STALIN: The Musical
Book and Lyrics by Austin Olson
Music by James Navan
Synopsis
What do gulags, beach resorts, dance recitals, and awkward first dates have in common? Just one thing: Joseph Stalin. In this bombastic, historically-questionable, and unapologetically camp musical, history gets hijacked by glitter, groove, and revolution. From boyhood dreams in a Georgian village to a trip to the casino in the shadow of state terror, the show slaps Marxism in a sequined leotard and sends it pirouetting through history.
Anchored by a beleaguered historian desperately trying to keep the facts straight, the musical gleefully skewers authoritarianism, toxic masculinity, and Broadway tropes alike. With failed love interests, rap battles with Lenin, an unnamed assistant with showbiz aspirations, and a lot of dancing, this might be the most historically inaccurate musical you’ll ever love.
Should this be a musical? (No.)
Is it one anyway? (Absolutely.)
Bios
Megan Geiger (Joseph Stalin) Megan Geiger (any pronouns) is a performer/stage manager based in Brooklyn, New York. Recent performance work includes STALIN: The Musical (Joseph Stalin, Peoples Improv Theater/Chain Theater Winter One-Act Festival). Recent stage management includes Hunger Artist (New York Theater Festival). She is also part of the sketch comedy group We the People, the Topical team of the Peoples Sketch Revues performed at the Peoples Improv Theater. In their free time, they enjoy cooking, working out, and exploring New York City. They hope you enjoy the show!
Logan Reeder (Stalin’s Aide): Logan is an actor, singer, dancer, improviser, writer, and natural blonde based right here in NYC. She performs regularly at comedy venues around the city and was recently a performer on Lloyd Night at UCB and was on cast #2 of The People's Sketch Revue. She has also performed at festivals and theaters across the country, including iO Fest Chicago, San Francisco Sketch Fest, DCM, Baltimore Improv Fest, and Arizona Broadway Theater. She received a BFA in Musical Theater and a Minor in Dance from Otterbein University. She is thrilled to be returning to Aide in STALIN again and would like to thank the cast, creative, and crew for giving her the chance to freak like this <3 Instagram: @slo.reeder
Lara Strong (Historian) Lara Strong is a New Zealand born actor and singer based in NYC. Most recently she starred as Sandy in the Off-Broadway smash hit Vape! The Grease Parody. Other performance highlights include Red Bucket Follies 2025 (Broadway), WIGS: The Play (The PIT NYC), Stalin: The Musical (The Chain Theatre), A View From the Bridge (New Zealand), Audrey: The Musical (Off-Broadway), Girls Night Out (short film), Broadway’s Future Songbook Series (Lincoln Center). Lara also works extensively in sketch and improv, performing regularly with her groups The Fourth Space (sketch comedy) and Surprise! Improv at NYC venues including BCC, UCB, and The PIT NYC.
Analyse Capodifero (Kato/Ensemble) Analyse (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of this production. She eats cheese every night before bed (it helps you sleep). She is known for biking everywhere and doing improv and standup and sketch and general pranks. She is obsessed with Austin Olson and the whole team. She would like to thank her friends, family, and therapist for their support. Her insta is @analyse.c
Claire Wagner (Ensemble) Claire Wagner (she/her) is a queer actor and comedian based in Brooklyn. Favorite credits include Oleanna (Hollywood Fringe), Twelfth Night (New Stage), Indecent (Stella Adler). Fourth Space for sketch comedy, Surprise! for improv, Limbo Talk Show for characters, @clairesuzanna11 for my daily outfit post.
Emily Renison (Ensemble) Emily Renison (known as Em) is a Pisces Sun, actress, singer, and songwriter originally from Portland, Oregon, now based in New York City. She received her BFA in Theatre Arts from Hofstra University. When she’s not acting she is producing music you can stream by searching “Emily Renison” on all major streaming platforms! She is deeply grateful to Austin, Spencer and Megan Sophie for this incredible opportunity, and to the talented cast for their warmth and laughter. Follow her on Instagram @emrenison
Hannah Zeldin (The Nun/Ensemble) Hannah Zeldin (she/her) is from Atlanta, Georgia. B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Indiana University (2023). Recent graduate of the Conservatory program at The Second City NYC. She's excited to be back in the habit, something her Jewish parents never expected to hear. She is thrilled to return to the Chain Theatre and continue performing with STALIN: The Musical! @hannahzeldin
JQ Hennessy (Stalin’s Mom/Ensemble) JQ Hennessy is an actress/comedian with a passion for Stalin (THE MUSICAL OFC NOT THE GUY). She currently tours with Tony and Tina’s Wedding regionally and has been featured in several films such as Mean Girls the Musical Movie, The 4:30 Movie, Northern Borders, and more. Favorite theater credits include: Pippin (Leading Player~La Mama ETC), Elf (Jovie~Algonquin Theater), Into the Woods (The Witch~Creative Outlets). Currently she serves as the director and head writer of the House Musical Sketch Team at the Peoples Improv Theater in NYC and when she’s not performing you can find her working the book for her new musical Bluebirds. She thanks Austin, Ben, and the entire creative team of Stalin for giving her the opportunity to live her kooky Jennifer Coolidge meets opera singer dreams. @jq_henny
Katie King (Nadya/Ensemble) Katie King is a NYC-based actor, singer and dancer. Originally from Cape May, NJ, she earned a BFA in Theatre Performance with a minor in Musical Theatre from Hofstra University in the spring of 2024. Recent credits include werewolves, wake up (“Best Play” Winner - 2025 Queens Short Play Festival; dir. Gavin Petersen), Stashed (film, dir. Shannon Outlaw), Start to Finish (The Chain Theatre; dir. Richard Omar), Gravity of the Heart (The PIT; dir. Caroline Richardson), and No Greater Love (The Xavier Company; dir. Carol Ferrone).
Mark Melton (Lenin/Ensemble) Mark Melton (he/him) is a writer/performer from Illinois who now lives in New York! He has performed on mainstages at Upright Citizens Brigade, The Second City, the Brooklyn Comedy Collective, the Peoples Improv Theater, the Magnet Theater, and with the Armory. Theatre credits include "Chuck and Tronk in: Open to Work" (Playwright/Actor, the Tank), "Start to Finish" (Playwright/Actor, Chain Theatre), "A Very Jerry Christmas" (Co-Writer/Actor, the Nubox Theatre), Not Leaving (Actor, the Secret Theatre), and Spirit of 76 (Playwright/Director, Chain Theatre). @swugmark
Theo Boyd (Roosevelt/Ensemble) "Привет, любители бульона!" Theo Boyd is thrilled to be back at the Chain Theatre. A New Hampshire native, Theo moved to NYC to pursue Musical Theatre, later graduating from AMDA's Integrated Conservatory Program. Previous credits include Georg (Spring Awakening), Swing/Conductor (The Polar Express Train Ride), and Christian Turner (No Evil Greater). When he is not throwing himself all over the place on stage, Theo can be found doing almost the exact same thing, teaching kids how to be strong and brave as a Children's Fitness Instructor. Much love to Mom, Dad, Paul, Gina, and Opa.
Tom O’Leary (Winston Churchill/Ensemble)Tom O’Leary is a New York–based theatre practitioner. His most recent credits include Sexiest Man Alive (Timothy Olyphant, NYC Fringe 2026) and Deirdre of the Sorrows (Cú Chulainn, 2024). Tom is an Irene Ryan Award Finalist (ACTF Region 1) and a Richard Maltby Jr. Award Nominee (ACTF Region 1). In addition to performing, he is an emerging playwright. His original work S.O.S. OSO premiered in 2020, and he is currently developing a new play, Electricians, which he hopes to complete in the coming months. Today, he is overjoyed to be a part of such a lovely ensemble and to be playing the role of Winston Churchill.
Will Cobb (Stalin’s Dad/Ensemble) Will Cobb is over the moon to be back in the hottest gulag in town! Will has been seen singing and dancing around the city (and a German cruise ship) in cabarets, concerts, and anywhere he can get attention. @william_r_cobb
Austin Olson (Book and Lyrics, Director, Producer) Austin Olson is a writer/director/actor/comedian. He studied theater at Western Washington University before moving to NYC to pursue his showbiz dreams. He decided to tell this story because he watched the 1997 animated film Anastasia and said "but who else was around?". In his spare time you can find him walking in Central Park or meticulously crafting the perfect text over a series of hours only to send one that is decidedly mid. Huge thanks to the cast and crew that has gotten the show to where it is now! @austino19
James Navan (Composer) Originally from Port Charlotte, FL, James Navan is a musician, actor, improviser, and, now, composer. He is proud to say he has toured internationally as a pianist with groups such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra, played a leading role in short films such as Jack Nicolleti's "The Perfectionist", and he is REALLY proud to have composed STALIN: The Musical.
Alexandra C. Perlman (Choreographer) Alexandra C. Perlman is an actor/dancer/singer/choreographer based in NYC, but originally from Glendale, Ca. Past choreography credits include Hofstra University's production of The Merry Wives of Windsor (2023) and Spectrum Players Love Quirks (2024). Professional performance and dance captain credits include The Argyle Theater's The Happy Elf (2024) and Disney's Descendants: The Musical (2025)
Alex Gardner (Stagehand) Alex Gardner is a Brooklyn-based comedian*, writer**, and third thing. Interacting with Alex Gardner may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Although unlikely, an increased risk of a potentially fatal brain infection cannot be ruled out. Do not talk to Alex Gardner before consulting your doctor. Liver problems can occur. (*Open mic frequenter, **Notes app user)
Alice McKay (Costume Designer) Alice McKay (she/they) is a theater technician and visual artist based in Manhattan. She primarily works in directing and stage management, though they have recently been digging into design. Some recent works include: Tech Lead for the Chain One Act Festival, Stage Manager for Fear & Wonder by Jason Tseng, Co-director of “He Kindly Stopped For Me” by Spencer Giles, Director for My Best Friend’s Fish by Kiley Gaddis, sound designer for The Atlantic Acting School’s productions of A Doll’s House and The House Of Bernarda Alba, Director of Left Behind by Kiley Gaddis, Assistant Stage Manager for Applause Dance Company, and Event Manager for STEM From Dance’s 2024-2026 showcase. Alice has found a great home at The Chain, and has loved creating with all of the many people who come in and out of the festival!
Ben Kaplan (Additional Music/Musical Director) Ben Kaplan is a fan-turned-co-composer of STALIN: the Musical. He is so excited to have been brought on the team to write new music for the show, like "Fatally in Love", "Bang! Bang! Boom!" and others. When not composing, Ben loves to act, write, tell jokes, sing, dance, bask in the sun, cook, and create. Past composing credits include songs from "That's Our Show!", "Ben and Aaron Have a Sleepover," and "The Guy Who Explodes if a Dog Barks at Him". @benkaplancreative Benkaplancreative.com
Cas Sommer (Stagehand) Cas Sommer is a graduate of Barnard College with experience on over sixty theatre shows and eleven short films. Cas would like to thank their wonderful friends and family for not putting them in the gulag yet. They’re excited to be joining Stalin! as his stagehand, and maybe, if he’s lucky, something more?
Lauren Vega (Stagehand) Lauren Vega is a young queer filmmaker and theatrical personnel based in Brooklyn, New York. With over a decade of experience in performing arts, she is now completing her bachelor’s degree in Film Production at Brooklyn College. She would like to extend her thanks to her family and friends for always supporting her work.
Lyric Jones (Props Master) Lyric Jones is an up and coming Props Artisan and ecstatic to be joining the crew of STALIN: The Musical as Props Master. She is also excited to be revisiting the Chain Theatre after working as run crew for The Pushover by John Patrick Shanley.
Megan Sophie Gore (Stage Manager) Megan Sophie Gore is a New York based Stage Manager from North Texas. Selected credits include: The Pushover (World Premiere - Chain Theatre), Aves + Autta + Ino + Mel (Staged Reading - Flux Theatre Ensemble), Fear & Wonder (Flux Theatre Ensemble), and A Final Toast (Renaissance Now: Theatre & Film). She has been working on STALIN: The Musical since September 2025 and is grateful to have been able to see how far it's come. She would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work and collaboration. This process has been absolutely fantabulous. @megansophie.g
Sam Carpenter (Accompanist) Sam Carpenter is a pianist and songwriter from Cape Cod, MA. He’s thrilled to be returning to the Chain Theater after premiering his original short musical Those Magic Changes at the One-Act Summer Festival last year.
Spencer Giles (Producer/Additional Book) Spencer Giles is a New York based writer, director, and producer. You can catch him around the city with his sketch comedy group "That's Our Show!" and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his group "Alternative Medicine". He would like to thank the STALIN cast and crew for their amazing work!