DIRECTOR

Debbie Lannen

Ms. Lannen brings two decades of experience in directing, choreography and theatrical performance to the production team. Lannen has directed numerous shows in affiliation with Michigan Opera Theatre and Northville's Marquis Theatre. A graduate from Wayne State University with a Fine Arts degree, Debbie was also owner for 13 years of Oakland Dance Studio. As a playwright, Lannen has written several shows including The Emperor's New Clothes, Christmas on Main Street and Vaudeville Memories. She has appeared as a guest artist with the Traverse City Wind Ensemble and internationally with the Actor's Trunk Company.

ARRANGER AND ORCHESTRATOR

Andrew Ingersoll

Musical Arranger and Orchestrator is Andrew Ingersoll. Schooled at the University of Surrey in Guildford UK. He holds a Masters of Music from the distinguished program from whence he graduated with honors and was a Member of the University Chamber Choir. The Canton native received his bachelors at Michigan State University. He has served as accompanist with Michigan Opera Theatre. Ingersoll has many years of specialized music training and experience with the national touring productions of shows such as Footloose, Titanic and Music Man.

PUBLICITY COORDINATOR

Melissa Bunker

Bringing 13 years experience in publicizing and marketing the performing arts, Bunker has worked with arts organizations throughout the Metro Detroit area. She was previously Marketing and Sales Manager for Music Hall Center and still conducts historical tours of Detroit's theatres for Preservation Wayne.

PRODUCTION COMPANY

Fifth Avenue Productions, Inc. is based in Washington D.C. It was formed and purchased the rights to Father Bingo in 2002. During the last three years the firm has provided investment support for stage readings, editing, CD recordings, orchestration and professional consultants who worked with composer Bill Nilsson to refine the Musical.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Rick Beyer

Rick Beyer is a native of Detroit and a graduate of Olivet College. The introduction between Bill Nilsson and Rick Beyer was a family affair when Bill married Mary Jane, Rick's mom in 1992. Bill thus had access to a successful technology entrepreneur's ear at an early stage of the musical's development. Rick encouraged Bill who today is 76 years old to seek his dream and to reach for the stars regarding his ambitions.

THE MISSION

Fifth Avenue Productions has designated the musical Father Bingo as a philanthropic venture for the benefit of Detroit's Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts and Bill Nilsson, the creator and composer. Detroit's Music Hall Center will receive 100% of the net proceeds from the production as well as 100% of the sponsorship and premier reception contributions.

The mission of 5th Avenue Production is to "do good to others" with the musical Father Bingo. Several options are being considered beyond the premier showing in February.