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DEBORAH KASSNER — PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, CO-WRITER — ALSO PLAYING CHASE LOWRY
A veteran actress and musician, Deborah has also worn a myriad of production hats over the years, which have transformed her into a creative talent to be reckoned with. Beginning her career in musical theatre as Julie Jordan in “Carousel”, she went on to tour for 3 years with the internationally-acclaimed L.A. Jazz Choir, earning a 1982 Grammy nomination for the group’s album, “Listen”. She worked in TV and film production, as well as radio promotion, before moving to Portland, Oregon to earn her B.A. in Theatre Arts. She worked on several feature films as an assistant set decorator, acted in a multitude of local commercials and theatrical productions, and earned her SAG card for the Marlee Matlin film, “Hear No Evil”. She also toured with Portland’s satirical darlings, The Fallen Angel Choir, and produced her own one-woman musical theatre review, “Romantic with Myself”, before returning to work in Los Angeles, where she appeared at Theatricum Botanicum, the Improv on Melrose, and in her own livingroom. Deborah taught afterschool singing and acting programs and produced and directed her students in 7 musicals during her tenure at Calahan Elementary School, including Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods”. Since leaving her teaching position in 2003, she has done private vocal coaching, and led many performing and writing workshops for children. Deborah is currently collaborating on a murder-mystery novel with one of her former students, and is also busy writing an Introduction to Chemistry book for middle school students – with a theatrical bent, of course. When not working in the theatre, she runs her own alternative/edible garden consultancy, Garden Party. Deborah produced and directed the Santa Cruz premiere production of PRIME, and is thrilled to be stepping into the role of Chase Lowry for the L.A. production.
LISA TAYLOR – PLAYING TANYA
Lisa Lehua Taylor was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. Performing since the age of 10, she has been the lead vocalist in numerous bands on the Big Island, as well as on O’ahu and Kauai. Lisa has competed in the Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii USA pageant systems, and has traveled overseas to sing throughout Asia. Since moving to Santa Cruz in 2005, Lisa has performed at such venues as The Crow’s Nest, Moe’s Alley, The Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Cibo’s, and the Catalyst, and has opened for both national and international acts.
STEPHANIE TORRES – PLAYING VENUS DUMONT
Stephanie Torres is a woman of many talents which she brings to the stage and to all that she does. She has performed in local theatre in Santa Cruz, CA as well as being part of the current genetics exhibit at the San Jose Tech Museum. Stephanie was featured on a National Television show called "Radical Sabbatical" with the Fine Living Channel for her transformation from Real Estate Broker to Health and Fitness Trainer. With a BA from Loyola Marymount University in Film Production, Television and Radio,as well as State Certifications in Hypnotherapy, dance and bodywork, she brings a new level of depth to all her performances. Stephanie leads women's groups and has a private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. As mother of two teenagers, her passion is to inspire others to make transformational life changes and live from their deepest heart.
Filmmaker Mark Thornton is involved a number of audio and visual projects based in Santa Cruz. He has done live projections and video design for a number of rock bands, including the White Album Ensemble, Estradasphere, Secret Chiefs 3, and a production of Hedwig & the Angry Inch.
Bob Burnett, guitar, has toured and recorded with the all-women group, Pele Juju and was a regular on the KTEH children’s television program, Kid’s Clubhouse. He has performed in numerous ensembles playing a wide range of styles including Jazz, Rock, African, Klezmer, Children’s music, New Age, and Comedy Improv and has appeared at the San Jose Jazz Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival, and the High Sierra Music Festival.
Joey Modesto, drums, is the child of migrant farm workers from the Dustbowl outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was raised on the music of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Kitty Well, and Cousin Herb & Jelly Sanders. Joey taught himself how to play the drums so that he could join his elementary school marching band, and has been making music ever since. He owns his own studio in the desert of Indio, CA, and has his own record label, Dust Devil Records. When he’s not playing, he can be found hiking near Joshua Tree.
San Francisco resident and Prime keyboardist/saxophonist Mark Sowlakis is involved with a wide variety of musical projects, melding classical, jazz and various ethnic musics into his own unique style. Mr. Sowlakis has released his 3 solo recordings, 2000’s Simple Beauty, along with Marking Time in 2002, and the recently released Sinfonetta, in 2005, on his own label, Pacific Winds Musical Productions. He currently teaches clarinet and saxophone privately out of his San Francisco home, and at West Valley Music in Mountain View, California. More on him can be found at www.MarkosMusic.com.
Nat Shuirman is our strong, silent, sweet-riffing bass player. He plays for a variety of bands in clubs all around the Bay area. He is our great go-to guy, and is modest to a fault. We love him.
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