Colette Froehlich Phelps

Performers never forget standing ovations and Stratford Middle School teacher Colette Phelps (née Froehlich) is no exception.

Colette Phelps and James Phelps perform in
Oliver! at CMT Alumni Show, Dec 2009
Photo: Chris Ayers

She clearly remembers her largest ovation was The Who’s Tommy in 2003. Not only for her performance (which, as always, was remarkable).

But what woman wouldn’t remember a marriage proposal in front of a packed house secretly arranged by fellow CMT performer James Phelps. They were married three years later by Adam Campbell, another CMT alum.

Colette has performed in many CMT shows over 20 years, and she met her best friend Megan and her now-husband James. She says it was a time when she “performed with some of the most talented people in the Bay Area.” Memorable roles include Violet Hilton in Side Show, Madame Bouche in Beauty and The Beast, Emma in Jekyll and Hyde and Christine in Phantom.

Along with amazing roles she said, “CMT teaches skills such as respect for others and responsibility.” She continues to perform throughout the Bay Area, including at Children's Musical Theater and hopes to do so for some time. She is also looking at expanding into improv in the future.

Paula Benedetti Danner: from Children's Musical Theater to touring company of Annie

Paula Benedetti Danner (hanging on banister)
and the orphan cast of Annie in 1978 at the
Curran Theater. Jennifer Cihi is in front
and in upper left corner is Molly Ringwald
(photo: Paula Benedetti-Danner)

The curtain was barely down on a 1977 CMT production of The Wizard of Oz and 13-year-old Paula Danner (née Benedetti) was rushing out the door -- not because the audience didn't love her (they did) but because she had a plane to catch: she and fellow cast member Jennifer Cihi had to be in Los Angeles for call back auditions of the second national tour of Annie.

“I barely made the flight as I ran through the airport trying to take Scarecrow make-up off my face.”

Paula and Jennifer were both cast (as was a very young Molly Ringwald), and Paula later went on to appear in the national tour of Cats, in commercials and fronted a rock band in L.A.

Now 45, she lives in Missouri, is a preschool teacher, hotel manager, mom and fashion blogger.

Her career started at CMT in 1971 at age 6 and she appeared in 19 shows. One of her favorite roles was Ado Annie in Oklahoma (1975), but it's not that role that she remembers as teaching her an important life lesson.

Instead, she still remembers desperately wanting a lead role in Cinderella. Instead, she was cast in the ensemble. Being in the chorus taught her the importance of contributing when it is someone else's turn to shine. “Not only was it a valuable life lesson, it was one of the most fun and memorable show experiences of my time at CMT.”

That and many other memories are part of Paula, but after all-is-said-and-done, “The most important thing I learned from John Healy and my CMT years is that only your best is good enough – best effort, best performance –always giving everything you have."

Carolyn Coulson-Grigsby: Theater professor's role model is CMT founder John Healy

Carolyn Coulson-Grigsby (Photo: Carolyn Coulson-Grigsby)

When Carolyn Coulson-Grigsby, 44, arrived at Shenandoah University in Virginia to teach and direct in its Conservatory theater division, she felt as if she had come full circle.

At her first CMT audition for Bye Bye Birdie (1977) at age 12, Carolyn’s voice could hardly be heard. Five years later she knew how to jitterbug, learned “being in the chorus mattered,” and was known for belting out her songs.

“The impact CMT had on my life was huge as it started my theater career. I made many good friends and learned the fundamentals of performance, and the importance of responsibility and cooperation,” said Carolyn.

After CMT, Carolyn obtained degrees from Santa Clara University and University of Connecticut. She also trained in acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

The Conservatory’s musical theater program brought back warm memories of CMT. “It was a great environment – showing us you could have fun and work hard at the same time.”
She hopes to inspire her students in the same way that she was inspired by founder John Healy.

Dennis O'Bannion: CMT experiences prepared him for Broadway debut

Dennis O'Bannion (Photo: Dennis O'Bannion)

Dennis O’Bannion, 25, is living the dream of many CMT performers. He made his Broadway debut in the cast of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in November 2009 and he attributes it to the training he received at CMT.

“There was so much education I learned in my years at CMT that created a solid foundation and prepared me for going to train and perform in the Big Apple,” said Dennis.

Between his first show State Fair (2000) and his last, the Marquee production of Thoroughly Modern Millie (2006), Dennis choreographed Starmites and assisted Kevin R. Hauge with two shows. Favorite roles include Simon in Jesus Christ Superstar and Baby John in West Side Story.

Realizing he wanted to be on Broadway, Dennis moved to New York City after high school and attended Marymount Manhattan College. The day after graduation he began rehearsals for his first professional job: Hello Dolly! starring Tovah Feldshuh and choreographed by Mia Michaels (“So You Think You Can Dance”). More regional theater work followed which led to his Broadway debut.

“I could not have been more prepared for professional theater without the love and support CMT continues to give. CMT changed my life as a person and a performer,” Dennis said.

Tyler Poelle: TV and Indie actor chose theater over sports

Tyler Poelle (Photo: Tyler Poelle)

For Tyler Poelle, performing in CMT’s Oliver! at age 13 revealed two things – he loved communicating through theater and he preferred the “all for one, one for all spirit” of theater over the competitiveness of sports.

“In sports there are winners and losers. In theater you celebrate victories and mourn losses together,” he said. Whether it was a small part in the chorus (with brother Travis) in Big River or, his favorite, the lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar (his best friend cast as Judas), Tyler discovered what he was looking for: “a joy and excitement in sharing what we created together – the sense of community was a great atmosphere for young artists.”

That joy led him to study theater at Carnegie–Mellon University where he received a B.F.A. in acting. After a stint in New York doing workshops and theater Tyler moved to Los Angeles where he has appeared in several “Scrubs” episodes and was the lead in the independent film Skidmarks. His days are filled with studio classes and auditions for the 2010 television season.

Stephanie Faso: Special needs performer finds second home at CMT

Stephanie Faso (Photo: Erin Faso)

As a third grader, Stephanie Faso was obsessed with the Disney movie Annie (she loved pretending she was Annie in the floor-mopping scene). When she heard that CMT was staging Annie, she begged her mother to call the theater.

Erin Faso wasn’t sure there would be a place for her daughter. Stephanie, who has had cerebral palsy since birth, speaks by typing into a computer and is confined to a wheelchair. CMT welcomed Stephanie and the love was mutual.

Though she has no favorite show, Leader of the Pack (2007) was memorable because it was energetic and fun yet a more mature role. “Being onstage was awesome. I felt so alive and free and it built my self-confidence.” Stephanie added that “the choreography of theater is way more challenging than physical therapy.”

Now a DeAnza College student, Stephanie projects her passion for theater and CMT in every movement. “CMT has been a second home; a part of my identity.”

Renee Mignosa: Chapman University film student dreams of own production company

Renee Mignosa (Photo: Renee Mignosa)

Renee Mignosa has produced a student film at Chapman University in Los Angeles, she acts in independent films, she wants to own an independent production company, and it all stems back to CMT.

When she was 11, Renee saw CMT’s Annie. I turned to my mother and said ‘I can do that.’” And she did, in numerous performances, from Oklahoma (1994) to The Who’s Tommy (1997). Her favorite role was Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain. She still remembers the excitement of being onstage as the squeaky-voiced diva.

Her CMT experience enabled her to win an acting scholarship to Pace University and entrance into the Atlantic Theater Company in New York, founded by David Mamet and William H. Macy.

“CMT is the best thing that could have happened to me as a child growing up. It taught me so much about acting and myself and prepared me for the New York stage,” said Renee.

Joy Osborne: From shy flower to international teacher and CMT board member

Joy Osborne (Photo: Joy Osborne)

“I’m a purple pansy.” Joy Osborne still remembers her only line in CMT’s Jack and the Beanstalk. She laughed at the memory of the outgoing athletic 8-year-old playing a shy flower. “At an early age I found a home for my talents,” she said.

Joy, a NetApp recruiter and current CMT board member, has appeared in a total of 20 CMT shows. After taking a break to attend college, she spent four years teaching, beginning in Cupertino. A longing to teach abroad led to two years in Tanganyika,Tanzania where she learned some Swahili and worked with international educators and students.

When Joy returned to CMT in her first Marquee show Big (1999), it was as if she had never left. “I thought, I’m home again.”

Her favorite adult production was Ragtime (2008). She described it as “a true family show” with the performers lighting up the stage and everyone being given the opportunity to shine.

“CMT provided me with the life skills and self-assurance to live life with passion and confidence,” said Joy. “Lessons learned in the rehearsal halls and on stage gave me the ability to take on any challenge that comes my way.”

Gary Beytin: It's a family affair for acting chiropractor

Gary Beytin (Photo: Gary Beytin)

Gary Beytin, a practicing chiropractor, came late to acting but he’s making up for lost time. A CMT parent since 1997, he’s acted in alumni and marquee shows since Peter Pan (2000). In addition to CMT Gary appeared in the 2009 indie film Cheer Up Sam which was submitted to the Sundance Film Festival. He also was invited to appear in two short films.

His first CMT role was Mr. Darling in Peter Pan. The Beytin family got into the act in Annie (2001) with Gary as Daddy Warbucks and his two daughters as orphans. He credits CMT with “instilling confidence in them that has been everlasting.”

His wife Cindy, also a chiropractor, has been involved with CMT as the president of the parents auxiliary for seven years and working backstage. Together, she and Gary own Almaden Chiropractic Center in San Jose.

Still, Gary makes time for acting, recently appearing as Fagin (his favorite role) in CMT’s Oliver! (2009). “Acting has provided a way to escape to another world, express myself and be surrounded by great talent and friends,” he said.

Doug Santana: Archbishop Mitty drama teacher debuts as back end of cow

Doug Santana (Photo: Doug Santana)

What do you do when a jailhouse collapses during a performance, leaving the prisoners in the open minus their bars? If you’re a CMT performer, you improvise. When 9-year-old Doug Santana heard the unscripted yell “jailbreak” in Anything Goes (1985)he rushed onstage, picked up the cell and held it until the scene ended.

Doug has many stories of his CMT years that began as the back end of a cow in Jack and the Beanstalk in 1981. He went on to direct 10 shows, most recently Into the Woods in 2008 and he continues to perform in Marquee shows.

“My fondest CMT memories are working with amazing young people as a director and seeing them grow as people and performers,” said the Archbishop Mitty High School drama teacher and performing arts assistant director. “Whether watching them in Broadway shows or pursuing other careers, they’ve all had a profound impact on my life."

David Michael Maurer: CMT friends help editor finish award-winning film

David Michael Maurer is a busy film and television editor (Photo: David Michael Maurer)

In 2007, film editor David Michael Maurer was desperate. He was in Holdenville, Oklahoma (population 1,500), working on the independent project Four Sheets to the Wind and he needed help. He called fellow editor and CMT alum Daniel Korb who flew in from Los Angeles to help finish the film. It won an award at that year’s Sundance Film Festival.

“It was an amazing and generous gift,” he recalls, “that came from years of friendship that started during my first show at CMT.”

David was 14 and the show was Peter Pan. The performers he met there and in the next seven years remain valued friends and colleagues. “CMT has always been genuine and supportive of each other. You don’t often get to work with your closest friends but I’ve been fortunate to find lifelong ties.”

Twice nominated for an Emmy (“The Apprentice”), David has edited episodes of “American Idol” and “Oprah” and in 2009 edited a series and three pilots.

“My job challenges me with helping professional actors look their best and listening to the narrative of a project. Performing at CMT laid the foundation for my future,” said David.

Dan Jinks: Oscar-winning producer has Bay Area roots

Dan Jinks (Photo: Dan Jinks)

Dan Jinks, Oscar-winning producer, was in only one CMT show but he still remembers us and we definitely remember him. How could we not?

Dan and his production partner Bruce Cohen won an Oscar and a Golden Globe nomination for American Beauty and an Oscar nomination for Milk in 2008. Their television show “Pushing Daisies” won eight Emmys.

Dan, 46, was Tommy in The Music Man (1980) directed by CMT founder John P. Healy. As a Los Gatos High School student, he also appeared with other local theaters including San Jose Civic Light Opera, Saratoga Drama Group and Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Players.

Dan says “one of the great things about going to high school in the San Jose area was the terrific variety of performing opportunities. It was a great experience to perform at places like CMT, where I was able to meet kids my age from so many different schools. We were all brought together by a mutual love of performing.”

Carter Skeath: King World exec once went bald for CMT

Carter Skeath (Photo: Carter Skeath)

One of the youngest executives at Paramount/King World, Carter Skeath says his job interview went well, “100 % due to the confidence gained from performing at CMT.” Carter, 26, sells “Oprah,” “Wheel of Fortune” and “Dr. Phil” to Fox, CBS and other major media.

Carter was CMT’s Tom Sawyer at age 8 but then left the theater to play sports. Eight years later he returned, hoping to be cast as boyish Peter Pan but at 6 feet, was too tall. Being cast as Captain Hook instead led to four years of non-stop performing, including his favorite role as Chris in Miss Saigon.

His favorite CMT memory? As a teen-ager, he shaved his head for the role of Daddy Warbucks three days before opening night thanks to friendly pressure from Gary Beytin who played Warbucks in the other cast.

“I learned a lot at CMT. It teaches you more than just singing and acting,” said Carter. “You learn how to handle yourself in all kinds of situations.”