Director's Note
"In the fall of 2019, I said yes to directing Head Over Heels. I didn't know much about the show and I'd never directed before, but something felt right about saying yes. Little did we know that the world was on the verge of massive upheaval. We were all forced to change, forced to adapt, and forced to find new ways of being. I didn't allow myself to delve into the show for over a year. One day, I picked up the script and I started to read. I was gobsmacked. The story that played out before me was a direct reflection of where we were and where we are. The show is set in Arcadia; an idyllic society that's steady in their ways. They have their 'beat.' It's their essence, it defines them, and it's the embodiment of their way of life that's stayed the same for generations. It's a steady, binary world of black and white. When the loss of their beat is foretold, they go on a quest to save it. And in the midst of their journey to save the essence of who they are, they find a better way of being. As a queer artist, it warms my heart to put on a show that celebrates the many facets of love and expression. This show features the music of The Go-Go's, the most successful female rock band of all time. They continue to be pioneers of music and bastions of inclusivity. I wanted to infuse some of their flavor into our Arcadia. You'll find the colors, patterns, and energy of the New Wave movement throughout this show. I also wanted to acknowledge a titan of the queer community from that era: Keith Haring. Our set is an homage to him and the many LGBT+ people who led the way in changing how we love and how we live. At its heart, Head Over Heels is a fabulous celebration of love and inclusivity. It's exactly what the world needs right now and we're so glad to share it. Enjoy the show."
- Hardy Weaver
Creative Team
Director: Hardy Weaver
Original concept: Jeff Whitty
Adapted by: James Magruder
Scene Design: David Raphel
Lighting Design: Duncan Becker
Sound Design: Kaelyn Bailey
Costume Design: Kaci Thomassie
Assistant Costume Design: Roger Bouche
Hair and Makeup Design: Chloe Dehon
Assistant Hair and Makeup: Justice Mosley
Props Design: Rylie Bute
Choreographer: Jaune Buisson
Music and Vocal Director: Flo Presti
Assistant Music and Vocal Director: Melissa Marshall
Cast
Mopsa: Isabella Arnett
Pamela: Kaelyn Turkmany
Philoclea: Jenevieve Bougeois
Gynecia: Gabriella Santalla
Musidorus: Zane Orzo Syjansky
Pythio: Steven Pendleton
Basilius: Ti Zampino
Dametas: Vivian Bulleit
Ensemble: Katy Cotten, Illeana Yanez-Pastor, Haley Sliker, Riley Hobbs, Jennifer Lepore, Nathon Long, Vidal Amador-Flores III, Mariola Chalas, Nicole Cardelli, Anna Dupré, Gabrielle Garcia, Maggie Jaunet, Yalani Warren
Management & Production Team
Stage Manager: Gabriela Lopez Ruiz
Assistant Stage Managers: Marin Trepagnier, Sage Martin
Producer: Noelle Timberlake
Department Chair: C. Patrick Gendusa
Artistic Director: Salvatore Mannino
Company Biographies
Isabella Arnett (Mopsa) is a sophomore Musical Theatre major at Loyola. This is her first production in the Theatre Arts Department, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to make her college debut in Head Over Heels. Past credits include Ashes at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the high school pilots of Newsies and Matilda: The Musical, Nancy in Oliver, Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, and Dainty June in Gypsy. Isabella would like to thank her mother and her dog, Tino, for all their love throughout the years, as well as Hardy and the creative team for all the work put into this show.
Kaelyn Turkmany (Pamela) is a Loyola first year from Los Angeles, California. She is so excited to be working on her second show at Loyola and to make her stage debut in New Orleans. Her previous shows include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa), Museum (Chloe Trapp), and Urinetown (Josephine Strong). Kaelyn is so grateful to be a part of this production and thanks the entire team for making this amazing show possible. She hopes you enjoy!
Jenevieve Bourgeois (Philoclea) is thrilled to be performing in her first production at Loyola University New Orleans. She is currently a sophomore pursuing a BA in Musical Theatre. Her favorite recent credits include Miss Scarlet in Clue: On Stage, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale in Once Upon a Mattress, and Little Red Ridinghood in Into the Woods. Jenevieve would like to thank the director and all contributors of this project for such a wonderful opportunity!
Gabriella Santalla (Gynecia) is a Cuban-American actress from New Jersey. She is a sophomore at Loyola and is thrilled to be cast in her third show and first musical in the department. Some of her past credits include Intimate Apparel (Mrs. Van Buren) Theatre For One (Lizzy!) Fefu & Her Friends (Paula), The Fantasticks (Luisa), Chicago (Roxie Hart) and Little Women (Jo March). Gabriella is so honored to be working with such an incredible team on Head Over Heels and sends all her love to every single person who made this show possible!
Zane Ozro Syjansky (Musidorus), a sophomore Musical Theatre student at Loyola, is exhilarated to be in this production of Head Over Heels. Zane wants to give a huge thank you to Hardy for the opportunity. Most recently Zane has participated in Theatre for One, All In A Day’s Work, and has done multiple cabarets for his voice studio. He hopes to continue to participate in Loyola’s future productions and grow as an artist and a person.
Steven Pendleton (Pythio) is a second year student at Loyola and is beyond grateful to be working on Head Over Heels for the second time in his seven years on stage (and counting!). Playing Pythio has been one of their greatest joys in life; not only as a theatre maker but also as a queer person. A special and sincere love goes out to every LGBTQ audience member getting ready to watch this show's madness unfold. Head Over Heels is a wild ride, sure, but Steven is infinitely blessed to be riding once more. He would like to thank Hardy, Sal, Kaci, and all of his peers for walking this winding road of theatre alongside him.
Ti Zampino (Basilius) is a junior Theatre Arts major in the Loyola Theatre Arts Department. They have been involved in the production of many TAD performances, namely Romeo and Juliet, Theatre For One, and Fefu and Her Friends. He was also an understudy and ensemble member of Cabaret back in 2020. In high school, they performed in eight shows in their theatre department and are extremely excited to be performing once again after a long break due to the pandemic.
Senior Vivian Bulleit (Dametas) is thrilled to return to Loyola with a resumé of stage roles in 42nd Street, the American premiere of Charge, and the high school debut of Newsies. Her roles in Loyola TAD productions include Cabaret, Pygmalion, Theatre For One, and You Can’t Take It With You. Vivian has also proudly served with the Teen Council at Actors Theatre, Louisville and as a student theatre teacher.
Gabrielle Garcia (ensemble) is ecstatic to be a part of the cast of Head Over Heels! At Loyola, she has been a part of previous productions including Cabaret (Frenchie/Kit Kat Girl), Romeo and Juliet (Lady Capulet), and Pygmalion, as well as a costume designer for Fefu and Her Friends and a crew member for Violet and Stop Kiss. Gabrielle Garcia is grateful for theatre during times like these and would like to thank the directors, cast, and crew for this opportunity.
Illeana Yanez-Pastor (ensemble/Pamela understudy) is a third year Musical Theatre major with a minor in Spanish at Loyola University New Orleans. This is her first musical at Loyola and third performance opportunity. In her second year, she was involved in two senior projects; Fefu And Her Friends (Emma) and Rabinal Achi (Ixoq Mun). Some of her previous roles outside of Loyola were in A Chorus Line (Bebe), Heathers (Martha), and Twelfth Night (Viola). She has also worked on costumes for the Loyola productions of Cadillac Crew (Assistant Costume Designer) and All In A Day's Work (Costume Designer). She is thrilled to be a part of such an amazing company and help tell this wonderful story.
Haley Sliker (ensemble/Philoclea understudy) is a senior Musical Theatre major and has been active in theatre since the age of five. She has been in numerous shows in the Gulf Coast area and has been grateful for the opportunity to continue her love for theatre at Loyola over the last four years. Past Loyola productions include Violet (Assistant Lighting Designer), Cadillac Crew (Assistant Lighting Designer), Intimate Apparel (Lighting Designer), and Theatre for One (The Drifter). She would like to thank her professors and wonderful parents for their constant support and encouragement.
Riley Hobbs(ensemble/Gynecia understudy) is extremely excited to be in her first musical production at Loyola University New Orleans. She is a first year pursuing a BA in Theatre Arts with Musical Theatre. At Loyola, she had the opportunity to perform in All in a Day’s Work last semester, directed by Justin Prescott. Her other previous performances include The Little Mermaid (Ariel), for which she received the “Encore Rising Star Award,” as well as Crazy For You (Tess), Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl), Bring It On (Ensemble), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Dancer). Riley would like to thank all of the directors for this incredible experience.
Jennifer Lepore(ensemble/Musidores understudy) is in her last semester at the Loyola Theatre Department as a Theatre Arts with Musical Theatre major. In past Loyola productions, she has played Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, a Kit Kat Girl in Cabaret, and worked on Justin Prescott's devised piece All in a Day's Work. This will be her final production at Loyola, and she would like to thank the cast and crew for this wonderful experience.
Nicole Cardelli (ensemble), more commonly known as Nico, is a Mexican-American fourth year Musical Theatre major who is incredibly excited to be a part of the ensemble of Head Over Heels. This is their fifth production at Loyola including Violet, Romeo and Juliet, Cabaret, and Kharissa Newbill’s senior project Fefu and Her Friends. She was also a part of the stage management team for Pygmalion during her first year of college. She is beyond ecstatic to be part of such an amazing cast and crew and can’t wait for everyone to witness such an amazing production.
Mariola Chalas (ensemble/Dametas understudy) is a Puerto Rican performer based in New Orleans. She is currently in her last year of college, and Head Over Heels is her last Loyola TAD production. Some of her past productions include Beauty and The Beast (Cogsworth), Phantom of The Opera (Carlotta), Cabaret (Kit Kat Girl), Fefu and Her Friends (Cindy), and Theatre for One (Lizzy!). Mariola is beyond grateful to be part of such a wonderful and exciting production like Head Over Heels. Working with such a great group of people has brought her a lot of joy, and she will cherish each moment of it. Mariola wants to personally thank her family and friends for all of the unconditional love and support they have always given her throughout this journey!
Katy Cotten (ensemble/Mopsa understudy) is so excited to be a part of this wonderful show! They have recently been seen as Olive Ostrovsky in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Natalie Goodman in Next to Normal. Katy has been playing the cello for ten years and is a first year student currently studying Music Therapy and Musical Theatre here at Loyola. They want to thank Hardy, the cast, and the entire production team for such an amazing first show at Loyola!
Anna Dupré (ensemble) is a first year student in the Theatre Arts Department and is very excited to perform in her first Loyola production! Previous roles of hers include Jane Banks in Mary Poppins, Miss Adelaide in Guys & Dolls, and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. She would like to extend her gratitude to her professors, along with her family and friends, for their unwavering love and support.
Yalani Warren (ensemble) is unbelievably honored to be a part of Head Over Heels, an amazing and colorful musical. She is a first year Theater Arts major. Yalani was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and moved to Dallas, Texas when she was twelve. While in Dallas, she went to a magnet high school where she studied fashion design and first realized her dream in acting. She was cast in numerous shows including The Wiz as Dorothy and Sister Act: A Divine Musical as Sister Mary Robert. Yalani was made Vice President and later President of her high school's theatre department. She won many awards including Best Performer in a One Act Play, Best Playwright, and Best Director. Yalani is grateful for her family and friends and their unwavering support of her. Yalani would also like to dedicate her performance to her grandma, Patricia Augustus, who would be proud of where she is and where she will go.
Hardy Weaver (director) spent over a decade performing on Broadway and across the country in national tours and regional theatre. Four years ago, he quit his job performing on Broadway and went to live in the Patagonian wilderness, learning how to be self-sufficient in nature. He then went to live and study in the foothills of the Himalayas, where he learned how to teach Vedic Meditation. He now resides in New Orleans and travels around the country, teaching folks how to be less stressed. Having joined the crew at Loyola, it's been his true pleasure merging his old passion of theatre with his new passion of self care.
Award-winning choreographer Jauné Buisson’s most recent works include critically acclaimed productions of Cabaret for Loyola University, Something Rotten at Le Petit Theatre, She Loves Me for Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre, and White Christmas at the Jefferson Performing Arts Society. Choreography credits at Tulane Summer Lyric include productions of Ragtime, Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Once Upon a Mattress, Hello, Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof, Bernstein at 100, and Pirates of Penzance. At the Jefferson Performing Arts Society, she has choreographed Peter Pan, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Smokey Joe's Cafe. Select onstage credits include Gypsy (Tessie Tura), A Chorus Line (Cassie - Big Easy Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Newsies, Kiss Me, Kate (Lois/Bianca), Chicago (Roxie), Curtains (Nikki), and Cinderella (Cinderella). Ms. Buisson also serves as the Artistic Director of the Metropolitan Dance Theatre of New Orleans.
Flo E. Presti (Music and Vocal Director) started her career at the early age of 15, assuming the position of Musical and Vocal Director for a teenage workshop production of My Fair Lady at the NORD Theatre Commission. Since that beginning, she has been involved in over sixty theatrical productions as Musical and Vocal Director at theaters in New Orleans, New York, New Jersey, Long Island, San Antonio, and Los Angeles. Serving as an instructor of Musical Theatre Voice at Loyola, Ms. Presti also maintains a private studio of more than thirty students, coaches local performers for roles in musical theatre productions, and prepares high school students for vocal competitions and university auditions. Her teaching promotes a great knowledge of musical theatre repertoire, as well as the performance of musical theatre with a classical voice foundation. Ms. Presti holds a Bachelor of Music Education with a double major in Piano and Voice with an emphasis on Choral Conducting from Loyola University New Orleans.
New Orleans native Melissa Marshall (Assistant Music and Vocal Director) is an instructor of Musical Theatre Voice at Loyola University New Orleans, as well as a versatile actress, singer, and scholar of international recognition. She received her bachelor’s degree in Music Performance and Drama here at Loyola’s College of Music, then obtained her master’s degree in Music and a Postgraduate degree in Voice from the Mannes School of Music at the New School. Melissa also holds an Artist’s Diploma from l’Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Known for her supportive approach to musical and vocal training, Melissa is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. In her first years here at Loyola, she has proven to be a knowledgeable, creative, and resourceful professor by developing healthy vocal technique with her students and encouraging the growth of their performance abilities.
Duncan Becker (Lighting Design) is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and a graduate of Tulane University's Department of Theatre and Dance. He has served as TAD’s Technical Director since 2018. Before Loyola, he toured North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia as Stage Manager for the Leon Bridges Good Thing Tour. Previously, he served as the Lighting Director for the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, Stage Supervisor for Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado, and as Assistant Technical Director and Props Master for Southern Rep. He has also worked in various capacities with many theatre companies in town including The NOLA Project, Le Petit, Tulane Summer Lyric, and The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival.
Kaci Thomassie (Costume Design) is a New Orleans native costume designer and stylist. She is an ensemble member with Goat in the Road Productions (2017), and she won the 2018 Best Costume Design Big Easy Award for her co-design of The NOLA Project's The Three Musketeers. Additionally, Kaci has costumed locally for Southern Rep, Tulane Summer Lyric, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, Melange Dance Company, and Lusher Charter School. Nationally, she has worked at Barnard College, the prestigious Stage Door Manor, where she costumed several large-scale musicals, and interned in the fast-paced environment of Martin Izquierdo's costume production company in NYC. She holds a degree in Theatre and Dance from Samford University.
Roger Bouche (Assistant Costume Design) is a third year student in the Loyola Theatre Arts department. This is his first time working on the costume design team, and he has enjoyed collaborating with the entire cast and crew. His previous credits include lighting designer for All in a Day's Work and assistant stage manager for You Can't Take It With You, both here at Loyola. He hopes you enjoy the show.
Gabriela Lopez Ruiz (Stage Manager) is a senior at Loyola University pursuing her degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She is very excited to be stage managing her first musical, since the last musical she did was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her past credits include working as a stage manager intern with the New Orleans Opera Association, assistant stage managing Stop Kiss here at Loyola, and being a part of Tulane University's virtual play festivals in 2021. She would like to thank Sal, Hardy, and Patrick for their support in everything she does and for trusting her with this piece.
Sage Martin (Assistant Stage Manager) is so thankful to be a part of this production, especially since they’re doing something they've never done before. Sage has been acting and singing since high school but has never had the opportunity to explore the technical side of theatre. Thanks to the wonderful director and crew, they were able to experience something completely new and wonderful. This cast is so wonderful and has put so much work and effort into this production. It was their honor to be a part of this process. Enjoy the show!
Marin Trepagnier (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Sophomore from New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a Theatre Arts major with a double minor in Business Administration and Catholic Studies. She is super excited to be the Assistant Stage Manager for Head Over Heels. Her recent credits include Intimate Apparel (Stage Manager), Cadillac Crew (Assistant Stage Manager), and Fefu And Her Friends (Stage Manager). Marin has been stage managing for the past six years, and she owes much of her experience to the Dionysians at Brother Martin, where she was also the first female elected Technical Director. Marin is super grateful for this experience and would like to thank Hardy and Sal for this opportunity. Marin would also like to thank her family and friends for their constant support throughout the years. Geaux Wolfpack!
David Raphel (Scenic Designer), recipient of the Big Easy Set Designer Lifetime Achievement Award, has designed for many companies in New Orleans including Southern Repertory, Le Petit Theatre, Rivertown Theaters, Tulane Shakespeare, the Contemporary Arts Center, JPAS, New Orleans Ballet, and Tulane Summer Lyric. David attended the Studio and Forum of Stage Design in New York and consequently designed for the Irish Arts Center and the Irish Repertory Theatre for eight years before remaking New Orleans his permanent home.
Chloe Dehon (Hair and Makeup) is a Theatre Arts major at Loyola and is so excited to be designing hair and makeup for Head Over Heels! Previously, Chloe has done hair and makeup for shows such as Footloose, Dracula, and Beauty and The Beast. Chloe would like to thank Kaci, Sal, Duncan, and Hardy for this amazing opportunity, as well as the entire company for being so wonderful to work with. Chloe is also grateful to her family and friends for being so supportive and encouraging.
Kaelyn Bailey (Sound Design) is a sophomore, and this is her first production working as a sound designer. Last semester, she was one of the Assistant Stage Managers for Intimate Apparel. Kaelyn is also working this semester as the Assistant Costume Designer for the devised ensemble project. She would like to thank Hardy, Kaci, and Sal for their encouragement and support. She would also like to thank all of the cast and crew.
Rylie Bute (Props Designer) is a sophomore Theatre Arts major with a focus on technical theatre. Last semester, she was one of the Assistant Stage Managers for the production of Intimate Apparel. She is excited to be working as a props designer for the first time on Head Over Heels. She would like to thank everyone involved in the show for making it a fun experience. Break legs, everyone!
Next in our 2021/2022 Season
WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU; or EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING
This original ensemble-driven theater project is created in collaboration with the ensemble. This group of artists have collectively created a performance that explores the themes of identity, and how one's individuality incorporates into, and helps define community. Directed by Dr. Helen Jaksch.
Special Thanks
Baylee Robertson
Dean Kern Maass
Jeff Albert
John Guarnieri
Jorinda Junius
Kelly Cuppett
Kyle Encar
Patricia Murret
Sebastian Phillips
Sofia Riggio
Sophie Marshall