Meet The Artists of San Jose Playhouse

Jim created the role of Lyle in the Broadway production of Footloose, while understudying Ren/Chuck. Leaving the 80s, he moved to the 70s and joined the Broadway Company of Saturday Night Fever. Jim traveled the USA, Canada, and Japan with the 1st National tours of The Producers (Sabu) and Saturday Night Fever (Bobbi C). Other tours include Munkustrap in Cats and Bouly in Damn Yankees. Jim had the privilege to perform at the La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy in their Production of West Side Story (Riff). Jim’s favorite Bay Area productions include People in the Picture (Krinsky) and Sondheim on Sondheim for San Jose Playhouse, White Christmas (Phil Davis), Mary Poppins (Bert), and Sister Act (Eddie). He is also an accomplished Cabaret performer who can be seen throughout the Bay Area year round. 

Jackson has worked with the Guggenheims on many occasions over the last decade, originating the role of Charlie in Thanks For Playing: The Game Show Show and twice touring with their MeshugaNutcracker! musical. He was seen as Reverend in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Bellomy in The Fantasticks. He has worked as a professional actor throughout the Bay Area with ACT, TheatreWorks, San Jose Rep, Marin Theater, The Magic, Aurora, The Ashby Stage, Livermore Shakespeare, The Marsh, and Pacific Rep, among others, in a variety of comedies, dramas, musicals, and classical work, including numerous world premieres. Upcoming roles for San Jose Playhouse include the Narrator in Into the Woods, Charlie in Gameshow, and Mulcahy in A Stature for Ballybunion.

Julie has been designing for the theatre for over 35 years. She earned her BA from the University of California, Davis and her MFA from Ohio State University. Her work has been seen on stages coast to coast including designs for the Folger Consort in Washington D.C., Opera San Jose, and TheatreWorks SV. For Guggenheim Entertainment and San Jose Playhouse, Julie has designed sets and/or costumes for SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, THE MESHUGANUTCRACKER!, SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL, SISTERS OF SWING: THE STORY OF THE ANDREWS SISTERS, XANADU, THE FANTASTICKS, YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN, DISENCHANTED!, and NINE. She has taught at Mount Holyoke, UCSC, UNLV, Stanford, West Valley College and currently teaches at Foothill College. San Jose Playhouse thanks Julie for all her time and creativity she brings the company with her design and love for the theatre.

Jerald is currently an Associate Professor and Resident Scenic Designer at Santa Clara University. He has served as Chairmen of the Department of Theatre and Dance and was the Founding Director of the Center of Performing Arts. Jerald is a California native, born in San Jose and educated at CSUH, followed by graduate studies at UCLA in 1984. His most notable design work has been with Robert Wilson’s King Lear, the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival, the 1988 Papal Visit of John Paul II and at Santa Clara University the visit of His Holiness the Dali Lama in 2014.  Jerald also has an active design career in regional theatre and enjoys every opportunity to work as a Scenic Artist as a member of United Scenic Arts 829.

Amanda is an equity actor with a soft spot for Sondheim, Shakespeare, devised work, and tap dancing. And memes. She trained with PCPA Conservatory and was inspired to pursue theatre by UK productions she saw while studying abroad and by her theological studies! She’s worked for such companies as Shotgun players, SF Playhouse, Broadway by the Bay, and CustomMade Theatre. Favorite roles include Lil Bit in How I Learned to Drive, Natasha in Kill the Debbie Downers, and Kathy in Singing in the Rain. She is delighted to join this genuinely kind and talented creative team! Amanda has joined San Jose Playhouse as a Company Member and will be seen in Schoolhouse Rock Live and as Cinderella in Into the Woods. www.amandafarbstein.com

Recipient of the Award for Excellence in Theatre for Youth and Development of New Audiences by the American Theatre Wing (giver of the coveted Tony award), Scott is an accomplished producer, director, playwright, educator, and theatre administrator having created award-winning and nationally recognized works for regional, non-profit, and commercial theatre companies and educational institutions. A graduate of Santa Clara University, Scott spent the 80s and 90s serving at the helm of two professional educational theatre companies where his quality programming for youth and families reached over a half million guests. Before launching 3Below and directing its premiere productions SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM and THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, Scott created The Retro Dome with his wife and his brother where he produced and directed such musicals as SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL, SISTERS OF SWING, THE FANTASTICKS, XANADU, and YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. His Chanukah musical, THE MESHUGANUTCRACKER!, was screened in over 400 cinemas nationwide with Fathom Events and can be seen on BroadwayHD. For San Jose Playhouse, Scott directed and produced the U.S. Premiere of A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN and the West Coast premier of THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE as well as NINE, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, and WHO’S HOLIDAY! Scott also serves as programmer for the hundreds of films and events presented each year at 3Below. He fills free time with his favorite job of all, caring for his two daughters and two puppies. He is beyond thankful for his parents, brother, and wife and their commitment to helping make 3Below and San Jose Playhouse a place where everyone can belong.

Shannon has enjoyed an ongoing career as an actor, producer, choreographer, playwright, librettist, emcee, educator, graphic designer, and theatre administrator. Early on, she worked for local and regional theatres as a leading actress before joining a touring company to entertain audiences throughout the West Coast through the 90s. In 2009, Shannon and her colleagues opened The Retro Dome, a 60s themed performing arts center that inspired the programming now offered at San Jose Playhouse and 3Below. An award-winning actress and playwright, she is also the co-creator and original performer of numerous one-act and full-length musicals including the critically-acclaimed THANKS FOR PLAYING…THE GAME SHOW SHOW! (a role she will re-create this coming year) and THE MESHUGANUTCRACKER which was seen in over 400 cinemas nationwide when it premiered with Fathom Events. Favorite roles include Patty Andrews in SISTERS OF SWING: THE STORY OF THE ANDREWS SISTERS, Calliope in XANADU, Red Girl in SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL, The Little Mermaid/Belle/Rapunzel in DISENCHANTED!, as a vocalist in the U.S. Premiere of A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN, and as Cindy Lou Who in WHO’S HOLIDAY, a one-woman parody of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” 

Stephen’s career has taken him to most of the major opera houses and concert halls throughout the world. His career highlights include singing the roles of Tito in LA CLEMENZA DI TITO and Edgardo in LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR with the San Francisco Opera, Don Jose in CARMEN with L’Opera de Lyon and on tour to Guam and Japan with the San Francisco Opera and Rodolfo in LA BOHEME with the San Francisco Opera in Japan. Stephen originated the title role in Thea Musgrave’s SIMON BOLÍVAR with Virginia Opera as well as at Royal Albert Hall in London for the BBC Proms with the BBC Scottish Symphony. In 2014, Stephen made his Carnegie Hall debut singing Stephen Paulus’ TO BE CERTAIN OF THE DAWN. Most recently, Stephen sang three solo recitals for the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina.  Other engagements have included singing the roles of Canio in I PAGLIACCI; Il Duca in RIGOLETTO, Gustavo in UN BALLO IN MASCHERA and the title roles in WERTHER, DON CARLOS and LES CONTES D’HOFFMANN, among many others. He is a private voice teacher and is Guggenheim Entertainment’s Resident Musical Director. Most recently, Stephen musical directed and performed in San Jose Playhouse’s THE FANTASTICKS, NINE, SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, and A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN. He was seen in over 400 cinemas nationwide when THE MESHUGANUTCRACKER!, the musical he co-wrote and musical directed, premiered with Fathom Events; catch the show on BroadwayHD. Stephen will be seen this coming season as Cinderella’s Prince in INTO THE WOODS, Bill Todson in THANKS FOR PLAYING!, and a George in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.

Susan began singing, dancing, and acting on the stage of her parents’ Greek restaurant in Los Altos, California as a child. After graduating from Santa Clara University with a degree in Theatre Arts, her acting career began with San Jose Repertory Theatre and her opera career with Opera San Jose. Consistently praised for her consummate vocal talent and stage presence across the United States and abroad, her notable roles include Lucia di Lammermoore, Madama Butterfly, Violetta in La Traviata, Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera, Raisel/Bubbe in The People in the Picture, Esther in The MeshugaNutcracker and Luisa in Nine. This season Susan, a Company Member, will be seen as the Witch in Into the Woods, Helen Hart in Gameshow, and as Hannah in A Statue for Ballybunion. For more information visit www.susangundunas.com

Jeremy is thrilled to be back onstage at 3Below after appearing in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Sondheim on Sondheim in 2018. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in vocal performance. Some of his favorite roles include Velvel in The MeshugaNutcracker! (San Jose Playhouse), Sparky in Forever Plaid (Broadway by the Bay), Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Napa Valley Playhouse) and Papa Bambo in the national tour of Strega Nona (Bay Area Children’s Theatre). Jeremy is currently a private voice teacher at the J&S Performing Arts Center in Vacaville.

A recently returned California native, Jon designed and engineered sound for NINE, WHO’S HOLIDAY!, and THE FANTASTICKS and will serve as San Jose Playhouse’s Resident Sound Designer for 2021 and 2022 seasons. Previously he has worked as a sound designer and operator for several theatre companies in the Bay Area including Diablo Light Opera Company, Stars 2000, CCMT, CCCMT, and PPF. Jon also works as a studio and post-production engineer. He will serve as San Jose Playhouse’s Production and Theater Manager.

Nick is a character actor of long and rich experience. He is thrilled to return to San Jose Playhouse last seen as Linus in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Local audiences have seen Nick in productions of Emma, The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue, A Little Night Music, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Other regional work includes: Next to Normal, Children of Eden, Candide, Ragtime, The King and I, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Me and My Girl, The Producers, and La Cage aux Folles.

Chela returned to her role as Stage Manager for San Jose Playhouse’s SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM after a 20-year hiatus from theatre. She went on to stage manage San Jose Playhouse’s productions of THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, and NINE. Her previous roles in theatre include Director of Audience Services for San Jose Repertory Theatre, Production Stage Manager for GE’s SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, General Manager for ODAAT Productions, San Francisco, Production Stage Manager for the critically acclaimed murder mystery comedy BAR NONE, writer for the ODAAT Productions’ live game show QUIZ BANG!, and General Manager for El Teatro de la Esperanza, San Francisco. She has a degree in theatre history from Reed College and a Master’s in drama from San Francisco State University.

Benjamin returns to San Jose Playhouse, having appeared in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Chairman) and The MeshugaNutcracker! (Rabbi Motke) in San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles productions. Recent credits include 110 in the Shade (Joe Copeland) at 42nd Street Moon; Rags at TheatreWorks (Mikhel/Irish Tenor); 1776 (John Adams) and The Music Man (Marcellus, Shellie Award winner) at Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Additional credits include The Wiz (Lion) and Seussical (Horton) at Berkeley Playhouse; All Shook Up (Dennis) and Lucky Stiff (Vinnie) at CenterREPertory Company; and 1776 at American Conservatory Theatre (Joseph Hewes). Benjamin has numerous film, web-spot, commercial, and voiceover credits, is a recipient of Theatre Bay Area’s 2010 TITAN Award, and received a BA in Theatre Arts from Brandeis University with Highest Honors. He performs this season “in loving memory of Mom, my first teacher”.

San Jose Playhouse welcomes Aviva as a Company Member. This season Aviva will be seen in Schoolhouse Rock Live! and as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods.  An award-winning actor, singer, clown, calligrapher, and medical educator, some of Aviva’s favorite credits include: Rudolph the Musical (National Tour and Madison Square Garden productions), Amos & Boris (South Coast Repertory), House of Dreams (Craig Noel Nomination, San Diego Repertory), Pirates of Penzance (Sacramento Theatre Company), and Astro Boy and the God of Comics (LA Drama Critics Circle Award, Sacred Fools). Aviva’s earned rave reviews for her one woman show DEADLIFT and toured internationally with Amazon Prime for the show Good Omens. Her voice can be heard in animes, commercials, and even in toys you might have at home.

Bob is a freelance designer and project manager in the Bay Area. Recent productions include The Little Mermaid for Stage Kids CA and High School Musical, Jr. for The King’s Academy. Previously he worked on productions at San Jose Rep, TheatreWorks and spent nine years with Opera San Jose. For The Retro Dome he designed the lighting for The Fantasticks, Santastic!, The MeshugaNutcracker!, Xanadu, Shout The Mod Musical, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Becoming Britney; as well as assisted in the redevelopment of the venue. In his off hours, Bob enjoys spending time with his son boating and building things. 

Nicole is thrilled to be back onstage and in person! A proud graduate of Santa Clara University and a Bay Area native, Nicole has been blessed to work with such regional theaters as AMTSJ, TheatreWorks, Magic Theatre, and Woodminster Theater. Select stage credits include: Liat in SOUTH PACIFIC, Mimi in MISS SAIGON, Linda Low in FLOWER DRUM SONG, PACIFIC OVERTURES, Paquette in CANDIDE, Cordelia in FALSETTOLAND, and Rosie in MADAME HO. Recent commercial work includes Stanford Children’s Health and Marzetti Salad Dressing. Up next she will serve as Assistant Director/Choreographer for ALLEGIANCE for Palo Alto Players. For Kalana and Jason – love you more. IG: @Nicole__Tung

Krista is thrilled to be performing again with San Jose Playhouse where in past seasons she played the roles of Mamma Maddalena/Saraghina in NINE, Yetta in THE MESHUGANUTCRACKER!, Chayesel/Dobrisch in THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, Hucklebee in THE FANTASTICKS, and Princess Puffer in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD. Other companies with which she has performed are Cinnabar, Woodminster, Opera Parallele, Brava Opera, Pocket Opera, Livermore Opera, Festival Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, among others. Other recent roles include: Jack’s Mother in INTO THE WOODS (a role she will play in San Jose PLayhouse’s 2021 production), Grandma in BILLY ELLIOT, Rosie in MAMMA MIA!, Berta in THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, Miss Jessel in THE TURN OF THE SCREW, Soprano/Jazz Trio in TROUBLE IN TAHITI, Cleo in THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, and Carlotta in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in San Francisco and Las Vegas. She is a private voice teacher and an instructor at A.C.T. Krista will be joining San Jose Playhouse as The Academy Director. She will also be seen this season as Betty Gold in THANKS FOR PLAYING! Krista would like to thank her partner, Joe Meyers, for his endless love and support. 

Nanci’s theatrical career started 30 years ago when she was a partner in a downtown marketing firm whose client roster included American Musical Theatre, San Jose Rep, Montalvo Center for the Arts, the San Jose Symphony, and SAP Center, to name just a few.  After leaving the agency, she spent 6 years as the general manager of Broadway San Jose, where she presented more than 50 touring Broadway shows at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts to many sold out houses. She is proud to have doubled the number of subscribers during her tenure.  In 2018 she co-founded LivenUp, a 501c3 created to raise money to bring low income students to see live theatre.  She has been a “3-Believer” since we opened our doors, and is excited to join the staff and help San Jose Playhouse become the South Bay’s preeminent presenter/producer of quality musicals.