OUR CAST

Carole King: Sarah Geraghty
Gerry Goffin: Adam Law
Cynthia Weil: Emily Buckley
Barry Mann: Jeff Gavin
Donny Kirschner: J.P. Dooley
Genie Klein: Meg Quin Dussault

The Shirelles/Ensemble: 
Desiree Okoh (Little Eva)
Atia Silvi (Janelle Woods)
Jahmeala Dawes (Lucille)
Gigi Gomes

The Drifters/Ensemble:
Jourdan Fanning
Dana Reid
Thomas Wilson
James Valentin

Featured Ensemble:
Matt Bonatti
Jackie Carpino
Caroline Curnow
Rosalie Fry
Declan Gavin
Laura Holland
Molly Poppenga
Marisa Rebelo (Marilyn Wald)
Eileen Sprague

Matt Bonatti (Lou Adler, Bobby Vee, Ensemble) is thrilled (and slightly terrified) to be making his stage debut! With absolutely no prior acting experience, Matthew’s journey to the stage has been an adventure filled with Googling “how to act,” learning the difference between stage left and stage right, and having his 3 girls teach him how to pas de bourree. Matthew would like to thank his wife, kids, and the entire Beautiful cast for their unwavering support and patience. Special thanks to Adam Joy, Erin Thomas-Lopatosky, and Esther Zabinski for giving Matthew the opportunity to be a part of this amazing experience.

Emily Buckley (Cynthia Weil) is so honored to return to MAC with this amazing cast and crew. Most recently, she was seen as Paulette in Legally Blonde. She has also been seen as Amie in Halley’s Comet: A New Musical, Sarah Jane Moore in Assassins, Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, and Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She would like to extend her love and gratitude to the cast, crew, and to Cory for his unending love and support.

Jacqueline Carpino (Ensemble) is excited to be making her MAC debut! She is a graduate of Dean College with a B.A in Musical Theatre. Her favorite previous roles include Vivienne in Legally Blonde, Eve in Children of Eden, and Carol Strong in Catch Me if You Can. Jacqueline would like to thank her family, friends, and Grant!

Caroline Curnow (Betty, Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the Mass Arts stage under the direction of her mentor, Adam Joy. Previous productions here include Our Town, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Assassins. Caroline received her BFA in Acting and a minor in Drama Therapy from Marymount Manhattan College where she was the 2023 recipient of the Gold Key in Acting. Some of her recent roles include Mr. Burns in Mr. Burns; A Post Apocalyptic Play, Sonya in Uncle Vanya, and Heather in Horse Girls. She sends so much love and gratitude to her Mom, Dad, siblings, family, Vainius, the GPP team and the cast and crew of Beautiful.

Jahmeala Dawes (Shirelle, Lucielle, Ensemble) is making her theatrical debut right here on the MAC stage! She would like to thank the cast and crew for welcoming her into the Beautiful family and for all their support throughout the rehearsal process. Thank you to her friends and family for supporting her through this new adventure. She loves you all!

JP Dooley (Donny Kirschner/Righteous Brother) is thrilled to be performing at MAC for the first time! Past credits include Nick in Jobs at the Airport, Tiff/Rich in Holy Socks!. and Ralph in I’m Going to Rome!. JP is on special loan from Erika and Eliza Q, the two best parts about being him.

Meg Quin Dussault (Genie Klein) holds a doctorate from Northeastern University and is a graduate of the Trinity Rep Conservatory where she earned her M.F.A in Acting. Meg has performed for many local community theatres and companies including Industrial Theatre, New England Repertory, The Company Theatre of Norwell, and Star Players of Bristol County. Meg is also an award-winning director of musical theatre. She has been an adjudicator for N.A.T.S Boston, the Massachusetts High School Theater Guild, and is currently a D.A.S.H consultant for the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theater. Meg would like to acknowledge her family and friends, especially Mike, Sadie and Charlotte, for their unwavering support and love.

Jourdan Fanning (Drifter, Ensemble) is a writer, actor, designer, and visual storyteller originally from Detroit, Michigan. He moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee, in the early 2000s and later pursued studies in Rhetorical Studies and Philosophy at Bates College. He now resides in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Jourdan’s work captures the subtle, silent moments of unguarded life, turning them into artistic and social commentary. His writing and visual narratives offer glimpses into the lives and experiences of others, with a focus on truth and self-awareness. His unique approach has garnered attention from Boston’s photography and art communities. Through a combination of writing and visual art, Jourdan creates compelling interpretations of raw life experiences. His work fosters learning and growth by addressing current topics through art. His photography and writing have been featured in publications such as The Boston Globe, Bay State Banner, DigBoston, and Boston.com, among others.

Rosalie Fry (Ensemble) is an actor, improvisor, and costume designer from Pawtucket, Rhode Island where she lives with her partner, two dogs, and eight houseplants. She enjoys her work as a youth improv instructor at Mass Arts Academy. Recent behind-the-scenes work includes costume design credits for Amélie, Measure for Measure, and Forbidden Broadway at Mass Arts. On-stage appearances include Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Paige Walker in Belles, Jovie in Elf: The Musical, as well as ensemble roles in Godspell and All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. She is thrilled to be working with such an incredible cast and crew on this production.

Declan Gavin (Neil Sedaka, Ensemble) is excited to be performing in his first MAC musical this fall. His most recent acting experience was last Spring in his high school production of Beauty and the Beast. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support along the way.

Jeff Gavin (Barry Mann) is thrilled to be performing in his third show at Mass Arts Center. Recent credits include Sweeney Todd (Pirelli) and Our Town (Howie Newsome) When not on stage, he enjoys playing soccer, music and spending time with his family. Jeff would like to thank the cast and crew for their unwavering support. Enjoy the show!

Sarah Geraghty (Carole King) is so excited to be a part of this amazing cast and to do a show with MAC. After a long hiatus to start her career as a nurse, she is thrilled to be doing her favorite thing in the world again. She would like to thank her Mom, Dad, Molly, Kelly, and Brendan for being her rocks. Thanks to Erin, Esther, and everyone at MAC for all your help! And thank you to Adam for being the best director and mentor since she was four years old, working together again has been such a treat!

Gigi Gomes (Shirelle, Ensemble) is thrilled to be playing the 4th Shirelle with a charming smile and flowing energy. She was previously seen in the amazing Legally Blonde the Musical in the Ensemble. Gigi plans to hopefully take a bigger step with her career in acting in front of cameras.

Laura Holland (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a member of the Ensemble in her second production with the Mass Arts Center. She has enjoyed performing in other community productions including, Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larkin), Chess (Choir), Jekyll and Hyde (Ensemble), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), and Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble). She is excited to be working with such an incredible creative team, cast, and crew. Laura would like to thank her family for all their support!

Adam Law (Gerry Goffin) has had so much fun returning to the stage in his 6th MAC production. Past roles include Dr. Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden and Jack Palmer in The Boys Next Door. He also contributes drums & vocals to his band Gordon’s Law (available on all streaming services). Adam would like to thank the cast, crew, Adam, Erin and Esther for making this a truly…BEAUTIFUL experience. Love to Leanne, Hannah, Ian and Gracie.

Desiree Okoh (Shirelles, Little Eva) is excited to be back on the MAC stage for Beautiful. She is a full-time French teacher in Milton, and after school, she is the assistant director and vocal coach for the middle school musical theatre club. She is grateful to be working with such a talented cast and production team, and to contribute to the wonderful “tapestry” of community theater.

Molly Poppenga (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of Beautiful for her first production at Mass Arts Center! She is a senior at Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton. Some of the favorite roles she has played include, Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast – Cardinal Spellman High School) and Margot (Legally Blonde – Capachione School of Performing Arts). She would like to thank Adam, Esther, and Erin for being the best team possible throughout this process!

Marisa Rebelo (Marilyn Wald, Ensemble) is excited to be back on stage for the first time with MAC! Marisa currently serves as Director/Choreographer for the Fairhaven High School Theatre Company. Most recent credits include The Prom, Radium Girls, and Annie. Marisa also serves as a Teaching Artist for the Providence Performing Arts Center. Proud graduate of Rhode Island College Musical Theatre! Many thanks to her family, friends and Brian for their love and support.

Dana Reid (Drifter, Righteous Brother, Ensemble) is currently a resident of Peabody, MA and excited to be playing one of the Drifters in this production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Dana started his theatre career a bit later than most when he played Amos Hart in his High School production of Chicago his senior year. From there, he caught the bug and has been doing shows ever since. Past roles include: Donkey in Shrek the Musical, and Sebastian in The Little Mermaid at FPAC, as well as John Wilkes Booth in Assassins at Bridgewater State University among many others. Beautiful will be his third production with MAC including playing Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, also directed by Adam Joy, and Hoke Colburn in Driving Miss Daisy. Dana is returning to the stage for the first time since 2020 when he played Jim Conleys in Parade with the Academy Players of Rhode Island. Putting on this production has been a joy for him and a wonderful return to the theatre.

Atia Silvi (Shirelle, Janelle Woods, Ensemble) is beyond excited to return to the stage! Other MAC shows include A Broadway Christmas, Hair, The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), The Miracle Worker (Kate Keller), and Wait Until Dark (Suzy Hendrix). She would like to express much gratitude to the entire cast/production team for being so supportive and fun in every way. Finally, Atia would like to send super love and gratitude to her amazing family/friends for everything wonderful in her life, in particular, her son AJ and her husband Jay.

Eileen Sprague (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to the MAC stage where audiences may remember her from past productions such as Sweeney Todd (Ensemble) and Urinetown (Pennywise). She holds a degree in musical theatre from Catholic University. Eileen’s performance highlights include The Kennedy Center’s New Year’s Eve Gala (featured soloist), Jekyll & Hyde (Ensemble), the American premiere of The Witches of Eastwick (Swing/Jennifer u/s), Candide (Cunegonde), Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), The Bernstein Mass at the Kennedy Center Opera House, Grand Hotel (Operator), and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well…, among others. Offstage, Eileen serves as a curriculum director for a local school district. She extends her deepest gratitude to Adam, Esther, Erin, and the entire production team for their dedication and creativity. To her family—thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement.

Thomas Wilson (Drifter, Ensemble) A multifaceted individual, Thomas is equally drawn to the arts and the world of fitness. His artistic passions lie in theater, music, and fashion, while his professional life is dedicated to leading and managing a team of fitness experts.

James A. Valentin (Drifter, Ensemble) is very excited to make his acting debut in Mass Arts Center’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. His recent credits include Carlos/ KiKi in Legally Blonde at Massasoit Theatre Company and Betty Blast in Footloose at Hingham Civic Theatre. When he isn’t on stage, James is furiously costuming shows across the south shore. Recent credits include Footloose, Gypsy and Grease (Hingham Civic Theatre), Spring Awakening (The Theatre Company of Saugus), and Cats (The Company Theatre – EMACT DASH award for Best Costume Design). James would like to thank his Abuela, Mamsita and The Mushroom for helping keep me fed and sane.

Adam Joy (Director, Choreographer) is very grateful to be directing this wonderful piece with such a talented and dedicated cast/production team. Previously, he had the pleasure of directing Sweeney Todd, Our Town, Assassins, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Find Your Light at MAC. Adam has also had the pleasure of directing for several other community theatres and high schools in the area. Some of Adam’s favorite directing and choreography credits include: West Side Story, American Idiot, Children of Eden, Cabaret, and Les Miserables to name a few. Thank you to Ken, Glenn, Rose, Heidi, Mark, John, Mark, Rosalie, Jourdan, Atia, and the entire crew at MAC for sharing their talents in bringing this production to life. A giant thank you to Esther, Erin, and Caroline for sharing their gifts and taking this journey with me, it was a real pleasure ladies! Thank you to this tremendous cast of artists for sharing their time and talents, I appreciate you all beyond measure! Love to Katherine, Caroline and Maggie!

Erin Thomas-Lopatosky (Stage Manager) is grateful for this opportunity to work with the cast and crew of Beautiful as her first show with MAC. She is beyond proud of this cast for coming together to share this “beautiful” story with the audience. Previous Stage Management credits include: The Full Monty, Avenue Q, Bridges of Madison County, Sorry, Wrong Number, Clue and Misery with The Company Theater, Dreamgirls, Urinetown, A Christmas Carol, Oliver! and Heathers with The Massasoit Theater Company, Bright Star with Curtain Call Theater, Sideways Stories from Wayside School with Triad Theater Company and Cabaret with the Norwood Theater. To my amazing cast, I’m sorry about the cricket. Erin would like to thank everyone involved with Beautiful, Toni and Jim, her Spoon Crew and her husband Joe for their support and love. “Once the inspiration comes, that directs where the perspiration goes.”- Carole King

Esther Zabinski (Music Director) has been working with her good friend Dori on youth productions here at MAC, but this is her first time working on a main stage production. Co-owner of Zabinski Music Studio where she teaches piano and voice lessons in Pawtucket RI, Esther has been working in theater for over 25 years. Previous productions include Carousel at Providence College, Little Shop of Horrors at Trinity Repertory Company, Spamalot and The Little Mermaid at Theater by the Sea, 9 to 5 at Pawtucket Community Players, Little Women, Meet Me In St Louis at Ocean State Theater Company, Into the Woods at University of Rhode Island and Disaster, the Musical at The University of Scranton. Esther is also the music director at St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Foxboro. Always so grateful to my husband Eric for all the support and putting up with the theater schedule, Thanks babe!

Douglas McGrath (Book) is a filmmaker and playwright. His play Checkers opened the 30th anniversary season at New York’s Vineyard Theatre. He collaborated with Woody Allen on the screenplay for Bullets Over Broadway, for which they were nominated for an Academy Award. His first film as writer/director was his adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. He has also written and directed Nicholas Nickleby, which won the Best Ensemble Cast from the National Board of Review; Company Man; Infamous; and His Way. His essays have appeared in the New Yorker, The New Republic, Vanity Fair and The New York Times.

Gerry Goffin (Words and Music). Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Gerry Goffin met Carole King at Queens College, and their musical collaboration began almost immediately. They married in 1959, and that same year wrote their first hit song “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” (The Shirelles). The duo penned more than 50 Top-40 hits including “The Locomotion,” “Natural Woman” and “Up on the Roof.” In 1987, Goffin and King were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Carole King (Words and Music) Pop music would be very different without the contributions of Carole King, who at age 17 wrote her first #1 hit with Gerry Goffin, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” for the Shirelles. The dozens of chart hits Goffin and King wrote during this period became legendary, but it was 1971’s Tapestry that took King to the pinnacle, speaking personally to her contemporaries and providing a spiritual musical backdrop to the decade. More than 400 of her compositions have been recorded by over 1,000 artists, resulting in 100 hit singles and six Grammys.

Barry Mann (Words and Music) has written the melodies of some of the most influential pop songs in musical history. In addition to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” and the songs heard in Beautiful, he composed later standards like “Somewhere Out There” (winner of two Grammys©), “Here You Come Again,” “Sometimes When We Touch,” “Just Once” and “Don’t Know Much.” Together, he and Cynthia Weil have amassed an incredible 112 pop, country and R&B awardsHe has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Cynthia Weil (Words and Music) is known as the lyricist of classic songs such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”. In addition to the songs heard in Beautiful, she set the words to later standards including “Here You Come Again,” “He’s So Shy,” “Just Once” and “Don’t Know Much”. Weil has been honored with multiple Grammy© nominations and two Grammy awards for “Somewhere Out There” as the Motion Picture Song of the Year and Song of the Year.

BEAUTIFUL
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com