Welcome to our 36th annual Summer Youth Theatre production...an event that always puts a smile on my face!
Just before school got out in June, the amazing group of young people involved in this production started rehearsing, building and painting scenery, helping with costumes and lighting, selling ads, etc., and will be "running" the show. This program is very important to all of us at Curtain Call. Helping prepare another generation is exciting and, for most of us, reminds us of our beginnings.
My first summer theatre experience as an actor was long ago in the summer of 1973 and I am still friends with several members of that production. We know that theatre friends are the best and are happy to share in the joy of creating these lasting relationships! We know that the many skills developed over the course of the summer are invaluable. Theatre is a collaborative art, and much like organized sports, teaches the value of teamwork, the ability to stand in front of an audience, d and much more - all skills helpful in life whether pursuing a career in the theatre or not.
To the families of our young participants - THANK YOU for supporting them this summer. We know that it can be challenging to fit the rigorous rehearsal schedule into what is often a more laid back summer routine. We hope you all appreciate the work your kids have put into this great show.
And great shows are what we work on all year. Beginning next month, we'll kick off our new season which includes several shows that have never played here at Curtain Call – the first being ALL SHOOK UP – a romantic musical comedy featuring the hits of Elvis Presley.
Ten other full-scale productions round out the season which includes great opportunities for our young artists in our fall musical, Oliver! Our entire season (nearly 200 performances!) is listed in this program. We hope you'll come back and see some of the shows we have on tap. Our five, seven and 10-ticket FLEX PASSES, offer significant savings (and restaurant discounts), and more, making regular attendance here very reasonable indeed.
We also have some very exciting special events coming up, too. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date by clicking here.
For now, sit back, relax and enjoy your time at the chocolate factory!
Sincerely,
Orchestrations by
DOUG BESTERMAN
Based on the novel by Roald Dahl
Songs from the Motion Picture by LESLIE BRICUSSE and ANTHONY NEWLEY
Production Stage Manager – Lana Busch
Costume Design – Megan Latte Morello
Lighting Design – Ellie Mallardi
Set & Projection Design – Peter Barbieri, Jr.
Choreographer
ALEXANDRA CAHR
Music Director
BENJAMIN DOYLE
Director
JOEL FENSTER
Producer
BRIAN BIANCO
Executive Producer
LOU URSONE
Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLLATE FACTORY
Is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, NY, NY
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI MTIshows.com
(in order of appearacne)
Chad
Chris Balestriere
Sheriff Earl
Ryan Barker
Ensemble
Sandra Benedetto
Ensemble
Tyler Boudreau
Ensemble
Lauren Braconi
Lorraine
Kiara Casseus
Mayor Matilda Hyde
Dina Dessner
Ensemble
Eileen Dulmaine
Dean Hyde
Chris Faccenda
Ensemble
Grace Ferrante
Miss Sandra
Julia Carey Johnson
Ensemble
Sara LaBella
Ensemble
Amanda Mascarelli
Ensemble
Brianna Mattingly
Ensemble
Jimmy Meisterich
Ensemble
Savannah Belle Miller
Natalie/Ed
Jamie Molina
Ensemble
Renata Montalto
Jim Haller
Chris Nardi
Ensemble
Amy Plent
Sylvia
Zully Ramos
Ensemble
Jacob Ruiz
Ensemble
Diego Valdez-White
Ensemble
Andre Valdez-White
Ensemble
Samantha Van Nostrand
Dennis
Jonathan Wu
Executive Producer
Lou Ursone
Director
Tommy DeSalvo
Choreographer
Kelly Nayden
Music Director
Matt Stolfi
Set Design
Meghan Connelly
Lighting Design
Scott Borowka
Costume Design
Megan Morello
Production Stage Manager
Jan Ursone
Stage Managers
Jeff Bianco, Cara Kramer
Sound Engineers
Bruce Crilly, Neil Flores
Assistant Stage Managers
Laura Castiglione, Tom Cleary, Mike Kraus
Dance Captain
Savannah Miller
Props Team
Renata Montalto, Mike Kraus
Spot Light Operators
Cheryl D’Onofrio, Carol Foley,
Rachel Lese, Jenny Maso,
Emilee Maguire, Dan Murphy, Sam Parks,
Emma Sawch, Daniela Sawyer
Dressers
Lynn Carbino, Anne Cavaliere, Monica Castillo,
Celine DeMatteo, Katie Imholt,
Brooke Smith, Tiara Starks
Running Crew
Laura Castiglione, Tom Cleary,
Joseph DeMatteo, Stephen Emerick,
Mike Kraus
“Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley and Vera Matson; published by Elvis Presley Music (administered by Cherry River Music Co. and by Chrysalis Songs) (BMI).
“Roustabout” by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum and Florence Kaye; published by Elvis Presley Music (administered by Cherry River Music co. and by Chrysalis Songs) (BMI)
“Heartbreak Hotel” written by Elvis Presley, Mae Boren Axton and Tommy Durden; published by Sony/ATV Songs LLC, dba Tree Publishing Co. (BMI).
“One Night” written by Dave Bartholomew and Pearl King; published by Elvis Presley Music (administered by Cherry River Music Co. and by Chrysalis Songs) and by Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI).
“C’mon Everybody” written by Joy Byers; published by Gladys Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. and by Chrysalis Music) (ASCAP).
“Follow That Dream” words by Fred Wise, music by Ben Welsman; published by Warner Chappell Music Inc. on behalf of Chappell & Co. Inc. (ASCAP) and by Spirit
Two Music Inc. on behalf of Erlka Publishing (ASCAP).
“Hound Dog” written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller; published by Gladys Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company Inc. and by Chrysalis
Music) and by Universal-MCA Music Publishing (ASCAP).
“Teddy Bear” written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe; published by Gladys Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company Inc. and Chrysalis Music)
(ASCAP).
“That’s All Right” written by Arthur Crudup; published by Crudup Music and Unichapel Music, Inc. (BMI).
“Devil in Disguise” written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum and Florence Kaye; published by Elvis Presley Music (administered by Cherry River Music co. and by
Chrysalis Songs) (BMI).
“It’s Now or Never” written by Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold; Published by Rachel’s Own Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc.
and Chrysalis Music) (ASCAP).
“Blue Suede Shoes” written by Carl Perkins; published by Wren Music Co. Inc. on behalf of Carl Perkins Music, c/o MPL Communications, Inc. (BMI).
“Don’t Be Cruel” written by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley; published by Elvis Presley Music (administered by Cherry River Music Co. and by Chrysalis Songs) and by EMI Music Publishing (BMI).
“Let Yourself Go” written by Joy Byers; published by Gladys Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company Inc. and by Chrysalis Music) (ASCAP).
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” written by George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore; published by Gladys Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. and by Chrysalis Music) (ASCAP).
“All Shook UP” written by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley; published by Elvis Presley Music (administered by Cherry River Music Co. and by Chrysalis Songs) and by EMI Music Publishing (BMI).
“It Hurts Me” written by Joy Byers and Charles E. Daniels; published by Gladys Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. and by Chrysalis Music) and by Warner/Chappell Music Inc. (ASCAP).
“A Little Less Conversation” written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange; published by Elvis Presley Music (administered by Cherry River Music Co. and by Chrysalis Songs) (BMI).
“The Power of My Love” written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum and Florence Kaye; published by Elvis Presley Music (administered by Cherry River Music Co. and by Chrysalis Songs) (BMI).
“I Don’t Want To” words by Janice Torre, music by Fred Spielman; published by Gladys Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. and by Chrysalis Music) (ASCAP).
“Jailhouse Rock” written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller; published by Jerry Leiber Music and Mike Stoller Music (ASCAP).
“There’s Always Me” written by Don Robertson; published by Don Robertson Music Corp. (ASCAP).
“If I Can Dream” written by W. Earl Brown; published by Gladys Music (administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. and by Chrysalis Music) (ASCAP).
“Fools Fall in Love” written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller; published by Jerry Leiber Music and Mike Stoller Music (ASCAP).
“Burning Love” written by Dennis Linde; published by Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI).
RHODAMIEL AGULAY (Ensemble/Dance Captain) This is Rhodamiel's first Summer Youth Theatre (SYT) production. She has previously worked on Fiddler on the Roof with Curtain Call as an ensemble member, as well Mean Girls with the Westover High-School musical as a featured dancer. She has held a love for dance since she was three years old, training within the genres of ballet, tap, acro, hiphop, jazz, burlesque, modern, contemporary, and in Latin style dances such as Cha-Cha and Merengue. She'd like to thank her family, dance instructors, and Curtain Call for amazing opportunities. Salamat sayong lahat!
OLIVIA AMAYA (Ensemble) is excited to perform in her second SYT production. She has appeared in SYTs Beauty and The Beast as Ensemble. She has been in Saxe Middle School's SpongeBob Musical, Finding Nemo, Jr. and Madagascar, Jr. Olivia takes voice lessons at The Studio for Performing Arts and dance lessons at A-Z Dance Studio. She has always loved performing and has done singing and dancing since 1st grade. She’d like to thank her Mom and Dad, her sister Emma, and her dog Frankie.
IZZY ANDERSON (Ensemble) Izzy is an incoming Senior at Westhill and has appeared in other theater productions such as Holiday Inn, Pippin, Chicago, Murder Me Always, Beauty and the Beast, Anything Goes, Annie, Jr., and The Wizard of Oz. She has been doing theater since she was around seven years old and has been dancing all her life. She would like to thank Joel, Alex, Ben, and the cast and crew for making this show so incredibly fun! She also would like to thank her mom, dad, sister, dogs, cat, and friends for supporting her!
SOPHIA BALOUTCH (Veruca Salt) This is Sophia’s first time participating in a Curtain Call production. She began dancing at age three. She has performed in the show The Nutcracker as the nutcracker and as the dewdrop fairy and has performed at the palace theatre in Jessica Lynn’s award-winning holiday special A Very Merry Christmas. She would like to give a huge thanks to Alex and Zoe, Her mom and dad, and her two older sisters Megan and Hailey.
LINUS BARTELS (Ensemble) Linus recently completed the fifth grade at Hart Elementary School and is excited to be in one more show with his big brother Eli. He has previously appeared in SYT’s Holiday Inn (ensemble), Westhill High School’s Seussical (ensemble/Elephant Bird) and Pippin (Theo), and Stamford All-School Musical’s Annie (ensemble). Linus studies music composition, piano, pipe organ, and voice. Linus thanks his family, music teachers, dog Cricket, and the SYT production team.
LARA BATTIKHA (Ensemble) Lara is very excited to be a part of her first SYT production. has appeared in Stamford High's Cinderella, as well as Annie with the Stamford All-School Musical. She started doing theater in sixth grade at Dolan Middle School and has been singing, dancing, and acting ever since. She would like to thank her family, directors, and all fellow members of the cast and crew.
JACKSON BLANK (Ensemble) is going to be a sixth grader at Dolan Middle School and is excited to make his SYT Debut! Jackson has recently started doing theatre, but has been dancing forever. He is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Jackson loves to make new friends and sing and dance with them. Jackson would like to thank his family for their love and support!
MARLEY BRAMBLE (Cherry/Ensemble) Marley is thrilled to be returning to SYT for her sixth year! Marley recently appeared as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka, Jr. at her middle school. Marley has been performing since she was three and loves to sing, act and dance. Summers spent at Curtain Call are her favorite and she is excited to be amongst such talented performers again!
TYSON CANTAVE (Ensemble) Tyson is a rising Junior at Stamford High School and is ecstatic to be a part of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Tyson has previously performed in the ensemble in the Stamford All-School Musical’s Anything Goes and Annie as well as ensemble in 42nd Street and Lord Pinkleton in Cinderella at Stamford High School. He would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him through everything.
MIA CHEBEIR (Ensemble) Mia previously performed with SYT in Beauty & the Beast. She had also appeared in the Saxe Intermediate School productions of Elf and Aladdin. Mia would like to thank the Curtain Call, Mom, Dad, and her brothers for all their love and support.
SOPHIA CHU (Ensemble) Sophia Chu is a rising junior at Westhill high school. This is her second SYT show. Previous productions include Elf (Jovie), The Music Man (Marian), Mary Poppins (Ensemble), 12 Angry Jurors (Juror #4), Pippin (Ensemble), Holiday Inn (Ensemble), Play On! (Violet), and Seussical (Jungle Citizen/Cadet)! Sophia is eternally grateful for the amount of time and effort put into this show by the production team. It really is a team effort. Special thanks to her family and friends sitting in the audience (you know who you are). More specifically her parents because they are her pillars in life. She’s ever so thankful to her dad for always reminding her how loved she is and adding special doses of quirkiness into her life, and of course, her mother, with whom she watched the Jimmy Awards with as she wrote this bio. Sophia is the most appreciative of everything you do, the checking in, the asking about her day, the motivating her to keep moving, you make the world a thousand times better and make Sophia feel seen. Thank you.
EMILY CONETTA (Ensemble) Emily is a sixth grader at Scolfield Middle School. This is Emily’s first Curtain Call production. Emily started her musical theater journey this past year by appearing in the Stamford All-School Musical production of Annie (Molly) and Westhill's production of Seussical (Cindy Lou Who). Emily enjoys singing, swimming, and playing pickleball. She’s played drums in her elementary school band and has attended the New England Fashion and Design Academy. Emily would like to thank her family and friends for their support.
LIAM COSGRAVE (Mike Teavee) is a passionate young performer, musician, and student who loves being on stage. He has appeared in Fiddler on the Roof, Charlie Roo (a film), Fun Home, The Addams Family, Holiday Inn, Annie, Anywhere, Anytime, and Newsies,, and is thrilled to be part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He plays trumpet and French horn with Project Music and GCTYO and enjoys basketball and thanks his family, teachers, and cast mates for their support.
LUCAS COSGRAVE (Ensemble) is a passionate young performer, musician, and student who loves being on stage. He has appeared in Fiddler on the Roof, Charlie Roo (a film), Fun Home, A Christmas Carol, Willy Wonka, and Newsies, and is thrilled to continue pursuing his love of theater now at Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He plays flute with Project Music and GCTYO and enjoys flag football and exploring new opportunities to perform. Lucas thanks his family, teachers, and cast mates for their love and support.
KATHERINE CURRY (Mrs. Teavee) Katherine, a rising Sophomore at King School, is thrilled to be returning for her third SYT production! Recent credits include her off-Broadway debut as Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods with A Class
Act, NY, Annie! (Star-to-Be/Boylan Sister), Holiday Inn (Dance Captain/Ensemble), Curtains (Carmen Bernstein), Anything Goes (Ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble), and The Little Mermaid (Ursula). She has also studied ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap for over a decade. Much love to her family, friends, and God.
ALESSIA D'AMBROSIO (Ensemble) Alessia is eleven years old and going into seventh grade. She has been in Toquam's productions of Annie Kids and Aladdin, Jr., The Ballet School of Stamford's production of Matilda, Jr., and Dolan's production of Newsies, Jr. Alessia has also taken Curtain Call's musical theater classes and Summer Stock. She would like to thank her friends and family for being supportive.
ELI DONAHUE (Mr. Salt) Eli is a recent Westhill graduate. Select previous performances: Westhill’s Seussical (Horton), Pippin (Lewis), Chicago (Amos), Mean Girls (Damian); Stamford All-School Musical’s Annie (Warbucks), Anything Goes (Eli Whitney), Legally Blonde (Callahan), Something Rotten! (Troupe); and Curtain Call’s Guys and Dolls (Ensemble), Spongebob the Musical (Larry the Lobster), Mystic Pizza (Ensemble); SYT’s Holiday Inn (Ensemble). Eli thanks his family, theater friends, vocal instructors Christina and McKayla, and the cast, crew, and production team.
PAUL FERRIS (Grandpa George/Assistant Director) Paul is very excited to be participating in his fifth SYT musical. Previous appearances include Holiday Inn (Assistant Director), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), The Addams Family (Thing), and The Pajama Game (Prez’s Assistant), Stamford All-School Musical’s Annie (Drake), Anything Goes (Lord Evelyn Oakleigh), Legally Blonde (Carlos), Something Rotten (Tom Snout), All Together Now! (Ensemble), and Matilda (Classmate), and Westhill’s Seussical (The Cat in the Hat), Pippin (Charlemagne), Chicago (Mary Sunshine), and Mean Girls (Shane Oman). Paul would like to thank Joel, Alex, Ben, Lauren, Lou, and his fellow cast and crew for their hard work on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Brian Bianco for eleven years of guidance, encouragement, and kindness, and his family for their love and support.
MILA GANATRA (Ensemble) Mila has appeared in Aladdin Kids with the Greenwich Open Arts Alliance. She has participated in theater productions and poetry competitions through her Russian School since she was four years old. She is a nationally ranked competitive swimmer. She would like to thank her mom and dad.
ALEXA GARRON (Mrs. Bucket) is a freshman at Harrison High School and is thrilled to be in her first SYT show! She recently performed in Alice By Heart with Revival Theatre Group, and past productions include Grease, Les Misérables, Bye Bye Birdie, and Newsies. She would like to thank the cast and crew for an amazing SYT experience and her mom for being her biggest supporter.
IAN GREENMAN (Ensemble) is a fifteen-year-old who enjoys theater, singing, and playing multiple instruments such as the trumpet and piano. He has done ten shows with three lead roles. He is so excited to attend Curtain Call for the third time. He would like to thank his girlfriend, friends and family for helping him along the way.
BAILEY HABERLI (Ensemble) Bailey was last seen as Baby Kangaroo in the CMS production of Seussical. St. Catherine’s Players credits include Godspell (Ensemble), The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin Teacher #1) and Beauty and the Beast (Chip). At Cos Cob School, Bailey appeared in Willy Wonka Jr. (Charlie Bucket). Bailey cheerleads for the Cos Cob Crushers and dances at Greenwich Dance Studio. She is excited for her first Curtain Call production.
KAYLEE HAGGERTY (Ensemble) Kaylee is thrilled to be returning for her second SYT production. She is deeply grateful to the entire cast, crew, and team for their hard work in bringing this show to life. For Kaylee, nothing brings more joy than the opportunity to perform on stage and engage with a live audience. Recent credits include: Regional Center of the Arts Journey to the Past Showcase: Anastasia (Anastasia), Catch Me If You Can (Ensemble), Bright Star (Ensemble), Come From Away (Ensemble), Curtain Call’s SYT Holiday Inn (Rose/Ensemble), and The Broadway Collective (Gathered 2025 Broadway Intensive), Yale School of Music (All City Ensemble Choir), Spotlight Stage Company, Jesus Christ Superstar, (Ensemble, Apostle, Angel), Curtain Call’s Fiddler On The Roof (Ensemble), Fairfield Summer Stage’s Disney’s Descendants: The Musical (Maleficent), Square Foot Theatre Matilda, Jr. (Miss Honey), Beauty And the Beast, Jr. (Madame De La Grande Bouche), and Mean Girls, Jr. (Regina George).
WELLS HARTLEY (Ensemble) Wells appeared in Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music at Curtain Call as well as The Addams Family at Turn of River Middle School. She dances at Center Stage Dance Studio and is currently attending the Summer Stock Creative and Musical Theater program at Curtain Call. Wells is excited to be part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Wells is entering 7th grade in the Fall at Turn of River Middle School.
HADLEY HERLIHY (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Curtain Call for her third show! This past spring, she starred in her second show at Curtain Call as Young Anastasia in Anastasia! She made her debut at Curtain Call as Gretl in The Sound of Music in 2024. Hadley is going into the fourth grade and in her free time she enjoys ballet, acting, field hockey, and hanging out with her family and friends.
HILLARY HO (Ensemble) Hillary is thrilled to be in her third SYT production! She has appeared in Sleepover Summoning (Paulina), All in The Timing (Milton), Holiday Inn (Ensemble), The Addams Family (Ensemble), Finding Nemo Jr. (Sheldon), The Wizard of Oz (Professor Marvel), and Frozen (Ensemble). She is on the Curtain Call Youth Board and would like to thank all her fellow cast members, crew, friends, Joel, Alex, Ben, and Brian.
JAMES KOLMAN (Mr. Beauregard) James is a soon to be freshman at GGE Wentworth Institute of Technology and this is his twelftth musical. Some previous shows include All-School Musical’s Something Rotten!, FDR in Annie. He appeared in Northstar Playmaker’s Mean Girls (Kevin G.), Chicago (MC), and Seussical as Mr.Mayor, along with SYT’s Holiday Inn as Danny Reid and most recently was in Curtain Call’s production of Guys and Dolls. James cannot wait for this performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and to take a spin as the funky Eugene Beauregarde!
TRISTAN KOZLOWSKI (Jerry/Ensemble) Tristan is a rising Junior at Westhill and very excited for his first SYT production! Previously, he has appeared in 12 Angry Jurors, Pippin, Play On!, and Seussical for Westhill’s Northstar Playmakers. He’d like to thank his parents for always supporting him, and his cast mates and the production team for helping put on an incredible show!
SOPHIA KULARATNE (Ensemble) This is Sophia's first Curtain Call production. She appeared in Annie with the Stamford All-School Musical and The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White and Hook at Westover Magnet School. She’s done musical theater, acting and improv at Curtain Call, voice and piano at Long Ridge Music School, and is a member of School of Rock band. She thanks Curtain Call for this opportunity and is looking forward to this show and more to come!
PIYA KUMAR (Ensemble) This is Piya’s first show with Curtain Call. She is in seventh grade at Rippowam Middle School. Piya has played the role of Coffee in The Nutcracker and the contortionist in Cirque du Illusion at A-Z Dance Studio. She also had the opportunity of being a dancer in Jessica Lynn’s A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Palace Theatre. She would love to thank the cast and crew for making this experience unforgettable.
SAVANNAH LAJOIE (Ensemble) Savannah is going into seventh grade at King School and has appeared in shows such as Aristocats, MTI’s Raise Your Voice, and Once Upon a Mattress. Savannah appeared in SYT's Holiday Inn and was crew for Beauty & The Beast. She has also been doing Summer Stock at Curtain Call since she was three. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad for pushing to do the things she loves.
LAILA LEAR (Ensemble) is excited to appear in Summer Youth Theatre’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She recently appeared in the Stamford JCC’s Singing in the Rain Jr. (Kathy Selden) and in Stamford All-School Musical’s production of Annie (Kate). Past credits include Curtain Call’s productions of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (Charlie Winslow), The Sound of Music (Marta Von Trapp), and The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin). She thanks her family for their support.
GRACE LOMBARDO (Ensemble) This is Grace’s first production with SYT. Grace has appeared in Willy Wonka and Matilda with the Stamford All-School Musical, and Stamford High School’s production of Mamma Mia and 42nd Street, as well as Pulaski Park Rules, Ellis Island and Aladdin, Jr. with the Chrystal Theater. She would like to thank her family for their love and support. Good luck, cast and crew!
AILYNN LUTZ (Ensemble) Ailynn Lutz, an upcoming seventh grader at Scofield Magnet Middle School and is thrilled to join Curtain Call’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Previous Stamford credits include the All-School Musical Annie (Orphan) and Westhill High School’s Seussical (Cadet/Ensemble). A dedicated singer and songwriter, she also trains in contemporary dance at Locust Performing Arts Center. She thanks the Curtain Call, her cast mates, and her family for their support.
BEVIN MAHER (Grandma Georgina/Ensemble) is ecstatic truly, strike that reverse it, to be in her fifth SYT show, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Bevin’s most recent productions include The Lightning Thief (Squirrel/Featured Dancer), Holiday Inn (Featured Tapper) and Les Miserables (Featured Ensemble). Not to be outdone by her sister’s last bio, Bevin would like to say; merci à ses parents et sa sœur, aussi merci à les chats de Curtain Call.
ANDREW MELI (Willy Wonka) Andrew previously appeared in SYT’s The Addams Family and The Pajama Game, as well as Les Miserables, Drowsy Chaperone, Legally Blonde, and Macbeth at New Canaan High School. He’s been performing since the fifth grade, and is thrilled that this is his final show before he heads off to college. He’d like to thank his family and the creative team for all of their support.
KYLE MIECZAKOWSKI (Charlie Bucket) is grateful for the opportunity to play Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and share the stage with such a talented cast. Previous roles include (Tommy) in Matilda. Kyle loves singing, drawing, and bringing characters to life on stage. He will enter fifth grade this fall. Kyle sends a heartfelt thank you to his family, friends, cast, crew, and creative team for their support. He dedicates this performance to the legendary Gene Wilder.
GRACE MORA (Mrs. Green/Ensemble) Grace is an incoming sophomore at P-TECH Norwalk. She is a veteran Curtain Call member, appearing in past productions such as Beauty and The Beast (Ensemble) and Holiday Inn (Ensemble). Outside of Curtain Call, she has done numerous productions, such as The Addams Family (Alice Beineke), Chicago (Ensemble), and The Wiz (Evilene). She is a member of the International Thespian Society at her school and was inducted this past June. She’d like to thank her mom and Brooke for always believing in her and hopes you enjoy the show!
EMILIA OLIVER (Violet) is thrilled to be in her second Curtain Call production! Emilia is twelve years old and is a rising seventh grader. Favorite credits include Seussical (JoJo) at Central Middle School, The Sound of Music (Gretl) with Open Arts Alliance, Willy Wonka Jr. (Veruca) at Cos Cob School and Fiddler on The Roof (Bielke) with Curtain Call. Other performances include Shrek (Young Fiona) and Cinderella Jr. (Fairy Godmother) with Open Arts Alliance. Emilia would like to thank her family for their support!
ALEXANDER PATEL (Ensemble) Alexander appeared in SYT's The Addams Family (Pugsley Addams) and, in The Wiz (The Wiz), Annie (June), Newsies (Crutchie) and Matilda (Tommy) at Rogers International School. He was a production assistant on SYT’s Holiday Inn and served on the running crew for the Stamford All-School Musical production of Annie. He appeared in the Stamford High production of Cinderella (Ensemble). He congratulates the cast and crew of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
MAEVE PERSAUD (Ensemble) Maeve is excited to be part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Previous Curtain Call productions include Holiday Inn. She is entering fifth grade at Greenwich Catholic School, where she enjoys performing in school musicals, including The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins. Outside of theater, Maeve loves crocheting, reading, and playing with her two cats. She thanks her family for their love and support, and the cast and crew.
LEIA POTENZA (Grandma Josephine/Ensemble) Leia, a rising junior at Westhill, is thrilled to perform in her fourth SYT production! She has previously appeared in SYT's Holiday Inn (ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble), and The Addams Family (Ensemble), as well as Northstar Playmaker's 12 Angry Jurors (Juror 12), Seussical (Ensemble), and Pippin (Ensemble). Other performances include Stamford All-School Musical's Annie (Ensemble) and Turn of River Middle School's Grease (Frenchy) and Annie, Jr (Lily/Pepper). She would like to thank Joel, Ben, Alex, Brian, the Curtain Call Youth Board, and the cast and crew for their work on the show, as well as her family for their love and support.
ZAYDEN RANGANATHAN (Ensemble) Zayden is an upcoming sixth grader going to Scofield Magnet Middle School. Though Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is his first production, he has participated in multiple classes at Curtain Call. During the rehearsal process, he has been introduced to multiple aspects of the show and made some friends along the way. He would like to thank his parents, Zuko, along with the cast and crew. He can’t wait to share his talent.
ZUKO RANGANATHAN (Ensemble) Zuko is an upcoming eighth grader at Scofield Magnet Middle School and ecstatic to be in his second Curtain Call Production, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. At Curtain Call, he has performed Holiday Inn (Child/Ensemble) and has participated in multiple classes and workshops. Outside of Curtain Call, he has been in The Stamford All-School Musical’s Anything Goes (Passenger), Annie (Man 1/Hooverville Citizen), and Westhill’s Seussical (Max/Ensemble). He would like to thank his parents, Zayden, and his voice teacher Shay from LRMS. He is amazed to be in his fifth musical.
SADIE REYNOLDS (Ensemble) This is Sadie’s first SYT show at Curtain Call. Previously, she was the Genie in Aladdin, Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dory in Finding Nemo, Thalia in The Olympians, and many more. When she’s not onstage, you can find her playing piano or taking dance classes at Locust Performing Arts Center.
LUNA RUSSO (Ensemble) Luna is going into eighth grade and is thrilled to be part of the ensemble in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! She has a passion for performing and has been involved in many theatre productions including Annie, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, The Sound of Music and many more. When she’s not on stage, Luna enjoys hanging out with friends, running track, and playing softball. She is very excited to be part of this experience and she looks forward to more performances in the future!
AVA SANCHEZ (Mrs. Gloop) Ava just graduated from Westhill where she served as co-president for the Northstar Playmakers, and is a rising freshman at NCC. This is her fourth SYT production! Recent performances include Anything Goes (Evangeline Harcourt) with Stamford All-School Musical, Chicago (Mamma Morton) with WPPAC, Mean Girls (Janis) with Northstar Playmakers and WPPAC, Suessical (Mrs.Mayor) with Northstar Playmakers, assistant stage manager for SYTs Beauty and the Beast and last year preformed as Louise in SYT’s Holliday Inn. Ava would like to thank this cast, production team and crew for curating such an amazing program and giving her the opportunity to take part.
ANGELINA SHERWOOD (Ensemble) is excited to be in her first Curtain Call production. She was a Bird Girl in Saxe Middle School’s production of Seussical and also in showcases at Westover Magnet School, including The Rockin Tale of Snow White and Hook. Angelina has been dancing at Locust Performing Arts Center and doing gymnastics for six years. She is going into sixth grade. She thanks the cast, crew and production team for the amazing experience and her family for the support!
JULIET SHERWOOD (Ensemble) is excited to be in her first Curtain Call show. She’s going into fourth grade at Westover Magnet School. Juliet has been dancing at Locust Performing Arts Center and doing gymnastics for four years. She was previously onstage as Elephant Bird in Saxe Middle School’s production of Seussical. She loves to make people laugh. She thanks the cast, crew and production team for the wonderful experience and her family for the encouragement.
POPPY SISKO (Ensemble) - Poppy is excited to return to Curtain Call’s SYT for her fourth year! As a proud SYT Board member, she's grateful to be part of this community. Past credits include The Addams Family (Ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Holiday Inn (Crew), Fiddler on the Roof (Sprintze), Annie (Pepper), and Anything Goes (Ensemble). She thanks her family and the entire SYT community for making this place feel like home.
JEREMY SLISS (Ensemble) is a rising senior at Westhill and is excited to be performing in his second SYT production! His past productions include SYT’s Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, the Stamford All-School Musical’s Annie, and Northstar Playmakers’ Seussical (The Grinch/Yertle the Turtle). Outside of theater, Jeremy is a dedicated band kid obtaining the role of Drum Major and Captain for the 2026 fall season. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support and everyone involved in this production for making it happen!
GABRIELLA VASILE (Ensemble) Gabriella has been dancing since she was four years old. The styles she dances are: ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop. She participates in the Triple Threat Class at A-Z Dance Studio where she acts, sings, and dances. She loves to play softball and is a cheerleader at Rippowam Middle School. She has performed in a few shows of The Nutcracker, and she performed at the Palace Theatre in Jessica Lynn's - A Very Merry Classic Christmas. This is Gabriella's first performance at Curtain Call. She is excited to be part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thank you to Dad, Mom, and Joey!
DÆCE VASSEUR-SUTTON (Ensemble) Dæce made his stage debut at age five as Astyanax in a high school production of The Trojan Women at ECA New Haven. Thrilled to return to Curtain Call after last year’s spectacular Holiday Inn, Dæce recently appeared as Avery Arable in TPNC’s Charlotte's Web and as Elmer Hopkins in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This French bi-lingual actor loves cello and baseball. Merci SYT team. Bisous SKM.
ELLIOT VAUGHN (Ensemble) Elliot is thrilled to make his Curtain Call debut! His previous roles include Kenickie in Grease, Philip Carlyle in The Greatest Showman at Adderley School, and Mike Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Eagle Hill School, where he will be entering eighth grade this fall. He would like to thank the cast, crew, and everyone at Curtain Call for making this such a wonderful experience.
LUKE WEIDNER (Grandpa Joe) Luke is thrilled to be making his Curtain Call debut, and is grateful to the amazing cast and production team for a wonderful experience! Luke is currently a student at Connecticut College studying theater and dance. Recent credits include Connecticut College’s Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour) and Antigonick (Haimon), and Broadway Training Center’s Les Miserables (Marius). Eternally grateful to his family and friends for their love and support. @Luke_Weidner_12 on Instagram.
HENRY WOODS (Augustus Gloop) This is Henry’s first show with Curtain Call and he couldn’t be more excited! He has previously appeared in Stamford’s All-School Musical production of Annie (servant/ensemble), two shows with Strawberry Hill’s Pioneer Players, and has participated in musical theatre and improv camps with Curtain Call. Alongside acting and singing, Henry enjoys art, reading, and writing. Special thanks to Curtain Call, Mom, Dad, Maggie, Catherine, Brian Bianco, Alex and Johnathan Cahr, Joel Fenster, Ben Doyle, and especially, Rosie.
CAMILLE AGOSTINO (Stage Manager) Camille is a rising sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) studying stage management. This will be her second show with SYT as a stage manager. At CCM, she worked on The World Goes ‘Round and L’Egisto. Previously, she has also served as a production assistant at Music Theatre of Connecticut for White Christmas and La Cage aux Folles. At Norwalk High School, she was the production stage manager for ten shows, including The SpongeBob Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Newsies. She would like to thank her friends, family, and everyone involved in making this superb production come to life.
PETER BARBIERI, JR. (Set & Projection Design) Peter has been a theatre professional since 1979. He is our Associate Artistic Director and was the founding director of our outdoor, summer Shakespeare on the Green. Peter’s work has been seen both here and abroad. Broadway credits include technical direction of the Tony Award-winning revivals of Cabaret and A View From The Bridge. Overseas, his work was seen as far as Shanghai, China and he designed the sets for the Danish production of Cats. Peter directed our productions of Titanic, Twelve Angry Men, To Kill A Mockingbird, Macbeth, The Producers, A View From The Bridge and Romeo & Juliet. For many years, he was a member of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, a non-profit organization that works in the prison system of the State of NY. He directed their productions of Macbeth, Twelve Angry Men and their first musical, West Side Story in Sing Sing Prison. Peter and his wife, Julia, live in Fairfield with their son, Peter III and daughter, Miranda!
LANA BUSCH (Production Stage Manager) Lana is a Junior at Boston University majoring in Biology and this is her sixth year stage managing at SYT Curtain Call. Her previous shows include Holiday Inn, The Addams Family, The Pajama Game, and The Drowsy Chaperone. She also stage managed shows at Westhill High School such as Chicago, and Mean Girls. She is very excited for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and would like to thank everyone for their support.
ALEXANDRA CAHR (Choreographer) is the Owner and Director of A-Z Dance Studio in Stamford, CT, and is delighted to return to Curtain Call's SYT program. A few favorite choreography credits include The Nutcracker, Holiday Inn, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Frozen and High School Musical. Recent credits include choreographing dances in Jessica Lynn’s on tour A Very Merry Classic Christmas and playing Clare in Jane Green's Sister Stardust book trailer. Favorite stage roles include Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), Charlotte (Cinderella), Gertrude McFuzz (Seussical), Tracy (Hairspray), Lily St. Regis (Annie), and Adelaide (Guys and Dolls). Additional highlights include being a featured vocalist at Madison Square Garden for the Maccabi Games Opening ceremonies, a vocalist in Dave Revels' Stand Up America, and performing alongside The Temptations. Alexandra congratulates the cast, crew, and creative team of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It has been a joy creating magic with you all!
SEBASTIAN COLFER (Sound Board Engineer) This is Sebastian's fifth Curtain Call production, and his first as a crew member! Some of his previous roles include Stanley in Holiday Inn, Rooster in Annie, and Sebastian in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Sebastian is very excited to help Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sound its best!
MEGHAN CONNOLLY (Technical Director) Meghan is thrilled to be starting her fifth year at Curtain Call! Graduate of AMDA with a concentration in Musical Theatre, has worked for Hudson Warehouse, Bucks County Playhouse, and numerous community theatres in multiple positions including Production Stage Manager, Scenic Designer, Scenic Carpenter, and Scenic Painter. Much love to her husband Jamie and daughter Savannah for all of their support and encouragement!
COLIN DAVIS (Building and Running Crew) is thrilled to be joining Curtain Call for his first production. Although this is his first time working backstage, Colin has previously performed in King School's productions of The Aristocats, Broadway Junior Revue, and Once Upon a Mattress. He hopes you enjoy the show!
DANNY DEGTYUR (Building Crew/ Spot Operator) This is Danny’s first Curtain Call production as a crew member. He is a junior at Westhill High School and has been involved in theater for the past three years, with previous productions including Grease, Anything Goes, Pippin, and Annie. Danny also performed in this year’s Curtain Call Cabaret and is thrilled to be part of the Curtain Call community. Danny’s family is excited for him and for this amazing experience. Enjoy the show!
MICHAEL DENNIS (Building and Running Crew) This is Michael's first time working with Curtain Call. Michael was previously in the ensemble of Stamford High's production of Cinderella and in Senior Scenes XVII. Outside of drama, Michael loves music, art, and playing guitar. He is thankful for all of the support from his family, friends, and the rest of the cast and crew. He hopes you enjoy the show!
BENJAMIN DOYLE (Music Director) Benjamin Doyle is a CT-based music director and arranger/orchestrator. Recent Curtain Call credits include Anastasia, Mystic Pizza, and A Grand Night for Singing. Other recent credits include Jesus Christ Superstar and Escape to Margaritaville at Black Rock Theater (now Fairfield Theater Company), where he is the resident music director, and A Chorus Line and Footloose with Norwalk Conservatory. Ben is also currently writing arrangements and orchestrations for the show Abril: A New Musical by Gina Naomi Baez.
ODEN DULSKI (Building Crew) New to the Curtain Call scene, Oden is bringing his best energy and enthusiasm. He is excited to learn! He works as stage crew at The Mead School for both their Winter Solstice and Spring Fling productions. When he isn’t painting sets (and his clothes) he enjoys gaming with friends on his computer.
LIAM EHMAN (Building Crew/Spotlight Operator) This is Liam's first Curtain Call production. He's really excited to have fun learning to be in crew. He loves meeting new people and spending time with family and friends. Liam would like to thank Curtain Call, his brother Ian, and his Grandma and Grandpa.
DUNCAN FENSTER (Building and Running Crew) This is Duncan’s first time helping on a Curtain Call show as a techie. His last time in theater was as an actor, at the age of eleven. His main hobby is playing video games. He doesn’t have much else to say about himself. What you see is what you get.
JOEL FENSTER (Director) is honored to be back working with Curtain Call’s Summer Youth Theater for a third show. Third time’s the charm. Previously he has directed Pippin (2017) and The Addams Family (2023) for the group. A big thanks to Brian for thinking of him again, the SYT Board for hiring him, Ben and Alex for being such wonderful creative partners, the amazing stage management team that kept us on course, the creative team behind the scenes who made everything look and sound amazing, and a huge shout out to such a talented group of young people on the stage whom he has had a wonderful time working with. He’d also like to thank his mishpocha (Tash, Mac, Dunc, and Midge) for putting up with all his mishegas. Next up: Fiddler on the Roof with the same people he did it with a decade ago only this time in Fairfield followed by what might be endless murder back here at home in Stamford (from all the traffic getting to Fairfield).
PAUL FERRIS (Assistant Director/Grandpa George) Paul is very excited to be participating in his fifth SYT musical. Previous appearances include Holiday Inn (Assistant Director), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), The Addams Family (Thing), and The Pajama Game (Prez’s Assistant), Stamford All-School Musical’s Annie (Drake), Anything Goes (Lord Evelyn Oakleigh), Legally Blonde (Carlos), Something Rotten (Tom Snout), All Together Now! (Ensemble), and Matilda (Classmate), and Westhill’s Seussical (The Cat in the Hat), Pippin (Charlemagne), Chicago (Mary Sunshine), and Mean Girls (Shane Oman). Paul would like to thank Joel, Alex, Ben, Lauren, Lou, and his fellow cast and crew for their hard work on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Brian Bianco for eleven years of guidance, encouragement, and kindness, and his family for their love and support.
STELLA KNIGHT (Building and Running Crew) This is Stella's (or Ellie, as she’s known to her friends) first Curtain Call production. She recently worked on Seussical at Westhill High School as running crew and loves to do anything to help! Thanks to Curtain Call, Mom, Lil gigs, and Izzy!
JAMIE LAJOIE (Sound Consultant) Jamie started working in theatre in 2006 as a sound designer for The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope PA. After working with numerous different regional and equity theatres he was able to expand his skill sets to include master carpenter and lighting designer. Some of his favorite sound designs are Miss Saigon, Sweeney Todd, Tommy and Jekyll and Hyde (which he received a nomination for best Sound Designer for a musical). Some of his favorite lighting designs are Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Suessical the Musical, Jekyll and Hyde (Which he received a NEPTA award for best lighting design for a musical). All this knowledge has allowed him to be the Technical Director here at Curtain Call and couldn’t be happier to be here with such a wonderful group of people. As always a special thank you to my wife Meghan and my beautiful little girl Savannah. Daddy loves you.
EMILEE MAGUIRE (Building and Running Crew) Emilee’s appeared in SYT’s The Addams Family as Cousin Itt and was on running crew for SYT’s Beauty and The Beast and Holiday Inn. She was a production assistant for New Canaan High School’s You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and The World Goes Round this past year. She participated in two years of Curtain Calls Summer Stock Junior Workshop program. She would like to thank the whole production team, especially Brian and Meghan, and her family for being so supportive through the years.
ELLIE MALLARDI (Lighting Designer) Ellie is happy to be the lighting designer for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She is currently working as Head Electrician of the Belding Theatre at The Bushnell in Hartford, as a freelance Theatre Technician and as mom to Joey. Previous productions here at Curtain Call have been: Urinetown, Holiday Inn, SpongeBob the Musical, Young Frankenstein, The Sound of Music, Beautiful - the Carol King Musical, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Beau Jest, Meet Me in St. Louis, Rent, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Hallelujah Girls, Othello & Twelfth Night. Much love to Jerry.
REMY MOORE (Assistant Stage Manager) Remy Moore is a rising Freshman in college and thrilled to be on the Stage Management team for this production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. He has been a part of Curtain Call's productions of Beauty and the Beast (Monsieur D'Arque) and Holiday Inn (Ensemble), as well as Mean Girls (Crew), Chicago (Ensemble), Pippin (Ensemble), and Seussical (Stage Manager), each for Westhill High School's Northstar Playmakers. He would like to thank all of his fellow production team members, crew members, and all of his cast friends that made this production fun and successful.
MEGAN LATTE MORELLO. (Costume Designer) Use stock bio.
IZABELLA NASTASI (Stage Manager) Izzy is a rising Junior at Westhill High School and this is her second year stage managing here at SYT. She is the Head of Westhill’s Tech Club as well as serving as its lighting technician. Some of her past shows include Pippin (WHS), Seussical (WHS), Holiday Inn (SYT), and many more! She hopes that everyone enjoys this production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
REBECCA NOTTER (Building Crew) This is Becca's second year on the building crew for SYT. Usually on the stage, Becca recently played Marie in Stamford High School’s production of Cinderella and will perform in Chicago with Open Arts Alliance this summer. Becca thanks SYT for the opportunity to continue learning many aspects of theater production.
FINN PLANTEMOLI (Building and Running Crew) This is Finn’s sixth Curtain Call production! He just completed his second year at University of Washington in Seattle. He has also recently worked on UW Stagenotes’s production of Heathers and Pippin. He would like to thank his best friends Frankie, Rob, Nico, Sophia, and especially Robin, as he could not ever hope to do it without their support. Go Dawgs!
CARLY M. SANTIAGO (Building and Running Crew) This is Carly’s third Curtain Call production. She recently worked for stage management and spots for New Canaan High School productions of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and The World Goes ‘Round and loves to box and create art. She would like to thank Curtain Call, her family, and her friends within the community.
EMMA D. SILLO (Building and Running Crew) This is Emma’s second Curtain Call production. Recently she has worked on running crew for New Canaan high school’s Legally Blonde as well as sound crew for their production of Macbeth and And the World Goes Round. She has also worked on the stage management team for NCHS’ You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her.
OLIVIA SOSA (Assistant Choreographer) Olivia is a Senior at Westhill High School and is so excited to be a part of her fourth SYT show! She would like to thank Joel, Ben, Alex, Lana, and the rest of the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication.
President
Paul Ferris
Vice President
Lily Grace Maher
Secretary
Bevin Maher
Treasurer and Fundraising Manager
Olivia Sosa
Volunteer Coordinators
Marley Bramble and Poppy Sisko
Social Media Manager
Andrew Meli
Members
Izzy Anderson, Ian Greenman, Hillary Ho, Bradan Janso, Grace Mora, Alexander Patel, and Leia Potenza
Advisors
Brian J. Bianco, Grady Dennis, and Lauren Gulliver-Travers
