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
Summer Theatre of New Canaan Leadership
Melody Meitrott Libonati
Artistic Director
As a professional 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, musicals and operas utilizing professional, student and local talents. For Summer Theatre of New Canaan, she has directed many shows including Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Big River, West Side Story, Camelot, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Singing in the Rain, Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins.
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.
Ed Libonati
Executive Director
Ed is one of the original team creating the Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Prior he was founding partner of Brandloft, a branding and communications agency based in Connecticut. Ed also co-created and was the CEO of ICR Network, an international advertising agency, with companies in the United States and Europe. He is a multi-award-winning TV commercial, film, TV Director, writer and producer. He has directed hundreds of commercials, many with celebrities and stars.
Ed has produced and directed jazz, pop and R&B music videos and TV shows plus numerous corporate films. As an on-camera advertising consultant for CNN, Ed commented on advertising trends and campaigns. He has been interviewed on TV & radio talk shows, in numerous trade magazines and featured in USA TODAY. Ed has participated in TV advertising trade panels, hosted award ceremonies, and given college, advertising club and community talks. He was also awarded an Ithaca College Communications Ceracche Outstanding Alumnus award.
Active in both the CT arts and community service, Ed serves on the Board of Directors for the Summer Theatre of New Canaan (CT). He is also an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan. Ed has helped raise funds and has promoted local non-profits with commercials, videos or producing events for organizations like the Norwalk Aquarium and Maritime Center, Stamford Center for the Arts, the YMCA of New Canaan, New Canaan Horizons, The Pro Arte Singers, The First Presbyterian Church, The Labyrinth of Connecticut, The New Canaan Nature Center, The Powerhouse Theatre and New Canaan Country School. He is an avid sailor (at least once a year). Over the past 20 years with the Summer Theatre of New Canaan, Ed is inspired to create a performing arts center that will evolve and thrive in our exciting transforming and increasingly immersive culture.
Cast
Laura Renee Mehl*
(Ariel) is beyond thrilled to be going under the sea! NYU alumni, Masters in Musical Theatre Performance and Advanced Pedagogy. Favorite roles include Footloose (Rusty), Ximer (Rosemary),The Office, A Musical Parody! (Pam). She is the Composer/Librettist of Moonshine. Love to Jonathan, Mom, Dad, Cassie, and her wonderful team. Instagram: @Laura_Renee_Mehl
Keisha T. Fraser*
(Ursula) is ever so excited to be making her STONC debut! Seen last summer in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Valley Shakespeare Festival), she can currently be seen during commercial breaks dancing and singing in the supermarket with Type 2 Diabetes. Selected credits include: Matilda (Mrs. Phelps; U.S. 1st National Tour), The Book of Mormon (Mrs. Brown; West End), Mamma Mia (Lisa; Broadway), The Color Purple (London, UK), Kiss Me, Kate and Evita (Stratford Shakespeare Festival), Hairspray (Theatre Aquarius), Law & Order, Blue Bloods, Coroner, Shazam!, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Kim’s Convenience. Thanks to MVP the best hype man and to all my friends and family for their unending support. @keisha.t
Aidan Cole*
(Prince Eric) is thrilled to be at STONC with The Little Mermaid! Regional Credits include Beautiful (Gerry Goffin), Jersey Boys (Bob Gaudio), Cinderella (Prince Topher) and Mamma Mia! (Sky). BFA Penn State Schreyer Honors College. He would like to thank HAA, Mom, Dad, and Gabe for all of their help along the way. Aidan-Cole.com / @acole6363
Jason Williams*
(Sebastian) is so grateful to be making his Summer Theater New Canaan debut as “Sebastian” in The Little Mermaid! Favorite credits: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Sharon Playhouse.), Beautiful:The Carole King Musical (SCA), A Bronx Tale (1st national Tour), Dreamgirls (South Korea tour). Special thanks to my agent Mikey Nagy, and as always to my supportive family and friends. Website: https://jasonwilliamsactor.com/
Joseph Torello*
(King Triton) just finished playing “Cal” in Waitress at A.C.T. of CT. NYC Credits: Show Boat (Carnival Barker) and Carousel (Policeman) at Lincoln Center with the NY Philharmonic (both aired on “Live From Lincoln Center” on PBS), Guys & Dolls (Mission Quartet) alongside Nathan Lane & Megan Mullally at Carnegie Hall, The Golden Apple (Ensemble) with City Center Encores. He has participated in 11 productions of The Music Man (Quartet Bass) across the country. @torellojoe.
Jason Guy*
(Grimsby) has acted, sung, and danced in over 80 productions to 18 countries, five continents, and all 50 States. International Tours: Singin’ in the Rain, 42nd Street, Annie; National Tours Hamlet, Twelfth Night, Aladdin; Regional I Am My Own Wife, Doubt, Noises Off. He was born in Michigan, grew up in Maine, and lives in New York City. ActorJasonGuy.com
Mike Katz
(Scuttle) has always had a passion for performing. Past credits include; Crazy for You (Bobby) and was part of the opening cast of the 50th Anniversary Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire at Walt Disney World. He is currently the director of the theater program at Masuk High School, inspiring the next generation of performers. IG: @katzykatz321
Gray Mortier*
(Flotsam) (he/they) is absolutely electrified to join the cast of Little Mermaid! This will be his third summer on stage with STONC, followed by Beauty and the Beast and Pippin. Favorite credits include Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Cabaret. He would love to applaud his parents for cultivating such a fabulous human! Also, he is bursting with excitement to join the stage with his twin! Instagram: @Gray_Mortier
Logan Mortier
(Jetsam) is positively electrified to aid and abet in his evil eel fantasy at Summer Theatre of New Canaan! Notable credits include No Strings (Off-Broadway), A Chorus Line (International Tour), West Side Story (IHI Stage Around Tokyo), Cats (Royal Caribbean), and Kinky Boots (Norwegian Cruise Lines). He thanks his husband and family for their endless support.
Carlos Velasquez Escamilla
(Flounder) is a proud 10-year-old SAG-AFTRA actor who began acting professionally at age 7. Selected credits: Off-Broadway: Big Famous/workshop (The Directors Company). Regional: Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast (STONC), A Bronx Tale (Seven Angels), Gypsy (Goodspeed). TV: Sesame Street. Voiceovers: Tonies, CoComelon. Heartfelt thanks to Melody, Ed, coaches, family, and friends for their support. Moo@carlosveofficial
Miles Langrick
(Flounder) is excited to return to Summer Theater of New Canaan, where he understudied the role of Chip in Beauty and the Beast. Other recent roles include Les Misérables (Gavroche), Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Charlie), and A Christmas Story (Ralphie). Outside of theater, he competes in the World Ninja League and hopes to be on American Ninja Warrior one day.
Christopher Isolano
(Chef Louis) is thrilled to bring this Disney classic to life again after playing the role of Scuttle in the original pilot production of The Little Mermaid Jr. in 2013 in NYC. Credits: Tour: My Fair Lady (Professor Zoltan Karpathy: LCT). Off-Broadway: The Golden Cage (Theatre Row), Fancy Nancy (AMT). Big thanks to Arbender, Scott, Melody & Ed and the entire STONC team! / @Chris-Isolano
Hayden Barsamian
(Ensemble) is excited to be making her debut at The Summer Theater of New Canaan. She is a recent graduate of the Norwalk Conservatory and some favorite roles include: Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney), Hair (Crissy), Escape to Margaritaville (Marley), Big Fish (Jenny Hill/The Witch), and Be More Chill (Chloe Valentine). Hayden would like to thank her parents, brothers, grandparents and her phenomenal agent, Arbender at Firestarter Entertainment. / IG @HaydenBarsamian
Grace Brad “GB”
(Ensemble/ Mersister/ Grimsby u/s) (They/She/He) is ecstatic to be here! Favorite previous credits include Hair (Cortland Rep), Anything Goes and The Prom (Rider University). Rider University alumni with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Shout out to my family and my team at The Mine!
Jenna Flaherty
(Ensemble / Mersister) Theater credits: Let the Good Times Roll, Charleston Music Hall (SC), Legally Blonde, MTI Junior Theater FesGval (GA), A Chorus Line, Footlight Players (SC); Film/TV credits: SAG-AFTRA feature film debut Vampires of the Velvet Lounge (2025), Gaskins: The Roper Woods Killer (2025), Righteous Gemstones, A Chorus Line (HS EdiGon, dir. Baayork Lee); Commercial credits : ZenWTR (w/Danny McBride), Jamba Juice, Ellio’s Pizza, Pirates Voyage (A Dolly Parton Company). Jenna wishes to thank her family, friends, Bonnie and the team at Stewart Talent!
Ashley Hiester*
(Ensemble/ Mersister/ Ariel u/s) is a New York based actress, singer and pianist. Ashley holds a B.A. in Music in Vocal and Piano performance from Muhlenberg College. She works as a private voice and piano teacher and is a passionate music director/piano conductor. Her most recent roles include Bring it On the Musical (Campbell) and Beauty and the Beast (Belle).
Chafik Jay
(Ensemble/Sebastian Understudy) is very excited to dive under the sea this summer for his Summer Theatre of New Canaan debut! Credits: Mad Hatter (Ensemble/Franklin Cover) (Herberger Theater Center), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Drifter/Ensemble) (Phoenix Theatre Company), Dreamgirls (Swing/Frank Ensemble*) (Phoenix Theatre Company). Education: BFA in Musical Theatre from Howard University.
Stephen C. Kallas
(Ensemble/ Scuttle u/s) select credits: The SpongeBob Musical (1st national tour) Jersey Boys (Engeman Theatre), Wizard of Oz (KC Starlight), Newsies (Fireside Theatre); Mary Poppins (Argyle Theatre); Bandstand (Playhouse on Park, CT); The Great American Mousical (Directed by Dame Julie Andrews at Legacy Theatre); Frozen (Olney Theatre Center). Upcoming performances include: Top Hat (at The Rev). / ATB Talent, Wagner College Theatre, For PCRM @StephenCKallas, StephenCKallas.com, @SpikemarKProducts, SpikemarKProducts.com.
Vincent Law
(Ensemble) is excited to be making his STONC debut. Theater credits include: The King and I (Lun Tha), Stardust Road (Buster), Titanic (Fleet), White Christmas (Mike), Anything Goes (Luke & John), Mame (Ito) and On the Town (Chip u/s). He wants to extend his love and gratitude to his mentors, family and friends. IG: @kv52
Carlos Pérez
(Pilot/ Ensemble/ King Triton u/s) is a rising Senior BFA Musical Theatre Major and Music Minor at Western Connecticut State University from Trumbull, CT. WCSU credits include Sunday In The Park With George (Boatman), Legally Blonde (Callahan), Next to Normal (Dan), Something Rotten! (Nostradamus), and Allegro (Man 6). He’d like to thank his family for their endless support. Instagram: @carlosios
Pablo Pernia
(Ensemble/ Prince Eric u/s) is a Venezuelan-American actor based in NYC. He has worked regionally with over 17 theater companies and toured the country with the North American Tour of Legally Blonde the Musical. “Huge thanks to the team for letting me be Part of Your World and immense gratitude to my team for keeping me swimming.”/ www.pablo-pernia.com / @pabloperniaa
Payge Shaw
(Ensemble/ Mersister) is thrilled to be joining the STONC family again this summer. This is her second time performing in a show here and she couldn’t be any more ecstatic and grateful. Last summer she was an intern and was in Mary Poppins. Thank you STONC for this wonderful opportunity and experience!
Sofia Swensen
(Ensemble/ Mersister/ Ursula u/s) is elated to make her STONC debut! Credits: West Side Story (Anybodys), Rocky (Angie/Shirley), As You Like It (Silvia), Christmas Story (Ensemble/Dance Captain). Sofia is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater at Syracuse University. Off the stage, Sofia is a personal trainer and avid cat lover. Huge thank you to her agents, Roger and Jessica; Ma; Dad; Bro; and her love, Tiny. sofiaswensen.com
Ruby Griffin+
(Ensemble) is currently studying musical theatre at NYU and is a graduate of LaGuardia High School as a drama major. Recently, she was seen Off-Broadway in the world premiere of Regarding the Disappearance of Amy (Serena). Other credits: Paper Mill Playhouse, and Westchester Broadway Dinner Theatre. She is so excited to be a part of this project!
Simon Grogan+
(Ensemble) is a Junior BFA Musical Theatre student at the University of Miami originally from Greenwich, Connecticut. He is a passionate performer who loves the art form and the impact it has on people. Additionally, he enjoys spending time with his friends and working on creative projects. He is extremely excited to work with the STONC company this summer!
Cooper Sadler+
(Ensemble) (he/him) is psyched to return to STONC after being featured as a breakdancing penguin in last summer’s Mary Poppins. Recent roles include Grease (Sonny), Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), This Is Our Youth (Warren), and Trap (Avishay Lenser). Much love to Mom, Dad, and Kirby. NYU Tisch School of Drama, Class of ‘28.
Isabella St. Philip+
(Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of The Little Mermaid! She is a Musical Theater Dance Major at The Norwalk Conservatory. Isabella is a nineteen-year-old actress from New Orleans, Louisiana. Some recent credits include, A Chorus Line (U/S Val and Connie), You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy), and Chicago (Velma Kelly). IG: isabella.st.philip
Nicole Talamo+
(Ensemble) (she/her) is a rising junior at New York University, studying Drama at the New Studio on Broadway. She is thrilled to return for her second STONC production this summer! Most recently, Nicole appeared in the ensemble of Mary Poppins at STONC, and this past spring she played Macbeth in The Scottish Play. She’s incredibly grateful to spend another season with her STONC family and would like to thank her loved ones and educators for their constant support, as well as everyone involved in bringing this magical production to life.
Peyton Zaletsky+
(Ensemble) (she/her) is a rising junior at Boston College pursuing a BA in Theatre and Communications. After watching STONC shows since age 3, she’s beyond thrilled to take the stage! Favorite credits: Accidental Death of an Anarchist (Inspector Bertozzo), As You Like It (Dennis), The Little Mermaid (Scuttle), and Disaster! (Shirley). She would like to thank her family, friends, mentors, and educators for their endless guidance and support. Special thanks to Melody Libonati, Doug Shankman (nine years tapping together?!), Kathleen Suss, Patricia Riggin, and especially to her parents, without whom none of this would be possible. Instagram/TikTok: @peytonzacts
*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.
+ Participant in the 2025 Albert L. Perry III College Internship Program
Creative
Arbender Robinson
Director
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
Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd
Co-Choreographer / Associate Director
Isaiah T. Boyd is so excited to be working on The Little Mermaid with the Summer Theatre of New Canaan! A performer and director/choreographer originally from the Bay Area, California, Isaiah is a graduate of Hunter College with a wide range of dance training, from Broadway jazz to Afro-Brazilian folklore. They are excited to collaborate on this project, which blends many musical styles and dance forms! Select directing and choreography credits include : 9 to 5 (Choreographer, Willows Theatre Company), The Jungle Book (Director/Choreographer, Berkeley Playhouse), The Threepenny Opera (Director/Choreographer, Hunter College), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Assistant Director, Town Hall Theatre), and Aida (Assistant Choreographer, Broadway By the Bay).
Doug Shankman
Co-Choreographer
Wojcik Casting Team
Casting Director
Kevin Gleason
Lighting Designer
Lauren Sherwood
Costume Supervisor
Daniel Bria
Casting Director
Alan J. Stogin*
Production Stage Manager
Alan J. Stogin is from the Pacific Northwest and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre: Directing and Stage Management from Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Oregon as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre: Stage Management from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His Production Stage Manager credits include USHH: Backstory Pass for Usher’s Las Vegas Residency, iLuminate at The Strat, Opera Las Vegas, and GLOW Lyric Theatre (Greenville, SC). In addition to his various PSM credits, Alan served as the Production Coordinator for Terhal by Dragone (Saudi Arabia), Assistant Stage Manager at Atomic Saloon Show and OPM (Spiegelworld, Las Vegas); Electrician for the Kylie Minogue and Christina Aguilera residencies (Voltaire, Las Vegas), Stage Manager and Props/Puppet Designer for Mary Poppins (STONC, New Canaan).
Grace Griffin*
Assistant Stage Manager
Jim Hart
Technical Director
Alex Barney
Production Manager
Brad Harder
Company Manager
Brian Canese
Assistant Technical Director
Nicole Demers
Assistant Company Manager / Social Media Manager
ZFX Flying Effects
Flight Direction
STONC 2025 Albert L. Perry III College Interns who perform and/or work on STONC’s main stage production and education programs include: Jordan Au, Lia Chernysh, Molly Deluca, Jacqueline DiCenzo, Ruby Griffin, Simon Grogan, Marin Hillis, Sadie Leopold, Alexa Lunney, Isabella St. Philip, Cooper Sadler, Corey Schiz, Deanna Sutton, Nicole Talamo, Jade Wein, Peyton Zaletsky, and Allison Ziegler.
*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.