Welcome To The Snow Queen

A graduate of Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), Aleksey Burago studied under the world famous theater director Pytor Fomenko. The New York Times has called his work “visually stunning…its simplicity is like a tiny, finely honed blade.” Aleksey has directed many productions to critical acclaim in Europe and America, including Beyond Recognition, a play about Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, which had a sold-out run at the prestigious Hermitage Theatre in 

St. Petersburg. His television production of Alexander Pushkin’s Queen of Spades (Moscow TV) was broadcast across the country and received rave reviews. In the early 90’s, Aleksey left Russia and emigrated to New York for a better life. He founded Theater 86, then known as Russian Arts Theater and Studio, hoping to share his love and knowledge of Russian literature and the rich traditions of theater training with American audiences. In the capital of the theater world, Aleksey has directed over sixty productions, among them On the Eve (Obie Nominee), Ah, My Dear Anderson (Time Out NY Critic’s Pick), Gamblers, The Overcoat, Crime and Punishment, Uncle Vanya, Dante’s Inferno, and Mozart and Salieri. His latest production of Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita, Or, The Devil Comes to Moscow enjoyed four sold-out runs and was praised by Charles Isherwood of Wall Street Journal as “maliciously inventive…The performances are ripe, antic, and enjoyably over-the-top, in keeping with the spirit of Bulgakov’s book. It can be described in many ways—satiric, absurdist, fanciful, grotesque, bizarre—but subtle or realistic it definitely, and exuberantly, is not.” Aleksey is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Best Director Award at the Moscow Annual Festival of Classical Plays, Best Director Award at the St. Petersburg Comedy Festival, and the Best Show Award at the International United Solo Festival in NYC. Additionally, Aleksey's creation of Billy Bob Boils the Sea was selected to represent the United States at the 9th International Ordu Youth and Children’s Festival in Turkey. As a teacher, Aleksey has taught around the world, including Theatre Academy and Conservatory in St. Petersburg, GITIS Scandinavia in Denmark, Acting Without Acting Festival in Mexico, Theater Communications Laboratory in Japan, Bilkent University in Turkey, Manhattanville College and HB Studio in New York City. He is also currently on faculty at Fordham University where he teaches the works of his favorite writer Anton Chekhov. 

Born in the Soviet Union, in the city of Yessentuki, Valery graduated from State Repin Academy of Art in St. Petersburg. Yershov's art received international recognition when he joined Furmanny Lane in Russia, Europe and the Americas. His works have been shown as part of the international Art Armory Show, auctioned in Sotheby's and Phillips houses, and held in many private collections and museums. In his ironic realism, Yershov utilizes exaggerated figures, rich textures and bright colors. His flamboyant paintings strike and amaze the viewer's imagination, appealing on both analytical and emotional levels while illuminating many aspects of human experience. For more information about Valery's work, please visit http://valery-yershov.herokuapp.com/collections

Evgeny Schwartz (1896–1958) was a prominent Soviet playwright and screenwriter known for his innovative use of fairy tale motifs to critique social and political issues. Born in Kazan, Russia, Schwartz began his career as an actor before turning to writing. His works often blended fantasy with sharp satire, addressing themes such as bureaucracy, oppression, and human nature. Some of his most notable plays include The Dragon (1944), a bold allegory about totalitarianism, and An Ordinary Miracle (1956), a whimsical yet poignant exploration of love and duty.

Schwartz also contributed to Soviet cinema, adapting many of his works for film. Despite the challenges of working under Soviet censorship, his clever use of allegory allowed him to comment on the complexities of his time, securing his legacy as a masterful storyteller and an influential figure in Russian literature and theater.

Reanna Armellino (SAG-AFTRA) is thrilled to be part of another production here at Theater 86. She was recently seen performing in their 2024 early winter production of Dante's Inferno and is happy to conclude the year on stage with them yet again. www.ReannaArmellino.com

Andrei Kouznetsov-Maestro is a director, actor, musician, composer and teacher. He has organized and participated in numerous theatrical performances, films, variety shows and festivals. An alumnus of the prestigious Russian Academy of Theater Arts (GITIS), and a graduate of Mussorgsky Musical College, Andrei has over 30 years of experience working with children and over 55 years of experience working in show business. He is the Founder and Director of “Maestro School of Arts” in New York.

Ariel Polanco is thrilled to return to Theater 86. His work as an artist has taken him beyond New York City, and has performed domestically in North Carolina and Texas, as well as internationally, in Italy, Turkey, and Japan. Ariel was last seen performing in NYC and Provincetown in Tennessee Williams’ Battle of Angels. Select stage credits with Theater 86 include: Dante's Inferno, The Rise and Fall of Macondo, Enemies of the People, The Master and Margarita, Lady with a Lap Dog with Jokes and a Happy Ending, Three Sisters, and Avenue of Wonder. He would like to extend his gratitude to Aleksey Burago, Di Zhu and his fellow cast mates and theater crew.

Russian-born American soprano Elena Mindlina maintains a busy international career as a multifaceted performer and teacher. A unique Nikolai Tcherepnin's songs specialist, Ms. Mindlina recorded a debut world premiere CD, 'Nikolai Tcherepnin: Songs', which was released by Toccata Classics in London and rated Five Stars by the BBC Music Magazine (2014).

In May 2022, in collaboration with the renowned theater director Aleksey Burago, Elena created a unique staged version of Shostakovich's 'Seven Songs on Poems by Blok' voicing the artists' protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which she gave a world premiere of at the CSUN ChamberFest to the most enthusiastic LA audience.

In recent years, Ms. Mindlina could be seen making her New York City acting debut with Theater86 in Aleksey Burago's highly acclaimed productions of 'Yama. The Hellhole' and 'Viy' and is thrilled to be joining this production as the Snow Queen. 

Ms. Mindlina received her early musical education in Russia, obtaining her first master's degree in Violin Performance under Mikhail Mindlin - a disciple of the legendary Abram Yampolsky.

In 2006, she came to New York City to study Musical Theatre at AMDA. Immediately following graduation, she made her highly acclaimed New York Town Hall debut in 'Broadway's Rising Stars:' 'brought the audience to their feet' (Town Hall, Janet Popp), 'could move mountains, let alone people.' (John Simon of New York Magazine). 

A recipient of the Full Tuition Scholarship from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she received her second master's in Vocal Performance and became a Doctor of Musical Arts in 2014.

In addition to her performing career, Dr. Mindlina enjoys teaching voice & lyric diction worldwide from her private studio in NYC. She created a lyric diction audio guide for the Metropolitan Opera's 2021 production of 'Boris Godunov.' Most recently, she served as a vocal/diction coach at Theater86's highly acclaimed productions of 'Yama. The Hellhole,' 'Viy,' 'Diary of a Madman,' and 'Inferno' (NYC). Dr. Mindlina’s students perform under Maestro Riccardo Muti, participate in the world’s best opera festivals (Ravenna Festival, The Rossini Opera Festival, Italy), star in theater productions and festivals in NYC and Europe, and win international competitions.

Elena wishes Happy Holidays to Theater86's family and friends and dedicates her performances to the memory of her beloved niece Polina.

E-mail: Elena.Mindlina@gmail.com  YouTube Channel: youtube.com/c/ELENAMINDLINA 

FB Professional Page: @ElenaMindlinaBelCanto

Delighted to celebrate the holidays at Pushkin Hall, Tom loves getting to take a dip into Andersen's enchanted world before going back to Bulgakov's satirical Master and Margarita in January. Other credits at Theater 86 include Dante’s Inferno (Dante Alighieri), Diary of a Madman (Poprishchin), Viy (Homa Brut), The Seagull (Trigorin), etc. More on his stage, voice and screen work at www.tomschubert.com

Mark is ecstatic to return once again to the stage for the 5th time with his Theater 86 family! Mark was last seen here as Master in the production of Master and Margarita and had been seen previously as Virgil in Dante's Inferno and pig-tator Napoleon in Animal Farm. In his over 40 years on stage, Mark has played everything from Count Dracula to Jesus. He continues to be thankful for the love and support of his wife Teresa and his son Michael!

Di was last seen as Margarita in The Master and Margarita here at Theater 86. Her work in the theater has taken her to stages throughout New York City, as well as London, Scotland, Turkey and Japan. Select stage appearances include Selected Shorts Live at Symphony Space (with Rainn Wilson and Cynthia Nixon), Dante’s Inferno, Mozart and Salieri, Viy, The Waiter & The Slut, The Overcoat, Lambs For Slaughter, The Rise and Fall of Macondo, Enemies Of The People, Three Sisters, Crime and Punishment, Uncle Vanya, and The Seagull.  Di’s film and TV credits include Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (opposite Tina Fey and Margot Robbie), The Blindspot, Katy Keene, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood (opposite Tom Hanks) and WeCrashed (opposite Jared Leto). Di wishes to thank her incredible cast mates, Aleksey Burago, and the many supporters of Theater 86 who inspire her to keep going! www.whoisdi.com

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It takes a village to build a show. It takes an even bigger village when it comes to creating indie theater! We are super grateful to everyone who made this project a reality. Thank you to the staff and volunteers at The Center at West Park, West Park Presbyterian Church, Materials For The Arts as well as Natasha Deniz Can Erzaim, Michael Gorbovitski, Derya Karatas, Marina Kovalyov, Alexander Langadakis, Madeline Naylor, Yanina Panchishina, Robyne Parrish, Julie Skarratt, Robert Stein, Margaret Segal, Andrey Tsers and Tracey Toth!