Production, Cast,
Band, & Crew Bios

Director - Dani Commanda

Dani Commanda is one of the co-founders of Stargazer and is excited to take on her first directing role with the company. Recently, she directed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee alongside DeLano Hays at Theatrikos. Theatre brings Dani immense joy, and she is grateful to her amazing cast for making this show unforgettable. She also thanks her husband, Charlie, and their two kids, Ezra and Emerson, for their unwavering support. Also her Dad for always seeing every show. Another one for you, Mum!
Music Director - Sarah Casey

Sarah Casey is thrilled to be a part of this production of Cabaret. She is a Flagstaff local who has grown up in the music and theatre community and has participated both on and off stage, She has been the music director for recent productions of Nunsense, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for Theatrikos, Women of Broadway and Gypsy for Stargazer Collaborative Theatre. She would like to thank Stargazer Collaborative Theatre for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful show. And a big thank you to the amazing cast, crew and band for all their talent, hard work and dedication into bringing the Kit Kat Club to life. Danke schön, meine Freunde. Ihr seid alle wunderbar!
Choreographer - Leslie Baker
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Leslie Ptak Baker, a native Arizonan, began RAD ballet studies at age 4 but, eventually, musical theater and jazz dance lured her away. Outstanding ASU BFA Graduate in Modern Dance Performance and Choreography, she performed professionally in New York, Los Angeles , Montreal, and Japan, then sailed eight years, worldwide, as an entertainer and cruise director with Princess Cruises. Leslie has performed in and choreographed shows for Flagstaff Music Theater (FLOC), Theatrikos, Canyon Moon, NAU, and Fountain Hills Community Theater and taught dance for 16 years at FALA. Leslie was seen flashing as “Electra” with Stargazer earlier this year and is thrilled to be choreographing Cabaret! Leslie has two grown children, Kieran and Kinzer, and is ecstatic to be a grandmother for the first time! She dearly hopes granddaughter Carson Rose grows up in a world that supports and respects women's rights and perspectives. And she hopes that everyone dances fearlessly everyday.
Keyboard - Chase Coleman

Chase Coleman is a childless cat man, who when not plotting the demise and downfall of American society as we know it with his feline sidekick Klaus (yes, sarcasm) can be found practicing and teaching the art of music in Flagstaff at FALA and his private studio (yes, program ad). He has performed as a classical and jazz/pop pianist on six continents, in locations as varied as Carnegie Hall in NYC to port docks in Guanzhou, China and Safaga, Egypt. He has composed the scores to two musicals, Your Place or Mine (Playwright’s Platform, Boston 1994) and Lost in the Tropics, presented at NAU in 2011 and Theatrikos in 2013. Another is in the works! (yes, anticipation). Active in the theater since high school, some favorite
past Flagstaff productions as musical director include Cabaret (yes, Cabaret) at Theatrikos in 2012, The Fantasticks at NAU in 2009, and The Full Monty (Theatrikos 2015). Sometimes he acts (yes, acts). Favorite past roles include Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (Theatrikos
2015) and Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar (FMT, 2018). Think your life is disappointing? He has felt that way too! Forget about that, for all its disappointment and hassle it is still a beautiful world.
Emcee - AJ Maniglia

Aj Maniglia is delighted for his debut performance with stargazer theater. Aj could have previously been seen as Michael in Parker McrGraw’s production of Boys in the Band, Officer Lockstock in FMT’s Urinetown, or in his touring original show Simply Silly Shakespeare, produced by FlagShakes. When not doing theater, Aj can be found performing standup and improv comedy regularly at the flagstaff foundry. He would like to dedicate his performance to the victims of fascism, both past and ongoing.
Sally Bowles - Caitlin Burd

Caitlin couldn’t be more thrilled to be portraying Sally Bowles in a show so dear to her! She’d like to thank the amazing production team and cast for approaching this production with empathy, respect, and sensitivity. Recent credits in Flagstaff include the Women of Broadway and Tessie Tura in Gypsy with Stargazer Collaborative Theatre, as well as Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense at Theatrikos. Before moving to Flagstaff, she performed across Denver, Indianapolis, and Chicago. She wants to express her heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Josh, whose unwavering support has meant the world to her. Caitlin dedicates this performance to her beloved bubbe, Elsie, and friend Jim, who truly recognized that life is a cabaret.
Clifford Bradshaw - Connor Klein

Connor Klein (Cliff) is a student at Northern Arizona University, majoring in communication sciences and disorders. They are thrilled to be making their debut with Stargazer and feel incredibly grateful to work with such a talented cast team. Their previous roles include Hanschen in Spring Awakening (Desert Stages Theatre), Tunny in American Idiot (Scottsdale Community Players), and Ram in Heathers (Jacksonbroadway). They want to thank the directing team for this opportunity, the cast and crew for dedicating their time and talent, and their family and partner Kara for their endless support.
Fraulein Kost - Sarah Kelley

Sarah was born and raised in Reno,
NV - she moved to Flagstaff in 2010 to pursue
a Vocal Performance major at Northern Arizona
University. After she quickly changed course,
Sarah immersed herself in the rich arts culture of
Flagstaff. She has been seen in local commercials,
and community theatre productions of Miss Saigon,
Avenue Q, The Last Five Years, and Tick, Tick... Boom!. She has also served as part of the talented waitstaff of Black Bart’s Steakhouse since 2011. When not singing her lungs out, she is on the podium at Cyclebar Flagstaff teaching indoor spin classes! Sarah enjoys making music a transformative experience in every arena of life and she sincerely hopes you enjoy this
production!
Ernst Ludwig - Kenley Reynolds

Kenley is ecstatic to be a part of Cabaret with Stargazer Collaborative Theater. He has been eager to do another show since his last performance in Urinetown with Flagstaff Music Theater, where he played Hot Blades Harry. When he isn't busy studying his lines, he attends Northern Arizona University to learn about Philosophy and Mathematics.
Herr Schultz - Douglas Riddle
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Mr. Riddle is currently a board member and treasurer for Flagstaff Music Theatre. He has participated in FMT shows since 2005 and just finished his 21st production as a cast member and/or a production team member for the Third Annual “Christmas Renaissance Dinner” fundraiser. He retired in 2013 after 40 years of teaching HS Choir, with the last 24 years at Coconino HS in Flagstaff. In 1989, he was voted “Teacher of the Year” by the students and faculty of Lodi, CA HS. In 2015, he received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the
Arizona Music Educators Association and Arizona Choral Educators. He is excited to be a part of this incredible production with Stargazer Collaborative Theatre.
Fraulein Schneider - Susan Chastain

Susan Chastain moved to Flagstaff after teaching voice at the university level in south Florida. Her resume includes roles in operas, musicals, plays,
and solo concert work, and she has taught voice and acting at the university level. She has appeared in many productions in Flagstaff, including Lost in
Yonkers (Grandma), Nunsense (Mother Superior), Steel Magnolias (Oiser) and Dance Nation (Maeve). Merry Wives of Windsor (Evans) was Susan’s first show with Flagshakes this past summer. Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider) is her first experience with Stargazer Collaborative, and she is delighted and humbled to be part of such a terrific cast! Susan is also an avid knitting designer and teacher.
Texas - Taylor Salazar

Taylor Salazar is excited to perform with Stargazer for the first time as Texas. Taylor has been involved in theatre and performance most of her life. You can find her at the Foundry every month, running Karaoke at the Museum Club every week, and she recently was in a production of Urinetown as Little Becky Two Shows and Mrs. Millennium.
Working with Standing Room Only Productions in California, she began her theatrical career in Annie as “Pepper” and continued with that company for many years as a performer and choreographer. Most recently back home she played “Janet Van De Graff” in The Drowsy Chaperone, and “Fritzie” in Cabaret… twice.
This being Taylor’s third production of Cabaret she is thoroughly impressed with the passion, artistry, and community she found with Stargazer. She wants to express her gratitude to the directors, her cast mates, and her wonderful community for supporting her and tolerating her passions. She hopes you enjoy the show and that you take home some important messages.
Max - Michael Rulon

Michael Rulon has been a part of the Flagstaff theatre community since 2016, and in that time, they've been involved in over 25 productions with four different companies. They mainly work as an actor and director, but they've also stage managed, done sound design and operation, worked backstage crew, and helped with set painting. Most recently they directed Stargazer's production of Heisenberg, and their last role was their Viola Award-nominated performance as Lucille in The Cemetery Club.
They would like to thank Caitlin, Dani, and DeLano for creating this amazing company, as well as the rest of the cast and crew for bringing this incredible script to life.
Herman - Nia Setteducato

Nia Setteducato is an actor, singer, and musician from Gilbert, Arizona currently attending NAU for Sociology, German, and Theater. They are thrilled to be playing the role of Herman in Cabaret! Other recent shows in Flagstaff include RENT (Alexi Darling), Little Women (Cecilia March), and Orlando (Orlando) through NAU’s theater program. They’re an active member of NAU’s Honors College, NAUghty Bits Improv Troupe, and the current PR Head for Arizona Playmakers. They’d like to dedicate this performance to their loving family, especially their Oma who helped them realize their passion for German. They’d also like to thank NAU’s theater community for always being there for them.
Lulu - Jessie Luckey

Jessie Luckey is living her own personal year of revivals. Jessie previously played Helga in Theatrikos’ 2012 production of Cabaret with Dani Commanda and Chase Coleman and she’s so excited to be back! Most recently, Jessie played the role of Miss Hannigan in this summer’s production of Annie. Other notable and favorite roles include: Dancing Special Brownie (Reefer Madness), Fruma Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof), Cockeroach Woman (Paper Lanterns, Paper Cranes). Jessie would like to dedicate her performance to her number one hype girl, her husband Aaron.
Clarinet & Alto Saxophone - Brian Sanders

Brian Sanders has been a professional musician since the (first) Nixon administration, performing in venues such as Hard Rock at City Walk (w/an all-cop R&B Band); Auditorium Theater, Chicago; Beverly Hilton (Lifetime Achievement award ceremony for Clint Eastwood); Blossom Music Festival; Caesars Palace; Carnation Plaza, Disneyland; Daley Plaza (for Jimmy Carter), Chicago; The Golden Nugget; Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Jazz Showcase, Chicago; Lolita’s Adult Entertainment, Rantoul, IL; MGM Grand Garden; Milwaukee Art Museum; Navy Pier, Park West, both Chicago; Pepsi Amphitheater; Pomona Dragstrip; Second base (pre-game) at Riverfront Stadium; Riverside Speedway; Shrine Auditorium, LA; Shrine of the Ages, Grand Canyon; Springfield White Oaks Mall Grand Opening (TV Morning Show co-hosted by Bruce Jenner); Wrigley Mansion.
Sanders has pitted for stage productions including Putnam County Spelling Bee, Hello Dolly, Brigadoon, All The More To Love, Annie, Gypsy, Guys and Dolls (w/John Malkovich as Sky Masterson), A Funny Thing Happened, My Fair Lady, Li’l Abner, The Boyfriend, Sound of Music, The Music Man, Lady in the Dark, Lagniappe, West Side Story. He plays regularly with pianist Chase Coleman at Charlie’s Bar and Grill in the Weatherford Hotel and is heard frequently on Arizona Public Radio, KNAU.
Bobby - Mark Hanson

Mark was a spring baby who came into the world blue and peeing. Playing dress up with their twin sister’s princess gowns, Mark was afraid and timid to show their true colors throughout their upbringing and puberty. Alas, the big bright beautiful day came where they got accepted to NAU and headed North to the mountains. In this small mountain town is where Mark would meet with their community and find their dream jobs. Starting their theatrical career as a drag queen, Jewel Heist, to performing as a male stripper in his first play where they had to act completely in their underwear (Exit Laughing). They’re so grateful to Stargazer for the opportunity to portray queer roles such as Miz Mizeppa in Gypsy and now Bobby in Cabaret. They would also very much like to thank Susan Chastain for always vouching for them and pushing them to audition for shows that would end up being truly life changing. They have her to thank for their acting career in Flagstaff and are forever grateful to call them a friend.
Violin - Kate Gregory

Kate Gregory is a 16 year old violinist from Flagstaff AZ. She started playing violin at the age of six with the NAU Suzuki Strings Academy under the direction of Dr. Karin Hallberg. Over the past three summers, Kate has studied at the Los Angeles Suzuki Institute. Kate is also a member of the Flagstaff Synphony Orchestra. She is a Junior at Flagstaff High School where she plays in the FHS Symphonic Orchestra under Dr. Richard McEnaney. In her free time, Kate loves hanging out with her dog, Mia. Kate wants to thank her parents, grandparents, and Mia for always supporting her. Kate dedicates this performance to her older sister Ella, for always motivating her to work hard, play well, and dream big.
Fritzie - Bekah Tindall

Bekah has been involved in theatre since she was young, and is thrilled to be performing again with this amazing company! This will be her second production with Stargazer, and she is excited to be bringing the role of Fritzie to the stage! Her recent credits include Gypsy with Stargazer Collaborative Threatre, the Miscast Cabaret with Simon Says Theatre, and the 25th Anniversary Cabaret with FMT.
Outside of theatre, Bekah is an aspiring law student, and will be heading to law school fall of 2025! Her hobbies include baking and country swing dancing. She would like to thank director Dani Commanda and the rest of the production team for their care and dedication to putting on a meaningful show.
Helga - Liv Scott

Liv Scott, born and raised in Phoenix, is thrilled to embark on her second production with Stargazer Collaborative Theatre. Liv began her theatrical journey performing in small plays at the Boys & Girls Club, where she discovered her passion for both acting and technical theatre. Over the years, she has immersed herself in numerous productions, including Gypsy, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!, and The Theory of Relativity. A devoted fan of Shakespeare, Liv was honored to place as Arizona’s Runner-Up in the 2022 ESU National Shakespeare Competition. With a background in dance and a passion for singing, she is particularly excited to return to the stage as Helga in Stargazer’s innovative production of Cabaret. Additionally, she is to be featured in Desert Pines Production’s upcoming short film The End Game.
Rosie - Becki Zaritsky
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Becki Zaritsky (Rosie) is tickled pink to be joining Stargazer Collaborative as a Kit Kat Girl in Cabaret! Becki is a Core Company Member with Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, and previous FlagShakes credits include: The Merry Wives of Windsor (Mistress Quickly), Julius Caesar (Calpurnia), Indecent (Halina), Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), The Importance of Being Earnest (Miss Prism), The God of Vengeance (Sarah), As You Like It (Rosalind), Hamlet (Horatio), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Quince), The Winter's Tale (Paulina), and The Duchess of Malfi (Malatesti). Other selected credits include: Callie in Consequences (24-hr Theatre Project with The Phoenix Theatre Company), understudy Tatiana Racón in The Comedy of Tenors (Walnut Street Theatre); Ensemble in Indecent (Emerson Theater Collaborative), Harriet in The Bremen Town Musicians (The REV on Tour); and Assistant Stage Manager for West Side Story (International Tour). Becki is also one of the Shrews on the FlagShakes' podcast "Untamed Shrews: Women Talk Theatre," an improv artist, and an aerialist at Momentum Aerial. Thank you to Dani, Leslie, and Sarah. And to my parents for their love and support. www.BeckiZaritsky.com @BeckZarit #BeckSideStory
Accordion - Stephanie Galloway

Stephanie Galloway is a music educator, currently teaching choir, piano, guitar and music theory at Flagstaff High School. She has a wide and diverse range of choral and instrumental teaching experience in grades K-12 and beyond. Stephanie works as a professional pianist, accompanist, organist, and music director within the Flagstaff community, playing all styles and genres. Recent collaborations include RENT with NAU Theater, Footloose with FHS Performing Arts and Tick, Tick, Boom with Stargazer Collaborative Theater. She is the worship coordinator/organist/pianist at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. Stephanie is honored to be the guest conductor of the Master Chorale of Flagstaff for their next concert - Christmas in the Mountains on December 14. A certified fitness professional, she has taught all levels and styles of fitness at the Flagstaff Athletic Club for over 32 years. Happily married since 1992 to Steve Galloway, she is mother to Luke, Max, and Paul, and Melanie.
Victor - DeLano Hays

DeLano began performing in Phoenix, AZ during the early naughts, before moving to Flagstaff to pursue a theatre education degree at Northern Arizona University. Although she never completed her degree, she continued performing with various companies throughout Arizona. DeLano has been performing in Northern Arizona since 2007, and is one of the original cast members of Brelby Theatre Company, with whom she toured in 2009. Cabaret is the first musical that she has appeared in in over 15 years and she is very grateful to be returning to the world of musical theatre with such an extraordinary production. She has previously been seen in Heisenberg (Stargazer Collaborative Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (Red Earth Theatre), and The Great Gatsby (Theatrikos Theatre Company). Directing credits include Gypsy (Stargazer Collaborative Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Theatrikos Theatre Company), and Steel Magnolias (Theatrikos Theatre Company). Much love to Kendrick, Dani, and Caitlin for their patience and support this past year! (and a secret thank you to Jessie and Sarah for being the ultimate hype-girls.)
Frenchie - Amelia Swann

Amelia is proud to have been a part of Flagstaff community theatre for over 15 years!
She was last seen onstage as Amina in Dance Nation and Daisy in The Great Gatsby. She has also
directed and co-directed a number of local productions, including Blithe Spirit, Love, Loss & What I Wore, and most recently for the 2023 Northern Arizona Playwriting Showcase. Amelia studied theatre at New York University and the American Musical & Dramatic Academy and later earned an MA in
History at Northern Arizona University. A heartfelt thank you to the cast and crew for their kindness,
passion, and patience; and to Dani for the opportunity to be a part this incredibly talented and amazing
group! And much, much love and gratitude to her family: John, Graeme, and Susan.