MEET THE TEAM
MARC SUMMERS
With one of the most diverse and eclectic careers in the entertainment industry, Marc is probably best known for putting Nickelodeon on the map as the host of “Double Dare.” He also hosted “What Would You Do?” as well as the first live special on Nickelodeon launching the Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando, Florida. Marc has hosted two talk shows on Lifetime, “History IQ” on The History Channel, as well as “Unwrapped,” one of the longest-running shows on Food Network. He was the original host of Next Food Network Star” when Guy Fieri won, and he has also covered many news stories while appearing as a regular on ABC’s “Home Show.” Marc was the Executive Producer of both “Dinner Impossible” and “Restaurant Impossible,” as well as a shark special on Discovery. He is also a frequent guest on “Guy’s Grocery Games” and has been in several episodes of “Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives.” Marc has appeared on OPRAH three times, with Howard Stern twice, and in a classic episode of “The Tonight Show” with guest Burt Reynolds. Google it – It is all spontaneous!
ALEX BRIGHTMAN (PLAYWRIGHT)
Alex is a writer and Tony-nominated actor who has been seen on Broadway in School of Rock, Matilda, Big Fish, Wicked, Glory Days and is currently playing the title role in Beetlejuice on Broadway; on TV in “Documentary Now!,” “SMILF,” “Important Things w/ Demetri Martin;” and in one horror film where he was brutally murdered on a toilet. His musical writing credits include It’s Kind of a Funny Story (Universal Theatrical), The Whipping Boy, and Make Me Bad, all with his writing partner Drew Gasparini.
DREW GASPARINI (ORIGINAL MUSIC)
Drew is an award-winning musical theatre composer/lyricist and singer/songwriter. Some of his musicals include the Broadway-bound adaptation of The Karate Kid (with original screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen), as well as adaptations of the novels Its Kind of a Funny Story and The Whipping Boy (both with writing partner Alex Brightman). Drew’s song-cycle We Aren’t Kids Anymore is currently in development in the UK and the popularity of Drew’s musical theatre album I Could Use a Drink has led to sold out concerts all over the globe, including a production of his revue at the Garrick Theater in London’s the West End in 2021. Drew once again teamed up with Alex Brightman as well as TV icon Marc Summers, contributing music to the messy one-man show Everything In Its Place: The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers (heading off-Broadway in 2024). In 2019, Drew wrote the score for Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical starring Michael C. Hall, which the brand commissioned in lieu of airing a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl. The result was a thing of legendary status, garnering many CLIO and other advertising awards and being voted #1 Best Super Bowl LIII ad by Business Insider and Forbes. Drew wrote songs for season 2 of NBC’s fan-favorite “SMASH”. In 2023, Drew co-wrote the Booking.com ad campaign dubbed “Somewhere, Anywhere” starring Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy. The spot received dominant air time during the Super Bowl, March Madness, the NBA playoffs, The Oscars, and The Tony Awards, and made the Top 10 lists and honorable mentions as one of the best Super Bowl ads of 2023 by People Magazine, Forbes, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Variety and more. It was officially the most viewed Super Bowl LVII ad on YouTube and continues to get heavy rotation across the globe. On top of that, Drew’s songwriting has been heard on TV shows such as “The Biggest Loser”, CMT’s “Gainesville”, Oxygen’s “The Next Big Thing”, and in ad campaigns for Hotels.com, Ford, Toyota, and more. Most recently, a movie-musical short film titled More Together, based on characters and songs written by Drew, has premiered at several film festivals across the country. Coming up: Drew is working on a musical about the climate crisis as well as an autobiographical one-man show called The Unthought Known.
CHAD RABINOVITZ (DIRECTOR)
Chad is the Artistic Director of Constellation Stage & Screen in Bloomington, IN. He has directed more than 100 productions (and produced nearly 300) across the country, focusing primarily on new works. Recent/upcoming projects include directing the national tour of Penn & Teller Present: The Foolers, Glitches In Reality starring the reigning World Champion of Magic (Tour), and The Play That Goes Wrong (Constellation). When not directing, Chad likes to launch sugary snacks at his space-themed candy store, THE CANDY SPACE, in Lake George, NY (thecandyspace.com).
CHRISTOPHER RHOTON (SCENIC DESIGNER / ASSOCIATE PRODUCER)
Christopher is thrilled to be making his off-Broadway design debut with Slimes! Select designs: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (Capital Repertory Theatre), Honky Tonk Angels (Capital Repertory Theatre), Spring Awakening (Porchlight Music Theatre), The World Goes ‘Round (Marriott Theatre), Kinky Boots (Paramount Theatre). Associate Designer: The Prince of Egypt (West End), Into the Woods (Hollywood Bowl). Television: “Poker Face” (Peacock/NBC), “Pretty Little Liars: Summer School” (HBO), “The Shining Girls” (AppleTV). www.Christopher-Rhoton.com
@christopher.Rhoton
SCOTT JONES (COSTUME DESIGNER)
Scott recently retired from IU Theatre & Drama, relocated to the Berkshires. Originally from upstate NY, he has degrees in costume design, SUNY Geneseo & SIU. He has designed in southern IN, Indianapolis & Chicago, also providing clothing research & conservation at IU Kinsey Institute. Scott was nominated for a Black Excellence Award for Love Child at Chicago Theatre Co. Twenty plus productions at Bloomington Playwrights Project includes the original Slimes design.
JEFFREY SMALL (LIGHTING DESIGN)
Jeffrey is excited to be bringing The Life & Slimes of Marc Summers back to the stage. His lighting work has been seen in regional theatre productions around the country. Jeffrey now spends his time as a television producer, most recently on Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl,” ABC’s “Step Into…The Movies,” and Comedy Central’s “South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert.” Other notable live television production credits include New Year’s Eve in Times Square, NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,“ ‘The Wiz Live!,” and “Peter Pan Live!”
HIDENORI NAKAJO (CO-SOUND DESIGNER)
The Creeps (Playhouse46), OCTET (Obie Award, Drama Desk nom., Lucille Lortel nom.), Autumn Royal (Irish Rep, Drama Desk nom.), Dodi & Diana(Colt Coeur). Regional: Moby Dick(A.R.T., Elliot Norton Award), Guys & Dolls (Guthrie), Still (Dorset Theatre Festival), Other World(Delaware Theater Company), Hold These Truths(People’s Light), Into the Burrow, A Peter Rabbit Tale(Alliance, GA). Broadway Associate & Assistant: Camelot, The Kite Runner, The Front Page, The Lightning Thief, Be More Chill, Allegiance, Gigi. Tour Associate: The Kite Runner, My Fair Lady
DAVID SHEEHAN (CO-SOUND DESIGNER)
David is an actor, director, and sound designer based in Bloomington, IN. For the past decade, David has focused on developing new works. His sound designs have been featured at the Bloomington Playwrights Project, Adirondack Theatre Festival, and Constellation Stage and Screen.
MATTHEW LISH (PROPS DESIGN)
Matthew a NYC-based puppet and prop designer and fabricator. Select credits include “Sesame Street” at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop (Daytime Emmy Contributor Award Winner), Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation (Drama Desk Nomination, Outstanding Puppet Design), Little Shop of Horrors off-Broadway revival, Hamilton National Tour, and Comedy Central shorts. Former Walt Disney Imagineer. www.matthewlish.com
KIMBERLY NEISS (PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER)
Kimberly is excited to continue her work on this slimey production, coming from Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Kimberly has worked on several Regional and World Premier productions with some of her favorites including Burst and Kragtar! The American Monster Musical! Kimberly would like to thank the love of her life, Rob, for encouraging her to always do what makes her happy. She would also like to thank her parents, Cris and Jake, and her family and friends for their continuous support, especially Chad, LDK Productions, Chris, Emma, and Niagara University.
BAIRD ERB (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER)
Baird is thrilled to return to The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers! This will be his NYC debut after both performing and assistant stage managing across Pennsylvania. He is a proud graduate of Temple University and has been loving theater on and offstage since.
CASEY RUSSO (PRODUCTION ASSISTANT)
Casey is excited to join the wonderful Life and Slimes team as she follows her mother’s Double Dare footsteps. As a recent graduate from Penn State, she is eager to pursue her career in acting and entertainment. She is so thankful for the support from friends and family and is grateful for this opportunity.
INTUITIVE PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT (PRODUCGTION MANAGER / ASSOCIATE PRODUCER)
Intuitive is a New York-based theatrical production firm specializing in Off-Broadway, Opera, and Live Events. Off-Broadway: Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (New World Stages); White Rose, Emergence, Eisenhower, Without You (LDK Prods.); The Harriet Holland…Cotillion (New Georges/Movement Theatre); Vanities, Cheek to Cheek, Penelope (York Theatre); Partnership, Becomes A Woman, The Rat Trap, Chains (Mint Theater); Puffs (New World Stages). Founded by Robert Signom III and Scott H. Schneider, Intuitive brings superior production values and personalized support to each performance. intuitiveprodmgmt.com
LDK PRODUCTIONS (GENERAL MANAGER)
LDK is an NYC-based theatrical general management and producing firm founded in 2007. Select recent/upcoming credits: White Rose: The Musical, The Night of the Iguana directed by Emily Mann, Patrick Olson Emergence: Things Are Not As They Seem, Anthony Rapp’s Without You, Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, Little Girl Blue, Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo, Be More Chill, the immersive theatrical adaptation of the film Sideways, A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, A Letter to Harvey Milk. LDKProductions.com
RED RISING (MARKETING / ADVERTISING)
Red Rising develops campaigns for live entertainment and events. Select current/past clients include The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers, Tennessee Williams’s The Night of the Iguana, White Rose, Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo, Anthony Rapp’s Without You, Jersey Boys, Emergence, Love + Science, Little Girl Blue, A Bronx Tale, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Showstoppers! and A Letter to Harvey Milk. 25 years in, Michael Redman has worked on over 400 theatrical projects.
www.redrisingnyc.com
ANDREW DRACHENBERG LLC (DIGITAL / ADVERTISING)
Andy is honored to be joining the Slimes team! As a digital agency for entertainment brands, Andy has worked with over 50 productions and experiences including Anastasia, Anthony Rapp’s Without You, Avatar: The Experience, Blippi The Musical, Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical, Dog Man: The Musical, Elf: The Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, Gazillion Bubble Show, Jurassic World: The Exhibition, The Band’s Visit, Waitress, and more. AndyDrachenberg.com.
JOE TRENTACOSTA / JT PUBLIC RELATIONS ( PUBLICITY / CO-PRODUCER)
Lisa founded the theatrical general management firm LDK Productions in 2007. Current/recent: Anthony Rapp’s Without You, Emergence: Things Are Not As They Seem, The Night of the Iguana, Eisenhower, Little Girl Blue, Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo, Be More Chill, the immersive theatrical adaptation of the film Sideways, A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, A Letter to Harvey Milk. Lisa was the general manager of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Festival of New Musicals for 11 years and was also the founding producing director of the regional theatre Miami New Drama. She is currently the professor of theatre management at the University of Florida. Love to her husband Mark & the 5: Hana, Noah, Maddy, Cole & Emmy.
LISA DOZIER SHACKET (PRODUCER)
Scott recently retired from IU Theatre & Drama, relocated to the Berkshires. Originally from upstate NY, he has degrees in costume design, SUNY Geneseo & SIU. He has designed in southern IN, Indianapolis & Chicago, also providing clothing research & conservation at IU Kinsey Institute. Scott was nominated for a Black Excellence Award for Love Child at Chicago Theatre Co. Twenty plus productions at Bloomington Playwrights Project includes the original Slimes design.
GUY FIERI (CO-PRODUCER)
Chef, restaurateur, and Emmy Award-winning television host Guy Fieri is one of the world’s most recognizable and influential culinary stars. With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he is best known as the Mayor of Flavortown and the face of Food Network favorites Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, and the iconic culinary competition Tournament of Champions. His thriving business empire has grown to include restaurants worldwide, Hunt & Ryde vineyard, Santo tequila, and Knuckle Sandwich cigars.
JEREMY WEIN (CO-PRODUCER)
Recent Broadway-producing credits include Gutenberg! The Musical! and How To Dance In Ohio. He is currently lead producing the world premiere of John Ross Bowie’s Brushstroke at The Odyssey in LA. Previous: Godspell (Broadway), AJ Holmes: Yeah, But Not Right Now (SoHo Playhouse), Kevin McDonald: ALIVE (Theatre Row). He is the artistic director of Play-PerView, which focuses on developing exciting new American plays and musicals. IG: @jeremywein90 Play-PerView.Com.
EXISTENCE MEDIA (CO-PRODUCER)
Founded by longtime content creator (and 90’s Nickelodeon kid) Eric Striffler, champions creativity with innovative projects such as Nyctophobia (2010-2016), Pity Applause (2013-2016), and Pretty Much It (2010-present). Along with business partner A.J. Lebenns, Existence Media couldn’t be more excited to be a part of making this production a reality.
BILL STRONG (CO-PRODUCER)
Bill is a Partner of Anzu Partners, LLC, an investment firm that focuses on industrial and life science technology companies. Bill worked over forty years as an investment banker in New York, London, Chicago and Hong Kong with Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley. Bill has served on the Boards of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Indiana University, and the Navy SEAL Foundation. Most important, Bill and Marc became friends in high school.
DENNIS TRUNFIO (CO-{PRODUCER)
Dennis is a theater lover, investor and Tony Award-nominated producer who helps bring conversation-starting live theatre to audiences. Broadway: Lempicka, An Enemy of the People, Merrily We Roll Along, Alex Edelman: Just For Us, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window (Tony Award nomination). Off-Broadway: Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, Uncle Vanya. West End: Kiss Me, Kate.
KATE AND CASEY OVERBY (CO-PRODUCER)
Kate and Casey are theater lovers, investors (The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window and Harmony) and thrilled to be part of this production. They delight in sharing their love of theater with their two daughters.
MELISSA D’ARABIAN (CO-PRODUCER)
After spending a decade on Food Network, Melissa is a Columbia University MFA Theatre Producing candidate & MBA who finds joy in numbers and in bringing people together. Grateful to join my friend Marc on this story filled with laughs and heart. Special thanks to my husband Philippe and my four daughters. @melissadarabian
MARLENE AND GARY COHEN (ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS)
They have produced/ invested in stage and films worldwide. Broadway: Tony nominated and Olivier award winner Come From Away, Samiot, How to Dance in Ohio, Guttenberg, Tootsie, MB: The Old Man and the Pool, Be More Chill, Ohio State Murders, Thoughts of a Colored Man. Film credits: The Samuel Project, Dumbstruck. Upcoming Broadway: The Wiz, An Enemy of the People. Future Stage: The War of the Roses (London).
JULIANA HANNETT / MARGARET LAZENBY (ASSOCIATE PRODUCER)
Scott recently retired from IU Theatre & Drama, relocated to the Berkshires. Originally from upstate NY, he has degrees in costume design, SUNY Geneseo & SIU. He has designed in southern IN, Indianapolis & Chicago, also providing clothing research & conservation at IU Kinsey Institute. Scott was nominated for a Black Excellence Award for Love Child at Chicago Theatre Co. Twenty plus productions at Bloomington Playwrights Project includes the original Slimes design.
JAMIE deROY (ASSOCIATE PRODUCER)
Tony Awards. Broadway: Harmony. The Shark is Broken, Gutenberg! Merrily We Roll Along, Spamalot, Good Night, Oscar. New York, New York, Grey House. Off-Broadway: The Play That Goes Wrong. Tour: Beetlejuice, Ain’t Too Proud, Mockingbird. London: Ain’t Too Proud, The Old Man & the Pool.
BRIAN J. HECK (ASSOCIATE PRODUCER)
Brian used to run home from school each day to watch “Double Dare” and always wanted to take a turn on The Sundae Slide. He is thrilled to be on the producing team on another LDK production, after co-producing Anthony Rapp’s Without You in 2023. He is a performing arts producer and marketer, and is the marketing director of The Orchestra Now at Bard College.
NEW WORLD STAGES
New World Stages is the renowned performing arts complex in the heart of the theater district, which has served as the home of Tony award-winning, Guinness World record-setting, and Pulitzer Prize-earning shows. Providing world-class entertainment in an intimate environment on the site of the lively Worldwide Plaza. It is made up of five theaters, a public lounge, and an event space dedicated to audience and artist services. New World Stages is owned and operated by the Shubert Organization, Inc., America’s oldest professional theater company. www.NewWorldStages.com.