THE DIRECTORS

Daniel Huntley Solon
(Director)
Daniel is a producer, director, playwright and activist whose works have been developed and produced nationally. Daniel is an active member of Austin Scriptworks, the Greater Philadelphia Theater Alliance, the Dallas Fort Worth Playwrights Alliance and the Philadelphia Dramatists Circle.

Jim Moore
(Assistant Director & Ensemble)
Jim Moore is a long time member of the BCAPA and a senior at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of The Pittsburgh Repertory Theatre, where he most recently was seen in Angels in America. Outside of the theater, Jim studies communications and political science and is a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  He wants to thank Daniel and the BCAPA for the opportunity, as well as his family and girlfriend for all of their support.

Richard Lewis
(Musical Director)
Richard is a recent college graduate from the Berklee College of Music. Having been so fortunate to have entered the "real world" in this most bountiful economic state, he has turned to his first true passion, and that is of Music. Past Musical Director credits include Merrily We Roll Along, The Last 5 Years, Guys and Dolls, and School House Rock. Currently Richard is gainfully unemployed and hopes that by the time an audience member reads this, He will be making enough money to pay HIS "RENT"
THE CAST
Kimberly Angellella-Morgan
(Mimi Marquez)
Kimberly has dreamt of portraying the role of Mimi since she first saw RENT on Broadway at the age of sixteen. Since graduating from Point Park College in 2002, Kimberly has been a teacher at Harry S Truman High School, where she was also a student. Last year she had the amazing opportunity to work with Lou Volpe on the first high school production of RENT at Truman High. With this experience the cast and crew had the chance to meet Jonathan Larson’s father, who attended the show with other family members. Some of Kimberly’s favorite previous roles include ‘Eve’ in Children of Eden, ‘Sally Simpson’ in The Who’s Tommy and ‘Jill’ in Equus. Kimberly is thrilled to be working with such a wonderful director and talented cast and crew. She would like to thank her director Daniel for fulfilling her dream, her closest friends and family (especially Mom and Dad) for all of their love and support, K.C. for always being there for her, Lou Volpe for forever believing in her talent and her students for making her job both a challenge and a reward each day. Finally, Kimberly would like to dedicate her performances to her beautiful baby boy, Connor . . . she thanks him for making her smile everyday!
Brian Winnie
(Mark Cohen)
Brian Winnie is thrilled to be back in the theatre with this cast and staff after taking a five year hiatus. In that time Brian received his BS in vocal music education from Penn State University and his MME from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He now is the Director of Choirs and Vocal Musical Theatre Director at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ after teaching middle school for 4 years in Pennsylvania. Brian keeps an active vocal studio and is a frequent guest conductor and lecturer in Middle School and High School choral music. Past roles have included Godspell (Jesus), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Pseudolus), Once Upon A Mattress, (Prince Dauntless), You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Linus), and the world premiere of Bruce Trinkley's Opera York: The Voice of Freedom (Sergeant Floyd).

Nick Minton
(Roger)
Nick Minton is a Rock Star and a Ladie's Man.

 

Liz Battaglia
(Joanne Jefferson)
Liz Battaglia enthusiastically returns to the stage as Joanne in the BCAPA production of Rent.  Some of her favorite past roles include ‘Simon Zealots’ in Jesus Christ Superstar, ‘Magenta’ in Rocky Horror, ‘Mammy Yokum’ in Lil’ Abner, and ‘Widow Corney’ in Oliver!  Liz has also performed in operas including Suor Angelica. Liz studied vocal performance and communications at Ithaca College and graduated in 2002. She now works full time and owns LB Design Group, a freelance graphic design studio based out of Newtown, PA. Liz thanks her cast mates and crew for their dedication and support – both on and off the stage.

Lawrence Carulli
(Angel Schunard)
Lawrence is thrilled to be a part of the BCAPA and their production of Rent. Past performances include: Aida ('Ensemble') and Rent: SE. ('Angel Dumott Schunard'). He plans to attend college in the fall to study musical theatre and further his performance career. He would like to thank his friends and family for their non stop support, and especially the cast and crew for making this an amazing show and experience!
Justin Derry
(Tom Collins)
Justin is currently a Nursing Major at Bucks County Community College and is thrilled to be performing in BCAPA’s production of RENT. Although this is his first BCAPA show, he has been performing since a
very young age. His favorite past credits include Tommy Albright in Brigadoon, Zeke/Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, The Wolf in Into the Woods and the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress.  Justin also made his feature film debut as Chris Clemens in an independent film called Wonton Baby that is due out on DVD this fall.  Justin would like to thank the cast and crew of RENT for making this experience a memorable one, Step II Dance Center for all that they do, and most importantly his friends and family, for always being supportive of him no matter what.

Samantha Kamen
(Maureen Johnson)
Samantha is going into her junior year at the University of Pittsburgh, and is so excited to be a part of Rent!  She has been involved in theater since she was 10 years old and has starred in Grease, The Boyfriend, and The Secret Garden.  She was also a member of the Pennsbury High Schools' select Chamber choir and this past may she toured China with the University of Pittsburgh’s' premier acappela choir, the Heinz Chapel Choir.  Samantha would like to thank all of her friends and family for supporting her, and a special thanks to all of her cast mates in Rent for making this the best show she's been a part of!

Dominic McNaughton
(Benjamin Coffin III)
Dominic has been a member of the BCAPA for over five years and is absolutely thrilled to be included in their production of RENT. He is a recent graduate of Pennsbury High School and has been seen in many of its productions including King Dumb in The Clumsy Custard Horror Show and Ice Cream Clone Review, Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat, Wino and Puppet Master in Little Shop of Horrors (which was performed at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska last summer), and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. He would like to thank Daniel for giving him this opportunity and Mary Lee Minton, for giving him five years of unconditional support and affection—he will always love coffee nights.

Alexcia Irizarry
(Ensemble; u/s Joanne)
Alexcia Irizarry is thrilled to be joining the Bucks County Academy of the Performing Arts family (BCAPA) in their production of RENT. She is currently a dean’s list Junior Musical Theater major/ Therapeutic Recreation minor at Temple University. In 2011, her dreams start to become reality's. She would like to contuine her education and go the Yale's School of Drama. Some of her favorite past roles include: hip-hop musical, The Seven (Ensemble), Fiorello! (Marie), and Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie). Alexcia has also interned for the Bristol Riverside Theater and was involved in thier America Rising: Voices of Today series, ArtRageous Camp, and Administrative team. She would like to thank Daniel for giving her the opportuinty to be in Rent "This is such a great story and I am Honored that I am one of the people who get to help spread Johnathon Larson's Message". Also, Alexcia would like to thank the cast & crew for making this a show she will never forget!! And lastly, Alexcia wholeheartedly thanks her family and friends for their love and support! "Mom & Dad if it was not for you both I wouldnt be where I am. I love you guys soooo much!"

Jenny Park
(Ensemble)
Jenny Park has been a member of the BCAPA since 2005. During this time she has directed, performed and now choreographed. Past roles include "Lady Beconsfield" in Jekyll and Hyde, "Little Mary" in Little Mary Sunshine and various other roles in Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar and The No Frills Review. She would like to thank her family for supporting her all this time and less than three to her boyfriend.

Megan Magee
(Ensemble, The Man)
Megan is absolutely thrilled to make her first appearance on-stage with BCAPA as a homeless person/junkie!  Megan has performed as a lead in numerous plays at Neshaminy High School and with Neshaminy Summerstock, her favorites being Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Marian Paroo in The Music Man. She is currently taking her summer break after her first semester at American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, where she majors in musical theatre and will return in the fall.  Megan is extremely thankful for this opportunity and for this fantastic cast and crew she gets to spend her summer with, and for her amazing family for being everything they are.
Juan Puppo
(Ensemble, Restarant Man)
Rent is Juan Puppo's first production with the BCAPA, but definitely not his last. Juan has been involved in theater for about two years, and he loves it. At Truman high school, where he is a senior, Juan has been in two productions; The Rimmers of Eldritch and Blood Brothers. Juan would like to thank his parents Marboly, Lope, and Randy for all the support they have provided him and his cast mates for making this such a great experience. He would also like to send a special thanks to Volpe and Krause. Hola!!!
Jessica Weiner
(Ensemble)
Jessica is “over the moon” to be performing in BCAPA’s production of Rent!  Jessica has been performing since the age of 3 when she started dance lessons.  Since then, she has been fortunate to sing, act and dance in some excellent shows.  Among them are Company, Once on this Island, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Working, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and many others.  Jessica is lucky to have had the opportunity to travel and perform with Up With People for a year where she learned about different cultures, traditions and music.  Jessica is currently studying Event and Wedding Planning and plans to open her own business in that field in the near future.  Jessica feels honored to be a part of this production and to get to know a new theater “family.”  Jessica would like to thank her friends and family for their constant love and support.
Lauren Garvey
(Alexi Darling, u/s Maureen Johnson)
Lauren is absolutely ecstatic to be apart the cast of RENT and working with the BCAPA. Lauren is about to start her junior year at Philadelphia University where she is currently studying Biopsychology. She attended Seton Hill University her freshman year where she received a full scholarship for musical theater. Lauren plans on pursuing her dreams of performing after college. Her favorite roles and shows she has performed in include: Frenchie (Grease), Louise (Gyspy), Oklahoma!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Charlotte (Charlotte's Web), Eponine (Les Miserables), and performing in Disney World with her high school's Dinner Theater. Lauren wants to thank her family, friends, and loved ones for all their love and support with this show and all her other performances in the past.
Mickey Ryan
(Ensemble)
Mickey Ryan is incredibly excited to be a part of the BCAPA production of Rent. Although it is his first production with the group he is thrilled nontheless to be a part of it. Mickey is currently a Junior at Hopewell Valley Central High School where he plans to participate in many more theatre productions before he graduates. Past credits include: Anything Goes (ensemble/soloist) and Once Upon a Mattress (Prince Dauntless). Mickey would like to say a big thanks to everyone who has supported him and especially his parents!
Craig Alcantara
(Ensemble, u/s Roger)
Craig is super stoked to be performing with the BCAPA in their production of RENT. Although actively involved in his high school theatre program, upon entering college his poor time management skills forced him to sideline his theatrical endeavours.  Now a senior linguistics student at Temple University, Craig is glad to be performing again, especially in the midst of such great company. Past roles include Jesus in Godspell, Tony in The Boyfriend, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, and Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Craig would like to thank the cast and crew for making this such a memorable experience.
Jack Lee
(Ensemble, u/s Benny, u/s Tom Collins)
Jack is super duper stoked about being in BCAPA's production of RENT and wants to thank everyone for welcoming him with open arms and a smile. Jack has previously played the roles of ‘Leon Rose’ in A Need for Brussels Sprouts, ‘Bill’ in Runaways and ‘Willy Loman’ in Death of a Salesman. RENT will be his first musical and he is glad that his first is the best. When not bathing in the lime light Jack is An ElementaryEducation major at Kutztown University and an active member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity Inc.
Dylan Simpson
(Ensemble)
Dylan has been a member of BCAPA for three years and is very excited to be in their production of Rent. He is a graduate of Pennsbury high school. He has been apart of many show, including the Boyfriend, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Guys and Dolls. Dylan would like to thank his family for their constant love and support.
THE BAND

Ricky Joyce
(Drums)
Ricky is a student at Rutgers University who recently switched from being a Music Major to Special Education. In the past, he has performed at the 2005 Victoria Secret Fashion Show, performed with Geffen/Interscope artist "Charlotte Sometimes," and has written, directed, and produced a street show at Six Flags Great Adventure called "Drumster Dumpster."  Ricky spent two years at Berklee College of Music with one semester studying abroad in Athens, Greece. He then decided to return home to study at Mason Gross School of the Arts before he realized his tuition money would be better spent obtaining a degree in Special Education. Despite this, Ricky is very active musically and is available for teaching, performances, and recording.

Laura Ballek
(Keyboard)
Laura Ballek is entering her junior year at New York University, where she is a Spanish major.  Her most recent musical endeavor was serving as the musical director/accompanist for NYU's College of Arts and Science Theater Troupe's production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown".  She would like to thank her parents, the BCAPA, the band, and of course her neighbor of 20 years, the indefatigable Richard Lewis.

Greg Snitkin
(Bass)
Greg Snitkin is a multi-instrumental musician, soon-to-be MBA student at Fordham University, rubik's cube enthusiast, and all-around great guy.  As an undergrad student at Fordham, he was a four-year member of both the Concert Band and the Experimental Theater group. His past credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Pippin. He would like to thank Richard Joyce for driving him to band rehearsals and his Parents for coming to see the show!

Peter Andreev
(Guitar)
Peter has been playing guitar for 10 years. He picked up the instrument after hearing the Dave Matthews Band's album 'Listener Supported'. After attending the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and West Chester University, Peter decided to aim for the stars. He enrolled in the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he studies guitar with Tomo Fujita, who played in the Broadway production of 'Rent'. Tomo is also known for previously teaching John Mayer and Eric Krasno (Soulive). Peter cites his main influences as Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, and John Scofield. Pursuing a 'Professional Music' degree from Berklee and a master's degree at a school yet to be determined, Peter plans on teaching at the university level as a college professor (if he doesn't make it big of course). "I do it all for the children, really..." Peter says. He would especially like to thank his mother, father, sister, and grandparents.

 

Graphic Design and Website by LB Design Group