Stage Talk returns to the Charleston Performing Arts Center to get a preview of their latest creation: And They Called it Jazz. Exploring the history of jazz from its beginnings in the early 20th century through the 1960’s, this show sparkles with classic jazz hits, exquisite dancing, and breathtaking costumes. Give a listen to the preview and enjoy some picture from the show!

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The Charleston Performing Arts Center, or C-PAC, on James Island is right on Folly Road, minutes from the James Island Conector. After checking out the interviews and the pictures, be sure to head over to the C-PAC website and order your tickets before it’s gone!

The Cast

STACY CARTER (Guest Artist, Lead Vocalist) is a California native. She began singing in the San Francisco Bay Area when her mother entered her in beauty pageants. She sang in school choir, musical theatre, performed at Marriott’s Great America Theme Park, and was fourth runner up for Miss San Jose. Stacy worked the Southern California club scene before moving to Tokyo, Japan. Soon after, she was approached to open for R&B groups Klymaxx and Lakeside. Since returning to the US, she has performed in Ragtime (Sara’s Friend), performed in most of the high-profile lounges in the San Francisco Bay Area, and produced her own stage show entitled The Women of Soul.

LAKEIA HODGES,(Co. Apprentice) is proud, and beyond excited, to join the cast of And They Called It Jazz, her fifth show with C-PAC. She received her BA in Theatre from Charleston Southern University in 2015. Recent productions: Dream Girls, The Revue; DISCO; Holiday Cabaret, and BANDSTAND – the 1960s. She loves being surrounded by those who are passionate about bringing the theatre world to LIFE. This production displays events that happened not too long ago. Events that created a shift in history. We are able to experience our nation’s past but fortunate to see our progression. Enjoy!

KIM PACHECO (Lead Vocalist) comes to C-PAC from North Carolina. This marks her second C-PAC performance, and was first seen in BANDSTAND – the 1906s. She is no stranger to Charleston’s scene; she has performed, toured, and recorded with some of Charleston’s finest musicians. Her industry credits include both film and stage. “My best accomplishments are the three sons who were gracious enough to allow me the sacrifice to pursue performing with my whole heart. Endless thank yous to the C-PAC family for welcoming me to this space!”

KIRK PFEIFFER (Lead Vocalist) See The Production Team.

KHAWON PORTER (Lead Vocalist) is a native to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he has a well‑known love and passion for the performing arts. He was last seen in C‑PAC’s BANDSTAND – the 1960s. A recent recipient of the StarNews Media “Best Actor Award”, Khawon plans to expand his love and passion to new stages! Some of his iconic roles include: Jim (Big River), Hud (Hair), Cousin Kevin (Tommy), Gator (Memphis) and TJ (SisterAct).

MAUREEN REMEROWSKI (Co. Performer, Lead Vocalist) is in her second season as a C‑PAC company performer and was last seen in Holiday Cabaret. She received a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, PA. Favorite credits: Some Enchanted Evening (Nellie), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), and more. Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical (Ellie Greenwich). A favorite special event appearance, among many, is when she sang the National Anthem for her hometown team, the Cleveland Indians. She wrote and recorded songs heard on the soundtrack of the film “Of Boys and Men” starring Angela Basset. She recently traveled to Poland to assist a family in bringing four adopted children to the US. She is a certified PiYo instructor. “Thank you Kirk & Scott for giving me the opportunity to share this wonderful musical story you created. Thank you cast & crew for being who you are which is amazing.”

JENNA RILING (Dancer) is marking her second C-PAC production! She recently performed in the Charleston Christmas Special with Brad and Jennifer Moranz and can’t wait to be back on stage! Jenna has been dancing since age 3 and has trained in many styles. She is 15 and attends School of the Arts as a freshman in dance. In 2009, Jenna was a part of the movie The New Daughter. This past summer she attended The Rockettes Summer Intensive in NYC.

SAVANNAH SCHOENBORN (Co. Performer) has been dancing for 17 years. She has studied and performed many different styles: ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, lyrical, aerial work and pom. This is her third show as a company member at C‑PAC. She received her BA in Dance Performance at Winthrop University, trained at American Dance Festival, worked on Carnival Cruise Lines, performed Carowinds Theme Park’s night show Luminate, and has been an active dancer and choreographer in Charlotte, NC. When she isn’t performing, she is C-PAC’s Kids On Stage dance instructor. She is currently the choreographer and stage manager of the upcoming Kids On Stage production “Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, Jr.’.

CAITLIN WILSON (Co. Apprentice) is a 15-year-old Charleston native that started dancing when she was 3. She trains in all forms of dance, but especially loves tap. In 2013, her tap solo earned her an opportunity to compete in Germany. She studies with Artistic Director, Kirk Pfeiffer. Past Performances: BANDSTAND – the 1960s with C-PAC; Nutcracker, The Grinch That Stole Christmas, Willy Wonka, Mary Poppins (Jane), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Charleston Ballet Theatre; The Little Match Girl, Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, Gotta Dance, with Charleston Dance Institute. Caitlin thanks all her instructors that helped foster her love of dance.

TIFFANY WEST (Co. Performer, dance captain, Co. manager) is in her third year as a company performer and BANDSTAND-the 1960s marks her fifteenth production with C-PAC! Originally from the Outer Banks of North Carolina she has been dancing for over 20 years; and has studied Acting, Voice, and Dance with C-PAC and continues to study with Artistic Director, Kirk Pfeiffer. Tiffany sits on the Board of Directors for C-PAC and is thrilled to continue her role as dance captain and company manager. She has many to thank for their unwavering support as she pursues her dreams of being on stage but most of all, Kirk and Scott for the continuous opportunity to do so! She would like to dedicate her future performances in memory of her “Momma Sue”.

The Band

MATTHEW MASSE (saxophone) is originally from Lexington, Kentucky. He moved to Charleston in 2013. Matthew is a saxophone player at Charleston County School of the Arts. He will graduate this year and head to the University of South Carolina to study Music Education. He has previously performed with the South of Broadway Theatre in their show Ain’t Misbehavin’. This is his second musical performance outside of the School of the Arts band program.

LILY LASSITER (piano) is currently an eighth grade piano major at the Charleston County School of the Arts. Additionally, Lily studies piano at the Charleston Academy of Music. She lives with her family on James Island and enjoys reading and having fun with her two Golden Retrievers. Lily hopes to become a veterinarian in addition to pursuing her musical career.

ASHER DiBERNARDO (drums) is a freshman at Charleston County School of the Arts. He has been playing the drums for nearly 6 years. Drumming is his greatest passion. “Whenever I play, it’s doesn’t matter what genre, I just love to play.”

ALEX SCHWARZ (double bass) is a sophomore at Charleston County School of the Arts. She initially trained classically, and started jazz last year as a member of the school jazz band. During her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with her friends

The Production Team

KIRK SPRINKLES PFEIFFER (Artistic & Program Director, C-PAC; choreographer, director, costume designer) is a Broadway veteran performer and has toured both nationally and internationally. His choreography and theatre directing have been presented in numerous equity regional theatres, cruise lines, industrials, and dance companies. He serves as the Honorary Chairman on the Program Development Committee for the national organization, Career Transition For Dancers (2012 Tony Award recipient). Performing credits include: Tap Dogs, Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular, A Chorus Line, Grease, Oklahoma, Fame, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, 1776, in addition to numerous cruise lines. At an early age, Kirk transitioned into choreography and has choreographed for professional theatres throughout the Southeast, as well as cruise lines and dance companies. He served as the resident choreographer and general manager of the Centennial Station Dinner Theatre in High Point, NC, and as managing director for Dances Patrelle Ballet Company in New York City. Kirk is the producer and founder of the new web series Final Bow, What Now? which features interviews from celebrity performers (Chita Rivera, Marni Nixon, Donna McKechnie, Angela Lansbury, Anne Reinking, to name a few) who have transitioned in their career and now share their story, giving advice to today’s young performers. He now shares his experience, passion, and industry connections with the C‑PAC conservatory students and cast members.

SCOTT PFEIFFER (Executive Director) grew up in northern California performing with various companies in such classics as The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, You Can’t Take it With You, Oliver!, The Music Man, Annie Get Your Gun, and Cabaret among others. After over 20 years absent from the stage, Scott has appeared in C-PAC’s Charleston, The Musical (Will Call, the EmCee), Dreamgirls, The Revue (Dick Clark), Bandstand – The 1960s (John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas). For 25 years, Scott worked in the fashion industry in executive corporate operations positions with national American and international brands, including Gap Inc., French Connection, Club Monaco, and Ralph Lauren. His skills in project management, leadership, financial planning, and communication and training, along with his love of writing and passion for artistic expression, have been put to great use as both the Executive Director of C-PAC, and book writer and co-director of C-PAC productions. He leads C-PAC’s Acting curriculum, and is mentored by Los Angeles actor, director, and teacher, Don Eitner. He was honored to be the first instructor on the Eastern Seaboard to teach Eitner’s method. As the Kids On Stage acting instructor, Scott enjoys sharing his love of the craft with the next generation of performers as the resident director of the Kids On Stage Performance Series. In his spare time, he dotes on his fur-children, Victor (15) and Rhoda (4). He is grateful for being able to create art consistently. Scott thanks the cast for their hard work and dedication to this production, and their family and friends who have seen much less of them during this time.

JOE CLARKE (Music Arranger, Band Leader) is a teacher of music at Charleston County School of the Arts, and a composer, and Band leader of the Joe Clarke Big Band. He has had a lifelong love affair with Big Band music. As a child, he listened to Sinatra, Mancini, Basie, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller among others. He studied percussion, and progressed to trumpet and piano in high school and college. While obtaining a degree in psychology at the Citadel, he pursued his musical interests and dreams of leading his own Big Band. He was music director for the Citadel’s annual talent shows and served as band director for the College of Charleston. He began writing his own 3- and 4-horn arrangements, and assembled musicians to create his own big band. A child of ‘70s and ‘80s music, Joe brings a new twist to the fine art of singing Big Band and Jazz standards. “I like a little rock & roll in my jazz and a little jazz in my rock & roll.” In the past eight years, Joe Clarke has served as musical director for several shows: Swingtime Canteen, and Behind the Rainbow-The Harold Arlen Story (also playing Harold Arlen), Stardust Man – The Hoagy Carmichael Story, The Wild One – the life and times of Louis Prima. Joe appeared in The Village Playhouse’s 2009 production of Splish, Splash, where he sang all Bobby Darin’s greatest hits (Splish Splash, More, Mack the Knife, Beyond the Sea, etc.). He has also appeared on C-PAC’s stage as an accompanist in the 2014 production of DUKE: King Of Jazz, and to accompany Madam Stephanie Samaras for vocal master classes held at C-PAC.