Titanic The Musical Cast

Maysa trained in NYC at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After a 20 year hiatus she was cast last spring in Old Library Theater’s production of The Prom. She is back on stage as part of the ensemble in her second production with this amazing company along the side of her daughter Penelope. She wants to thank her husband Cristian Romero for his continued support of her dreams as well as her children Lio and Penelope who feel so excited to see their mom pursuing her life-long passion.

Owner and director of Aurora Music Academy (AMA) in Englewood Cliffs, soprano Kaitlyn Barnes is thrilled to be performing in her first full-length OLT production! She had the pleasure of performing in the OLT fundraising concert this past Summer, and is so grateful to be working with such a talented cast and production team in Titanic. Although running AMA keeps her busy, she still finds time to do what she loves and maintains an active vocal studio, and musical theatre program at the academy. She also enjoys vocal directing and performing in community theatre productions near her home in upstate New York. In 2015, she had the honor of representing New York State and competing at the regional level of the Music Teachers National Association Competition where she was runner up. She has been extremely blessed to have many opportunities to perform and work with great musicians both in the U.S and in Europe and is hoping for more adventures soon! Favorite roles include Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus) Dido (Dido and Aeneas) Cinderella (Into the Woods) Elaine (Arsenic and Old Lace) and Monica (The Medium). Kaitlyn is proud to share the stage with AMA students Emi Simonds, and Amelia Carroll and wishes them the very best in their first adult community theatre production! She is also thrilled to finally perform alongside her love, Gerard Macanas. All of Kaitlyn’s work is in memory of her mother Jacalyn Barnes.

Brad moved to New Jersey from Ohio a few years ago to be near his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. He is retired having worked as an attorney, magistrate, and finally as CEO of a charitable foundation, all in Ohio. Brad has enjoyed 38 years of acting and directing in community theatres in Ohio and New Jersey, although this is his first appearance on the stage of Old Library Theatre. Brad thanks the amazing cast, Evan, and the rest of the production team of Titanic.

Rafi is thrilled to be making his OLT debut with Titanic. Rafi has been a performer since the age of 6, and has performed in theaters in New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, and Texas. Favorite past roles include: Barn Theatre - Forever Plaid (Smudge), New Vision Players - Parade (Leo Frank), Little Shop of Horrors (Orin Scrihttps://res.cloudinary.com/onthestage/image/upload/f_auto,h_150,w_120/57740eb0d17a1103001f3c18/64c3fe7805feb10e3aa57727/m8rrspobiddllkbybcrw.pngvello), Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), Bergen Community College - Angels in America (Prior Walter), Company (Larry), Adobe Theatre - Lucky Stiff (Harry Witherspoon), Playboy of the Western World (Shawn Keogh), Musical Theatre Southwest - Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour Krelborn). Many thanks to this talented cast and crew, and to the men and women on the Titanic whose stories we have the honor to tell. May their memories be a reminder of the strength and courage we all possess, and that every human life is precious. Sail on!

Melissa has been performing in community, regional and off-Broadway shows since she was a kid and has been featured in countless musicals, plays and cabarets through the decades. She is thrilled to be back with OLT in her third show with the group in the past year. Most recently, she played Dee Dee Allen in OLT’s production of "The Prom," and Judy Steinberg in "It Shoulda Been You." She is thrilled to be reunited with so many of her "It Shoulda" family, and to be playing Bob Russell’s wife yet again! Some other recent, and favorite, NYC credits include Princess Puffer ("The Mystery of Edwin Drood"), Penny Sycamore ("You Can’t Take it With You"), Rona Lisa Peretti ("Spelling Bee"), Madame Armfeldt ("A Little Night Music") and Sister Robert Anne ("Nunsense"). Melissa is a proud Lifetime Member of the St. Bart’s Players, NYC’s longest running community theater group, and has served on its Board for more than 25 years. Much love and thanks to her incredibly supportive husband, Michael, with whom she lives in Hoboken, NJ, with their two endlessly amusing cats, Penny and Puffer.

Amelia Carrolll is 11 years old and attends Leonia Middle School. She is grateful to be in her first adult community theater performance at OLT. She has participated in JCC's productions of Peter Pan (Wendy), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), the Jungle Book (Sher Khan) and Suisical as well as her school's production of a Kid's Life. Her love for musical theater inspired her to write her own script and produce a musical with her friends. Along with musical theater, Amelia takes singing and dance classes, and in the future she hopes to be on Broadway.

Matthew Cavallo (Fredrick Fleet/Mr.Carlson) has been performing for the last 10 years around NJ/NY and is exciting to be back performing in his 7th show with Old Library Theatre. Previous roles include Mark Cohen (RENT), Anthony (Sweeney Todd), Otto (Spring Awakening), John Hinckley Jr. (Assassins). Matt would like to thank the entire cast and crew for a memorable experience.

Joseph Christianson (Wallace Hartley) is excited to be in another production with Old Library Theatre! Recent acting credits include: Fly By Night (Crabble), Beauty & The Beast (Bookseller/Knife), The Most Incredible Thing (King’s Council/Judge), Baby (Dean Webber), Hair (Male Tribe), Tommy (Hawker), and Starmites (Ack Ack Ackerman). Much love to Danielle, the cast, crew, and musicians of Titanic!

Nick has been acting for many years. He was a founding member of the Rockland Theatre Company, and Little Radical Theatrics, Nick was the RTC Kids program Director, Technical Director, and acted as Co-Producer for over 15 productions and has acted in the company since its inaugural show in 2007. Now residing in Jersey for the last 6 years it has opened his world to new theater adventures. Nick’s previous acting credits include............... Jean Valjean (Les Miz), Thenardier (Les Miz) Shrek (Shrek the musical) Scrooge (A Christmas Carol), Chairman (Edwin Drood), William Barfee (25th Annual Spelling Bee) Cladwell (Urinetown), John Hinckley (Assassins), Motel the tailor (Fiddler) Scuttle (The Little Mermaid) Officer Barrell (Urinetown) Chef Louis (Little Mermaid) Marty Kaufman (It Shoulda Been You) Bishop (Jekyll & Hyde) Lonnie (Rock of Ages) Lionel (Cinderella) St. Aphrodisious/ Featured Tenor (Hunchback) other show credits include: Once Upon A Mattress; Ragtime; Sweeney Todd; Forum; Damn Yankees; God Spell; ILYYPNC; Once on This Island, West Side Story, Young Frankenstein, Annie. Nick is a two time award winning OLTY recipient and has garnered much jealousy for them.

Jan is thrilled to be returning to the stage as Charles Lightoller/John Jacob Astor for OLT’s Titanic! He is excited to be working with such an amazing cast. He has been previously seen in Passion of Dracula as Dr Cedric Seward, Ferrovious in Androcles and the Lion, Ensemble in Cabaret and a few other productions from his days at Baruch College. He was also seen as Pawnee Bill in Annie get your Gun at the Hudson Guild Theatre. He is incredibly proud of his two children and always amazed by his loving wife. Thank you for your enduring love and support.

Morgan is excited to perform with the Old Library Theater for the first time. Morgan has been dancing, singing, and acting for over 13 years. Her favorite past roles include Cinderella (Ella), Into the Woods (Jack), and Pride and Prejudice (Lizzie Bennet). Morgan has also choreographed and directed during her time with the RPI Players as well as serving as Director of the DX cast of Alpha Psi Omega. Morgan lives in Morningside Heights, Manhattan with her boyfriend and two cats, where she works as a data scientist. Seek a life useful.

Paul Foster is thrilled to make his debut with OLT. He is a recent transplant to New Jersey from Baltimore. Recent parts range from playing Harry in Mamma Mia with Charm City Players in Baltimore, to Caiaphas with Clifton Theater Leagues’ Jesus Christ Superstar, to Players Guild of Leonia's revue of Rosemary Clooney. His love of music and singing has involved him in numerous choruses singing everything from Bach in college, African folk music in the peace corp, and medical parodies in grad school. Playing Edgar takes him back to high school, when he chanced to a play a midwestern straight man opposite to a young Laura Linney in Preston Jones's Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander. Paul is cheered on by his wife, Jenny, and his two son’s Abram and Michael.

After a year long hiatus, Caitlin (Kate Mullins) is back on the OLT stage! Caitlin is exited to be doing a musical once again after It Shoulda Been You at OLT(Ensemble) and Much Ado About Nothing (Boraccio) at OLT. (There's clearly a preference of location.) She would not be able to do this without the love and support of her friends, family, and all of her furry children Milo, Trunks, Nail, Gohan and Goten.

Pearl was last seen on the OLT stage as Nancy Jane Harlan in this seasons Radium Girls. She is delighted to be returning to the OLT stage in a musical after not being in one since 2018. Pearl grew up in Fair Lawn and loves to return to her hometown. A proud graduate of AMDA, NYC she has been in many shows here at OLT and other theatres! Thanks, to Evan, Armanda, Dawn, Lyss, Jackie, Joe, Amy, and the rest of this talented cast and crew! Always love to husband, Greg, children Daniel and Becca and family and friends for their never ending support. Remember those who lost their lives April 15, 1912

Matthew Hosmer (Harold Bride) is coming out of actor retirement to play a 22 year old. Working primarily as a Music Director and Pianist, Matthew is stoked to be on stage again. Some of his favorite credits include Briar Rose: The Tale of Sleeping Beauty (off-Broadway), Oronte (The School For Lies) and Tiny Tom (Urinetown). As Music Director: Bonnie & Clyde (Stageworks 237), Fiddler on the Roof (PiP), A Grand Night For Singing, Next to Normal.

Ben is excited to be part of Titanic alongside this wonderful cast. This is his second show at OLT, he previously appeared in the One Act Festival. Ben has been performing in various local theatre companies since age 8. His previous roles include Sheldon (The Prom), Jason (Falsettos), Gavroche (Les Miserable), Aldolpho (Drowsy Chaperone), Narrator (Into the Woods), Wayne Hopkins (Puffs), Gaston (Beauty and the Beast Jr.), Genie (Aladdin Jr.), and others.

Megan Larsen is a life long Titanic enthusiast who is honored to appear in her first MainStage OLT production. She first appeared at OLT in the workshop of the original musical A Dream of Wings (Katherine Wright). Other regional/community theatre credits include: Carousel (Julie Jordan), Annie (Grace Farrel), South Pacific (Nellie Forbush), Les Miserables (Fantine), The Music Man (Marian Paroo), A Grand Night For Singing, Bye Bye Birdie (Gloria Rasputin), East Coast premiere of Stephen Dolginoff’s Panic (Penny),High Society (Tracy Samantha Lord), Fantastic Mr. Fox (Mrs. Fox), Irving Berlin: The Melody Lingers On (‘09 Perry Winner),The Music Man (Marian Paroo), Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel, ’06 Perry nom.), The Mikado (Pitti-Sing). Off-Broadway: PipeDream Theatre’s Briar Rose: The Tale of Sleeping Beauty (Gertrude Planowanie), Green Light Productions’ Curiosities (immersive theatre original character) and various choruses with Dicapo Opera. Various performances with Tom Wright's Maywood&Music. Cabaret: Theatrical Gems Series, Lennie Watts’ CabLab Showcase 2011,You've Hungered For This All Your Life in San Diego & NYC. Megan is a National Anthem soloist for the NJ Jackals, Borough of Maywood, United States Coast Guard and National Park Service. Megan shares her faith through music as cantor for Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood and St. Catharine’s in Glen Rock. She is proud to share the stage so many talented people. Thanks to family and friends, and of course to Tim and our two beautiful boys, Ted and Gregory. Godspeed Titanic and to God be praise and Glory!

Gerard Macanas (Mr. D’Amico/Mr. Hitchens/Benjamin Guggenheim/Ensemble) Although relatively new to the musical theatre stage, Gerard has enjoyed the entire process with OLT, and is so happy to be a part of the Titanic. It has been a real joy performing with and learning from his more experienced castmates. Recent credits include Sasha in Fiddler on the Roof, Fred in A Christmas Carol, Officer Brophy in Arsenic and Old Lace, and before that…Searingtown Elementary School’s 1999 production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oompa Loompa #5). He also had the opportunity to help with Aurora Music Academy’s production of Peter Pan this past Summer and played Mr. Darling and the crocodile. He would like to thank his castmates and the production team for another amazing theatre experience and his partner Kaitlyn for her never-ending love and support!

Elizabeth Mazzurco is thrilled to be part of an Old Library Theater production. She most recently performed as Marie in Cinderella at the Star Royale Theater. She is an elementary school teacher turned small business owner and is kept busy raising her three incredible children with her wonderfully supportive husband. Elizabeth absolutely loves performing and sharing her passion for the stage with her sons and daughter. She would like to thank Evan, Joe, Jackie, Lyss, Armanda, Dawn, Amy, and the entire production team of Titanic for this fantastic opportunity.

Jeff Parsons is thrilled to be a part of this amazing show with such a talented cast and creative team. Earlier this season he played Barry Glickman in the Prom at OLT. Previous local credits include Bedroom Farce (Players Guild of Leonia), Elf (CDC Theatre), Falsettos (Antrim Playhouse), Greater Tuna (Studio Players), My Big Gay Italian Wedding (OLT), and A Year With Frog and Toad (Teaneck New Theatre). He is also often found off stage or in the booth, having most recently stage managed Hand to God (Nutley Little Theatre) and his OLTY award-winning experience as the stage manager for It Shoulda Been You. Jeff spent many years producing and stage managing, for film and stage, including the first middle school pilot production of Wicked Jr at Teaneck Community Charter School. Thanks to his incredibly supportive family.

Danielle C Pennisi (Alice Beane) is excited to be back onstage at Old Library Theatre after last performing in It Shoulda Been You (Rebecca). Favorite credits include: Urinetown: The Musical (Hope Cladwell), The Fantasticks (Luisa), Jekyll and Hyde (Emma Carew), Company (Jenny), Nunsense (Sister Mary Amnesia), Beauty and the Beast (Wardrobe), Shrek: The Musical (Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy), Master Class (Sharon Graham), One Slight Hitch (Courtney), Speed-the-Plow (Karen), The Secret Garden (Alice), Starmites (Hollaback), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (“Falling”), Nine (Our Lady of the Spa), and Follies (Young Heidi). Love to Joe, family and friends!

Joseph Pierone is ecstatic to be performing the role of Thomas Andrews. Some of his favorite productions to have performed include It Shoulda Been You, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Forum, Wizard of Oz, Godspell, In Transit, and La Sonnambula. Joseph wishes to share his gratitude to his castmates, the Producers, Old Library Theater and the audience for this wonderful opportunity to perform.

Cynthia is thrilled to return to Old Library Theatre for this production of Titanic! While Cynthia is no stranger to the stage, having been a singer and dancer all her life, it wasn't until last year that she made her theater debut in OLT's production of Legally Blonde. After having such an awesome experience, she knew that her first show wouldn't be her last! Since then, she's played the Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek, Shelby in The Prom, and most recently Emma in The Prom! Cynthia is endlessly grateful that OLT took a chance on her last year and continues to produce shows that keep her coming back for more. When Cynthia is not on the stage, she can be found in the high school hallways with a coffee in hand, trying to convince fellow staff members that she is, indeed, a teacher, not a student.

Penelope’s enchantment with the stage started at a young age. Started ballet classes at age 2 and developed a love for performing after her first show with Starz Performing Arts Academy’s “Happily Ever After”. She was cast as in her first musical as snow fairy in HACPAC’s The Christmas Caper. She loves to dance and sing but what she loves most is playing with her big brother Lio who feels so much pride and joy whenever she performs. She wants to give an enormous thanks to her Dad, Cristian, who works so hard to make her dreams come true and a special thanks to her Mom, Maysa, as they embark on their first show together, as she follows her steps in their shared passion. She wants to thank her favorite uncles Paqui and Pachu for always being present in her life with all their love and support. Thank you to the entire cast and crew for their warm welcome.

Last appeared as Dr. Von Sochocky and others in “Radium Girls” at OLT. Nutley Little Theatre: Marquess of Queensberry in “Gross Indecency The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde”. OLT roles include: Mr. McClam in “Fly By Night”, Murray “It Shoulda Been You”, Winthrop/Judge “Legally Blonde”, Stan “Sweat”, Old Man Strong “Urinetown”, Alan “Baby”, Dr. Einstein “Arsenic and Old Lace”, Charlie “Bridges of Madison County”, Charlemagne “Pippin”, Charles Guiteau “Assassins”, Fagin “Oliver”, Adult Man “Spring Awakening”, Priest “Superstar”, Panch “Spelling Bee”. Fourth Wall Theatre: Daddy Cane “Bright Star”, Murray “It Shoulda Been You”, Nathan Detroit “Guys & Dolls in Concert”, Judge Roan “Parade”. Theatre 71 in NYC: Commuter in “Raison D’Être, An Evening of Pirandello”. Bob directed “The House of Blue Leaves” (2022) “Next to Normal”, Footloose” and “Blood Brothers” for OLT and has directed over 33 musicals for High School Theatres.

Greg is overwhelmingly excited to be returning to the stage for the first time since 2019, and even more excited to make his musical debut as supporting character Charles Clarke in one of his favorite shows possible. The subject of Titanic has been a favorite of his since 3rd Grade, and he has even written and self-published his own murder mystery called The Millionaire's Killer - Second Edition! Past credits include Freddie (Noises Off!, OLT), She Loves Me! (Elmwood Playhouse), Les Miserables (Combeferre, Elmwood & SummerStage Leonia), Beauregard Bloodhound (Yuletide in Dogtown, Nutley Little Theater) and as Cinematographer/Editor for "We Need a Little Elmwood" Holiday Special, filmed and streamed for a post-covid theater fundraiser. Greg wants to dedicate this production to his Dad, Robert, who he knows would have bought a ticket to every performance to show his support. Love you, Dad.

Titanic marks Laura’s first production with OLT. Last year, she appeared on this stage in The Pirates of Penzance with The Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. Since 2020, Laura has participated in a wide variety of virtual choirs including Choirantine, ChoirCast, the Stay at Home Choir, and the San Fernando Valley Master Chorale. Laura also sings regularly with the virtual Chris Lombardi Acapella, which covers the gamut of genres including pop, classical, musical theater, and even video game music! (TikTok: CLAMembers; also on Facebook and YouTube). In 2022, Laura sang at Carnegie Hall under the baton of composer Eric Whitacre, performing pieces from “The Sacred Veil” and “The City and the Sea”, among others. Laura’s home base is The Lakeside Choraliers, a choir based in Montvale, NJ, where she currently serves as the Board President. Favorite musical theater roles have included Cordelia in Falsettos, The Balladeer in Assassins, and the Housewife in Working. Many thanks to husband Dan and offspring Ryan and Dash for letting Mom play.

Emi is thrilled to be a part of Titanic. She is a student of Aurora Music Academy and has been studying voice with Evangeline Ng. She most recently played Puss in Boots in "Shrek 2" and Pumba in "The Lion King" in her school's productions.

Emma Thayer is extremely excited to be making her OLT debut as Kate McGowan. Her previous roles include Elizabeth Lavenza in Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus with Teaneck New Theatre, A Gemini twin in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum with The Barn Theatre, as well as a Gargoyle in The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Rhino Theatre. In her off stage time Emma is a volunteer for a New Jersey animal rescue- Yellow Brick Road Rescue, & is studying to become a veterinary assistant!

Dave is very excited to return to OLT to work with this extremely talented cast, and Production Team. He has recently been cast as Barry Glickman in Theater League of Clifton’s production of The Prom, a Protean at The Barn Theatre’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum, and Parent Ensemble at OLT’s production of The Prom. Prior favorite roles include Mr. Krabs in The SpongeBob Musical, Maurice in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Rosen Performing Arts Center; General Harrison Howell in Kiss Me, Kate at Madison Public Theatre; and Sergeant Carlino in Wait Until Dark at Rhino 237. Dave would like to thank his friends and family for all their love and continued support! His performance is dedicated to his mom, who recently passed away.

Gabriel (Gabe) Weiss (Jim Farrell) got his ticket for boarding the Titanic late in the mail. Joining this OLT production halfway through the rehearsal process, he is no stranger to the stage His previous productions include Forum (Hero) Fly by Night (Joey Storms) Legally Blonde (Warner Huntington III) We Will Rock You (Freddie) 1776 (Rutledge) Mamma Mia (Sky) Pippin (Pippin), The Little Mermaid (Sebastian) Evita (Che) West Side Story (Action), Little Women (Laurie), Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat (Joseph), Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Jekyll and Hyde, and many more. Off the stage, Gabriel has many hats. From full time mechanical contractor in Manhattan, to building and spending his off hours building and designing musical theater sets for community theaters and at high schools. He is a bartender, scuba diver, artist, dog dad, and now adding director to his wheelhouse, as he is co-directing the Autumn Opulence Cabaret which is upcoming at OLT in November. He would like to thank the entire production team, cast, and crew for their endless support and dedication to making this show possible. Lastly to his friends, you know who you are, thank you. For Poppy, I miss you, thank you for keeping me afloat.