CAST
(in order of appearance, 9/24 production):
Linda G. Braverman (Adult Ruth, Aunt Sophie, Mother Superior)
Linda has been acting and singing for most of her life. After a wonderful career as an educator in Cheltenham Township School District, Linda is enjoying her second act in music and theatre, composing, producing, and making records under the stage name Lindarella Raye, and being the voice of California Spirit Radio Show from Montpelier, France.
She is honored to be playing Ruth, Aunt Sophie and Mother Superior in HIDDEN:A Musical, and has loved getting to know Ruth, whom she now considers a dear friend.
It’s a joy to be working with such an amazingly talented cast and production staff. She so appreciates the support she has received from her friends and family near and far, and she feels blessed to be loved and encouraged every day by her husband, Roy.
Roy Braverman (Pianist, Man from the Resistance, Train Conductor, Police Officer #1)
Roy’s life revolves around music and sound. Playing keyboards since the age of four, he was in bands signed to RCA and Fantasy Records, toured with The Captain & Tennille and others, played keyboards on many records, advertisements, films, and TV shows. Roy became a successful sound designer/editor while also developing skills as a recording engineer and music producer.
His technical expertise has garnered him awards, including a Silver Microphone, six Motion Picture Sound Editors Golden Reels, three Emmys, and a host of nominations. In the realm of theater, Roy has performed in the orchestras for Los Angeles productions
of West Side Story, Candide, and Cabaret (onstage in a dress!), co-authored new music for a production of Good Woman of Setzuan at USC, mixed audio for Carousel, South Pacific, and several other shows.
He is excited to be part of Hidden: A musical, working with this amazing cast and production team.
Jazzy Bull, she/her (Maman)
Jazzy, a Philadelphia-based actress, is thrilled to rejoin the cast once again as Maman. She holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College. Her notable roles include, Jess in Grand Horizons (Stagecrafters Theatre) Victoria in My Princess Diana (Ailey Citigroup Theatre), Jessica in Sunday on the Rocks (Ted Wold Studios), and Clara in Marty (The York Theatre). Jazzy is elated to collaborate with such a talented cast and crew on this production. A special thanks to her friends and family with an extra shout out to her husband, Josh, for all of his love and support.
Chelsea Cylinder, she/her (Renée)
Chelsea Cylinder is so excited to be a part of Hidden. Chelsea is a Philadelphia-based actor, singer, teaching artist, and producer. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Artistic Director of Pier Players Theatre Company. Chelsea has appeared in shows with The Media Theatre, 11th Hour Theatre Company, The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, OperaDelaware, New Light Theatre, Ocean City Theatre Company, MusiCoLab, Theatre Ariel, Pier Players, and more. Some favorite acting credits include The Angry Grammarian (Lisa), Chess (Florence), How to Succeed in Business…Trying (Rosemary), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Rosencrantz), Peter Pan (Tinker Bell), Crossover: A New Pop Musical (KC Parker), Ink & Paint (Grace Huntington), and The 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (Logainne). Chelsea would like to thank her parents, family, friends, Chris, Finley, David, Jenny, and the entire cast and crew. www.chelseacylinder.com / @cecylinder
Aimee Yaffa Goldstein, she/her (Renée)
Aimee is a Philadelphia-based performer/co-founder/producer of Curlyfish Productions as well as a Project Manager at an innovative product design consultancy. Last year, her one-woman cabaret, Bluebird, won the Fringe Festival “Fringie Award” for best in the theatre category. Aimee is extremely connected to the Jewish community in Philadelphia and has founded 2 Jewish a cappella groups. She is honored to be able to tell Ruth’s story in this traveling version of Hidden, after being a part of the initial table read of the first version of Hidden several years ago. She believes everyone should hear this story.
Will Griffen, he/him (Technical Direction) is a Philadelphia-based producer and audio engineer. With a background in digital audio production and a passion for immersive productions, Will brings dynamic energy, precision and technological expertise to every project. He’s thrilled to be part of this show and grateful to collaborate with such a talented team.
David Heitler-Klevans, he/him (Co-Writer, Co-Producer)
David Heitler-Klevans is the co-writer of the musical “Hidden”, and the co-producer of the travel version of the show. In addition to performing, writing and recording with his wife Jenny as Two of a Kind, David teaches music to children and adults, and does a podcast on music & social justice with Rodney Whittenberg.
Jenny Heitler-Klevans, she/her (Co-Writer, Co-Producer, Emmy, alternate for Maman)
Jenny Heitler-Klevans, along with her husband David, wrote the music, lyrics and book for “Hidden.” They are also producing this travel version. Jenny has been performing most of her life, has won many songwriting and recording awards, and is excited about being a cast member in this version of “Hidden.” Jenny performs with David as “Two of a Kind” an award-winning music duo. She is also the Executive Director of Pickleberry Pie Hospital Concerts for Kids. Jenny wants to thank Ruth for her amazing story and all the people who have supported this project with time, energy, talents, and donations!
Jimmy Jesberger, he/him (Papa, Jean-Claude)
James Joseph Edward Jesberger Jr but please call him Jimmy for short, is super excited to debut in Hidden’s Traveling Production. Graduating from Arcadia with his BFA in Acting and Minor in Music, he decided that he must do everything that makes him feel at home. Recently Jimmy performed in The Toxic Avenger Musical at South Camden Theatre Company playing 15 roles as “Dude 2”, Bat Boy at Catalyst Theatre playing 6 roles, Drumming American Idiot at The Actors Studio of New Jersey and just recently performed in Grand Horizons as Ben at Stagecrafters! Jimmy wants to thank his mom and friends for always dealing with him. Thank you all <3 Always A Touch of Change.
Finley Poskarbiewicz, they/them (Director, Jeanette, Madame Fedou, Sister Marie Louise)
Finley Poskarbiewicz is thrilled to be back with Hidden, A Musical- this time as both Director and several ensemble characters. Finley was part of the World Premiere cast in 2023 and has been dreaming of the chance to direct this beautiful piece ever since. Finley sincerely thanks David, Jenny and Ruth for trusting them with this important story, and their fiercely supportive partner, family and friends for never allowing them to be hidden.
Sienna Swanson (Stage Manager)
Sienna is an 18 going on 19 year old high school graduate and musician who has been pursuing an interest in audio engineering and theater production. She’s been working with Steel River Playhouse and Sellersville Theater to strengthen her skills in these areas. With guitar being her main instrument, she plays several string instruments such as bass, ukulele, violin, and occasionally drums and keys.
Nina Vitek, they/them (Uncle Heinrich, Monsieur Fedou, Police Officer #2, Nazi)
Nina Vitek received their BFA in Acting and Musical Theater from Arcadia University in 2023. Most recently, you may have seen Nina as Germani/Sam in James (Fever Dream Rep), Eddie in The Cafe Mocha Murders (Pier Players) or as Web in The Angry Grammarian (Pier Players). When they’re not on stage Nina works as a teaching artist at Wolf PAC and with various schools in the Greater Philadelphia Area. They’d like to thank their friends and family for being an incredible support system and embracing their love of theater.
PRODUCTION:
ZEN HARANTSCHUK (Director, M7-Productions Board Member): I am honored & privileged to direct these fine actors and actresses. This is my first world premiere, Hidden: A Musical. I have been involved with theatre for many years, acting in and directing shows like Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, Mame, Hello Dolly, Chicago, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys & Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, Promises Promises, and many more.
This production, with its talented actors & crew, is incredible and it was a great deal of fun to work on. I thank my Production staff, including my Musical Director, Musicians, Assistant Director, and the Composers of Hidden: A Musical who have given me the space to direct. This is an important story to tell.
ALYSSA DAVIDSON (Music Director): Ms. Davidson is the Choral/Theater Director at Jenkintown Middle/High School, and the 4th-6th grade general music teacher at the Elementary School. Ms. Davidson directs the upper school vocal ensembles: The Vocal Experience, The JHS Concert Choir, The JHS Honors Chorale, the female a cappella vocal ensemble, The BelleTones, and the all -male a cappella vocal ensemble, Just the Guys. She also directs the elementary school vocal ensemble The Jenkintown Youth Chorale. Ms. Davidson is the head of the Jenkintown Theater Arts (JTA) department: producing a fall musical and spring drama each year. The 2024 production of Alice by Heart, was honored with the Philadelphia Independence Award for Best Musical of 2024, among several other accolades.
In addition, Ms. Davidson is the founder and director of Flutterbye Theater Company, a non-profit children’s theater company, creating innovative musicals at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts. This season, Flutterbye Theater performed The Addams Family in June 2024.
Ms. Davidson is the director of two-youth choirs at Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park. Hazak (meaning “strength”) comprised of singers from grades 4-6 and Zachor (meaning “remember”) a vocal ensemble whose ages range from 12-18. The choir’s mission is to bring to the forefront music of the Jewish people under the Nazi regime. Ms. Davidson has a private vocal and piano studio in Glenside, PA. Ms. Davidson holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music Education from Rutgers University, and a Master’s in Multicultural Education from Eastern University.
JOELLE FAUCETTE (Choreographer, M7-Productions Board Member): Joelle grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and started her journey with dance when she was four years old. Classically trained in ballet, she danced with the Dance Del Bello company throughout childhood and began teaching at sixteen. She was first exposed to yoga in her early twenties and fell in love with the combination of breath-work, movement, and the healing power of this practice. She is a Life Coach and has received her Buti Yoga certification and RYT-200 certification, achieved the Reiki Master/Teacher level, and is the founder of mindbodySOL. Joelle has choreographed both dance and musical theater at a variety of levels, most recently with BACT for Fiddler on the Roof. She is thrilled to be the choreographer for the world premiere of Hidden.
ROY BRAVERMAN (Producer, M7-Productions President, Keyboards): Roy Braverman’s life revolves around music and sound. Playing keyboards since the age of four, he was in bands signed to RCA and Fantasy Records, toured with The Captain & Tennille and others, and played keyboards on many records, advertisements, films, and TV shows. Roy became a successful sound designer/editor/audio-post supervisor while also developing skills as a recording engineer, mixer, and music producer. He has created audio and produced music for film, TV, video games, theme parks, and cutting edge VR projects developed for Dreamworks/DreamLabs and Oculus Rift. His technical expertise has garnered him numerous awards, including a Silver Microphone, six Motion Picture Sound Editors Golden Reels, three Emmys, and a host of nominations. In the realm of theater, Roy has performed in the orchestras for Los Angeles productions of West Side Story, Candide, and Cabaret (onstage in a dress!), co-authored new music for a production of Good Woman of Setzuan at USC, mixed audio for Carousel, South Pacific, BACT’s production of Fiddler on the Roof and several other shows.
ANGELA KIEL (Assistant Producer, M7-Productions Board Member, Wardrobe/Props): A newly minted theater nerd, Angela has 20 years of project management and creative strategy experience. She’s been sewing and crafting since she was in first grade and always knew she wanted to work in production and costuming. Angela currently lives in the Philadelphia area with her ten-year-old daughter, dog, and cat. When she’s not assistant producing or costuming, she is supporting her daughter with school, swim team, hockey and more. She is on the board of directors for M7-Productions, president of her community swim club, as well as volunteering for her church and in her community. When she gets time she likes to make a little bit of her own art here and there.
NAOMI HAUS-ROTH (Set Design & Construction): Naomi has imagined and built acting spaces her entire life starting with cardboard, string and tape. At this moment she is working on two (more advanced) designs and helping construct a third. During a longtime career at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center she happily spread the infectious ‘love of theater’ bug to dozens of students and community members.
Her regional theatre credits include over two hundred productions, many as a Prop Master/Artisan at the McCarter (Princeton, NJ), Goodman
and Northlight Theater companies (Chicago). Her artisan credits also include stints in Chicago at the Steppenwolf, Royal George, Shakespeare Repertory and Court Theatres; and Broadway projects include The Roundabout and Walter Kerr Theatres.
JAIROUS L. PARKER (Sound): Jairous L. Parker is a sound designer and audio engineer. He is currently with Storybook Musical Theatre. Mr. Parker has designed and mixed sound for a diverse group of performing arts organizations, Philadelphia’s New Freedom Theatre, Prince Music Theater, Philadelphia Film Center, New York’s Manhattan Theater Club and Tribeca Performing Arts Center. A highlight of Jairous’s career is mixing more than 1170 performances of the Philadelphia hit Menopause The Musical.
RICK SPERLING (Script Consultant, Additional Dialogue): Rick Sperling is a youth arts consultant and freelance actor, director, playwright, and script development specialist. For his groundbreaking work as founder and artistic director of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit for 27 years, Sperling was named Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News and received the Detroit Free Press Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre. He continues to consult Creative Youth Development organizations and has co-founded a collective impact initiative called Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts (DEYA). As an actor and director, Sperling has worked regionally and as a guest artist for the University of Michigan. As a playwright, he has been devising scripts for forty years through a collaborative writing process which have been produced nationally and internationally. In addition to script consulting and providing additional dialogue for Hidden, Sperling has supported the creation of theatrical works by acclaimed playwrights Michael Dinwiddie (Northern Lights 1966), Rachel Urist (Children of Abraham) and Tanya Shaffer & Vienna Teng (The Fourth Messenger). Sperling is currently touring an original one- person play “A Joyride in Memory Care” about his mother’s journey through dementia.
ORCHESTRA:
SHAWN ROSE (Piano): Shawn does piano accompaniment for music classes, musical theatre, and for church services. He enjoys classical piano, and especially playing for vocal solo and chorus. He likes that the Hidden production team and its cast are “crawling with piano players.” He recently played the Fiddler in the Bryn Athyn Community Theatre production of Fiddler on the Roof.
ROY BRAVERMAN (Keyboards, Producer, M7-Productions President): see Bio under Production
MADISON RAST (Bass): North Carolina native Madison Rast graduated from the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and received his MA from Virginia Commonwealth University as a recipient of the Carpenter Fellowship Scholarship. He moved to Philadelphia in the fall of 1999 to pursue a career in jazz. Since that time he has become one of the area’s most in-demand sidemen. His solid and steady bass lines have supported many notable musicians including Mickey Roker, Orrin Evans, Sean Jones, and Joanna Pascale. In 2012 he released his debut CD of original songs and arrangements. In 2014 he was part of a recording project with pianist Gary Dial and saxophonist Dick Oatts in which the poetry of Walt Whitman is set to original music. Since 2018, Madison has been among the collective of jazz musicians known as the Captain Black Big Band under the direction of Orrin Evans whose 2019 release Presence and 2020’s The Intangible Between were both nominated for a Grammy. Recently, Madison was featured on singer Amos Lee’s recording My Ideal, celebrating the music of Chet Baker.
ELI ROSEN (Guitar): I am happy to be making my debut with M7-productions. I have a long onstage history, but this is my first time in a pit orchestra! Guitar is my principal instrument. I have played for over 20 years. My side instruments include bass, harmonica, and mandolin. I play in the band Lonely at the Top, with whom I released an album in 2019 (available on Bandcamp.com). Aside from instrumental experience, singing has been a longtime mainstay in my musical realm. I have performed with the ACC for over 10 years, the Savoy Opera Company since 2016, and the Bucks County Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Society since 2022. I have also performed on and off with Everybody’s Theater Company since 2018. And now I am thrilled to make my M7 Productions debut in Hidden!
STEPHEN TOLNAY (Drums): Stephen Tolnay has been playing professionally in the Philadelphia area for the past 15 years. A graduate of Temple University, he holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in jazz. Besides playing, Stephen has taught both individual and group lessons to students of all ages and abilities. When not at the drums, you can find him riding his bike, attempting to master the finer points of the culinary arts and playing chess.
