Karen Soroca
CREATOR
Karen Soroca is the creator, co-writer, producer, co-musical director, and choreographer of E=MC². She holds a B.S. in Music from Hofstra University and an M.A. in Choreography from NYU. Her extensive career spans film, television, stage, and concert performance as a choreographer, director, actress, singer, and songwriter. She is a member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, ASCAP, and Women in Film.
Janet Marie
CO-WRITER
Janet (Allocca) Marie is co-writer of E=MC² and Managing Member, Fair Isle Music Publishing. Previously, Marie was a Unit Manager for ABC-TV (The Olympics, General Hospital). Marie holds an A.B. in Theatre Arts from Smith College and an M.B.A. from Pace University on a Mellon Grant. Member: ASCAP and SAG-AFTRA.
James H. Forsell, Ph.D.
Executive Producer
James H. Forsell, Ph.D., is Executive Producer of E=MC² and President/CEO of Wise Woman Musical Theatre Group, a nonprofit supporting women 50+ in developing original musicals. A pioneer in tissue banking, he has served as President of the American Association of Tissue Banks.
Elaine “E.E.” Moe
DIRECTOR
Elaine ‘E.E.’ Moe brings more than six decades of experience across the arts, education, corporate and entertainment sectors. A distinguished producer, director, actor and arts leader, she champions new work and advances Diversity, Equity & inclusion in theatre & film. She is a Co-founder of the MEGAW Theatre, Inc.CA/AZ. Member of SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA.
Christopher M. Allport
Associate Producer / Orchestrator
With deep respect for humanism, academics and aesthetics, Christopher M. Allport is a true polymath, who has produced, written and directed musical, theatrical and literary projects in all media. Internationally acclaimed, Allport focuses on teambuilding while developing award-winning intellectual properties.
Nancy Sievert
Artistic Associate
Nancy Sievert has an extensive background in musical theatre and vocal performance. During her years in Los Angeles, she collaborated with director Elaine “E.E.” Moe on multiple Megaw Theatre productions as both an actor and assistant director. She is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.
Jennifer Cannon, MD
WWMTG TREASURER
Jennifer Cannon, MD, combines a strong financial background with a lifelong passion for musical theatre. She serves as Treasurer of Wise Woman Musical Theatre Group. An accomplished soprano and pianist, she is also a Pediatric Hospital Medicine physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and a Clinical Associate Professor at USC.
Randy Crenshaw
Older Einstein
Randy Crenshaw, often described as the “Swiss Army knife” of Los Angeles singers, has built a 40-year career as a character voice actor and vocalist. His extensive credits span major films, television, commercials, and recordings. He currently performs in concert presentations of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Christopher M. Allport
Younger Einstein
Thrust into spotlight at the tender age of four, Allport was coached by Hollywood golden-era greats, earning his Pantages debut for Disney by the age of ten. Allport is an internationally acclaimed actor, director, author and composer with broad film, tv, stage and literary credits. Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association. SAG-AFTRA, BMI.
Mia Michaud
Mileva Mariç / Ensemble
Mia Michaud is a U.S.- and U.K.-based performer and graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She recently appeared in a leading role in Lifetime’s A Dangerous Defense / Fatal Family Secret. Mia originated the role of Serena in Stalled The Musical and is an award-winning film actress.
Kristin Towers-Rowles
Elsa Löwenthal Einstein / Ensemble
Born in Los Angeles and trained in New York City, Kristin Towers-Rowles has performed in more than 100 regional and touring productions. Her honors include Musical Theatre Star of the Year (StageSceneLA) and multiple Best Actress and Directing awards. She is represented by ATB Talent and is a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA.
Michal Dawson Connor
Paul Robeson / Ensemble
Michal Dawson Connor has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award–winning productions of Ragtime and Show Boat, as well as The Most Happy Fella, Big River, and Porgy and Bess. He has performed for President Ronald Reagan and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A published author, he has also appeared on Friends and other network programs.
Susan Soriano
Pauline Einstein / Ensemble
Susan Soriano is a dedicated performance artist and proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA. With a lifelong passion for creative expression, she embraces diverse artistic opportunities across stage and screen. She is honored to collaborate with this talented company on the world premiere of this production.
Jeff Sable
Hermann Einstein / Ensemble
Jeff Sable is a board member of Creative Actors Alliance Productions, whose debut feature Life at the Resort received multiple festival awards. The company is currently developing its next feature, Widows’ Song. Jeff is represented by Eris Talent Agency and is a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA.
Jennifer Bennett
Maria “Maja” Einstein / Ensemble
Jennifer Bennett is an accomplished singer, actress, and educator. She toured internationally with Cats and has appeared in productions including The Marvelous Wonderettes and The Light in the Piazza. A concert soloist with the Boston Pops and others, she serves on the faculty of AMDA and is an AEA member.
Brigit Comeau
Margo (Löwenthal) Einstein / Ensemble
Brigit Comeau earned her theatre degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she trained in the Stanislavski Method and Shakespearean performance. Since relocating to Los Angeles, she has appeared in theater and independent film projects. A lifelong musician, Brigit is currently developing and recording original music.
Tom Whalen
Professor / Ensemble
Tom Whalen, a Michigan native, has performed at regional theaters including The Purple Rose, Meadow Brook, Jewish Ensemble, and Flint Rep. His work also includes appearances in numerous industrial films. An avid cyclist and inline skater, Tom is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on this production.
Ashlee Grubbs
Bibo / Ensemble
Ashlee Grubbs (SAG) is best known for her role as Maura on Hulu’s Pen15. Her television credits also include S.W.A.T., Quantum Leap, and Disney Channel’s Mack Chat. Musical theatre roles include Clara in The Sandman, Kristin in House on Watch Hill, and Gretel in Hansel & Gretel. She is a resident voice with Opera Las Vegas.
Bryn Graham McRee
Lina / Ensemble
Bryn Graham McRee is a Los Angeles–based ballerina and movement artist performing both classical repertoire and contemporary works. A soloist with Hollywood Ballet, she has also performed with American Contemporary Ballet and other companies. Her musical theatre credits include Cabaret, Grand Hotel, and Godspell.
Christopher Reilly
Tenor I / Ensemble
Christopher Reilly, a Los Angeles native, is a graduate of Boston University and a passionate advocate for new theatrical work. He has originated roles in several plays and musicals in both Boston and Los Angeles. Christopher is delighted to be part of this production.
Eugene Boyd
Franz / Tenor II
Eugene Boyd is thrilled to join the cast of E=MC². Recent regional credits include Mean Girls (La Mirada Theatre/McCoy Rigby Entertainment) and West Side Story (Milton Theatre). A BFA Musical Theatre graduate of USC, Eugene enjoys sharing his work online at @eugene_boyd (TikTok) and @eugenefboyd (Instagram).
Ben van Diepen
Max Born / Bass I
Ben van Diepen is an actor, voice-over artist, and professional musician whose film credits include Bond of Justice, D-Day, Nazi Overlord, and DRIB (SXSW 2017). Onstage, he is widely recognized for portraying Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet and has toured nationally in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Max Pruett
Bass II / Ensemble
Max Pruett is a Pasadena-based bass-baritone and vocal arranger. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Chapman University. Recent engagements include singing in the chorus for San Diego Opera’s production of Carmen and performing with the vocal ensemble VOICES/LA.
Dr. James Lent
Conductor / Piano
Dr. James Lent (conductor, keyboards) serves on the faculty at UCLA and AMDA, where he is a musical director and Coordinator of Collaborative Pianists. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Yale University and has musically directed more than 50 Los Angeles productions, including work with Jaxx Theatricals, Center Theatre Group, and Harvard-Westlake.
Dr. Xenia Deviatkina-Loh
Violin
Award-winning violinist Dr. Xenia Deviatkina-Loh has appeared as a soloist and recitalist across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, China, and the United States. Based in Los Angeles, she performs regularly at major venues and studios and serves on the faculty at UCLA, MSMU, and SBVC.
David Catalan
Flute / Recorder / Clarinet / Sax
David Catalan (woodwinds) has performed in numerous Southern California productions, including Reefer Madness (LA Revival); A Man of No Importance, Animal Farm, and Man of La Mancha (A Noise Within); La Cage! (Hollywood Roosevelt); and An American in Paris and 42nd Street (Musical Theatre West).
Eric McCann
Acoustic & Electric bass
Eric McCann, originally from Kansas City, draws on both jazz and classical traditions. He has performed with the Wichita Symphony, received a Kansas Cultural Trust award, and toured internationally before relocating to Los Angeles. His recent musical theatre work includes Pippin and performing alongside Tony Award winner Daisy Eagan.
Mike Deutsch
Percussion & Drums
Mike Deutsch began playing drums and percussion in 1990 and earned his music degree from California State University, Northridge. An active performer with orchestras, theaters, choirs, and bands, his credits include appearances with John Williams at the Hollywood Bowl, Andrea Bocelli, Johnny Mathis, and several leading Southern California orchestras.
Scientific Advisors & Collaborators
Dr. Vincent Dumont — former Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA | Dr. Felix Lühning & Dr. Anna Jerratsch — ArchenholdObservatory, Berlin, Germany | Florian Meyer — Archenhold Observatory (solar eclipse visuals) | Stiftung Planetarium Berlin | Dr. Thomas Fenner — Einstein Museum, BernischesHistorisches Museum, Switzerland | Dr. Paul Burkhard — Albert Einstein Society | Christian J. Huber & Johannes Wahl — ETH Zurich University Archives | Tatsiana Widmer — Einstein Haus, Bern, Switzerland | Dr. Sandra Miehlbradt — Berlin-BrandenburgischeAkademie der Wissenschaften | Dr. Christian Vocks — Leibniz-Institut für AstrophysikPotsdam (AIP) / Einsteinturm | Dr. Joanna Nowotny — Schweizerisches Literaturarchiv, Bern, Switzerland
Video Interviews
Christopher M. Allport & Randy Crenshaw
Younger & Older Einstein
Kristin Towers-Rowles
Elsa Einstein, second wife of Albert Einstein
Michal Dawson Connor
Paul Robeson, close friend of Albert Einstein.
Music Samples