The Sound of Music Cast

This is Francesca’s favorite musical and absolute dream role. She’s so excited to be working with Spotlight again after the Sondheim Review, Hello Dolly and Godspell as well as 2 rounds of Fierce Females! Recently Francesca played Miss Scarlet in Clue: The Musical and Hope in Urinetown. Formerly, before becoming a wife, a mom and starting a tech company, she performed professionally across North America. What an amazing experience it has been to get to share the stage with so many of her favorite people! Thanks for coming to #seetheshow

Tina Kenny Jones is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, songwriter, music educator, and a mom of twin (almost) 3-year-olds. You will inevitably see her wearing different hats in various musical projects. With her rock band Tina and the Balance, you'll hear her sing lead vocals and play the bass guitar and ukulele on her own original songs. Tina regularly records and performs children's music as well, and is featured prominently as a singer in the music of Grammy Award-Winning Kindie Artist Danny Weinkauf. She sings and plays trumpet on songs like "Pumpkins are my Favorite Fruit" (which hit #1 on SiriusXM's Kids Place), or "I'm A Girl, Step Aside", empowering young females to follow their dreams. She's had her own original songs played on Sirius XM, as well as music she helped record and produce on Sesame Street. You can also hear her singing background vocals on the 2020 Grammy Winning Children's Album "All The Ladies" by Joanie Leeds. Tina also plays in various other bands around the northeast, gigging and recording regularly. If you go to her YouTube Channel, you'll find odd ukulele covers of pop songs, jazz standards, and "One Woman Band Videos". As a composer, she's also written music for chamber ensembles, and short films. Whether it's a jazz gig, a classical concert, or a rock show, no matter how big or small a venue, Tina Kenny Jones brings her passion for music with her every time she performs, and with every note she writes. With her versatility, her music has something to offer all types of listeners.

Samantha Chiodo, an NYC-based RN, is thrilled to be joining Spotlight for their production of The Sound of Music. While not at the hospital, she coaches swimming on the island for Trident, a USA swim team, as well as the Varsity Swim Team for Staten Island Academy. Samantha's a passionate singer who has mostly been singing for FDNY-related functions over the past few years in honor of her father. She was last seen on stage in Ghostlight's The World Goes Round cabaret production, and previous to that in their production The Fall of Falstaff as Doll Tearsheet. The Sound of Music is a personal favorite, and I almost broke both VHS tapes from the amount of over-watching. Love to Mom, Jess, and her favorite angel- Dad. Break legs to all, and enjoy the show!

Max Keppler, 21, is thrilled to return to the Spotlight family for this upcoming production of The Sound of Music! Recently, Max has graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where they were a major in Musical Theatre. Some favorite roles include Ernestina in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and Carolyn in ‘Enjoy the Ride’. Doing theatre has always been a passion, and they are glad to share their love and craft with the many other talented individuals at Spotlight, as well as the audiences.

Natalya Cespedes is a New Jersey-based theatre artist and educator - and she is thrilled to participate in this production of The Sound of Music! Her previous roles include Into the Woods (Jack's Mother), Spring Awakening (Adult Woman), Rumors (Cookie Cusak), and Bring It On! Jr. (Bridget) She is grateful for every opportunity to grow as an artist and is especially excited to share the stage with such a talented group of people. Natalya would like to extend her thanks to all those who support her - including her parents, little brother Koji, and her awesome boyfriend Al. When she is not on stage, you can find her giving tours at Liberty Hall Museum!

Jacques Stewart is an award-winning director, choreographer, writer, and performer. He is the Artistic Director for Spotlight Theatre Staten Island and ArtBridge in Antigua, Guatemala. He is the former Artistic Director of The Weathervane Theatre in New Hampshire where he founded WINDSOCK Theatre camp for children and the Weathervane College Intern Program. He is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and The Stage Directors & Choreographers Society. Some of Jacques most beloved roles include Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird and Harold Hill in The Music Man. Jacques original musicals, Dream Big and Robyn Hood are have received grants from SIArts, for which he is grateful! Jacques & Mary Lee Marson Aloia are the founders of Spotlight Theatre Company.

Jonathan is grateful to be back with his Spotlight family for another show! He has appeared as Dr. Craven in Secret Garden, Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher, in the ensemble of Sing a Song of Sondheim, as Grimwig in the ensemble of Oliver!, as Drosselmeyer in Nutcracker, and as Stanley in the ensemble of Hello, Dolly! Originally from the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado, Jonathan received his BFA from the University of Wyoming. Favorite past credits include Junie B. Jones, Charlotte’s Web, Woman in Mind, and The Lion in Winter.

Lisa Sloan, PhD (she, her, hers): Lisa's recent credits include Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden (Spotlight) and the Empowering Voices 2025 ensemble (Illuminart). Lisa is a theatre historian and has worked as both a developmental dramaturg (Gina Young’s sSISTERSs) and a production dramaturg (HIT THE WALL, dir. Ken Sawyer, LA LGBT Center; Women in Congress, dir. Eliza Laytner, UCLA). She recently contributed an entry on the Five Lesbian Brothers to Fifty Key Figures in Queer US Theatre. Lisa has been known to drive seven hours to see lesbian theatre. She thanks her wife, Terri, for her endless love and support.

Alexa Reese Viggiano : is so thankful to be back with Spotlight Rep in her favorite musical after previously being featured in Matilda and Newsies. Alexa has trained and worked with companies such as Spotlight Youth Theatre, Broadway Kids Auditions, Surflight Theatre, Broadway Workshop, KOTA Productions, and Pixie Dust Players, in addition to taking vocal lessons with Analise Scarpaci. Favorite credits include Bye Bye Birdie (Kim MacAfee, SJHA Drama), Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas, Farrell Players), and Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Mamma Mia (Donna), and Mean Girls (Cady) with Spotlight Youth. Alexa would like to thank the cast, crew, and her family and friends for all their love and support.

Monica Ugarte is a graduate from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater. She has performed in various productions including: Chicago (Roxie Hart), Les Misérables (Fantine), Into The Woods (The Witch), Water by the Spoonful (Yasmine), and El Huracán (Alicia/Dr.Kempler/Val). She has also recently Stage Managed and assisted in scenic painting for other local productions such as SpongeBob: The Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Mamma Mia, Eurydice, and a One Act Festival at Brooklyn College. Recently she was in the Spotlight Repertory productions of Around The World of 80 Days as Princess Auoda and Prentiss in Peter and the Starcatcher. She is excited to officially open the show as Liesel in The Sound of Music.

Thomas is thrilled to be playing Friedrich in this production of The Sound of Music. His previous credits in Spotlight Reparatory Theater include Dodger in "Oliver" and Dickon in "The Secret Garden". He also is an active participant in musicals for Tottenville High School as well as SING! Thanks to Mom, Dad and siblings and the entire Spotlight crew for their encouragement and support.

John has been a member of Spotlight Youth and Repertory Theatre since he was 9. He is excited and grateful to be portraying Freidrich in the Sound of Music. 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 junior 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 most recent role with Farrell Players was as Peter in their 2025 production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”. In addition to theatre, John is a 4 year member of the Farrell Marching and Concert bands playing guitar, bass and auxiliary percussion. He is also a member of the International Thespian Honor Society. John is an intern with Spotlight Theatre. He assists with stage and prop building, backstage organization and fundraising. This past summer, he was a counselor for Msgr. Farrell’s Theatre Summer camp, where he assisted the directors in a musical revue. John would like to thank his family, friends, Mary and Jacques for all their love, support and encouragement through the years. And to the extremely talented cast and crew of Sound of Music… break legs!

Abby Hynes is a rising junior at Curtis High School. She has been participating in musical theatre at Spotlight since 2016 in which she has been in multiple productions including Mamma Mia as Rosie, Willie Wonka as Willie Wonka and the Little Mermaid as Flounder. Abby performed as Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at IS 61’s theatre company. She has been a member of the Curtis players since freshman year in which she was Pugsley Addams in the Addams family last year and in the ensemble of Mamma Mia her freshman year. Abby would like to thank her many theatre directors, including Mary Lee Aloia John Stewart at Spotlight, Ms. Grecco at IS 61 and Ms. Fugate at Curtis High School for shaping her as an actor and vocalist. Abby would also like to thank her family for their ongoing support in her journey through musical theatre.

Past productions include: Willy Wonka Kids, Aristocats (Marie), Elf Jr., Wizard of Oz, Aladdin (Jafar), Seussical Kids (The Cat In The Hat), Annie Jr. (Pepper), Matilda Jr. (Eric), and most recently in Peace, Love, and Cupcakes as Kylie Carson. At I.S. 27, they starred in their school performances as Lumiere in Beauty in the Beast, and Damian in Mean Girls. Max is so excited and grateful to play the part of Louisa.

Henry Gunsch (Kurt Von Trapp) is a 12 year old student at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Staten Island. He is a theatre kid who enjoys singing and being on the stage. Henry is ecstatic to be performing with the Spotlight Theatre Repertory Company for the first time. He hopes to be in many more productions. Henry’s favorite past roles include Micheal in Elf Jr. and SpongeBob in The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition. He has been in many Spotlight Theatre Youth Productions and has made great friends along the way. Henry wishes his castmates good luck, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

Miles is so excited to be performing with Spotlight Repertory again! Miles attends the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) in Manhattan, where he recently played the role of Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Other recent roles include the title role of Oliver in Oliver! (Spotlight Repertory Theatre), Bruce in Matilda, Jr., Oliver Warbucks in Annie (Kids Edition), Horton in Seussical (Kids Edition), and Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (Spotlight Theatre). Miles has been a member of the Christ Church Community Youth Choir for 6 years. Miles is a HUGE Harry Potter fan and enjoys playing video games and drawing. Special thanks to Spotlight for this wonderful opportunity! Thanks so much to my Mom and Dad, family, and friends for your support!

Charlotte is a 6th grader at Michael J Petrides School and is excited to be a part of this production of The Sound of Music playing Brigitta. This spring she performed in Annie, Jr. as Annie! She’s been performing with Spotlight for the past two years in such productions as Footloose, Aladdin (Iago), The Wizard of Oz (the Mayor of Munchkin City), Elf Jr. (Shawanda), the Jungle Book (Kaa), and the Nutcracker (children’s ensemble). She loves being part of the Spotlight family! Thanks to Mom, Dad, Jack, Molly, family and friends for all the love and support!

Timea is delighted to be making her Spotlight Theatre debut! Timea is a 5th grader at The Brooklyn New School (P.S. 146). Past roles include Matilda (Matilda the Musical Jr), Young Elsa (Frozen Jr), Ripper (High School Musical Jr.), and Bird Girl 2 (Seussical Jr). She is grateful to all of her friends, family, and teachers for their constant support!!

Jacqueline Buttacavoli, who prefers to go by “Jackie,” is playing the role of Marta Von Trapp. Jackie has a love for theater and relates to her character, Marta, as she feels her fun and bubbly personality suits her pretty well! Jackie has starred in five plays so far. She performed her very first role as Amelia Earhart on a stage in her school’s cafeteria! She then went on to play roles such as Flounder in the Little Mermaid Jr. and Young Nala in The Lion King Jr. on, what she describes as, a “huge stage” at the Andrew Monahan Theatre at I.S. 61. She is excited to be part of her second Spotlight production after playing Dory in Finding Nemo Kids this past summer, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Amelia is so excited to be performing with Spotlight Theater Company, and cannot wait to play Marta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music! Amelia is currently in the 4th grade at Our Lady Queen of Peace School, where she is a Junior Varsity Cheerleader, a member of the Sparks Soccer team, and is a singer with the Children’s Choir. Amelia has previously appeared with Spotlight Theater in Seussical Kids (Jungle Citizen/Ensemble) and Annie Jr. (Duffy), and will be performing in both Finding Nemo and Footloose this Summer! Outside of performing and sports, Amelia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, drawing and painting, and learning to cook. She’s passionate about performing and is thrilled to be part of this production alongside such a talented cast and crew!

Gigi (Genevieve) Loftus is delighted to be playing Gretl in her named role debut at Spotlight. Previously seen on this stage in Dragon Academy, and Nutcracker: A New Musical Play. Thanks to everyone in the cast for making this such a great show. Love to all my friends and family and you're the best. Enjoy the show!

Charlotte has been having fun acting with Spotlight Theatre Company since she was six years old. Past productions include: Willy Wonka Kids, Aristocats, Elf Jr., Wizard of Oz, Seussical Kids!, and Annie Jr.. She is currently working on Matilda Jr., and Peace, Love, and Cupcakes. Charlotte is so proud to have been chosen for the part of Gretl in The Sound of Music! This is her first show with Spotlight Repertory Company.

My name is James Borrelli and I am currently a singer and performer residing in NYC. I love singing, working with kids in athletics, making music, acting, and playing sports. The Sound of Music is also my favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein musical! I am very excited to be in Spotlight Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music.

Meggan Audrey has become a choreographer/director at Spotlight for the past few years working on Chicago, Beetlejuice, Hello Dolly, The Lion King, Jr, and Seussical to name a few. She also was most recently seen portraying the role of Pam in Spotlight Repertory Theatre’s production of Baby! Favorite Performance Credits: Newsies (Spotlight Repertory), Footloose (Surflight), The Producers (Woodstock Playhouse), Chicago (Forestburgh Playhouse), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Weathervane Theatre). Meggan has also performed as a backup vocalist for Liz Callaway in Lincoln Center and Deke Sharon in Carnegie Hall. Graduate of Pace University, BFA. Thank you to Jacques, Mary Lee and the entire cast and crew! Love to Mom, Dad, James and Brad. @megganherod

Mike Whelan (Max Detweiler) – This is Mike’s first show with Spotlight. He is is thrilled to be playing one of his “bucket list” roles in one of his favorite shows! Mike recently appeared as another Max in SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD. Other recent roles include Horace (HELLO, DOLLY!), Applegate in DAMN YANKEES, Rooster in ANNIE, Fagin in OLIVER!, Sky and Nathan in GUYS & DOLLS, Harold and Marcellus in THE MUSIC MAN, HERBIE in GYPSY, and Harry in MAMMA MIA. Mike wishes to thank his family, his friends, and the Lord Jesus for their love (and vast patience!)

This is John’s second production with Spotlight. John made his debut with us in The Secret Garden. During his High School and Collegiate years he appeared in multiple productions including The Wiz, Hair and Grease. He took a break from theater to become a New York City Police Officer, during his time in the NYPD he appeared in and voiced over multiple training videos, and social media campaigns. He currently is the voice of the Winter Village at Bryant Park. This will be the first production he will share the stage with his daughter Jennifer a Spotlight Children’s Theatre Allum.

Brandon Olk is honored to join the Spotlight company a third time after decades away from theater. He played Mrs. Bumbrake and Teacher the mermaid in "Peter and the Starcatcher", brushed up his Shakespeare as Second Man in "Kiss Me Kate", and has a secret life as an IT director. Thank you to Mary Lee, his teachers Jacques and Gigi, his wife Bernadette, and children Evan, Dylan, and Jonathan.

Susanne Gainer is honored to be performing in the Sound of Music alongside a very talented cast and crew. Previous Spotlight Theatre credits include Mrs. Winthrop in The Secret Garden, ensemble in Hello Dolly!, and Mrs. Sanders in School of Rock. Susanne has also appeared in the production of A Christmas Carol by Ghostlight Players and the St. George Christmas show (2018) with her son John. As a graduate of St. John Villa Academy, led by the courageous and loving Sisters of Saint John the Baptist, this show holds a special place in her heart. Thanks to their guidance and encouragement during her time there, Susanne has been a dedicated educator for over 25 years. Susanne is eternally grateful to her family, friends, Mary, and Jacques for their endless support, expertise, and commitment! "Climb ev'ry mountain, ford ev'ry stream, follow ev'ry rainbow, 'til you find your dream." - Mother Abbess

This is Tom's first show with Spotlight and he is jumping for joy that it's in one of his favorite musicals. He is thrilled to be welcomed by this family, and to be working with the rest of this amazing cast and crew on this production Tom's previous credits include King Priam "Troilus and Cressida," Lord Montague "Romeo and Juliet," Governor Montano "Othello," and The Duke "Merchant of Venice." This is his first time as a Baron. As always, he is extremely grateful to the two people who inspire and motivate him -- plus help with lines! -- Liz and Holly

Heather O'Neill (Baroness Elberfeld, Ensemble) is delighted to be in another Spotlight production. Last year she returned to theatre after a very long time away from it, appearing in Oliver!, Kiss Me, Kate, and The Secret Garden with Spotlight Repertory Theatre; in Blessed Sacrament Parish Players' production of Oliver!, and in The Miracle of Brooklyn (Friscia & Poppe Entertainment). In May, she acted in an excerpt from a new play, The Story of Sal B. and Barbranne; A Mob Fantasia at the Theater for the New City. Most recently, she played the part of Gay Wellington in Ghostlight Players' production of You Can't Take it With You. Many thanks to Mary, Jacques, and GG!

This is Jennifer’s first Spotlight Repertory Company production. She has been a part of the Youth Company since 2020. Her debut was a virtual production of “Where the Wild Things Are” in 2020 as dual roles of K.W. and Claire. A month later she went on to play Baloo in “The Jungle Book”. Jennifer’s in person debut with Spotlight Theatre was during the production of the “Little Mermaid” as Chef Louie in 2022. Since then, she has performed with Spotlight in “High School Musical”, in 2023, “Beetlejuice”, and “Matilda” in 2025. In this production Jennifer will share the stage with her father for the first time ever.

Kai Moyer started their theatre journey in grade 7 as part of Moana Jr. and has been chasing the spotlight ever since. The first time someone noticed their singing was getting caught doing so by their fourth-grade teacher. When they’re not rehearsing or singing show tunes, you’ll probably find them at all sorts of concerts or experimenting with many mediums of art.

Rose Deller. Rose is super excited to be a part of Sound of Music and her first repertory show. Her favorite roles have been Berlioz in Aristocats kids (spotlight), the Sultan in Aladdin Jr. (spotlight), Pepper in Annie (IS 61), and currently as both Twins in Peter Pan (Wagner ACT). She is grateful for her parents always supporting her and helping her reach her dreams.

Severin O'Neill (Youth Ensemble) has appeared in Oliver! and The Secret Garden with Spotlight Repertory, and in Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Oklahoma!, Annie, and Matilda with Spotlight Youth Theatre. He also performed in Oliver! with BSPP; in Annie and The Secret Garden with Blessed Sacrament School; and in A Christmas Carol with St. Joseph by-the-Sea. He has also performed in The Nutcracker with Staten Island Ballet and in Romeo and Juliet with American Ballet Theatre. Most recently, Severin appeared in The Addams Family with the Star Players. Severin studies ballet and competitive Latin and Standard ballroom dance. Many thanks to Jacques, Mary, GG, and Haley!

Campion O'Neill (Youth Ensemble) is happy to be in another Spotlight show! He has previously performed in Spotlight Repertory Theatre's Oliver! and The Secret Garden, as well as in Annie and Matilda with Spotlight Youth Theatre. He was also in Oliver! with Blessed Sacrament Parish Players and in Annie and The Secret Garden with Blessed Sacrament School. He has danced in three productions of The Nutcracker with Staten Island Ballet, performing the role of Fritz for the past two years. This year, Campion joined St. Joseph by-the-Sea's casts of A Christmas Carol (as Young Scrooge) and Shrek (as Young Shrek). Campion also does competitive Latin and Standard ballroom dance. He would like to thank the directors for another opportunity to perform on stage!

Jack is so excited to be part of the ensemble cast in The Sound of Music. He began his love of theater when he was cast as a Dalmatian in Spotlight's "101 Dalmatians" He has also participated in "Moana" and was cast as one of Fagin's boys in "Oliver". Jack thanks his parents and Joseph, Thomas and Angela for all their love and support.

Georgie Negron has been part of the Spotlight Theatre family since he was just one year old, growing up with Spotlight. He was proud to take on the title role in Oliver! with Spotlight Repertory Theater and to fulfill a dream by playing JoJo in Seussical, Kids. Another favorite performance was as the charming Thomas O’Malley in The Aristocats. In addition to acting, Georgie is a passionate drummer and music-lover.

Avery is excited to join the cast of The Sound of Music! She has previously performed as July in Annie, Charlie in Elf, Tweedle Dee in Alice in Wonderland, the Mayor of Munchkin City in The Wizard of Oz, Amelia in Aristocats, The Candy Man in Willy Wonka and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, among other shows. Avery would like to thank her friends, family, and everyone at Spotlight for their support!