The creative team behind the magic of North Villa
Brandon Goldsmith
Writer & Director
Brandon Goldsmith is a writer, composer, lyricist, director, and accomplished actor based in Palm Beach County . A graduate of Rose Bruford College, one of London’s most distinguished drama schools, he trained in acting, directing, and theatre creation, with particular emphasis on dramatic authorship and original work.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Goldsmith has built his creative life around theatre, combining performance experience with a deep commitment to original writing for the stage. His current musical, North Villa, based on Wilkie Collins features book, music, and lyrics by Goldsmith and reflects his long-standing commitment to transforming classic literature into compelling contemporary musical theatre.
Michele Popken
Stage Manager
Michele is excited to be stage managing North Villa. Michele has stage-managed The Sound of Music and HAIR at LWPH, Cafe on Main at the Arts Garage, as well as several plays at the Delray Beach Playhouse. Some of the recent plays have been the 2025 Playwright Festival, Noises Off, Something’s Afoot, Merrily We Roll Along, Love Loss and What I Wore, RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women, and Grease. Thanks to the director, producer, and actors for this opportunity. Thanks to her family and friends for their support.
Dimitri Gann
Choreographer
Dimitri is excited to be a part of the cast and creative team for North Villa! Dimitri is an actor, director, and choreographer who has enjoyed a long and varied career in the performing arts. Recent acting credits include Kiss Me, Kate! (Paul) and Hair (Woof) at the Lake Worth Playhouse, and 3 Card Stud (Michael) with Plays of Wilton. Dimitri has served as the director and/or choreographer for several children’s productions over the years, including The Lion King Jr, Beauty and the Beast Jr, and Seussical Jr. He is a co-founder of R.A.D. Studios, a youth performing arts studio serving communities in Southeast Missouri. He currently teaches youth improv and scene study classes at the Lake Worth Playhouse.
Brian Cumiskey
Set Designer
Brian arrives at North Villa following a successful run as Bob Cratchit in Lake Worth Playhouse’s A Christmas Carol. Originally from Ireland, he was active in the Irish touring theater scene playing roles such as J.M. Synge’s Bartley in Riders to the Sea and Michael Byrne of A Tinker’s Wedding. A lead survivor in Gay Byrne’s original RTÉ’s Survivors Challenge. As a designer, he created a new-form hybrid production for Juilliard’s Twelfth Night and, together with Christine Caleo, brought the Smile to the World project from Ireland to the United Nations.
Bard Rockenbach
Producer
Bard is an appellate attorney in West Palm Beach. He decided to produce North Villa after hearing the beautiful songs and reading the novel on which it is based, “Basil” by Wilkie Collins. Producing North Villa has been a fun and exciting change of pace. When he isn’t dabbling in musical production, Bard writes and cooks. A lot.
Special Thanks
This production would not be possible without the dedication of our entire crew, including assistant directors, production assistants, technical staff, and volunteers. We are grateful to Stage West and Palm Beach State College for their support and commitment to the arts. Thank you to all who have contributed their time, talent, and passion to bringing North Villa to the stage.