PRODUCTION STAFF

Dr. Michael Penna (Director & Chorographer): is very excited to be working on his third production here at Toms River High School North. Dr. Penna has a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University, MA in Theater from Montclair State University, MPhil in Education from Walden University, and a PhD in Education from Walden University. Dr. Penna teaches Theatre in the Arts Academy here at Toms River High School North. Dr. Penna has over 26 years of experience in the Theatrical Arts and has worked professionally throughout the country. Dr. Penna is proud member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. Dr. Penna is a Council Board Member on the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a State Board Member for The New Jersey International Thespian Society and a Board Member for the National English Honor Society. Dr. Penna was the recipient of the 2022 NJ State Teen Arts: Educator of the Year Award, the 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award: for Outstanding Educator, the 2022 Monmouth Arts: Arts Education Award, the 2022 International Thespian Society: Inspirational Theatre Educator Award, the 2019 Montclair State University Foxy Award for Excellence in Theater Education, and the 2018 Basie Award for Best Lighting Design of a Drama. Dr. Penna would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication and the administration for putting such trust in us all. Lastly, he would like to thank his amazing production staff for all that they do.

George Powers (Musical Director): Mr. Powers is thrilled to be musical directing his fifteenth show at High School North. Mr. Powers has a Bachelor of Arts (Music) degree from Glassboro State College. Mr. Powers teaches Music Theory, AP Music Theory, Piano, Music Computing and Band here at North, and was the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year. Prior to coming to North, he spent 22 years as Musical Director at Red Bank Catholic High School. Professionally, Mr. Powers was Musical Director of the Monmouth County Parks System Summer Theatre for 16 years. He also Musical Directed a number of shows for Phoenix Productions at the Count Basie Theatre. As a musician, Mr. Powers has also performed in many pit orchestras throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties as a keyboardist and a woodwind specialist. Away from school and theatre, Mr. Powers can be found at local establishments as the saxophonist and horn arranger for the local band “We’ll Be Fine.” Mr. Powers would like to thank Dr. Penna and the rest of the production staff, as well as the students involved in music and theatre arts for allowing him to be him.

Kelly Eleneski (Production Manager): is an English as a Second Language teacher at Toms River High School North and is so happy to be back on staff for Mamma Mia! She earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Political Science from Washington College and her Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. Ms. Eleneski was a practicing attorney for eight years before transitioning into teaching so that she could work with students and effect change in her community. Ms. Eleneski has been production manager with the Nautical Stars Theatre Company since 2022 and has worked on four productions with the Company: Matilda, The Lightning Thief, Our Town and now Mamma Mia. Ms. Eleneski is so honored to get to work with such an amazingly talented cast and crew. She would like to thank Andrew & Yaz for their endless love and patience, all the cast and crew kids for always making her laugh, and her fellow staff for keeping her sane. She would also like to thank our local Starbucks baristas, without whom this production would not be possible... again.

Jenny Neuhoff (Scenic Designer and Props Manager): is a teacher at High School North, whose classes include fashion design, interior design, set design, and costume design. She has been on the TRN Theatre Staff since 2022, designing the set for Matilda, The Lightning Thief, and Our Town. Mrs. Neuhoff has been involved in all aspects of theatre from a young age. She holds a degree in Fashion Design and Theatre from Marist College. Mrs. Neuhoff has professional experience designing and constructing costumes and working as a makeup artist.  From 2010-2018 she served as the production designer for the musicals at TRIE. Mrs. Neuhoff would like to thank the most amazing production staff for all of their support and collaboration!

Zack Bliss (Technical Director/Lighting Designer): is happy to be continuing his work with Toms River North on his 3rd production. Zack works at Lake Riviera Middle School in Brick, and he has been a lighting designer for over a decade. He is also the Technical Director and Resident Lighting Designer of Toms River's very own Exit 82 Theatre Company. Zack was recently a nominee for Best Lighting Design of A Play or Musical in the 2022 Broadway World New Jersey Awards for his work on RENT. He is very grateful for his fellow production staff for their endless help and guidance, and he hopes everyone enjoys the show that the cast and crew have put so much work into. 

Frankie Confalone (Costume Coordinator): is excited to be working on his 6th production with Toms River High School North, having previously costumed The Lightning Thief, Matilda, A Killer Party, Shrek, and Pippin! Frankie's costumes have been seen throughout New Jersey working with Exit 82 Theatre Company, the Bordentown Performing Arts Center, Pierrot Productions, and Monmouth Regional High School (2019 Basie Awards Nominee "Outstanding Costume Design for a Drama" for Boeing Boeing). Additionally, Frankie serves as Operations Manager for Exit 82 Theatre Company overseeing their "Creative and Performing Arts Academy" and holds a B.A. in Theatre from Rider University.

Joelle Mascaro (Makeup & Hair Designer): is a Toms River High School North 2022 graduate and this is her 2nd production with the Nautical Stars on the Production Staff. This is Joelle’s 5thproduction with Nautical Stars, being involved with every musical production while in high school. Joelle is honored to be working again with the fantastic staff of the Nautical Stars Theatre Company.

Gail McNeill (Business Manager): Ms. McNeill, or more fondly known as Ms. Gail, has been a staple with Nautical Stars since (2015). Even before her appointed position, you could always find Ms. Gail helping out, with fundraisers and events. Her own daughter is a Nautical Star alumni (2014-2017) and the connection Ms. Gail has with the student performers is genuine. She's the theatre company's biggest advocate and is a behind the scenes force for their success.  A special thank you goes to my student assistant, Yazmin Beita, for doing an amazing job.

Adam Servodio (Set Builder): was born and raised in Toms River and started in banking almost 20 years ago. Adam has worked as a Branch Manager for Wells Fargo for the past 8 years and has sat as the New Jersey Employee Volunteer Team President for Wells Fargo for over two years now, helping to promote philanthropy to team members throughout the entire state. When Adam is not working for Wells Fargo, he is dedicating his time to organizations in the community he is passionate about such as the Zzak G. Applaud our Kids Foundation as a board member, the Community Medical Center Council of Emerging Leaders board, The Salvation Army as the board Chairman and the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce as the First Vice Chair. Adam also dedicates his time to help the talented team of Exit 82, by building sets and even appearing in a few shows. When he is not working or volunteering, you can find him running marathons and reading. Adam enjoys spending his time with his wife, Kelly, and his dogs Foxy & Luna. Adam would like to thank the amazing production staff for all that they do!