Haystack, or a folk-tastic new musical about four misfit travelers who embark on the impossible journey to find The Needle in a haystack, literally. There, they endure larger than life challenges with an eclectic bunch of explorers, ex-celebrities, and miraculous beings, all while finding the truth about what and who they really need.

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cast & crew

  • Joseph Thor - Music & Lyrics/Aurelius

    Joseph Thor (He/Him): is an actor/composer/producer from Northern NJ. His production company “Joseph Thor and Friends” has recently been taking NYC by storm featuring broadways newest, brightest stars. Haystack is a labor of love in support of doing the dumbest shit you can while also having something to say; a motto JT tries to live by. Endless thanks to the team for believing in his dream from the start and Charlie for making him smarter every time they speak. Please donate to the show, come see the office musical, and find your needle. Insta: Josephthormusic TikTok: jtcambria

  • Mimi Warnick - Director

    Mimi is a director and artist based in NYC. She has an extensive background directing and developing Musical Theatre, New Work, Plays, and Theatre for Young Audiences. Most recently, “Pilloried” (Samuel French Off Off Broadway Festival Finalist), Hear/Now Live! (Keen Company, Asst. Director), Cabaret (University of Pennsylvania), Little Women, The Musical (Upper Darby Summer Stage, Director), Brighton Beach Memoirs, (Delaware Theater Company, Asst. Director). She is also currently developing her new musical, The Chequerboard Watch. In addition to directing, Mimi is a Co-Founder and the Programming Artistic Director of In Confidence, and she is also the Director of New Work with AMT Theater. Many thanks to JT, Charlie, Sophie, and the whole team. This is a true gem! Education, BFA Emerson College, mimiwarnick.com | @mimiwarnick

  • Dominic Dorset - Music Director

    Dominic Dorset is a multi-disciplined artist in New York City. As a musician, he most recently played alongside Gavin Creel in his original work, Walk On Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice at the MET and The O’Neill. Past music directing credits include Once On This Island at the University of Michigan and Shrek: The Musical at the Weston Theater Company. As someone who spent his Midwest high school years with both the drama club and touring the country in a fiddle band, being a part of Haystack feels all too much like home.

  • Sophie Brubaker - Producer

    Sophie Brubaker is a bubbly, NYC-based performer, producer, and event host. She slips and slides between musicals, immersive theatre, folky hootenannies, emceeing interactive social events, and producing for both Off the Lane (@offthelane) and In Confidence (secret shows + unlikely places, @inconfidence.club). Sophie is a cheerleader for new work & imaginative, social spins on producing that work, so thank you to JT for trusting her crazy "county fair" idea this time around. She is absolutely hay-struck by this cast & crew ;) @sophiebrubaker

    "Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." -Mary Oliver

  • Lauren Micke - Stage Manager/Choreographer

    Lauren Micke (she/her) is so excited to be a part of another Joseph Thor & Friends production. She graduated from Oklahoma City University where she performed and choreographed some of her favorite musicals- go stars! Shoutout to her tuxedo cat, Phoebe and this incredible production team who has made this process so silly and fun!

  • Charles Towle - Book Writer

    Charles Towle (He/him) is a mostly actor, sometimes writer, occasional poet, painter, and/or director based in Los Angeles, CA. Some of his favorite things include Björk, Moby-Dick, The New Yorker Magazine, and tacos al pastor. He is thrilled to have been granted the chance to collaborate with the visionary genius, Joseph Thor. Woeful though he is to miss witnessing this undoubtedly breathtaking cast perform, he shall cheer them on from the West Coast. Many thanks to his mentors and inspirations, namely Jonathan Dee and Jacob Rosen. Toss in a few proactive bravis…

  • Madyson Bolton - The Needle

    Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Madyson Bolton has a deep passion for storytelling, singing, bringing characters to life, and making people laugh. Her recent workshops and concerts include Treeson: An Eco Musical (54 Below), Winter Songs at the Triad Theater, Cabarets at Don’t Tell Mama NYC and The Wild Geese Gallery. She would like to give her special thanks to her beloved family and friends for supporting her to continue to tell stories that warm people’s hearts and of course, give them a good laugh. To keep up with Madyson, she’s on instagram @just.madyson.hehe

    Cheers to the talented cast and crew of Haystack!!

  • Adam Morrison - Hayden

  • Yasmin Ranz-Lind - Mariah

    Yasmin Ranz-Lind (Mariah) is thrilled to be a part of the Stack and this absolute dream of a creative team! BFA Acting Syracuse University. Recent credits include: Deorwynn in Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood (Theater of the Big Bend), world premieres of Lost Sock Laundry (Up Theater Company) and Everyday Charlie (The Tank), originating the role of Princess/Chambermaid in Allerleirauh: A New Musical (Bookworm Theatrics), and Bad Jews (Off the Lane). Huge thanks to her endlessly supportive family and friends, TLJ, and all of her mentors who told her to relax and have fun: it’s called a ~play~ for a reason. @yasminranzlind, yasminranzlind.com

  • Jason Zuckerman - Jack

    Jason Zuckerman, he/him, is thrilled to be making his NYC debut in Haystack. He is from Ridgewood, New Jersey and is currently going into his senior year at American University where he is pursuing his BA in Musical Theatre. Recent credits include Spring Awakening (Melchior), Bat Boy: The Musical (Bat Boy), and Into the Woods (Jack). He would like to thank his family, friends, and the entire Stack for their endless love and support. Instagram: @jason.zuckerman

  • Nadia Wilemski - Sophie

    Nadia Wilemski (she/her) is a 2023 graduate of Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Musical Theatre and is beyond excited to play with this new work with such a talented group of people! Since grad, she has signed under Ally Taylor Artists and Luxe Talent Agency where she has the opportunity to work within theatre, film/TV, print, and commercials. Some of her favorite credits include American Idiot, Pippin, Grease, and commercial work for brands like Tim Hortons and PanOxyl. A huge thanks to JT for the opportunity to take on new work and for introducing her to the Haystack family! You can keep up to date with everything Nadia is up to on her website: nadiawilemski.com or Instagram @nadia.wilemski

  • Riley Thad Young - Ross Lynch

    Riley Thad Young is an NYC based actor/singer/performer. He is a 2023 graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory. Some of his favorite credits include TO SIR, WITH LOVE (Industry Reading) and BEAUTIFUL (Theatre Aspen). He’s very excited to share some big announcements in the coming months. Lastly, he couldn’t be more happy to be an inaugural member of the STACK! @rileytsyoung @dgrw

  • Sam Pottinger - Jason Raunschetter

    Sam Pottinger (He/Him) is a New York City based Actor, Storyteller, and Nerd who is absolutely thrilled to be joining such an amazing cast in the Stack. Some of his favorite recent projects include Kinky Boots (Lyric Theater of Oklahoma), Carousel (Off-Brand Opera), Elvis: A Musical Revolution (Dutch Apple), Legally Blonde and Spring Awakening (Collegiate). A proud graduate of Oklahoma City University (2022), Sam would like to thank all of his teachers and friends who have helped him get to this point, our incredible creative team for their vision and patience, and his family, both in New York City and back in St. Louis. This one goes out to Nathan. Instagram: @sampottinger https://www.scpottinger.com