presents

October 23 - November 2, 2025
BACCA Arts Center, Lindenhurst, NY

This hilarious and heartwarming play follows three couples – two gay and one lesbian – whose long-term relationships are facing unexpected challenges.

Dan and Rick, together for ten years, have fallen into a comfortable rut. They escape to rekindle the spark.

Benny and Chris are navigating a new open relationship. To spice things up, Benny secretly hires a male escort, but things quickly get out of hand when one escort becomes two! Will their relationship survive Benny's misguided attempts to keep things exciting?

Meanwhile, Kate and Linda struggle to balance their careers with their desire to start a family. Will they be able to find a way to have it all or will they be forced to make a difficult choice?

When a snowstorm forces all three couples to share a cabin in Flagstaff, their individual struggles come to a head, leading to unexpected consequences and forcing them to confront the true nature of their relationships.

With fast, sharp, and humorous dialogue, wonderful comic moments, and many surprises, "Benny & The Jetts" is a must-see!

Meet the Cast

Adam Weinstock

Dan

Adam Weinstock is a professional producer of theatre across the USA, the UK, Broadway and Film. He just finished a course of study at RADA the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Adam made his Off-Broadway debut in “The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever!” by Joe Marshall. He is thrilled about his role of Ralphie Bruno in the movie “Extortion Thugs” filming on Long Island in November.

Jeff Pangburn

Rick

Jeff is thrilled to be appearing in his third ATC production after playing Ray in 2023's SONDER, and as Stan in last year's A WANING GIBBOUS MOON. Regional Credits: Nice Work If You Can Get It (Chief Berry), Bullets Over Broadway (Long Island Premiere, Warner Purcell), Curtains (Oscar Shapiro), Ragtime (Henry Ford), Memphis (Mr. Simmons), A New Brain (The Minister), Falsettos (Mendel), Little Shop of Horrors (Mushnik), Hairspray (Wilbur Turnblad), Company (David), Into the Woods (Narrator/Mysterious Man), The Secret Garden (Albert Lennox).

Congratulations to Joe and all the old and new friends in this wonderful cast. PDZ; You're the best part of "the beauty that is we".

Rich Bruno

Jet

Rich is incredibly excited to be making his Alternative Theatre debut in Benny & the Jetts!
He attended acting classes with Michael Beckett at HB Studio for 3 years and has been active in theatre since the age of 12.
Rich speaks 4 different languages. He lived in Rome, Italy for the first 18 years of his life and then relocated to Long island, NY in 2019.

Ian Slade

Ben

Ian is happy to join the cast of “Benny and the Jetts” in his stage debut on Long Island. Raised in NYC, Ian got his start acting in school plays and graduated from NYU Tisch with a BFA in Drama. He attended RADA and then, in 2015, he was invited to the Shanghai Theatre Academy graduate program. He performed in films, TV and stage in Shanghai including NYU Shanghai’s first staged production “Private Lives” by Noel Coward. Since returning to the US, Ian has been featured in several film projects, earning a Best Up and Coming Actor award at the Hollywood Golden Film awards in 2018. Based between the Berkshires and NYC today, Ian is thrilled to be on stage in “Benny and the Jetts”.

Justin Cimmino

Chris, Set and Lighting Designer

Justin is ecstatic to be back on stage in this thrilling production. Justin has been in a wide variety of productions over the past 17 years. Some favorite credits include "A Waning Gibbous Moon" (Mark, Choreographer), "SONDER" (Scott), "The Wild Party" (Oscar), "Beauty and the Beast" (Lefou), "Phantom" (Young Erik), "Ascension Day" (Randy), "Wizard of Oz" (Nikko), "Mary Poppins" (Neleus, Swing), "A Christmas Carol" (Featured Dancer) and many more. Justin would like to thank Joe for this amazing opportunity, and his family and Joey for all their love and support.

Peter Zhong

Jett

Peter made his acting debut in Alternative Theatre Company's 2024 production of "A Waning Gibbous Moon". For Jeff, Gary, and Rob. Have courage and be kind.

Ava Anise Adams

Kate

Ava is thrilled to be back on stage in Benny and the Jetts! Taking on the role of Kate has challenged her acting abilities and given her the opportunity to grow and develop her craft. Ava has been seen on New York stages in Grey Wig Cabaret (The Duplex) and regionally as Bloody Mary in South Pacific (La Comedia Theater, Ohio). Other favorite credits include Miss Hannigan (Annie), Angela (Parade), Miss Gardener (Carrie), Dragon (Shrek), and Jewel (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas). She has also appeared in numerous cabarets and community productions throughout Long Island. In addition to performing, Ava creates theater programs and teaches voice and guitar for the special needs community, blending artistry with advocacy. Special thanks to the amazing Benny and the Jetts cast and to Joe M., her favorite director, for bringing her back to the stage.

Erin Biener

Linda

Erin is an active member of the Long Island theatre community, whether performing on stage or working behind the scenes as a Stage Manager. She is grateful to be adding Alternative Theatre Company to the list of theaters she has the opportunity to work with. Erin is proud to be representing the Queer Community with this production. Her thanks to writer/director Joe and cast mate/friend Jeff for the chance to portray Linda. In November, Erin will be working with Community Playhouse of Northport as their Production Manager for the Long Island premiere of Anastasia.

Joe Marshall

Playwright, Director

Joe is a proud lifetime member of the New York Dramatist Guild. After studying at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, Joe obtained his F.C.C. License in broadcast communication from the Arizona Technical Institute. Joe founded the Alternative Theatre Company while living in Phoenix, where he was also the Director of Children's Programming at Theatre Works, winning five People's Choice awards.

Joe's play "SONDER" premiered two years ago here at BACCA, followed by "A Waning Gibbous Moon" last year. His Off-Broadway plays include "THE GAYEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER!", "A NIGHT IN VEGAS," "A WANING GIBBOUS MOON" and "DIRTY SECRETS." "A Night in Vegas" received multiple AriZoni awards for Best Original Script, Best Overall Production, and Best Director. Throughout his theatre career, Joe has directed and choreographed more than thirty award-winning productions in Arizona, California, New York City, and Long Island.