Jericho Local Set to Join "The Love Boat's" Fred Grandy in "How To Succeed..."

Storrs: Connecticut Repertory Theatre will open their 2016 Nutmeg Summer Series with How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, the musical comedy by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Rebekah Berger of Jericho, NY will be appearing as a Scrubwoman in the ensemble. Directed by CRT Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal, How to Succeed…stars The Love Boat actor and former US Representative Fred Grandy as JB Biggley alongside Broadway’s Riley Costello as J. Pierpont Finch. How To Succeed… will begin on June 2, 2016 and continue through June 12, 2016 at Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre. Subscriptions are currently on sale, single tickets go on sale April 20 at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113.

Berger is a rising sophomore in the UConn BFA Acting program. As a student in the department, she receives conservatory style training that prepares young actors for careers in film, television and theatre. As part of the Nutmeg Summer Series, she is working alongside professional actors, designers and technicians as well as students from universities from around the country including Elon, UConn, University of Hartford, University of Miami and Texas State. 

Berger said, "It has been full speed ahead ever since we started! Everyone is so focused and so dedicated--it really is so refreshing. They are there to work, and work we do, but not without a few laughs along the way! Working with Vince Cardinal has been an absolute treat. Despite all the hard work, there is such a fun, energetic, and supportive atmosphere every time I walk into rehearsal. It's thrilling being able to do what I love with such fantastic and professional people behind me. The show is fast paced and energetic. So what your getting on stage is a true essence of what the cast has worked so hard to bring to life in rehearsal.”

Fredy Grandy is a comedic and dramatic actor with decades of experience on stage and on camera. Grandy is probably most recognizable to audiences as Gopher on the long running sitcom The Love Boat, and his recent recurring role on The Mindy Project. In addition to his career as an actor, Grandy served four terms as a congressman for Iowa’s Sixth District. Grandy began his career off-Broadway working at the Public Theater, and then initiated his career in television and film with appearances in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Blind Ambition, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Welcome Back, Kotter and Law & Order. He has appeared on stage at regional theatres including Arena Stage and The Folger Theatre.

Riley Costello returns to CRT after leading last summer’s Peter Pan to rave reviews. Costello appeared on Broadway in 13: A New Musical, Bye Bye Birdie and Everyday Rapture. He appeared as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Metropolitan Opera and in the World Premiere of the Musical adaptation of Because of Winn Dixie at Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Alongside Costello, CRT welcomes back Sarah Schenkkan as Rosemary who last appeared at CRT in Guys and Dolls. Schenkkan is currently playing Eleanor Browder in the new Amazon series Z, a bio-drama of the life of Zelda Fitzerald played by Christina Ricci. Last year Schenkkan starred in The Heart of Robin Hood in its pre-Broadway run in Toronto and Winnipeg.

Appearing as Miss Jones is regional favorite Tina Fabrique, who is reprising the role she played in both the Broadway and National Tour productions. Fabrique last appeared at CRT in The Sunshine Boys and Hairspray. Her previous Broadway credits also include Ragtime, Funk/Noise, Truly Blessed, and Gospel at Colonus. Fabrique previously appeared in CRT’s Hairspray as Motormouth and in The Sunshine Boys.

The cast also includes: Ariana Shore (Hedy LaRue), Steve Hayes (Twimble/Womper), John Bixler (Bert Bratt), Robert Fritz (Bud Frump), Adria Swan (Smitty), and ensemble members Dalton Bertolone, Nick Nudler, Pearl Matson, Chester Martin, Gerald Caesar, Elizabeth Brady, Rebekah Berger, Jacob Burns, Madison Coppola, Ty Taylor, Janayla Montes, Ross Thompson and Alessandro Viviano.

The creative team includes: Vincent J. Cardinal (Director), Cassie Abate (Choreographer) Tim Brown (Scenic/Projection Design), Christina Bullard (Costume Design), Michael Chybowski (Lighting Design), Michael Skinner (Sound Design), Tom Kosis (Production Stage Manager), John Pike (Musical Director/Conductor) and McCorkle Casting (New York Casting).

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Subscription package options range from $30 to $99. Single ticket prices range from $12 to $55.

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860.486.2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change. Single tickets are now onsale.

Please call 860.486.2113 for tickets and additional information. Please call the box office or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.

The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs.