Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts PRO D U C T I O N O F
Music by
Alan Menken
Lyrics by
Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Book by
Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements.
Originally Produced by
Disney Theatrical Productions Orchestrations by Danny Troob Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin Dance Arrangements by David Chase
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Who’s Who in the Cast ARIEL…………….…………………..Sierra Steinberg PRINCE ERIC………………………..Danny Marks URSULA……………………………….Tiffany Ragusa KING TRITON……….……..Immanuel Archilla SEBASTIAN…………………………..Colten Caruso SCUTTLE…………..…………………….Olivia Conti FLOUNDER……………………….Aldan Philipson FLOTSAM…………………….…………Ainsley Lang JETSAM………………………………...Alyssa Kiselev GRIMSBY…………………..……….Bryan Reimertz AQUATA/PRINCESS……………..Molly Eriksen ADELLA/PRINCESS………………...Paige Singer ATINA/PRINCESS…………………Addy O’Mara ANDRINA/PRINCESS………………Zoe Kenney ARISTA/PRINCESS……………….……Mia Costa ALANA/PRINCESS……………….….Kyra Griggs CHEF LOUIS………………………………Carl Smith PILOT……………………………….….Cole Bartolotti WINDWARD………………………….Kate O’Brien LEEWARD………………….………Hannah O’Brien
Who’s Who in the Cast SAILORS Luke Andrews, Elena Asfendis, Cole Bartolotti, Nakahi Carty, Gianna Giglio, Nicholas Lutz, Korbyn Selby, and Carl Smith SEA CREATURES Luke Andrews, Elena Asfendis, Athena Barrett, Cole Bartolotti, Carolena Blasucci, Nakahi Carty, Delaney Corrigan, Siobhan Corrigan, Juliet Davis, Christie DeNicola, Emma DePalma, Gianna Giglio, Abby Jain, Nicolas Lutz, Julia Machado, Gigi Maiorana, Regan Manley, Hannah O’Brien, Kate O’Brien, Maggie Parker, Shea Preston, Korbyn Selby, Carl Smith, Chloe Stahl, and Ella Swift GULLS Elena Asfendis, Carolena Blasucci, Christie DeNicola, Alyssa Kiselev, Ainsley Lang, and Carl Smith MAIDS Carolena Blasucci, Delaney Corrigan, Siobhan Corrigan, Juliet Davis, Christie DeNicola, Gianna Giglio, Julia Machado, Gigi Maiorana, Shea Preston, Chloe Stahl, and Ella Swift CHEFS Luke Andrews, Elena Asfendis, Athena Barrett, Carolena Blasucci, Cole Bartolotti, Nakahi Carty, Emma DePalma, Gianna Giglio, Abby Jain, Nicholas Lutz, Regan Manley, Hannah O’Brien, Kate O’Brien, Maggie Parker, Shea Preston, Korbyn Selby, and Carl Smith COURTIERS Luke Andrews, Elena Asfendis, Cole Bartolotti, Nakahi Carty, Nicholas Lutz, and Korbyn Selby
Production Staff Producer
Jessica O’Brien
Director
Anthony Greco
Musical Director
Mark Megill
Choreographers
Jessica O’Brien & Ariana Centamore
Assistant Choreographer
Edward Itte
Lighting Design
Kyle Santopadre & Anthony Greco
Costume Design
Anthony Greco & Joanne Penrose
Principal Wig Design
Derek Alfano
Principal Makeup Design
Fiona Gourlie
Playbill Design
Jenna Barry, Julia Catuogno, & Benjamin Neller
Production Interns
Stage Management:
Jenna Barry Julia Catuogno Benjamin Neller
Production Interns:
Dani Lirov & Gemma Formisano
Backstage Crew & Prop Managers:
Skylar Hillin,
Bryanna Morales, Samantha Ritacco, & Olivia Totaro
Special Thanks
Joanne Penrose, Ashley Cusack, Phoenix Productions, Spring Lake Theatre, Andrew Musser, Kyle Santopadre, Charlie Christensen, Mike Jacoby, the Count Basie technical crew, Chris Lomazzo, Samantha Giustiniani, the Education Department, our fabulous production interns, and, of course, the parents for their continued support!
Scenes & Musical Numbers
ACT ONE “Overture” Scene 1: The Water’s Surface
“The World Above”.............................................................................. Ariel “Fathoms Below”................................. Pilot, Sailors, Prince Eric, Grimsby Scene 2: King Triton’s Court “Daughters of Triton”..................................................................Mersisters “If Only (Triton’s Lament)”......................................................King Triton Scene 3: Ursula’s Lair “Daddy’s Little Angel”...........................................Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam Scene 4: Ariel’s Grotto “Part of Your World”.............................................................................Ariel “The Storm”........................................................................................Sailors Scene 5: The Water’s Surface “Part of Your World Reprise”................................................................Ariel Scene 6: Mersisters’ “Girl Cave” “She’s in Love”..............................................................Mersisters, Flounder Scene 7: The Beach “Her Voice”...................................................................................Prince Eric Scene 8: Open Water “Under the Sea”......................................................Sebastian, Sea Creatures “After Under the Sea”.............................................Sebastian, Sea Creatures Scene 9: Ariel’s Grotto “If Only (Ariel’s Lament)”....................................................................Ariel “Sweet Child”.......................................................................Flotsam, Jetsam Scene 10: Ursula’s Lair “Poor Unfortunate Souls”..................................................................Ursula “Act One Finale”.......................................................................Ursula, Ariel
Scenes & Musical Numbers ACT TWO “Entr’acte”
Scene 1: The Beach “Positoovity”..............................................................................Scuttle, Gulls “Positaggity”.........................................................................................Scuttle Scene 2: King Triton’s Court Scene 3: The Palace, Ariel’s Chambers “Beyond My Wildest Dreams”....................................Ariel, Maids, Grimsby Scene 4: The Palace Kitchen “Les Poissons”................................................................................Chef Louis Scene 5: The Palace Banquet Hall “Les Poissons (Reprise)”....................................................Chef Louis, Chefs Scene 6: The Palace Ballroom “One Step Closer”.........................................................................Prince Eric Scene 7: Ursula’s Lair “Daddy’s Little Angel (Reprise)”.............................Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam Scene 8: The Bay “Kiss the Girl…………………………………….………………Sebastian, Sea Creatures Scene 9: King Triton’s Court Scene 10: Ariel’s Chambers/The Beach/King Triton’s Court “If Only (Quartet)”......................Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, King Triton Scene 11: The Palace Ballroom “The Contest”.................................................................Grimsby, Princesses Scene 12: Ursula’s Lair “Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)”...................................................Ursula “If Only (Triton’s Lament)”........................................................King Triton Scene 13: The Beach “Finale Ultimo”.............................................Ariel, Prince Eric, & Ensemble
LUKE ANDREWS (Sea Creature/Sailor/Chef/Courtier) Luke is a 12 year old boy at Monmouth Beach School. Pervious credits include The Addams Family (Ensemble) and James and the Giant Peach (Ensemble). Luke would like to thank Miss Jess and Coach Anthony for providing this opportunity. He hopes you enjoy the show!
ELENA ASFENDIS (Sailor/Sea Creature/Gull/Chef/Courtier) Elena is excited to be a part of The Little Mermaid! She’s an 8th grader at Thompson Middle School, Elena’s favorite roles include Anna in Frozen Jr (TMS), Michael in Elf (Algonquin Arts Theater) and Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act Jr (Count Basie Academy). She says thank you to the amazing directors and choreographer, as well as castmates, of this show for another wonderful experience here at Count Basie!
IMMANUEL ARCHILLA (King Triton) Immanuel is a senior at Brick Memorial High School. He has been in many shows including Footloose, Pirates of Penzance, Mamma Mia, Legally Blonde (Sundeep Agrawal Padamadan), A Christmas Carol, The Great Gatsby, World Of Wonder, Little Women (Laurie), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Radium Girls (Edward Markley), and yet again Mamma Mia (Sky). He would like to thank Mr. Greco , Ms. O’Brien, and Ms. Centamore for helping him through the shows and teaching him how to be a better actor.
COLE BARTOLOTTI (Sea Creature/Pilot/Chef/Courtier) Cole is thrilled to return to the Count Basie stage. Cole has a long love of performing and has learned from his experiences at the Count Basie Theater, Middletown Arts Center and MHSN. Cole’s recent credits include A Chorus Line (Al), Willy Wonka (Grandpa Joe), Annie (Drake), Frozen (Ensemble Cast), and Shrek (Donkey). Cole would like to thank Ms. Faria, Mrs. Mahoney, and Mr. Isherwood for making his high school experience in the arts so enjoyable. Cole is grateful to his family and friends for supporting him over the years of performances. Last, but not least, thanks Coach Anthony, Mrs. Jess, and all the other amazing people who gave him the opportunity to be a part of this amazing show.
ATHENA BARRETT (Sea Creature/Chef ) Athena Barrett is a 6th grader at Markham Place. She’s excited to be participating in another show! She has performed in multiple amazing productions including, The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe (Susan) Seussified (Thing 1), Wrinkle in Time (Charles Wallace), Elf (Charlie the Elf ) and more. She wishes the cast and crew the best of luck in this performance!
CAROLENA BLASUCCI (Sea Creature/Gull/Maid/Chef ) Carolena is tickled pink to be back at the Basie doing another show! Previous credits include: Frozen Jr (Elsa) , Seussical Jr (Jojo), Into The Woods Jr (Little Red), Moana Jr (Chief Ancestor), Fame Jr (Mabel), A Wrinkle In Time (Mrs Which) Shrek Jr (Storyteller/Three Little Pigs/Ensemble), Legally Blonde Jr (Chutney/Ensemble) and more!! Congrats to all the cast, crew, and amazing production team for making this show the best that it can be!! Break Legs!
NAKAHI CARTY (Sea Creature/Sailor/Chef/Courtier) Nakahi is a freshman at Marlboro High School and he is so excited to be performing at the Count Basie! Nakahi played Father Swan in the production of HONK at Marlboro High School He was also cast in Hairspray, Lion King at the Ps3 Con-well Kids Elementary School. Nakahi would like to thank Ms. Jess and Mr Greco for putting the show together and wishes everyone good luck!
COLTEN CARUSO (Sebastian) Colten is so excited to be performing at the Count Basie! Previous credits include: Gaston (Beauty and the Beast Jr), John Darling (Peter Pan Jr), Oaken (Frozen Jr), Prince Eric (Little Mermaid Jr), Mike Teavee (Willy Wonka). Colten would like give a huge thank you to everyone putting this amazing show together as well as the outstanding talented cast! Enjoy the show, “Under the Sea!”
OLIVIA CONTI (Scuttle) Olivia is filled with positoovity to be a part of another wonderful show at the Count Basie Academy for the Arts! Past roles include Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family), Ugly (HONK!), Virginia Hascall (Decision Height), Elsa (Frozen Jr.) Buddy (Elf Jr.) and many more. She would like to give a big thank you to the entire cast and crew and a very special thank you to Coach Anthony, Miss. Jess, Miss. Ariana, and Mr. Mark for bringing this magical show to life!
MIA COSTA (Arista/Princess) Mia is a sophomore at Shore Regional High School and is thrilled to be performing in her third production at Count Basie! Previous credits include: Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland), Vivienne Kensington (Legally Blonde), Alice Beineke (Addams Family),Nina/Ensemble (Sister Act), Tinkerbell (Peter Pan) and Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins). Mia would like to thank Coach Anthony, Miss Jess, Miss Ariana and Mr Mark for another amazing production!
DELANEY CORRIGAN (Sea Creature/Maid) Delaney is in 8th Grade Knollwood and she is thrilled to be a part of this incredible production here at Count Basie!! Her previous credits include: Legally Blonde Jr. (Paulette), Sister Act Jr. (Sister Mary Martin of Tours), and Matilda Jr. (Miss Honey). She would like to thank the cast and crew for making this production so amazing and so much fun to perform!!!
SIOBHAN CORRIGAN (Sea Creature/Maid) Siobhan is so excited to be performing at The Count Basie! Previous productions include Willy Wonka Jr (Mrs Gloop), Legally Blonde Jr (Emmett Forrest), Annie Kids (Ms Hannigan), and Moana Jr (Chief Ancestor 2). She would like to thank this amazing cast and crew for making this production happen! Enjoy the show!
JULIET DAVIS (Sea Creature/Maid) Juliet Davis is a 6th grader at Markham Place Middle School. Juliet is very excited to be a part of her first ever production: The Little Mermaid! Although Juliet has never been part of a production, she has seen many Basie plays, and has been singing and dancing most of her life. Juliet is really excited to have this opportunity, and she is extremely happy to be part of the amazing cast.
CHRISTIE DENICOLA (Sea Creature/Gull/Maid) Christie is a freshman at Communications High School, and is ecstatic about being a part of this spectacular production! Some of her past shows include: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Snoopy), The Addams Family (Uncle Fester), and Sister Act! She would like to thank the directors, interns, and the whole cast for making this experience incredible. Hope you have a fabulous time swimming under the sea in this magnificent show!
EMMA DEPALMA (Sea Creature/Chef ) Emma, a 6th grader at St. Benedict School, is excited to be in another Basie Academy production. Previously, she has played the roles of Mrs. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Thing 2 in A Seussified Christmas Carol, Sandy in A Wrinkle of Time, and Michael/Curley in Tinkerbell, as well as performed in Elf Jr and Moana Jr. With other theater companies, she has performed in the Wizard of Oz (Tin Man), Matilda Jr. (Amanda), The Little Mermaid (Billy Bones), Lion King Jr. (Young Simba), as well as in The Ensembles of The Hundred Dresses, Footloose, Spamalot and School of Rock. Professionally, Emma has been in a commercial and performed the voice of Ayane in Weathering with You. Emma would like to express her appreciation to everyone involved in making this show sensational!
MOLLY ERIKSEN (Aquata/Princess) Molly is so excited to be doing her first show at The Count Basie! She is in 9th grade and is a student at Franklin High School and the Somerset County Vocational School theater arts program. Some of her favorite roles include Maleficent in Descendants, All Good Gifts Soloist in Godspell, and Atina in The Little Mermaid Jr. She would like to give a big thanks to the production crew and the cast for putting on this show!
GIANNA GIGLIO (Sailor/Sea Creature/Maid/Chef ) Gianna is a junior at Red Bank Regional High School and is so excited to be doing another fantastic show with the Basie Academy. She has been in many of the other productions at the Basie such as Frozen (Sven), Radium Girls (Mrs. Fryer), Moana (Gramma Tala), Puffs (Wayne Hopkins) and so many more. She was also in Moby Dick: Rehearsed at her high school. She would like to give a huge thank you to the amazing directors and the whole cast for another awesome show! Break a leg :)
KYRA GRIGGS (Alana/Princess) Kyra is a senior at Brick Memorial High School and has been performing in shows for over 5 years. She has been in many productions, such as Miracle On 34th Street (Child #1/Ensemble), A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit/Mother), Little Women (Meg March), Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Silly Girl #3/Ensemble), Radium Girls (Mrs. Diane Roeder) & Mamma Mia! (Donna). She would like to thank her family, Miss Jess, Coach Anthony, Miss Ariana, Mr. Mark, & the entire cast and crew of The Little Mermaid. Thank you and enjoy the show!
ABBY JAIN (Sea Creature/Chef ) Abby is a sixth grader at Markham Place Middle School. She loves performing with Count Basie and is excited to be in her fourth production. She was previously in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Peter), A Seussified Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit) and James and Giant Peach (Ensemble). She is thrilled to be a part of this exciting production of The Little Mermaid and thanks Ms. Jess, Coach Anthony, Ms. Ariana and her fellow castmates.
ZOE KENNEY (Andrina/Princess) Zoe is tickled pink to be performing in The Little Mermaid back at the Count Basie! Previous shows she had been in are Puffs (Sally Perks), James and the Giant Peach Jr. (James), Willy Wonka Jr. (Veruca Salt) and many more! She would like to thank the cast and crew for another incredible show! Break a leg everyone!!!
ALYSSA KISELEV (Jetsam/Gull) Alyssa is a senior at Marlboro High School and is thrilled to be a part of another Count Basie Production. Some of her favorite roles include, Honk (Cat), Puffs (Megan Jones), Decision Height (Norma Jean) Godspell (Judas), and James and the Giant Peach (Ladahlord). She would like to thank Coach Anthony, Miss Jess, Miss Ariana, Mr. Mark, and the entire cast and crew for putting on another wonderful show!
NICHOLAS LUTZ (Sea Creature/Sailor/Chef/Courtier) Nicholas Lutz is thrilled to apart of his first Count Basie performance! Past roles include Bullfrog (Honk!), Lefou (Beauty and the Beast), and Scrooge (A Christmas Carol). He is so thankful for all the talented cast and crew members. He especially thanks Coach Anthony, Miss Jess, and Miss Ariana!
JULIA MACHADO (Sea Creature/Maid) Julia is eleven years old and is making her debut on a real stage in musical The Little Mermaid. Julia is very happy to be able to perform at Count Basie for the first time. Julia is in 6th grade at the OTIS where she also participated in the musical Moana. Julia would like to thank all her family and friends who came today to support her.
GIGI MAIORANA (Sea Creature/Maid) Gigi Maiorana has been a lover of musical theater for as long as she can remember. She has been doing vocal lessons and musical theater since she was 10. She has been a part of musical productions in elementary, middle school, and here at Count Basie, including Moana Jr. and Willy Wonka. She also performs in and co-hosts showcases where she sings a wide range of songs. She is so excited to be a part of The Little Mermaid cast.
REGAN MANLEY (Sea Creature/Chef ) Regan has been seen in the Count Basie productions of Willy Wonka, Jr., A Seussified Christmas Carol (Jake Marley), and Rainbow Fish (Ms. Minnow/Octopus)!
DANNY MARKS (Prince Eric) Danny Marks (Prince Eric) is a junior in high school and proud to be part of Count Basie's The Little Mermaid! He has been performing in shows since he was 8 years old. You may know him from previous productions such as, Miracle on 34th Street (Charlie Halloran), 26 Pebbles (Darren), A Christmas Carol (Fred/ Young Scrooge), The Great Gatsby (Jay Gatsby), World of Wonder (Ensemble), Little Women (John Brooke), Sister Act Jr (Curtis), Beauty and The Beast (Lumiere), Radium Girls (Arthur Roeder), and Mamma Mia (Sam)! He would like to thank Mr. Greco, Ms. O'Brien, Ms. Centamore and the entire cast and crew. He would also like to thank his loving and supporting family. Enjoy the show!
HANNAH O’BRIEN (Sea Creature/Chef ) Hannah is a 7th grader in Thompson Middle School. She is thrilled to have the privilege to perform in the one and only, The Little Mermaid. She has had the honor of playing Ghost of Christmas Past and Sven, in Seussified: A Christmas Carol. Other previous productions she has participated in were Sister Act and Addams Family. Lastly, she would like to thank the cast and crew and everyone who made this show possible for putting together such an amazing production. She hopes you enjoy the show!
KATE O’BRIEN (Sea Creature/Chef ) Kate is a 6th grader at RCDS and is thrilled to be back at the Basie performing! She has performed in many of our productions such as: James and the Giant Peach, Sister Act, Willy Wonka (Oompa Loompa), Moana, A Wrinkle in Time (Meg), Elf, Mary Poppins (Jane), and Seussical. Elsewhere, she has been in High School Musical, Shrek, and Elf squared! She would like to thank everyone for another fabulous show! "We did it again!! Break-a-leg everyone, love you guys!"
ADDY O’MARA (Atina/Princess 4) Adeline is thrilled to be performing back at the Count Basie! Previous credits include: Eddie (Sister Act Jr.), Lurch (Addams Family), Cedric/Mr.Voldy (Puffs) and many more! Addy would like to thank her amazing directors and production interns for all of their hard work and dedication to making the show the best it can be!
MAGGIE PARKER (Sea Creature/Chef ) Maggie is a 6th grader at Monmouth Beach School, and is excited to be a part of another Count Basie production! She has performed in quite a few Count Basie productions, including: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Lucy), Addams Family, Annie, Shrek, Frozen, Seussical, James and the Giant Peach, and Mary Poppins. Elsewhere, she has done some commercial and voiceover work. She would like to give a big thanks to everyone involved in The Little Mermaid for all their support, guidance and friendship!
ALDAN PHILIPSON (Flounder) Aldan is thrilled to be playing Flounder and working again with Coach Anthony and Miss Jessica. He was last seen on the Basie stage as Charlie in Willy Wonka Jr. and as Jack in Into The Woods Jr. Aldan's episode of Extrapolations will soon be aired this fall on Apple TV and he can be heard soon on the new Netflix Animated Movie Leo as the part of TJ.
SHEA PRESTON (Sea Creature/Maid/Chef ) Shea is a freshman at Marlboro High School thrilled to be performing in another show at the Count Basie! Her previous roles include Maureen (Honk!) the Narrator (Puffs) Mrs Cratchit (A Seussified Christmas Carol) Mrs Bucket (Willy Wonka Jr) and more! She would like to thank Coach Anthony, Miss Jess, Mr Mark, and Miss Ariana for making this show possible! She hopes you all enjoy this fun under the sea adventure!
TIFFANY RAGUSA (Ursula) Tiffany is thrilled to be a part of another Count Basie production in this crazy role! Tiffany is a level two actor in the FPAC program at Howell High School. Some of her favorite roles include Inga (Young Frankenstein), Deloris (Sister Act Jr.), Tamatoa (Moana Jr.), and Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz). She would like to thank Coach Anthony, Miss. Jess, Miss. Arianna, and Mr. Mark for all their love and support, and wishes her cast mates the best of luck!
BRYAN REIMERTZ (Grimsby)
Bryan is thrilled to perform tonight! He’s learned much from educational programs at the Count Basie Theatre, but is also enrolled in the Arts Academy at Middletown High School North, apart of the Theatre and Drama Track. Shows Bryan’s done in the past include A Chorus Line (Mark)-Middletown North, Sister Act (Joey)- Count Basie Center for the Arts, and Pippin (Theo)- Brookdale Community College. Bryan wants to thank Coach Anthony, Miss Jess, Mr. Mark, Miss Ariana, the interns and the staff at the Count Basie for their assistance! He would also like to thank his teachers, Ms. Faria, Mr. Buckle, Mr. Isherwood, and Mrs. Mahoney. Finally, Bryan wants to thank his mother and his family for inspiring him to perform. Bryan wants the cast and crew to break a leg, and he hopes the audience enjoys!
KORBYN SELBY (Sea Creature/Sailor/Chef/Courtier) Korbyn is a sophomore at Matawan Regional High School. He is returning to Count Basie after performing in Puffs and Seussified. His favorite all time roles were playing J Finch, Zach Smith, and Fat Friar in Puffs! Prior performances include Guys and Dolls and Jekyll and Hyde. Thanks to the directors for hosting such a wonderful program!
PAIGE SINGER (Adella/Princess 5) Paige is a senior at Holmdel High School. She has been involved in numerous Count Basie Productions, including Shrek Jr (Shrek), Mary Poppins Jr (Miss Andrew), and Moana Jr (Maui). She was also in Into the Woods Jr (Witch/Wolf) with the Pivot Theater Company. She is ecstatic to be a part of this amazing show and wants to give a special thanks to Coach Anthony, Miss Jess, and Miss Ariana.
CARL SMITH (Chef Louis/Sea Creature/Sailor/Gull/Chef ) Carl Sterling Smith est aux anges d'être dans sa quinzième production de la Count Basie Academy ! Carl est actuellement en deuxième année à la Communications High School. Parmi ses performances, on peut citer Gomez dans la Famille Addams, Blackstache dans Peter and the Starcatcher, et le chef le vivant de la cuisine ! Remercie tous les artistes enseignants et les instructeurs personnels qui rendent possible des représentations aussi délicieuses que celles-ci!
CHLOE STAHL (Sea Creature/Maid) Chloe is ecstatic to perform at the Count Basie for the first time! Previous roles Chloe has played in theater include Candy Kid and Chef (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr.), Baker and Fork (Beauty and the Beast Jr.), Omar (Aladdin Jr.), and performed in a musical showcase titled Phenomenal Women. Chloe would like to thank all of her family and friends for always supporting her and would like to thank everyone that came to see this performance of The Little Mermaid. Enjoy the show!
SIERRA STEINBERG (Ariel) Sierra is excited to be making her debut at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. She has previously appeared in productions including Heathers (Heather Chandler), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Shrek (Gingy), and Les Mis (Eponine)! Sierra would like to thank the lovely and talented cast and directing team in addition to her supportive friends and family - special shout out to her vocal coach, Jennine Babo, and her parents, Adam and Diane!
ELLA SWIFT (Sea Creature/Maid) Ella Swift is beyond excited to be performing at the Count Basie! Previous acting credits include: Puffs (Leanne), A Seussified Christmas Carol (Fred's wife) and Alice in Wonderland (Narrator ). She would like thank everyone who has helped her get this far. Enjoy the show!
PRODUCTION INTERNS JENNA BARRY Jenna Barry is a sophomore at Brick Memorial High School. At her school she has been a part of tech for The Great Gatsby, Little Women, Beauty and the Beast and has stage managed for Radium Girls and Mamma Mia. At the Count Basie Theatre she has been a part of tech for Puffs and now for The Little Mermaid! She would like to thank Miss Jess, Miss Ariana, Coach Anthony, and the cast and crew for all the support!
JULIA CATUOGNO Julia Catuogno is a sophomore at Marlboro High School and is ecstatic to be a part of another incredible production at the Count Basie Academy of the Arts! She has stage managed several productions including: Godspell, Decision Height, Elf, A Seussified Christmas Carol, Puffs, and HONK! She would like to thank Coach Anthony, Miss Jessica, Miss Ariana, Mr. Mark, the cast and crew for another amazing show! "Break-a-leg everyone!"
GEMMA FORMISANO Gemma Formisano is a sophomore at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. She has been a production intern for two shows at the Count Basie Academy of the Arts including: A Seussified Christmas Carol and now The Little Mermaid. She would like to thank Coach Anthony, Miss Jess, Mr. Mark, Miss Arianna, the cast, and the crew for making another incredible show come to life!
BENJAMIN NELLER
Benjamin Neller is a sophomore at Brick Memorial High School. He has also interned at the Count Basie Center for the Arts for several shows. These include; Wrinkle in Time, Radium Girls, Moana Jr., Willy Wonka Jr., Sister Act Jr., James and the Giant Peach Jr., The Addams Family, and Puffs. He would like to thank Miss Jess, Coach Anthony,and Miss Ariana for all the amazing opportunities. Benjamin is very excited for the show and wishes everyone good luck!
To Carl: We are so excited to see you appear in your favorite show once more! Bon appetite! -Mom and Dad
Julia, We are all very proud of your accomplishments. Keep dreaming and keep fighting for your dreams. Focus on what makes you happy, we will be there to help you and support you every time you need us! Love you! Mãe, Pai, Mano, Avós, Tios, Primos e Amigos.
Congratulations Athena & the entire cast on a fantastic production ! We are so proud of your hard work & dedication. It is a blessing to see you do something that brings you so much joy! Keep smiling Athena & enjoy every second of the ride ! Love, Your Family
DON’T MISS OUT … SUMMER STUDENT PRODUCTIONS START IN JUST 48 DAYS FEW SPOTS REMAIN!!!
NO AUDITION! FULLY-COSTUMED PRODUCTION PRESENTED ONSTAGE AT THE END! REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!!! Questions? Email jobrien@thebasie.org
Summer 2022
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