Breaking Up is Hard to Do
Musical Comedy
August 9 - August 31, 2024
Featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka
Book by ERIK JACKSON and BEN H. WINTERS; Music by NEIL SEDAKA; Lyrics by NEIL SEDAKA, HOWARD GREENFIELD, and PHILIP CODY
Orchestrations/Vocal Arrangements by Tom Kitt Conceived by Marsh Hanson and Gordon Greenberg Creative Consultation by Neil Sedaka
Produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Marge and her stagestruck best friend Lois arrive at “Esther’s Paradise Resort” in the Catskills on Labor Day Weekend in 1960, on a vacation that was intended to be Marge’s honeymoon — until the groom left her at the altar. Lois attempts to console Marge by setting her up with the resort’s handsome, self-obsessed singer Del Delmonaco. But her plans backfire when Del mistakenly assumes that Marge’s father can further his ambitions to become the next teen heartthrob on American Bandstand. Gazing forlornly at Marge from the wings is geekish cabana boy and aspiring songwriter Gabe. When he isn’t entertaining the guests with classic, but still comical Borscht Belt shtick, house comic Harvey secretly carries a torch for widowed resort owner Esther, who is more preoccupied trying to keep her resort open.
A Note from the Director...
Once upon a time, not too far north of New York City, up along route 17 was an entertainment destination akin, if not greater than, that of Las Vegas or Atlantic City. It was here actors like Johnny “Tarzan” Weissmuller came to play and unknowns like Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, Sid Caesar, Joan Rivers, Jackie Mason, and Jerry Lewis, a waiter for some time, got their starts. It was once home to 5,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, and rooming houses, and even a raceway! Those that wanted to be part of it all flocked to these rolling mountains, rivers, lakes, clean air,and allure of what the Catskills once were in the 50's and 60's. Though past its prime, in 1987, the Catskills still had enough charm to be the filming site for the popular Patrick Swayze movie, Dirty Dancing. The Catskills was all about relaxing and having a great time and this show, does just that! Breaking Up is Hard To Do uses the songs of Neil Sedaka to tell a sweet, simple story while enjoying many of his classic hits. Please sit back and be transported to a simpler time. Expect a load of laughs, a heaping scoop of love, and tons of fun!
- Dion Stover, Director/Artistic Director
Cast Bios
Rae Squillante (Marge Gelman)
Jack Preston Issler (Del Delmonaco)
Rae Squillante (Marge Gelman)
Recently graduated from The American Musical and Dramatics Academy, Rae is beyond excited to make her professional debut at Myers Dinner Theater. Her favorite credits include Joanne in RENT, Veronica in HEATHERS, Janet in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and Fastrada/Leading Player (understudy) in PIPPIN! www.raesquillante.com
Madison Meeron (Lois Warner)
Jack Preston Issler (Del Delmonaco)
Rae Squillante (Marge Gelman)
Madison is a Chicago based actor and director originally from Oxford, MI. She graduated from Hope College in 2021 with a BA in Theatre and minor in Communication. Some of her favorite credits include: Sandy Cheeks in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL and Mrs. Tottendale in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Surging Films&Theatrics.) and Fanchette in FIGARO (Hope
Madison is a Chicago based actor and director originally from Oxford, MI. She graduated from Hope College in 2021 with a BA in Theatre and minor in Communication. Some of her favorite credits include: Sandy Cheeks in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL and Mrs. Tottendale in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Surging Films&Theatrics.) and Fanchette in FIGARO (Hope Repertory Theatre.) She would like to thank everyone who has played pretend with her, both onstage and off!
Jack Preston Issler (Del Delmonaco)
Jack Preston Issler (Del Delmonaco)
Jack Preston Issler (Del Delmonaco)
Jack is a musical theatre performer originally from the Dayton, Ohio area. After receiving his B.M. in Music Theatre from NYU, Jack has gone on to perform in new works in New York and work regionally across the country. Some of Jack's favorite recent shows include JERSEY BOYS, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK, & CATS! Follow along - @jack.ice!
TJ Bird (Gabe Green)
Susan Boilek Smith (Esther Simowitz)
Jack Preston Issler (Del Delmonaco)
TJ is from Decatur, IN, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s in Voice Performance. Some career highlights are that they toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre, performed six seasons with the Round Barn Theatre at the former Amish Acres, and have covered many different staff and technical positions throughout their c
TJ is from Decatur, IN, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s in Voice Performance. Some career highlights are that they toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre, performed six seasons with the Round Barn Theatre at the former Amish Acres, and have covered many different staff and technical positions throughout their career. Favorite credits include: Nicely-Nicely Johnson in GUYS AND DOLLS, Eugene in SH-BOOM!, Jesus in GODSPELL, Pap/King in BIG RIVER, Mr. Bumble in OLIVER! and Willard Hewitt in FOOTLOOSE! Thank you to everyone who supports their dreams, and thank YOU for supporting live theater! travisbirdtenor.weebly.com
Susan Boilek Smith (Esther Simowitz)
Susan Boilek Smith (Esther Simowitz)
Susan Boilek Smith (Esther Simowitz)
Susan Boilek Smith is happy to be back in Hillsboro having last appeared as the wise-cracking Amen singing Sister Hubert in NUNSENSE II. She spent much of her early childhood listening to her older brother’s 45 rpm records and is happily singing every “do wap doo “and “sha la la la” in this show. She is a retired CPA, and has enjoyed per
Susan Boilek Smith is happy to be back in Hillsboro having last appeared as the wise-cracking Amen singing Sister Hubert in NUNSENSE II. She spent much of her early childhood listening to her older brother’s 45 rpm records and is happily singing every “do wap doo “and “sha la la la” in this show. She is a retired CPA, and has enjoyed performing in, directing and producing shows at numerous area theaters over several decades with the love and support of her family.
Don Hart (Harvey Feldman)
Susan Boilek Smith (Esther Simowitz)
Susan Boilek Smith (Esther Simowitz)
Don was last seen saluting Violet, Judy and Doralee as Russell Tinsworthy in Dolly Parton's 9 TO 5. Other favorite roles have been Eddie in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Mr. Laurence in LITTLE WOMEN, Grimsby in Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID and his favorite role of all time, Noah in THE ARK. Thank you for supporting live theatre in Hillsboro!
Staff Bios
Dion Stover (Director/Artistic Director/ Costumes & Set Design)
Dion Stover (Director/Artistic Director/ Costumes & Set Design)
Dion Stover (Director/Artistic Director/ Costumes & Set Design)
Dion is a Chicago native with a B.A. in Musical Theatre Performance from Columbia College. Myers audiences may recognize him from Queen of Bingo (Sis) and Into the Woods (Baker). Credits include: Mamma Mia (Harry Bright), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Frank N Furter), Sheer Madness (Tony Whitcomb), Double Wide Texas (Baby) and The Addam
Dion is a Chicago native with a B.A. in Musical Theatre Performance from Columbia College. Myers audiences may recognize him from Queen of Bingo (Sis) and Into the Woods (Baker). Credits include: Mamma Mia (Harry Bright), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Frank N Furter), Sheer Madness (Tony Whitcomb), Double Wide Texas (Baby) and The Addams Family (Mal Beineke). He wishes to thank this hardworking cast and crew for all of their hard work and sharing their talent. Much love to his family, friends and especially, Serge, for all of the love and support.
Teresa Ross (Music Director)
Dion Stover (Director/Artistic Director/ Costumes & Set Design)
Dion Stover (Director/Artistic Director/ Costumes & Set Design)
Teresa is in her third season at Myers Dinner Theater. She has served as Music Director at this theater and Danville Light Opera (IL). Previous acting roles include: Jack’s Mother (“Into the Woods”); Stepmother (Cinderella); Esther (“Two by Two”), Clairee (“Steel Magnolias”) and Reverend Mother ("Nunsense 2").Teresa earned music education
Teresa is in her third season at Myers Dinner Theater. She has served as Music Director at this theater and Danville Light Opera (IL). Previous acting roles include: Jack’s Mother (“Into the Woods”); Stepmother (Cinderella); Esther (“Two by Two”), Clairee (“Steel Magnolias”) and Reverend Mother ("Nunsense 2").Teresa earned music education degrees from Indiana University (B.M.E.) and Indiana State University (M.M.E.). Retired from teaching music and drama in Indiana and Illinois, Teresa teaches private music lessons, writes songs and devotionals and volunteers at the horse camp at Hanging Rock Christian Camp in West Lebanon, IN. Teresa sends special love to her children, Brandon and Amber.
Jade Perry (Choreographer)
Dion Stover (Director/Artistic Director/ Costumes & Set Design)
TJ Bird (Director/Company Manager, Light & Sound Design)
As a now seasoned Central Indiana real estate broker, Jade brings a unique blend of professionalism and passion to the world of the performing arts. His enthusiasm extends to the big screen, where he has left his mark as an extra in two box office films and made a memorable appearance in the CBS series, The Inspectors. Jade has also grace
As a now seasoned Central Indiana real estate broker, Jade brings a unique blend of professionalism and passion to the world of the performing arts. His enthusiasm extends to the big screen, where he has left his mark as an extra in two box office films and made a memorable appearance in the CBS series, The Inspectors. Jade has also graced the stage as a performer for Disney World, Orlando, in 2013, and further showcased his versatility by portraying various character roles at Disneyland Paris in France in 2017.
He attributes much of his success to the foundational training received at his two home based studios, Dance By Deborah and Center Pointe Dance.
Despite hitting professional milestones, Jade continues to stay connected to his roots, returning to the stage to revisit the foundations and fundamentals of the dance world. Having choreographed and/or performed in more than 5 productions at Myers Dinner Theatre in Hillsboro, IN, he values the invaluable lessons learned throughout his career, with the most significant being the importance of doing what brings true happiness.
TJ Bird (Director/Company Manager, Light & Sound Design)
TJ Bird (Director/Company Manager, Light & Sound Design)
TJ Bird (Director/Company Manager, Light & Sound Design)
TJ is from Decatur, IN, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s in Voice Performance. Some career highlights are that they toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre, performed six seasons with the Round Barn Theatre at the former Amish Acres, and have covered many different staff and technical positions throughout their c
TJ is from Decatur, IN, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s in Voice Performance. Some career highlights are that they toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre, performed six seasons with the Round Barn Theatre at the former Amish Acres, and have covered many different staff and technical positions throughout their career. Favorite credits include: Nicely-Nicely Johnson in GUYS AND DOLLS, Eugene in SH-BOOM!, Jesus in GODSPELL, Pap/King in BIG RIVER, Mr. Bumble in OLIVER! and Willard Hewitt in FOOTLOOSE! Thank you to everyone who supports their dreams, and thank YOU for supporting live theater! travisbirdtenor.weebly.com
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
TJ Bird (Director/Company Manager, Light & Sound Design)
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
Jessica is from Terre Haute, IN where she lives with her husband, Ethan, and their three cats, Coretta, Beanie Baker, and Refried. Jessica has worked on shows out at Myers Dinner Theatre since 2012. When she isn't working in theatre, she enjoys working with her house plant collection and watching cooking shows with Ethan. She would like t
Jessica is from Terre Haute, IN where she lives with her husband, Ethan, and their three cats, Coretta, Beanie Baker, and Refried. Jessica has worked on shows out at Myers Dinner Theatre since 2012. When she isn't working in theatre, she enjoys working with her house plant collection and watching cooking shows with Ethan. She would like to thank Ethan, her family, and her friends for supporting her dream of pursuing a career in theatre.
Linz Doty (Costume Assistant)
TJ Bird (Director/Company Manager, Light & Sound Design)
Jessica Alltop (Production Stage Manager, Props)
Hoping to keep an asthmatic child of the 60's entertained on the couch, Mom enrolled me in "Craft of the Month". Much to her dismay the result was me repurposing my new tangerine orange swimsuit into a babydoll dress.Since my 1st machine at age 10 sewing is still my happy place.