Guys and Dolls
Cast Bios
Duane Lanham (Nathan Detroit) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Freddy), Last of the Red-Hot Lovers (Barney), Urinetown (Cladwell), Noises Off (Gary/Roger), Follies (Buddy), Sweet Charity (Oscar), Company (Harry), and Spamalot (Lancelot).
Jeannine Yoder (Adelaide) Jeannine Yoder is all smiles (and sneezes) reprising her dream role as Adelaide. In NY Theatre, she sparkled as Author, Producer, and Lead in “Captivate!” On Broadway, she performed with BC/EFA in “Broadway Backwards.” Regional credits: Ruby in “Dames At Sea,” Rusty in “Footloose,” and Audrey in “Little Shop.” On screen: “VHS” (Magnolia Pictures). Beyond performing artist training at AMDA, Jeannine’s a NY Times Featured Feminine Leadership & Business Coach, Mom (Hi Violet & Autumn!) and local CT Breathwork/Embody Dance facilitator.
Vincent McCoy (Sky Masterson) CT theatre roles include How to Succeed (J. Pierrepont Finch), Carousel (Billy Bigelow), The Producers (Leo Bloom), Spring Awakening (Melchior Gabor) and Sweeney Todd (Beadle Bamford). World Premier & 1st National Tour of Magic Tree House: The Musical. World Premier & Off-Broadway production of Liberty -A Monumental New Musical. Graduate of WCSU Musical Theater program. Vinny also directs and recently became involved with Spotlight Stage Company as Production Manager. He lives in Milford with his wife, son and daughter. He would like to dedicate this performance to his Grandma Marie Soliani – Here is to all of life’s adventures!
Felicia Varvaras (Sarah Brown) Felicia Varvaras is thrilled to be making her DCT debut as Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls! Felicia juggles being both a teaching and performing artist. She received her Voice Performance degree from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Some of her previous engagements include Luisa (The Fantasticks), Zerlina in selections from Don Giovanni (Carnegie Hall), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi) and Suor Genovieffa (Suor Angelica) with Greve Opera Academy, and Anna Gomez (The Consul). She performed Marika in the first international tour of “Hungarian Nights” and was featured on Hungary’s MTV.
John Michael Whitney (Nicely Nicely Johnson) JM is not only making his DTC debut, but he is also playing one of the roles on his bucket list. John last appeared as Hunter in [title of show] with Blue Fire Stage Co. in Haddam. Past favorite roles include Aldolpho in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Roger DeBris in THE PRODUCERS, Dan Goodman in NEXT TO NORMAL, Juan Peron in EVITA, Horton the Elephant in SEUSSICAL, Chris in MISS SAIGON, Roger in GREASE, and the Baker in INTO THE WOODS just to name a few. Stay safe and enjoy the show!
Jojo Devellis (Benny Southstreet) Joseph “Jojo” DeVellis wants to thank the Downtown Cabaret for having them back so soon after playing Cliff in Cabaret! Other notable credits include Trunchbull in Matilda, Pulitzer in Newsies, and Pharaoh in Technicolor Dreamcoat with the 1214 Foundation; where they also served as an assistant education director in their emotional intelligence curriculum for children affected by gun trauma. Outside of theatre, Jojo dedicates their time to their budding art studio. Insta: @whatsstudiojojo
Tyler Panek (Harry the Horse) is a resident of Oxford who studied music and voice at UCONN. Some of his recent productions include Children of Eden (Father), Annie (Oliver Warbucks), White Christmas (Bob Wallace), and 9 to 5 (Joe). In addition to performing on stage, Mr. Panek has performed with ACDA National and International Honor Choirs in Chicago and London for the Pre-Olympic Ceremonies and has toured Europe with some of UCONN’s select ensembles. Tyler would like to thank his friends and family who show never-ending support for all his endeavors.
Marty Garcia (Lt Brannigan) is absolutely thrilled to be back at DCT for this production of Guys and Dolls! Recent credits include: 9 to 5, DCT’s TYA production of Wizard of Oz, RENT, Mamma Mia, Bodyguard: The Musical, and the New England premiere of Groundhog Day: The Musical. Marty wishes to dedicate his performance to the memory of his mother who was always his biggest supporter and the best mom a son could ever ask for.
Mark Feltch (Big Jule) Previous roles include Sweeney in Sweeney Todd, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Count Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music, Marcus Lycus in Forum, Joe Keller in All My Sons, Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner, and Charlie Fox in Speed the Plow. Regional credits in Cyrano de Bergerac and Christmas Carol at The Dallas Theater Center, The Front Page at The Alley Theater, and Little Egypt at Stages Rep. Film roles in Bad Girls directed by Jonathan Kaplan, The Underneath directed by Steven Soderbergh, and the independent films Into the Spider’s Web and Neurotic Cabaret.
Chris Hetherington (Arvide Abernathy) is excited to be returning to the DCT stage having recently appeared as Herr Schultz in Cabaret. Favorite credits include Mamma Mia! (Bill Austin), Little Shop of Horrors (Voice of Audrey II), Legally Blonde (Callahan), Camelot (King Arthur), Addams Family (Lurch), The Sound of Music (Max), and Twelfth Night (Duke Orsino). Much love and thanks to Tricia for her continued unwavering support. He would also like to thank the cast, staff and crew for another fantastic experience at DCT. Finally, thank you to our wonderful audiences for continuing to support live, local theater! Slainte!
Missy Slaymaker-Hanlon (General Cartwright) Missy Slaymaker-Hanlon first appeared 35 years ago in Guys and Dolls as a Hot Box dancer, then 15 years ago as Adelaide. She is now completing her G&D arc in the role of General Cartwright! Missy is a Creative Dramatics teacher and Children’s Theater Director, bringing her production company Play a Part LLC to the schools and summer camps of Westchester and Fairfield County. She would like to thank Brad Blake for being a mentor since her college Freshman year. Thank you to George, Spencer and Chase for all their love and support.
Daniela Sawyer (Ensemble) is back for her third production following RENT and Cabaret at DTC! Other productions she has participated in include: Something Rotten, Spamalot, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Poppins, Newsies and more. She’s excited to work with such a talented cast and crew!
Ariana Keller (Ensemble) Ariana Keller is a coloratura soprano based in Waterbury, CT. Ariana graduated this past spring with a B.M in Voice Performance from Western Connecticut State University. At WCSU, Ariana was a member of the University Choir, Chamber Singers, and served as president of the WCSU Opera Club. WCSU production credits include Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore (2020), Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon as Maguelonne (2022), and Mozart’s Impresario as Miss Silverpeal (2022). Ariana has also appeared in several WCSU Opera Scenes including the roles of Mabel from Pirates of Penzance, Monica from the Medium, Kathie from the Student Prince, and Marie in La fille du Régiment. Outside of WCSU, Ariana has sung with National Concerts as a chorister for Forever Music at Carnegie Hall and This is Me at Lincoln Center. She is a member of the Norwalk Symphony Chorus where she has performed the Verdi Requiem (2022) and the Magic Flute (2023). In 2019, Ariana performed the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde with the Newbury Musical Theatre Company. She also performs as the soprano cantor at the Waterbury Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Ariana is excited to make her DTC debut!!
Sophie Katz (Ensemble) Sophie Katz is thrilled to be back at the Downtown Cabaret as a hotbox dancer in Guys and Dolls. After her magical experience doing Rent last fall, she was eager to get back up on stage again. Sophie last performed in Guys in Dolls in 2011 at Norwalk High School, also as a hot box dancer. She’s very excited to be involved in a whole new interpretation of the musical and get to know a whole new group of people. Sophie not only enjoys performing at the cabaret but also loves managing the social media pages to promote shows, concerts and more! She can’t wait to keep making people smile on stage AND behind the scenes.
Cassie Peterpaul (Ensemble) Cassie Peterpaul is grateful to be dancing on her favorite stage once again! Typically found working on DCT’s TYA shows, Cassie has been in many productions including Joseph and… Dreamcoat, Rapunzel, Little Witches, Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hoods, and A Chorus Line to name a few and has choreographed several others. She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for the experience and the audience for their support. Love to her husband Rob and her family! Enjoy the show!
Alexandra Cahr (Ensemble) Alexandra is thrilled to be in her first musical at DTC. Some of her past shows include; The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Cinderella (Charlotte), Hairspray (Tracy), Urinetown (Little Sally), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide). Alexandra would like to thank the cast and crew for making this such an amazing experience!
Kennedy Morris (Ensemble) is excited to make her Downtown Cabaret debut! Kennedy sings and performs with various bands, enjoys playing piano, bass, guitar, ukulele, teaches private vocal and instrumental lessons, and has choreographed several shows including Chicago and Legally Blonde. She has won numerous vocal competitions like Celebration of Music and Northwest Vocal Showcase, and has been involved in over 90 theatrical productions. Favorite credits: Carrie (Carrie), Spring Awakening (Wendla), The King & I (Anna), Beauty & The Beast (Belle), Disaster (Ben/Lisa), and A Chorus Line (Maggie). Thank you to everyone involved in this wonderful production! Instagram: @kennedymorrisofficial
Mary Pelkey (Ensemble) is delighted to be making her Downtown Cabaret debut. Some of her favorite roles include Civil (Cursor), Clue (Yvette), Antigone (Eurydice/Chorus), Blithe Spirit (Edith), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Guys and Dolls (Ensemble/Dance Captain), Bye Bye Birdie (Mrs. MacAfee/Dance Captain). Mary attends Southern Connecticut State University and will be graduating with a B.A. in Theatre. She is a 2022 Kennedy Center American College Theatre National Stage Management Award winner. Mary would like to thank Andrea Kennedy, her friends, family, and cast for their support and encouragement, as well as Brad for such a wonderful experience.
Michael Young (Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining the ensemble of G&D for his 2nd show at the cabaret!!! Bridgeport native, recents credits include Cinderella (Center Stage in Shelton) , and Joseph here at DTCAB!!! Michael is grateful to perform with a talented group of artists.
Erick Sanchez (Ensemble) is excited to debut at the Downtown Cabaret . Erick started his musical theater journey with many shows (Mamma Mia, Disaster, SpongeBob SquarePants, Sweat, Rocky Horror). When Erick is not in the musical theatre world, he’s currently with the Connecticut Gays Mens Chorus (2021-2023 season). With plenty of open mic nights, cabaret workshops (Sing Your Heart Out, Let Me Entertain You!, It’s Just a Number!). He was nominated for best performer in a play from The Broadway World Regional awards. Erick would like to thank his family and friends for all the support!
Nikolas Brannan (Rusty Charlie) Nikolas E. Brannan is a B.M. Vocal Performance Major from Redding, Connecticut. WCSU Opera Scenes include: Fille Du Régiment (Tonio), Street Scene (Mr. Buchanan), Mr. Florentino and Officer Murphy), The Merry Wives Of Windsor (Fenton) and Baby Doe (Ensemble). WCSU Opera Credits include: The Impresario (Mr. Angel), Cendrillon, VWV 2005 (Prince Charming), L’Elisir d’Amor (Ensemble) and Amahl and the Night Time Visitors (Ensemble). WCSU Orchestra Credit: L’Elisir d’Amor (“Una Furtiva Lagrima”). Chamber Credits include: Charis Chamber Voices and Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140. Opera Credits: L’Italiana in Algeri (Ensemble). Outside Credits include: Don Pasquale (Ernesto), The Messiah (Ensemble), Hairspray (Wilbur) and Les Miserable (Javier). Awards include: CT NATs-Lower College Classical (2019 and 2021) and CT NATs- Upper College Classical (2022). Attended the Frost School of Music Patti and Allan Herbert Program at Salzburg (2022).
