1776, The Musical Cast

Jack is pleased to return in Ghostlight's second production of 1776. Jack last appeared for Ghostlight in "Urinetown: The Musical "and on Staten Island in "Doctor Faustus" for SIST last year. Check out his zombie punk cabaret The Flesh Junkies at a music venue near you!

Jeff is one of the founders of WSIA and a current member of radio station 88.9 at the College of Staten Island. Much water has passed under my bridge, to bring me to this point in my life. If and when you asked me if I would be performing in my first theatrical endeavor, a Ghostlight production of “1776” three months ago , I would say you be mad!! But, here I am and I am grateful to the entire cast and creative team for this opportunity!

Joe O’Malley is a New York–based actor whose work spans theater and film. He is thrilled to be making his Ghostlight debut. A graduate of Wagner College’s Theatre and Speech program, Joe has performed with companies including the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Allenberry Playhouse, and Sundog Theatre Company, with credits ranging from "The Tempest and Sherlock Holmes" to "Clue: The Musical" and "Damn Yankees." On camera, he has held both lead and supporting roles in independent projects. IG: @jomalley31

Samantha is overjoyed to be in Ghostlight's 1776. Previous theater credits include: Spotlight’s Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), JCS (Simon Zealotes), and Sound of Music (Sister Berte). With Ghostlight, The Fall of Falstaff (Doll Tearsheet) and soloist in The World Goes ‘Round. Love to Mom, Jess, and her favorite angel. Pins!

Some of Mitch's most recent work for Ghostlight Players include directing Saint Join in 2023 and Incident at Vichy in February of 2024. His acting credits for Ghostlight include appearances in The Man Who Came to Dinner, Arsenic and Old Lace , Lysistradas, A Gift for Santa, The Grapes of Wrath, and You Can't Take it With You.

A familiar face in the Staten Island Theater community, Jai was most recently seen as Dorn in Staten Island Shakespeare's production of "The Crucible".He has performed in many Regional Theaters across the country and in Europe but is happiest when he is working alongside his friends and loved ones at Ghostlight and the other companies on the Island. He is the proud winner of the Best Actor Award at the Santa Fe Film Festival for his performance in the film version of the stage play, "Hate Street:. He is very grateful to everyone who believes in him, most especially Gary, Charlie and his Crystal, the brightest gem in his world. He thanks you, our audiences and hope you enjoy the show!

JOSEPH DALY (Lewis Morris of NY) Joe has worked in Staten Island Community Theatre for nearly 50 years. In his early days he worked with nearly every single theatre group as either an actor,director or sound and set designer. He was Tranio in Taming of the Shrew for a very young SIST and Don Parrit in The Iceman Cometh for a very young Playwrights Theatre.Last year he directed The Grapes of Wrath for Ghostlight Players after directing A Few Good Men the previous year. Highlights of his 50 years...as an actor...include, Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird, Ken Talley in 5th of July, Cliff in Cabaret, The Nerd in The Nerd and Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie…and most recently, The Stage Manager in Our Town right here at CSI. Directorial endeavors include The Dining Room, The Diviners, Is There Life After High School?, Taming of the Shrew, Little Shop of Horrors and Hamlet in Space. Being in 1776 the Musical has been a blast to rehearse as you’re not likely to find many shows where almost three quarters of the cast are gentlemen of a certain age! In other words…all your theatre friend you have grown old with! I am grateful for all their friendships….young and old!

In 1977, after starring in numerous high school productions directed by Carl William Lesch, he was awarded a scholarship for musical theater at Wagner College. He also attended the Herbert Berghof school of theater in Manhattan. Over the years, he has performed in community theaters throughout Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan. His favorite role being Roscoe in Staten Island’s Civic Theater production of"Follies" in 1987, directed by the late Paul Guest Smith. In 2016 along with P.J. Nelson he put together cabaret acts and performed at the famous Don’t Tell Mama, in Manhattan’s theatre district. He has appeared in many St. George productions, most recently as a lead vocalist and master of ceremonies in their annual Christmas Show. In April of 2025 he had a leading role in the Ghostlight Players production of "And The World Goes Round". Most recently, in April 2026 he portrayed Caiaphas in the Spotlight Theater production of "Jesus Christ ,Superstar." He states the highlight of his theatrical career was performing the Ave Maria for his Eminence Cardinal Dolan at a 9/11 peace garden dedication.

Tony is thrilled to be performing again at the C.S.I. Center For The Performing Arts. Favorite roles include: Jim Devery, “Born Yesterday” SVPT, Rudolph, “Hello Dolly” Spotlight, Dr. Bradley, “The Man Who Came To Dinner”, Juror #5, “12 Angry Men” Ghostlight, Maurice, “Beauty And The Beast”, ITW. Much thanks to Gary and Charles for the opportunity to be part of this talented cast, and to Mimi for her constant love and support.

is thrilled to be part of this exciting CSI Center for the Arts/Ghostlight Players collaboration and to be reprising one of very favorite roles with an amazing cast and creative team! Old friends and new everywhere I look! A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this production!

Craig is happy to be here. Again!

Robert is thrilled to be performing in his FIFTH Ghostlight show, so Gary better get that t-shirt ready. Previous credits include Robert Livingston ("1776") and Medvedenko ("The Seagull)". “I’d like to dedicate this performance to Kieran, the other James Robert is thrilled to be performing in his FIFTH Ghostlight show, so Gary better get that t-shirt ready. As a history teacher, Robert is excited to inform his students that this show is indeed based on a true story. Previous credits include Robert Livingston ("1776"), Oliver ("As You Like It") and Medvedenko ("The Seagull"). “I’d like to dedicate this performance to Kieran, the old James Wilson, thanks for giving me your blessing and I hope I’ve made you proud. Love you, Kieran. Also to my wife, Kate. You’re doing great, honey.”. Love you, Kieran. Also Kate.”

Robert is proud to be a part of this singular production as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. He is a decades-long participant in local theater having worked with most Staten Island theater companies. Robert obtained his theater training at Fordham University at Lincoln Center

As a US history teacher, lecturer, site interpreter and lifelong student, as well as a six -decade member of the Island’s theater community, Rich is truly blessed with this opportunity to tell America’s origin story on its 250th. He thanks Charlie and Charlie, our cast, staff and crew for the chance to pledge, as our flawed Founders did and as we portray tonight, the ideals of our Birth Certificate/Document for the Ages.

Michael was a cast member of the production of "1776 "that was presented by the Wagner College theater department in 1976 to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial. He is thrilled to return to the show half a century later for the 250th anniversary celebration, and he dearly hopes that this country will still be around in recognizable form for the 300th anniversary.

Eli is very honored to perform in his fourth Staten Island community theatre show and third Ghostlight Players production, “1776”, at his Alma mater, the College of Staten Island. His past credits include Charles/First Lord in Staten Island Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of “As You Like It”, Sir Walter Blunt/Entourage 2 in Ghostlight Players production of “The Rise and Fall of Falstaff”, and as a singer in Ghostlight Players production of “And The World Goes Round”. Eli has been involved in performing arts on Staten Island from a very young age beginning in 2006 when he was a student at his mother's acting school Let's Create Drama Inc. He has participated in performing arts programs, concert choirs, and drama clubs throughout his school years, earning lead roles as Grandpa Joe in IS 24's production of "Willy Wonka" in 2012 and the Tin Man in Tottenville High School's production of "The Wizard of Oz" in 2015. Eli has also performed in and co-directed shows with the GRACE Foundation's Glee Club and Summer Stock Program since 2011 and has been involved with the Staten Island Zoo's annual Spooktacular Halloween event since 2022, as well as St. George Theatre’s production of “FrankenSTEM Returns” since 2024. Aside from being a gifted performer, he is also an aspiring historian with a BA degree and MA degree in History, as well as a Public History Certificate, from CSI. He is also a passionate advocate, activist, and motivational speaker for Staten Island's Autism and disability community, especially in his roles as an employee of the GRACE Foundation of New York and as a co-chair of the Willowbrook Legacy Committee. Eli would like to thank his family, friends, and community for supporting him in everything he has accomplished throughout his life, and he hopes to continue making everyone proud of him.

James McKeon is happy to back for another round with Ghostlight. Most recently he was featured in The Maltese Falcon, Bridges of Madison County and You Can’t Take it With You. A litigation attorney by day, James has also been a part of local productions with various theatre companies around the Island, including SIST, Sundog Theatre, Spotlight Theatre, amongst others. He can also be seen as part of Kill-Her Entertainment’s Murder Mysteries. James thanks Gary, Charles, and Katie for all of their work, and the cast for sharing in what has been a historical experience. Virginia is for lovers. And, as always, he thanks you for coming to #SeeTheShow

Sophia Condon is thrilled to be back with Ghostlight! Her recent credits include the Country Singer in Bridges of Madison County and #46 in The Wolves, both with Ghostlight, and Sara in Stop Kiss with Sea View Playwright's. She dedicates this performance to her mother, the strongest woman she knows.

John is thrilled to be performing again! John extends a Laurel and Hardy handshake to his parents, Kathleen and Fred; his siblings, nieces and nephews; and in-laws for their unwavering support. Above all, he thanks his wife, Nicole, and their children, Johnny and Caterina, for giving him the greatest role of all: “Dad”

BJ is thrilled to be making his Ghostlight debut. He holds a BA in musical theatre from Wagner College. Last summer he performed as Tevye ("Fiddler on the Roof") with CSI Summer Theatre. Favorite roles include Sid ("The Pajama Game)", Curly "(Oklahoma!)", Christie’s husband, and Liam and Logan’s dad. Thanks to Gary and both Charlies!

Nick is delighted to be reprising his role as Dr Lyman Hall, which he previously performed in Ghostlight’s 2019 production of "1776". Other Staten Island performances include "You Can’t It With You" (Ed), "The Grapes of Wrath" (Tom Joad), "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe" (Nick)," A Few Good Men" (Jack Ross), "Taming of the Shrew" (Luciento). Nick is very appreciative of the cast, crew and his wife Nora, but would like to take the opportunity to thank Mina and Gosha…. If the United States were to distill its 250 years of audacity, courage, and untamed spirit into a living form, surely it would arrive, quite naturally, at Mina & Gosha. Not in marble statues, not in fluttering flags, but in the regal flick of Gosha’s tail and the thunderous, liberty-resonant purr of Mina. If there were fireworks worthy enough to honor this quarter-millennium milestone, they would spell your names across the sky. You two are the spirit of innovation, the courage of explorers, the unapologetic confidence of a nation that dared to say: Can I get some chicken?

Good colonists, pray attend. This humble player doth take the boards in 1776 having, during the course of human events, afore trod them at the CSI Center for the Arts as Lazar Wolf in "Fiddler on the Roof" and Doc Gibbs in "Our Town." He reckons himself singularly favored to perform in such spirited, patriotic company and holds this truth to be self-evident. With grateful heart for its High and noble effort, he salutes this mo"st talented assembly; wishing for all its members a grievous fracture of the limb

John is a retired English/Drama teacher This is John’s third production with Ghostlight Players having previously appeared in Saint Joan (Cauchon) and the sweltering 2019 production of 1776 (Hancock). John also appeared as Judge Haywood in the Staten Island Shakespeare Theater production of Judgement at Nuremberg.

John has been a member of Spotlight Youth and Repertory Theatre since he was 9. He is excited and very grateful to be in his first Ghostlight production portraying the role of Courier in "1776".  John’s Spotlight Repertory credits include Les in “Newsies”, Billy in “School of Rock” and most recently, ensemble and Ricky understudy in “Ride the Cyclone”. His Spotlight Youth credits include Michael in “Mary Poppins”, Bruce in “Matilda”, and Buddy in “Elf Jr.” John is a rising senior at Msgr. Farrell high school, where he is a Farrell Player. Performing as Lonnie in “Rock of Ages” in 2024, he was nominated for a Minty as best supporting actor. His sophomore year with the Farrell Players was as Peter in their 2025 production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Just recently he did his junior year production of “Damn Yankees” portraying the role of Van Buren and was nominated for a Minty Award this year as best supporting actor. In addition to theatre, John is a member of the Farrell Music Studio, currently writing and recording original songs, playing guitar and bass. He is also a member of the International Thespian Honor Society. John would like to thank his family, friends, and all the amazing directors in Ghostlight and CSI Theater. And to the extremely talented cast and crew of 1776…break legs!

Liam is happy to be performing in his first Ghostlight production. He is a longtime member of Staten Island Children’s Theatre Association (SICTA). Favorite past roles include Rooster ("Annie"), Le Fou ("Beauty and the Beast)", Albert ("Bye Bye Birdie"), and Oliver Twist ("Oliver"!). Thanks to Charlie, Gary, and the entire cast!

Tom Zerega is now performing in his third show with Ghostlight Productions. He was last seen in their productions of “The Grapes of Wrath” and “A Few Good Men”. He is grateful to Ghostlight for their quality productions an the opportunity it affords Tom to work with so many old friends as well as new ones.

Jeff Rosenberg is thrilled to be making his Ghostlight debut! Last summer he was seen in FIDDLER, and he has appeared in many productions throughout SI/NJ. Favorites include Charlie Brown YAGMCB and Riff WSS. Many thanks to this incredible cast and production staff. Love to Steven, Manth, and Thumper!

Tom has been doing shows since, well… a long time. He has performed a range of characters from aristocrats / ne'er-do-wells to servants of various nationalities, and downright loonies. This is his first show with the Players, and he is very excited to be joining this great cast and crew for this amazing production!

This is Tom's 7th Ghostlight show and his 3rd at CSI. Previous Ghostlight credits: "1776" (2019), "A Christmas Carol", "Saint Joan," "Arsenic and Old Lace," "Incident at Vichy," and "The Grapes of Wrath." Last year he appeared in "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Our Town" at CSI. Recent musical credits: "The Sound of Music" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" (both with Spotlight Theatre). Tom has two personal connections to the events depicted in "1776:" his wife, Liz Price, is a Daughter of the American Revolution; and in July 2016, Tom was a delegate at another Philadelphia convention with similar arguments about revolution and compromise. Tom is incredibly grateful to the entire cast and crew for this opportunity, and to his family for all of their support, but most of all grateful to you, the audience, for keeping community theatre alive and allowing every one of us to find our corner of the sky