Joy Grabow (Artistic Director) has been actively involved in theatre as a performer, teacher, director, musical director and choreographer for over 40 years. She has appeared in film, stage, commercials, television, soap operas and on radio. She has worked throughout the state of Connecticut writing, directing and performing in children’s theatre as well as teaching classes in film, television, musical theatre, acting and audition techniques, improvisation and dance. As an arts educator, Joy has created a number of theatre programs while teaching at the School of Performing Arts in Westport and for Music Theatre of CT’s ArtReach programs in many area schools. Some of her favorite directorial credits include RENT, THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN, A CHORUS LINE, M*A*S*H, LES MIS, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SHERLOCK HOLMES, LEGALLY BLONDE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, WORKING, THE WIZARD OF OZ, CALIFORNIA SUITE, GODSPELL, THE MUSIC MAN, ALTAR BOYZ, and SEUSSICAL. Some of her favorite acting roles include GUYS AND DOLLS (Adelaide), CHICAGO (June), GREASE (Patty Simcox), ARMS AND THE MAN (Raina Petkoff), THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (Anne), OKLAHOMA (Ado Annie), as well as roles in WORKING GIRL (with Melanie Griffith), RYAN’S HOPE and ALL MY CHILDREN. Joy has written, directed and produced over a dozen original children’s musicals and is a featured singer on the CD, THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY, released in October, 2000 through Original Cast Records. Joy can currently be seen performing in the improvisational murder mystery performances of DINNER DETECTIVE at the Omni in New Haven. Joy is particularly thankful to have had the opportunity to work with the wonderful student and parent population here at DHHS. A special thank you to the entire creative staff and parent support group of HUMBUG!. Putting on a show is definitely a GROUP effort and I couldn’t have done it without such a stellar team to work with. A huge THANK YOU to the CAST and CREW for all of their hard work – I have truly enjoyed working with you and am excited to watch HUMBUG!
Claire Stone (Assistant Director)
Clare is an art teacher at Hand where she teaches drawing, painting, filmmaking, printmaking, and an acting workshop. She lives in Madison with her husband Kevin and her son James. This is her 14th production with Hands on Stage. Break a leg cast and crew!
Eli Sherer (Technical Advisor)
Eli would like to thank everyone on Stage Crew for all their hard work, with a special note of thanks to the Seniors who have already begun the process of passing on their knowledge to the underclassmen, both old and new. Your willingness to take charge and at the same time share your talents with those who are less experienced helps to secure and grow the Stage Crew for years to come. As intended, the audience doesn’t know which of the Stage Crew designed, built, painted, pushed, pulled, wiggled, wobbled, twisted, or flattened whatever non-organic items are seen and heard on stage. You are invisible during performances, but your work is recognized throughout. Enjoy the applause, it thunders for the seen and the unseen!
