Beauty and the Beast Jr. Cast

Danielle Bova plays the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She has been doing the JFK musicals since 4th grade (3 years). She has been in Hooray for Hollywood, High School Musical 2 (Gabriella), Frozen (young Elsa), Mini Musical (Sharpette chorus), and The Nutcracker (storyteller). Some activities that she does in school are quiz bowl and the musical. A fun fact about her is that she has 4 siblings and she used to play the clarinet. Her favorite memory is from last year's musical (HSM2) because she was able to do it with her sister. She would like to thank her friends for always being there and making the musical experiences the best they can be. She would also like to thank Miss Mary, Mr. Tresky, and Miss Brown. And a special thanks to Miss J for making all of these musicals possible, and for putting up with everyone even when they make it impossible.

Mario Stiehler plays the role of the Beast/Prince. This is his first year participating in a JFK musical. Mario also participates in Basketball, track and field, Math 24, altar serving, and Student Government. A fun fact about Mario is that he was not set on participating in the musical until Miss Janocha and Miss Mary convinced him on the day of auditions. Now he can’t thank them enough for talking him into this wonderful opportunity. Mario would like to thank all of his teachers that are assisting him in the musical, but Mario would like to especially thank Miss Brown, Miss Janocha, Miss Mary and Mr. Tresky and his parents, Dennis and Jill Stiehler, for helping make him the best Beast and Prince he can be. Mario also wants to thank his best friend and best Maurice ever, Mathew Chaido. Mathew is one of the main reasons Mario decided to audition for this year’s musical. Mathew and Mario have stuck by each other’s side throughout everything from sitting with him at every rehearsal and auditioning with him, but especially when Mario was re-casted to be the Beast and Mathew was going to take over his role as Maurice. Mario was over the moon for his best friend, and was so excited for them both to be leads in this year’s musical. But last, but not ever least, he’d like to thank Miss Janocha and Miss Mary one last time, because without their magical works in helping him gain confidence, courage, patience, and love for musical theater, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

Russell Douglass is playing the role of Gaston in this year's Beauty and the Beast. In previous JFK productions, he was Drosselmeyer (in the Nutcracker) and King of the Trolls (in Frozen). This 6th grader likes baseball, playing the guitar, Math, and going to Steeler games! At school, Russell participates in Student Government, Chorus, and basketball. Russell would like to thank Mrs. Stevenson, Miss Janocha, Mary, and all the teachers and parents who make JFK productions possible. Shout out to baby Leo for making rehearsals fun! Follow me to an entertaining show.

Ben Sulkowski has been participating in the musical for four years! His first musical was Grease, in 3rd grade. He went on to be Bulda, the Rock Troll, in 4th grade, ensemble in 5th grade, The Rat King in 6th grade, and now he will be portraying the role of Lefou in "Beauty and the Beast"!! Besides the musical productions, Ben is involved in dance--hip-hop, tap, ballet, and jazz--Student Government, band, Schola, and chorus. Ben's favorite musical memory is when he got to talk to the people in the crowd during the Nutcracker! A fun fact about Ben is that he has no fun facts about himself. Ben would like to thank Miss Janocha, Miss Brown, Miss Mary, Mrs. Janocha, the rest of the Janocha family, and especially Donald Sulkowski.

Matthew Chaido plays Maurice and is a server in the musical. He has been performing musicals for 2 years and has also done the mini musical too. In the last 2 musicals he has been an ensemble but this year is Matthew’s first year as a lead. He is super excited to be stepping up to a lead. Matthew participates in basketball, track, and cross country. A fun fact about him is that he wasn’t actually casted to be Maurice in the show but was casted to be the baker but then after changes to the cast list he was re-casted as Maurice. Matthew would like to thank Miss Janocha, Miss Brown, and Miss Mary. for encouraging me to get involved in the musicals. He would like to give a special thanks to Miss Mary for folding all his clothes, making sure he looks nice on stage, and keeping him organized. Also Matthew would like to thank his father for teaching Matthew how to be the father. He would like to thank his friends, family, and directors for helping him in this show.

Anna Sawyer is playing the role of Lumiere. She is currently in 8th grade. She has been doing musicals for 4 years, and this is her 6th show. Anna is involved in basketball, volleyball, student government, PJAS, and quizbowl. She was in the ensemble for Thoroughly Modern Millie in 5th grade, Middle Anna in Frozen in 6th grade, Sharpay twice for High School Musical and High School Musical 2 in 7th grade, Clara in The Nutcracker for the fall production of 8th grade, and now, a French candle who acts too American. A fun fact about her is that she plays the piano, loves the color pink, and has the personality of Cogsworth. She loves doing the shows with her two sisters who she loves very much. They are Lia, who is playing Chip, and Sophia, who is a silly girl, napkin, and wolf. Her sisters are a big part of her life, and they always make her smile. Anna's favorite memory was during The Nutcracker when she had to awkwardly "fly" on a carriage. She would like to thank Mrs. Janocha for helping with the costumes, Miss Brown and Miss Janda for being stage managers, Mr. T for wearing pink and helping with the songs, Mrs. Mary for helping her have a single clue of how to sing Be Our Guest, her parents, her friends, especially Meghan, who always encourages her to be her best and actually try, and finally, Miss J for making this show possible and not losing her sanity when Anna asks too many questions. Anna is so grateful to participate in these shows, and she hopes her last musical here is one no one will ever forget! It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you tonight. And now, we invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair, as John F. Kennedy Catholic School proudly presents... Beauty and the Beast!

William Gehrlein plays Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast . This is his second year performing in the musicals and his first as a lead role. Will is thrilled to be a lead this year. In addition to drama club, Will participates in basketball, track, cross country, and band. Will was cast in the part for which his sister wanted, but she also received a lead role. In addition to his acting skills, he is an awesome brother to Grace and Robbie, and his parents are super proud of him for going out of his comfort zone and trying out for a lead. A fun fact about Will is that outside of school, he also plays soccer. His favorite memory so far from doing the musicals is when Mario and Matthew hung up the Betsy Ross Flag from Grace’s costume on the wall backstage. Will would like to thank Mr. Tresky, Miss Mary, Miss Janocha, Miss Brown, and Mrs. Janocha for their support and dedication to this amazing show. Will also wants to thank his big sister Grace for encouraging him to audition for the musical.

Grace Gehrlein plays Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. She has been performing in musicals for 4 years now. She has had several ensemble roles in Hooray for Hollywood and Frozen Take 2, but she had her first lead roles as Ms. Fulton (High School Musical 2), Joy the Storyteller (The Nutcracker), and now the one and only Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. Grace participates in Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field, PJAS, Band, and is the Secretary of the Student Government. A fun fact about her is that she originally wanted to be casted as Cogsworth, but her brother got the part (which she isn't exactly mad about). Her favorite memory was when she brewed up wild stories about what happened to Mr. Potts to appease all six of her bubbly children in the show, and when they were all asking her who her favorite child was. Grace would like to thank Miss Brown, Mr. Tresky, and Miss Mary for helping her be the best person she can, on and off the stage. She would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Janocha for getting and organizing all of the costumes (especially her big teapot dress). She would like to thank her parents, Jen and Bill, for allowing her to do the show, Robbie for always putting her in the French mindset by screaming, "Oui, oui baguette", and a big thanks to her brother Will for listening to her and auditioning for a lead role. Grace would also like to thank Lia, Gina, Savina, Frances, Adalyne, and Maddox for being the best and bubbliest teacups a teapot could ask for, even when they kept annoying her with countless questions and comments. Last but not least, she would like to thank Miss Janocha for being the best director and choreographer JFK has ever seen. Without her, Grace wouldn't be able to have this amazing opportunity. Snaps to you, Miss J!

Annabel plays the role of Babette. She is currently in the 8th grade. She has been performing in musicals for 4 years. She was in the ensemble for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Frozen, and High School Musical 1 and 2. She was a flower in the Nutcracker, and now flirty Babette. Annabel is involved in volleyball, PJAS, cheerleading, and band. Her favorite memory is when she, Meghan, and Grace had to practice harmonizing with Mr. Tresky, and she had to stand in the corner so Meghan didn't get confused with her part and Annabel's (it was really funny). A fun fact about her is she plays club volleyball. Annabel would like to thank Mr. Tresky, Miss Janda, Miss Mary, and Mrs. Janocha. A special thanks to Miss Brown for always making her laugh, and making her feel like she can tell Miss Brown anything. Another special thanks to Miss J for making this whole experience fun and possible. She is very grateful to have shared this experience with all her friends, and she is sad to see them go as she moves on to high school next year. She will always remember this epic journey through her middle school years and sad to say her last goodbyes.

Meghan Coyle plays Madame de la Grande Bouche. She has been performing in musicals for 6 years now. She has played, Annie (Broadway Follies), Nala (Broadway Follies), young Anna (Frozen take 1), Millie (Hooray for Hollywood), snow chorus (Frozen take 2), Gabriella (Mini Musical), Taylor (High School Musical 2), storyteller (The Nutcracker), and now Madame of the Big mouth in Beauty and the Beast. Meghan participates in volleyball, quiz bowl, Track and Field, PJAS, and Student Government. A fun fact about her is that she has her black belt in karate. Meghan would like to thank Miss Brown, Mr. Tresky, and Miss Mary for helping her be the best wardrobe she can be. She would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Janocha for getting and organizing all of the costumes. She couldn’t perform without her. She would also like to give appreciation to the best friend and best candlestick in the world, Anna. Anna is the fire that motivates her. Last but definitely not least, she would like to thank the best director, producer, choreographer, and lyricist that she knows, Miss J, for giving her confidence, patience, love, and lots of SPARKLE✨!

Lia Sawyer is playing the role of Chip. Her favorite chip is Doritos. She is in 4th grade. She has been doing musicals for 3 years, and this is her first time being a lead! Lia was a troll in Frozen in 2nd grade, a Wildcat in High School Musical in 3rd grade, and a flower in The Nutcracker in the fall musical in 4th grade. She plays basketball and participates in girl scouts and math club. A fun fact about Lia is that she loves singing. She also plays the piano, clarinet, and soccer. Her favorite memory was when Mario carried Matthew across the stage. She would like to thank Mrs. Mary, Mrs. Janocha, Miss Brown, Miss Janda, Mr. Tresky, Miss Janocha, Mom, Dad, family, and friends. Lia would also like to thank her older sisters, Anna and Sophia who are also in the show. She thanks everyone for cheering her up and supporting her throughout the musicals. She thanks you all and hopes you enjoy the show. But the only question is does she still have to sleep in the cupboard?

Ava Porter is playing the role of the Enchantress/Old Hag. This is her 6th year performing in the musical. She has performed in On Broadway, Hooray For Hollywood, Frozen, High School Musical 2 Jr., The Nutcracker, and now Beauty and the Beast Jr. Ava is involved in a competitive dance team for Moschettas Performing Arts Center, and takes all styles of dance-tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, and jazz. She is also involved in PJAS. Her favorite memory is when in the sharpette's dressing room, she squeezed Madi's Gatorade water bottle and it exploded everywhere during a HSM2 performance. Ava would like to thank Miss Janocha, Miss Mary, and Mrs. Janocha for always putting up with everyone and making the musicals amazing. She would like to thank Cassidy and Abby for doing the sound and lights. Also, Ava would thank the former sharpettes, Finnley, Gracie, Katie, Janie, Madi, Sophia S, and Annaleigh. She is excited to share the stage with everyone one last time.

Rogan Shimkus plays the role of Monsieur D’ Arque and is in the 5th grade. He is involved in band, choir, math club, cross country and track. Rogan’s favorite memory is running through the audience during High School Musical 2, Jr singing "What Time is It" with the rest of the cast. A fun fact is that he has his own YouTube channel called Rogansaurus Rex. Rogan would like to thank his Mom for helping him practice.

Lucy has been participating in the JFK musical for seven years. Her first performance was in second grade when she played a Who in Seussical Jr. After that, she went on to play several parts in On Broadway, Frozen Jr, and High School Musical 2 Jr. Lucy played her first lead this year in the fall production, the Nutcracker, as Mother Staulbaulm. Outside of musicals, Lucy participates in PJAS, Student Government, volleyball, choir, and chorus. Her favorite memory was wandering around and being a general annoyance at musical practices she wasn't supposed to technically be at in Kindergarten. Lucy's favorite show to participate in was Seussical Jr, but loved watching The Little Mermaid Jr in first grade. A fun fact about Lucy is that almost the entire fourth grade class that is in the musical only addresses her as "mother" or "mom". Lucy would like to thank Miss J, Miss Brown, Miss Mary, Mrs. Janocha, and Mr. Tresky for helping. She would also like to thank her family and Grace G for putting up with her throughout the years.

Jane Bieranoski plays the role of the Narrator/Bookseller. She has been participating in the musicals for seven years. Jane also participates in Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, Student Government, PJAS, Quizbowl, and Altar Serving. She has played a Who, Jane Banks, Oaken's family, Sharpette, Storyteller, and is now a Narrator. A fun fact about Jane is that she is going to Disney World!!!! She also loves old movies and musicals. Her favorite memory is when she would be the very last Sharpette out of the dressing room because she is such a slow changer. Jane, Cassidy, and Gracie Littlecottt would like to thank Batman (Uncle Mike) for all the great lessons in basketball. Janie would like to thank Miss Brown and Mr. Tresky for always being fun. Also, Madi, Ava, and Annaleigh for being the best friends ever. She would also like to thank Mrs.Janocha for giving her the best costumes, Miss Mary for always lending me her clothes and letting me make her laugh, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for always being there for her, her parents for being her biggest supporters throughout everything, and finally her big brother JJ for being the best Charlie Brown in the whole world. But she couldn't forget Miss Janocha. She would like to thank Miss Janocha for giving her fun experiences at the Gala trips, trying to sing the lyrics while choreographing, reminding her to smile, and being the best director JFK has ever seen. Thank you to everybody who has helped her make it through this production and in her life. Show time!

Samara Keith plays Elouise (Narrator) in Beauty and the Beast JR. She has been in the JFK musical for 2 years since she came to JFK. She was in the Mini Musical as the Sharpette chorus, High School Musical 2 as a Hairdresser/Wildcat and The Nutcracker Prince as Louise. Outside of the musical, she is on the varsity basketball team, the varsity track team and she rides horses in eventing at the novice level. Samara's favorite memory of the musical is when her dress didn't fit her for the Nutcracker Prince so her friend had to hold it up on stage. She would like to thank Miss J, Miss Mary, Mr. Tresky, and Miss Brown because they are always helping and no one knows how they put up with everyone.

Kaitlyn Cuniak plays the role of Juliet (Narrator), Villager, and plate. She has been participating in the musical since 3rd grade. Kaitlyn had played multiple roles including Sandy (Hooray for Hollywood), Young Anna (Frozen), and Storyteller (Nutcracker). At JFK, Kaitlyn plays the flute in the band, chorus, and schola. Kaitlyn is in her first year of classes at the Pittsburgh Musical Theater Conservatory. (PMT) Kaitlyn wishes to thank her family, Miss Janocha, and all the teachers at JFK that make the musical possible.

Katie Martinez plays the roles of Claudette/Les Filles de la Ville, Wolf, and Napkin. She is also dance captain. Katie has been participating in the musical for three years. She has been in Frozen Jr., High School Musical 2 Jr., and The Nutcracker. Katie also participates in Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, Cheerleading, and PJAS. A fun fact about Katie is that she always enjoys being in the dancing groups. Her favorite memory is when Ava, Madi, and her had to build a dressing room for the Sharpettes to change in. Katie would first like to thank all of her friends for convincing her to do the musical three years ago. She would not have been able to get through those years without them and also have so much fun with them. She would then like to thank her parents for making this all possible for her and encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone and perform on stage. Lastly she would like to thank Miss Brown, Miss Janda, Mr. Tresky, Mrs. Janocha, Miss Mary, and Miss Janocha for all they have done for her and all the other things to make this musical amazing. Without them the musical would not be possible. Katie is going to miss doing the musical and all the amazing people she has met along the way.

Annaleigh Brown plays the role of Laurette/Les Filles de la Ville, Wolf, and Napkin. She has been participating in the musicals for two years. Annaleigh also participates in Volleyball, Cheer, Student Government, PJAS, and Chorus/Choir. She has played a Drama kid (mini musical) Sharpette (HSM2), Flower (Nutcracker), and is now a Silly girl. A fun fact about Annaleigh is that she has been to 17 countries! She also loves old movies and 70's and 80's rock music. Her favorite musical memory is when the Sharpettes had to get folding tables and make a wall so they could have a "changing room," and the sheets kept falling down, so she and Madi had to go find something to hold it up as they changed. Annaleigh would like to thank Miss Brown for always listening and giving advice, and also for listening to the drama and having the best reactions. She would also like to thank Mr. Tresky for teaching the Silly girls to sing the songs, and for being patient as they tried to learn to sing high. Also, Janie for being the best friend she could ask for, and for always doing something to cheer her up. She would also like to thank Grace L., Danielle, Madi, Anna, and Sophia, as well as the rest of the Silly girls and cast for being supporting and funny, and being great to work with. Annaleigh would also like to thank Mrs. Janocha for being patient while Grace and her would ask her where her outfit was from (she has the best Disney and Lilly Pulitzer outfits,) and Miss Mary for helping her when she didn't understand her math homework, and for always helping her remember the dances. Annaleigh's parents have played a big part in her joining the musical, and she would also like to thank Mrs. Moore for picking her up whenever they couldn't. She would also like to thank her sister, Adalyne, who plays one of Chip's siblings. Last, but definitely not least, she would like to thank Miss Janocha for inspiring her to do the musical, and for making up the choreography while she was singing the song at practice. Miss J. is one of the reasons Annaleigh loves JFK so much, and the musicals wouldn't be what they are without you, Miss J!

Madilyn Moore is in 8th grade and is playing the role of Paulette/Les Filles de la Ville/Wolf/Napkin. This is her fifth year being involved with the JFK Musicals with her previous roles being in High School Musical 2, On Broadway, Frozen Jr, and the mini musical. Madilyn participated in stage crew during the fall Nutcracker performance. Alongside the musical she is involved in PEAQ and Elmhurst swim teams, piano lessons, PJAS, and student council, where she is the Social Chair, and has had fun planning the middle school dances. A fun fact about Madilyn is that she loves traveling and going on vacations. Some of her favorite places she has visited are Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Disney World. Her favorite memory was in the Sharpette's dressing room backstage her good friend, Ava, spilled her Gatorade water bottle and it exploded everywhere during a HSM2 performance. Madilyn has had so much fun doing these musicals with her younger sister, Juliana, who is a plate in Be Our Guest, and a Tavern Girl/Villager in Gaston. Madilyn would like to thank Mrs. Janocha for all the beautiful costumes that she puts together, Mr. Tresky and Miss Mary for helping her learn many songs, Miss Brown and Miss Janda for all they do backstage to help this show go on. She would like to thank Cassidy and Abby for doing the sound and lights. Madilyn would also like thank the former Sharpettes (Finnley, Gracie L., Katie, Janie, Ava, Sophia S., and Annaleigh) who she had such an amazing time with during the HSM2 show. These girls are some of her very best friends that she will greatly miss in the years to come. She is excited to share the stage with all of them one last time. She would like to thank her parents for sending her to JFK, where she can participate in all these amazing shows where she makes memories that will last a lifetime. And last but certainly not least, she would like to thank Miss J. for getting her into theater and putting up with all of us. She does so many things to make all these shows amazing. Madilyn plans to attend Trinity High School next year and she aspires to be in their theater and musical productions. Madilyn is going to miss everything about the JFK musical productions and she promises to come back and attend all future shows in the years to come!

Hope Herrmann is the assistant stage manager and runs the curtain. She has assisted in both The Nutcracker and now Beauty and the Beast. Hope's favorite memory is watching the shows slowly come together for an amazing end result. She would like to thank Miss Mary for helping find the materials we need for the show. Mrs. Janocha for making the backstage run smoothly and guiding Hope during performances. Hope would also like to thank Miss J, Mr. Tresky, Miss Brown for being great assistants and dealing with all the kids. Lastly, a fun fact about Hope is she participates in basketball and track and field.

Cassidy Seng is in the 8th and has been participating in the musical for 4 years. She also participates in QuizBowl, PJAS, Volleyball, and Basketball. A fun fact about Cassidy is she really loves to play club volleyball. Cassidy wants to thank her mom because she is nice.

Abby Papson is part of the stage crew for Beauty and the Beast JR. She is currently in the 8th grade and this is her first year working on the crew. She also performed in musicals for two years. Abby participates in Cross Country, Basketball, Cheerleading, Track and Field, PJAS, Quiz Bowl and is also the President of the Student Government. Fun fact about Abby is that she has won six Diocesian Championships while at JFK. She would like to thank all of her friends who have included and supported her in this exciting project. She would also like to thank Miss Janocha and Miss Brown who have always been so encouraging. Abby would also like to thank Mr. Smith, who helps her with the lighting, and makes it so much more enjoyable! She hopes that she and her friends have a great show!

They will appear in various scenes throughout the show.

They will appear in scene 7.

They will appear in the prologue, scene 5, 7, 11, and 13.

They will appear in scene 7.

They will appear in scene 7.

They will appear in scene 7.

They will appear in scene 7 and scene 9.

They will appear in scene 1, 6, 12, and 13.

They will appear in scene 1, 6, 12, and 13.

They will appear in scene 7 and scene 9.