St. John's Conservatory Theater

In 2014, Michael A. O'Donnell, St. John's Church rector invited his brother Richard O'Donnell, who founded several theatre companies including New Age Vaudeville, The New Variety, and the Black Pearl Cabaret, to produce and create a theatre in the St. John's Parish Hall located on the corner of Knox and Franklin, Ogdensburg, NY.

Richard O'Donnell (principal founder)^[1] then recruited several church members including Stephen Chambers, Angela Dwyer, Christopher Dwyer, and Ryan Woodard (along with Michael O'Donnell, accredited as co-founder) to mount the first production.

R. O'Donnell initially produced, wrote and directed a readers theater-style interactive show titled Alice Isn't All There which eventually developed into full-scale musical comedy productions.

He continued producing at the St. John's Parish Theater until June 2017 where productions were relocated to the all-digital 900+ seat George Hall Auditorium – OFA, 1100 State Street, Ogdensburg, NY.^[2]

The theater officially closed in 2019.

St. John's Conservatory Theater's theatrical genres include musical theatre, satire, interactive theatre, improvisational theatre, variety show, circus, and vaudeville. St. John's Conservatory Theater incorporates these genres in all-original musical comedies written by Richard O'Donnell and based on literature, folklore, and legend. Their production and costume design are "reminiscent of Tim Burton’s Gothic ingenuity."^[3] Adaptations such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, A Christmas Carol, and Oliver Twist have been presented as well as folklore such as the musical Orchard Of Hide & Seek, based on the Celtic Folk Tales of the 1800s.^[4]

St. John's Conservatory Theater takes the composer's score and produces a digital orchestration that is played over a complex sound system. The cast then sing to the score to great effect in front of a live audience.^[5]

The digital orchestrations emulate the instrumental sounds of a full orchestra, often adding sound effects and vocal enhancements, as well.^[6]

• Alice Isn't All There - book, music, lyrics by B. R. Kreep
• Twist - book, music, lyrics by B. R. Kreep
• Orchard of Hide & Seek - book, music, lyrics by Richard O'Donnell
• A Kreepy Christmas Carol - book, music, lyrics by B. R. Kreep
• Mr. Scrooge - book, music, lyrics by B. R. Kreep
• Kreepy Hollow - book, music, lyrics by B. R. Kreep

St. John's Conservatory Theater principal creative staff includes producing artistic director Richard O’Donnell, musical director and choreographer Angela Conzone Dwyer, digital orchestrator and vocal arranger Ryan C. McNally, scenic and Prop Designer Stephen Chambers, costume and makeup designer Karen Fischbeck, and technical director and production coordinator Christopher Dwyer. Collectively they have over five decades of professional theatrical and academic experience including regional, stock, bus and truck, off-off-Broadway, off-Broadway, and Broadway stages.^[7]

Other creative staff are senior costumer Heron Hetzler, assistant costumer Ann Losurdo, sound designer Richard Patton, lighting designer Barry Pratt, and props master Tonya Ott.^[8]

Photo: (L-R) Karen Fischbeck, Richard O'Donnell, Ryan C. McNally, Christopher Dwyer, Angela Conzone Dwyer, Stephen Chambers

Summarize Timeline Top Qs Fact Check

St. John's Conservatory Theater (JCT) presented an original musical comedy "Alice Isn’t All There", a 90-minute theatrical with book, music, and lyrics accredited to Richard O'Donnell's nom de plume Brazillia R. Kreep. “Alice Isn't All There” is an adaptation on Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.” It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theater on October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 2014 at the St. John's Parish Theater in the city of Ogdensburg, NY.

Alice Isn’t All There was executive produced by rector Michael O’Donnell, produced and directed was by Richard O'Donnell, musical direction by Angela Conzone Dwyer, and digital orchestrations by Pat Duffy. Original Alice costumes where created by Ann Losurdo, set and props were hand-crafted by fine artist Stephen Chambers. Other production team included Christopher Dwyer (Technical Director), Alynia Hermaine Rule (stage manager).^[9]

The cast included Allexa Hooper as Alice Brimble, Hailey Weber as Alice Liddle, Paige Merz as the Cheshire Cat, Sloane Ryan as Boo Hoo and the Caterpillar, Steve Summers as Itsy Bitsy, Deanna Bellinger as the Dormouse, Bill LaMere as the Jack Rabbit, Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Queen of Hearts and Mrs. Zizzlebot, Christopher Dwyer as Tweedledee and Mr. Zizzlebot, Ryan Woodard as Tweedledum, Joel Burke as The Narrator, and Richard O’Donnell as Belvedere Brumbleton, Derk Powers, The Knave of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter.

The story of Alice is told by the Bells & Wheezle Circus Company, a European-style commedia dell’arte and runs 90 minutes.^[10] A contemporary Alice finds herself in Wonderland haunted by the Victorian Alice while interacting with all the usual classic characters.^[11]

Original songs included The Bells & Wheezle Circus, Tic Toc, Wish Myself, We're All Mad Here, Not For Me, The Oswegatchie, All Hail the Queen/Off with His Head, and Many Reflections.

Photo: Allexa Hooper as Alice sings Wish Myself in Alice Isn't All There

St. John's Conservatory Theater (SJCT) presented “A Kreepy Christmas Carol,” a musical comedy adaptation on the Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol" with book, music, and lyrics by Richard O'Donnell's nom de plume Brazillia R. Kreep. It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theatre on December 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2014 at the St. John's Parish House in the city of Ogdensburg, NY.^[12]

A Kreepy Christmas Carol was produced and directed by Richard O'Donnell, musical direction by Angela Conzone Dwyer, digital orchestrations by Ryan C. McNally, technical direction by Christopher Dwyer.^[13] Original costumes and makeup were created by Ann Losurdo and Maggie Gebo, set and props were hand-crafted by fine artist Stephen Chambers.

The cast (in order of appearance) Sloane Ryan as Nipper, Makayla Lovely as Abby, Hailey Weber as Letty, Jillian LeBel as Gusie, Elizabeth Bascom as Trudy, Cole Siebels as Cager, Anton Skamperle as Ollie, Dee Bellinger as Zinger and Tiny Tina, Christopher Dwyer as Bob Cratchit, R O’Donnell as Scrooge, Brad Mintener as Jacob Marley, Rebecca Bascom as the Ghost of Been There Done That, Ryan Woodard as Fezziwig, Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Ghost of Christmas Presents, and a surprise guest each night as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.^[14]

Original songs included Kreepy Overture, Counting Silver, So Happy Happy, To Be a Zombie, Ghost of Been There Done That, Heed Our Warning, I Hear The Bells A Ringing, and Wish.

Photo: Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Ghost of Christmas Presents and the street urchins sing I Hear The Bells A Ringing in A Kreepy Christmas Carol

St. John’s Conservatory Theater presented “Orchard of Hide & Seek,” on July 9 – 12 and 16th – 19th, 2015. It featured an original story and songs written, produced, and directed by Richard O’Donnell. With musical direction by Angela Conzone Dwyer and Ryan C. McNally, digital arrangements by Ryan C. McNally, choreography by Johanna Carmany, set and prop designs by Stephen Chambers, costumes and makeup by Ann Losurdo and Karen Fischbeck Carmany, technical direction and production coordination by Christopher Dwyer, and stage managed by Sadie Smith.^[15]

The cast included Taylor Morrill as fairy Queen Gossamer, Myah Myers as Battyboo, Hailey Weber as Stargleam, Emily Gardner as Raindew, Meghan Gardner as Heartglow, Sloane Ryan as Prixy Pringle, Madalyn Bascom as Trixy Tringle, Caitlin Kelly as Ariah Ropidy, Payten Walsh as Opidy Dobity, Grace Wills as Zopidy Yopity, R O’Donnell as pirate Capt. Jean-Pierre Beunet, Stefanie Jones as Scallywag, Lizette Haenel as Shivers, Rebecca Bascom as Ophelia Hollyhock the evil Witch of Hubbub, Angela Conzone Dwyer as Misty Cauldron, and Ryan Woodard as Bob the juggling Troll.^[16]

The story of the “Orchard of Hide & Seek” concerns Queen Gossamer and her eclectic band of fairies that inhabit the old apple orchard on top of the cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence Sea. They are preparing for their spectacular Midsummer's Eve celebration when the children of Ennui (the tiny village that surrounds the bottom of the cliff) are playing their annual games of hide and seek. However, unbeknownst to any of them, all are in danger of the Pirate Capt. Jean-Pierre Beunet, Ophelia the Queen Witch of Hubbub, and her cauldron Misty who want to take over the entire Orchard for themselves.^[17]

Songs included: The Orchard of Hide & Seek, Dip-pity Day, Sailors of St. Labyrinth, Believe, Yo Ho Ho, The Regal C'est la Vie, Ophelia's Brew, Ready or Not, Hide & Seek, Poison, Come All Ye Children, Doom, All Around You

Photo: Sloane Ryan as Prixy Pringle sings Believe to Myah Myers as the pixie Battyboo in Orchard of Hide & Seek

Kreepy Hallow is a musical comedy adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" with book, music, and lyrics penned under O’Donnell’s nom de plume B. R. Kreep. It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theater on October 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25, 2016 at the St. John's Parish Theater in the city of Ogdensburg, NY. executive produced and Directed by O'Donnell, musical direction and choreography by Angela Conzone Dwyer with arrangements and digital orchestrations by Ryan C. McNally, and technical direction and production coordination by Christopher Dwyer. Original costumes and makeup design were created by Karen Fischbeck Carmany with additional costumes made by Ann Losurdo with set and props hand-crafted by fine artist Stephen Chambers.^[18]

Kreepy Hallow stars Hailey Weber as Parthenia Goste, Dee Bellinger as Etta Hobbs, Jillian LeBel as Alia Hobbs, Grace Brunet as Abitha Hobbs, O’Donnell as narrator Brazillia R. Kreep, Angela Conzone Dwyer as Ichaboda Krane, Cole Siebels as Thaddeus Frye, Myah Myers as Felicity Caldwell, Christopher Rodriguez as Abner Frye, Haley Dawley as Mercy Faith, Grace Wills as Oheo Seneca, Meghan Gardner as Chasity Smyth, Emma Murray as Charity Smyth, Christopher Dwyer as Bartholomeus Van tassel, Shelly Murdock as Electra Van Brunt, and Ryan Woodard as the Town Crier.^[19][20]

Story synopsis: Kreepy Hallow is set in the 1860s along the St. Lawrence River, when the first appointed female teacher, Miss Ichaboda Krane, takes over the ghostly schoolroom built on-top of a sacred Iroquois burial ground. With a classroom filled with eclectic children, her “eye” on Bartholomeus Van Tassel, a few unexpected guests, and a jealous local woman Electra Van Brunt watching her every move, Miss Ichaboda Krane's Halloween celebration turns into a most haunting affair. Narrated by B. R. Kreep, Kreepy Hallow tells the tale of Ichaboda Krane's encounter with all things that go bump in the night as the dreadful Headless Horseman rides again.^[21]

Original songs included Halloween, Welcome to my Lighthouse, See Me, Kreepy Hallow, Proper Peace of Mind, Ballad of the Headless Horseman, I’m Lamenting, Ode to Wealth, and A Horseman. Additional period music included Shall We Gather at the River by Robert Lowry, Battle Hymn of the Republic, lyrics by Julia Ward Howe, music by William Steffe, and The Funeral March of a Marionette (Marche funèbre d'une marionnette) by Charles Gounod.

Photo: Jillian LeBel as Alia Hobbs, Hailey Weber as Parthenia Goste, Grace Brunet as Abitha Hobbs and Dee Bellinger as Etta Hobbs in Kreepy Hallow

Alice Isn't All There was remounted and presented by St. John's Conservatory Theater at the St. John's Parish Theater on June 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, and 19, 2016 with an extended book, music, and lyrics accredited to playwright and composer Richard O'Donnell's nom de plume B. R. Kreep. The sets and props were re-designed by fine artist Stephen Chambers and principal cast costumes re-designed by Karen Fischbeck and built in Ogdensburg, New York and the Prague, Czech Republic.^[22]

The story of Alice Isn't All There concerns a steampunk-style Bells & Wheezle Circus Company, who set up their tent alongside the St. Lawrence River. There, under the big top, they perform their version of the famous story Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. After plucking their contemporary Alice (played by Elizabeth Peo) from the audience, she finds herself in a Wonderland of trouble, haunted by the original Victorian Alice (played by Hailey Weber) while interacting with all the classic characters.

Other cast members included Angelina Schembry as Jacky Rabbit, Shelly Murdock as the Cheshire Cat, Richard O’Donnell as the Mad Hatter, Christopher Rodriguez as the Dormouse, Christopher Dwyer as Tweedledee, Ryan Woodard as Tweedledum, Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Queen of Hearts, and Grace Brunet as the Knave of Hearts. The Bells & Wheezle Circus clowns include Richard O’Donnell as Belvedere Brumbleton, Christopher Dwyer as Mr. Zizzlebot, Angela Conzone Dwyer as Mrs. Zizzlebot, Myah Myers as Boo Hoo, Brandon Bogart as Itsy Bitsy, Jillian LeBel as Marbles, Grant Brunet as Zigzag, Macy Murdock as Razzmatazz, Samantha Mooney as Razzle Dazzle, Madison Miller as Hob Nob, Jennifer Ann as Flip Flop, Meghan Gardner as Topsy Turvey, and Emma Murray as Teeny Weeny.^[23]

Songs included The Bells & Wheezle Circus, I'm a Zizzlebot, I'm Late, Tic Toc, Wish Myself, We're All Mad Here, Not For Me, Just Smile, All Hail the Queen/Off with His Head, and Many Reflections.

Principal creative staff included executive producer and director Richard O’Donnell, choreographer and musical director Angela Conzone Dwyer, arrangements and digital orchestrations by Ryan C. McNally, scenic and prop designer Stephen Chambers, costumer Karen Fischbeck, make-up artist Harlee Downey, technical director and production coordinator Christopher Dwyer, sound technicians Andrew Smith, and assistant director Samantha Mooney, assistant technical director Ryan Woodard, lighting operator Cody George, assistant costumer Ann Losurdo, costume assistant Hannah Gardner, assistant set dresser Pat Kelly, prop master Katelin Gardner, house manager Sheila LaMere, and general manager Bill LaMere.^[24]

Photo: Angela Conzone Dwyer as Mrs. Zizzlebot, Meghan Gardner as Topsy Turvey, R. O'Donnell as Belvedere Brumbleton, Christopher Dwyer as Mr. Zizzlebot sing Welcome to the Bells & Wheezle Circus in Alice Isn't All There

Twist is a musical comedy adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist with book, music, and lyrics penned under Richard O’Donnell’s nom de plume B. R. Kreep. It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theater on October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, 2016 at the St. John's Parish Theater in the city of Ogdensburg, NY. The production was executive produced and directed by O'Donnell, musical direction and choreography by Angela Conzone Dwyer, digital orchestrations by Ryan C. McNally, technical direction and production coordination by Christopher Dwyer, costumes and makeup design by Karen Fischbeck, senior costumer Heron Hetzler, assistant costumer Ann Losurdo, prop master Tonya Ott, and production design by Stephen Chambers.^[25]

The cast starred Chris Rodriguez as Oliver Twist, Hailey Weber as his deceased mother Agnes Brownlow, Cole Siebels as the Artful Dodger, Richard O’Donnell as Fagin, Angela Conzone Dwyer as Nancy Sikes, Christopher Dwyer as Bill Sikes, Shelly Murdock as Mrs. Sowerberry, Ryan Woodard as Mr. Sowerberry, Krista Kelly as Mrs. Brownlow, Angelina Schembry as Nelly, Grace Brunet as Napper, Gabby Ott as Minerva, Madison Miller as Newt, Conner Grenier as Octavius, Macy Murdock as Rip Torn, Megan Gardner as Hamstring and Jennifer Ann as Prudence.^[26]

Songs included: Twist Overture, Ode to Oliver, Work, More, Around About I Go, The Hearse Song, The Dead Tell No Tales, Set Free, Oh to Have a Child, Chuckaboo, Welcome to Your Destiny, London Bridge, Begin Again, Such is Love

Photo: Richard O'Donnell as Fagin sings Begin Again in Twist