Xanadu Cast
Catarina Coutinho (Clio / Kira)Catarina Coutinho is currently a Junior at James Caldwell High School, and is so excited for her third musical at JCHS! You might have seen her perform as a Duloc Performer and Dancing Rat (Shrek the Musical Jr.), Winnifred (Once Upon a Mattress), Ensemble (Chicago), Southern Lady (Lucky Stiff), and this year Kira/Clio in XANADU!!! During the fall play, she has previously been a part of stage crew for Clue! She has been dancing for 12 years, and has been part of a competition team for the past 6-7 years at Starr Dance Company! She loves being part of this theater family, and is so excited perform this amazing production of XANADU this upcoming spring, and for the musicals to come!
Zach Pineiro (Sonny Malone)Zach is a sophomore who is pumped to continue participating in the theatre department for JCHS. You may have seen him as the newscaster and policeman in last year’s fall production of "Clue," Harry Witherspoon in last year’s musical "Lucky Stiff”, and most recently his role as Lyle in “Midsummer/Jersey”. He is so excited to be part of this musical and hopes you all find it as fun as he does. LOVE YALL!!!
Jason Ruiz (Danny Maguire)Jason can't wait to show you the best music a musical has ever had at JCHS! Jason is currently a junior at JCHS and has been in the music program since middle school. Jason's favorite artists are Tyler the Creator, BTS, and Malcolm Todd. Between Retromen, being a peer leader, and hanging out with his buds, Jason is one busy guy! But at the end of the day Jason loves theatre and is happy to come to rehearsals everyday. If you liked his performance in other shows you're in for a real treat! One last thing What's 9 + 10? (see Hudson's bio for punchline)
Meredith Pszcola (Melpomene)Meredith is a senior in the theater program at James Caldwell High School. She is one of the co-presidents of the Drama Club, and is excited for her last show with the program.
Milianna Theodule (Calliope)Milianna Theodule is a Junior playing Calliope, the muse of epics. "Xanadu" is her third spring musical at JCHS. She sings in JCHS’ Women of Note and Concert Chorus. She enjoys indulging in both the performing and visual arts. Outside of theater, she enjoys painting, writing, Bungo Stray Dogs, and reading. She plans to continue theater into her senior year.
Aurora Gallo (Terpsichore)Aurora is a passionate performer who loves singing, acting, dancing, and playing violin. She’s a competitive dancer with Backstage Performing Arts and has trained with the NJ School of Dramatic Arts and local youth theatre programs. Favorite roles include Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Mal (Descendants), and Lady Larken (Once Upon a Mattress). She’s thrilled to be playing the part of Terpsichore, Muse of Dance, in "XANADU" and is grateful to her family, and also her dance and voice teachers, for their ongoing support. Aurora dreams of one day seeing her name in a Broadway Playbill.
Francesca Grosso (Erato)Francesca is so excited to be a part of this production of "Xanadu" and to be bringing the muse of lyrics, Erato to life. Some favorite roles she has done include, Matilda in "Matilda", Snoopy in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown", and Elsa in "Frozen Jr.". She is so grateful for this experience and is incredibly thankful for everyone who made the show happen. Outside of theater she sings in the JCHS women's chorus, and enjoys cheerleading in the fall. She would like to thank her family and friends and hopes everyone enjoys our production of "Xanadu".
Uskana Hoxhaj (Euterpe)Uskana Hoxhaj is a freshman with a passion for musical theater and storytelling. She previously performed as Olaf in Frozen Jr. and is excited to continue growing as a performer in high school. When she’s not on stage, Uskana enjoys music, spending time with friends, and finding new ways to express her creativity. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support.
Angelina Yurkosky (Thalia)Angelina is thrilled to play “Thalia” in "Xanadu”. A few of her favorite past roles include Matilda in "Matilda", Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", and Anna in “Frozen Jr”. She has also been dancing for 12 years, which included winning a National Championship, and is an active participant of JCHS Women’s Chorus. Outside of school Angelina loves attending summer programs like Broadway Kids Auditions, or performing down the shore at The Surflight Theater/Showplace. Her favorite part of being in shows is making new friends and creating memories with the cast!
Jumana Abouzid (Ensemble)Jumana is a Junior in high school and is excited to be in the cast of "Xanadu." This is her third production being in the cast. She was in the cast of "Midsummer/Jersey" as principal Platt and Cobweb. She really enjoys the process of every production and seeing everything come together. The cast couldn't have done it without our lovely director Mr Bobish, our music director Kaeden, and our choreographer Ms. Downey! Jumana hopes you enjoy this show and she can’t wait for the next one!
Elianna Arambulo (Ensemble)Elianna is a freshman at JCHS and is excited to be performing on stage for the third time since 8th grade! She previously appeared in “Frozen Jr”. during middle school, as well as the JCHS fall play, “Midsummer Jersey”. She is thrilled to now be part of the upcoming musical, “Xanadu”. Elianna is beyond grateful to share the stage with such an incredibly talented cast in this fun, high-energy disco production. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant love, encouragement, and support throughout her theater journey. 💜💜💜
Olivia Capaccio (Siren, Ensemble)Olivia Capaccio is a freshman at JCHS and in their production of “XANADU” she plays a siren. Some of her previous roles were in “Once Upon A Mattress” as Dance ensemble, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” as Featured Ensemble, and “Frozen jr.” as Pabbie. She has done workshops with the CBA program, and has done a workshop at Paper Mill Playhouse. In Olivia’s free time she loves to play field hockey and lacrosse with all her teammates. She’d like to give a special shout out to her friends, family, and coaches who love and support her!
Mia Capote (Ensemble)Mia was last seen on the JCHS stage as Patti in this past fall's production of "Midsummer/Jersey." She is very excited to be in the cast of "Xanadu." Enjoy the show!
Caiden Conte (Young Danny, Ensemble)Caiden Conte is participating in her first musical as ensemble / young Danny. She has been competitively dancing for the past 9 years at Essex Dance Academy and has recently found a new interest in the musical theater aspect of the performing arts. She has participated in an off Broadway dance show with Treadfast co Dance company this past summer and loves performing. She cannot wait to participate in next years musical and would like to thank her parents for all the support!
Aubree Davidson (Siren, Ensemble)Aubree is thrilled to be making her JCHS debut playing a Siren, one of the daughters of Melpomene. Aubree has been in the drama club since she was in sixth grade having roles in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown", "Frozen", And "Once Upon a Mattress". This is one of her favorite shows by far with an amazingly kind and extremely talented cast! Thanks to all the incredible people that are behind the scenes and much love to her family!
Samantha Ging (Eros, Ensemble)Sam is a Senior at JCHS and has been part of the theater arts program since her freshman year. She loves doing intricate dances and ensemble numbers that help bring the shows to life. In Xanadu Sam is both ensemble and Eros, representing Cupid. In past shows Sam fills up the stage with small side characters to add to the story. She's loved watching the theater program change and develop over the years and loved being able to inspire and motivate others!
Keilly Hernandez (Ensemble)Keilly has previously been on stage crew for productions of "Once Upon a Mattress" at GCMS and JCHS's"Midsummer/Jersey." This is her first time being in a musical!
Anna Hurley (Thetis, Ensemble)Anna is a senior that has been in every show since her freshman year. Anna has never enjoyed long walks on the beach, she actually finds walking in sand really annoying, and she is sorry for lying in all her bios since freshman year.
Alex Khimchenko (Siren, Ensemble)Alex is a sophomore at JCHS and this will be her fourth theater production she is taking part in at the school. After taking part in the play and musical her freshman year, Alex had so much fun and fell in love with the atmosphere. Xanadu is such a dynamic and full-of-life show, and the whole cast is full of extremely talented and passionate people. Both the cast and crew, as well as everyone else involved in the show, have worked so hard to make this show come together and turn out amazing. Alex is so thrilled to be a part of the show and cannot wait for you to see it, enjoy Xanadu!
Lucas Krogmann (Ensemble)Lucas is a student at James Caldwell High School who has been involved as stage crew for JCHS’ "Lucky Stiff" and "Midsummer/Jersey" productions, and is a member of Concert Chorus and the Retromen barbershop group. However, this is the first time he has been involved as a cast member in a JCHS musical.
Sofia Lagonigro (Siren, Ensemble)Sofia Lagonigro is a freshman at JCHS and is very excited to be in the cast of "XANADU" as a siren. Some of her previous roles were in "Once Upon A Mattress", "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown", and "Frozen Jr.". She is very excited to perform in her first show at JCHS and hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Kathleen Malia (Ensemble)Katie, a senior this year, is in the ensemble and it is her first time performing in the musical! Having been a part of the stage crew since her sophomore year she made her cast debut as Justine DiCarlo in the fall production of "Midsummer/Jersey". During that show, she had such an amazing time performing and getting to know the cast, she knew she had to join them once more for "Xanadu"! Also, this being her last production, she would like to thank the whole company for such an amazing experience.
Benjamin Pilipski (Cyclops, Rock Band, Ensemble)Ben is a junior at JCHS where he had previously performed in Chicago and Lucy Stiff. He hopes you enjoy Xanadu, which is an interesting musical. He's had a great time putting the show together and wishes that all of the cast members break-a-leg. He enjoys playing chess against Daniel (who he has beaten) and is a proud member of the Raymond Cult.
Rose Provan (1940s Singer, Ensemble)Rose is so excited to be in JCHS's cast of "Xanadu The Musical." As she takes on the role of a 1940's singer, she expresses her love for harmonies and singing along with a few close singers, as well as the fun, bouncy dances. Previous roles she has taken part in are Schroeder in GCMS's production of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" and Kristoff in GCMS's production of "Frozen Jr." Rose loves to sing in choir, and outside of school with her family. She is very proud of how "Xanadu" is coming along, and she hopes you enjoy it!
Sam Reiser (Rock Band, Ensemble)Sam is a freshman and is very excited to be a part of his second show at JCHS. He is grateful to perform with this incredible company and hopes you enjoy the show! He was most recently seen as Robert Sudds and Mote in the fall play "Midsummer?Jersey." He extends his gratitude to everyone who made "Xanadu" possible!
Camryn Rozell (Ensemble)Camryn is a sophomore at JCHS, and this is her fourth performance. Camryn has been doing theatre since middle school, and just last year decided to be part of the cast in the role of the Cook in "Clue". Just recently, she had the role of Titania in the fall production of "Midsummer/Jersey". She cannot wait to put on another fantastic performance for you all. She wishes all the extremely talented people in this production the best of luck, and she knows it will turn out amazing. You guys are awesome, enjoy the show! :)
Hudson Rudden (Ensemble)...21, you stupid! (Look at Jason's bio for the setup.) Hudson is a freshman and XANADU marks his first musical! Hudson enjoyed working on "Midsummer/Jersey" as Rufus DiCarlo. It has been a busy winter splitting his time between school, track, and ensemble for the musical. This production mixes the coolness of some disco and post-war crooner music. It has intriguing visuals and songs that are sure to get stuck in your head! If we are on the topic of music, my favorite artists are Tyler the Creator and Bad Bunny, of course. I hope everyone enjoys the show! (P.S., Shout out Zach and Jason as always.)
Lucy Sandor (Medusa, Ensemble)Lucy Sandor is a sophomore and excited to be returning for her 2nd year with the JCHS Drama club. Her previous productions include "Clue" where she worked as stage crew, "Lucky Stiff" as a part of cast, and “Midsummer Jersey” as Franci Flute. In addition to Drama club, she plays upright bass in JCHS concert band and orchestra, and performs with several jazz ensembles throughout Essex county. She throws for the JCHS track team, participates in Mock Trial, and is Arts and Entertainment editor for the JCHS Caldron.
Lyla Schu (Aphrodite, 1940s Singer, Ensemble)Lyla Schu is a sophomore and was part of the cast of JCHS's production "Lucky Stiff" last spring. She is so excited to continue her journey in the theatre department.
Cassius Tabatchnick (Hermes, Rock Band, Ensemble)From king, to fae, to now god, Cassius is very grateful to be able to participate in the fever dream of a musical that is "Xanadu." He thanks his family and friends for supporting him throughout his musical theatre journey.
Richard Tibang (Centaur, Rock Band, Ensemble)Richard Tibang is thrilled to be in James Caldwell High School's "Xanadu" production. He has acted previously in three musicals: "Shrek Jr." and "Mean Girls Jr." in the ensemble, and as Prince Hans in "Frozen Jr." In his free time, he loves baking and taking naps.
Emma Tourian (Hera, Ensemble)Emma is a junior at James Caldwell High School who enjoys exploring her creative interests. This is her second year doing the musical, and she enjoys singing and meeting new people during rehearsals. In her personal time she enjoys writing, reading, drawing, and painting.
Raymond Zhang (Zeus, Ensemble)Raymond is a benevolent, nice, charismatic, amiable, cool, good-looking, respectful, charming, 73k+ trophies in brawl, deleted clash, best horse racer, and selfless individual who is always looking out for other people in my opinion. Top 5 nicest people in theatre according to me (good ol’ gpt) 5. John Xanadu 4. Mary Midsummer 3. Zach Pineiro (main character) 2. Jason SSJ 0.00000000001 1. Ryomen Sukuna
Chelsea Rudden (Production Stage Manager)Chelsea Rudden has been a Stage Manager for the last four years, this being her 8th and final show with the JCHS Drama Department. Looking back, she is grateful for the family she found through this program, people she hopes to remain close with for years to come. She would like to extend a thank you to Mr. Bobish for taking a chance on a bright-eyed freshman who was just starting to find her voice and for making her time in theatre memorable and meaningful. Thank you to theatre for being my home away from home. Enjoy the show!
Samantha Costa (Stage Manager)Samantha is currently a junior at James Caldwell High School and is beyond excited for her third musical. She has been apart of the stage management team since her freshman year and is super grateful for this opportunity. She hopes you enjoy this production of “Xanadu”!
Isabella Hatzidoukas (Stage Manager)Bella is currently a junior and has been a part of stage management at JCHS since freshman year. She is super hyped to be a stage manager this year and really hopes you enjoy this year's productions!
Henry Slater (Stage Manager)Henry is a senior who has participated in every production during his time at JCHS; first as a spotlight operator in “Radium Girls”, Teen Angel in “Grease”, ending with stage manager for “Midsummer/Jersey” and “Xanadu”. He loves local music, making art, and watching movies. He is going to film school and looking to pursue a career in film/television.
Emma Emmolo (Assistant Stage Manager)Emma is a freshman and did all of the plays at the middle school, as well as the play "Midsummer Jersey". She is very excited for you all to see the musical everyone has worked so hard on!
Jack Jewusiak (Assistant Stage Manager)This is Jack's second year of high school, and is his fourth production that he has been a part of. He was a member of the stage crew for both the play and musical in his freshman year, but went out of his comfort zone and was a supporting member of the most recent play, "Midsummer/Jersey." He hopes to continue to participate in the theater program at James Caldwell High School until the end of his time here.