presents



Children of Eden

Cast



JASON J. ZIMMER (Adam/Noah). A graduate of East Stroudsburg University, Jason holds degrees in both Theatre and Vocal Performance. Jason has worked both regionally and locally as an actor, director, musical director and has worn many other hats along the way.  This is Jason's third production with Theatrical Gems.  He previously played the roles of Jinx in Forever Plaid and the Padre in Man of La Mancha.  Favorite roles include The Caliph in Kismet, Mr. Potter in It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Applegate in Damn Yankees, and Bobby Child in Crazy for You.

BRIANNA STORM (Eve/Mama Noah) is very proud and excited to be a part of Theatrical Gems's production of Children of Eden as Eve/Mama Noah . This is her second production with the company. She is a musical theatre major at East Stroudsburg University. She has been involved in many shows such as Man of La Mancha, Spring Awakening, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Footloose, and Grease. Working with this cast has been such an incredible experience. She would like to thank all of her friends and family who continue to support her in anything she does, especially her parents, Brian, and Gavin. “I love you all more than words can explain. I couldn't do it without you.”



ALEX PEARLMAN (Father) rejoins Theatrical Gems after appearing in last summer's production of Forever Plaid (Smudge) and the Actors Fund benefit concert presentation of Miracle On 34th Street in New York. For Pocono Playhouse: Oklahoma! (Jud Fry), Carousel (Enoch Snow), Oliver! (Bill Sikes), and Kismet (Hajj). For Bucks County Playhouse: the title role in Phantom, Magaldi in Evita. Other favorite regional credits: Ragtime (Astoria Performing Arts Center), Man Of La Mancha (Gallery Players), The Who's Tommy (Arts Center Of Coastal Carolina). BFA, Marymount Manhattan. Thank you as always to everyone at TG for all their passion and dedication!

ERIC NOONE (Cain/Japheth) loves juggling his many roles of Father, General Manager of Stroudsburg’s Ruby Tuesday, and actor. He was last seen in Gems's summer concert Bringing Broadway Back. Eric is a graduate of the School of Hard Knocks with a Doctorate in B.S. New York off-Broadway credits: Youssein Davair in Mr. President, John Smith in The Last Jew in Europe, and Ren in Footloose. Regional credits: Aladdin in Aladdin, Ben in Joseph...Dreamcoat, and Rolfe in The Sound of Music. Eric lovingly and proudly dedicates this performance to the memory of his father Patrick "Patriot" Noone, love you Timer!



PATRICK MERTZ (Abel/Ham/Musical Director) is excited to be back for Theatrical Gems's production of Children of Eden as musical director and on stage as Abel/Ham. In past productions, he has played Dr. Carrasco/Duke in Man of La Mancha, Sparky in Forever Plaid, and various other roles while enrolled at East Stroudsburg University. He also appeared in Retro Rock, a fast paced '50s-'70s music revue at Knoebels Amusement Resort as a singer and dancer. Patrick received his B.S. in Chemistry from ESU where he was president of the Vocal Performing Arts student organization. As a member of several ensembles he has had the privilege to perform in Washington, D.C.; Beijing, China; Toronto, Canada; Baltimore; and many local venues. As president and section leader, it was here he learned to love running rehearsals and directing small ensembles. When not performing or directing, he works as a quality control chemist at DSM Nutritional Products and currently resides in Stroudsburg, PA. Patrick would like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support!

BENJAMIN COHEN (Seth/Shem) is delighted to appear in Theatrical Gems's Children of Eden. Benjamin has recently rediscovered his love of theater, and has performed most recently in Man of La Mancha, The Obituary I'm Dying to Write, and Anything Goes. To Eileen, castmate and beloved wife: just knowing you're near, it makes the day new...how could I live in a world without you?!?



SARAH FISTER (Aphra/Storyteller). This is Sarah’s second performance with Theatrical Gems. Sarah previously played Maria in Man of La Mancha. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in English and a Minor in Theatre. Among the eighteen shows she has done, some of her favorite theatre credits also include Grease (Sandy), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), and A View from the Bridge (Catherine). Sarah also appeared in Retro Rock, a professional song and dance revue at Knoebels Amusement Resort. She would like to thank all of her family and friends for their love and support over these many years. She would also like to thank Patrick for taking this amazing theatrical journey with her.

EILEEN COHEN (Aysha/Storyteller) is thrilled to be back with Theatrical Gems. She last played
Antonia in Man of La Mancha. She has played many roles at Shawnee Playhouse, including Belle
in Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol, Carmen in Fame the Musical, Libby Tucker in I Ought
to be in Pictures. She toured Italy and Austria with ESU’s pop/jazz ensemble. Her
favorite roles include Anabel Glick in Lucky Stiff, Alice in Alice Through the Looking
Glass, and Feste the Fool in Twelfth Night.




DAMIAN BARTOLACCI (Snake) is a freelance Videographer/Editor.  He has had the wonderful opportunity of working with Ryan and Lindsey Cook in the past at the Bucks County Playhouse, along with the amazing talents, Jill Palena and Alex Pealman.  He would like to sincerely thank Cookie for inviting him to be a part of this wonderful show!

JILL PALENA (Yonah/Storyteller) is honored to be part of such an amazing cast! Performing professionally for over 12 years, she is so excited to come back to the Poconos and have the chance to play with some of her dearest friends! Many thanks to Ryan, Jacob, and Theatrical Gems for this opportunity, and
let's keep the arts alive!




TYLER APONTE (Young Cain/Storyteller). 13 years old, in the 7th Grade at J.T Lambert, he is in the Cavalier Voices. This is the first time participating in a production outside of school.

BARRINGTON BEADLE, JR. (Storyteller) is a junior at Evergreen Community Charter School. He recently appeared in Man of la Mancha. He was also in Play On at Evergreen, directed by Lorenzo Ballesteros.  He was a member of Pocono Mountain West's intermediate chorus in 5th and 6th grades.  Thanks to Lorenzo for starting my passion for acting, and to my father for always being there.




LAUREL BISHOW (Storyteller), a long time lover of the theater, makes her own theater debut in this production of Children of Eden. Her previous musical experience includes singing with the ESU Concert Chorus, playing the flute in several local ensembles, and being threatened by neighbors for practicing bagpipes in an apartment. Her dream is to one day sing and dance in a Bollywood film.

LINDSEY COOK (Storyteller/Generations Soloist/Vocal Captain) was last seen as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha. She is a proud graduate of ESHS (Class of 2000) and 2005 graduate of East Stroudsburg University. In 2004 she became lead singer of a prestigious jazz organization and performed all over NEPA. She later renewed her love of musical theater performing at the Bucks County Playhouse in over 40 productions.  Her favorite credits there include: Eva Perón in Evita, Rusty in Footloose, Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde, Nancy in Oliver!, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, and Rizzo in Grease.  She is happy to be back in the Poconos with her husband and puppy while having a new career in pediatric homecare.



RILEY HENDERSON (Dove/Storyteller) is excited to be performing in her first musical. A third grader at Notre Dame Elementary School in Stroudsburg, she lives with her family and dog, Zoe. Riley first appeared on stage at the age of three and recently part of the Kids Kabaret and Nutcracker at the Shawnee Playhouse. Riley also enjoys being around her friends and family. Riley thanks her parents for their love and support and helping her in pursuit of her dreams. She is extremely proud to be a part of Children of Eden and is thankful for this experience.

LAUREN MATRISCIANO (Dove/Storyteller) is seven years old and is so excited to be performing in her first Theatrical Gems Production! Lauren lives with her parents, older brother, and Nana and is in the 1st grade at Notre Dame Elementary School in East Stroudsburg. She has been seen performing in the Kids Kabaret for the past two years. Lauren loves to dance, sing and hopes to one day perform on Broadway!



DYLAN McCORD (Storyteller) is a junior at Evergreen Community Charter School. He recently appeared in Man of la Mancha. He has appeared in student productions of Play On, West Moon Street, and What She Will at Evergreen.  He was a member of the Young Artist Program for 3 years.  Thanks to my family for supporting me and all of my acting teachers at YAP!

ANNALEE PAIGE (Storyteller) is a freshman at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, majoring in Vocal. Some of her past performances include: Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol, Annie, Home for Christmas, and High School Musical. She is also a member of FuSia Dance Company located  in Stroudsburg, PA.  This is Annalee's first performance with Theatrical Gems and she is very excited. She would like to thank Ryan and Jacob for the opportunity to be part of Children of Eden and she hopes you all enjoy the show!!


SOFIA PIPOLO (Storyteller) is a freshman at Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg, and is proud to be joining Theatrical Gems. She has been involved in theatre since she was five years old, starting her acting career at The Pocono Playhouse, performing in both children and mainstage productions. She has also performed at Shawnee Theatre and in Michael Heron's production of Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol. Her favorite roles to date have been Miss Hanigan in Annie and Mrs. Gloop in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Many thanks to family and friends and Theatrical Gems for bringing Broadway back to the Poconos!

HUNTER RIKER (Young Abel/Storyteller) is a distinguished honor roll student at Pocono Mountain School District. Prior to his performance in Children of Eden, Hunter has performed in Annie and multiple performances at the Pocono Playhouse, including roles in Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Pinocchio, and Aladdin. Hunter has studied piano and vocal performance privately and plays percussion in his school band. In addition to his love of acting, Hunter has been a member of his school's Odyssey of the Mind teams, youth basketball, baseball, and soccer teams, and is a purple belt in karate.


LAURA WALL (Storyteller). This is Laura's second production with Theatrical Gems. She has previously appeared in Man of La Mancha as the featured Moorish dancer. Laura has been performing for years in shows such as Smile, The Sound of Music, Mr. Cinders, A Christmas Carol, and many more. Over the past couple of years she has been employed by two production companies and performed at Knoebels Resort in Elysburg, PA and Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. A senior at East Stroudsburg University, Laura is very excited to continue performing and enter the real world of entertainment. "I would love to thank the entire cast, crew, and company for this experience."

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