Alexander Tsypkin - Author
Writer Alexander Tsypkin’s first three collections of short stories sold well over 350,000 copies in hardcover. Together with George Orwell (Animal Farm) and Gregory David Roberts (Shantaram), Tsypkin was named one of the ten best-selling authors of 2018 in Russia. He has penned many well-received short films and contributed to Anna Melikyan’s film, About Love – Adults Only which starred John Malkovich. He is currently developing a television series for two of Russia’s leading production entities and is also the founder of the literary-theatrical project, “UnprinTSYpled Readings” where Russia’s best actors perform on stage with writers. Sammynolie And Other Stories by Alexander Tsypkin is his U.S. debut project.
Paul Lazarus - Translator, Producer
PAUL LAZARUS is an award-winning director, producer and writer of film, theater and television projects. He recently completed a feature documentary called “SlingShot” about Segway inventor Dean Kamen and his work to solve the world’s safe water crisis. Lazarus directed and produced the independent feature, "Seven Girlfriends," starring Tim Daly and Melora Hardin. He has directed many notable TV series including “Friends,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Melrose Place,” “The Middle,” “Ugly Betty,” "LA Law," “Psych,” and “Beverly Hills 90210.” In the early 90s, he served as the Artistic Director of the historic Pasadena Playhouse in California. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Lazarus apprenticed with the Royal Shakespeare Company in England.
Jason Alexander - QUOTES (OR LETTERS FROM ISRAEL)
JASON ALEXANDER is a multiple award-winning actor and director whose long career includes Broadway, film and television. He is best known as the iconic George Costanza from television's SEINFELD. He is also a children's author, magician, teacher and activist.
Danny Burstein - RAMBO AND THE ROTTWEILER
DANNY BURSTEIN: 18 Broadway shows including: Moulin Rouge, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Golden Boy, Follies, South Pacific and The Drowsy Chaperone. He is the recipient of 2 Drama Desk Awards, 4 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 6 Tony Award nominations and 3 Grammy Award nominations.
Tim Daly - SAMMYNOLIE
TIM DALY has been an actor for 40 years. He is the recipient of Theatre World, Gracie, and Peabody Awards. He has been nominated for Emmy and SAG awards. He is known for the long running comedy WINGS, PRIVATE PRACTICE and THE SOPRANOS, and as the voice of Superman for the animated series. He most recently starred in MADAM SECRETARY on CBS and the web series THE DALY SHOW on YouTube. Daly has worked extensively in the theatre on and off Broadway and regionally. He is on the board of the Putney School, Inside Out Writer, and currently serves as the President of the Creative Coalition.
Rachel Dratch - ONE IN A MILLION
RACHEL DRATCH started out at Chicago’s Second City theater and went on to be a cast member on Saturday Night Live for seven years. She has appeared in numerous tv shows, plays and films and she lives in NYC.
Dulé Hill - THE WINDOW
DULÉ HILL is perhaps best known for his work as Charlie Young on THE WEST WING. He also played Burton “Gus” Guster in eight seasons of PSYCH and has appeared on TV in BLACK MONDAY, SUITS, and BALLERS. Star of screen and stage, Dulé has portrayed Nat “King” Cole and starred in BRING IN DA NOISE, BRING IN DA FUNK” on Broadway.
Stacy Keach - MADO
One of America’s greatest actors, STACY KEACH’s credits in stage, TV, and film are too almost numerous to mention. His film work includes: THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER, BREWSTER MCCLOUD, THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON, and more recently, NEBRASKA. On TV, he starred in TITUS and MAN WITH A PLAN. He provides the narration for GREED. Acclaimed for his portrait of Buffalo Bill in Arthur Kopit’s INDIANS, Stacy most recently portrayed Ernest Hemingway in a play he wrote for Chicago’s Goodman Theater.
Nancy Opel - HEAVEN HATES THE TRUTH
NANCY OPEL has appeared in 15 Broadway shows, along with many other shows Off Broadway and regionally. She is an inveterate reader and knitter who loves to travel. Nancy studies Mandarin Chinese and often appears on her daughter's youtube channel, JJ Says. A midwesterner by birth, she attended the University of Kansas and later the Juilliard Drama Division. She makes her home in New York City with a tiny poodle and a giant cat.
Michael Urie - CHESHIRE CAT
Born in Houston, Texas, MICHAEL URIE is a star of stage and screen. He is known for his portrayal of Marc St. James on NBC’s UGLY BETTY. On Broadway, he was most recently seen playing the starring role in TORCH SONG TRILOGY. He won numerous awards performing in the Off-Broadway hit play, BUYER AND CALLER.
Vanessa Williams - SHOVELING SNOW
VANESSA WILLIAMS has sold millions of records worldwide, and her critically acclaimed work in film, television, recordings, and the Broadway stage has been recognized by every major industry award affiliation including Emmy, Grammy and Tony nominations, as well as the recipient of seven NAACP Image Awards and a star of the Hollywood Walk-Of-Fame. Vanessa is the mother of four, a New York Times best-selling author and a strong advocate for equal rights. Her charitable endeavors include Black Theatre United, The Trevor Project, Broadway Cares, and Special Olympics.
Noah Wyle - SANTA CLAUS #2
NOAH WYLE is best known for his portrayal of Dr. John Carter on ER and Tom Mason in FALLING SKIES. His film work includes Corporal Jeffrey Barnes in A FEW GOOD MEN, Steve Jobs in the docudrama, PIRATES OF SILICON VALLEY, Dr. Kenneth Monnitoff in DONNIE DARKO, and Flynn Carsen in THE LIBRARIANS.