American Idiot Virtual Playbill

Bob is thrilled to be able to bring professional theater back to Asbury Park. The founding Board President and past Artistic Director of ReVision Theater, Bob teamed up with Bill Whitefield and Board President Robert Allison to fill this huge void of theater arts in our area. Bob is a member of the Stage Director's & Choreographer's Society, Actor's Equity Association and the Screen Actor's Guild/AFTRA. He wants to thank all of our corporate sponsors and Mr. Whitefield for sharing his passion for the theater. He also wants to hug his wife, Mary Pat because he misses her and wants to thank all of his "Little Possums" (especially Shanna Dolan) of the cast for teaching him young people slang and the proper use of emoji. Slay! 

Bill Whitefield is a singer, songwriter, composer, lyricist, director, arts educator and actor who hails originally from Nashville, TN. He was the Executive Director at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, NJ for six years. As Executive Director, he was responsible for overseeing the Production, Education, Development, Marketing & Box Office staff, and making all programming and artistic decisions. As Executive Director, he produced over 30 main stage Broadway style shows such as the New Jersey premiere of Spamalot starring Robert Johanson, Joseph….., Tuesdays with Morrie, The 1940s Radio Hour, The Music Man, Always, Patsy Cline starring Emmy Award Winner Sally Stuthers and Carter Calvert, Kids Say the Darndest Things starring Patrick Cassidy, My Fair Lady starring Glory Crampton and Robert Johanson, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Shrek, The King & I, Annie Get Your Gun and South Pacific. 

For two years prior to the start of his tenure as Executive Director, he was the Director of Arts Education at the theatre where he turned the fledgling Theatre School into what is now an award-winning, first class Performing Arts Academy that serves over 400 students each year. During that time he also started the much-needed Asbury Park High School Acting Studio, which was an Algonquin Arts Theatre afterschool program that gave students the chance to appear over the course of three years in several main stage school productions such as You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Voices from the High School and Teen Scene. The program was so successful that the Asbury Park school district elected to hire a full time drama and dance teacher. 

After Bill's promotion to Executive Director, he immediately began to rethink the programming of Algonquin Arts Theatre and he began involving more academy students in shows and hiring professional directors such as Robert Johanson, Jayme McDaniel and Gina Lupi to oversee the productions. The once struggling Main Stage series took on a life of its own and has since moved the theatre from a large deficit to a comfortable surplus in just five years. 

For three years prior to Algonquin Arts Theatre, he was the Associate Director alongside Producing Artistic Director Bill Castellino at Western Michigan’s Cherry County Playhouse, as well as the first Director of Musical Development and a member of the Founding Board of Directors for The Genesius Guild in New York. 

As a composer he collaborated with the late science fiction writer Ray Bradbury on the musical adaptation of Mr. Bradbury's short story, The Day It Rained Forever. Recently, he had the great fortune to work with fiction novelist Mary Higgins Clark on an adaptation of her new children’s book, The Magical Christmas Horse, composing the music and co-writing the lyrics with playwright Cynthia Mitchell Payne, and the show had a successful run at Algonquin Arts Theatre. At Cherry County Playhouse in Muskegon, MI, he co-composed music and lyrics along with playwright/co-lyricist/director Bill Castellino and co-composer/co-lyricist Christopher McGovern for Crash Club, a new hip-hop musical for teens that was choreographed by Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominated choreographer Joshua Bergasse. He was the composer and co-lyricist for Queen Esther, which he co-wrote with playwright Lenora Conway. 

As an actor he has been seen in the lead role of Giuseppe in The Gondoliers, the role of Florian in Princess Ida, the role of Bill Bobstay in H.M.S. Pinafore and as a pirate in The Pirates of Penzance starring Hal Linden, all at City Center in New York City. He was featured in The Presidents starring Rich Little and directed by Bill Castellino, first at the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center and then at TheatreFest in Montclair, NJ. The show was later taped for TV at The Paris Theatre, Las Vegas and subsequently aired on PBS. As a commercial actor, he has appeared in several TV commercials for such companies as Letgo, YOPA (England), Benjamin Moore Paints, Office Depot among others.

In various regional theatres, he was seen as Detlef in Paper Mill Playhouse's production of The Student Prince starring Christiane Noll and directed by Robert Johanson, as well as the American in Paper Mill’s production of Rags. He played the role of John in Shenandoah alongside such cast members as James Van der Beek, Michael Park and Marc Kudisch. He has performed at other regional theatres such as Tennessee Repertory Theatre, American Stage Company, Northshore Music Theatre, Monomoy Theatre and Algonquin Arts Theatre where he played Mitch Albom in the gripping drama, Tuesdays with Morrie and Sir Robin in Spamalot. 

As a songwriter he wrote the music with lyricist Nick De Biase for two songs for Centaur Records: “Every Time You’re Near” performed by Tony Award winner Alice Ripley on the CD, Utopia and “Never Letting Go” sung by Elsa Raven on the CD, Dance With Angels. He also wrote the music with lyricist Bill Castellino for Tony Award nominee Rebecca Luker’s recording of “Fine” which is featured on her album, Leaving Home, produced by Christopher McGovern. 

As a singer he toured from 2001 to 2018 around the globe as the Construction Worker with the World famous Village People featuring Ray Simpson, Felipe Rose, Alex Briley, Eric Anzalone, Jim Newman and Bill Whitefield. 

He is a proud member of ASCAP, SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity Association and Dramatist Guild. He earned his BA in Theatre at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA and currently resides with his husband Christopher Verdi in Asbury Park, NJ where he teaches voice and produces music in his home recording studio.

Remember Jones - national touring artist heralded as “New Jersey’s most ambitious song interpreter” recently guest-starred as Teen Angel in Grease at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, where he also recently sold out a string of dates as director, music director, producer, and star of BAT OUT OF HELL LIVE, the entire Meat Loaf album and more with a 16-piece band including Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Max Weinberg on drums. He has directed and produced productions of HAIR, The Rocky Horror Show, TOMMY, Ring of Fire, and more, and has performed in Evita (Che), title roles in Jekyll & Hyde, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Franknfurter in Rocky Horror, Hedwig & The Angry Inch (Hedwig, as well as director of the NJ premiere), and much more. He has shared stages with Bruce Springsteen, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes, Darlene Love, Robert Randolph, Buster Poindexter, Ivan Neville, Southside Johnny, and more, and released his spin on “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?” alongside Deana Martin to celebrate her father Dean’s 100th birthday. His original music (third album to be released July 8th) and unique theatrical revues of the music of Amy Winehouse, Queen, Joe Cocker and Jeff Buckley have played nearly 40 states and countless cities, including an album release tour that continues into 2023. He is the recipient of the 2020 Artistic Achievement Award from Monmouth Arts Council. www.rememberjones.com • @RememberJones 

Andrew Macirowski is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and conductor.  A life-long resident of central New Jersey, (though an avid world traveler), he has taught choir, orchestra and band, for many years in both public and private schools at all grade levels.   He received his Bachelor of Music Education with a concentration in clarinet and conducting from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree at Saint Leo University.  As a performer and conductor, he is in high demand throughout New Jersey and the greater metropolitan area, having played the stages of NJPAC, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center.  An accomplished composer, his compositions range from simple art songs to large scale works and arrangements for band, choir, and orchestra.  Frequent collaborations with NJ theaters and school districts see him engaged in over 12 productions each year. Currently, he holds the post of Coordinator for Worship and Music and Principal Organist at the Parish of Saint Mary in Colts Neck, NJ.  He resides in Ocean County with his wife and three children, and is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this noteworthy production in one of the best towns down the shore.     

Antonio Johnson is an Actor/Entertainer who resides in Asbury Park, New Jersey and is of Jamaican decent.  Educational Credits: The colored Museum, at NJIT/Rutgers Newark; 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, at NJIT/Rutgers Newark; Certified Organic at NJIT/Rutgers Newark BPAC Credits: The Reluctant Dragon, The Merchant of Venice.. Community Credits: The Meeting,  Dunbar Repertory Company; Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting Dunbar Repertory Company; Out of Order, Monmouth Players; Black Lives, The American Poetry Theatre. Education; AA in Electronics Engineering Technology, Devry University; AA in Theatre, Brookdale Community College; BA in Theatre Arts Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology. “I First give all Glory and Honor to God. Thanks to my wife and family for all their love and support. Thanks to APTCo for this wonderful opportunity. And a special Thank you to the Cast and Crew for all your hard work. Romans 8:28” 

Jason is a visual artist, scenic designer, designer and muralist sharing his work and process.  Painting mostly in oil on canvas and aluminum, Jason enjoys sharing what he has learned with anyone who craves art. Jason's theatrical scenic design credits include APTCo's "American Idiot" and ReVision Theater's "Tick Tick BOOM!" He assisted in numerous other ReVision Theater projects including artwork for Hair, Scrooge In Rouge, Hello Dolly and Kingdom. Jason also volunteered at Neptune High School's Drama Department and is currently an art educator at Asbury Parks Sisters Academy where along with his students designed the first annual APTCo Award at their 2022 gala. Jason lives in Asbury Park with his beautiful wife Kathy. whom he wishes to thank for her love and support. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard.

This is Alex's first show with APTCo! Alex is currently an Operations Assistant/Production Coordinator at Lakehouse Music Academy in Asbury Park.

Lyle Greene is delighted to get to work with the APTCo for the first time! He is from Long Island, NY and is currently a rising senior studying for his BFA in Musical Theatre and BA in Technical Theatre at Rider University. Lyle is the recipient of a Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Certificate of Merit for excellence in Stage Management from serving as Assistant Stage Manager of Bright Star. Past performance and technical credits include: Monster Songs (Sasquatch) Polaroid Storied (Dionysus) American Idiot (Johnny) Avenue Q (Princeton) Spring Awakening (Director) Cabaret (Assistant Director) Rider New Works (Lighting Designer) Pete-Her Pan (Assistant Lighting Designer), This Fall he will be playing Hot Blades Harry in Urinetown. Special thank you to my Mom, Dad, Brother and Kathryn for always believing in me and supporting me! Rage and Love! @Looneylyle and Lylegreene.com

Carina is an Asbury local working full-time in the combined worlds of TV, film and live music as a production coordinator, photographer, and performer. She’s thrilled to be working with Bill once again, joining APTCo’s stage management team on their debut show, American Idiot! and she wants to extend all her love and gratitude to the stellar creative team and cast (we did it!!) You can watch her most recent performance in the award-winning film Twenty Nine from Venture Cinemas and keep up with her other projects with Telegraph Hill Records, All Love Productions, SuperDuperBigDeal, nationally touring artists and more at @itsmecarinaleigh (IG). Carina is open for work and can be reached at hey@carinaduffy.com for bookings!

Jacquie has been the owner and head costumer of Playtime Costumes in Freehold, NJ since 2004 where her 3-floor warehouse contains 1000's of iconic costumes, props, and accessories for every show imaginable. If she doesn't have it, she can make it! Be sure to check out www.playtimecostumes.com to see all that they can offer!

Lauren Strigari comes from New York City  and began her career with the Rockettes at Radio City when she was just seventeen years of age. She is proud to  be a part of such organizations such as  Broadway Bares Directed & founded by  Jerry Mitchell as assistant choreographer.  Along with teaching at dance studios  throughout NYC & NJ she also is a proud  leader of "Broadway in South Africa" as a  teacher to young aspiring artists. She has  performed with Ariana and Frankie Grande in videos & many Broadway appearances.  Having a big lust for life and performing,  she began taking her career worldwide.  She worked with the  percussive show  "The Aluminum Show" which toured Russia,  Israel, Lebanon, and Canada. “Grease Das Musical” became her main focus in which she was Associate Choreographer and director which took her to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. As an avid fitness instructor and lover of group fitness, Lauren was trained by fitness company SoulCycle and went on to  help train & open studios across Germany!  She is a firm believer of the mantra, "How you do anything is how you will do everything, so go forward with passion, love, and good  intentions!"

Jeremy is ecstatic to be making his debut with APTCo in American Idiot: The Musical. He is a proud graduate of Stockton University, where he received a BA in Theatre Performance. He has been nominated for three Irene Ryan Awards and has also received a Kennedy Center National Award for Distinguished Achievement in Performance. He has appeared as Robert in Specs Staging's Off-Broadway production of Black Locust. Other New York/Regional theatre credits include: The Seagull (Columbia University), Death of a Salesman (Columbia University), Hamlet (BBAC), 4000 Miles (BBAC), Moving to Quebec (ACTC), Stones from God, Accidental Death of An Anarchist, The Real Inspector Hound, Hello Herman, The Profession (Stockton University). Film/TV credits: True Fear (XYXEE), One Bad Choice (MTV), Aces & Action (Winmore Productions).

Luke is currently a BFA Musical Theatre major at Montclair State University. Professional credits include Be More Chill (Rich) with the Area Stage Company, This is Our Youth (Dennis) with the Area Stage Company, Evil Lives Here (Young John Wayne Gacy) on Investigation Discovery, Jazz At Lincoln Center, The New York Cabaret Convention, and Santa’s Sing-A-Long (Mr. Christmas Understudy) in Philadelphia/Tour/Off-Broadway. He was the 2020 Perry Award winner for Outstanding Youth Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Jack Kelly in Newsies. He has been dying to be in this show for the longest time and would like to thank his mom, dad, and little brother for their endless love and support. 

Connor currently attends The Catholic University of America as a BM Musical Theatre Major, and is extremely excited to perform as Tunny in Asbury Park Theater Company’s production of American Idiot: The Musical. Recent acting credits include Radio 930: A New Musical Workshop hosted by CUA (Bernhard Kanner), Children of Eden with CUA (Adam/Noah), Newsies with Mater Dei Prep (Jack Kelly). He was Montclair State University’s 13th Annual Foxy Award Recipient (Outstanding Performance by an Lead Actor in a Virtual Musical) He would like to thank his family for their constant support, as well as the entire cast and crew of American Idiot for making this production as great as it is! IG: @connor_closs 

Avery is thrilled to make her APTCO debut! A Philadelphia based actor, her recent credits include Ariel (Footloose), Winifred Banks (Mary Poppins), and Hermia (A Midsummer Nights Dream) to name a few. Avery is incredibly excited to be a part of this show and work with the phenomenal cast and crew. She would like to thank the entire production team for making this show possible. Much love to her friends and family! @ridermusicaltheatre BFA ‘24

Halle is thrilled to be a part of Asbury Park Theatre Company’s inaugural musical! She hails from Millburn, NJ, and is a rising sophomore musical theatre major at the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre at the University of Oklahoma. Past roles include Tanya (Mamma Mia!), The Witch (Into the Woods), Miss Adelaide (Guys & Dolls), and Elphaba (Wicked, Jr. Pilot production). A huge thank you to Bill, Serena, Bob and Andrew for this amazing opportunity, the cast of American Idiot for being the most wonderful group of humans, Grams and Gramps for putting everything aside to get me to and from rehearsal, and of course Mom, Dad, Zach, and Aryn for always supporting me in all of my artistic endeavors (and for tolerating my full length shower performances). Rock On! (Insta: hallelipton, TikTok: halleween)

Kim is a Central New Jersey based actor, singer and voiceover artist with a flair for having a raspy, rocky jazz/blues vocals. Born Kim Shoshana Trachtenberg on November 23, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York. Kim started her career in entertainment at the age of 8 performing in and around The upstate New York hotel circuit. In addition to acting in summer theater and community plays, Kim has performed at Showtime at The Apollo Live with Host Steve Harvey (Harlem, NY). Kim also costarred in several films, YouTube web series and voiceover commercials. With comedic and dramatic acting chops Kim keeps her skills fluid and always ready to bring it!

Janie is so excited to be performing in this amazing show alongside an incredibly talented and unique cast! Some of Janie's more recent roles include Anna in Spring Awakening and Sophie in Mamma Mia! Janie currently attends Pace University's BFA acting program. Janie would like to thank Bill, Bob, and Serena for giving her this opportunity and her family for always supporting her!

Grace has been doing theater locally since she was seven, but she is incredibly excited to be doing American Idiot here with APTCO as their first official show. This is her first show of this genre, and she feels very blessed to be working with such a talented cast. She would like to thank Bill, Serena, Bob, and everyone involved with making this possible. Enjoy the show!

Gavin is a senior at Brick Memorial High School and is beyond excited to be working with Asbury Park Theater Company! Some of his favorite credits include Axelrod Performing Arts Center Grease, Brick Memorial High School Mamma Mia (Pepper), Point Pleasant Borough High School Hairspray (seaweed), Brick Memorial High School Beauty and The Beast JR (Lefou), Algonquin’s Godspell (as Himself/we beseech thee), Spring Lake Mamma Mia (Featured Ensemble), Newsies (Finch), Surflight’s Peter Pan (Slightly Soiled) BCCT’s Moana Jr (Maui), Frozen Jr (Kristoff), and NJPAC’s Savion Glover’s A Coltrane Story. Gavin would like to thank Anthony (Remember Jones) for this amazing opportunity! He would also like to give a huge shoutout to this phenomenal cast and crew for these past couple of weeks! Love ya mom and dad thanks for sticking with me through all of this and helping me reach this huge goal of mine. Hope everyone enjoys the show while rocking out to some hit jams! 

Zach is incredibly excited to be performing in Asbury Park Theatre Co.’s inaugural show. Recent performances include Sondheim’s Putting it Together, Tamino in The Magic Flue, The National Anthem Singer at the Dec 2019 Democratic Debate and Roger in Rent.

Shannah Dolan is so excited to make her APTCo debut! She is currently pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Long Island University Post. Her past credits include Norma McCorvey in Roe (directed by Hannah Ryan), Martha in The Secret Garden, and Adella in The Little Mermaid. She would like to thank all of the production staff for their hard work and for taking care of the cast. She would also like to thank her incredible cast for all of their talent and enthusiasm that makes this show so phenomenal!

Emily is delighted to be making her debut with Asbury Park Theater Company! Favorite credits include Emmy in “A Doll’s House Part Two” with Wagner College Theatre, Mississippi Bend Players’ “Zombie Prom” as Toffee, and Celia in Shakespeare On the Oval’s “As You Like It”. She recently graduated from Wagner College with a BA in Theatre Performance and she has a double minor in Film/Media Studies and Political Sciences. Her performance is dedicated to her rockin’, music loving family for their endless love and support.

APTCO wants to thank Board Member Christina Smith and Jeanne Montano Giannetta for taking care of the American Idiot cast throughout the rehearsal process. We Love You!

Thanks to Jim Walsh we have a stage on which to perform. If it weren’t for Jim we’d be on the ground. Jim stepped up, picked up our supplies and worked non-stop until it was built. We Love You Too Jim!!!