Seussical Cast Photos

THS Musicals

Award Winning Cast and Crew

JESSICA SPILLANE (Artistic Director) marks SEUSSICAL as her 19th THS production. As THeSpian troupe co-advisor, she is the directing mentor for the student-run fall play productions. A seven-time nominee in the Connecticut High School Musical Theatre Awards, Jessica is the 2016 winner for Outstanding Director and Arts in Education awards. In recent years, she was selected for the “Teaching Shakespeare” Workshop at The Juilliard School and as a panelist at the Broadway Teachers Workshop. In 2014, Jessica was honored as a Free Speech Defender by the National Coalition Against Censorship; in 2015 she received the Educational Theatre Association’s “Inspirational Theatre Educator” Award. She’s thrilled to be sharing the THS stage with her two oldest children (again) and joins them in thanking Dad and Tim for holding the fort at home. All the love in the world to the greatest creative team and cast and crew ever!

SHANNON BOLAN (Producer) is proud to bring you the 2017 spring musical. SEUSSICAL is the 9th musical that she has produced at THS. As the THeSpian Society’s co-advisor, it has been a joy to help the theatre program grow to include the completely student-run fall play and children’s play. She wouldn’t be able to do it all without the amazing production team, creative staff, and parents, and is thankful for the wonderful community that continues to support the arts in Trumbull. Shannon would especially like to thank her husband, parents, and in-laws, without whom she could not possibly make it through the month of March! Past favorites include: HOW TO SUCCEED (Winner of the 2016 CHSMTA Outstanding Production of the Year); RENT: SCHOOL EDITION (2014), and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (2011).

MATT BRACKSIECK (Technical Director/ Co-Lighting Designer) an English teacher at THS, is excited to be back for his 7th THS Musicals production (where do the years go?). Past productions include FIDDLER ON THE ROOF; THE WIZ; CRAZY FOR YOU; RENT: SCHOOL EDITION; HELLO, DOLLY!, and the award winning HOW TO SUCCEED…. Thanks especially to: Sam and Steph for pushing the set beyond the limits of time and space; Joe, John, Jill, and Cathy who somehow manage to make the impossible real; to Jessica and Shannon who keep having him back; and the team at home--Jill, Orion, and Maia--for all the support. Special thanks goes to Joe D. and Jon M. whose expertise was crucial; and to Ariana, Amanda, James, and Cory who keep him caffeinated & entertained

JEROLD GOLDSTEIN (Musical Director) is delighted yet again to be working with the students at Trumbull High School as he learns from them every year. Jerold has been directing, musical directing, and teaching in schools and privately throughout Connecticut for over 25 years. A crazy spring, he will be musical directing MUSIC MAN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and A DAY IN HOLLYWOOD, A NIGHT IN THE UKRAINE. As an actor, he was most recently in FACE THE MUSIC for the Encores series at the City Center in NYC, and before that he was in the national tour of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. He has appeared on Broadway in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING with Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker and John Stamos, and in the musical AIN¹T BROADWAY GRAND. He was featured in the national tour of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. starring Rip Taylor (standing in for Mr. Taylor) and co-starred with Dick Van Patten in SCANDALS at Theatre Virginia. Jerold played Chico Marx in both ANIMAL CRACKERS at Arena Stage, Washington, and THE COCOANUTS at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. He won Philadelphia’s prestigious Barrymore Award for his performance in GUN METAL BLUES at the Wilma Theatre and toured Europe as Bert Barry in 42ND STREET. On television he has been featured on NBC’s LAW AND ORDER and CBS’ HACK. To find out where Jerold will be popping up next go to: www.Jerold.com.

FRANK ROOT (Choreographer) is happy to be back at THS with his 15th show and is thrilled to be working with his daughter, Abigail, again. He won the Connecticut High School Music Theatre Award for THE WIZ and with Abby for CRAZY FOR YOU and HOW TO SUCCEED. Recently he directed SHREK and directed and choreographed THE WIZ for Bridgeport Theatre Company. As an actor Frank recently filmed an episode of VEEP with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and was featured in HELLO, MY BABY at Goodspeed Opera House. Other TV, as a featured dancer in three episodes of the HBO series, BOARDWALK EMPIRE. Frank’s last Broadway production was the revival of 42ND STREET. National tours: PIRATES OF PENZANCE, SHOWBOAT, GEORGE M, YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. Off- Broadway: BUY BONDS BUSTER, DEALERS CHOICE, OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR and over 40 plays regionally. Frank was on the theater faculty at both the Hartt School and NYU. His proudest achievement is owning and running Broadway Bootcamp. He has directed and Choreographed INTO THE WOODS, FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, SHE LOVES ME, CARNIVAL, and 42ND STREET. He has also staged production numbers for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade seen nationally on NBC. Frank is a proud member of Actors Equity and has been for the past 48 years.

ABIGAIL ROOT (Choreographer) is thrilled to back at THS with her fourth production as associate choreographer. Abby has received two CHSMTA awards for Outstanding Choreography for THS’s CRAZY FOR YOU and HOW TO SUCCEED… Choreography credits include SHREK; PETER PAN; and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Downtown Cabaret, as well as Staples High School’s THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and Illinois Wesleyan’s HELLO AGAIN. She is the Assistant Artistic Director of Broadway Bootcamp, where she has taught, directed and choreographed for the past 7 years. She received a BFA in Music Theater from Illinois Wesleyan University. Abby would like to thank the dance captains for their hard work and Frank Root for being both father and mentor. Congratulations to the cast and crew on such a wonderful production!

CATHY BOLTON (Co-Properties Master/Artistic Design) has worked on both Props and Set Dressing for THS since 2007. SEUSSICAL has offered the design team the opportunity to use their imaginations to discover even more new techniques for developing props and sets. Using images from Dr. Seuss for inspiration and re-imagining them on the three-dimensional set, the crew learn useful real-world design, building, and painting skills. Thanks to her partner in crime, Jill Clark, who brings skill, vision and a remarkable ability to see outside the box. Once again, many thanks to all the parents who scour their closets, attics, basements and garages to help the shows come alive. A special thanks to alumni parents in the community who continue to support everything we do.

JILL CLARK (Co-Properties Master/Artistic Design) is very happy to share this role with Cathy Bolton in her third production at THS. Working with new techniques and materials, they have guided the students to make this fantastic Seussian world come to life. This is truly a cooperative effort between students and teachers, cast and crew. Jill would like to thank Danny and Catie for their patience and support, Jess and Shannon for the opportunity, Steph and Sam for trusting the team with their design, Frank, Abby and Matt for their input and insight, Patty Ciancimino for all her help and organizational skills and, most of all, her partner in crime, Cathy Bolton for her incredible friendship.

SAMUEL MALONEY (Co-Set Designer) THS class of 2012, is thrilled to be back for his 8th THS production. Past design work include RENT: SCHOOL EDITION: HELLO, DOLLY! (CHMTA Nomination for Outstanding Scenic Design); HOW TO SUCCEED; and TYA’s MARY POPPINS. Thanks especially to: Matt, Cathy, Jill, Joe, and John, who take drawings from paper to reality; to Jessica and Shannon who continue to provide a stage on which to design; and to Steph, without whom he could not possibly do this. Special thanks goes to all of the students and parent volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to building the vision and keeping the arts alive in at THS. “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You” -Dr. Seuss

STEPHANIE BONT (Co-Set Designer) THS class of 2010, is thrilled to be set designing another amazing show with the wonderfully talented Sam Maloney. As a THS graduate, Stephanie is honored to be working on her eighth musical with THS. Steph was the Technical Advisor of Boston University’s premier musical theater group, BU on Broadway. She has set designed shows including GODSPELL; CHICAGO; THE DROWSY CHAPERONE; as well as THS’s performances of RENT; HELLO DOLLY; and HOW TO SUCCEED. She is very excited to add this production of SEUSSICAL! Thank you to Spillane, Shannon, Mr. B, Cathy and everyone involved for making this all possible. Stephanie is truly amazed at all the hard work the cast and crew has put into this process and couldn’t be prouder. Have fun and BREAK LEGS everyone.

MIA MCKINNEY (Stage Manager) is nervous and excited for her first THS musical as the Stage Manager. She was in the ensemble is the THS production of HELLO, DOLLY!. She was the Assistant Stage Manager for HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING at THS and had her stage managing debut in LOVE/SICK, the 2016 fall play. Mia would like to thank her family for supporting all that she does and to the everyone in cast and crew. She would like to give a special thanks to run crew and lighting crew for all they do for the show. Lastly, to Mrs. Spillane for being an incredible director and mentor. Break a leg!

ARIANA ROJAS (Co-Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be a part of her final show at THS. Previously she worked on THE CRUCIBLE (production crew); HELLO, DOLLY! (assistant sound designer); CHARLEY’S AUNT (lighting designer), HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (lighting designer); this year’s fall production of LOVE/SICK (lighting designer); and TYA’s production of MARY POPPINS (lighting crew). She would like to thank her amazing lighting crew, especially James Gallo. And a special thanks to Mr. Bracksieck for being a wonderful mentor and giving her this opportunity.

KARA BOWEN (Properties Manager) is a senior who is feeling bittersweet about her last show at Trumbull High School. Kara has worked on THS Musicals for all four years of high school. She worked on production crew for RENT; THE CRUCIBLE; and HELLO, DOLLY! and became a “prop girl” during her junior year with CHARLEY’S AUNT and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. This year she assisted in the creation and decoration of props and set pieces for LOVE/SICK and SEUSSICAL. She wishes good luck to the cast and crew and sends her undying love to the dark depths of the prop room.

AMANDA DELUCIA (Sound) is excited to end her high school musical theater career as the sound designer for SEUSSICAL. She has been involved in every THS play and musical from GAME NIGHT until now. She participated in run crew for GAME NIGHT and production crew for THE CRUCIBLE; performed in the lobby for RENT; performed in the cast for HELLO DOLLY!; and sound designed for CHARLEY’S AUNT, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, and LOVE/SICK. She has found that theater has become less of an extracurricular activity and more of a family.

CHRISTOPHER CONAWAY (Horton) is thrilled to be performing his first THS musical as a junior. You’re probably wondering why you don’t recognize him. It’s okay. You’re not an awful person. In the summer, he transferred from Fairfield Prep where he performed CAROUSEL (Enoch, Jr.) his sophomore year. He wants to thank Mrs. Bolan, Mrs. Spillane, Jerold, Frank, and Abby for putting their trust in a new face and giving him the chance to play such a humbling role. He wants to thank his parents for their everflowing support in all his struggles and successes. He realizes a good bio has to have SEUSSICAL references, so he wants to thank the cast for taking him in like family and reminding him “how lucky” he truly is.

HARRISON GILBERTI (Cat) is truly honored to be in his second THS Musical working with such outstanding people. Last year, he was thrilled to perform with THeSpians in JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Green Grashopper) and as Bud Frump in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS...Recently, Harrison was delighted to be a part of LOVE/SICK (Man), and THE GREAT PIE ROBBERY (Chicken Farmer John). He loved being in TYA’s talented ensembles of THE LITTLE MERMAID and MARY POPPINS. Harrison would like to extend huge THANKS to Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Jerold, Frank, Abby, Mr. B., the Mamas, the cast, crew, and production team for their commitment and overall amazingness. He also sincerely thanks his Mom & Dad for their endless rides and unwavering support. Break legs everyone!

TESSA SPEAKS (Gertrude) is thrilled to be Gertrude McFuzz in her third THS musical! Tessa has performed in HELLO DOLLY, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, LOVE/SICK, and of course SEUSSICAL! Tessa was also in, RENT (crew), TYA’s THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and TYA’s CHILDREN OF EDEN. To Mrs. Spillane and Mrs. Bolan: thank you for everything you’ve done for me. To Frank & Abby: thank you for teaching me how to not trip over my own feet! To the Mamas: thank you for being the most talented women out there. To my family & friends: thank you for your endless support. And of course to Jerold: for teaching me how to genuinely be proud of who I am...this is “All For You.”

JACQUELINE MATE (Jojo) a sophomore, is thrilled to be playing Jojo in Trumbull High School’s production of SEUSSICAL! Some past shows Jacqeline has done include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Belle), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Ariel and Allana), CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (Truly Scrumptious in the original junior cast), and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (Miss Jones). She has also performed songs a number of times from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and LOVE NEVER DIES. She would like to thank Mrs. Spillane, Mrs.Bolan, Jerold, Frank & Abby, Mr.B, the Mamas, and the entire cast and crew for inspiring her to be the best version of herself and performer she can be, and her family and Ryan for their never-ending love and support.

RACHEL SALEM (Sour Kangaroo) is ecstatic to be a part of the outstanding cast of SEUSSICAL! Rachel has been in countless productions at Crystal Theater (www.crystaltheatre.org) which include HUNGARIAN NIGHTS (Isabella) and LOUDER THAN WORDS (Dirty Mary). Rachel is currently the Junior Cantor at her synagogue where she sings Hebrew prayers on Friday nights. Rachel would like to thank Mrs. Spillane, Jerold Goldstein, and Mrs. Bolan for this wonderful opportunity and the entire cast and crew of SEUSSICAL for being such a talented and inspiring group of people. Special shout out to Joe Santenello, her vocal coach, for his awesome instruction. Lastly, she would like to thank her Mom and Dad for their constant love and support on and off the stage.

ALISON KARPOWICH (Mayzie la Bird) is thrilled to be in her second THS Musical! Ali has been dancing for 13 years at Connecticut Dance. Ali was also in TYA’s MARRY POPPINS and THE LITTLE MERMAID, and THS’s production of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (dance ensemble). Ali would like to thank Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Frank, Abby, Jerold, and Mr. B for this amazing opportunity. She cannot wait to share the stage with some of her best friends. Ali wants to thank her family for the endless love and support! Break legs everyone!

SARAH GIAQUINTO (Bird Girl) is thrilled to play a Bird Girl in THS’s 2017 production of SEUSSICAL! This is her third time performing in a production of SEUSSICAL but her first time playing a Bird Girl. Sarah has been an active member of the theater program at THS since her freshman year, including being in the cast of HELLO, DOLLY! and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. She also was an assistant producer for THS’s most recent fall play LOVE/SICK. Sarah is the vice president of TYA and played a princess in their summer 2016 production of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Sarah thanks her family, friends, and fellow cast and crew members for helping to put together an amazing show this year!

GABI KWIATKOWSKI (Bird Girl) a junior, is thrilled to be a part of her first THS musical SEUSSICAL. This being her first musical, she does not have a lot of credits here, but she does do a whole lot of acting at Mock Trial! There she discovered herself, and realized, truly, the thing she most wanted in life was to be Bird Girl #1. She would like to send a huge thank you to Jerold, Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Frank, Abby, and all of the cast and crew for making this experience so amazing! Also, she wants to thank her friends and family for the endless love and support!

ANNA VITOLS (Bird Girl) is thrilled to be in her first THS production! As a junior, she has always wanted to be in a show here, but never auditioned before. Luckily, with the encouragement of her friends and family, she auditioned for SEUSSICAL and is so thankful to have gotten a role. This entire experience has been so much fun for her and she would also like to thank the entire cast as well as Mrs. Spillane, Jerold, Mrs. Bolan, Frank, and Abby for helping her every step of the way!

ANDY SPILLANE (Wickersham #1) is excited to be performing in his first THS musical as a high school student. Previously he appeared in the children’s choruses of THE MUSIC MAN and FIDDLER. Andy is a member of the THS soccer team and plans to run outdoor track in the spring. He sings in the freshman choir and men’s ensemble and has studied hip-hop for 8 years at PACC. Andy would like to thank Mrs. Bolan, Jerold, Frank & Abby, and most of all Mrs. Spillane for the wonderful opportunity to participate in this year’s fantastic production of SEUSSICAL.

MATTHEW FERRI (Mr. Mayor) is ecstatic to be part of this year’s production of SEUSSICAL. This is his first musical with THS and he couldn’t ask for better friends to perform with. Matt was recently seen in LOVE/SICK (Andy) and plans on continuing his career with theatre at THS next year and in college. He would like to thank all of those who support him and made this show happen, including Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, Mr. B, Jerold, Frank, Abby, and all of the cast and crew. He would like to give special thanks to his parents who continue to support him in everything he does and without whom he wouldn’t know what to do. Break a leg, everyone!

HELEN SAMOSKEVICH (Mrs. Mayor) is thrilled to be in her 3rd THS Musical! Other THS credits: Scrubwoman #1/Ensemble HOW TO SUCCEED; Ensemble HELLO, DOLLY!; Mary Warren THE CRUCIBLE; Publicity Crew for LOVE/SICK and CHARLEY’S AUNT. She serves as community service liaison for THeSpian Society and is a member of Chamber Singers. Other credits: Maria Rainer in THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Southport Studio Theatre/Broadway Bootcamp), Iago in ALADDIN (Southport Studio Theatre/Broadway Bootcamp), Messenger/Ensemble in THE WIZ (DCT), Mad Hatter in SHREK (DCT), and Ensemble in THE MUSIC MAN (BMA). Special thanks to Mrs. Spillane, Jerold, and Frank and Abby for your dedication and guidance. Love always to God, Mom, Dad, Luke, and all family and friends.

ANDREA ALICEA (Young Kangaroo) is so thrilled to be performing in SEUSSICAL, her final THS production! She is excited to perform alongside such a wonderful and talented cast and crew! Andrea was previously seen in AESOP’S FABLES (Syd), HELLO DOLLY (Ensemble), JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Narrator), HOW TO SUCCEED (Ensemble), and THE GREAT PIE ROBBERY (Director). She wants to thank Mrs.Spillane, Mrs.Bolan, Mr.B, Frank and Abby Root and especially her parents and family for all their love and support. She’d also like to thank her friends and theatre family for inspiring her and making her high school memories ones that she’ll never forget! Break a leg everyone!

DANNY RANDAZZO (Grinch/Dance Ensemble) is very happy to be back for his second year in THS musicals, playing the Grinch and in the dance ensemble. Last year, Danny was also in the dance ensemble for HOW TO SUCCEED... Past shows include: THE LITTLE MERMAID; CHILDREN OF EDEN; MARY POPPINS; THE SOUND OF MUSIC; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; and CINDERELLA. Enjoy the show!

GREGORY McKEON (Yertle the Turtle) is very excited to be making his THS debut as a full fledged cast member as Judge Yertle the Turtle. He has been part of the Children’s Ensemble in THS’s THE MUSIC MAN and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, The Pilot in TYA’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, part of the ensemble in TYA’s MARY POPPINS,and a wing manager and part crew member in every other THS and TYA musical since the summer of 2013. Most recently, he co-directed THS’s 2016 fall play LOVE/SICK. He is very grateful to be able to be in the spotlight this time, singing into a mic, rather than whisper-screaming into a mic in the dark.

FRANCHESCA ALMONTE (Dance Captain) is ecstatic to be a part of SEUSSICAL as her final THS performance! Other credits include CRUCIBLE (Martha Corey); HELLO DOLLY (Dance Ensemble); CHARLEY’S AUNT(Co-Sound Director); HOW TO SUCCEED… (Dance Captain); and LOVE/SICK(Director). She would like to give a huge thanks to Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, and Mr. Bracksieck for being the best teachers a girl could ask for and to Frank and Abby Root for being out of this world choreographers. Also, thanks to Jerold Goldstein, the “Mamas,” Mrs. Bolton, Mrs. Clark, and cast and crew for their undying support to THS musicals. A gigantic shout out to Stratford Performing Arts Academy because without them her dancing career would be nonexistent. Much love to everyone. Break A Leg!

SYDNEY SIRKIN (Dance Captain) is a senior and is so excited to be one of the dance captains! This is her ninth THS production and her second time onstage. She was in the dance ensemble in HOW TO SUCCEED, the stage manager/producer for THE GREAT PIE ROBBERY, and has served in positions such as photography/videography, program design and more. Thank you so much to Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. Bolan, and Mr. B for providing endless opportunities on and off the stage the past four years, to Abby and Frank for being brilliant choreographers, to the cast and crew for being amazing as usual, and, as always, sending love to grandpa Jimmy and grandma Glo.

JULIE SPILLANE (Dance Captain) is a junior and so excited to be participating in her ninth show at THS, beginning with the 2006 production of SEUSSICAL as the Littlest Who. Recently she has performed in THS’s HELLO, DOLLY! (dance ensemble) and HOW TO SUCCEED (dance captain); Broadway Bootcamp’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Liesl); and TYA’s THE LITTLE MERMAID (dance ensemble). Julie is in her 15th year of dance and currently studies at PACC. She sincerely thanks Frank and Abby for giving her this opportunity as dance captain and especially thanks her wonderful mom, Mrs. Spillane, for guiding her in her love of theater.

MIMI LEONARD (Assistant to the Music Director/Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of her fourth and final THS musical. She has loved every minute of her time working on shows here at THS. Past credits include RENT: SCHOOL EDITION (production crew); HELLO, DOLLY! (ensemble); and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (music assistant). Mimi sincerely thanks all of her friends and family for their never-ending love and support. Thanks also to Jerold Goldstein for being an inspiring music director and mentor. Mimi is excited to see all the hard work of the entire cast and crew play out on stage. Break a leg, everyone!

EMILY KRAMER (Directing Apprentice/Ensemble) is thrilled to be involved both on and off stage in her fourth and final THS musical. Prior to SEUSSICAL, Emily was seen in THS’s productions of RENT (Ensemble); HELLO, DOLLY! (Ensemble); and HOW TO SUCCEED... (Ensemble). Other credits include ORANGE IS THE NEW GLASS (Barbara in the original cast) and THE MUSIC MAN (Alma) at the Broadway Method Academy. Emily had the honor to serve as the Managing Artistic Director of THS’s fall play LOVE/SICK. She would like to thank her family, Mrs. Bolan, Mr. B, Jerold, Abby, and Frank. Above all, Emily would like to thank Mrs. Spillane for giving her the best of both worlds and being an amazing mentor. Break a leg everyone!