From Vaudeville to Broadway: CCM Presents “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary From Vaudeville to Broadway: CCM Presents “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary

Four-night run in April Showcases Student Talent and Patriotic Storytelling

As the nation commemorates the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, County College of Morris (CCM) invites theatergoers to be entertained and experience the life of American composer, playwright, actor, producer and showman George M. Cohan, in the high-energy musical “Yankee Doodle Dandy”. Presented by the Marielaine Mammon School of Music, Performing Arts, and Music Technologies, performances will take place on Wednesday through Saturday, April 15–18, at 7:30 p.m., in Dragonetti Auditorium.

CCM student Bryan Torres of Morris Plains stars as Cohan, portraying a brash and ambitious young performer in pursuit of the American dream. Credited with more than 50 musicals and 300+ songs, including patriotic anthems, Cohan’s story unfolds from his family’s hard-knock days and adventures on the vaudeville circuit to his rise as the star-spangled ‘King of Broadway.’ Audiences are invited to experience this roller-coaster ride marked by his professional highs and lows, filled with personal triumphs and heartbreak.

“From tentative first steps to a joyful celebration of music and teamwork, our students have brought “Yankee Doodle Dandy” to life with heart, energy and the true spirit of theatre,” said Director Marielaine Mammon, chairperson of the Marielaine Mammon School of Music, Performing Arts and Music Technologies at CCM.

Featuring beloved classics such as Give My Regards to Broadway, You’re a Grand Old Flag and Harrigan, along with new songs inspired by unfinished Cohan melodies, “Yankee Doodle Dandy” provides a fresh, contemporary take on a musical theater icon whose influence continues to shape Broadway today. The production serves as a fitting tribute not only to Cohan’s enduring legacy, but also to the creativity, resilience and patriotic spirit reflected in our nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration.

Justin Wyble, from Jefferson, stars as the Stage Manager and Zephyr Daley, from Sparta, Assistant Stage Manager.

The cast includes Elizabeth Grant – Nellie Cohan/ Wayne, German Tatis-Rosario – Jerry Cohan/Union, Avery Pittari – Josie Cohan/Brooklyn, NY, Jeff Foote – Lou/Westwood, Terence Duncan – Narrator/Randolph, Sam Harris – Trevour Tredway/Mount Olive, Victoria Morris – Ethel Levey/Mount Olive, Max Lauton – Abraham Erlanger/Washington, Kayla Marvin – Agnes Nolan/Mount Olive, Giselle Amelunge – Alice Nolan/Sparta, Efrain Padilla – Chick Gordon/Dover, Hailee Chiriboga – Georgette/Randolph, Jake Polachek – The Champ/Montville, Mitchell Ryan – The Stage Manager/Stanhope, Brynn Backman – Young Georgette/Mount Olive and JJ Campbell – Young George (the son)/Mount Olive.

The show’s featured ensemble includes Hannah Gebbia of Rockaway, Richard Larbi of Budd Lake, Cristie Ventura of Hackettstown, Riley Morris of Mount Olive and Samantha Torres-Narvarez of Lake Ariel, PA.

General admission tickets are $15 each, and tickets for CCM students, alumni, children under 12 and seniors 62 and over are $10 each. To purchase, visit https://bookstore.ccm.edu/category/tickets-events/theater-shows. Visitors can park in Lot 7 at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph.

To learn more about the Marielaine Mammon School of Music, Performing Arts and Music Technologies at CCM, with associate degree programs ranking #1 in New Jersey according to College Factual, visit https://www.ccm.edu/departments/music-performing-arts-and-music-technologies/.