Special thanks
Thank you to Jeff “Buzz” DiSabatino (Barn President/ Producer) – His guidance and faith in me has meant the world. I cannot emphasize enough that this group would not be what it is without the backing of this man. We are lucky to have him. Thank you for giving me this opportunity! I hope we can continue working together for many years to come.
Thank you to Ethan McKellar (Program Director) – He started this program and asked me to music direct Godspell Jr. quite a few years ago now! His trust in me to expand this program has been so gracious. I am so thankful to be a part of his original team and to have stayed through all of life’s twists and turn these past few years. He works so hard and has taught me so much.
Thank you to Trevor Jones (Co-director) – He has been by my side for 3 years now but we met doing children’s theater ourselves when we were 10 years old. We both have a shared beautiful experience of what children’s theater is like and I am grateful I get to direct and bring that magic to these children with him. We share the same values of theater education, friendship, and fun. Thank you for balancing out my “type A”, perfectionist personality and reminding me to slow down and enjoy the ride!
Thank you to Dara Bleacher (my mom) – She was the one who drove me to play practice, singing lessons, and auditions from the time I was six until I graduated high school. I am blessed that I had her support so that I could foster my own love of theater. She was an athlete and I, as her first-born, am totally not. Thank you for always encouraging the nine of us to be authentically ourselves and allowing us to find what we love in this world. I am thankful that she always answers my phone calls and helps me figure out life’s situations. I am thankful that she encouraged me to go to college for music and allowed me to pursue my dreams when others said not to. I wholeheartedly don’t know where I’d be without my mom.
Thank you to Jen Bernaski, Liz Klose-Johnson, Melissa Maher, and Paul Coleman (amazingly talented and helpful parents) – Without your help creating costumes, props, and set pieces, I do not know where I would be!! It takes a village to put this show up and get all of these kids on stage and I am SO immensely thankful to have you all on my team. Thank you for always saying “yes” to wild ideas and stopping at nothing so that these kids can have a great experience!
Thank you to all of the wonderful parents who have volunteered backstage, with set-up, for the cast party, and/or made sure your kids had rides to and from practice!! I am so grateful for your support.
Thank you to Richard Tutak (Borough Manager) and the Ridley Park Borough for allowing us to bring theater to our community! Performing in the park is a wonderful opportunity for these kids and allows more members of our community to see what we really do here at the Barn! I am so grateful for your support in keeping theater alive.
Thank you to cast & crew– You have been such a pleasure to work with. I am going to miss you all so much and I hope that you come back in the future. Break a leg and most importantly, have fun telling this magical story!!!
