STAGE DOOR CAST BIOS

Dani Tauber- (Olga Brandt) During the DiFrancia era, Dani performed in such shows as "Canine Tales" and "our Local Monster", as well as " A Tale of Two Cities" and "A Christmas Carol". Then, in high school, she took rolls in "South Pacific"(island girl/Honey Bun Ensemble), "The Man Who Came to Dinner"(Miss Preen) and a hilarious little one-act called "Flappers", (Old Lady Loopy). She has competed at STANJ for the last two years and plans kicking some major butt her third and final year. She has also spend eight collective years in chorus-four of those with Mrs. Sedlack-and can’t wait for "Beauty and the Beast" in the spring. Dani still can’t bring herself to believe that Olga Brandt will be her very last fall play performance at Pinelands; it seems like just yesterday she was the shy, quiet girl and now she just won’t shut up. Ever. She plans to build he career around acting and the stage…as well as all her other artsy endeavors. A few words to future stars and starlets: Love each other; Let bygones be bygones. Treat the auditorium well and for goodness sake, throw your trash out! Oh, and always do your best. If by chance it isn’t good enough, Miller will tell you. Repeatedly. BIGGER! LOUDER! MORE!

Madeline Konyha- (Mattie) Maddy Konyha is a junior and has participated in the Pinelands drama department since 8th grade. This is Maddy’s first fall production at Pinelands and is very excited to be playing a part with the same name! Past credits include "A Christmas Carol" (Ensemble), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (crew), "South Pacific" (Islander), and "West Side Story" (Shark/Jet Girl). Maddy would like to thank Mr. DiFrancia and Mr. Miller for helping her come out of her shell. BREAK A LEG EVERYBODY!!!

Katie Martucci (Big Mary)- Katie is a sophomore at Pinelands and is the biggest small person you will ever meet. This is her second year in the drama department and she is thrilled to be making her debut on the High School Stage. Katie’s past credits include "A Christmas Carol," "Our Local Monster," "So Red, Are You Afraid?," and "West Side Story." She’d like to thank her family for all their support and Mr. DiFrancia and Mr.Miller for yelling at her ‘till she did it right. Break a leg cast and crew! <3

Danielle Manzoni (Little Mary)-Danielle is a senior at Pinelands Regional. She has been involved in drama since the 8th grade. Her past productions include "Canine Tales"(The Lion), "Help"(The Mother), "Christmas Carol"(Party Guest),"South Pacific"(A Nurse), and "The Man Who Came To Dinner"(Mrs. Stanley). She was a part of the 1st Place State Drama Competition team and is part of the Production Staff for the show. Danielle would like to thank Miller for the drama therapy and Mr. DiFrancia for getting her started in the program. She would like to specially thank her family for all their love and support. Break a Leg Cast and Crew!!!

Christina Wadsworth (Bernice Niemeyer) Christina is a Senior at Pinelands Regional. She was part of the first place STANJ competition team. Her credits include " The Man Who came to Dinner"(Mrs. Dexter), " A Tale of Two Cities" (Madame Defarge), "Canine Tales" (The dog), " You Cant Take it with You" (stage crew), "Once Upon a Mattress" (servant), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (stage crew), and "South Pacific" (island girl). Christina has enjoyed theater for the past 5 years of her life. She would like to thank everyone for their love and support. She would also like to wish the entire cast and crew GOOD LUCK!!

Kathryn Hagmann- is a freshman at Pinelands. She has been involved with drama since the 8th grade and she is very happy to have gotten a part in "Stage Door." She would like to thank Mr. Miller and Mr. DiFrancia for everything they have done and her friends and family for supporting her and helping her learn her lines.

Alison Ceresani (Judith Canfield)- Alison is a sophomore at Pinelands and is thrilled to be participating in her first production at the High School. At the Junior High School, she performed in "So, Red Are You Afraid?" as Little Red Riding Hood. Also, she performed in "The Confounding Case of the Burgled Butlers" as Ms. Gardener. As well, she went to the STANJ competition last year and is excited about doing so again this year. She is looking forward to further experiences in the drama program. She would like to thank Mr. DiFrancia for getting her involved in the program and Mr. Miller for giving her this wonderful opportunity. She would also like to thank her family for being behind her the whole way. Break a leg cast and crew !!!

Liz Hunter (Anne Braddock) – Liz is a senior and has been apart of the Pinelands drama program since 8th grade. She has performed in productions such as "Tale of Two Cities" (Lucy Manette), "Once Upon a Mattress", and "South Pacific" (Nurse). She has participated in the STANJ competitions since 9th grade. Liz is planning on going to the University of Minnesota to major in theatre. She would like to thank all her friends for the amazing memories they have made together and her parents for always pushing her to keep going. Lastly, she would like to thank Mr. Miller and DiFrancia for teaching her so many things on and off stage.

Kelly Lugo- (Kaye Hamilton) Kelly is a senior this year. She has been in drama since 8th grade. Kelly’s past roles include "Help" (Protester), "A Christmas Carol" (Mrs. Fezziwig) and "South Pacific" (Nurse). Kelly participated in the STANJ competition in both her sophomore and junior year. In her sophomore year she played Beth-Ann Shumway in the scene "Attack of the Moral Fuzzies." She also competed in the improv pairs category. In her junior year she competed in Dramatic Pairs with Joe Wozniak and played Laura in "The Glass Menagerie." She also played Gadfly in "The War at Home." Kelly is planning on going to a 4-year college after graduating this year. She would like to thank Kaela for being her best friend for 18 years. She would like to thank Matthew for always being there for her. Last, but not least she would like to thank her mommy for always being the one person she could depend on throughout her whole life.

Amanda Policastro (Linda Shaw)- Amanda is a senior at Pinelands. This is her first and last fall production. She has been involved in drama since the 8th grade and enjoys doing it very much. She has been involved in 5 plays since her start in drama. She was in "Help" in 8th grade, "Inside Story" in 9th grade, "West Side Story" last year and now is involved in "Stage Door". Amanda is looking forward to the STANJ competition and also the spring musical!!! She can’t believe that this is her last year at Pinelands! She is going to miss everyone so much and wishes everyone luck in the years to come. Amanda would like to thank Miller and DiFrancia for her fantastic years here. She would also like to thank her parents for their support over the years and she loves them very much!!! BREAK A LEG EVERYONE!!!

Jessica Evans (Jean Maitland)- Jessica is a junior this year at Pinelands and has been part of the drama program since 7th grade and is now a part of the Thespian Council. This being her first fall production, she is thrilled to be playing the part of Jean. In last year’s musical, "West Side Story", she played Graziella and had a wonderful time. She is really looking forward to the STANJ competition this year, and of course, the spring musical. Outside of school, she is involved with Our Gang Players, where she has been performing and choreographing for 7 years. Favorite past shows include "Annie", in which she played the Star-To-Be, "Children Of Eden", "Guys & Dolls", "Me & My Girl", and many, many more. She hopes to pursue her dream of performing in college, and she hopes to perform someday on Broadway!!! She would like to thank Miller & DiFrancia for giving her the chance to perform in the show, her parents for always loving and supporting her, and her spectacular boyfriend Sean Dooley for always being there for her and for drilling her lines into her head!!! Thanks for making this a great experience Cast & Crew!!! XOXO

Melissa Boldridge (Bobby Melrose)- Melissa is a sophomore at Pinelands. This is her second production at the High School. Last year, she performed in "The Man Who Came to Dinner" as Sarah. In the Junior High School, she performed in "So Red, Are You Afraid?" as the mother and "The Confounding Case of the Burgled Butlers" as Sarah. She is looking forward to future experiences in the drama program. She would like to thank Mr. Miller and Mr. DiFrancia for all their help and her family for their support. Break a leg cast and crew!!!

Melissa Vurlicer (Louise)- Melissa is a senior at pinelands. She has been involved in "Once Upon a Mattress" (wench), "South Pacific" (Dina), "Inside Story", and "West Side Story" (Dance Captain/Velma). She has been dancing for nine years and lives for the stage. She hopes to be a Disney performer. Melissa would like to thank her family, friends, Don Juan, and Deege for always being supportive. A huge thanks to Mr. Miller and Mr. DiFrancia for knowing what she was capable of and bringing the true Melissa to life. Break a leg cast and crew. To Dani Tauber: you rock my socks! Love always, the famous Melissa Vurlicer.

Christie Rotondo (Susan)- Christie is a Junior at Pinelands. She has been a part of the drama program since 7th grade. Her past productions include "South Pacific" (Nurse), "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (U/S Sarah) and "West Side Story" (Shark Girl). Christie also competed in the STANJ competition last year. She is a member of the Thespian Society, and is on Thespian Council. Christie is very excited for Stage Door and has enjoyed working with everyone. She would like to thank Mr. DiFrancia, Mr. Miller, Jamil and the cast for all their support.

Brittany Clemente- (Pat Devine) Brittany is a senior here at Pinelands Regional. She has been involved with the drama department since the 8th grade. Brittany’s credits include, "A Tale of Two Cities" (ensemble), "A Christmas Carol" (Topper’s wife/caroler), "Once Upon a Mattress" (Lady in Waiting), "South Pacific" (Nurse), "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (crew), and "West Side Story", (Anita). Brittany has also been involved with her church for many years and has put on two productions of "A Journey For a King" (ensemble/dancer). Brittany participated in STANJ for her first time last year, and is very excited for this upcoming competition! Brittany would like to thank Mr. Miller and Mr. Difrancia for all of their help over the years. She would also like to thank her mom for putting her through all of those dance classes over the years and for always reminding her she can be whatever she wants to be! Also, Brittany wants to thanks the rest of her family for always being there for her! Love you guys!! As for the cast…show everyone what we can do! THANKS EVERYONE!!! BREAK LEGS!!!

Trisha Fenlon (Kendall Adams) – Trisha is a junior and has taken part in the drama department since 8th grade. This is her first year in a fall play and she’s appeared in last years musical, South Pacific. During her attendance at the Jr. High with Mr. DiFrancia she performed in "The Odd-yssey" (Trojan), and "Our Local Monster". Trisha also took part in stage crew for the fall play "Arsenic and Old Lace". Last year she participated in the STANJ competition and is a member of the Thespian Society as a part of Production Staff. Trisha would like to thank her mommy for being amazing, loving her to death, and encouraging her to do the things she enjoys.

Emily Harrison (Terry Randall)- is a senior this year and has been involved in the drama department since the tenth grade. Her past acting experiences include "South Pacific" (Nurse), "The Man Who Came To Dinner" (Harriet Stanley), and "West Side Story" (Clarice, Jet Girl). She has been a member of the Thespian Society since her first year of drama and is now on the Thespian Council. She has competed at the STANJ competition for two years, and has twice won 5th in the improvisational pairs category, and 4th in comedic pairs with James McKenna. Emily is hoping to major in theatre in the fall at either Christopher Newport College in Virginia, or The University of Arizona in Tucson. She would like to thank all her "sophomore girls", her sisters, family coming from Florida, and her grandparents for all there love and support. Emily would also like to thank Mr. Miller for being such a great person, teaching her so much, not giving up on her when she gets bratty, and drastically changing her life for the better. Lastly, Emily would like to thank her mother for everything she’s done, and being okay. "And when you're up on the stage, it's so unbelievable, unforgettable, how they adore you." As for the cast and crew, she enjoyed working with everyone and wishes them the best of luck in the future. BREAK LEGS BABIESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

 Sophie Greenberg- (Tony Gillette) Sophie is a freshman and this is her first show on the high school stage as Tony Gillette. She performed in "Canine Tales" (Narrator One) and "Extraordinary Eli’s Magical Extravaganza" (Director- Guy Wiley) in Mr. DiFrancia’s class. She also performs in Standing Ovations. For the incoming freshman wanting to be in a play: Audition, it’s totally worth it. If I could get in, you can too! Practice practice practice!!! And be LOUD!!!

Alyssa Leadbeater (Ellen Fenwick)- is a senior at Pinelands. She has been involved in numerous school productions. Her performing arts career has lasted six-years so far. Her first stage performance was in "Canine Tales" (Dog). Other credits include "A Tale of Two Cities" (Aristocrat), "A Christmas Carol", "Inside Story" (Chrissy), "Once Upon A Mattress" (Emily/Wench), and "South Pacific" (Nurse). She was a part of the 2006 First Place STANJ competition in New Brunswick and participated in "Attack of The Moral Fuzzies". She has been in the Thespian Honor Society for two years and is on the Production Staff. She also the community life editor of the school newspaper, involved in Encore, and has been a part of the school choir for five-years. She would like to thank her sister Ashley for being her hero. She looks up to her and loves her very much. Best of luck to all her fellow actors and actresses!

Alyssa Florio (Mrs.Orcutt)- Alyssa is a junior at Pinelands. She has been part of the Drama Program since the 7th grade. Her past roles include "A Tale of Two Cities" (Ensemble), "A Christmas Carol" (Caroler/Ensemble), "The Odd-yssey" (Odysseus), and "Our Local Monster" (Dr. Wizenheimer/Clown),

"South Pacific" (Bloody Mary), "The Man Who Came To Dinner"(Ensemble/Miss Preen understudy), and "West Side Story"(Rosalia). Alyssa competed in the STANJ drama competition last year and made finals with her comedic monologue. She has also participated in past choral concerts with Mrs. Sedlak and Encore. She would like to thank Mr. DiFrancia, for helping her from the beginning. And Mr. Miller for everything that has done for her. She would also like to thank God, the cast, the crew, her family, friends, and Paul, Jamil, and Christie who have supported her through it all. Break a leg everyone! Be BIG!!!!!

Mark Post (Frank)- Mark is a senoir and will be leaving Pinelands after this school year. Mark has been in Drama since ninth grade, and his credits include: "South Pacific" (O’Brian), "Man Who Came To Dinner" (Westcott), and "West Side Story" (Moose). Mark is planning going to OCC for the next two years and then to a university for the last two years. Mark would like to thank everyone who has supported him over these past years and to those who will always be there to support him in the future.

Jake Bolton (Sam Hastings)- Jake is enjoying his second production with the Pinelands Thespian Society. As a sophomore, Jake is very proud to be a part of "Stage Door". His past performances include Kurt in "The Confounding Case of the Burgled Butlers" in the 8th grade, and Mouthpiece in "West Side Story" in the 9th grade. He also did "Grease" with The Our Gang Players theater group. Jake is excited to hopefully participate in the STANJ Competition later this year with the Pinelands team at Rutgers. He would like to thank the great Mr. Miller and the illustrious Lord Difrancia for the amazing opportunities they have presented him and the incredible cast for making "Stage Door" such an outstanding play.

Casey Horner (Jimmy Devereaux)- Casey is very excited to participate in "Stage Door". This is his first drama production for the Pinelands Drama Club. In the past, Casey has performed in two plays in 8th grade. These consist of "Canine Tales" in which he played Dog 1 and "Extraordinary Eli’s Magical Extravaganza" in which he played Eli. He is honored to be brought into the drama club by such a wonderful cast and directors.

Glenn Parker (Fred Powell)- Glenn is a senior here at Pinelands. He has been involved with drama since 8th grade. Glenn’s credits include: "The Man Who Came To Dinner" (Richard and John understudy), "A Tale of Two Cities" (C.J. Stryver), "A Christmas Carol" (The Ghost of the Future and Topper), "South Pacific" (Ensemble), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (Mr. Spenalzo and Mr. Hoskins) and "West Side Story" (Bernardo). Glenn also is a member of Encore, the Pinelands show choir. Glenn has been competing in the STANJ competition since his freshman year and was a finalist last year for his comedic monologue. He is also a member of the Thespian Honor Society, and is now on the Thespian Council. Glenn has also been a member of Our Gang players since the 8th grade. Glenn looks forward to attending a four year university this upcoming fall and hopes to major in Performing Arts. He would like to thank his family and all of his close friends for their loving support. BREAK A LEG CAST AND CREW!!

Thomas Garvin (Lou Millhauser)- Thomas is a junior at Pinelands and this is his third year involved with the drama program. He was on the 2007 STANJ Competition team and was also Officer Krupke in "West Side Story". He is very excited for the upcoming production of Stage Door and would like to wish all of his fellow cast members the best.

Joe Wozniak- (David Kingsley) This is the ninth production Joe has been privileged to be a part of here at Pinelands. He has been participating in the school productions since 7th grade, and now he is the President of the Thespian Society at Pinelands! Joe has participated in the STANJ competition for the past 3 years as well. He is also a member of the Our Gang Players in which he has participated for five years. Favorite past roles include Tony in "West Side Story", Danny Zuko in "Grease", Burt Healy in "Annie", Dream Jud in "Oklahoma!", and John in "The Man Who Came To Dinner". He is excited to graduate, and will pursue an education in Theatre Performance/Social Work. One day Joe wants to be famous for something. He would like to thank his family, friends, Peej, McGuire, DiFrancia, and Miller for helping him out with everything!

James McKenna- (Keith Burgess) This is James’ third and final fall production here at the high school. He has been performing at Pinelands Regional since the eighth grade and is currently the vice-president of the Thespian Council. His past credits include "A Tale of Two Cities" (Red Cap/Ensemble), "A Christmas Carol" (Bob Crachit), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (Officer Klein), "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (Richard Stanley), and "West Side Story" (A-Rab). He participated in the annual STANJ competition at Rutgers University in both his sophomore and junior year and placed 4th in the state for comedic pairs with his partner Emily Harrison. James would like to thank God, his mom, dad, stepfather, siblings, family, friends, the crew, the cast, DiFrancia, and Miller. BREAK A LEG CAST AND CREW!!

Jenna Freda (Mrs. Shaw)- Jenna is a freshman. This is her first high school production. She was a narrator in "Canine Tales" and Griselda in "Eli’s Extraordinary Magical Extravaganza". She has participated in Standing Ovations for the last two years. She would like to thank Mr. Miller and DiFrancia for helping her learn and grow so much in her freshman year.

Dan Cerullo (Dr. Randall)- is a freshman at Pinelands. He has been involved in the drama program since 7th grade. His past performances include "A Christmas Carol" (Ebenezer Scrooge), "So Red, Are You Afraid?" (Big Bad Wolf), "The Confounding Case of the Burgled Butlers" (Inspector Scuttlebutt), "South Pacific" (Islander), "The Man Who Came To Dinner (Prisoner) and "West Side Story" (Glad Hand). Last year he participated in the Pinelands competition team in improvs. He feels very fortunate to be a part of this year’s production and is very excited to continue his acting career in the future. He would like to thank Mr. Miller for teaching him so much the past two years and Mr. DiFrancia for helping him out every step of the way.

Jamil Moreno (Larry Westcott)- Jamil is a junior here at Pinelands. The Drama Program has been a part of Jamil’s life since 7th grade. Past productions that Jamil has been in include a "Tale of Two Cities" (Mr. Defarge), "A Christmas Carol" (Fred), "South Pacific" (Sailor), "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (Luncheon Guest), and "West Side Story" (Pepe). Jamil is proud to be a member of the Thespian Society and Production Staff. He has also participated in the STANJ competition. Jamil also takes part in sewing and helps with costumes for the shows. Jamil would like to thank his family for their support. He would also like to thank Mr. Miller and Mr. DiFrancia for their guidance and their teaching.

Charles Grant (Billy)- Charles is a Junior. He has enjoyed being in drama productions since the 7th grade. Charles’s past productions include "A Tale of Two Cities" (Jacques), "A Christmas Carol" (Tiny Tim), "Our Local Monster" (Gee Willikers), "South Pacific" (Ensemble), and "West Side Story" (Chucky Grant). Charles has been in the chorus since the seventh grade, as well. Charles would like to thank the Directors for allowing him to be in their plays, it is a wonderful experience. He would also love to thank his friends and family, for without them, he would be nothing.

Paul Giuglianotti (Adolf Gretzl)- Paul is a senior at Pinelands. He has participated in Drama since his freshman year. His past roles include "A Christmas Carol" (Jacob Marley), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (Stage Crew), "South Pacific" (Henry/Sailor), "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (Dr. Bradley Understudy/Stage Crew), and "West Side Story" (Shark). Paul has participated in other performing arts including Band and Pep Band playing the trumpet. Paul would like to thank Mr. Miller and Mr. DiFrancia for their enlightened direction. Paul would also like to thank his family, friends, and Alyssa for their continued support. Break a leg and have fun!!!

Ashley Acierno (Stage Manager) Ashley is a senior at Pinelands. She has been involved with drama since last year. Ashley has been on stage crew for "The Man Who Came To Dinner" and "West Side Story". Ashley will continue being apart of drama in college. Ashley would like to give a special thanks Mr. Miller for giving her this great opportunity and helping her transform from quiet shy girl to loud crazy Tiger Tamer. She will continue being apart of drama in college as a stage manager. Oh, and before I forget, thanks goes to TB Brown for being a great "Co-Stage Manager". BREAK BOTH LEGS CAST AND CREW!!!!