photo by Michelle Cherie Blake
Cast
| CLEOPATRA | ERIN-KATE HOWARD |
| ANTONY | PHILIP DETRICK |
| ENOBARBUS | GED OWEN |
| OCTAVIUS CAESAR | CALVIN STAROPOLI |
| LEPIDUS/DOLABELLA | TRACEY ULTERINO |
| OCTAVIA/THIDIAS | ARIANA KIZU RIVERA |
| CHARMIAN | LIZZ DE SIMONE |
| IRAS | JAEL LOPEZ |
| ALEXAS | BEN GILLOOLY |
| MARDIAN | DAVID KENSEK |
| SOOTHSAYER | PROPHET-ELU ANDAZOLA |
| POMPEY | RICHARD STEELE |
| MENAS/PROCULEIUS | EVAN MILLER |
| MENACRATES | KENYA MALCOLM |
| AGRIPPA | TOM BIGONGIARI |
| MAECENAS | FRED PIENKOSKI |
| SCARUS | SCOTT SHRINER |
| EROS | LIZ PRESTON |
Production Team
| Director | Carl Del Buono |
| Production Managers | Jesse Lansner Lizz de Simone |
| Stage Manager | Kate Duprey |
| Assistant Stage Manager, Photographer | Michelle Blake |
| Set/Lighting Designer | Brodie McPherson |
| Costume Designer | Madeleine Winter |
| Fight Coordinator | Richard Steele |
| Intimacy Coordinator | Sara Michelle Penner |
| Production Assistants | Kendall Del Buono Emily Putnam Sean Briton-Milligan |
Erin-Kate Howard (Cleopatra) is thrilled to work with RCP again after appearing in Measure for Measure as the Duke. Most recently, EK appeared at JCC Centerstage as Tracy Jones in the world premiere of Stephen Kaplan’s Tracy Jones and in the regional premiere of Gloria: A Life in the role of Gloria Steinem. At Blackfriars Theatre: Silent Sky (Annie Jump Cannon), Twelfth Night (Olivia). Erin-Kate has an MFA in acting from Catholic University of America. Local work includes: Out of Pocket Production’s The Language Archive (Mary), Grace (Sarah) and The Shadow Box (Maggie); Method Machine’s Angels in America: Perestroika (The Angel); Lady Parts Theatre Co’s The Revolutionists (Olympe), The Drowning Girls (Margaret) and Exit, Pursued By a Bear (Nan).
Gratitude to Anthony, always. And the biggest love to Prophet, who she is thrilled to share the stage with.
Philip Detrick (Marc Antony) is thrilled to scream at you in the park. Rochester credits: Shawn Keogh in Playboy of the Western World and Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing with RCP at MuCCC, Forbidden Broadway with OFC, Princeton/Rod in Avenue Q and Ensemble in The Rocky Horror Show at Blackfriars, and Ensemble in Geva’s A Christmas Carol. Philip sends love to his family here in Rochester and in Iowa, and would like to thank his three cats Lucky, Dusty, and Ned for supporting him in his nightly theatrical endeavors.
Ged Owen (Enobarbus) is originally from the White Mountain Region in New Hampshire. He is thrilled to be returning to perform in his third Shakespeare in the Bowl production! Ged has a Musical Theatre BFA and Dance minor from Nazareth College. Favorite credits include: Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing (RCP), Macbeth (RCP), Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet (Redhouse Arts Center), and Edmund in Long Day’s Journey Into Night (RIP/RCP). Next you can find Ged playing Terrence the Blood Mage in The Company Theatre’s Cell Outs as part of the Fringe Festival. Ged would like to thank his wife, Jordyn, and family for their constant support.
Calvin Staropoli (Octavius Casear) graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 2020 with a BFA in Acting. Some recent roles include Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Porter/Captain/Young Siward in Macbeth, and Floyd in The Grapes of Wrath. He also recently directed a production of Almost, Maine at OFC Creations Theatre. He is very excited to get back into performing and to work with this wonderful team!
Tracey Atkins Ulterino (Lepidus/Dolabella) has an MFA in Acting from the Old Globe Theatre / University of San Diego and a BA in Drama from Vassar College. She is thrilled to be performing again with RCP Shakespeare program at the Highland Bowl in Anthony and Cleopatra. Previous RCP credits include: Witch #1 in Macbeth and Lucinda in The Comedy of Errors, both in 2019. Tracey was seen last fall in Jeremy Sarachan’s Stories for the End of the World for the Rochester Fringe 2021, at the MuCCC in Out of Pocket, Inc.’s production of A Picasso as Ms. Fisher, and most recently in the RCP’s Irish Program’s production of The Playboy of the Western World as Widow Quinn.
Ariana Kizu Rivera (Octavia/Thidias) is so excited to be performing in her first production with Rochester Community Players. She is a recent graduate of the BFA Musical Theatre Program at Montclair State University. Past credits include Kate McGowan in Titanic, Joanie Lish u.s. Vicky Nichols in The Full Monty, and Cassie in A Chorus Line. She would like to thank the entire team for being so supportive and wonderful to work with throughout this process, and her friends and family for their continuous love and support. You can find her at arianakizurivera.com
Lizz de Simone (Charmian/Production Manager) Lizz is honored to rejoin RCP as Charmian after most recently playing Watchman Hugh Oatcake in RCP’s Much Ado About Nothing, after debuting last summer at the Highland Bowl as Trinculo in The Tempest. Lizz is a printmaker & bread baker, currently living on the west-side of the Genesee River with a German Rottweiler named Dilly Bean. Other favorite roles from various community theatres include Hermia (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Lord Clifford (Henry IV pt 3), Sicinius (Coriolanus), Kent (King Lear), & The Witch (Into The Woods).
Jael Lopez (Iras) is an RCSD professional, She is picking up where she left off in high school and rediscovering her love for theater. Thanks to the support of her family and husband, this year she was finally able to get the courage to audition. Her only regret is not doing it sooner! She can only hope that you have as much fun enjoying the show as we had putting it together.
Ben Gillooly (Alexas) is ecstatic to make his Rochester theatre debut with Rochester Community Players’ Shakespeare Program. After a long hiatus caused by the public health crisis, he’s incredibly lucky to be able to get back in the saddle (and put his bachelor’s degree to work!) When he’s not onstage, you’ll find Ben caring for his houseplants or neighborhood-walking around NOTA. Many thanks to his partner Lex and cat Frances for their never-ending support.
David Kensek (Mardian) is an actor and a playwright whose short play Ganglion Cyst was performed at Writers & Books’ 2 Pages/2 Voices in 2021. David has performed in Geva Theatre Center’s A Christmas Carol in an ensemble/understudy role, in the Rochester Fringe Festival, and in three productions at SUNY Brockport. David was an assistant stage manager for Rochester Community Players’ Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest, and has had further work as both production stage manager and tech crew in 2022. At Geva David also interned in the literary and education departments and worked overhire as a production associate and carpenter.
Richard Steele (Pompey/Fight Coordinator) is thrilled to be performing again with such a great company! Previously, he played the role of Benedick in RCP’s production of Much Ado About Nothing. More recently, he portrayed Orin the Dentist in JCC Centerstages production of Little Shop of Horrors. Rich would like to thank his castmates for sharing their talents, Carl and Kate for their vision and passion, and his girlfriend Amanda for her love and support.
Evan J. Miller (Menas/Proculeius) is thrilled to return to the Highland Bowl for his third production with the Rochester Community Players, having appeared last year in both The Tempest (Understudy Ferdinand) and Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio). He is ecstatic to work again with Carl Del Bueno and Kate Duprey, as well as with many castmates from Much Ado. That being said, he’s going to complain about the heat non-stop, despite it being the second year in a row where he gets to dress as a pirate and run around shouting in Shakespeare at innocent theatre-goers. Of course, he extends his thanks to his mother for allowing him to live past adolescence, and to his lovely girlfriend Michelle who accepts that he never really left it behind.
Kenya Malcolm (Menacrates) is thrilled to be involved in her first play by the bard! She has been involved with several local community theatre groups on stage as a performer, backstage as part of technical crew, and as part of front of house volunteer staff. She especially enjoys children’s theatre, musicals, and theatre that provides opportunities for people to explore difficult topics. You can find Kenya ushering and house managing most often at Blackfriars Theatre. Find her online @ReviewsMayVary on IG and Facebook.
Tom Bigongiari (Agrippa) is making his first appearance in a bowl show, and he’s happy to be involved with this talented group of people. Recent acting credits include Father Farley in Mass Appeal, and Sir Colenso Ridgeon in The Doctor’s Dilemma, both at MuCC. Directing credits include Over The River and Through The Woods and Born Yesterday, for the Penfield Players. This fall, Tom will be acting in a new stage adaptation by MJ Savastano, called House of Hands, with DVC productions, and next spring he will be directing Almost Maine for the Penfield Players. Tom is originally from Chicago and he holds an MFA in acting from Brandeis University.
Fred Pienkoski (Maecenas) is a Rochester native with a B.A. in Theater Arts from Le Moyne College. Fred has been active in local community theater for nearly ten years, most recently having portrayed Stanley Milgrim in Out of Pocket Theater’s production of Please Continue, and RIchard Hannay in Wallbyrd’s production of 39 Steps. This is Fred’s first time working with RCP, and he would like to thank the cast and crew for being so welcoming and delightful to work with. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Scott Shriner (Scarus) is very pleased to be appearing in his first production with RCP. Since moving to Rochester in 2019, he has appeared at Blackfriars Theatre in Guys and Dolls (as Nathan Detroit) and Peter and the Starcatcher (as Captain Scott). He was a performing company member of Ohio Shakespeare Festival from 2004-2019, where his recent roles include Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Polonius in Hamlet, and the Prime Minister in the Ohio premiere of King Charles III. He sends his love to Alex, Madison, his beautiful wife Julie and their 2-year-old, Lucas.
Liz Preston (Eros) is so excited to be making their debut for the Rochester Community Players. They recently graduated from Robert Wesleyan College where they co-founded the student theatre production department, featuring such shows as Lord of the Flies, The Great Gatsby and The Library. Some of their favorite shows include Pride & Prejudice (Jane Bennet), Peter Pan (Wendy), The Crucible (Elizabeth Proctor), Lord of the Flies (Ralph), The Library (Caitlin), The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe (Susan Pevensie) and West Side Story (Minnie). They recently made their film debut in local Buffalo horror production Viscera (Carmen). They would like to dedicate this production to their Aunt Cathy, who passed down their love for Shakespeare. Enjoy the show!
Carl Del Buono (Director) is a proud graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Regional credits include: Little Women the Musical (Prof. Bhaer) Blackfriars
Kate Duprey (Stage Manager) is absolutely thrilled to be back at the Highland Bowl. She has been around the Rochester Theatre scene as a Stage Manager, Scenic Artist, and Lighting Designer for several years now, and is excited to bring this show to you tonight. Favorite past credits include Much Ado About Nothing (RCP), Constellations (Geva), and Romeo and Juliet (WallByrd). She will next be working on Cell Outs and Richard II with The Company Theatre. Find her at thecompanytheatreroc.org
Michelle Blake (Assistant Stage Manager / Photographer) is delighted to continue working with RCP. Her work as a photographer on their 2021 production of Much Ado About Nothing unexpectedly engulfed her in the Rochester theatre scene and it has been a wild ride ever since. This is her second production as an ASM, the first being with The Playboy of the Western World through RCP’s Irish Program earlier this year. To Carl, Kate, and the rest of the cast: it has been a joy to work with all of you; and to Evan: thank you endlessly for introducing me to this wonderful world!
Brodie McPherson (Set Designer/Lighting Designer/Technical Director) is incredibly excited to be working with RCP again! In addition to scenic and lighting design for dozens of productions, he also has experience designing costumes, makeup, and sound in many others. He teaches at Genesee Community College where he designs and occasionally directs their productions, including this fall’s The Edgar Allan Poe Afterlife Radio Show. He has previously also directed productions including The Rocky Horror Show (GCC), Legally Blonde (GCP), and Bakkhai (GCC), as well as performing in The Tempest (RCP), The Importance of Being Earnest (Geneseo), Pygmalion (CTR), and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (GCC).
Sara Michelle Penner (Intimacy Coordinator) is an actor, director and educator who has worked in NY, Chicago and regionally throughout the US. Her local credits include: Twelfth Night (Viola) Blackfriars, Indecent (Middle) JCC CenterStage, SURVIVORS (Ellen/ W2) at JCC CenterStage/Tour, Ivy and Bean (Ivy) TYKES and Live Drawing of the Mona Lisa (Lisa, Francesco) Hummingbird Prod. She has also worked with Out of Pocket, DEEP Arts in Geva’s Fielding Studio, the Hourglass Play Reading Series and the ROC Fringe Festival. NY Credits: Richard the Third (Lady Anne), dir. by Lloyd Richards, Man of La Mancha (Aldonza) St. George Theatre, Secret Garden (Martha) dir. Norb Joerder, Heart In the Ground at The Actors Studio. Regional: Best Little Whorehouse in TX, Circle Theatre, CRAVE, Chicago and MN Fringe, World premiere of Tank and Horse (Horse) Berkshire Fringe, Honky Tonk Angels (Darlene) Old Creamery Theatre. She is a full time lecturer in Theatre at The University of Rochester. Sara has an MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School/ The New School. She would like to thank her students for reminding her everyday that she will always have more to learn and Josh, Maddie and Cam for lighting her sky each day.
Jesse Lansner (Production Manager) is a web developer and crossword constructor originally from Brooklyn, New York. A life-long Shakespeare fan, he has been a member of the Rochester Community Players: Shakespeare Committee since 2019. He created the Much Ado About Nothing segment for RCP’s video project “Shakespeare In the Time of Covid” (2021) and was production manager for The Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing last year. He has created custom crossword puzzles for the several RCP productions, including this one, and his goal is to one day create a puzzle for each of Shakespeare’s plays. You can find all his puzzles at jklcrosswords.com.