Fredonia alumna heads to Broadway

Many people have to work their entire career to make it to Broadway. For Fredonia alumna Cassie Williams ('17), it took a little over a year. 

Williams, a B.F.A. Theatre Design and Production major with a focus in Costume Design, was recently named the associate hair and makeup designer for “Be More Chill.” 

Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, the musical version of “Be More Chill” premiered in June, 2015. It became an off-Broadway musical in 2018. 

“It is not rare that any of our Theatre and Dance alumni would work on Broadway, but it is very rare that two years after graduation an alum would be offered an ‘associate design’ position on a Broadway show,” said Dixon Reynolds, associate professor of Costume Design at Fredonia. “Usually people in our field work for many years to achieve this prestigious and challenging position. Cassie's work ethic, positive attitude and talent are truly great, and this put her ahead and on the ‘fast track.’” 

The show not only presented an opportunity for Williams, but also for Dave Bova, a Fredonia Class of 2000 graduate. Bova, who is the hair and wig designer for “Be More Chill,” has worked with several Fredonia students and graduates throughout his successful career. 

“Dave continues to hire current students as well as alums and has for more than 10 years,” said Reynolds. “He and Cassie will be on campus later this spring to design and create wigs for our Department's production of ‘Anything Goes.’ While here they will lead a workshop similar to the workshop that Cassie attended her freshman year. What a great way to come full circle.” 

“Be More Chill” opened on Feb. 13 and will run through October.