PRODUCTION TEAM

River von Waldron | Creator

Linc Millard | Creator

Randy Louise | Creator

Emily Wanamaker | Director

Nero Catalano | Music Director

Olivia Berkson | Assistant Music Director

Teayra Bowden | Stage Manager

Gio Coppolla | Assistant Stage Manager

CAST

Kashmir Autumn Reed | Olive 

Amelia Kershon | Nellie

Fern Morehouse | Ghost 1

Skylar Jeffries | Ghost 2 

Anna Caccavaro | Ghost 3 

Francesca Caldwell | Ghost 4

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM

River von Waldron (writer, lyricist, lead composer) (they/them) is a neurodivergent interdisciplinary artist of the acting, writing, composing and visual arts variety. In the rare moment they’re not writing, you can find them designing album covers, restoring typewriters or falling down Wikipedia rabbit holes. Waldron’s previous writing credits include the Ghost Town concept album (Philadelphia Fringe Festival ’21 online), the song “When You Look at Me” in Red & Black (Hatcher & Merrick), and coop: the lesbian chicken play, featured in the Reminder Plays Project. All love goes to their bunny, Fauna, to their family and friends, and to their mentors who guide them. Learn more about River von Waldron at ohitsbetterthisway.com.

Linc Millard (creator) (he/they) is a trans Philadelphia-based actor, musician and circus trainee. While studying Musical Theater at University of the Arts, he helped form the band milkmouth, which ultimately led to helping compose for Ghost Town. Millard is beyond excited to once again be a part of the Polyphone experience and able to share and explore this story and music with everyone. He sends all his love to his dog, Neville, without whom nothing would be possible.

Randy Louise (Creator)(they/them) Randy Louise is a singer, songwriter, and producer from South Jersey.

Emily Wanamaker (director) (she/they) is a Philadelphia-based director, playwright, dramaturg, producer and arts administrator. She is a passionate #insulin4all and disability rights advocate. Her previous work includes Ghost Town: The Musical - A Concept Album (director/producer, Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2022); O(rest)eia (director/playwright, UArts, 2018); This is a Play About Buttons (Philadelphia Fringe Festival, 2018); and The Kite, Tortoise Vs. Hare 2: This Time It’s Personal!, and The Pinch and Penny Show (stage manager, Please Touch Museum, 2019–2020). She is the development associate at the Wilma Theater.

Nero Catalano (music director) (he/him) has regional credits that include Love Story (Walnut Street); Once, Ragtime, Tulipomania, Flea and the Professor (Arden); Bridges of Madison County (PTC); Personality, A Christmas Carol (People’s Light); Minors (Lantern); and Because of Winn-Dixie, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Sign of the Times (DTC).Catalano is on the faculty at Settlement Music School and was music director of the School of Rock during its formative years. He also plays bass for Work Drugs and is releasing a new album, Doors Open, this spring. 

Olivia Berkson (Assistant Music Director)(she/her) is a Junior Musical Theatre major. Past UArts Credits include Buried (Co Composer and Assistant Music Director), Kill the Whale (Flask), Myths and Hymns (Writer and Ensemble) and A Little Death (Composer). Thank you to Maggie-Kate for thinking of her for the position and to Gio, Teayra and Hayden for being so great to work with!

Teayra Bowden (Stage Manager)(she/her) Teayra is a Sophmore Directing, Playwriting, Production major. Some past production credits include “I Want A Country”, “Look Up Canyon”, “Men On Boats”, “Norton I” and “Find Myself Here”. She would like to thank the rest of the amazing team that made this show come together! 

Gio Coppolla (assistant stage manager) (he/him) is assistant stage manager for Norton I and Ghost Town. This is his first UArts credit, as well as his first time being an assistant stage manager. Coppolla has a lot of theater experience as an actor and a lighting designer. He would like to thank his family, friends and the entire Polyphone team for their endless support.

ABOUT THE CAST 

Kashmir Autumn Reed (Olive) (she/her) is a theater artist and singer originally from Colorado who now lives in Philly and is about to graduate with her BFA. Her favorite theatrical credits include Anita in West Side Story, Miss I in Promenade and Elizabeth in See About the Girls. Kashmir is so happy to be back working on this wonderful show with such an amazing group, and she would like to thank her family and friends for all their support. 

Amelia Kershon (Nellie) (she/they) is a first-year Musical Theater major. This is their first show with UArts. Some of their past credits include Rent School Edition (UnCO), Late (Berklee Intensive) and Legally Blonde (UnCO). 

Fern Morehouse (Ghost 1) (they/he) is a first-year Musical Theater major. Their past credits include Chicago (WHS), Mamma Mia (WHS) and Working (WHS).

Skylar Jeffries (Ghost 2) (she/her) is so excited to be a part of the Polyphone Festival for a second time. Her past UArts credits include Bring the Beat Back. Jeffries’ regional credits include Ragtime, The Music Man, and  August: Osage County, The Children's Hour (FSSA), Rent, Hair and The Who's Tommy (CAP). Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Joey and Morgan. Learn more about Skylar Jeffries on Instagram at @skyymish.

Anna Caccavaro (Ghost 3) (she/her) is a senior Musical Theater major. Her past UArts credits include Buried, Kill the Whale, Red & Black, and Bring the Beat Back. Caccavaro is beyond grateful to have been a part of her last Polyphone here at UArts! Love to all her incredible friends and family.

Francesca Caldwell (Ghost 4)(she/her) is a Junior Musical Theater major. Past UArts credits include Red and Black, and La Vida Luka. Thanks to the Ghost Town team for the opportunity to be part of such a challenging and artistically fulfilling piece.