Gary Ames (Robertson Ay) is a Salem-based actor and musician who is delighted to join the incredible cast of Mary Poppins. Previous credits include Kent (Letters From War) with Marblehead Little Theatre and Fabrizio Naccarelli (Light in the Piazza) with Arlington Friends of the Drama, as well as Drew (Rock of Ages), The Emcee (Cabaret), Rapunzel’s Prince (Into The Woods), and Bobby (Company), all with Marblehead Little Theatre. When not on stage, Gary plays piano in the Boston-based jazz quartet Savoir Faire. Love and thanks to M, D, and SKJ!
Stanis Ames (Miss Lark/Featured Dancer) has been acting, dancing, and singing since age eight, and has studied with instructors at various institutions including Northeast Youth Ballet, Shakespeare and Company of Lenox, and Wheelock Family Theater. Some of her notable past performances include Elvira (Blithe Spirit) at Castle Hill Productions at the Crane Estate, Titania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) at NAHS with Shakespeare & Co.; Emmanuel College, all female roles in Jim Cartwright’s (Two) at Emmanuel College, Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie (Steel Magnolias) with Winthrop Playmakers, Poppy Norton-Taylor (Noises Off), and Cecily Cardew (The Importance of Being Earnest) with Marblehead Little Theatre. Stanis is psyched to return to the PAC to tell this practically perfect tale. She thanks her family and friends for their support, encouragement, and love.
Ron Amon (Admiral Boom) was just in (Our Town) portraying Joe Stoddard with the Mugford St. Players. Ron has been with MLT for 19 years and this is his 23rd Production! Recent roles have been Col.Thomas McKeon (1776) and Juror #11 (Twelve Angry Men). Favorite roles have been Uncle Max (The Sound of Music), Buffalo Bill Cody (Annie Get Your Gun) and The Cowardly Lion (The Wizard of Oz). Ron thinks this show is Practically Perfect...in every way! Enjoy!
Julia Arey (Featured Dancer/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her MLT debut with this production! Julia received her BA in Theatre Arts with an option in Music Theatre Performance and a minor in Dance from Plymouth State University. Favorite credits include: Cookie Cusack (Rumors), Grandma Rosie (The Wedding Singer) and Maria Delgado/Dance Captain (9 to 5 The Musical). Julia thanks her family and friends for their endless love and support!
Josie Barry (Ensemble) is a 4th grader from Winthrop who is happiest when she is singing and dancing on stage. Josie has been featured as Ugly in WSPA's summer camp production (HONK!) and as Baby Nala in WSPA's (Lion King Jr.). She also performed as part of the child's ensemble (Gypsy) for the Winthrop Playmakers. Josie is an avid skier and was super excited to have competed in her first dance competition this spring. Excited to be in her first show at the MLT, Josie would like to thank her teachers for all of their support.
Kaylin Barry (Ensemble) is a 13 year old 7th grader from Winthrop and has performed in several productions since she caught the acting bug while playing Annie in WSPA's summer camp production (Annie). Most recently she played the role of Rosie in Winthrop Middle Schools (Bye Bye Birdie). She has also been featured as a newsboy (Gypsy) with Winthrop Playmakers, Schenzi (Lion King Jr.) with WSPA, Duchess (Aristocats) with Stoneham Theaters Junior company show and Stromboli (My Son Pinocchio). A high honor roll student, Kaylin is a member of her school's student council and plays soccer and basketball. She is thrilled to be participating in her first Marblehead Little Theater Show and is grateful to her instructors who have helped her along the way.
Brian Boruta (Bert) is excited to be making a rare on-stage appearance and his debut at MLT. Previous favorite roles include Cosmo Brown (Singin in the Rain) Billy Lawlor (42nd St., DASH Nom.) Greg (A Chorus Line) and Riff Raff (The Rocky Horror Show). Off stage, Brian is an award winning Producer, Designer, and Director going into his 7th season as the Director of Performing Arts at The Umbrella in Concord, MA.
Bill Brauner (Von Hussler) Oh Lummy! It is hard to believe that this is Bill's 9th show with MLT since he first played the Candyman (Willy Wonka) on this same stage in 2010. Other favorite characters include Canon Chasuble (Importance of Being Earnest) and the roles of Braithwaite and Posh Dad (Billy Elliot). Bill would like to thank Steve and the rest of the practically perfect production team. He is as always very grateful for the love and support of his family.
Sue Brother (Mrs. Brill) is a fairly recent transplant from Portland, Oregon and was recently seen as Mrs. Gibbs (Our Town) with the Mugford Street Players. Favorite roles include Adelaide (Guys and Dolls), Agnes (I Do, I Do), and Amy (Company). Sue and her husband, Martin, have created a number of musical variety shows, and have performed in their own Doo-Wop and caroling singing groups.
Ben Choi-Harris (Michael Banks) is thrilled to make his MLT debut in Mary Poppins! Past roles include Chip (Beauty and The Beast) with NSMT and WFT, Tiny Tim (A Christmas Carol) with Central Square, Clarence/Newsboy (Gypsy) with (Lyric Stage Company, Winthrop Paroo (The Music Man) with NSMT, Small Boy (Billy Elliot) with WFT, and Air Speller (Akeelah and The Bee) with WFT. Sincere gratitude to Steve, Lianne, Nicole, and the entire cast and production team. “Reach for the heavens!”
Hailey Cook (Ensemble) is a an Endicott College alumni who holds a bachelor degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Performing Arts and a dance minor. She is from Keene, New Hampshire and was the President of the Endicott College Drama Club. Some of her favorite roles include Belle (Beauty and the Beast) , Toffee (Zombie Prom), Mrytle Mae Simmons (Harvey), Helen (Wonderful Town), Laura (The Glass Menagerie, Jester (Once Upon a Mattress), Alice/Featured Dancer (Bye Bye Birdie) and Rita/Ensemble (White Christmas). This is her first show with Marblehead Little Theater and it has been a blast getting to work with everyone!
Patrick Creedon (Valentine) is so excited to be making his MLT debut! Past roles include Aladdin (Aladdin), Professor Callahan (Legally Blonde), George Banks (Mary Poppins), Hart (Unity 1918). Special thanks to Nicole, Steve and the entire team, and to my family and friends for their endless support. Sit back relax and enjoy the show!
Lauren de Melo (Featured Dancer) is a freshman at Swampscott High School and loves to sing, dance, and be a part of theatre performances. She is excited to be appearing in her second show with Marblehead Little Theatre. Among other performances locally, she has performed in the Swampscott Middle School (Beauty and the Beast), (Sleeping Beauty), and the (Music Man). She enjoys singing at church and with her high school chorus and also does tap/jazz/ballet and competes annually in dance competitions. Lauren wants to thank her family for all the loving support, including her 3 cats and 2 triplet siblings, Kiki and Nick! 🙂
Will Fafard (Neleus/Chimney Sweep) is extremely excited for this MLT debut, professional roles include Coricipat (CATS), Bobby (Hairspray) with PDP Kittery ME, Michael Banks U/S, Kiteboy (Mary Poppins) at Ogunquit Playhouse, Turkey Boy (A Christmas Carol) with NSMT, Lead Lollipop Guild (Wizard of Oz ) with NSMT. DASH recipient for Oliver in (Oliver!) with TCS. Will was the Spirit of Dance winner National Dance competition 2017. Will is entering his senior year at Saugus High School. Will would like to thank his mom, and sister Amanda for their complete support and love. Break legs cast and crew. And thanks Mr. B. For the amazing opportunities and support you've shown and given.
Becca Flint (Featured Dancer) is excited to be back onstage after almost 2 decades spent working in the wings! An award-winning choreographer and stage manager, her most recent theatrical work has been choreographing for Melrose Drama which recent productions include Evita, Once On This Island, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. and working as choreographer and production assistant with Broken Leg Productions. Many thanks to Steve, Lianne, Nicole, and the entire Poppins team.
Callie Gilmore (Ensemble) is a 3rd grader at the Glover School. She is so excited to be making her MLT debut in Mary Poppins. Callie loves soccer, cheering, laughing, and singing. She thanks her family for their support and she can’t wait for opening night.
Hailey Gilmore (Ensemble) is a 3rd grader at the Glover School. She is thrilled to be making her MLT debut in Mary Poppins. Hailey loves art, soccer, cheering, and singing. She dedicates this performance to her family.
Lani Gilmore (Ensemble) is a 5th grader at Marblehead Village School. She is delighted to once again work with MLT. Among other performances locally, she appeared as Annie (Annie Jr.), Simba (The Lion King), and JoJo (Seussical: The Musical!). When Lani isn't performing, you will find Lani singing, smiling, playing soccer, and cheering for Marblehead Youth Football. She dedicates this performance to her twin brother, Dylan.
Kevin Groppe (Bank Chairman, Policeman) is delighted to be back at MLT after playing Hertz (Rock of Ages), Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors), and Big Davey (Billy Elliot). This year, he played Director Hummel (Ghost Sonata), Judge Taylor (To Kill a Mockingbird), and Judge Roan (Parade). Other favorite roles include Dr. Bennet/The Mayor (Big Fish), Judge Thatcher (Big River), Lt. Schrank (West Side Story), Herr Schultz (Cabaret), Marlowe (Enter Laughing), Third God (The Good Person of Setzuan), Steve Ford (This Killing Business [movie]), Collins Beacon Hill [web series], and several roles in movies you have never seen. He is the former Performing Arts Department Head at Dana Hall in Wellesley, MA.
Piper Hall (Ensemble) is a 15 year old freshman at Swampscott High School and is thrilled to be a part of Marblehead Little Theatre’s Mary Poppins. Piper made her stage debut in 2nd grade with MLT as an Oompa Loompa (Willy Wonka). Since then, she has participated in ten musicals, playing Aladdin (Aladdin) Neverland Theatre, Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast) North Shore Children’s Theatre, Duchess (The Aristocats), Grace (Annie Jr.) and many others. Piper has been singing and performing since her toddler days and was bitten by the acting bug at the age of four when she was a featured extra in the motion picture, Paul Blart, Mall Cop, doing a scene with Kevin James and Jayma Mays. Piper also has qualified for District Chorus (MMEA) for four years. Her goal is to be performing in London’s West End one day in her dream roles of Eponine in Les Mis, and Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family. Piper is very proud to be part of the MLT family and would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for this amazing experience. She hopes to perform with them again soon.
Megan Holtz (Mrs. Corry ), like Mrs. C, is an excellent speller. Past roles include Aphra (Children of Eden), Lady Capulet (Romeo and Juliet), Karen (August: Osage County), Jack's Mother (Into the Woods), and Dead Mum (Billy Elliot). Meghan would like to thank this excellent production team for their very hard work and TW for the lovely hours we spend together.
Mindy Hurd (Ensemble) is excited to be in her first show with MLT! Past shows include Shrek the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Little Mermaid. Mindy would like to thank Steve, Lianne, and the production team for the chance to be in Mary Poppins and her friends and family for their support!
Holly Inman (Featured Dancer/Tapper) is ecstatic to be making her MLT debut this season! Previous credits include Deborah Sue/Dance Captain (Bye, Bye Birdie), Featured Dancer/Choreographer (Mary Poppins), and Chasity/Tapper (Anything Goes). Holly is humbled and grateful to be a member of this “Practically Perfect” cast!
Madeline LaBossiere (Ensemble) is a 5th grader at Marblehead Village School. She is delighted to be making her debut with Marblehead Little Theater. Among other North Shore Children's Theater performances, past roles include Charlie Bucket (Willy Wonka, Jr.), Matilda Wormwood (Matilda), and Timon (The Lion King, Jr.). When not acting, Madeline enjoys cheering for Marblehead Youth Football, skiing, and playing softball. Madeline would like to thank all of her family and friends for their support.
Nina Lees (Ensemble) is excited to be in her second MLT production. Her first role as July ( Annie Jr.) is where she caught her acting bug. She has been a dancer since she was three and loves the stage. She would like to thank MLT for giving her the opportunity to be part of this production.
Emily Lospennato (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her debut performance with MLT. Most recently, she performed in the ensembles of Sweeney Todd and Sister Act at Riverside Theatre Works in Boston. Past roles include The Baker's Wife (Into the Woods), Ida (Honk!), and Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). She has studied voice for nearly 20 years, most recently with Frankie Campofelice in Boston. Emily would like to thank the entire production team for welcoming her into the MLT community, and Mom and Dad for sticking by her side every step of the way.
Melissa Jean MacNeil (Miss Smythe) is so excited to be returning to MLT in Mary Poppins! You may have seen her last summer in MLT's Rock of Ages as Regina Koontz! Other credits include Sally/Lady Liberty (Reefer Madness) with WPM, Cinderella's Mother (Into the Woods) MLT, Usherette (The Rocky Horror Show) WPM, and as Cinderella (Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella). Melissa would like to thank her family and friends who've always supported her, the hardworking cast, and the amazing production team!!! This show is SUPERcal...
Jackie Marchetti (Mary Poppins) is beyond ecstatic to have the honor of playing Mary for MLT! Elementary school social worker by day, musical theatre enthusiast by night, Jackie enjoys everything sci-fi, showering her pets with love, traveling and ice cream. A few past roles include Kathy (9-5), Dance Captain/Ensemble (The Addam's Family), Justice (Rock of Ages), Ensemble (Big Fish), Crystal (Little Shop of Horrors), Sally Bowels (Cabaret) and Petra (A Little Night's Music). Jackie would like to wholeheartedly thank the entire production team for this amazing opportunity, the cast and crew for their dedication, her family and friends for their infinite encouragement, and her devilishly handsome fiance, John, for his unwavering love and support.
Paige Martino (Jane Banks) is supercalifragilly thrilled to be back performing at MLT where she was last seen as Young Cosette (Les Miserables). Regional: Amaryllis (The Music Man), Ignorance/Want (A Christmas Carol) and Gretl von Trapp (The Sound of Music) at NSMT. Last summer, she participated in her first summer stock playing Gracie Shinn (The Music Man) at the legendary Cape Playhouse. Paige is beyond thankful to Steve for casting her in Mary Poppins. Lots of hugs to her mom, dad, little brother Jack and her amazing voice teacher Eva Kendrick. “Anything Can Happen If You Let It!”
Shane Mulcahy (John Northbrook) It's been 16 years since Shane was last on stage with MLT! The last time you saw him, he was in the Den of Thieves in the 2002 production of Oliver! As a grown-up, his past roles include Jeff ([title of show]), Bobby the Stockfish (Urinetown), Kit Kat Girl (Cabaret), Joe Zutty (Working), Tyler (Merrily We Roll Along), Harvey Johnson/Maude (Bye Bye Birdie) and Ensemble (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown). Shane would like to express his extreme gratitude to his coworkers for allowing him to leave early to make rehearsals, and his friends and family for all their love and support!
Audrey Pilotte (Ensemble) is very excited to be in Mary Poppins. She is a Freshman at Swampscott High School. She is happy to add this show to the long list of shows she has been in. She played an ancestor (The Addams Family) in the beginning of April. She has also appeared as Annette (Annie Jr.), at MLT. She played Zaneeta (The Music Man), and has appeared in Beauty and the Beast in two different theatres. She was in Sleeping Beauty and Aristocats at Swampscott Summer Theatre. I am very excited to be in some of the musical and dance numbers, especially Jolly Holiday. I think I am most excited for the use of accents in the show. Learning them was a lot of fun, but it also adds a skill I can use in the future.
Laura Pawlyk (Miss Andrew) is super excited to make her MLT debut in a role in Mary Poppins which she first portrayed last summer with Neverland Theatre! She and her husband Jay and children Julia and Daniel have all been involved in community theater as a family for 6 years. Favorite roles over the years include Grace Farrell (Annie), Mrs. Mayor (Seussical the Musical), as well as ensemble (Les Miserables and Joseph). Laura teaches second grade at Covenant Christian Academy in West Peabody (where her students can all spell "Supercal...") and also directs the annual Grammar School Musical, as well as leading liturgical music at her church collaborative in Middleton and Topsfield.
Lindsay Reese (Ensemble) is a recent transplant to the North Shore but was previously involved in Vermont community theatre as a board member, producer, and cast member for shows including Cats, Damn Yankees, Once Upon A Mattress, and The Rocky Horror Show. She thanks the production team for the opportunity to get involved with MLT!
Mary Reilly (Winifred Banks) recently moved back to MA from NC & couldn't be more excited to be making her theatrical debut on the North Shore with MLT! Favorite past roles include Cathy (Last 5 Years), Sue (Carrie: The Musical), Judy (9 to 5), Martha (Secret Garden) & Marcy (Dogfight). Sincerest thanks to the cast & crew for sharing this magical journey. Mary's family & friends have not seen her perform in almost 10 years, so this performance is truly special. She is blessed to have their unwavering support, no matter where life takes her.
Erik Rodenhiser (Mr. Banks) is super excited to be back on the big stage of MLT. Past roles with MLT include Herr Ludwig (Cabaret), Juror #7 (Twelve Angry Men), Mr. Van Dann (Diary of Anne Frank), Lancelot (Spamalot!), Lloyd (Noises Off!), Felix (The Odd Couple), Scrooge (A Christmas Carol), Kyle/Dewey (Legally Blonde), Fagin (Oliver!), McMurphy (One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest), Grandpa Joe (Willy Wonka), Scarecrow (The Wizard of Oz) and Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast). Performing in other venues, Erik has been seen as The Grinch (A Very Grinchy Holiday) and Richard (The 39 Steps). Erik is the owner of Gallows Hill Museum Theatre in Salem, MA (a local tourist attraction) and has appeared in several local and regional television commercials. He also enjoys performing improvisation and stand-up comedy. Much love out to my off stage family: Griffen, Phoenix , Ursina (the REAL sovereign of the household) and marvelous Memes, who any child would want as a nanny!
Ariel Sargent (Featured Dancer/Chimney Sweep) has performed as Young Lily (Letters from War), Yonah (Children of Eden), Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Cordelia (King Lear), and Ardelia Mapp (Silence! the Musical) among others. Ariel holds a Bachelor's degree in theatre from Dean College, and a certificate from The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Eternal thanks to Ms. Julie Andrews for inspiring a young girl to find her voice.
Janet Sheehan (Bird Woman) is happy as a lark to be part of Mary Poppins. She is an ardent believer in community theater and grateful for her involvement over the years: on stage (fave roles: Mrs Potts, Mrs. Tottendale, Wicked Witch, Aunt Eller, Grandma Elliot), behind the scenes in many capacities, including the Children’s Theatre program, as well as serving on MLT’s Board of Directors. Gratitude to the M.P. production team, esp. the visionary Steve Black and music director extraordinaire Lianne Goodwin, and huge thanks to YOU, our audience, for being here today and supporting the essential art of live theater!
Alex Skaggs (featured dancer/chimney sweep) this is Alex’s first MLT show and he’s super excited to finally be able to join! Alex’s favorite roles include Junior Babcock (Mame), Fleet (Titanic), Tapping Sailor (Anything Goes), Various Roles (Spamalot), and Dance Ensemble (Chicago). Alex wants to thank the cast and crew for being so welcoming in his first production! Enjoy the show!
Victoria Troehler (Katie Nanna/Ensemble) Victoria is grateful to be making her MLT debut in Mary Poppins. Victoria is currently pursuing her Masters of Drama Therapy at Lesley University. She has been fortunate enough to participate in the technical and performance aspect of many productions with other companies around the world. A few of her favorite roles have been The Witch (Into the Woods), Mazeppa (Gypsy), and Golde (Fiddler on the Roof). Victoria would like to thank the Marblehead Little Theatre company and the MP cast and crew for being so welcoming. Victoria is always thankful for her husband, family and friends in their unwavering support.
Deana Varitimos (Featured Dancer, Chimney Sweep) is pleased to make her MLT debut in Mary Poppins and would like to thank the production team for this wonderful opportunity! Deana previously performed as a chimney sweep in Pentucket Player’s production in November, 2015 and is excited for another go at it! Some of her favorite roles have included Gladys (42n’d St.), Virtue – one of Reno’s Angels (Anything Goes), Olga Mara (Singin' in the Rain), Factory Worker (Les Miserables) and Cecile (Annie). Deana would like to thank her husband Jeff, family and friends for their continued support!
Charlotte Wallace (Featured dancer/ Chimney Sweep) is so excited to be making her MLT debut this summer! Past roles include Drowsy (The Drowsy Chaperone), Rusty (Footloose!), Pilar (Legally Blonde), Candy Starr/ u.s. Nurse Ratched (One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest), and Belle (Beauty and the Beast). Char is currently a student at The AMDA College and Conservatory in Hollywood, CA and hopes to someday be a be a stunt woman as well! She is so thankful for this experience and thanks the cast, crew and my dear friends for their unconditional support. Shoutout Nicole Soriano for being the best mentor and choreographer, 8 times a charm!
James Zissulis (Ensemble) currently holds a BA in Theater Arts from Westfield State University. James has been apart of MLT since he was 8 years old and is thrilled and thankful to be working again with the entire team at MLT. Past favorite roles include, Bernardo (West Side Story), Fed Casley (Chicago), Mrs. Meers (Thoroughly Modren Milly), Joe (American Idiot). Film credits include Irrational Man and Mangled With Tinsel. He would like to thank his mom and Kenny for all their love and support over the years.