Emily Grace Tucker*
Mary Poppins

Emily Grace Tucker (she/her) Originally from California, Emily is based in NYC, living in NJ with her loving fiance, two dogs and many house plants. Favorite credits include: The Little Mermaid (Ariel: Tuacahn Amphitheater & The Gateway), Cinderella (Ella: Musical Theater West), A Chorus Line (Maggie: Flatrock Playhouse) Elf the Musical (Jovie: National Tour/MSG, AC Coastal Carolina, Beef and Boards), Tangled the Musical (Rapunzel: Disney Theatrical), Shrek the Musical(Princess Fiona),The Sound of Music (Liesl: Tuacahn Amphitheater), La Cage Aux Folles (Goodspeed) and many more. Emily is also the creator and owner of EGTCreative Sheet Music Art: @emilygracetucker and is a keynote speaker and professional event host. For Mom. Dedicated to Katie Falter, who loved Julie as much as I do.

Stephen Petrovich*
Bert

Stephen Petrovich (he/him) Dream role! Stephen appeared as Lumiere in last summer’s Beauty and the Beast. He originated the role of Gangle in the 2017 North American premiere company of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. As a touring actor, Stephen has performed in 47 US states and six Canadian provinces. Regional: Kansas City Starlight, North Shore Music Theatre, Merry Go Round Playhouse, Arrow Rock Lyceum. Favorites: Jersey Boys (Nick Massi), Matilda (Mister Wormwood), The Drowsy Chaperone, (Robert), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow 4x), Spamalot, Hairspray, La Cage, 42nd Street. BFA Musical Theatre: the Boston Conservatory. @stephenpetrovich

Janelle A. Robinson
Miss Andrews / Mrs Corry

Janelle A. Robinson: For the past thirty years, Janelle A. Robinson has enjoyed a professional career on the musical theater and operatic stage as well as in the classroom. Her most recent foray- directing. Broadway credits: Mary Poppins, OC- Mrs. Corry; Oklahoma and Showboat. 1st Nat’l tours- Ms. Flannery- Thoroughly Modern Millie and Queenie in Showboat. Regional companies include: Hartford Opera Theater and Opera Company Philadelphia, Papermill Playhouse, NSMT, MSMT, The Cleveland Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Penobscot Theatre and Playhouse on Park. She was last seen at STONC’s as Berthe in Pippin and won a CT Critic’s Award for Bloody Mary in South Pacific. Directing- Sister Act and She Loves Me at Hartt and Next To Normal at CCSU. Janelle is a proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA and on faculty at WCSU,The Hartt School and Choate.

Jazmin Gorsline*
Winifred Banks

Jazmin Gorsline (she/her) is thrilled to return to STONC, after previously performing in My Fair Lady (Eliza) and Carousel (Julie). She recently played Christine Daaé in Love Never Dies in Hamburg. Off-Broadway credits include The Sorceress with NYTF, and originating the role of Sophie in My Parsifal Conductor with The Directors Company. Other favorites: National Tour of My Fair Lady, Carnival! at The Kennedy Center, and regional productions of She Loves Me (Amalia), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Hello, Dolly! (Irene), Fiddler (Hodel) and Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown). Jazmin is from the Pacific Northwest and has a Masters in Vocal Performance from Eastman School of Music. www.JazminGorsline.com

Sean Hannon*
George Banks

Sean Hannon (he/him): A founding member of Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, he played the juvenile lead in many Shakespeare plays, and also played George Gibbs in Our Town with Richard Dysart and Dana Elcar. Off-Broadway, he appeared in the lead role of Charlie Galloway in Life Anonymous by N. Richard Nash. Regionally, at CT’s Summer Theater of New Canaan he’s played Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and King Arthur in Camelot. Sean has been a proud member of the Theatre Artists Workshop since 1990.

Janet Dickinson*
Mrs Brill / Bird Woman

Janet Dickinson: I am thrilled to be making my debut as Mrs. Brill/Bird Woman at Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Broadway: Anastasia OG cast. Bullets Over Broadway OG cast; How The Grinch Stolen Christmas OG cast; Happiness at Lincoln Center; Little Dancer (Mary Cassatt) World premier at the Kennedy Center. Tours: Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot; 9 to 5 The Musical. Off-Broadway: Sandy in Fat Camp; Forbidden Broadway’s Rude Awakening. TV: High Maintenance on HBO; Billions on Showtime; Feud: Capote and his Swans on FX. Janet is originally from Bemidji, MN. Thanks to Doug, my family, friends and agents at Carson/Kolker for all of their support.

Rudd Anderson*
Admiral Boom / Chairman

Rudd Anderson (he/him): Rudd is thrilled to be making his STONC debut in this production of Mary Poppins. Tours: Cats, A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Oklahoma!, My One and Only. Regional: 42nd Street, Can-Can, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Gypsy, Singing In The Rain, Lil’ Abner. Film: Founder’s Day, Weekenders, Christmas on the Carousel, Intermedium (short). Thank you to Tracy, Lily, and Ella, my wonderful, supportive family.

Stephanie Eve Parker
Ensemble / Katy Nana

Stephanie Eve Parker (she/her): Stephanie is thrilled to be in her first show at STONC with this amazing cast, crew, and creative team! Recent credits include: Guys and Dolls (Ferguson), Newsies (Spot Conlon/Ensemble/Katherine u/s), Songs for a New World (Woman 1), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), White Christmas, Something Rotten, Jekyll and Hyde, A Christmas Carol. Choreography credits: The Braggart of Bourbon Street (New York Fringe Festival); Let’s Broadway! Proud dance faculty member at AMDA. Thanks to her family and friends for their support! @stephanieeveparker

Joseph Turner
Robertson Ay

Joseph Turner: Joseph is thrilled to be back at STONC after performing as the Tin Man in the TYA production of Wizard of Oz and as an ensemble member in Beauty and the Beast. Other recent regional credits include Matilda (Mr Wormwood) and Anything Goes (Purser). Joseph graduated from Muhlenberg College with a BA in Theatre. He thanks Melody and Ed for this amazing opportunity, and his family and friends for all of their support.

Avery Jackson
Jane Banks

Avery Jackson: Avery is very excited to be making her professional theater debut at the Summer Theater of New Canaan. She most recently performed in The Studio of New Canaan productions of The Little Mermaid Jr. (Chef Louis), The Addams Family Jr. (Grandma), and Matilda Jr. (Bruce). Special thanks to her family, her voice teacher – Ms. Melody Libonati and her acting teacher. Insta: @averyaejacksonofficial.

Cate Panagrossi
Jane Banks

Cate Panagrossi: Cate is ecstatic to be making her STONC mainstage and professional debut! A former competitive dancer, Cate has a strong passion for dance, as well as musical theater. Favorite previous acting roles include “Babette” in STONC’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. and “Sad Girl” in Saxe Middle School’s Bye Bye Birdie. She would like to thank her family for their support, her dance, acting, and voice teachers, and a special thank you to her castmates whom she is beyond excited to learn from as they take her under their wings! Insta: @catepanagrossi

Camilo Velasquez Escamilla
Michael Banks (Alt)

Camilo Velasquez Escamilla: Camilo is thrilled to be making his professional theatre debut at STONC!
He can be seen in the web series The Pigeon Explains (4 episodes) and a Horizon Organic Commercial as a “Chef”. Other Credits: Voice-over: Nick Jr. Episodic. Commercial: Chase Bank. Camilo was recently on set for his second Feature Film this year! First post-production/Dir. Ted Passon, and second production/Dir. Charles Hood. Special thanks to his teachers and brother for teaching him all about theatre! Insta: @camiloveofficial

Carlos Velasquez Escamilla
Michael Banks (Alt)

Carlos Velasquez Escamilla: Carlos is excited to be back and perform at STONC! Regional Credits: A Bronx Tale (Young Calogero, Seven Angels Theatre), Beauty in The Beast (Chip, Summer Theater of New Canaan), Gypsy (Newsboy, Goodspeed Opera House). Other credits: A Christmas Story (Ralphie, Town Players of NC). TV: Sesame Street (Season 54 Episode 11). Commercials: Chase Bank. Voice-Over: Nick Jr. Universe Video Game, and CoComelon (Wally the Wolf). Special thanks to his family, his acting, voice, and dance instructors.
Insta: @carlosveofficial

Lily Anderson
Ensemble

Lily Anderson (she/her): Lily is so excited to be performing in Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s production of Mary Poppins! She previously performed with Summer Theatre of New Canaan in their 2023 production of Beauty and the Beast. She is currently studying Musical Theatre at Shenandoah University, and most recently appeared in Shenandoah Conservatory’s production of Pippin as a featured dancer. She’d like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Sam Brackley
Ensemble/ Policeman/ Northbrook

Sam Brackley: NYC: Broadway Backwards, Red Bucket Follies, His Story: the Musical, Housewives of Secaucus, Regional: La Cage aux Folles (Signature Theatre), Joseph… Dreamcoat, 42nd Street (Prather Entertainment), The Wizard of Oz (KC Starlight), Saturday Night Fever (Theatre By The Sea), Beauty and the Beast (John W. Engeman Theatre), Jekyll & Hyde, Seussical (Virginia Musical Theatre). Television: Julia (HBO Max). Norwegian Cruise Lines (Production Singer). Big thanks to family, friends, The Roster Agency, and Wojcik Casting!

Jenna M. Filippelli
Ensemble/ Assistant Choreographer

Jenna M. Filippelli (she/hers): Jenna is happy to be back at STONC for Mary Poppins this year! A Rhode Island native living in New York City, Jenna has choreographed for UCLA’s Theater, Film, and Television Department and has had the opportunity to perform on the world-renowned stages of The Joyce Theater and Royce Hall. Other credits include assistant choreographer to Doug Shankman for Beauty and the Beast at STONC and Axelrod Performing Arts Center’s production of A Bronx Tale, directed by Broadway’s Richard H. Blake and choreographed by Abbey O’Brien. She has also had the privilege of assisting Kelly Devine, Nicholas Gunn, and Lee Martino to name a few. Love to Mom, Dad, and LB, and many thanks to DDO, Melody, and Doug!

Matt Guernier
Ensemble

Matt Guernier (he/him): Matt is thrilled to be making his STONC debut! With experience across many avenues of “the biz,” he’s excited and thankful to be back on a stage with Mary Poppins! Some of his favorite credits include: Mike – A Chorus Line & Billy Lawlor – 42nd Street. He would like to thank God and his family for all their love, his friends and castmates for their support, and Ed, Melody, Doug, Nick and WCT for this wonderful opportunity! mattguernier.com | FLàNYC | #gogata

Christopher Hudson Myers
Ensemble/ Park Keeper/ Von Hussler

Christopher Hudson Myers: Christopher has spent the last 9 years teaching, directing, choreographing, and producing theater in Fairfield County (including 4 years as Company Manager of STONC). He was a proud cast member of the Broadway Company of Mamma Mia! from 2012-2015 before moving to CT with his wonderfully talented wife, Rachel. Other credits include: Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer, Marius in Les Miserables, and Jesus in Godspell. He is currently the Theatre Coordinator for New Canaan High School. Thanks to Ed and Melody and all my love to Rachel, Coralie, Ezzy, Neenee, Button, and Gammy!

Kayden Oliver*
Ensemble

Kayden Oliver* (he/him/his): STONC Debut! Select Regional Credits: West Side Story, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (The 5th Avenue Theatre); Newsies, Guys and Dolls, The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes (World Premiere), Mamma Mia! (Village Theatre); Fiddler on the Roof (North Shore Music Theatre); A Chorus Line, An American in Paris, Bandstand, Cinderella, Elf (The Phoenix Theatre Company). “Shout out to all of my friends and family for their constant love and support.” Instagram: @kaydenoliver

Adam Magnacca*
Ensemble

Adam Magnacca* (he/him): Adam is an NYC based Actor and Music Director from Mississauga, Ontario. STONC Debut! Favorite performance credits include: Rock of Ages (Drew), Head Over Heels (Musidorus), Into The Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), Mamma Mia! (Sky), Anything Goes, and Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza: The Musical. Previous MD credits include the smash West End hit, The Choir of Man (Norwegian Cruise Line). Love to Jackie, Mom, Dad, Sean, Bridget, and Jim. For Gary Brown, who always had a touch of magic and whimsy.

Nathan Ayotte
Acting Intern

Nathan Ayotte (he/him): Nathan is currently a sophomore at Syracuse University studying musical theatre. Previous credits include The Droll (Syracuse University Department of Drama), A Christmas Carol (Syracuse Stage), and Anything Goes (Black Rock Theater). He would like to thank his family, friends, instructors, and mentors for their endless love and support. Instagram: @nathan.aron.ayotte

Lauren Fitzgerald
Acting Intern

Lauren Fitzgerald (she/her): Lauren is from Burlington, CT. She’s a rising senior at Manhattan School of Music pursuing a BM in Musical Theatre. Past credits include Doris Macafee (Bye, Bye Birdie), Emma (Jekyll and Hyde), Natacha Rambova (Valentino’s Tango), Sheila (A Chorus Line). Recently she music directed Rock of Ages at Rockwell Summer Theatre and choreographed for the MSM dance show. Her passion for theatre started at STONC seeing West Side Story so she is thrilled to be returning, but on stage!

Max Guttman
Acting Intern

Max Guttman (he/they): Max is a sophomore musical theater major at The Boston Conservatory where he just appeared in the ensemble of their mainstage production, Something Rotten! In 2023 Max was awarded the CT HALO Award for his performance as Barry Glickman in The Prom. Max performed as a soloist in 2022 with members of the New York Pops, conducted by Jason Robert Brown. Max would like to thank everyone at STONC and his family for their constant support.

Meredith Heller
Acting Intern

Meredith Heller (she/her):Meredith is from Pelham, NY and just graduated from Manhattan School of Music for Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite credits include Paperboy (Carrier 1), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Mille). When she’s not performing, Meredith loves working with children and has been lucky enough to have many opportunities teaching children in theatre specifically. She is ecstatic to intern and perform at the Summer Theatre of New Canaan this summer and can’t wait to get started!

Cooper Sadler
Acting Intern

Cooper Sadler (he/him/his): Cooper is a recent graduate of Staples High School and an alumni of its robust theater program, Staples Players. He’ll be attending NYU Tisch School of Drama in the fall. Some of his recent roles include Sonny in Grease, Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls, Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night, and Warren in This Is Our Youth. He’s thrilled to be a part of the STONC community! Much love to Mom, Dad, and Kirby.

Payge Shaw
Acting Intern

Payge Shaw (she/her): Payge is thrilled to be joining the STONC family this summer. This is her first time working here and she couldn’t be any more ecstatic and grateful. Thank you STONC for this wonderful opportunity and experience!

Nicole Talamo
Acting Intern

Nicole Talamo (she/her): Nicole is a rising Sophomore at New York University studying drama at the New Studio on Broadway. Nicole is so excited to spend her summer in her hometown working at STONC in her first professional production! This past year Nicole has participated in her schools premier all treble accapella group and dance company! She wants to thank her family, friends and educators for their endless support in her pursuing her passion.

Oliver Tam
Acting Intern

Oliver Tam (he/him): Oliver is a student at Northwestern University pursuing a BA in Theatre and English. Born and raised in New York, Oliver is excited to be back on the east coast and be part of the Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s 2024 season. Favorite roles include The Mason in Working: The Musical, Jimmy Ray Dobbs in Bright Star, William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and most recently, Jimmy in the Julia Cho play Durango.

Melody Meitrott Libonati
Artistic Director

Melody Meitrott Libonati: As a director, actress and educator, Melody has performed leading roles on Broadway, National Tours and regional theatre companies. She held a running role on the soap opera, One Life to Live and has been featured in numerous national and regional TV commercials. She has also sung on award winning radio and TV jingles.

As a director, Melody has staged many plays and musicals utilizing professional, student and local talents. For Summer Theatre of New Canaan, she has directed twelve shows including Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, Big River, West Side Story, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Singing in the Rain, and the 2023 blockbuster Beauty and the Beast. She is thrilled to be directing Mary Poppins this summer.

Melody wrote and produced a pilot TV program, “Melody’s Drama Rama Kids”, adapted from her pre-school creative play program taught in New York City and Connecticut. She is the founding director of The Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan which features a staff of professional performance instructors who teach private classes in voice, piano, guitar, dance and acting as well as group classes in musical theatre, voice, dance and acting. The Conservatory’s goal is to awaken, nurture and grow each student’s creative abilities in the performing arts by offering professional training, workshops, and exciting performance opportunities. Melody holds a teaching degree from Ithaca College in Drama-Speech and is a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA.

Melody’s “favorite things” are her family; Edward, Allegra, Christian, Brett, Ella and Everly.

Arbender Robinson
Director

Arbender Robinson: https://www.arbender.com/bio

Alex Parrish
Music Director

Alex Parrish (he/him) is a music director, educator, pianist, and composer. He has music directed 30+ shows for RWS Global and Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as Off-Broadway, educational, and independent productions for NYC venues including Ars Nova, Playwrights Horizons, The Public, Atlantic Acting School, 54 Below, and Fordham University, and regional venues including Kitchen Theatre Company (NY), Meadow Brook Theatre (MI), and The Playwrights’ Center (MN). Alex is a graduate of NYU Tisch and the BMI Workshop, the associate artistic director and co-founder of Forager Theatre Company, and based in Queens, NY. @alexdparrish www.parrishmusicservices.com www.foragertheatre.com

Doug Shankman
Co-Choreographer

Doug Shankman: Bio coming soon.

Disney’s

The Little Mermaid

A Broadway Musical

July 12 – 27, 2025
New Canaan, CT

Online Tickets Available May 22



Overview

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a classic story of love and adventure for the ages.

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, in order to find the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

This July, the Summer Theatre of New Canaan presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid for three weeks only! Don’t miss this Broadway caliber production that will leave you singing, laughing, and believing that dreams come true.

Performance Details:
Running Time 2 hours 30 minutes (Including a 15 minute intermission)

Venue Location:
11 Farm Rd, New Canaan, CT (The same venue as last year’s Mary Poppins).

Online Tickets Available May 22

Performance Times:

Saturday, July 12 @ 1PM
Saturday, July 12 @ 5PM
Sunday, July 13 @ 2PM

Friday, July 18 @ 7PM
Saturday, July 19 @ 1PM
Saturday, July 19 @ 5PM
Sunday, July 20 @ 2PM

Friday, July 25 @ 7PM
Saturday, July 26 @ 1PM
Saturday, July 26 @ 5PM
Sunday, July 27 @ 2PM

Media

Members of the cast and creative team performed/spoke at STONC’s “Under The Sea” Gala

Cast

Coming Soon

Creative

Melody Meitrott Libonati

Artistic Director
Bio»

Arbender Robinson

Director
Bio»

Alex Parrish

Music Director
Bio»

Doug Shankman

Co-Choreographer

Bio»

Co-Choreographer / Associate Director: Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd
Lighting Designer: Kevin Gleason
Costume Designer/Supervisor: Lauren Nicole Sherwood
Technical Director: James Hart
Production Stage Manager: Alan J. Stogin*
Company Manager: Brad Harder
Executive Producer: Ed Libonati

*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, The Summer Theatre of New Canaan, and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Credits

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film
produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker
and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions

Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Plan Your Visit

Learn more about attending a performance with the Summer Theatre of New Canaan.

Plan Your Visit

Order Tickets

Emily Grace Tucker*Mary Poppins

Stephen Petrovich*Bert

Janelle A. RobinsonMiss Andrews / Mrs Corry

Jazmin Gorsline*Winifred Banks

Sean Hannon*George Banks

Janet Dickinson* Mrs Brill / Bird Woman

Rudd Anderson*Admiral Boom / Chairman

Stephanie Eve Parker​Ensemble / Katy Nana

Joseph Turner Robertson Ay

Avery JacksonJane Banks

Cate PanagrossiJane Banks

Camilo Velasquez EscamillaMichael Banks (Alt)

Carlos Velasquez EscamillaMichael Banks (Alt)

Lily AndersonEnsemble

Sam BrackleyEnsemble/ Policeman/ Northbrook

Jenna M. Filippelli Ensemble/ Assistant Choreographer

Matt GuernierEnsemble

Christopher Hudson Myers Ensemble/ Park Keeper/ Von Hussler

Kayden Oliver*Ensemble

Adam Magnacca*Ensemble

Nathan AyotteActing Intern

Lauren FitzgeraldActing Intern

Max GuttmanActing Intern

Meredith HellerActing Intern

Cooper SadlerActing Intern

Payge ShawActing Intern

Nicole TalamoActing Intern

Oliver TamActing Intern

Melody Meitrott LibonatiArtistic Director

Arbender RobinsonDirector

Alex ParrishMusic Director

Doug Shankman Co-Choreographer

Disney’s

The Little Mermaid

Overview

Media

Cast

Creative

Melody Meitrott Libonati

Arbender Robinson

Alex Parrish

Doug Shankman

Credits

Plan Your Visit

Emily Grace Tucker*
Mary Poppins

Stephen Petrovich*
Bert

Janelle A. Robinson
Miss Andrews / Mrs Corry

Jazmin Gorsline*
Winifred Banks

Sean Hannon*
George Banks

Janet Dickinson*
Mrs Brill / Bird Woman

Rudd Anderson*
Admiral Boom / Chairman

Stephanie Eve Parker
Ensemble / Katy Nana

Joseph Turner
Robertson Ay

Avery Jackson
Jane Banks

Cate Panagrossi
Jane Banks

Camilo Velasquez Escamilla
Michael Banks (Alt)

Carlos Velasquez Escamilla
Michael Banks (Alt)

Lily Anderson
Ensemble

Sam Brackley
Ensemble/ Policeman/ Northbrook

Jenna M. Filippelli
Ensemble/ Assistant Choreographer

Matt Guernier
Ensemble

Christopher Hudson Myers
Ensemble/ Park Keeper/ Von Hussler

Kayden Oliver*
Ensemble

Adam Magnacca*
Ensemble

Nathan Ayotte
Acting Intern

Lauren Fitzgerald
Acting Intern

Max Guttman
Acting Intern

Meredith Heller
Acting Intern

Cooper Sadler
Acting Intern

Payge Shaw
Acting Intern

Nicole Talamo
Acting Intern

Oliver Tam
Acting Intern

Melody Meitrott Libonati
Artistic Director

Arbender Robinson
Director

Alex Parrish
Music Director

Doug Shankman
Co-Choreographer