Disney The Little Mermaid Cast

Becca Ader (Adult Ensemble)
Becca Ader is excited to be making her musical debut alongside her beautiful daughters, Nora and Lucy and her amazing sister, Sabrina. She is thankful to her family for teaching her that it's never too late to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Becca dedicates her performance to her dad in heaven, who would be both extremely proud and a little shocked to see his introverted daughter on stage.
Lucy Ader (Children's Ensemble)
Lucy Ader is delighted to be performing in her second musical. She was previously seen as a villager and enchanted spoon in Beauty and the Beast. Lucy is a 5th grader who enjoys reading, writing, and drawing. Enjoy the show!
Nora Ader (Adult Ensemble)
Nora is so excited to be a part of The Little Mermaid! This is her first show with Spotlight and fifth show overall, and some of her past roles include a featured dancer in The Music Man and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. She is a freshman at Lincoln-Way West, where she is a madrigal singer and is playing a mum in Matilda. Nora has had an incredible time being in this musical!
Emily Miller- Amato (Arista)
Emily has participated in countless theatrical productions on stage and off, some favorites being Chava (Fiddler on the Roof), Cinderella (Into the Woods), and Wednesday (The Addams Family Musical). Emily is currently the General Music teacher at Anna McDonald Elementary School in Manhattan, and she would like to thank the cast and production staff of this show for creating a collaborative, fun, and supportive environment. This includes her husband Joe and son Jamie, who are also appearing in the show! Cheers!
Jamie Amato (Children's Ensemble)
Jamie is making his second Spotlight appearance here! Last year, he participated in his first theatrical production, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! He is a third-grader at Milne-Grove School in Lockport, and he has grown up in the theatre, since his parents are theatre teachers. He also loves theatre tech as much as performing. Break a leg, everyone!
Joseph Amato  (Chef Louis)
Joe is thrilled to continue his work with Spotlight! You may remember him as the music director for Spotlight Arts Collective’s recent productions of The Rocky Horror Show, The SpongeBob Musical (Youth Edition), and Joseph…Dreamcoat, and onstage as Lonny in Rock of Ages. Joe lives in Lockport and is the choir director for Hadley Middle School and Home Junior High in Homer Glen. Some other favorite productions include Fiddler (director), Godspell (director), Gomez Addams (The Addams Family), Lazar Wolf (Fiddler), and Bobby Strong (Urinetown). A big thank you goes out to his wife Emily and son Jamie for all their love and support!
Mandy Korst Berg (Leeward/Ensemble)
Mandy Korst Berg is a long time musical theatre lurker and first time performer. She is excited that her first role is alongside her fellow sistahhhs Carli and Kate. Mandy was last seen in the Reinholtz production of Thriller as Winnie Sanderson. When she is not out seeing Broadway shows, she is singing and dancing along with them in her car or traveling the world. Mandy is grateful to her Mom, family, friends, and cat Obi Juan for their continued love and support. Special thanks to her husband Joe for always believing in her and going along with her shenanigans. This one is for you Joey.
Lamari Brock (Adult Ensmble)
Lamari Brock is thrilled to be in Spotlight’s Mermaid-tactic musical! He has been in productions like Addams Family, Guys and Dolls, and Clue. He wants to thank his best friends Kwabria and Ayana, His previous director Tyler, and previous cast mates, especially Michael! He also wants to give a special thanks to the people who put on this production!
Sabrina Buckner (Adult Ensemble)
After having last performed in the late 1900s, Sabrina is elated to grace the stage once again with her fabulous sister and nieces in Spotlight’s The Little Mermaid! Off stage, Sabrina spends precious time with her family and works as a Senior Analyst for Versiti Blood Centers. She dedicates her performance to her beloved father, William Paul Purvis, who passed away in 2022 but remains ever-present in the hearts of his family."
Abriella Caravette (Adella)
Abriella is excited for her first Spotlight production! Hailing from New Lenox, she is thrilled to return to the stage where her theatrical journey began in high school. She pursued her love for film and theatre in college, later coming full circle having the opportunity to serve as the theatre Graduate Assistant at her alma mater. Currently serving as the Managing Director for BAMtheatre in Hinsdale, Abriella is thankful for the abundance of theatre in her life. Recent productions include The Addams Family (Wednesday), Cinderella (Dancing Guest), and While the Lights Were Out (Alma). Thanks to God for His blessings, her friends and family for their unwavering support, and this incredible cast for making this production a memorable experience!
Jessica Cepolski  (Ariel)
Jessica Cepolski is so honored to be a part of this production of the Little Mermaid! When not performing on stage, she works as a music and art teacher for elementary and junior high students. She has always had a love and passion for music and the theatre and loves to share that passion with her students, helping them put on musicals and shows of their own. Some favorite credits of hers include Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Ariel in Footloose, Inga in Young Frankenstein, and Cinderella in Into the Woods. She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their continuous love and support. Enjoy the show!
Amelia Chavez (Allana)
Amelia Chavez (Allana the Mersister) is incredibly excited to be in her second show at Spotlight Arts Collective. She is working full time in the Orland Park area while working on Ordinary Days, a musical for Genesius Guild in Hammond, Indiana. Previous credits include: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Spotlight Arts Collective) and THE ADDAMS FAMILY (The Drama Group) “ I want to thank my family and friends for unwavering support whenever another show comes along. You all are truly the best and I am the luckiest person ever”.
Katie Christensen (Aquata)
Katie Christensen (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of this production as Aquata! Previous roles include Janet Weiss in Rocky Horror (Spotlight), Diana in Next to Normal (MPTG), Belinda in Dido and Aeneas (Saint Xavier University), and chorus roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and The Sound of Music (Lincoln-Way North). She is so excited to be able to play a role in the musical based on her favorite childhood movie. Katie would like to thank her family, friends, and husband for being so supportive and understanding through every show she does.
Liam Donahue (Children's Ensemble)
Liam is excited to be in another show along side his twin sister, Kayleigh and his father. Liam loves all kinds of music and loves to perform. He also loves to play soccer and football. Liam would like to thank his parents and the rest of his family for supporting him in everything he does.
Kayleigh Donahue (Children's Ensemble)
Kayleigh is happy to be back on stage again in another production with Spotlight. She is excited to join the stage with her brother, Liam, and her dad. Kayleigh loves music and to dance. She also loves gymnastics. Kayleigh would like to thank her parents and family for all of their support.
Marty Donahue (Pilot)
Marty is thrilled to be on stage again in his second show with spotlight. He is also happy to be doing the show with his twins Kayleigh and Liam. Marty would like to thank his family and friends for all their support!
Anna Dotzenrod (Children's Ensemble)
Anna is excited to be performing in her third Spot Light Theater Program. She recently performed as the French narrator in SpongeBob the Musical. She was also in the children’s ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat. Anna enjoys singing in her church, school choir and playing cello. When not singing Anna can be found reading, drawing, or socializing with friends. Anna wants to thank her family for supporting her in her musical journey.
Joseph M. Fatigante  (Scuttle)
Joseph is positooviley excited to be reprising the role of Scuttle after 7 years! Joseph is a recent graduate from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in Middle Level Education with endorsements in Math & Science. He is now a 7th Grade Math Teacher. Previous credits include: THE ADDAMS FAMILY (William Street Rep), HAIRSPRAY (BrightSide Theatre), ELF (Community Players Theatre), and NEWSIES (Summer Place Theatre). “I would like to thank my family for supporting me in everything I do. Their support never goes unnoticed! Also quick shoutout to my MJHS family!
Eyl Fitzpatrick (Jetsam)
Eyl Fitzpatrick is thrilled to be participating in Spotlight’s production of The Little Mermaid as Jetsam, one of Ursula’s right hand eels. This is their second production with the company and their twenty seventh production overall. Some of their former credits include It’s A Wonderful Life as Rose Bailey/commercial singer, Clue as Mrs. Peacock, Into The Woods as The Witch, The Rocky Horror Show as Phantom/Featured Dancer, and many more. Eyl would like to thank their family and friends for their continuous love and support and hopes to deliver an electrifying performance while working under the mighty sea witch!
Emma Froeschle (Flounder)
Emma is thrilled to be joining Spotlight in her first production with this organization! Emma began her journey in theatre three years ago as Amaryllis in The Music Man. Since then, she has portrayed roles such as Young Karl in The Christmas Schooner, Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, Chip in Beauty and the Beast, and Pugsley in The Addams Family. Emma is twelve years old and in sixth grade at Manteno Middle School. When not on stage, Emma loves playing the drums, drawing or writing stories, choir, speech team, running, witty conversations, and eating chocolate chip cookies! She would like to thank her family for supporting her love of performing, and everyone involved in this production for being so inspiring and kind!
Ashlynn Grund (Children's Ensemble)
Ashlynn is excited to make her return to the stage in The Little Mermaid. This will be her third production with Spotlight. In her free time she enjoys singing, dancing, running, and spending time with her friends.
Amanda Hess (Adult Ensemble)
Amanda is delighted to be in The Little Mermaid again! Recently, Amanda was a stage manager at Orland Park Children's Theater and ensemble in the Wizard of Oz. She is grateful to be a part of a welcoming community at Spotlight Arts Collective. Amanda is excited to explore this much-loved story from her childhood with new people, and appreciates all support she has received over the years.
Margie Hess (Children's Ensemble)
Margie Hess is making her Spotlight Arts Collective debut in the children's choir. She has previously been in the Wizard of Oz as the Barrister munchkin and a flying monkey, the children’s choir in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, two of KVTA’s summer camps, landing her first solo this last summer as Junie B. Jones, Gracie Shinn in The Music Man, and Cousin Itt in The Addams Family. Margie is glad to have reconnected with old friends and appreciates the new ones she has made. The Little Mermaid has been a great experience!
Timmy Hess (Children's Ensemble)
TImmy Hess is making his Spotlight Arts Collective debut as a member of the children choir. He has previously been in the Wizard of Oz as a part of the Lollipop Guild and a flying monkey, and the children’s choir in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He is very happy to be doing a production with his sisters. Again.
Sarah Hoehn (Adult Ensemble)
Sarah is thrilled to be in her first musical with Spotlight Arts Collective, The Little Mermaid. She was recently in a production of Beauty and the Beast at her school, Bishop McNamara, as the Wardrobe. Sarah is the choir director at her church and her hobbies include arts and crafts, baking, and piano. She wants to thank her parents, her friend, Gina, and her whole family for their love and support.
Aleksandra Jachymiak (Children's Ensemble)
Aleksandra was in two musicals in the past few years and this will be Aleksandra’s third. The other musicals she has been in are “It’s a Jungle Out There” and “ SpongeBob Junior.” Aleksandra loves all types of art and has a big passion for theater. She is very excited!
Maggie Kociolek (Adult Ensemble)
Maggie is excited to be in her first family show at Spotlight! Past roles include Cleopatra in A Night at the Wax Museum, Madame de la Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Ugly Duckling in Shrek Jr., and Ensemble in Addams Family Young at Heart. Maggie's passions are music and creativity, such as writing songs, playing guitar and trumpet, singing, jewelry making, and fashion. She thanks everyone for coming to see the show!
Tilly Kociolek (Children's Ensemble)
Tilly is excited for her first musical theater performance! She has participated in her school Chorus as well as several years of Ballet and Jazz. She also plays violin and loves creating art. Tilly is looking forward to performing with her sister and her mom is the costumer!
Kate Laurich  (Windward/Ensemble )
Kate Laurich is grateful to be making her Spotlight debut alongside such a talented cast! Kate has been in over a dozen productions to date. Kate is an ESL teacher for 2nd and 3rd graders, and has also brought the love of the arts to drama club students. Kate wants to dedicate this performance to her beautiful son. Kate thanks her husband, family, and friends for encouraging her to return to the stage.
Leo Likins-Ehlers (Children's Ensemble)
Leo Likins-Ehlers is a third grader at Anna McDonald. Leo is a walking encyclopedia who loves playing board games, video games, basketball, and the piano. Leo is an avid reader and a big fan of graphic novels. This is Leo's first stage experience but he has always entertained teachers, friends, and family everywhere he goes!
Gina Mate (Adult Ensemble)
Gina Mate is excited to be performing in her second production of The Little Mermaid. By day, Gina is a first-grade teacher’s aide in a Catholic school. By night, she is a student in Lewis University’s Early Childhood Education program. Gina has been singing for nine years and has been in four musical productions. She wants to thank God, her teachers, her family, and her friends for getting her to where she is today.
Avalyn Martin (Children's Ensemble)
Avalyn Martin is a twelve year old seventh grade student at Laraway elementary school. This is her first production with Spotlight Arts Collective and this is her third theater production. Avalyn enjoys acting, watching musicals, dancing, singing, and playing softball. When she is not performing in or in the dance studio , she’s often found binge watching her favorite shows.
Jen Martinez (Adult Ensemble)
Jen is thrilled to be back with Spotlight for another production! You may have seen her previously in the Rocky Horror Show. When not attending shows or concerts, Jen likes to practice her tap dancing. Jen has had a great time working on the show and meeting new people. Jen would like to thank her #1 fan, Sean, for continuing to encourage her to pursue her dreams.
Sophia McCaffrey (Children's Ensemble)
Sophia is excited to join the cast in the children's ensemble. Sophia has performed with her school choir including at the Rialto Theater. Sophia earned her acting chops recently by performing locally in The Wizard of Oz, The Festival of the Gnomes, and Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose.
Lucy McDermott (Children's Ensemble)
Lulu McDermott, the lively 8-year-old 3rd grader, not only shines in her school choir and enjoys activities like yoga and softball but also possesses a fantastic imagination that comes to life through her love for pretend play. This creative spirit adds a magical touch to her adventures, making Lulu’s world a place where imagination knows no bounds. Her courage, kindness, and imaginative flair make her a truly special and beloved part of her family and friends' lives.
Nina McMahon  (Flotsam)
Nina McMahon is originally from New Lenox, IL and is a practicing speech-language pathologist. Prior to The Little Mermaid, Nina has been seen on the stage as a featured dancer and ensemble member in Footloose, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Rocky Horror Picture Show. She has also been seen on the theater stage as Betty Ann in Gumshoe High and as the Narrator in High-Schoolers Guide to the Galaxy. She is immensely grateful to be on the Spotlight stage again with another extremely talented cast, and wants to thank her husband, friends, and family for their never-ending love and support. She hopes you'll find her performance as Flotsam just as..."shocking"...as all those merfolk will.
Miles Kolby Meador (Grimsby)
Miles Kolby Meador hails from the small town of Oreana, IL. Currently residing in Manteno, he graduated from Olivet-Nazarene University with a degree in film studies and a theatre minor. Over 20+ years he has performed on stage and screen, most recently spending several years working Chicago's stand-up comedy circuit. In 2023, he returned to the stage, performing the roles of King Herod (Jesus Christ Superstar, KVTA), The Cowardly Lion (The Wizard of Oz, JDG), Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors, KVTA) Eddie/Dr. Scott (The Rocky Horror Show, Spotlight Productions), James Ryder (Sherlock Holmes, JDG), and Mortimer Brewster (Arsenic and Old Lace, JDG). This is his second show with Spotlight Productions, and he is incredibly grateful to his family and friends who have continued to support him in his passion for acting and the arts. He also wishes to thank his directors, castmates, and the production team, for bringing classic and colorful show together! Enjoy!
Logan Meder (Adult Ensemble)
Logan super excited to be working with Spotlight for a 2nd time! He is an actor and singer. He's been doing theater for 5-6 years now. He was Zeke (High School Musical Jr.), Mike Teevee (Willy Wonka), Steve (Almost, Maine), one of the Bad Idea Bears (Avenue Q), and Logan was a Partygoer for Spotlight's recent show "Rocky Horror Picture Show." He works as a grocery clerk at a local Jewel Osco. What he likes to do for his free time is sing, play video games, watch TV/Anime and post cosplay content on Tiktok. Logan's dream goal is to become a public actor and do movies in the future. He is thankful for his family for allowing him to do what h enjoys doing more than anything, and his friends who encourage him to express his passion on stage.
Zachariah Mitcheff (Adult Ensemble)
Zachariah Mitcheff is thrilled to be apart of his first Spotlight Theatre Production. Previous credits include (Eddie) "A View From The Bridge", (Roger) "The Curious incident of the dog in the night", and ( Kyle ) "Legally blonde."
Victorya Morales  (Adult Ensemble)
Victorya is a 13-year-old girl who loves sports and theater. She grew up going to her town's high school musicals. She thought they were amazing. She loved the lights, the songs, and all the dancing. When she got to middle school, she had many sports opportunities and found out you could try out for a spot in the local theater program. She tried out every year for Descendants, Newsies, and this year for the High School Musical. Victorya will be going to high school next year where she will continue her passion for theater.
Carli Reinholtz (Ursula)
Carli returns to Spotlight Arts Collective after appearing in All Together Now in 2021. Her favorite acting credits include Tracy in Hairspray, Mom in Leaving Iowa, Rona Lisa Perretti in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Glory/Rhonda in Almost, Maine. By day, she is an academic advisor at Lewis University where she is also a proud alumna. She would like to thank her parents for their unconditional love, her husband, Mark, for being her partner-in-crime, and her best friend, A.J., for being her favorite poor unfortunate soul. She would also like to thank her “little poopsies”, Mandy and Kate, for their support! Finally, she would like to dedicate this performance to her daughter, Mila: embrace the power of your voice; it deserves to be heard.
Kevin Reutter (King Trition )
Kevin is thrilled to be back at Spotlight in his 1st Disney production. He recently appeared as Walter Hobbs in “Elf, The Musical”. Some past Spotlight productions include Sam in “Mamma Mia” and Levi in “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. Other favorites include Reverand Shaw in “Footloose”, and Brother Jeremiah in “Something Rotten”. Kevin would like to thank the production team for giving him the opportunity to once again do what he loves with a truly amazing cast! A big thanks to his family and friends for their continued support and encouragement. Never be afraid to follow your dreams!!
Layla Grace Robinson (Children's Ensemble)
Layla’s excited to perform in the children’s ensemble, as a gull, and Ms. Caroline in the Little Mermaid for the first time with Spotlight! Layla’s previous roles include Princess Anna in Frozen Jr. and Gertrude Mcfuzz in Seussical. She’s trained in dance for 6 years and vocally for 2 years.
Meg Seth (Atina/Dance Captain)
Meg is excited to have you join us under the sea in her second production with Spotlight. Her previous work includes roles as Magenta (The Rocky Horror Show), Bibi Cavendish (While the Lights were Out) and Cinderella (Into the Woods) with Covered Bridge Theater, and Emma Carew (Jekyll and Hyde) with IUB. She sends a huge thank you to her friends, family, librarians, and especially to her partner, Chris, for your support, love, and patience. She sends a huge thank you and congrats to her wonderful castmates, amazing creative team, and supportive producers!
Jake Tedeschi (Prince Eric)
Jake is 25 years old and extremely proud to be a part of the Little Mermaid. He has been in many shows throughout his acting career including 42nd Street, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Tarzan, and most recently Rocky Horror. He is a graduate of UIUC and currently a Personal Trainer and Physical Education Teacher. He is grateful for the opportunity to perform with the amazing cast of the Little Mermaid. When Jake is not on stage, he enjoys going to the gym, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Jake would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him throughout all his aspirations.
Brooke Tompulis (Andrina)
Brooke Tompulis eagerly anticipates her debut with Spotlight Arts Collective, thrilled to dive into the enchanting world of "The Little Mermaid" and contribute her passion to the magic unfolding on stage. She can’t wait to make a splash on stage as Andrina, the second oldest of her seven sisters. Brooke would like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her to audition for this musical, as she is ecstatic to put on an amazing show for everyone. “Have fun under the sea!”
Anna Turnbough (Children's Ensemble)
9 year old Anna Turnbough from New Lenox has a love for music and theater. Since she was a toddler she has danced and sang to all the Disney classics, dreaming of one day being Elsa, Ariel or Moana. Her love of music has lead her to pursue piano lessons where she found she has a passion for pounding the keys. This is Anna's first time in musical theater and she is excited to be a part of bringing this beloved classic to the community.
Taylor Weisz (Sebastian)
Taylor is excited to be starting the year off with one of her favorite musicals growing up. She has recently appeared in shows such as Pajama Game (Gladys) at Summer Place Theatre, Tarzan (Terk) at Peoria Players, and many many more. You can catch her next projects this summer at Summer Place Theatre in Naperville. Thank you to her friends and family for putting up with her singing around the house. No crustaceans were hurt during the making of this show. Enjoy! IG:heytaylormitchelle