Disney's
The Little Mermaid Jr.

 

July 27 - August 11
at the Patchogue Theatre

presented by:
Gateway's Youth Ensemble

  • OVERVIEW
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In this authentic Disney musical, a beautiful mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live with the people of the surface world. Directly disobeying her father, King Triton, she swims to the surface where she encounters the dashing human, Prince Eric. Forced to choose between the love of her family and the love of the prince, Ariel makes a dangerous pact with the evil sea witch, Ursula. As things go awry and the young mermaid's future is threatened, King Triton and Prince Eric must come to the rescue, proving that love triumphs over all. The Little Mermaid Jr. features endearing songs from both the Broadway production and the hit animated feature, including "Part of Your World," "She’s in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea."

All Seats: $12.00    •    Group Discounts Available

Sorry, children aged 2 or older only. No infants admitted. Every child must enter with a purchased ticket.

July 2012

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August 2012

     

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Alison Cordaro (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in Gateway’s production of The Little Mermaid, Jr. She was last seen in Dora the Explorer last summer. Alison enjoys being here at Gateway. She has been at Gateway for six years and she has had many wonderful experiences here. She would like to thank Mr. Min for letting her be in the show. Without Miss Stephanie, Peter Pece and Mr. Min, the show would not be the same!

Shannon Cunningham (Allana/Ensemble) is very excited to return to Gateway’s stage for the third time, after finishing her freshman year of college at SUNY Fredonia where she is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has previously been seen in The Wizard of Oz (Tree/Flying Monkey) and Dora the Explorer (Backpack). Some of her other favorite credits include Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Les Miserables (Fantine), and Anything Goes (Hope Harcourt). Shannon feels very privileged to be working with Joseph Minutello once again. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support. Poo-wah-bah to the cast and crew!

Brittany DeAngelis (Arista/Ensemble) is excited to be working with Gateway again and grateful for the opportunity! Returning after a great performance in the Who’s Tommy, she appreciates the support and guidance the Gateway family has given her. Special thanks also to her family and friends for all of their constant love and support. Phil. 4:13

Max Fehr (Scuttle) is ecstatic to make his second Gateway appearance in The Little Mermaid, Jr. as Scuttle. Max has performed as Action in West Side Story, Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, Maurice in Beauty and the Beast, and the Pirate Pig in Dora the Explorer Live. He will be attending SUNY Oswego in the fall.

Colette Girardin (Ariel) is thrilled to be a part of another Gateway Playhouse production. You may have seen her in mainstage performances of A Christmas Carol (Martha Cratchit/ensemble), Holiday Spectacular: A Century of Christmas (ensemble), and A Holiday Spectacular on Ice (ensemble).  Children’s theatre credits include The Wizard of Oz (ensemble) and Dora the Explorer Live: Pirate Adventure (Map). She would like to thank her talented cast, Mr. Min, Steph, and Peter for a memorable experience! Love to Mom, Dad, and Eric for the continuous support. Enjoy the show!

Chanel Hudson (Ensemble) is in the 6th grade. She is excited to be a part of the dance and vocal ensemble.  This is her second Gateway production.  She is also a member of the Daphne Divine Dance Competition team. She would like to thank God for all of his blessings and her family for their love and support. 

Jamel Hudson (Sebastian) has been a part of the Gateway playhouse family since the tender age of 8.  He is excited to be playing the role of Sebastion. He has also had lead roles in the following Gateway Children’s Theater productions: Boots in Dora the Explorer, Enjolas in Gateway’s Playhouse production of Les Miserables (school edition.)  Jungle Book, Cinderella, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Aladdin Jr., and The Wizard of Oz. Other credits include: Nickelodeon pilot, Just-in (lead role), Once on This Island Jr. (Papa Ge), American Jr. Idol (semi finalist,) and was a member of the Lil Torches (NY Lady Liberty’s Dance Team). Jamel has also appeared in several national as well as regional commercials. Jamel was given the opportunity to showcase his talents when he was cast as one of the youngest performers in Gateway’s Playhouse equity productions of A Chorus Line and Show Boat. Jamel thanks God for all of his blessings.

Melanie Jolley (Ensemble) thinks this is a dream come true to be part of this production at Gateway. Melanie has been a huge fan of The Little Mermaid since birth, and went so far as to even name her brother Sebastian. Melanie has been in love with performing since she began dancing onstage at age 3.  Favorite roles include Gretl (The Sound of Music), Molly (Annie), Ensemble/Snow Child (Carousel), Molly (Imaginary, an original production). She enjoys dance, voice, and is learning the piano. Melanie would love to thank Mr. Min, Candice, and Stephanie for this wonderful opportunity. She is also excited to be working with Sarah Mirro again. FINS UP!!! 

Jesse James Keitel (Prince Eric) is overjoyed to be performing at the Gateway Playhouse again. He was recently seen as the Hawker in Tommy and in the ensemble of Dora the Explorer. He will be returning to Pace University in NYC this fall as a sophomore BFA Acting major. Jesse would like to thank the AWESOME director and production team of The Little Mermaid, Jr. It has been a wonderful experience.

Ryan Koerber (Pilot/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back in Gateway’s children’s theatre after two successful runs of Dora’s Pirate Adventure! Favorite Gateway credits include Sweeney Todd, Hello Dolly, Beauty and the Beast, The Will Rogers Follies, Evita, and Aida. Next, he will be seen in Gateway’s production of Phantom. Ryan was in the original pilot production for The Little Mermaid, Jr. at the MMAC Theatre in NYC. Ryan dances with Stage Door Dance Company and directs the middle school productions at Our Lady Queen of Apostles. Thanks to Mr. Min, Stephanie, Dr. Pece, Scot, Marianne, and the entire Gateway family!

Kaitlyn LaGrega (Seagull/Ensemble) is excited to be a part of this year’s summer production of The Little Mermaid. She was last seen performing at Gateway last summer in Dora’s Pirate Adventure. She has been dancing at Stage Door School of Dance for twelve years and four of those years, she has been part of their dance company. She is also an acting student at the Gateway Playhouse.

Christie Lee Lombardi (Ursula) is thrilled to be playing one of her dream roles as Ursula. Some of her previous roles include Fantine in Les Miserables, Mrs. Walker in Tommy, Newsies in Race Track, and Chef in Alice in Wonderland. Most of all she would like to thank God for His constant blessings and the ability to perform. She would also like to thank her family and friends for supporting her, and the Gateway for their amazing school and staff. Jeremiah 29:11. 

Nolan Lyons (Flounder) is very excited to be taking on the role of Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Jr. His most recent production at Gateway was Tommy. Nolan spends a lot of time taking acting classes at Gateway and thinks of Gateway as his home. He’d like to thank everyone at Gateway for giving him this amazing opportunity.

George Marschall (Chef Louis) is exuberant to be acting at Gateway once again! This is his first time on the Patchogue stage and he couldn’t ask for a better cast to share it with. Other favorite roles include Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Abu in Aladdin and an ensemble member in Tommy and Les Miserables. Enjoy the show!

Megan Jane McGuinness (Adella/Princess/Chef/Sea Chorus/Poor Unfortunate Soul) is thrilled to be a part of her first Gateway production. She has worked as costume crew for Eastport South Manas Beauty and the Beast, and was recently in ESM’s West Side Story as Velma. Megan has been in dance training since age 4 at Elite Dancers and has been in competitions since age 9. Megan also studies ballet at the Long Island Ballet Theatre where she performed in The Nutcracker. She is involved in ESM theatre, marching band, concert band, and chamber and show choir. She wishes all the cast and crew the best of luck and would like to thank Mr. Min for making her dreams come true.

Katie Miesner (Aquata/Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of her first production with Gateway! Favorite credits include South Pacific, Cabaret, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), and Little Shop of Horrors (Rhonette). She would like to thank the entire Gateway family for being so welcoming as well as her dedicated family members for transporting her everywhere and making this summer possible.

Sarah Mirro (Ensemble) is happy to make her debut with the Gateway Playhouse in The Little Mermaid, Jr. Previously, you may have seen Sarah onstage in Patchogue as Young Cosette in Les Miserable or in The Wizard of Oz, Jungle Book, or The Nutcracker. Other favorite roles include Molly in Annie, JoJo in Suessical, and ensemble in Joesph…Dreamcoat. Sarah sends much love to her entire family for their tireless support of her many theatrical endeavors. Break eyelashes, cast!

Dominic Mondi (King Triton) is thrilled to be performing once again for the Gateway Playhouse. He has been part of theatre his whole life, where he first appeared in his first show, Gypsy, at Gateway at the age of 9! He was also seen at Gateway many other times, including Oliver, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz, Christmas Spectacular, Century of Christmas, and Christmas Carol. He also has participated in dancing at Releve Dance Center and has been tapping for 13 years! He loves his cast very much and would like to thank the cast and crew for the many amazing memories.

Amanda Mullin (Carlotta) is thrilled to be a part of her first Gateway show with her high school theatre teacher Mr. Minutello. She has been seen in Beauty and the Beast as Madame Grade de la Bouche and in West Side Story as a Shark girl and chorus member. At ESM, she is highly involved in the music department at her school. This includes being in concert choir, show choir, and small ensembles. She has been acting and singing from a young age and loves what she does. She couldn’t thank her family enough. Break a fin, everyone!

Madison Mulvey (Flotsam) has been a Gateway acting school student for twelve years and is excited to be a part of this wonderful cast. Madie has played many roles in both Children’s Theatre and in Mainstage productions. Some of her favorite include Mary Poppins, Tommy, Dora the Explorer Live, and Sweeney Todd. She will be attending Syracuse University in the fall to further her acting career. Many thanks to Mr. Min, Stephanie, Peter, Robin, her Gateway family, and her family. Love you all! This is for “da bee.”

Dylan Norr (Ensemble) is enthralled to be an ensemble member in Gateway’s production of The Little Mermaid, Jr. This is Dylan’s third show under the direction of Mr. Min. He is happy to have made new friends and connected with old ones. He hopes all of his friends and family enjoy the show and he hopes to continue performing at Gateway. Live. Laugh. Love. Theatre.

Victoria Preis (Ensemble) is excited to be debuting in her very first show here at Gateway. She is very excited to be involved in this production. In the past few years, Victoria has had the opportunity to work with Joe Minutillo as her teacher in theatre and director in productions such as Beauty and the Beast and West Side Story at Eastport South Manor High School. Victoria hopes to become more involved with Gateway shows due to her wonderful experience with this show. Victoria is looking forward to making this show just as memorable as others. Enjoy!

Kevin Spellman (Grimsby) is excited to work with this great cast! This production marks his 10th production here at Gateway. Kevin is studying dramatic art and Spanish language at UNC Chapel Hill. Thanks to everyone at Gateway, Min, and my family.

Shannon Torre (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of The Little Mermaid, Jr. This is her first Gateway production but she has been in Saxton Middle School’s productions of Into the Woods (Little Red Riding Hood), Peter Pan (Smee), and Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth). She would like to thank Gateway and her Grandma Theresa for always supporting her.

Natalie Vero (Jetsam) is thrilled to be a part of The Little Mermaid, Jr. She recently graduated from Eastport South Manor High School where she starred as her dream role, Anita, in West Side Story. This fall, she will be attending Penn State for Theatre and Broadcast Journalism. She would love to thank her family for the support the wonderful cast, crew, Peter Pece, and Stephanie for making this show a great success. Finally, she would like to thank Mr. Min for being such a wonderful director, teacher, and role model.

Megan Viglione (Andrina/Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in her first Gateway production. She has been in West Side Story (Maria), Phantom of the Opera (Carlotta), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Columbia), Les Miserables (Old Woman), Last in Yonkers (Grandma Kunitz). Megan was chosen to perform in the NY All-State choir for two consecutive years and performed in All-County Choir for eight consecutive years. Megan will be attending Wagner College to study Musical Theatre in the fall and would like to thank her parents, and everyone a part of this amazing show!

Anastasia Zeiler (Atina/Ensemble) is so excited to be in her second Gateway production! Some favorite credits include Gertrude in Seussical, Minnie in Hello Dolly, Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She would like to thank everyone who made this production possible and her family for their support.

Stephanie Vertichio (Choreographer) has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography and a Minor in Communication from SUNY College at Brockport.  Stephanie has been a dance teacher at Stage Door School of Dance for the past 4 years. Stephanie is also the Choreographer at Bellport High School, where she has choreographed three musicals, “Fame," “Fiddler on the Roof,” and "The Music Man" and three Variety Show Performances. Stephanie is also a Dancing Classrooms Teaching Artist at Frank P. Long Intermediate School and Medford Elementary School.  All of these experiences have benefited her as an instructor as well as a performer. Stephanie is very excited to have been a part of this production of The Little Mermaid Jr. Thank you to Gateway Playhouse, Mr. Min and Mary G for this opportunity. Merde to the cast!

Reviews

Coming Soon

Production Photos


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Cast

Ariel Colette Girardin
Flounder Nolan Lyons
Pilot Ryan Koerber
Prince Eric Jesse James Keitel
Grimsby Kevin Spellman
King Triton Dominic Mondi
Sebastian Jamel Hudson
Scuttle Max Fehr
Ursula Christie Lombardi
Flotsam Madison Mulvey
Jetsam Natalie Vero
Carlotta Amanda Mullin
Chef Louie George Marschall
Ensemble Alison Cordaro, Shannon Cunningham, Brittany DeAngelis, Mackenzie Engeldrum, Chanel Hudson, Melanie Jolley, Ryan Koerber, Kaitlyn LaGrega, Megan Jane McGuinness, Katie Miesner, Sarah Mirro, Dylan Norr, Victoria Preis, Shannon Torre, Megan Viglione, Anastasia Zeiler

 


Board of Directors 

President Paul Allan
Vice-President Bob Durkin
Secretary Gale Edwards

Administrative

Executive Producer Ruth Allan
Producer Paul Allan
Associate Producer Jeff Bellante
General Manager Dom Ruggiero
Company Manager Michael Baker
Assistant Company Manager Jasmin Jakobsen
Director of Development/ Assistant to the Producer Scot Patrick Allan
Administrative Assistant Jessica Norland
Development Assistants Don Rebar, Emily Denison

Artistic

Director/Choreographer Joseph Minutillo
Choreographer Stephanie Vertichio
Musical Director Peter Pece
Set Designer Dennis R. Berfield
Lighting Designer Jose Santiago
Costume Designer Trent Pcenicni
Wig and Make-Up Design Trent Pcenicni
Props Designer Brendan Conroy
Stage Manager Candice Dilavore
Production Photographer Jeff Bellante

Education

Acting School Director Robin Joy Allan
Teaching Staff Brian Gligor, Jessica Kerner, Andrew Pandaleon
Accompanists Jeff Hoffman, Peter Pece

Box Office

Box Office Manager Laurie Hunter
House Manager Joanne Famiglietti
Box Office Staff Don Rebar, Beth Harrison, Nadine Hazard,
Ryan Hudak, Diane Rodino-Koerber, Francesca Welhous

Production

Production Manager Brian Loesch
Associate Production Manager Justin Hoffman
Production Stage Manager Nikki Lint
Resident Technical Director Dennis R. Berfield
Assistant Technical Director AJ Lebenns
Wardrobe Supervisor Marianne Dominy
Resident Master Electrician Rev. Jose Santiago
Production Master Electrician Colin Chauche
Sound Engineer Adam Shubert
Wig and Make-up Supervisor Trent Pcenicni
Crew Chief and Rigger AJ Lebens
Props Master Brendan Conroy
Scenic Artist Cassie Lentz
Scenic Keeley Dorwart
Props Andrea Steiner
Assistant Master Electricians Justin Michel and Colin Chauche
Assistant Stage Manager Maegan Passafume
Shop Foreman Greg Marullo
Technicians Maxx Henry, Preston Sullivan, Rob Brey, Jack Murphy, Ben Panichello, Joseph Errante, Patrick Cummings
Wardrobe Assistant Dave Burrington
Sound Assistant Zach Ireson
Wardrobe Sam Abbott

Interns

Company Management Rachel Colson
Stage Management Alex Wood
Electrics Elizabeth Marquis, Dusty Rader
Sound Michael Vultaggio
Wardrobe Grace Czerniawski, Emily Fox, Kaitlyn McDonald
General Technician Interns Emily Baldasarra, Tashiana Caulfield, Eddie Massari, Brody Woods

Facilities

Facilities Manager Mark Frederick L.M.H.
Concessions and Hospitality Manager Blake Armitstead
Cleaning Contractor Joe Martinez and Jasper Bailey
Grounds Maintenance HTM Landscaping Company
House Staff Chuck Banting, Ethan Bellante, Ryan Hudak,
Kevin Spellman, Ryan Koerber, Kaitlyn LaGrega, Dominic Mondi, Ajay Persaud, Anthony Santana, Jon Smaldone
General Counsel Ann L. Nowak