PRESENTED BY ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL & OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2023
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023
ALL PERFORMANCES AT 6:30 P.M.
In Conjunction with Our Lady of Mercy Academy
Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A. Head of School, St. Augustine Prep
in partnership with OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY proudly presents
music and lyrics by Benny Andersson
Björn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson
{Book by Catherine Johnson}
{Originially Conceived by Judy Craymer}
Mamma Mia! was originally produced in London by Judy Craymer, Richard East, and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
Additional material & arrangements
Martin Koch
Music published by Universal Music Publishing Group and EMI Grove Park Music Inc. and EMI Waterford Music Inc.
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI
www.mtishows.com
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
We hope you enjoy our production of Mamma Mia! at The Landis Theater. A jukebox musical, one where the audience knows the songs and can tap their feet, seemed like the most appropriate show to put on as we move past the modified stage experiences of a pandemic. ABBA songs, too, are quirky, fun, and, sometimes, nonsensical–-just what we need! At the same time, this is a show with independent female characters, and male characters who are eager to jump in and ready to step up. Additionally, this play is a reminder that family comes in many forms, commitment can be shown in different ways, and it’s okay to change our minds as we navigate our lives.
Mrs. Jodie Zielinski Director, Mamma Mia!The cast and crew of Mamma Mia! would like to thank the Administration, Faculty, and Staff of both St. Augustine Prep and Our Lady of Mercy Academy, especially Father Murray and Mrs. Coyle for their support of the arts in our schools.
A special thanks to Mr. Manny Dijamco and Mrs. Karrie Davis for production of our tickets, playbook, poster, and social media posts and to the St. Augustine Prep Facilities Department for storage and transportation of our props.
Additional thanks are extended to Mrs. Carr for arranging transportation for our students during rehearsals and performances.
And to The Landis Theater for getting the chance to perform in such a beautiful and professional space.
And, thanks and gratitude most of all to our parents, who are the backbone of our program.They feed us, help with costumes, props, scenery, and rides to rehearsals, and donate gift baskets, among so many other things!
We are forever appreciative for all that our parents do for us!
Overture
I
Money, Money, Money………………………………………..…….…....Donna
Thank you for the Music……………………………...Harry, Bill, Sam, Sophie, and Company
Mamma Mia…………………………………………..Donna, Harry, Bill, Sam, and Company
Chiquitita…………………………………………………Rosie,
Dancing Queen
Lay
Brody Ackerman (Pepper) is overfilled with excitement and anticipation of being able to perform his first musical at St. Augustine Preparatory school. He is currently a sophomore at the Prep and can’t wait to participate in future projects with the theater program. When not on the theater stage, you can find Brody performing in the school’s acapella group (The TestosterTones), as well as the co-ed choir (St. Cecilia). Outside of the Prep, Brody has partaken in the Moorestown Theater Company productions of The Wizard Of Oz (Munchkin, Jitterbug, and Emerald City Tapper), Les Mis: Highschool edition (Bishop of Digne and Feuilly), The Sound Of Music (Friedrich), and 13 teen edition (Cheerleader/ Ensemble). Brody is currently a member of the Lowe Dance Studio Competition Team (Voorhees, NJ) where he competes and trains in the dance styles of ballet, tap, acrobatics, jazz, modern/contemporary, hip hop, and lyrical. Brody would like to give a very special thanks to the cast, crew, and the artistic team (Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, and Ms. Casey) for all their hard work and dedication to making the show the best it can be. Oh Mamma Mia, here we go again!
Camila Andeliz Bello (Ensemble) Camila is so excited to join St. Augustine Prep and OLMA in her first production with these schools. Although this may be her first high school play, she has been in many shows before. Camila has participated in a production of The Wizard of Oz as a leading munchkin. She is also a member of the OLMA I block choir. Camila has tried something new by joining a Hands up I block, where she will make an appearance in the production of Newsies. This has truly been a fun and an amazing learning experience for her. She had so much fun meeting the amazing cast. They are all so talented and have made this a reality. Finally, and not least, this production wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, and Ms. Casey. They have worked so hard to make this play a reality. She also would like to recognize her family for always being there through this whole experience, and always making time to bring her to practices. She wants them to know how much she truly appreciates them.
Mia Bonilla (Ensemble) is so excited for her first show with the Prep/OLMA theater group! In the past, she has been involved in various shows, including A Christmas Carol and The Little Mermaid. She is a member of the Hands up! Theater club, where you can see her perform in Newsies in the spring. Outside of the theater, you can find her taking sword classes and spending time with her cat, Milla.
Christianna Figurelli (Ali) is so excited to return to the stage in this year’s production of Mamma Mia!. Christianna has played Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Mother Abbess (Sound of Music), Amaryllis (Music Man), along with roles in many other plays. She would like to thank Mrs. Zielinski, Ms. Casey, Mr. Stenswold, her castmates, her friends, and her family for supporting her. When Christianna is not onstage, you can find her on the volleyball court as libero or singing at her church. Christianna is so excited to perform Mamma Mia!
Matthew Flanigan (Bill) is a hard-working, intelligent, and dedicated student. Outside of academics, Matthew enjoys writing, fencing, and photography. He also participates in the school’s service club, TestosterTones, newspaper club, and much more. In past performances, he played the roles of Watt Cobblers (What a Knight!), Student (Fame Jr.), Fletcher (Freaky Friday), Weselton (Frozen), The Duke (Flapper), and Michael (Elf Jr.). Last year, he performed in Godspell for the return of the school musical. He would like to thank all of his teachers, especially Mrs. Zielinski, for pushing him to do his best this year not only in academics, but with the show as well. He would also like to thank his family, specifically his parents, who have motivated him. Matthew dedicates this performance and all of his future performances to his great grandmother who has given him the strength to continue his musical theatre career.
Luke Fortucci (Ensemble) is so excited to be performing in Mamma Mia! Previously, he has portrayed F. Lee Maybe in Simon Shepherd. And, he is so thrilled to see everyone on our show dates. He would like to thank Mr. Stenswold, Ms. Casey, and Mrs. Zielinski for allowing an amazing production.
(In Alphabetical Order)
Bianca Gallelli (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of a St. Augustine Prep/Our Lady of Mercy Academy production for the first time. She loves the show Mamma Mia! and is honored to be a part of this production. This is her first step back onto the production stage after her theater program in middle school with leading roles in Guys and Dolls and Into the Woods as well as a summer performance of Les Miserables. Bianca is currently in her senior year and is looking forward to majoring in film production in college. After the curtains close, you can find her as an active member of the Chorus Angelorum and bowling team at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. She would like to extend her thanks to the whole artistic team of Mr. Stenswold, Ms. Casey, and Mrs. Zielinski for working with her crazy schedule, her parents for putting up with her alley cat singing as she practices, the whole Mamma Mia! team for all of the memories, and Ms. Whittaker who first got her introduced to the world of theater.
Warren Garland (Eddie) is anxious and excited to see how each little part of the play will come together to create Mamma Mia! As a singer and soloist his whole life, he is excited to get to share his vocal capabilities with the rest of the cast and crew to help make this show come alive. This will be his first theatrical performance that actually goes through, after the one that failed because of COVID-19 in his 8th grade year. He is happy to be able to perform with all the very talented and wonderful actors found in the Prep and OLMA, and he can’t wait to see you all there!
Gianna Gebeline (Sophie) is excited to be playing the role of Sophie as a junior in the OLMA and Prep musical! Gianna is an OLMA cheerleader and a competitive dancer. She is a national champion at That’s Entertainment and Dancesational dance competition with many other awards granted. She also sings and has performed in many musical productions for the Brigantine Summer Theater program, with leads in Fame as Carmen and Beauty and the Beast as Belle. Gianna loves working with this amazing cast and crew of Mamma Mia! Thank you to everyone who made this show possible and thank you to all of my fellow cast members for making this show amazing!
Elisabeth “Ellie” Grant (Tanya) is excited to finally return to the stage as Tanya in her First and Final musical with Our Lady of Mercy Academy. While this is Ellie’s debut in the theater program, she can be found involved as an active member of the Chorus Angelourm at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. When she is not singing, she can be recognized as the Captain of the varsity bowling team. Ellie would like to thank Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, and Ms. Casey for taking a chance on her for this year’s musical. She would also like to thank the outstanding cast and crew of Mamma Mia! for making this an experience she will never forget!
Luke Grippo (Fr. Alexandrios/Ensemble) feels “blessed” to be able to play Fr. Alexandrios in Mamma Mia! His Catholic grandmother was so excited when she heard her grandson was going to be playing a priest. It has been a lot of fun working on Mamma Mia! with all of his friends! This is definitely one of the more unique roles he has ever played. Luke has been doing plays since the 2nd Grade and has a strong passion for singing and performing. Some of his notable performances include Linus in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, Theo in Pippin, Kurt Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, John the Apostle in a Passion of Jesus Christ, Lionel Astley in Back to the 80’s, and many, many more, including roles in Jungle Book, A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens, The Lion King, School House Rock, and Dear Edwina. He would like to say thank you to Mrs. Zielinski for not giving him too much homework while rehearsing for the show and a big thank you to Mr. Stenswold for always making music rehearsal fun. He is happy to be able to put on a good show for the faculty members at the Prep, who are all so excited to see it. And, most of all, he would like to thank our Heavenly Father for blessing him with the Sacred Rites to play one of His holy clergy.
Kimi Hiles (Ensemble) is so excited to be in Mamma Mia! for her last year at OLMA. She was in The Addams Family her freshman year and off stage has been a varsity track and field athlete for all four years of high school. This is her last time on stage in high school and, with this show being an all-time favorite, it’s the perfect thing for her final bows at OLMA!
Stephania Hope (Ensemble) is thrilled for her first performance with the Prep/OLMA theater club! Always on stage, she has performed lead roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Addams Family, as well as various one-act and cabaret style shows. When the curtains close, you can find her singing in St. Cecilia Choir and OLMA’s Chorus Angelorum, playing guitar, or spending time with her horse, Dollor. She would like to thank everyone for making her first show with this theater club a memorable experience!
Kaitlynn Kirk (Ensemble) is very excited for her debut performance with St. Augustine Prep and OLMA. Although this is her first performance, she will be playing Davey in an ASL Newsies showcase for OLMA’s theater I Block in conjunction with Hands Up Silent Theatre this spring. Kaitlynn will also be Tamika in Matilda the Musical, another Hands Up Silent Theatre spring production. When not on stage, you can find Kaitlynn singing with friends in Prep/OLMA’s incredible coed choir (St. Cecilia Choir) or with OLMA’s lovely chorus. She is also on OLMA’s crew and varsity volleyball team. She would like to thank her friends for supporting her, her family for being her top cheerleaders and personal Uber to practices, and her incredible teachers for always believing in her, especially Mrs. Blackshear. A special thank you to Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, Ms. Casey, and her beyond talented cast mates for making all of this possible.
LilyAnna Lemauro (Donna) is so excited to be performing a dream role alongside this cast for her senior musical, and she is hopeful to continue her theatre journey as a musical theatre and journalism major in college. Some of her favorite past credits include Meg March (Little Women, TTW), Cinderella’s Stepmother (Into the Woods, TTW), Miss Hannigan (Annie, TTW), Ensemble (Seussical TYA, TTW), and she is a frequent performer for the Broadway Star Project, NYC. She is also beyond excited to be performing as Elsa in Frozen Jr. at the Walnut Street Theatre this spring! Special thanks to Ms. Casey, Mr. Stenswold, and Mrs. Zielinski for making her senior musical so memorable, and much love always to her family, friends, and fellow super trouper cast mates <3
Lorenzo Lopes (Harry) is beyond excited to be a part of this year’s performance of Mamma Mia! Lorenzo is in his junior year at the Prep, and he has been a part of many plays, such as Alice in Wonderland (Caterpillar), Charlie Brown (Snoopy), and A Ghost Tale for Mr. Charles Dickens (Mr Charles Dickens). Music is a very important aspect in Lorenzo’s life, as he holds it very close to him. Outside of theater, he sings in his school mass choir, co-ed choir, TestosterTones, and much more. Lorenzo would like to thank God, but first and foremost his parents for giving him the opportunity to attend such an amazing school. He would also like to thank Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, and Ms. Casey for pushing him to be his best self and for being positive influences in his life.
Holden MacNatt (Ensemble) is so excited for his first performance with the Prep/OLMA theater club! Unlike many others, he has not performed in any other shows. Off stage, you can find him on the Prep swim team or hanging out with friends. He would like to thank Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, Ms. Casey, and his fellow cast mates for making his first experience a memorable one.
Natalie Nuss (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of this play. This is her first time participating in the OLMA/Prep theater program and can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Anthony Santora (Ensemble) is ecstatic for his debut performance with St. Augustine Prep/ OLMA’s theater program. While this is his first time performing in any play or show, he has seen his share of the spotlight. Outside of the show, he holds a vast amount of positions in different St. Augustine Prep extracurriculars including Vice President of the morning news program and head of a fundraiser for the Hermit Ambassadors, and he holds an immense amount of academic achievements. He would love to thank his parents, God, his castmates, Mrs. Zielinski, Mr. Stenswold, and Ms. Casey for helping make the play a once in a lifetime experience.
Michael Sherron (Sky) is so excited to be performing for his first St. Augustine Prep musical. Michael is a freshman and cannot wait to start his theater endeavors. While not on stage, you can find Michael performing in the school’s acapella group (The TestosterTones), as well as the co-ed choir (St. Cecilia), and Pep Band. Outside of the Prep, Michael has portrayed King Triton (TLM Jr.). Special thanks to the Artistic Team: Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, and Ms. Casey, as well as his friends and family. Last but not least, Michael would like to shout out his cast mates for all their hard work and dedication. They sure didn’t go wasting their emotion!
Delaney Shur (Rosie) is honored to be performing in her final Our Lady of Mercy Academy musical! Outside of OLMA, she has previously portrayed Jojo (Suessical), Jack (Into The Woods), Peggy (Godspell), and Miss Delilah Strict (Zombie Prom), among several other roles. She has also had the pleasure of co-founding the Saint Cecilia Co-Ed Chorus. Delaney plans to major in Entertainment Marketing to further assist in the creation process of more shows like this, with minors in Theatre and Film Studies. She would like to thank her family and friends for their unending support, as well as the cast for being the best theater family she could ask for! Thank you for the music!
John Terista (Sam) is so excited to be onstage for St. Augustine one last time in his high school career. John is a senior and has been participating in the school’s performing arts programs since the day he stepped foot on campus his freshman year. When John is not onstage, you can find him on the school’s varsity swim team, or performing with the school’s acapella group (The TestosterTones). His past credits for St. Augustine include Godspell (Jesus) in 2021 and The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke) in 2019. John was last seen onstage in Triple Threat Workshop’s Into The Woods (Steward) and OCTC’s SpongeBob (Plankton). He is so excited to help share this story and bring it to life. John is very thankful for everything the school has provided him throughout his four years and plans on Majoring in Finance Marketing in college. He would like to thank Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, Ms. Casey, his friends, family, and, especially, his cast mates for all the love and support!
Adriana Verrico (Lisa) is very enthusiastic to be performing as Lisa in the OLMA and Prep musical as a sophomore! Outside of OLMA, she has acted as Evie (Descendants), Josie (Elf Jr.), Fiona (Shrek Jr.), and several ensemble roles in community and school productions. When Adriana is not onstage, she can be found on OLMA’s cheer team as a Varsity flyer. Adriana would like to share a special thanks to Mr. Stenswold, Mrs. Zielinski, Ms. Casey, and her cast mates for their energy, hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication. She would also like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her and her passions!
Sophie Sheridan…………………….……………………………...…..........Gianna Gebeline
Ali………………………………………………………..…………...... Christianna Figurelli
Lisa……………………………………………………..………...............…...Adriana Verrico
Donna Sheridan…………………………………………………...............LilyAnna Lemauro
Tanya….…………………………………………………..……….......Elisabeth “Ellie” Grant
Rosie…………………………………………………........................…..………Delaney Shur
Sky……………………………………………………..…..................………Michael Sherron
Pepper……………………………………………………..…................……Brody Ackerman
Eddie…..…………………………………………………...................………Warren Garland
Harry Bright………….…………………………………...................…………Lorenzo Lopes
Bill Austin….………………………………………...............…………..…Matthew Flanigan
Sam Carmichael…………………………….........................……………………..John Terista
Father Alexandrios………………………….........................……………………Luke Grippo
The Ensemble
Camila Andeliz Bello
Mia Bonilla
Luke Fortucci
Bianca Gallelli
Kimi Hiles
Stephania Hope
Kaitlynn Kirk
Holden MacNatt
Natalie Nuss
Anthony Santora
ASL Signer: Kate DeLucca
Artistic Team
Director……………………………………..……………………………Mrs. Jodie Zielinski
Musical Director……………………………………..…………………...Mr. Erik Stenswold
Choreographer…..…………………………………..…………………...Ms. Casey Gebeline
Stage Lighting and Sound: Technical staff at The Landis Theater
Costumes: Rentals through Schalick High School; Other Costume Design/Fit/Donations through Karen Tootsie Saracusa and Kendra Lemauro
Stage Managers: Syerra-Lynn Mills and Anabelle Sawyer
Assistant Stage Manager: Lilianna Himstedt
Stage Crew Members: Nick Auer, Lexi Matis, Savannah Nolan, and Luke Reed
Set and Prop Painting: Mrs. Alspach, her art students, and stage crew members.
Poster Design: Mrs. Davis’ Graphic Design Class
Rented Set Pieces: Schalick High School
The Musicians
Mr. Erik Stenswold - Conductor
Aiden Andre ’23, Guitar
Jack Klotz ’27, Keyboard
Ian Paradela ’24, Keyboard
Kyle Rowe ’18, Bass
Vince Bello ’14, Guitar
Lyndsay Day, Drums
Misty Fiske, Keyboard 1
Our Lady of Mercy Academy faculty and
congratulate
LilyAnna Lemauro Delaney Shur
Elisabeth Grant Gianna Gebeline
Adriana Verrico Christianna Figurelli
Camila Andeliz Bello Mia Bonilla
Bianca Gallelli Kimi Hiles
Stephania Hope Kaitlynn Kirk
Natalie Nuss Kate DeLucca
Anabelle Sawyer Syerra-Lynn Mills
Savannah Nolan Lilianna Himstedt
Lexi Matis
ST. AUGUSTINE PREP
THE PREP ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT CONGRATULATES ALL OF OUR TALENTED PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS FROM ST. AUGUSTINE PREP & OLMA ON THEIR PRODUCTION OF
Pap & Gigi
Uncle Dave & Aunt Stacey
Buddy & Brian
David, Katie, Londyn, Madi, and Conor
Uncle Mike & Aunt April
Jimmy, Dacia, and Mikey
Mom and Dad
GIANNA LYNN
Our beautiful, talented “Sofie”, you always make us proud! Love, your peeps!
THE “MAMMA MIA!” CAST
It’s been a pleasure working with the cast and crew of “Mamma Mia!”. You Done Good!!
- Miss Casey4276G HARBOR BEACH BOULEVARD BRIGANTINE, NJ 08203
MISSCASEY101@COMCAST.NET 609-266-2120
Jack, Wishingyouasuccessful pianoperformancetonight!
Wearesoproudofyouand yourpassionformusic!
Love, Mom and Dad
Christianna,
We are so excited to see “you dance and jive having the time of your life” as Ali in Mamma Mia!
Shine like the star you are!!!
Love you, Mom, Dad, Maria, Tommy and Sonny
From a Disney Princess to our “Dancing Queen”!
LilyAnna you have made us so incredibly proud of all of your academic and theatrical accomplishments! May you continue to reach for the stars!
Congratulations on your final senior performance. We love you!
Love, Madre, Padre and Bella
LilyAnna, I try to capture every moment as you keep growing, you are “slipping through my fingers all the time”. I am so very proud of the beautiful young woman that you have become!
Love, Mom Mom
Room 7 supports the arts!
- Mrs. Chapman
So proud of all of our talented actors! Our Prep community is blessed because of each one of you!
- Mrs. Carr
Luke, We are so proud of you! Congratulations on an amazing performance.
- Love Mom, Dad and Ava
Belle, All your hard work definitely paid off in your first Musical, great job!!
- Love Joe & Terry
Annabelle, Our BR, we are so proud of all your hard work and dedication.
Can’t wait to see the show! We love you so much.
- Love Mommy & Ant
Belle, So proud of all your efforts and hard work!
- Love Mammy, Memom, and Pop-Pop
Kaitlynn Kirk…Always shining! I love you and so proud of you!
- Aunt Kelly XOXO
Kaitlynn, Break a leg luv!
(Means good luck. Lol.)
- Love, Mom and Dad
For Kaitlynn, the future First Lady!
- Love, Mommom and Poppop
Congratulations, Holden, on your theater debut!
“Break a Leg”
We are very proud of you!
With love, Dad, Mom, Gavin, and Dawson
Thank you for the music, the laughs, your time, and your talents! A single mom raised Sophie Sheridan, but it took a village to put on this play!
Congrats to the cast, crew, musicians, members of the artistic team, parents, faculty, staff, friends of The Prep and OLMA, donors, The Landis Theater, and my husband’s and son’s understanding for my late hours, distracted mind, and constant singing!
St. Augustine Prep students defy conventional classifications. They are not simply students, or artists, or athletes –they are young men of multiple interests and talents, young men filled with curiosity and a desire to better themselves and those around them through a top-notch education rooted in the Augustinian Values of Truth, Unity, and Love.
If you aspire to grow and learn in the company of like-minded young men, St. Augustine Prep is where you should be!
Apply today at HERMITS.COM/APPLYNOW
