Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY - Presented by The Royal Underground Theatre Company


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		WHO'S WHO IN THE CAST
	MONICA AIRO (Kathy* - Guitar)* On stage, she has been in many productions including principle roles as The Villain in Saving the Old Homestead, The Salsa Dancer in Guys and Dolls, Belle in Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, and productions in La Raza Teatro Company under the direction of Carlos Baron. Monica and her dance group were sponsored by Gap to represent the US at the Dance for Peace Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, where over 50 countries were represented. As a Model, Monica has worked for Ellington Fans, Façade Cosmetics, Macy’s, Teen Magazine, and continues to work in print and runway shows in SF and LA. Monica also works as a background vocalist for local artists and is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the all girl band Ambiance. She enjoys wine, political novels, and long walks on the beach. Venvenidos a la programa mi familia y mis amigos.
	JENNIFER ASHWORTH (Susan* - Trombone/Flute/Clarinet/Tenor Sax)* Never having combined singing, acting and playing instruments on stage before, Jennifer Ashworth is excited to join Company. She is often seen with the Lamplighters, performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan and other pieces of classic musical theater. Some of her favorite roles include the Queen of the Night (Magic Flute), Mabel (Pirates of Penzance), Rosina (Barber of Seville), Josephine (H.M.S. Pinafore), Cunegonde (Candide), Magnolia (Showboat), Carrie Pipperidge (Carousel) and Lily (The Secret Garden). She is a teaching artist for the San Francisco Opera Guild, and spends her days as a middle school band teacher.
	ENRICO BANSON (Harry - Piano/Keyboard/Trumpet) is thrilled to be back on stage after directing and acting in several independent films. He directed and starred in the film Midnight Kings receiving screenings in San Francisco, L.A. and New York. Other film credits include Rent and The Sweetest Thing. Favorite theatrical credits: Art (Serge), Glengarry Glen Ross (Ricky Roma), Rent (Steve/Roger u/s), Evita (Che), The Who's Tommy (Cousin Kevin), Othello (Iago), and Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick; Lincoln Center, NYC; 1997 National Shakespeare Competition Grand Champion, Golden Eagle Award). Enrico also wrote the play Moonlight Companion which premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. He spends his days as the music director for St. Bernard’s Church. Much thanks to Jerianne, Jerica, Mom, Dad, Grandma and the Borsontinos!
	TINA BRAGANZA (Marta* - Piano/Keyboard)* Tina is delighted to be performing once again in the Bay Area after having recently moved back to it after residing in Southern California. She has appeared in numerous productions around the Bay Area and in Boston during her undergrad years. Her favorite productions include The Tempest (Ariel), Into The Woods (Snow White/Witch u/s), and The Rocky Horror Show (Magenta/Columbia u/s) among many others. She has been on the TV shows “Medium”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, and the pilot of the soon to be released new TV series “The Meant to Be’s”. She will also be seen in the up coming films Crossing Over (starring Harrison Ford, Sean Penn, Ray Liotta, & Ashley Judd) and Powder Blue (starring Jessica Biel, Patrick Swayze, & Forest Whitaker).
	LAURIE BURKE (Amy* - Drums/Percussions)* A native San Franciscan, was brought up in a family of professional actors and musicians (she says it was like being brought up somewhere between Vaudeville and Broadway - everything is a medley). She received her BA in Broadcast Communications/Radio-Television from SFSU and has studied Acting, Singing and Voice Over in Los Angeles, London and at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Her credits include TV: “Medium,” “Grey’s Anatomy.” Film: The Kite Runner, The Butler's in Love, The Redwoods. Theater: Just for Laughs, Mary and the Fairy, Commercials: Wa-Mart, Extreme Pizza and Voice Over: various animated characters and she is currently "the voice" of Google Voice. I am so thankful to have been cast in The Royal Underground's production of Company and to have the extraordinary opportunity to work with such talented people. Thank you to everyone in the cast, crew, our incredible producer and director and to everyone who is taking the time to come and see our production. I hope you are entertained! www.nowcasting.com/laurieburke/ : IMDB
	ADRIENNE FRASER (Jenny* - Violin)* was born on Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, then moved around a lot, now she calls San Francisco home. She has studied violin since age nine and pursued classical music with the Alabama Huntsville Youth Philharmonic & Symphony. In high school, Adrienne participated in choral music along with the Alabama All State Choir, and the Southeastern Choir Conference at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This is her third Sondheim musical adding to her 15 years of theater experience including such roles as: Emily in Our Town, Florinda in Into the Woods, and Deidre in I Hate Hamlet. Currently, Adrienne is a student at Studio A.C.T., and just wrapped her first Bay Area independent film as Tabitha in Blood & Guts.
	DOUGLAS MANDELL (Larry* - Double Bass/Alto Horn)* has been singing and playing instruments for as long as he can remember. He is the tenor section leader at St. Stephen's Church, Belvedere, and has performed in a number of shows with the Lamplighters in San Francisco, most recently singing the role of the Fakir in The Secret Garden. Among his favorite roles are Mack the Knife in The Threepenny Opera, the Magician in The Consul, and the Governor in Candide. In addition to singing and acting, Douglas has been active for many years in the instrumental scene, playing Renaissance instruments (shawm, sackbutt, recorder, gittern, lute, and drum) with The Festival Consort, and playing electric piano and cornet with a funk band, BRO. As you can see from the above list, he just couldn't make up his mind what he wanted to play when he grew up...
	VERONICA MANNION (April* - Orchestra Bells/Percussions)* is thrilled to be singing Sondheim again! You may recognize her as Donna the singing diva from Tony n Tina's Wedding, the longest running dinner show now at Fisherman's Wharf. You can catch her there most weekends. Veronica just finished a run in San Francisco at Studio 300 in Knocked Up (Emma). She is also involved in a variety of web TV series and sketch comedy shows. A recent graduate of SFSU, favorite roles include Floyd Collins (Miss Jane), A Flea In Her Ear (Lucienne), and A Comedy of Errors (Adriana). Love to Marmie who makes this all possible.
	DANAMER MERCADO (Sarah* - Clarinet/Alto Sax)* grew up surrounded by music from her musical family on her father’s side. It was through her father, Dante, that she inherited his love and passion for music. She learned to play the piano at the early age of five then branched out to the clarinet, guitar and saxophone. She was in the marching band, jazz band and symphonic band at Moreau Catholic High School. High School was where she had a taste of musicals. Danamer always was in the pit, but always wondered what it would be like on the other side. Now through Jerica Productions, she has the opportunity to not only play but to be able to dabble in acting and singing. Danamer also plays the saxophone for the St. Bernard’s 7 pm Contemporary Choir. She loves spending time with her two boys, Anthony and Angelo, her husband Michael, Mom and Dad and Sister and Brother-In-Law. Danamer thanks her family for supporting her in achieving one of her dreams!
	KAI MORRISON (Bobby) is thrilled to be joining Royal Underground for the first time, and delighted for the chance to tackle a character as complex and engaging as Bobby. He (Kai, not Bobby) received his BA in Acting from Western Washington University (which you've heard of, naturally), but gives equal credit to the lawyers and witnesses for whom he shot depositions as an audio/video technician. Now THAT is acting to behold! “Thanks to John d'Armand for teaching him how to sing and Jim Lortz, who taught him how to act. Also, thank yous to Mom, Dad, and Jenn for the Big lessons - I couldn't have done this without you. Immeasurable gratitude, of course, to George Furth and Stephen Sondheim: Without them, art would have a hole.
	ALEX PLANT (Paul* - Drums/Percussion)* is a veteran of stage and film living in San Francisco and splitting time between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Having starred in a wide range of musical theater productions and feature length films over the past 15 years with a minor in Theater at Vanderbilt University, Alex loves entertaining audiences and bringing characters to life through song and dance. With a passion for the stage, Alex has starred in A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), High School Musical and Oklahoma and in 2008 can be seen in Evil Hamlet in San Francisco. Big screen credits includes Shadow Conspiracy (with Charlie Sheen), First Kid (with Sinbad) and recently festival award winners "i" the Movie and Divine Justice. You can even check him out in Sean Penn's latest movie, Milk as the son of Dermot McDuggan. For more information, go to www.alexplant.com.
	ALEX RODRIGUEZ (Peter - Flute/Clarinet/Alto Sax/Cello) is thrilled to be returning to his instrumental roots in this beloved Sondheim musical. National Tour: Miss Saigon (Thuy). Regional: 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic), The Rocky Horror Show (Brad). Bay Area: Bat Boy - The Musical (Bat Boy), Insignificant Others (Luke - Orig. Pier 39 Cast), Elton John's Aida (Mereb), Songs For A New World (Man 1) and JC Superstar (Simon - ACLO Best Featured Actor Award). TV: Host of Emerging Magazine's Inside Exposure and NConcerTV. Thanks to friends and family and those who have inspired me, you know who you are. "Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art." For Pebs, Thuy and most importantly Alex K.
	JOAN D. SAUNDERS (Joanne* - Piano/Percussions)* is a San Francisco–based actor. Recent credits include principal roles in several independent films, American Conservatory Theater’s 2008 Spring Cabaret, and a principal role in the play Lost and Found in the Mission, which premiered in spring 2007 and was remounted for the 2008 San Francisco Fringe Festival, winning the Fringe’s coveted “Best of the Fringe” award. Ms. Saunders studies voice with singing teacher Ava Victoria (NATS), trained at American Conservatory Theater, and has studied under Alan Arkin.
	RONNIE SERRATO (David* - Alto Sax)* is extremely excited and honored to be a part of this well respected musical! Ronnie was born in Tracy and has been involved with music for the better part of his life. He started with the middle school orchestra in 6th grade playing clarinet, alto and tenor saxophones, and later joined the high school jazz band playing sax. Musical Theatre experience include Snoopy and The Pajama Game. He performed with his older brothers in a Christian band performing original music at various events and is an active cantor in his church youth music ministry. “Big thank you to God for blessing me with my talents, and special thanks to my big family and friends who have been my biggest fans in all of my musical ventures, and who continue to show their unending support. They make me who I am, and I am most grateful.”
	MARION BORDON (Female Swing) Theatre: 1940’s Radio Hour. Film: Midnight Kings (Deara). Winner 2007 Tracy Monologue/Dance Competition. This is for my sister Mariel and my little angel, Joseph Noah Riley.

WHO'S WHO IN THE CAST

MONICA AIRO (Kathy - Guitar) On stage, she has been in many productions including principle roles as The Villain in Saving the Old Homestead, The Salsa Dancer in Guys and Dolls, Belle in Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, and productions in La Raza Teatro Company under the direction of Carlos Baron. Monica and her dance group were sponsored by Gap to represent the US at the Dance for Peace Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, where over 50 countries were represented. As a Model, Monica has worked for Ellington Fans, Façade Cosmetics, Macy’s, Teen Magazine, and continues to work in print and runway shows in SF and LA. Monica also works as a background vocalist for local artists and is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the all girl band Ambiance. She enjoys wine, political novels, and long walks on the beach. Venvenidos a la programa mi familia y mis amigos.

JENNIFER ASHWORTH (Susan - Trombone/Flute/Clarinet/Tenor Sax) Never having combined singing, acting and playing instruments on stage before, Jennifer Ashworth is excited to join Company. She is often seen with the Lamplighters, performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan and other pieces of classic musical theater. Some of her favorite roles include the Queen of the Night (Magic Flute), Mabel (Pirates of Penzance), Rosina (Barber of Seville), Josephine (H.M.S. Pinafore), Cunegonde (Candide), Magnolia (Showboat), Carrie Pipperidge (Carousel) and Lily (The Secret Garden). She is a teaching artist for the San Francisco Opera Guild, and spends her days as a middle school band teacher.

ENRICO BANSON (Harry - Piano/Keyboard/Trumpet) is thrilled to be back on stage after directing and acting in several independent films. He directed and starred in the film Midnight Kings receiving screenings in San Francisco, L.A. and New York. Other film credits include Rent and The Sweetest Thing. Favorite theatrical credits: Art (Serge), Glengarry Glen Ross (Ricky Roma), Rent (Steve/Roger u/s), Evita (Che), The Who's Tommy (Cousin Kevin), Othello (Iago), and Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick; Lincoln Center, NYC; 1997 National Shakespeare Competition Grand Champion, Golden Eagle Award). Enrico also wrote the play Moonlight Companion which premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. He spends his days as the music director for St. Bernard’s Church. Much thanks to Jerianne, Jerica, Mom, Dad, Grandma and the Borsontinos!

TINA BRAGANZA (Marta - Piano/Keyboard) Tina is delighted to be performing once again in the Bay Area after having recently moved back to it after residing in Southern California. She has appeared in numerous productions around the Bay Area and in Boston during her undergrad years. Her favorite productions include The Tempest (Ariel), Into The Woods (Snow White/Witch u/s), and The Rocky Horror Show (Magenta/Columbia u/s) among many others. She has been on the TV shows “Medium”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, and the pilot of the soon to be released new TV series “The Meant to Be’s”. She will also be seen in the up coming films Crossing Over (starring Harrison Ford, Sean Penn, Ray Liotta, & Ashley Judd) and Powder Blue (starring Jessica Biel, Patrick Swayze, & Forest Whitaker).

LAURIE BURKE (Amy - Drums/Percussions) A native San Franciscan, was brought up in a family of professional actors and musicians (she says it was like being brought up somewhere between Vaudeville and Broadway - everything is a medley). She received her BA in Broadcast Communications/Radio-Television from SFSU and has studied Acting, Singing and Voice Over in Los Angeles, London and at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Her credits include TV: “Medium,” “Grey’s Anatomy.” Film: The Kite Runner, The Butler's in Love, The Redwoods. Theater: Just for Laughs, Mary and the Fairy, Commercials: Wa-Mart, Extreme Pizza and Voice Over: various animated characters and she is currently "the voice" of Google Voice. I am so thankful to have been cast in The Royal Underground's production of Company and to have the extraordinary opportunity to work with such talented people. Thank you to everyone in the cast, crew, our incredible producer and director and to everyone who is taking the time to come and see our production. I hope you are entertained! www.nowcasting.com/laurieburke/ : IMDB

ADRIENNE FRASER (Jenny - Violin) was born on Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, then moved around a lot, now she calls San Francisco home. She has studied violin since age nine and pursued classical music with the Alabama Huntsville Youth Philharmonic & Symphony. In high school, Adrienne participated in choral music along with the Alabama All State Choir, and the Southeastern Choir Conference at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This is her third Sondheim musical adding to her 15 years of theater experience including such roles as: Emily in Our Town, Florinda in Into the Woods, and Deidre in I Hate Hamlet. Currently, Adrienne is a student at Studio A.C.T., and just wrapped her first Bay Area independent film as Tabitha in Blood & Guts.

DOUGLAS MANDELL (Larry - Double Bass/Alto Horn) has been singing and playing instruments for as long as he can remember. He is the tenor section leader at St. Stephen's Church, Belvedere, and has performed in a number of shows with the Lamplighters in San Francisco, most recently singing the role of the Fakir in The Secret Garden. Among his favorite roles are Mack the Knife in The Threepenny Opera, the Magician in The Consul, and the Governor in Candide. In addition to singing and acting, Douglas has been active for many years in the instrumental scene, playing Renaissance instruments (shawm, sackbutt, recorder, gittern, lute, and drum) with The Festival Consort, and playing electric piano and cornet with a funk band, BRO. As you can see from the above list, he just couldn't make up his mind what he wanted to play when he grew up...

VERONICA MANNION (April - Orchestra Bells/Percussions) is thrilled to be singing Sondheim again! You may recognize her as Donna the singing diva from Tony n Tina's Wedding, the longest running dinner show now at Fisherman's Wharf. You can catch her there most weekends. Veronica just finished a run in San Francisco at Studio 300 in Knocked Up (Emma). She is also involved in a variety of web TV series and sketch comedy shows. A recent graduate of SFSU, favorite roles include Floyd Collins (Miss Jane), A Flea In Her Ear (Lucienne), and A Comedy of Errors (Adriana). Love to Marmie who makes this all possible.

DANAMER MERCADO (Sarah - Clarinet/Alto Sax) grew up surrounded by music from her musical family on her father’s side. It was through her father, Dante, that she inherited his love and passion for music. She learned to play the piano at the early age of five then branched out to the clarinet, guitar and saxophone. She was in the marching band, jazz band and symphonic band at Moreau Catholic High School. High School was where she had a taste of musicals. Danamer always was in the pit, but always wondered what it would be like on the other side. Now through Jerica Productions, she has the opportunity to not only play but to be able to dabble in acting and singing. Danamer also plays the saxophone for the St. Bernard’s 7 pm Contemporary Choir. She loves spending time with her two boys, Anthony and Angelo, her husband Michael, Mom and Dad and Sister and Brother-In-Law. Danamer thanks her family for supporting her in achieving one of her dreams!

KAI MORRISON (Bobby) is thrilled to be joining Royal Underground for the first time, and delighted for the chance to tackle a character as complex and engaging as Bobby. He (Kai, not Bobby) received his BA in Acting from Western Washington University (which you've heard of, naturally), but gives equal credit to the lawyers and witnesses for whom he shot depositions as an audio/video technician. Now THAT is acting to behold! “Thanks to John d'Armand for teaching him how to sing and Jim Lortz, who taught him how to act. Also, thank yous to Mom, Dad, and Jenn for the Big lessons - I couldn't have done this without you. Immeasurable gratitude, of course, to George Furth and Stephen Sondheim: Without them, art would have a hole.

ALEX PLANT (Paul - Drums/Percussion) is a veteran of stage and film living in San Francisco and splitting time between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Having starred in a wide range of musical theater productions and feature length films over the past 15 years with a minor in Theater at Vanderbilt University, Alex loves entertaining audiences and bringing characters to life through song and dance. With a passion for the stage, Alex has starred in A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), High School Musical and Oklahoma and in 2008 can be seen in Evil Hamlet in San Francisco. Big screen credits includes Shadow Conspiracy (with Charlie Sheen), First Kid (with Sinbad) and recently festival award winners "i" the Movie and Divine Justice. You can even check him out in Sean Penn's latest movie, Milk as the son of Dermot McDuggan. For more information, go to www.alexplant.com.

ALEX RODRIGUEZ (Peter - Flute/Clarinet/Alto Sax/Cello) is thrilled to be returning to his instrumental roots in this beloved Sondheim musical. National Tour: Miss Saigon (Thuy). Regional: 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic), The Rocky Horror Show (Brad). Bay Area: Bat Boy - The Musical (Bat Boy), Insignificant Others (Luke - Orig. Pier 39 Cast), Elton John's Aida (Mereb), Songs For A New World (Man 1) and JC Superstar (Simon - ACLO Best Featured Actor Award). TV: Host of Emerging Magazine's Inside Exposure and NConcerTV. Thanks to friends and family and those who have inspired me, you know who you are. "Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art." For Pebs, Thuy and most importantly Alex K.

JOAN D. SAUNDERS (Joanne - Piano/Percussions) is a San Francisco–based actor. Recent credits include principal roles in several independent films, American Conservatory Theater’s 2008 Spring Cabaret, and a principal role in the play Lost and Found in the Mission, which premiered in spring 2007 and was remounted for the 2008 San Francisco Fringe Festival, winning the Fringe’s coveted “Best of the Fringe” award. Ms. Saunders studies voice with singing teacher Ava Victoria (NATS), trained at American Conservatory Theater, and has studied under Alan Arkin.

RONNIE SERRATO (David - Alto Sax) is extremely excited and honored to be a part of this well respected musical! Ronnie was born in Tracy and has been involved with music for the better part of his life. He started with the middle school orchestra in 6th grade playing clarinet, alto and tenor saxophones, and later joined the high school jazz band playing sax. Musical Theatre experience include Snoopy and The Pajama Game. He performed with his older brothers in a Christian band performing original music at various events and is an active cantor in his church youth music ministry. “Big thank you to God for blessing me with my talents, and special thanks to my big family and friends who have been my biggest fans in all of my musical ventures, and who continue to show their unending support. They make me who I am, and I am most grateful.”

MARION BORDON (Female Swing) Theatre: 1940’s Radio Hour. Film: Midnight Kings (Deara). Winner 2007 Tracy Monologue/Dance Competition. This is for my sister Mariel and my little angel, Joseph Noah Riley.