Oliver!, Jr. Cast

Andrew Grosso (Oliver Twist)
Andrew is very excited to play the role of Oliver in this year's production at MJS. Andrew is an 8th Grade Student here at Memorial. Andrew was in last year's production of "Matilda" playing Nigel and Sergei. Andrew also takes voice lessons once a week to practice on different songs and different vocal techniques. During rehearsal, Andrew loves talking to the cast, and making new friends. Out of school, Andrew loves to swim, run and hang out with his friends. He wants to thank his Mom & Dad for pushing him to audition and trying something new. Hopefully you enjoy the show!
Marco Ippolito (Mr. Bumble)
Marco is making his debut on the MJS stage in this production. He is very excited to be a part of the cast of "Oliver!". He would like to thank his friends and family for their support.
Fernanda Polanco (Widow Corney)
Fernanda Polanco is in 8th grade and is excited to be back on the MJS stage as Widow Corney. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support.
Gavin Finkelstein (Mr. Sowberry/Mr. Brownlow)
Gavin is excited to make his acting debut in "Oliver!" As an 8th grader at MJS, he runs for the track team and is a member of the student council, chorus, band, and jazz band. Outside of school, Gavin enjoys bike riding and playing video games. He’d like to thank his sister, Mia, for inspiring him to try out for the play. He’d also like to thank Mr. Diaz, Mr. Pomel, and Ms. Tracy for their hard work and guidance.
Kaitlyn Amitrano (Mrs. Sowberry/Old Sally)
Kaitlyn is thrilled to be in the MJS Spring musical "Oliver!". Kaitlyn is an 8th grader at Memorial Junior School, and was in last year's production of "Matilda" as Trunchbull. When Kaitlyn is not at school she likes to draw, sing, dance, watch movies, and talk to her friends. She would like to thank her family and friends, especially her sister Ashley for always supporting her, and convincing her to do the show. To everyone watching, enjoy this year's performance of "Oliver!".
Veronica Van Slyck (Charlotte/Milkmaid/Ensemble)
Veronica is extremely excited to be in MJS's production of "Oliver!". Last year she was in "Matilda" as part of the ensemble, and she loved the experience. She has done other activities associated with theater as well, such as an acting workshop at Morristown Performing Arts Center and singing lessons at Schmeeds. She wants to thank all of her friends and family for always being there for her and supporting her. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Tanner Yoo (Noah Claypole)
Tanner Yoo is excited to take part in "Oliver!". He has never been in a musical before so this is his debut. He has 3 dogs and loves penguins. He enjoys origami and drawing, and is in 6th grade.
Margot Steeg (The Artful Dodger)
Margot is very excited to be back on the stage this year as an 8th grader in the MJS performance of “Oliver!". Last year she played Mrs. Phelps and Lavender in MJS’s performance of “Matilda, the Musical”. When not acting Margot loves drawing and enjoys geeking out with her friends by playing Dungeons and Dragons. She would like to thank her friends Reed and Kayla for always encouraging her no matter what. She also would like to thank her voice teacher Nikki for helping her improve her singing. She hopes you enjoy the show and watch your pockets someone might have picked them!
Stellina Hyland (Fagin)
Stellina is very excited to play as the character Fagin in “Oliver!”. Stellina has been performing since she was 3 years old, and always enjoyed doing it. She is currently studying her acting skills at Mayo Performing Arts Center, and she takes piano and voice lessons at Calderone’s School of Music. Her recent roles in performances include Lady Lucille in “Once Upon a Mattress,” Alice in 2022’s MJS play “Matilda, The Musical,” Karla in “Class Action,” and many more! When she’s not in school, she likes to go shopping and hang out with her friends. Stellina would like to thank her Mom and Dad for always supporting her passions.
Kayla Dougherty (Nancy)
Kayla Dougherty is an 8th grader at Memorial Junior School and this is her 2nd production at MJS. Last year she played the role of Matilda in MJS’s spring musical “Matilda, The Musical”. She’s very excited to play the role of Nancy in this years production and to be on the MJS stage one last time. Kayla enjoys playing her ukulele, guitar, and piano and writing songs as well. One of the many things that bring joy in her life is performing and singing on the stage. She loves to entertain a crowd and put a smile on peoples faces. Kayla would like to thank her parents for constantly supporting her dreams and for making her feel happy when she needs it most. And to Mason for being an annoying but, an absolutely amazing younger brother. That being said, sit back, relax, and make sure your pocket doesn't get picked!
Nicolette Mascolo (Bet)
Nicolette is very excited to be a part of Memorial Junior School's production of "Oliver!". Nicolette has been in other shows in the past. She cast in "Matilda" last year here at MJS and also participated in the MPAC (Mayo Performing Arts Center) Acting Workshop. The shows she did was "Jocks, Punks, and Posers (A Journey Through 80s Cinema)" and "Class Action." She would like to thank her friends and family for their support.
Ethan Dill (Bill Sikes)
Ethan Dill is an 8th grader at Memorial Junior School. This is his second production, and he is excited to be back on the MJS stage as Bill Sikes. Ethan's easy going nature has and eagerness to help others is definitely at odds with Sikes, but he jumped at the opportunity to take on the challenge of playing a character so different than he is. He would like to thank his family for supporting him in his pursuits and the staff at MJS for the opportunity to participate in the performing arts.
Joyce Gameel (Mrs. Bedwin/Ensemble)
Joyce is making her MJS stage debut in this production of "Oliver!". She is so excited to be sharing the stage with so many talented classmates. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support.
Isabella Garcia (Dr. Grimwig/Matron/Ensemble)
Isabella Garcia is an 8th grader at Memorial Junior School. Last year, she landed an ensemble role in "Matilda", but now, she is excited to share her roles of Dr Grimwig and the Matron. This is her second production with MJS, but she has been in productions for other schools and camps, such as the Morristown Performing Arts Center. She has been in countless singing and chorus classes and really enjoys music. She would like to thank her family and friends as well as the directors, choreographers and cast of "Oliver!" for making this play possible.
Ava Woroch (Charlie Bates/Ensemble)
Ava is very excited to be part of the cast of "Oliver!" this year at Memorial Junior School. She has been a part of two previous shows, making this her third show. She is very glad to start the theater life and is already learning so much. She is an 8th grader at MJS and besides theater she enjoys drawing and painting in her free time. She is happy to be playing Charlie Bates this year and making new friends in the cast/crew. She would like to thank her bestest friends Stellina and Kayla for introducing her to shows, and everyone else for being supportive and kind to her..
Sasha Kaltman (Nipper/Ensemble)
Sasha Kaltman is making her first debut at MJS. She is so excited for the musical. In her free time Sasha likes to play with her friends, draw, and play sports (volleyball, football, and soccer). She also likes to read books. Sasha can't wait for the show and is so excited to perform with her friends.
Addison Propfe (Captain/Ensemble)
Addison is very excited to make her acting debut in Memorial Junior School’s musical, "Oliver!". She loves being a 6th grader at MJS. When she’s not in school Addison enjoys playing flute and playing soccer. You’ll find her on the field hockey team in the fall. She wants to thank her mom and dad for always supporting her in everything she does.
Michaella Metz (Toby/Ensemble/Dance Captain)
Michaella Metz is a 7th grader here at Memorial Junior School. This is her second performance in a play. Michaella is a competitive dancer who loves softball, cheer, football, and the Green Bay Packers. Michaella is very excited to be a part of the play. Michaella would like to thank her family for all of their love and support. Michaella wishes all of the cast, crew, and the teachers involved in this production the best of luck. Michaella hopes everyone enjoys the show.
Chloe Wesbecker (Strawberry Seller/Ensemble)
Chloe is a sixth grader at Memorial Junior School, and is very excited to be in this years production of “Oliver!”. Chloe has enjoyed meeting a bunch of new people at rehearsal, along with making new friends who enjoy the same hobbies as her. Outside of school, Chloe loves to spend time with her friends and family along with dancing. Chloe has been a dancer for 10 years, and loves to preform on stage. Chloe would like to thank her parents for always supporting her and her passions. Chloe would also like to thank her sisters, Brooke and Lauren, for being amazing sisters who are both supportive and caring. Chloe loves to preform and can’t wait to see what next year has to bring.
Jessica Mikhail (Knife Grinder/Ensemble)
Jessica is a 6th grader and is making her debut on the MJS stage. She would like to thank her castmates, friends, and family for all of their support.
Alice Susilo (Rose Seller/Ensemble)
Alice is very excited to have received a role in her school play, "Oliver!". She has been doing dance competitions for 7 years, and she loves any opportunity that involves dancing and singing! Alice loves to hang out with friends and make new ones, which she was able to do during play rehearsals. She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her and all of the teachers and producers of this show!
Nadia Benitez (Ensemble)
Nadia is excited to be making her debut on the MJS stage. She is excited to be a part of the "Oliver!" cast. Nadia loves to sing, paint, and read. Her favorite color is pink and her favorite season is summer. She wants to thank all of the people who joined the play and mostly Mr. Diaz for directing the play for us.
Evelyn Chen (Ensemble)
Evelyn Chen is an 8th grader. This is her second production at Memorial Junior School. She has had a great time being on stage with the cast and crew. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support.
Leeya Cohen (Ensemble)
Leeya is extremely excited to be in MJS's production of "Oliver!". Last year she worked in props and paining for "Matilda" and had a great time. Leeya has done other activities with musical theater as well, such as years of dance classes at Sharons Studio of Dance and Music and singing lessons at Schmeed's. She wants to thank all of her family for always being there for her and supporting her. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Gianna Collas (Ensemble)
Gianna is excited to be preforming in her first musical here in MJS.In her free time she loves to play and call her friends and have fun with art.
Chloe Makowski (Ensemble)
Chloe Makowski, 8th grader, is in ensemble. They love acting and music. They were backstage crew last year and is making their debut on stage this year. They hope to continue acting as they love to perform. They would also like to thank friends and family for the support they have shown.
Mariah Nieves (Ensemble)
Mariah Nieves is very excited to be back on stage for the MJS spring musical "Oliver!". She made her debut in last year's musical “Matilda, the Musical,” as part of the ensemble. She has been in a few productions in other places like the Mayo Performing Arts Center. When she is not acting Mariah likes talking to her friends, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and going to QuickChek. She would like to thank her fellow cast members, her friends, and family for making this musical possible.
Gabriela Organowski (Ensemble)
Gabriela Organowski is a 6th grader at Memorial Junior School. This is her first production with MJS. She is looking forward to singing and dancing on stage this year! She would like to thank the entire cast, her friends, and her family for encouraging her to audition! Enjoy the show!
Leah Poges (Ensemble)
Leah Poges is a 6th grader who is excited to be making her debut on the MJS stage. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support. Enjoy the show!
Lukrecja Skarynski (Ensemble)
Lukrecja is very excited to be a part of the spring musical "Oliver!". After school, she likes to read books, play sports, and play an instrument.
Samantha Tajar (Ensemble)
Samantha is very excited to be in "Oliver!" on the MJS stage. This is her second show after her debut in "Matilda" last year. When Samantha is not in school she likes to play video, listen to music, and watch TV.