'Anything Goes' at Oyster Bay High School

Mr. Peter Rufa is in his first year as the supervisor of the Fine and Performing Arts Department for the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Schools. He hit the ground running and has already made a significant difference. As a result of his efforts, the Spring Musical promises to achieve a new level of professionalism.

Mr. Rufa brought in a seasoned Broadway performer to direct. Amy Fletcher (Director/Choreographer) is thrilled to be taking her maiden voyage directing the talented students of OBHS. As a director and choreographer; Hofstra Entertainment's 42nd Street, Moon Over Buffalo, Seussical the Musical and Political Notes, Hofstra Gray Wig's The World Goes Round, My Way and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Her Broadway credits include Rizzo in Grease, Anytime Annie in 42nd Street at the Ford Center, Ellie in Hal Prince's Showboat on London's West End and numerous other credits in prestigious theaters across the country.

A long island native, Amy made her professional debut as Gretl in The Sound of Music at the Jones Beach Theater. Amy is also an artist in residence for the BOCES program where she has run many programs for Long Island children. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fordham University.

Mr. Rufa is bringing the excitement of a live pit band back to the OBHS PAC (Oyster Bay High School Performing Arts Center) by enlisting the aid of Mr. Matt Sisia to work his musical magic with a pit band made up almost entirely of Oyster Bay High School students. These students have performed at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Mr. Sisia and will delight and dazzle the audience with their collective talent.

Matthew Sisia (Pit Conductor) is currently in his tenth year at Oyster Bay High School where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Pep Band. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music and a Master's degree in Wind Conducting from Penn State University. This is Mr. Sisia's first musical at OBHS. He would like to thank the Pit Orchestra for their hard work, dedication, and wonderful musicality throughout the entire process.

The cast consists of many returning favorites and fresh faces.

Charlotte Bellerjeau (Model/Passenger) is a freshman at Oyster Bay High School. Anything Goes is her second musical at OBHS. Along with theatre, Charlotte enjoys singing soprano in the chorus and playing French horn in the Symphonic Band. Charlotte looks forward to doing more musicals throughout her high school years.

Juliet Bibla (Purity) is currently a junior at OBHS. She is debuting in her twelfth musical in the past seven years. Aside from the Oyster Bay Stage, Juliet loves to take acting classes, attend acting camps, and receive private singing lessons from two musical coaches, while also participating in competitions throughout New York. Juliet is an active member of the Chamber Singers, Christ Church’s Treble and Adult Choir as well as the Oyster Bay High School Wind Ensemble, in which she plays percussion. Juliet is also constantly involved with the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society and her local Girl Scout Troop.

Christopher Canadeo (Elisha J. Whitney) is in his sophomore year. This is Christopher's first-ever theatrical performance. Chris is a starter on the Oyster Bay football team, Co-Captain of the chess team and is also an All-Conference shot putter. Chris is also a First Chair clarinet player and enjoys participating in musical events and competitions such as NYSSMA and the Cavalcade of Bands. Christopher enjoys reading in his spare time as well as playing basketball in his driveway. Christopher has a twin brother, Jonathan, and also owns 2 pet guinea pigs, Reggie and Geoff.

Mia DiMeo (Flirty Passenger) Although not her first show at OBHS, Mia has still learned new things about the wondrous stage. An avid singer, Mia sings First Soprano in the high school chorus and recently performed a piece for NYSSMA. She enjoys every aspect of the theatrical world, and, though she may not make a career out of it, her passion will never waiver.

Laurel Dorfman (Mrs. Harcourt) is a junior at OBHS and is performing in her third musical. She is a member of the Mixed Chorus and the Chamber Singers. Laurel participates in HaZamir, the international Jewish high school choir where she recently sang at Lincoln Center. She is a member of the National American Sign Language and Tri-M Music Honor Societies. In the summer, she works at Tranquillity Camp in upstate New York where, as a camper, she performed in Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma and Peter Pan. Laurel is passionate about her membership in SADD and Undecided.

Megan Fives (Charity) is a 10th grade honors student that has been involved in Oyster Bay’s performing arts since middle school where she first developed her love for musical theater. She has been studying dance as her main focus since age two and hopes to continue throughout high school and college. Megan has participated in Levels 4, 5 and 6 in NYSSMA solos and has been a member of the All-County Chorus. She is honored to serve as a dance captain on the creative team, and to have such an amazing team, cast and crew.

Beth Anne Gallagher (Hope Harcourt) is a junior in high school and is thrilled to be in this year’s production of Anything Goes. Beth Anne is a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club, and SADD. She is also a Lacrosse player for Oyster Bay. This is Beth Anne’s third Oyster Bay show. Her performances include: Nellie in Annie, Get Your Gun, and a Who in Seussical. She is also a three-year All-County Mixed Chorus singer and had the honor of singing in the Women’s Chorus this year.

Bryan Gallagher (Ching) is a freshman at Oyster Bay High School. This is Bryan’s first performance in front of the curtain. Bryan began his theater career assisting Mr. Gould with the lights and soundboard for the shows and talent show at James H. Vernon School. Bryan also took on the responsibility of Stage Manager. Bryan continued his love for the theater by joining Mr. Imperiale in Stage Crew. Bryan is so happy to have the opportunity to be playing Ching in this year’s production of Anything Goes. Bryan would like to thank Mr. Rufa for encouraging him to audition.

Olivia Grady (Ling/Passenger), a junior, is appearing in her third OBHS spring musical. However, being no stranger to the stage, some of her other favorite credits include Seussical, Footloose, Bayhemian Rhapsody, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Olivia is thrilled to have been given her first speaking role in a high school play as Ling. Outside of the auditorium, Olivia participates in Agapae, SALP, and other honor societies. She hopes to make a living out of performing someday.

Elizabeth Gurdus (Reno Sweeney) Elizabeth Gurdus is a senior and is taking the stage in her fifth and final OBHS Spring Musical. She has performed in numerous productions, including The Drowsy Chaperone, Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, and Footloose. She is a vocalist, pianist, and flutist and is a member of the OBHS Chamber Singers, Mixed Chorus, and Wind Ensemble. She has also been an All-State singer two years in a row.

Erica Haguisan (Upper-class Passenger) is a sophomore and is performing in her fourth musical at OBHS. She has taken chorus every year for ten years (since Kindergarten). She is a member of the Chamber Singers at OBHS. On weekends, she sings in the teen choir at St. Dominic's Church. Erica plays First Chair French horn in the Symphonic Band, and was accepted to All-County Division 4 in January for horn. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is proud to be part of the cast of Anything Goes.

Julia Iacoviello (Passenger) is an 8th grader at OBHS. She is looking forward to being in her first play. She performed in All-County Chorus this past January. She also plays the trumpet. Last summer, Julia performed in a Chamber Music Festival at C.W. Post. She recently completed Level IV vocal NYSSMA.

Michael Jorge-Rivera (Captain) is a sophomore at OBHS. He has past theatrical experience in last year’s production of Footloose. As a singer in the Mixed Chorus, Michael greatly enjoys the performing arts. He feels like the performing arts give students the opportunity to have fun singing, dancing and socializing with friends while learning to balance grades at the same time. Michael wants to keep performing and possibly pursue a career in the arts. He is also a fencer and a journalist for the school newspaper.

Aubri Juhasz (Reporter/Soloist) is a junior taking part in her first Oyster Bay High School production. A participant in the school’s junior musicals, she starred in High School Musical, Annie and Bayhemian Rhapsody. Aubri is a member of the Chamber Singers as well as an active participant of the Oyster Bay community. She runs both Varsity Track and Cross Country, is head of Agapae, the school’s literary magazine, school newspaper and President of the Foreign Language Honor Society. She is incredibly excited to make her return to the stage and be a part of this year’s production of Anything Goes.

Daniel Juhasz (Sailor) is an eighth grader, and this is his first play. He is in the seventh and eighth grade band and the seventh and eighth grade chorus. He is First Tenor in the saxophone section and participated in the saxophone ensemble during the winter concert. Outside of school, he is a brown belt in T.S.D. karate and part of the PAL OBEN program. He is also a tenderfoot rank in Boy Scout Troop 253. He was a member of the cross country team and is looking forward to Spring track and the track season. He is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

Hannah Kaufman (Photographer) is a sophomore and is very excited to be a part of her second musical at OBHS. Hannah is a part of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She started performing when she was two years old and started acting and performing in musicals when she was seven. Since then she has been in eight musicals; some of her past roles include Thing 2 in Seussical and Patty in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She also plays the flute in the Symphonic Band and participates in the NYSSMA festival every year.

Virginia Kemp (Chastity) is very excited to be a part of this year’s school musical. As a junior this is Virginia’s third show, but she has more experience outside of school. She has done thirteen other shows in her life; recent credits include Shelly in Hairspray, Axel Turner in Camp Rock Jr., and Eleanor Dunbar in Footloose. Virginia has been on the honor roll for the past two quarters, is a Fall Varsity Cheerleader and a foil on the school’s Varsity Fencing team.

Matthew Mahoski (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh) is a junior at Oyster Bay High School. He is proud to not only have a role but also to take on the leadership position of dance captain. He has appeared in Footloose, Seussical, Annie Get Your Gun, Annie, High School Musical and Bayhemian Rhapsody on the OBHS stage, as well as many other productions in other venues. Matthew has studied theatre at Columbia University and Stella Adler Conservatory. He hopes to continue to study theatre at college and (hopefully) make it a life-long career.

Nathalie Mejia (Bonnie) is a tenth grade honor student whose love for music led her to audition for her first musical this year. Her favorite subjects are English, band, and chorus. She is a very active member of the SADD and Undecided clubs. In her spare time, she plays guitar, piano, trumpet, and writes her own songs. Nathalie takes dance lessons, fences, and is a member of Oyster Bay High School's Chamber Singers. She hopes to pursue a career in music. Nathalie is a featured singer on the “Pearls of Oyster Bay” CD which will be on sale in the lobby at performance to benefit the Friends of the

James Peitz (Moonface Martin) Jimmy is excited to be making his OBHS play debut. He attends Mannes College Prep in NYC, where he studies piano, voice and guitar. He completed Level VI piano and Level III voice NYSSMA. His dream is to someday sell out Madison Square Garden. Savannah Rose Green (Virtue) is performing in her second high school musical. She is a member of Mixed Chorus and plays the oboe in the Symphonic Band. She is also on her fifth level of NYSSMA. She is extremely excited to be in Anything Goes and would love to perform in future Oyster Bay High School musicals. Savannah Rose loves to sing and dance outside of school. She is also a member of the Chamber Singers, teaches first grade religion and plays badminton. She is very passionate about theatre and is honored to have a role in the show.

Michael Schuler (Purser/Sailor 1) is a top level varsity athlete; he is the Special Team’s captain for football, placed 6th in Counties in two events and is the defensive captain for lacrosse in their second season. This is his first appearance in a theatrical performance, and he is balancing his athletics with this so he can be here today. He has no prior experience in this field in any aspect, except for being in the chorus in middle school.

Matthew Treiber (Billy Crocker) is a junior here at Oyster Bay and is participating in his fourth high school musical. His previous shows include Annie Get Your Gun, Seussical, and Footloose. He also participates in Camp Dudley's theater program where he performed in Our Town, The Woman in Black, and Hero's Couch this past summer. In addition to his love for music and performance, Matthew enjoys taking an active role in school affairs as president of the High School Student Council, Interact Club, International Club and manager of the Girl's Varsity Volleyball, Basketball and Lacrosse teams.

Danilo Tumasella (Steward/Sailor 2) is very excited to be in this production of Anything Goes. This is his fourth time being in a school musical. In the past, he thought it would be amazing to be on the stage in front of so many people. He feels so alive and amazing on the stage. For him, he loves making people happy, and theatre is one way he can do that. He enjoys every bit of it. He enjoys being able to become someone he is not and perform for this school. This cast is the best in his eyes and is like his family.

Ernest Muller (Stage Manager) has participated in almost every single music and theater program in Oyster Bay High School. This year he has made the jump to being one of the Stage Managers. He would like continue to be a part of the musical every year of his high school career.

Jasmine Williams (Stage Manager) has been acting and singing for several years now. She attended Usdan Summer Camp for the Performing Arts and participated in the shows Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night and The King and I. Jasmine is also very active in her school. She is a member of SADD, GSA, Theater Arts, Peer Tutoring, and National Junior Honor Society. She also plays string bass in the school’s Symphonic Band. This is Jasmine’s first time as stage manager, and she is very excited to be a part of this cast.

Stephen C. Pagano (Vocal Director) began his musical career at Nassau Community College with The Fantasticks and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, directed by Billy Crystal. Since then, he has musically directed over seventy shows on Long Island. He has written over twenty original musical revues including: Oh, What a Beautiful Evening, starring the legendary Joan Roberts (original Laurey in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1943 Oklahoma). He created, directed, and musically directed the Summer Teen Theater program for the Long Island Arts Council from 1975-1992. For over thirty years, he was the choral director at Freeport High School where he brought his choirs to international notoriety. This past January, he guest conducted the NMEA Division V All-County Women’s Chorus at the Tilles Center. Currently Mr. Pagano is an Adjunct Professor at Five Towns College. He is very excited to be working again with the amazing Amy Dolan Fletcher and said it has truly been “de-lovely” rehearsing this delightfully talented student cast here at Oyster Bay High School.

Joann Alerte (Clarinet) is a senior and a member of Oyster Bay High School’s Wind Ensemble. She has played clarinet for eight years and has participated in NYSSMA for instrumental and voice. When she isn't playing clarinet or singing, she’s out fencing for her team. If you ask her what she’s doing during the weekend, she’ll say she’s practicing a new piece or heading out to compete in a fencing tournament.

Daniel Bach (Guitar) has been involved with Performing Arts at Oyster Bay for many years. He is an accomplished saxophonist and currently plays alto for the Oyster Bay Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble. Daniel is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, which has allowed him to give back to the community by playing music for the Salvation Army and for children with cancer. He has won several gold medals at NYSSMA, performed at Carnegie Hall and also at the Tilles Center. In the Pit Orchestra Daniel plays guitar, a growing passion of his.

Ian Estevez (Trumpet) is a senior and has been a member of the Wind Ensemble for three years. He has played in over ten concerts in his high school career and is now First Trumpet in the Oyster Bay Wind Ensemble. Ian is a two-time All-Conference, two-time All-County, and a one-time County Champion wrestler. He was captain of the football team and is a firefighter in the OBFD #1. Ian will be attending Pennsylvania State University in the upcoming year, majoring in Business Management and minoring in International Business.

Angelica Green (Flute) is an active member of the programs offered in the music department of Oyster Bay High School. Her past theatrical experiences include performances in three musicals at East Woods School as both a pit band member and participant in the cast. In addition, she has taken part in the NYSSMA Festivals for six consecutive years, including an All-State audition and acceptance to three All-County Music Festivals. She is also a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and has aspirations of being accepted to participate in the upcoming All-State Music Festival.

Ryan Maloney (Percussion) is a sophomore at Oyster Bay High School. Throughout his middle school and high school career, he has participated in numerous school music programs and bands including the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Tri-M Music Honor Society and, now, the Pit Orchestra. Besides being a pianist for eight years and a drummer for seven, Ryan is also the sophomore class treasurer, a member of the Mock Trial Team, and involved in numerous other clubs and sports teams at OBHS.

Steven Matthews (Percussion) Steven Matthews is an aspiring musician and composer whose works have been published and performed mainly by him. He is known for his lively stage performances, namely as the drummer for the Spanish Refrigerator Band, and also as host of Open Mic Night and xylophone soloist. In addition, he has served as the president of the Media Arts Club and was the Assistant Sound Coordinator for Oyster Bay High School's past performances and festivals. Outside of music, Stevie is regarded as an "all-around good guy.”

Halsey Quinn (Oboe) is an active member of the Oyster Bay High School community. She serves as literary editor for Agapae, the school’s literary magazine, and is an active member of many clubs, including Interact and the International Club. She also participates in varsity field hockey and varsity badminton. Halsey is also very involved in the music department. She plays five different instruments and has participated many times in the NYSSMA festivals on the piano, flute and oboe. She is publicity officer of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and helps out as a volunteer in the New Life Skills music class.

Christopher Sadocha (Trombone) is currently a senior who will be attending SUNY Cortland next year. He is the Lead Trombonist in the high school's Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble. Chris is also a three-sport varsity athlete. He is an All-Conference goalkeeper for the soccer team, as well as a member of both the basketball and tennis teams. Chris is currently a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, as well as a member of the Student Athlete Leadership Program.

Dean Smiros (Tenor/Bari Saxophone) is a senior at Oyster Bay High School. He plays the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, and has been a member of the American Music Abroad Empire Tour as a tenor saxophonist. Dean has been taking private lessons for saxophone since fourth grade. In his free time he enjoys playing Rudy Wiedoeft pieces, such as “Saxophobia” and “Yakety Sax.” Dean is the Valedictorian of OBHS this year. He is also the President of the National Honor Society and the Science Honor Society, as well as the Vice President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Mark Stutzmann (Alto Saxophone) is a junior at Oyster Bay High School and is playing in the pit band for the first time. He has been playing the alto saxophone for eight years and has participated in NYSSMA festivals ever since. He is also a two-time All-County player. In addition to that, he is a devoted athlete, playing varsity soccer, bowling and baseball. Mark is also the Junior Class President, and is an active member in many of our school’s clubs and activities.