Transylvania Times

The baron is dead! Town Rejoices

Young Frankenstein is presented with special permission from MTI, Music Theatre International. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 - (212) 541-4684

Teen Drama News Corporation August 2013 - Edition 5

By: Villager #5

After years of being tortured by the Frankenstein (Frank - en - stein) family, the village is finally safe from the dreaded family, as its last living relative, Dr. Victor von Frankenstein is finally dead.

Frankenstein, 101, tortured villagers with his terrifying monsters for years, as did generations of Frankensteins before him, beginning with his Great Great Grandfather Mordecai, who was willing to kill his own family if they did not, “Join the Family Business.”

Villagers rejoice the news of Frankensteins death and are currently planning the funeral services, which town Mayor Gabe Navia says will be a “blessed event.” Even the village idiot, Ziggy, had cause to celebrate, saying, “What, who died?”

Not every villager is convinced that the horror is

over, however; Inspector Hans Kemp is convinced that there is another living Frankenstein, and has taken to the Transylvania library in search of this information.

Even if another Frankenstein lives, the villagers are convinced that they are finally safe from monsters. Pitch fork factories are closing down, and the town security firm “Transylvania Trappers” are looking forward to catching common criminals and tax evaders.

Cemetery owner, Villager #2, is thrilled, saying, “No longer will I have to offer

grave robbing insurance to my customers!”

Cause of death for Frankenstein has yet to be released, though no one really cares anyway.

Funeral celebrations will be Thursday-Saturday, August 1-3. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Inspector Kempʼs New Limb Fund.

Villagers prepare for the celebration

By: Villager #11

In honor of the villageʼs freedom from Frankenstein terror, Mel Brooks has immortalized the story of Transylvania Heights in his award winning musical, “Young Frankenstein”.

Young Frankenstein was written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks. Original Direction and Choreography by Susan Stroman. If TV existed, this musical would be based on the story and screenplay by Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks and on the original motion picture by special arrangements with Twentieth Century Fox. “Puttinʼ On The Ritz” by Irving Berlin.

Villagers are thrilled to see this madcap musical directed by Joseph Ferriero, Choreography and Direction by Michele Sarnoski, Asst. Choreography by Dana Mannine, and Music Direction by Scott Burzynski.

Presented in association with West Hudson Arts and Theater Company, more information on Teen Drama and its programs for Transylvania Teenagers at teendrama.org

TD Transylvania Presents Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein

By: Villager #11

As part of Teen Dramaʼs Frankenstein Funeral Celebration, Transylvania Heights finest musicians take the stage for “Young Frankenstein the Musical”.

On Piano and Conducting: Scott J. Burzynski

On Keyboard: Ariana Dellosa, senior at Paramus HS

On Violin: Matilda Zhang, junior at Paramus HS

Reed 1: Christopher Gold, senior at Lyndhurst HS

Reed 2: Joseph Shinnick, junior at Lyndhurst HS

Reed 3: Anthony DellʼAquilla, sophomore at Lyndhurst HS

Transylvania Musicians Take Stage

Who’s Who in TransylvaniaSamantha Armenteros (Ziggy/Ensemble) has been singing and dancing since she was 5-years-old. She has participated in numerous musical theater plays including West Side Story and Fame. Sheʼs entered many singing and dancing competitions and won NJ Fame Game Singing Contest. Samantha would like to thank her parents, Yolanda & Mario for all their

support. This is Samanthaʼs rookie show at Teen Drama and she is super excited! Break a leg!!!

James Berko (Inspector Kemp/Ensemble) is frightfully excited to be performing as Inspector Kemp in Teen Dramaʼs production of Young Frankenstein! He would like to thank Joe, Michele, Scott, and Dana for all their support. Jamesʼ favorite roles include Seymour in KHSʼs production of Little Shop of Horrors and Sonny Malone and McQueen in Teen Dramaʼs

productions of Xanadu and Urinetown. Be sure to check out Jamesʼ upcoming acoustic ep, “The Paper Ship” EP recorded and produced by Cliff Boan. Much love to his family always and his lovely girlfriend Virginia. “Beware of ze Frankensteins!”

Mary Berko (Inga) is so excited to be a part of Teen Dramaʼs Young Frankenstein this year. She has been involved with the program since freshman year, playing roles such as Hope Cladwell in Urinetown and Rona Lisa Peretti in ...Spelling Bee. Other roles at KHS include Cosette in Les Mis and Festrada in Pippin. Mary plans to continue her passion and study

voice and music education at Mason Gross next year. She would love to thank Michele, Joe, Scott, and Dana for making every musical filled summer a wonderful time and for everything they do for the show. She would also like to thank her family for their love and support.

Michael Berko (Igor) is going to be a freshman at NJCU in the fall, studying Jazz Performance. This is his fourth Teen Drama show and is overly excited to be playing the role of Igor. Formerly, Mike has played Leaf Coneybear in Teen Dramaʼs 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the role of Mr. Musnik in Kearny High Schoolʼs production of Little Shop of

Horrors and Officer Barrel in Teen Dramaʼs Urinetown. He would like to thank the entire staff of Teen Drama and his family, mostly Mema!. Walk this way to a great show!

Faith DʼIsa (Frau Blucher) is dreadfully excited to be a part of her fourth and senior show with Teen Drama, Young Frankenstein! Her past credits include Sally Simpson (Tommy), Christmas Eve (Avenue Q), Melpomene (Xanadu), Olive Ostrovsky (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), and Sandy (Grease) among many others! She will be

attending Emerson College in the fall up in Boston for Marketing, and is sad to be leaving behind the community who introduced her to theatre in the first place--particularly Joe Ferriero. Much love to mom, dad and Nikki!

Briana Dickinson (Ensemble) Briana is a senior at QPHS in North Arlington who loves to perform. Although this is her first time working with Teen Drama, she has performed in many other musicals such as A Chorus Line (Sheila), Wizard of Oz (The Wicked Witch) and Cinderella (The Queen). She would like to become a physical therapist, but would always

like to keep a connection to the arts. “I want to thank Michele, Joe, and Scott for their wonderful direction and the cast and crew for their heartfelt dedication. Iʼd also like to thank my family for their constant support. Lastly, thank YOU for coming out to see us! I hope you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the show!”

Alyssa Fink (Steward/Ensemble) Alyssa is a 13-year-old young actress who has participated in WHATʼs YT program last spring, playing Khunum in Dig It. Now, as part of Teen Drama, her favorite group, she is thrilled to be in Young Frankenstein. This has been her favorite experience because she has met many wonderful people who have a ton of experience

and are fantastic at what they do. Alyssa attends Visions Dance Studio and enjoys sports, science, history, and acting, which is what makes her who she is today. She would like to thank her mom, dad, sister, and all the people in the TD program, who have become a second family to her. Thrilled that she joined this program, she will cherish the memories of this fantastic play.

Alisha Fuino (Hermit/Quartet/Ensemble) is delighted to be “Together Again” with the Teen Drama cast and crew! Last summer you may have seen her fighting her bladder in Urinetown as one of da poe, or maybe you saw her in some High Tech musicals, or maybe youʼve never seen her before, until now! I would like to wish everyone a great show! xoxo <3

Melanie Hill (Shoe Shiner/Ensemble) is in her third year with Teen Drama and has loved every second of it. She has had the chance to dance and act, and she would have never thought that she would end up liking to sing. The people who run Teen Drama are awesome! They help you out if you donʼt understand something. Melanie was in the productions of Urinetown

and Xanadu. Now she is going to be in the production of Young Frankenstein! Melanie canʼt choose which play is her favorite, but she believes Young Frankenstein and Urinetown are the funniest! She canʼt wait till next year! She has finally found a place where she feels she belongs and is excited to go to everyday. We all hope the audience will have a fantastic experience. Melanie wants to say thank you to the entire cast, all of the directors, and her parents for making this joy possible.

John McCullough (Frederick Frankenstein) is 15 and lives in Nutley. He is excited to be playing Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in his third Teen Drama show. He has been acting since third grade, and has also appeared as Herr Schultz in Cabaret, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors. Thanks to Joe, Michele, Scott, Dana,

Friends, and Family and everyone who worked so hard to make this show ALIVEEEE!!!! Anyone?

Karina Munoz (Ensemble) is 14 years old and is an incoming freshman at Kearny High School.  Karina loves musical theater and is ready to perform with Teen Drama again.  Although she is a beginner, she has appeared in Urinetown, Our Broadway, and now Young Frankenstein.  Karina is really excited to be a part of the Young Frankenstein cast and has

had a great experience with everyone.  She would love to thank Michele, Joe, Scott, Dana and especially my family for supporting me.  I hope everyone enjoys Young Frankenstein because I sure did! 

Gabriel Navia (The Monster) is one cool, awesome guy that everyone wants be with. His gorgeous greens and voluptuous hair brings all girls in the yard. Being the only child, Gabe got to experience his dreams with the help of his family. He has been in many productions like Pippin, Little Shop of Horrors, Once On This Island, Xanadu, and Urinetown. Gabe is looking

forward to Young Frankenstein and to perform four nights of this spooktastic musical!

Dennis Oliveira (Dr. Mordecai Frankenstein/Ensemble) immersed himself first into the world of drama aged six years old, when he became involved in his churchʼs theatre program and childrenʼs choir. Ever since that young age, Dennis has been engaged in many productions and performances from instrumental music, to singing, to acting. He is 15 years old and goes

to High Tech High School majoring in musical theatre, where he has played Augustus Gloop in Roald Dahlʼs Willy Wonka. Young Frankenstein is his third show (but only his second musical) with Teen Drama, having played Tiny Tom in Urinetown and been in their “Our Broadway” workshop. Dennis hopes to be in many more shows with them. He would like to give special thanks to his loving and supportive parents, along with the great faculty at Teen Drama, for without their guidance everyone would be simply emotionless and inanimate like a bunch… of… broccoli.

Andreina Ponce (Medical Student/Ensemble) loves to dance. Sheʼs the smallest girl in this musical. This is her second year being in a musical and hopes to be in many more. She hopes that everyone enjoys the show and wishes good luck to the cast and crew!

Valentina Rojas (Villager/Quartet) is excited to be a part of her first Teen Drama experience and finds the show and cast fun. Everyone puts so much effort and devotion into their work so itʼs always interesting to watch them in character, even inspiring. Joining Teen Drama is a great experience that sheʼll always treasure.

Alyssa Schirm (Ensemble) has performed in Grease, Amy Goes Army, Oz! A Twisted Musical, Youʼre A Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Big Bad Musical, and A Chorus Line. She attends Queen of Peace High School, and is a member of the Dance Team, Photography Club and QPTV. She volunteers at West Hudson Arts and Theatre Company, teaching dance. She

would like to thank her family- Mom, Dad, and Matthew- for all their support and unconditional love throughout the many years of rehearsals and performances.

Jimmy Smores (Victor von Frankenstein/Ensemble) takes pride in driving Michele crazy by not sending in his cast bio. When not on stage in productions like Teen Dramaʼs Urinetown and Kearny Highʼs Once on this Island, Jimmy can be found in Brazil, in the gym, or anywhere that serves protein shakes. Jimmy would like to thank Michele, for putting

up with him, Joe, Scott, and Dana. He would also like to thank his family and everyone who loves him, despite the fact that none of his shirts have sleeves. TD has been the best experience in his life. Break a leg cast, crew, and pit!

Rachel Spillane (Telegraph Person/Ensemble) has enjoyed every minute spent in Transylvania, whether she was learning about the brain or doing the Transylvania Mania! This is Rachel's first production in Teen Drama's Summer Program. She has had previous experience with West Hudson Arts and Theater in Our Broadway and has been a student at

Visions Dance Studio for seven years. Rachel is glad to have been a part of this totally awesome experience where she had met so many amazing people, and is so grateful to everyone who brought Young Frankenstein to life!

Vincent Veneziano (Hiltop/Dracula/Ensemble) is going to be a senior at The Childrenʼs Institute/North Arlington High School. This will be Vinnyʼs fourth play. As a freshman at TCI, he participated in Bye, Bye, Birdie. As a sophomore, he played a “Greaser” in NAHSʼs version of Grease. This year, he received his first speaking part when he was the detective in

NAHSʼs adaptation of 9 to 5. Vinny is part of the studio program at TCI. Vinny won the Governorʼs State Arts Excellence Award for video editing. Vinny is also a member of the NAHS crew team and helped them win 2nd place in their home race.

Devin Wason (Elizabeth Benning) is thrilled to be part of Young Frankenstein in her 4th year of Teen Drama! Previous roles in her productions with this group include Marcy Park in ...Putnam County Spelling Bee, Calliope in Xanadu, and Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown, along with outside roles as Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors, Mama Euralie in Once On this Island,

and Paulette in Legally Blonde. Come fall, Devin will be attending Montclair State University for Music Education and Vocal Performance. Devin would like to thank her Teen Drama family for all theyʼve done, love you guys! Itʼs been an amazing four years!

Maximo Grano De Oro (Tech Manager) has been working with Teen Drama from the start and is glad to be back for a fourth year as the programʼs lighting technician. He has worked on a great variety of productions most recently including Laughter on the 23rd Floor and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Next year, he will be attending Rutgers

Mason Gross School of the Arts as a lighting design major to pursue his goal of eventually working as a professional lighting designer. Best wishes to the whole cast.

Matt Lepore (Stage Crew/Various Lackey Positions/Devinʼs Slave) rises from the grave (in actuality his dark, damp basement) to participate in his 4th musical and his 2nd with Teen Drama. Mattʼs career as stage crew has been a real roller coaster, starting at the bottom with TDʼs Urinetown, to becoming Assistant Stage Manager in Queen of Peace High

Schoolʼs A Chorus Line, to once again finally rest at the bottom of the Young Frankenstein food chain as an overall lackey and show slave. He was the lead in a show, once, long ago, but that is a story too foregone, lost to the sands of time. Matt enjoys long walks on the beach and the smell of soft pretzels. Mattʼs dream job is to dress up as Darth Vader in a Disney theme park. Despite the rumors, Matt is not a cyborg. Not yet.

Joana Marmelo (Stage Manager/Horse) is truly excited to be joining Teen Drama for her first year. She has held the position as stage manager at Kearny High for two years and has done lots of other stage work in numerous occasions. In September, Joana will be starting her senior year where she will be active in all of the Music Departmentʼs productions. Joana

would like to thank Joe and Michele for giving her the opportunity to work with them and the cast this summer and cannot wait to come back next year!

Best of Luck Alyssa AnnOn your first Teen Drama Performance

Love,Mom, Dad, and Matthew

Transylvania Town CouncilJoseph Ferriero (Director) is thrilled for another season of Teen Drama. Having directed countless musicals, Joe is excited to return to his “home” stage, where he created his first drama program over 10 years ago. Since that time, Joe has acted and directed countless plays, musicals, and reviews. Joe is also a founder and director for WHAT, where he also made his debut as a playwright. Joe has also developed his love for theater while working with 3-time Tony nominee Douglas Carter Beane. Thanks to a great cast, crew, MicheleEve, and to my friends and family for all their support as I pursue my passion for theater!

Michele Sarnoski (Director/Choreographer) Some of Micheleʼs most treasured memories are spending time with her BFF Joe in the theater. An English teacher at Paramus HS, Michele has worked on musicals and plays for 10 years as a choreographer, producer, and director. Some of her favorite creds include: RENT, WHATʼs 24 hour musical challenge, Legally Blonde, 25th... Spelling Bee, and Godspell. When not in the theater, Michele can be found in school, working on the PHS yearbook, or spending time with her amazing family and friends. Her next project will be the PHS fall play, followed by WHATʼs next 24 Hour Musical Challenge! Much love to my family, who make all my productions possible, and of course, my common-law, Joe!

Scott Burzynski (Music Director) teaches Vocal Music at Washington School in Kearny.  In the past 5 years, Scott has Music Directed 14 full-scale musical theatre productions, including Camelot, Nunsense, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Urinetown, and Legally Blonde.  This is his fourth summer with Teen Drama.  Most recently, Scott was seen on stage in WHAT's production of Godspell, and as much fun as that was, he is glad to be back behind the piano for this production of Young Frankenstein.  Scott is also a substitute church organist.

Dana Mannine (Asst. Choreographer) had an amazing time participating in her third season of Teen Drama Productions. She has also choreographed other shows like Urinetown, Xanadu and Grease. Dana also teaches Broadway dance at W.H.A.T. She has 20+ years of dance training from Studio Workshop School of Performing Arts. While not dancing, Dana is a first grade teacher in Jersey City. Dana would like to give a shout out to Michele, Joe and Scott for all of their hard work this summer. Break a leg cast & crew! She would also like to congratulate all of this year's graduating seniors. You will be missed! 

Transylvania Town Meeting AgendaAct IScene 1: Transylvania Heights Happiest Town in Town............................ EnsembleScene 2: New York, NY The Brain................................................. Frederick & EnsembleScene 3: Port Authority Shipyard Please Donʼt Touch Me........................... Elizabeth & EnsembleScene 4: Transylvania Together Again for the First Time............ Frederick & IgorScene 5: To the Castle Role in The Hay...................................... Frederick, Igor, & IngaScene 6: Castle Frankenstein Join the Family Business............. Victor, Mordecai, & EnsembleScene 7: Laboratory He Vas My Boyfriend.............................. Frau Blucher The Brain Reprise.................................. FrederickScene 8: The Village The Law................................................. Kemp & EnsembleScene 9: The Laboratory Life, Life..................................... Frederick, Igor, Inga, & Blucher He Vas My Boyfriend Reprise............... Frau BlucherScene 10: Outside the Castle Welcome to Transylvania...................... Kemp & Quartet Transylvania Mania............................... Company

15 Minute Intermission

Act IIScene 1: The Village Heʼs Loose................................................. Kemp & EnsembleScene 2: Inside the Castle Listen to Your Heart................................... Inga Surprise....................... Elizabeth, Entourage, Igor, Frau BlucherScene 3: The Hermitʼs Cottage Please Send Me Someone........................ HermitScene 4: The Dungeon Man About Town........................................ Frederick & MonsterScene 5: Village Theater Puttinʼ On The Ritz.................... Frederick, Monster, Igor, & Inga Heʼs Loose Reprise................................... Kemp & EnsembleScene 6: An Open Cave Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life.......................... Elizabeth Deep Love................................................. ElizabethScene 7: The LaboratoryScene 8: The Village Square Frederickʼs Soliloquy.................................. Frederick Deep Love Reprise.................................... Company Finale & Bows............................................ Company

A Letter from the EditorsThere is no way we could produce a musical in 6 short weeks without the love, generosity, and support of our friends, family and community. We would like to extend a special thank you to:

The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company - for their partnershipMr. Matt Schirm - for his expert carpentry skillsMrs. Margaret Berko - for her endless donationsMrs. Linda DʼIsa - for her publicity supportMs. Noelle Haefner - for Frau Blucherʼs skirtThe Kovaleski Family - for our Roll in the Hay!Mr. & Mrs. Joseph and Michele Sarnoski - for our cast dinner and so much more!

Four years ago, we created Teen Drama, and built a place where teenagers could display their talents, spend time with friends, and ultimately create a home-away-from-home. In that four years, we have rehearsed and performed in 4 venues, expanded to multiple locations, developed fall/winter programs, performed at community events, and produced 6 musicals. We have expanded from a single musician to multi-piece pit orchestras, developing the talents of young musicians and enriching the experience for our actors. Despite all these accomplishments, we are most proud of each individual student and the growth he/she has shown throughout the past four years. James, Mary, Michael, Faith, Devin, and Max, thank you for devoting the past four years to helping our program grow. We can honestly say that Teen Drama would not be a success without everything you have given to this program. To our additional “graduates”, Gabe, Jimmy, and Matt, you have become equally invaluable to TD. You are a part of our family and all of you, regardless of the length of time with us, hold a very special place in our hearts. We wish you all the best in life and have every confidence that you will be amazing in all you do. We are overcome with emotion as we say “goodbye” to the TD class of 2013, but as all our kids know, although you are officially alumni, the TD doors will never be closed to you! We are incredibly grateful to the amazing parents who entrust us with their children. Not only do you provide our talent, you also provide a love, support, and devotion to our program that is essential to our success. 6-week summer musicals often mean sacrifices that we cannot fathom, whether they be to your wallet, your vacation, your time, or even your sanity. We are eternally grateful for the sacrifices you make each and every day as you give your children the gift of musical theater. We thank you all for being part of another amazing year and for filling our lives with joy, laughter, and love.

Honestly Sincere,Joseph Ferriero and Michele Sarnoski

Michael ~ Mary ~ James

We will miss seeing you perform together on stage. We love you so much and are so proud of you.

Thank you Teen Drama for ALL that you have done for the Berkos

Love,Mom, Dad, Mema, & Aunt Beth

xoxoxoxo

Go Dennis Go!

And use your art to make the world a better place!!! May God Bless You Son!!!

Love You!Mom

Acting Class in Portugese with Brazilian Background! with Clau O. and Marcio

Mendes

201-957-4404973-223-9201

“Surprise Elizabeth it’s

you”

Good Luck Devin, Love

Mom & Dad

John,Remember, if

theater teaches us anything, it’s to accept our successes with quiet dignity &

grace.Break a leg!

Love, Mom & Dad

Congratulations Cast and Crew of Young Frankenstein

especially our

Melanie Hill

We Love You!Verkakte!

From, Allofus

Break a Leg

Frau Faith!

Love Mom, Dad and

Nikki! xo

Autographs