School of Rock Cast

George Anthony Papas was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. George has had the opportunity to sing, dance and act all around the world in National Tours, Cruise Ships and Industrials. He's had the opportunity to sing in such venues as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and as a backup singer for Sir Elton John at Radio City Music Hall. George is also a Singer/Songwriter/ Piano player. He has enjoyed many stints gigging around the world with performing artists. Now a proud husband to his beautiful wife Meaghan, and 4 wonderful kids, George currently works at The New York Film Academy where he is The Senior Admissions Director, which includes adjudicating auditions and working with young artists all over the world.

Bronwyn Fugate (Rosalie Mullins) holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory, a Masters in Education from Touro College, as well as her School Building Leadership Certification from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. A teacher with the NYC DOE for 12 years, she has worked at Curtis HS having honed students talents in theatre and being able to direct such productions as Guys and Dolls (Shubert Festival Recipient), In the Heights, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret, Rent and Runaways to name a few. Bronwyn is thrilled to be returning to the stage with Spotlight Theatre, after a 9 year hiatus. Previous roles include: Angels in America (Harper) with SVPT, Les Miserables (Fantine) CATS (Grizabella) Miss Saigon (Ellen) & Victor/Victoria (Norma) all with The Forestburgh Playhouse, Smoking Bloomberg with NYMF, and Greenwillow with the York Theatre to name a few. Bronwyn would like to thank her ever supportive and patient husband, Howard and their two sons Howie (7) and Hunter (3), along with her mother and step-father who all help in making sure her creative flame stays lit!

Randy Topper (Ned Shneebley) Just like his "dad van", Randy is imported from Detroit, where he earned a bachelor's degree in theatre performance from Wayne State University. He moved to New York in 2001 to pursue a career in acting and spent a season as an artist in residence at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota and toured nationally with Dandelion Productions, National Theatre for Children and Theatreworks USA. Randy then returned to New York where he co-founded IlluminArt Productions of Staten Island, serving as the artistic director, writing, directing, performing and teaching for 9 years. After earning a master's in social work from College of Staten Island, Randy now serves as the school social worker at The Harbor View School in Staten Island and the camp social worker/director of education at Sprout Brooklyn Day Camp. Randy couldn't be happier to be returning to the stage after the world's longest intermission and thanks the team at Spotlight for the opportunity and for welcoming him so warmly. Important roles include Edna in Hairspray, Pharaoh in Joseph... Dreamcoat and Cpt. Lennox in The Secret Garden, but his favorite role is that of Daddy to Eden and Shana and Partner to Kristi.

Meggan Audrey (Patty) has been a part of the Spotlight family since 2019 when she first appeared in Newsies. Since then she has become a choreographer and helped with and been a part of multiple Spotlight shows and concerts. Favorite credits: Katherine Plumber (Newsies), Footloose (Surflight), Chicago (Forestburgh Playhouse), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Weathervane Theatre). Love to my family and my Spotlight family!

Kim is super excited to be working with such an incredibly talented cast. Besides being a featured singer in a couple of Spotlights own “Fierce Female” shows, this marks her 1st time on the stage in a production with the company. Usually, you can find her back stage assistant directing Spotlights youth theatre alongside of Soupy for the past few years which she absolutely loves doing. Kim is super excited to announce that she is directing her very first Spotlight show along with Sophia Rizzo called 101 Dalmatians. Talk about fun!! A graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, Kim has performed in many shows over the years. You can currently see her and her hubby Joe rocking out in the tri-state area playing many bars, weddings and private parties with their cover band called ATOMIC KRUSH. They also have an awesome kid named Jagger who even though he is a great hockey player, it seems as though he’s also caught “the bug” for music & theatre too. Kim is a Music Together instructor for Staten Island Family Music for the past 7 years and teaches music/theatre classes at a couple of different preschools around the island. She would like to say Thank You to Soupy and Mary for creating Spotlight and this incredible family for not only kids to be a part of & shine, but also for adults as well. You guys are amazing!!!

Carol Griffin, When not performing in Spotlight Theatre productions, like “Newsies”, “Violet” and “School of Rock”, Carol volunteers at Staten Island’s radio station, Maker Park Radio as a co-host for The Soul Spectrum and as host for Night Moves. She also performs with her band, The Carol Griffin Trio with Bill O’Brien and Dave Dragos at various fund raisers and dining venues in the New York area. “I’m blessed that I get to fill my life with my family, friends and music and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you, Spotlight Theatre, for all the opportunities to be on stage. Peace, Love & God bless you all. www.thecarolgriffintrio.com

A Staten Island Multi-Musician who is beyond thrilled to join this company in one of his all-time favorite shows. From playing bass in the band for all four Spring Musicals at Moore Catholic High School (Class of 2014) to guitar for Hemlock Theatre Company's Production of American Idiot after graduating Wagner College in 2018, he gets to be an Actor-Musician in his first Spotlight Production. He also teaches Parent and Me Music Classes at Latin Groove Dance Academy once a week in Bayonne NJ. And that's just the beginning. For those about to climb to the top of Mount Rock, I salute you! Understudy for Dewey Finn (dream role)

Monica Ugarte is a rising Junior at Brooklyn College studying to get her BA in Theatre! She recently portrayed Roxy Hart in our production of Chicago. This is not her first time participating in a Spotlight Rep show. Her first was the spectacular show of Matilda as part of the older school kid ensemble, fierce female cabaret, and another cabaret at the Alice Austen house here on staten Island. Now she’s ready to enter the rocking scene of School of Rock as Ms. Gordon and as part of the teacher/parent ensemble! Understudy for Patty DiMarco

This is Jeff's Spotlight debut! Jeff is thrilled to once again be sharing the stage with his 2 favorite productions, Steven and Samantha. Previous credits: Plays-In-The-Park; Fiddler on the Roof (Nachum the Beggar), The Buddy Holly Story (Murray Deutch), Singin’ In The Rain (Ensemble). Other credits include: YAGMCB (Charlie Brown), Cuckoo’s Nest (Charley Cheswick), West Side Story (Riff), Hello, Dolly! (Rudolph), and Joseph...(Simeon). Many thanks to Mary, Soupy, Steve, GG, and to this extremely talented cast and production team!

Michael Hall has been a member of spotlight studios since 2020. He participated in musical plays such as Grease, the Addams family musical, Guys and Dolls, Les Misérables, and most recently Chicago. Michael also participated in Our Town and played as the town policeman Constable Bill Warren and the undertaker Joe Stoddard. Michael recently graduated from the Hungerford school, and he’s finishing his internship at Project Search at Staten Island University Hospital. Michael thanks the spotlight studio family for their support and encouragement!

Rebecca has been a part of the Spotlight Theatre Company since 2017. She has been in many Spotlight productions such as Seussical, Mary Poppins, and the Addams Family. School of Rock will be her 4th show with us and her first Spotlight Repertory Company show. Understudy for Rosalie Mullins

Samantha is so excited to be making her debut with Spotlight Theatre Company with her entire family. She’s a singer, dancer, and actress who graduated from AMDA’s Integrated Theatre Program back in 2018. She has performed in and choreographed many shows in Staten Island. Samantha was also involved in the Miss America Organization and held the titles of Miss Five Boroughs’ Outstanding Teen 2015 and Miss Richmond County 2019. Currently, Samantha is a permanent cast member in Let’s Broadway Cabaret in Manhattan. She’s also one of the lead singers for the band Take 2 and now The Rosensibs duo which she started with the musical director/older brother Steven. Much love to Mary, Jacques, Steven (only because she had to), and this entire cast and crew. Let’s kill it!!!

Robert Bobbybunz Parker - Mr Mooneyham is delighted to be making his debut with Spotlight Theater. The Massive Nude Man on Season 3 of Impractical Jokers, Owner of Staten Island’s Infamous Full Cup. Performer, Producer, and Writer of the Live Comedy Variety Show - Midevenings with Jay Miller. Singer / Songwriter in the band The Barnyard Boys. Tour Manager / Light Designer for the bands Longwave, Hurricane Bells, The Realistics, Brendon Benson, Mooney Suzuki, and Nicole Atkins. Theatrical Teamster local 817

Rich “Muscles” Gainer is an insurance field representative for GNY Insurance and a Spotlight Theatre board member and production coordinator. As an ensemble member in School of Rock the Musical, this is his first production in front of the curtain and happy to be doing it with his family! He wishes the cast and crew to break a leg!

Susanne Gainer is a 4th grade teacher at PS 55, Eltingville and a Spotlight Theatre board member. She is delighted to come from behind the concessions stand and join the ensemble of School of Rock the Musical.This is her first performance with Spotlight Theatre and is honored to be performing alongside of her extraordinarily talented family and friends!

Sophia Rizzo just graduated from Wagner College with a dual certification in Theatre Studies and Education. She has stage managed many shows for Spotlight such as Mary Poppins Jr. and Les Miserables. In addition to this, she had a blast starring in Spotlight's most recent production of Chicago as Roxie Hart. Currently, Sophia is teaching fourth graders and is looking forward to sharing her experiences performing with them.

Lexi is super thrilled to be a part of Spotlight Repertory Theatre’s School of Rock playing the role of Summer! She is so excited to be working with such an incredibly talented cast and crew! This is Lexi’s fourth show with the Spotlight Rep family. She was seen in Newsies, Mamma Mia!, and Matilda, and has been in numerous Spotlight Youth productions. Lexi is a professional theatre and television actor and an aspiring writer. She has proudly worked in many musicals, plays, cabarets, and as of recently television shows. Lexi also had the great opportunities performing at Carnegie Hall, Gotham Hall, as well as singing backup for the band Foreigner. She is currently attending Pace University as a Film and Creative Writing student. Thank you to Mary, Jacques, Steve, Meggan and the Spotlight cast and crew for their dedication and hard work, and for putting on this amazing show! Lots of love to the Spotlight fam. It’s time to play!

Gabriel Borden is a 13 year old guitarist from Staten Island, New York and has been playing guitar for 5 years. He has recently been accepted to Juilliard School of Music's Pre-College program where he will be attending in the fall. Gabriel is also the recipient of the William Winter Merit Scholarship Award at Staten Island Academy and has been inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Gabriel loves to act and has performed in several Spotlight productions as well as Staten Island Academy productions.Some of his feature roles were Aladdin, Winthrop, Music Man, Larry, We're Here at Camp, and Zach, in School of Rock. In his spare time Gabriel plays soccer and baseball. His soccer team went undefeated in the SIYSL league this year.

Sidney Humes-James is a junior vocal major at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Her favorite role she has played is Cinderella in Into the Woods. Past shows include: The Wiz, Legally Blonde, Les Miserable, Into the Woods, and Chicago. Sidney is currently working as an Intern with Spotlight Theatre Company!

Jane is thrilled to be performing in her 13th show with Spotlight Theatre. She has been part of both Spotlight Youth and Repertory productions for many years, including various cabarets and benefit concerts. Her favorite roles with Spotlight include Cosette in Les Misérables, JoJo in Seussical the Musical Jr., and Alice in Matilda. Jane recently finished her freshman year at Staten Island Academy, where she was a member of the performing arts program and Sweet Harmony. She played Little Red Ridinghood in the school’s production of Into the Woods. Jane has also been seen performing on stage with Standing Ovation Players, In the Wings Productions, and St. Peter’s Boys High School Drama. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano and songwriting. Jane would like to thank Mary and John for helping her to grow as an actress and for their love and dedication to every show. To the remarkable cast, break legs!

Ava Mary Aloia is a recent graduate of Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts in NYC. Ava will be attending Connecticut College in the fall. Ava has been working as an actor since she was honored to play Gavroche in Les Miserables at The Weathervane Theatre in New Hampshire. Some of her favorite roles include: Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird, Emily Webb in Our Town, and Small Alison in FUN HOME Ava most recently played one of her dream roles, Molly Astor in Peter & the Star Catcher at Repertory Company High School Ava loves everything about Spotlight Theatre & is so grateful for every opportunity & every person she has worked with!

Rich Gainer, 17, is a rising senior at Msgr. Farrell High School where he is Drum Major for the marching band. As an avid percussionist, he is thrilled to be portraying Freddie in School of Rock the Musical. This is Rich’s fourth Spotlight Theatre production. He thanks his family and friends for all their love and support.

Diana Edelman 12, is a 7th grader at IS 2. This will be her 1st performance with Spotlight Theatre as she has been in various plays since 3rd grade. In her spare time she enjoys creating art , exploring with makeup and being with her friends. Thank you to my family who always loves and supports me.

Farrah is thrilled to be performing in her second Spotlight Repertory production! Farrah is 14 years old and recently finished her freshman year at Tottenville High School. Some of her favorite roles include Wednesday in “The Addams Family”, Little Red in “Into The Woods”, and Scuttle in “The Little Mermaid”. Outside of theatre, Farrah is a player on her school’s volleyball team and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Farrah would like to thank Mary and John for all their guidance over the years, along with Mom, Dad, and Matty for all their love and support!

Matthew Homme is a recent graduate of Wagner High School where he studied Musical Theatre. Matthew's most recent roles with Spotlight was Miss Trunchbull in Matilda, Jr and Billy Flynn in Chicago!

John Gainer,13, is a rising eighth grader at IS 51. He is excited to be portraying Billy in School of Rock the Musical. He has been performing with Spotlight Theatre since third grade and has been seen in many productions, live and virtual. In his spare time, he enjoys learning classic rock songs on his guitar. He thanks his family and friends for all their love and support.

Darienne Mikulka has been performing with Spotlight Theatre Company for 2 years. She is passionate about acting, singing, and dancing. You may have seen her in Peter Pan or Matilda last show season. Though still in middle school, Darienne is eager to start attending a high school with a strong theater program. Darienne’s other loves are Archery, game night with her friends and family and interior design.

Breese is thrilled to be a part of Spotlight Theatre's production of School of Rock. She is 11 years old, and just graduated 5th grade. Breese has performed many roles including Annie in Annie Jr, The Genie in Aladdin Jr, Little Cosette in Les Miserables School Edition, Little Red Riding-hood in Into The Woods Jr, and Matilda in Matilda Jr. Breese has been a member of the Spotlight family since she was a year old in “Music Together”. She performed in her first musical with Spotlight when she was only 7 years old as “Sausage Curl Girl” in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. This will be Breese's last performance with Spotlight Theatre (for now) as she continues to pursue her theatre career down South! She would like to thank her family for letting her aspire her dreams as well as the Spotlight community for welcoming her to this great experience.

Carina really enjoys acting, dancing, and dressing up. When she was little, she used to dress up and perform for her family and do the fashion shows all the time. She is also a part of NDA swim team since the 1st grade and JCC Trident; she enjoys competing during the swim meets and is a very supportive and encouraging teammate. Carina also takes school and studying very seriously, and thus she looks forward to going to school everyday.

Olivia Barry has been performing with Spotlight Theatre Company for over 5 years. She enjoys acting, singing, and dancing. Some of the productions that she took part in were Alice in Wonderland, Marry Poppins, Junie B. Jones, Beauty and the Beast, and many others. Olivia will be starting 10th grade at Notre Dame Academy in the fall. In addition to her love for Performance Arts, Olivia is into Archery, Anime, and is an avid reader.

Elliot is 10 years old and a 5th grader at P.S 29. He loves theatre,both going to and participating in shows. He's been doing Spotlight since he was 4 and some of his favorite roles have been Banzai in Lion King Kids, Nigel in Matilda, and he's currently playing Hans in Frozen Jr. And Mr. Scary in Junie B. Jones. Elliot wants to be an actor when he grows up.

13 year old Abby started her theater career as a toddler with Spotlight Theater. She recognized her love of the art two years ago and has been non-stop since. She’s been a member of the cast in Peter Pan, Matilda, Junie B. Jones and the upcoming productions of School of Rock and 101 Dalmatians ions. Abby’s looking forward to a future career as an actress.

10 year old James has had a passion for theater since an early age. He has been a member of the Spotlight Theater casts of Peter Pan, Matilda, Junie B. Jones and the upcoming productions of School of Rock and 101 Dalmations. He looks forward to a future spent on Broadway as well as on-screen productions.