: Tiny Alice (Second Stage), The Libertine (Theatre Row), The Boys in the Band (WPA); Regional: An Ideal Husband (Berkeley Rep, Bay Area Critics’ Circle Award), Enchanted April (San Jose Rep, Goodman Choice Award). His extensive TV credits include Person Of Interest, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, Sex and the City, Cosby, etc... An eight time Audie Award finalist (and 2007 winner), Jeff's 400+ audiobooks have earned him 21 Golden Earphone awards from Audiophile Magazine. He was also the voice of Watson, IBM's Jeopardy! winning super-computer, possibly making him the first queer A.I. |
Paul White (Fight Choreography)
Paul is excited to be joining this production of Deathtrap, having worked with this creative team previously on Hand to God. He has previously served as the fight choreographer for Julius Caesar, Much Ado About Nothing, numerous Ridgewood Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, Pirates of Penzance and Kiss Me Kate for Briar Cliff High School, Jesus Christ Superstar and Heathers. He has also choreographed for the screen with Random Coconuts Productions. He thanks his three amazing kids Gabe, Nate, and Hamish for putting up with him and not questioning the loud noises caused by their father testing different falls. |
Evelyn Pierce (Scenic Artist)
Evelyn is a senior attending Bucknell University, double majoring in Studio Art and Theatre. She works as a backstage Technical Assistant to the theater staff and assists mainly with building and painting sets. She loves scenic painting as it combines her Studio Art education with her love of theater. Evelyn is excited to be working with such a passionate team and to have the opportunity to engage with theater outside of her school!
Evelyn is a senior attending Bucknell University, double majoring in Studio Art and Theatre. She works as a backstage Technical Assistant to the theater staff and assists mainly with building and painting sets. She loves scenic painting as it combines her Studio Art education with her love of theater. Evelyn is excited to be working with such a passionate team and to have the opportunity to engage with theater outside of her school!
Katie Toledo (Social Media/PR)
Katie Toledo is an intimacy coordinator, director, and actor based in Northern New Jersey. She graduated from Rutgers University in 2022. Katie is also a staff writer for the satirical news site Broadway Beat. She wishes the whole cast and staff a fantastic run, and sends all her love to Chris and Jeff. @kxtietoledo |
Creative Team
Chris Hietikko - Director
Kim Queren - Producer
Ralph Martinez - Producer
Jeff Parsons - Stage Manager
Paul White - Fight Choreographer
Pixie Pierce - Costume Design
Edward Pierce - Scenic/Lighting Design
Jeff Woodman - Dialect Coach
Katie Toledo - Social Media/PR
John Westling - Assistant Stage Manager
Ro Schaeffer - Assistant Stage Manager
David Tadiello - Master Carpenter
Jeff Parsons - Props/Decor
Kelly Pooler - Associate Scenic Designer
Yeonwoo Shim - Design Intern
Evelyn Pierce - Scenic Artist
Sound Design – Chris Hietikko
Chris "T-Bird" Thorn - Sound Consultant
Randi Krestin - Sound Operator
Photographer - Richard Frantvisuals LLC
Additional Crew – Katie Toledo
Additional Crew – Irene Rogers
Chris Hietikko - Director
Kim Queren - Producer
Ralph Martinez - Producer
Jeff Parsons - Stage Manager
Paul White - Fight Choreographer
Pixie Pierce - Costume Design
Edward Pierce - Scenic/Lighting Design
Jeff Woodman - Dialect Coach
Katie Toledo - Social Media/PR
John Westling - Assistant Stage Manager
Ro Schaeffer - Assistant Stage Manager
David Tadiello - Master Carpenter
Jeff Parsons - Props/Decor
Kelly Pooler - Associate Scenic Designer
Yeonwoo Shim - Design Intern
Evelyn Pierce - Scenic Artist
Sound Design – Chris Hietikko
Chris "T-Bird" Thorn - Sound Consultant
Randi Krestin - Sound Operator
Photographer - Richard Frantvisuals LLC
Additional Crew – Katie Toledo
Additional Crew – Irene Rogers
This Production would NOT be possible without the generous support of - PRG Lighting, Meg Weedon, Max Formal Company, Victoria Pero/ Bergen County Academies, Art Penque, Diane Arabella, Jeff Pieper, Irene Rogers, Marc Leland, Old Library Theatre,
Jonathan Reiss, Jabari Ryland, and Dan Giordano.
The entire DT company thanks you!
Jonathan Reiss, Jabari Ryland, and Dan Giordano.
The entire DT company thanks you!
Boosters
Terri and Peter Caust
The Mulvihill Family
Patricia Phillips
Art Penque
Bob Leap & Jeff McCartney
Joanne Godlewski
Joanne Guarnaccia
Beth Parrillo
Suzanne Renaud
Emily Pensari
Jeanmarie Garver-Gaydos
Annette and Tony Lenge
Ralph Martinez
Terri and Peter Caust
The Mulvihill Family
Patricia Phillips
Art Penque
Bob Leap & Jeff McCartney
Joanne Godlewski
Joanne Guarnaccia
Beth Parrillo
Suzanne Renaud
Emily Pensari
Jeanmarie Garver-Gaydos
Annette and Tony Lenge
Ralph Martinez
Advertisers
Chris Hietikko Photography
www.chrishietikkophotography.com
212-865-8446
Giordano Plumbing & Heating
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Daniel Giordano
NJ Lic. #12829
P.O. Box 352
Leonia, NJ 07605
201-944-8128
Email: DG8528@gmail.com
Frank D. Livelli, Jr., MD
Harkness Pavilion, Room 23
180 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
212.342.4387
The Pooch Parlor
336 Broad Ave.
Leonia, NJ 007605
(201) 585-2200
www.poochparlornj.com
Email: poochparlornj@gmail.com
Chris Hietikko Photography
www.chrishietikkophotography.com
212-865-8446
Giordano Plumbing & Heating
Residential • Commercial • Industrial
Daniel Giordano
NJ Lic. #12829
P.O. Box 352
Leonia, NJ 07605
201-944-8128
Email: DG8528@gmail.com
Frank D. Livelli, Jr., MD
Harkness Pavilion, Room 23
180 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
212.342.4387
The Pooch Parlor
336 Broad Ave.
Leonia, NJ 007605
(201) 585-2200
www.poochparlornj.com
Email: poochparlornj@gmail.com
Donations
The PGL relies on the support from our members, patrons, and surrounding community and friends. As a not-for-profit organization, our work is only possible because of donors like you. If you are already a sponsor or donor, we truly thank you for your generous contribution. If you are not, please consider joining the family of PGL supporters by donating today.
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or mail a check to:
Players Guild of Leonia
P.O. Box 131
Leonia, NJ 07605
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