At last week’s Semina-bration, a well-attended event that honored retiring Seven Angels Artistic Director Semina De Laurentis, attendees were the first to learn who will be leading the theater into its next era.
It was announced that two theatre professionals have been selected to lead the 35-year-old professional theater. Constantine Pappas will act as the company’s artistic director and Craig David Rosen will serve as the theatre’s managing director. De Laurentis, who co-founded the theater in 1991, acted as both artistic and managing director since its inception.
As Seven Angels posted on social media: “Yes, it takes two men to replace one woman! …Stay tuned as they roll out a new season, a new vision, and a new energy (at the theater.)”
In press materials, Craig David Rosen of New Fairfield said “I am looking forward to collaborating with the staff of Seven Angels Theatre. Theatre is a collaboration, where everyone is valued. We are all here to make sure the patrons experience is the best possible.”
Newly-announced Artistic Director Constantine Pappas is eager to get started. “We are so excited to bring a new energy to Seven Angels Theatre. We’ve got magic to do!”
Pappas is a seasoned performer, who has entertained all over the US and throughout Europe. He was featured in over 600 performances of the North American tour of “The Phantom of the Opera,” playing 41 performances in the role of Raoul. He also appeared on Broadway in “Harmony: A New Musical,” with music and lyrics by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman.
He recently made his Carnegie hall debut alongside Aaron Tveit, featuring brand new music from Broadway conductor and musician Bryan Perri.
Pappas is a versatile artist who crosses over from baritone to tenor and from opera to musical theater. I have seen his performances in “The Secret Garden” at ACT of CT in Ridgefield, “Master Class” at Music Theatre of CT, for which he was a Connecticut Critics Circle Nominee.
His work with Seven Angels Theatre has spanned many roles, from performing to marketing. He has served as the Director of the Seven Angels High School Halo Awards and this year acted as the host of the four nights of awards, in addition to preparing the slides that listed the names of the nominees.
Pappas has had a hand in growing the program over the past four years, making it the largest high school theater awards program in Connecticut, with over 100 participating high schools. I was honored to serve as a presenter for three evenings of the Halo Awards this year.
He also brings an extensive media and marketing background, having worked in collaboration with Barnum Financial Group, Dance Molinari and Edge Sound Research. Perhaps Pappas’ “strongest trait is his ability to connect with the members of every community he is in.”
Rosen hinted at a “dream job” on social media, but then was quiet as the process unfolded. “I have waited 30 years for this opportunity and I cannot be more thrilled and excited. I actually started last week and things could not be better,” he posted after the announcement was made.
“THANK YOU to the board of The Seven Angels Theatre for this incredible opportunity,” Rosen added. “I cannot state how truly grateful I am. I am also very excited to work with our new Artistic Director, Constantine D Pappas. We get along so well and work so well off each other. It is truly a joy working with him.”
Rosen went on to thank his husband and family for their support. “This is going to change our lives drastically and they could not be more supportive.”
“And I really have to thank three women who were instrumental in me getting this job. Leona Neumann Peiffer from Jovie, Lou Okell from the Brookfield Theatre and Pamela Waniewski Jones from the The Ridgefield Theater Barn. Each one wrote me a letter of recommendation which gave me the opportunity to get my foot in the door and then some. Taking this job works adversely for these women but they all could not have been more supportive and excited for me.”
Rosen has been acting for five decades, having had the performing bug for as long as he can remember. After seeing his first Broadway show, “Hello Dolly” starring Carol Channing, Rosen knew that theater was his life and that he wanted a career in performing. As he grew, he developed the desire to direct as well. Rosen has been performing and directing ever since and is also a choreographer and playwright.
Rosen has performed/directed in community theater as well as professional theater from summer stock to Off-Off Broadway. Most recent directing credits include “The Producers” (which he also choreographed), “Sweeney Todd,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and “Straight Men Can’t Dance” (which he also wrote.) Acting credits include “The Prom,” “Sea Change,” “Bent,” Godspell (also choreographer), and “The Laramie Project.” among many others.
The new managing director also comes to Seven Angels with over thirty years of administrative experience. He was an office manager for almost twenty years in law firms in NYC. Rosen has always wanted to combine his passion for theatre and his administrative prowess to help run a theatre.
For the past 13 years Rosen has served as the Box Office Manager at The Ridgefield Theater Barn and has been a pleasure to work with.
Rosen originally hails from Queens, NY and he has been married to his husband, Rob, for 35 years. They have two children and currently reside in New Fairfield, CT. Craig is a member of the board of directors of Ridgefield CT PRIDE. Craig has served on many Boards and is a former board member of The Ridgefield Theater Barn as well as The Gallery Players in Park Slope, NY.
Alan Cipriano, president of the Seven Angels Board of Directors stated, “It has been a thrill for me to be a part of and watch Seven Angels grow from an idea to a professional entertainment venue, bringing thousands of people to Waterbury. I look forward to seeing what the new Seven Angels will offer the community!”
In an inspired move, the Board of Directors of Seven Angels has decided to rechristen the Halo Awards, a signature program that honors the best in Connecticut high school theatre, as The Semina De Laurentis Halo Awards.
The awards were the brainchild of the outgoing leader, and now involve thousands of students drawn from over 100 high schools across the state. The recent awards ceremonies filled Waterbury’s Palace Theater for four nights in May. Cipriano continues, “I wish Semina the best as she enjoys her well-deserved retirement, and takes the time to put her feet up on the beach.”
