CAST BIOGRAPHIES

AMANDA DANSKIN (Cast) Amanda is thrilled to be a part of THE NEWS IN REVUE for her third summer. Amanda is an alumnus of The University of Central Oklahoma where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Musical Theater. Some of her favorite roles while in college include Sandy in GREASE, Susan in COMPANY and Hermia in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Television appearances include AMERICA’S MOST WANTED, RUSSIAN ROULETTE, BLIND DATE and GIRLS BEHAVING BADLY. Amanda performed with Cabrillo Music Theater and Opera Pasadena and then went on to join the national tour of SESAME STREET LIVE. After a year on tour, Amanda moved to New York City where she now resides. Amanda recently did a stint with Virginia Musical Theatre and Naples Dinner Theatre. She is proud to have originated her role in another Holson production, PARENTING 101: A MUSICAL GUIDE FOR RAISING PARENTS. Amanda would like to thank her family and friends for their unending love. And, thanks to Jay and to Nancy for all of the opportunities and support.

JAY FALZONE (Cast/Co-Director/Choreographer) Jay is thrilled to be returning for his ninth summer with THE NEWS IN REVUE. Directing credits include BUSH WARS (Off Broadway), SHOUT! (first regional production and first national tour), WHAT WE DON’T CONFESS (Off Broadway), AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (National Tour) and SNOOPY! (50th Anniversary National Tour). Choreographing credits include 42ND STREET, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and DAMN YANKEES. Jay recently directed and co-wrote the World Premiere of PARENTING 101: A MUSICAL GUIDE FOR RAISING PARENTS with longtime collaborator Nancy Holson. He is also working on developing a new musical entitled YOU DON’T KNOW JACK, for which he wrote the book and lyrics. In his spare time (ha ha), Jay freelances as a make-up artist and web solutions consultant. So if you want a makeover or a presence on the internet, visit www.OutOfStoreExperience.com.or speak with Jay after the show.

STEPHEN SMITH (Cast) Stephen is thrilled to be a part of such a great, fun-loving cast and is grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented people. His past performances include SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (National Tour & Original Vegas Cast), GREASE! (Sonny), CINDERELLA (Prince Christopher), CABARET (Bobby) and CRAZY FOR YOU (Lank), to name a few.  He has traveled all over the world singing and dancing his way on cruise ships, tours and even a stint with Disney in Tokyo, Japan. As a graduate of the University of Tennessee, he now spends his days (when not in a show) dancing on the BIG piano at FAO Schwarz! Keep your eye out for his newest adventure with the Menhattans – an all-new, all-men precision line dance team! Having had their debut last Christmas at Carnegie Hall, they hope one day to have a name as recognized as the Rockettes themselves! Stephen wishes love and thanks to Adam, his friends and his family.

SHANNON TURNER (Cast) Shannon is insanely glad to be joining the cast of THE NEWS IN REVUE this summer. She is a recent graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and has studied at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. When in New York City, you can check her out on the cabaret scene including Dillon’s, The Improv and The Duplex. You can also find Shannon subbing at Brandy’s Piano Bar on the Upper East Side or singing for change on the subway. Shannon hails from Bucks County, Penn., where she has performed at numerous aids benefits to help Broadway Equity Fights Aids, a cause in which she believes very strongly. While in Bucks County she has played some of her favorite roles including Diva in STARMITE and Lucy in JEKYLL & HYDE. Shannon hopes to one day make enough money to put real furniture in her apartment.

BRENT FREDERICK (Musical Director) Brent is very excited to be a part of THE NEWS IN REVUE! He holds a music degree from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Va., and works as a freelance music director, accompanist and sound engineer. Music direction credits include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, FOREVER PLAID, THE MUSIC MAN and GODSPELL. Brent has played keyboard or trumpet in many pit orchestras, stage managed professionally and even has a few on-stage credits buried in his resume. He was the music and audio supervisor at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., for several years, where his musical arrangements and sound designs are heard on a regular basis. Brent lives in New York City with his wife, Jackie, whom he would like to thank for her endless love and support. You can read more about Brent’s storied background at www.BrentFrederickMusic.com.

ALEXANDER ROVANG (Musical Director Emeritus) Alexander began his musical theatre career on the floor of a bus. (Let’s all take a moment to breathe a collective sigh for the memory of non-equity, one-night tours). After realizing that his grandmother was able to sit through the entire “Two Ladies” scene in CABARET and still pay for his dinner that evening, he knew that his calling had arrived. A native of Nebraska (and yet born in Albany, go figure.) Mr. Rovang has had the pleasure of playing opera in Israel, tango in Argentina,and SWING in Chatham. One of these days he hopes to grow up and get a real job like his mother (a cardiac surgeon), or really throw in the towel and race motorcycles like his dad. He lives in New York City.

NANCY HOLSON (Creator/Writer/Co-Director)  In 1992, Nancy began her THE NEWS IN REVUE career by producing the show Off–Broadway. The show ran in New York during the election season and has subsequently run in various cities throughout the country.  The show has won five Emmy Awards for its series of PBS specials, two of which were for Nancy’s writing. Nancy has written and produced numerous shows for corporate, political and non-profit clients across the country.  Her work has been performed for one former president, several assorted senators, and a host of as-of-yet-unindicted politicians.  Most recently, she created a musical tribute to Vic Damone and produced the soundtrack for the comic relief portion of the safe driving video shown at traffic school (you can only see the video if you get enough moving violations to go to traffic court!). Currently, Nancy and her partners are developing S.P.L.A.S.H., a new children’s show for Public Television.

MEL AND PHYLLIS HOLSON (Producers) As the principals of ADF Productions, Phyllis and Mel Holson have produced THE NEWS IN REVUE since its New York debut in 1992.  Prior to their foray into show business, the Holsons were known as manufacturers of photo albums.  Phyllis has served on the boards of many arts and social service organizations.  Mel is currently one of the country’s top family business consultants.