About Landmark
Who We Are
Landmark Musicals is restoring to the stage the magical work of the giants of musical theater—Oscar Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Frank Loesser, Jerry Herman, Kander and Ebb, and many more.
The musicals Landmark presents aren’t ordinary. They are classics that have met the test of time. And the quality of the productions will approach the quality of the musicals themselves.
We offer sharply reduced ticket prices to students so that they may experience the golden age of musical theater.
Of all the exciting roles that will grace our stage, none is more important than a Landmark sponsor. To fulfill our dreams, we need your help. Please go to the CONTRIBUTIONS page for more information.
But most of all, we hope our audiences take pleasure in what we do and keep coming back for more. No other theater company in New Mexico takes as its charge the rethinking, restoration and revitalization of the greatest musicals Broadway has to offer.
Landmark Musicals now works in collaboration with Sandia Preparatory School. Teaming Landmark’s stellar community theater program with Sandia Prep’s renowned Performing Arts Department brings to Albuquerque the best possible combination of artistic talent, creative drive, and technical experience.
Creative Department
LOUIS GIANNINI, JR.
Louis Giannini joined Landmark as a choreographer in 2010 for The Fantasticks and since then has been heavily involved with this wonderful company. Louis has danced in Albuquerque with Festival Ballet Albuquerque, Ballet Repertory Theater, New Mexico Ballet and Keshet. He has been seen in featured roles in The Nutcracker the title role in Billy the Kid and Jonathan Harker in Dracula.
He has been in and choreographed numerous shows with Musical Southwest, and the Adobe Theater. He is the middle school theater director, dance director, Summer Prep theater director and the theater facilities manager at Sandia Prep. He thanks his beautiful and talented wife and his two boys for all their love and support.
LAURIE FINNEGAN
Laurie Finnegan is an actor, director, vocalist and educator. She has directed several productions for Landmark Musicals over the years. While she thoroughly enjoys directing, particularly large casts with children, she is most well known for her acting and singing. Laurie has performed professionally across the country and locally at several of the theaters in Albuquerque.
Laurie most recently appeared in Landmark’s production of Putting It Together. Other Sondheim credits include: A Little Night Music (Petra), Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), Into the Woods (Witch) and Side by Side by Sondheim.
Although Laurie has performed numerous leading roles such as Mama Rose in Gypsy, Anna in The King and I, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Guinevere in Camelot, Aldonza in The Man of La Mancha and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady; she is perhaps best remembered for her portrayal of Patsy Cline in A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. “It is an honor and a privilege to play Patsy Cline, to sing her songs, to tell her story.”
In addition to acting, singing and directing, Laurie is also a performing arts educator, She teaches classes in acting, auditioning, vocal production and musical theater.
Laurie especially wants to thank her husband, Michael P. Finnegan, for his constant love and support.
LOU BECKER
Lou brings an extensive professional resume, and most importantly, a strong dedication to community performing arts here in Albuquerque. Lou first joined Landmark in its production of White Christmas as a performer and choreographer of “Blue Skies”. Many of us here at Landmark grew up with Lou Becker, performing in Albuquerque Civic Light Opera shows and ballets. After too many years away sharpening his skills and gaining invaluable experience, we are honored that he has chosen to bring his many talents to the Landmark family.
DAHL DELU
Dahl Delu began his career designing sets and costumes for classical theatre (The Tyrone Guthrie Theatre) in Minnesota, he then spent 8 years in New York working on and off Broadway and painting sets for the Metropolitan Opera. He moved to Hollywood and worked as Art Director/Production Designer for over 50 Primetime half hour series and received two EMMYS.
His series include CHEERS, Diff’rent Strokes, Silver Spoons, Facts of Life, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Dear John, and Bob (Newhart), Dahl moved to Albuquerque in July of 2009 and is an active part of the Albuquerque art community. Dahl has been painting in acrylic and oils since college and currently shows at The Yucca Art Gallery in Historic Old Town. He is the Production Designer for Landmark Musicals and is currently designing Into the Woods (his 23 Landmark show) and frequently designs sets and costumes for Opera Southwest.
ERIN MOOTS
COURTNEY GIANNNINI
She also choreographs for Landmark Musicals with her husband Louis. For Landmark, she has danced in Carousel, A Chorus Line and Peter Pan. She coaches the dance team at Sandia Prep. Courtney thanks her husband and her two boys, Lucca and Hudson, for all their love and support.
MARILYN LAFER
Marilyn Lafer has been doing theatrical makeup since 1979. Starting with Albuquerque Civic Light Opera (ACLOA) under the mentorship of Sandy Luckie. Since then she has volunteered with all the Community Theaters in Albuquerque. In her spare time she was an Accountant, Realtor, and Professional Makeup Artist for the Movie and TV Industry. Now retired. Some of her favorite musicals she worked with are: INTO THE WOODS, CAMELOT, WIZARD OF OZ, MAME, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, PIPPIN, AND SPAMALOT. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of Landmark Musicals.
GARY BEARLY
JUSTIN ABEL
Justin Abel is a student at the University of New Mexico pursuing degrees in marketing and computer science. He works primarily as a freelance video editor specializing in promotional content. He joined Landmark Musicals in 2020 to produce virtual theater videos in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in his filming and editing of four successful video productions.
Justin has since expanded his role to include graphic design, marketing, and promotional content. He enjoys creating content that will put a smile on the faces of many, and is known for his efficiency, professionalism, and quality work. Justin has very much enjoyed working with a company that emphasizes community and looks forward to continuing being a part of Landmark Musicals. If you have video production needs, feel free to contact Justin at [email protected].
MAX WOLTMAN
Max Woltman has been a part of the Landmark Musicals family since the company’s founding in 2008. His background in performing arts and love of the stage enhances his ability to capture the emotional vitality and spontaneity of live theater. In addition to taking headshots, publicity stills, and archival performance photos behind the scenes, Max has appeared onstage in Landmark productions, such as Spamalot (Sir Robin), Ragtime (Houdini), Guys & Dolls (Rusty Charlie), and Fiddler on the Roof (Motel).
Max has worked with other performing arts organizations including Play Conservatory, Camino Real Productions, New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards, UNM Department of Theatre and Dance, and The Santa Fe Opera.
An accomplished fine art photographer, Max has exhibited at venues such as The Albuquerque Museum, Mariposa Gallery, Sanitary Tortilla Factory, Sumner & Dene Gallery, EXPO New Mexico, The University of New Mexico, The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, and The New Mexico Cancer Center. In addition to Max’s contributions to the local art scene, his award-winning images have been published internationally.
Max’s specialty is documenting people. For the last 15 years, he has worked full time photographing business portraits, headshots, families, weddings, and events. He is sought for his observant eye, passionate voice, and gift for seeing beauty in everyone. His kind demeanor and encouraging spirit make Max a popular choice, and not just among actors. To see more of his work or to book a session, please visit www.maxwoltmanphotography.com.
JOYCE WALL
DIEGO GARCIA
GAYLE SMART
Gayle Smart has been working with the local theater community since 2000 in many capacities. From set building, curtain making and as a backstage dresser to a fascination with the costumes and creation of pieces that go on stage. Gayle has sewn for many years and had a business creating specialized outdoor gear. Gayle has assisted creation of many costume sets including Oliver!, La Cage au Follies and designed costumes for A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline for Landmark Musicals in 2021.
CARRIE TAFOYA
Landmark's Founders
MYRA AND BOB COCHNAR
Board of Directors
LOUIS GIANNINI, president
ERICA STELL, treasurer
MICHAEL FINNEGAN
WILLIAM LANG
LOUISE LOOMIS, secretary
EVAN COCHNAR
DAHL DELU
MELISSA DINEEN
DOLORES HINES
