Meet the Cast of The Sound of Music
SpongeBob the Musical, Youth Edition
Riley Dobbins
Co-Director / Choreographer
Directors note- Riley What do Cyndi Lauper and Panic! At The Disco have in common? They both wrote songs for SpongeBob the Musical! Every song you’ll hear in this show was written by a different artist; no two songs are the same, which you could say the exact same thing about every character in this show…no two people are the same. Throughout this show, each character gets a chance to display their own personalities, their own wants and desires, and their own fears, just like any regular human would (despite them all -mostly- being animals.) While we all think of SpongeBob from the cartoon, the musical expands into the world of Bikini Bottom in a more sophisticated approach, while still keeping the whimsy that made SpongeBob… SpongeBob. All this makes SpongeBob: The Musical from a directors standpoint a show that can really push the artistry of any young actor. Having SpongeBob be your directorial and choreographical debut is not easy, but I couldn’t have imagined it any differently. Getting to learn the ropes of directing through a monster of a show is easy when you’re given a group of kind, supportive, and hardworking kids. Getting to spend these last 2 weeks with this group has been a pleasure, and they exceed every expectation and hard choreography I threw at them! Every early morning and late night is worth it once you see the work every person has put into this production. I’d like to thank Krista Libertino, Stephen Woodcock, Carolyn and Jay Iorio, Nex Sartoris, our campers, my family, and of course my co-director and twin brother, Blake. Thank you all for helping this production come to life, I truly couldn’t have done it without any of you! We hope you enjoy your journey to Bikini Bottom!
Blake Dobbins
Co-Director
Director’s Note-Blake Who lives in a pineapple under the sea! SpongeBob SquarePants! Many parents will hear these words and will either change the channel or continue watching. But as someone who grew up watching SpongeBob on TV this musical is more than just a yellow talking sponge running around the whole time; it deals with issues and problems that some children might not understand yet and how important it is to be a community. Issues that show how a community can be against someone who has different opinions and ideas, how someone who is a hard worker is only seen as someone small and will never be good enough for something more than such . SpongeBob the Musical isn’t what you think it is, take a look at the big picture and you will notice these things and eventually you’ll find the Bikini Bottom way. This experience to direct and work with this wonderful group of individuals who made everyday feel like a new day and never failed to put a smile on my face. Each student here has their own personality and cares so much about each other. It is like walking into a family where everyone knows everybody and nobody is treated differently then each other. SpongeBob the Musical is one of my favorite shows of all time (and definitely deserves more recognition than it gets!) it’s fun and informative for all ages! Now sit back and relax and enjoy this unforgettable show!
Addison Hicks
Perch Perkins, Sardine
Addison Hicks (Perch Perkins, Sardine) has been in the Little Mermaid, Jr. (MerSister) and Peter Pan, Jr. (Brave Girl.) She was recently onstage as Louisa in New Deal’s production of the Sound of Music. She is excited and thrilled to be in SpongeBob, Youth Ed. She also enjoys dance, as well as playing the violin, piano and guitar. She would like to thank her mom and her best friend Effie for seeing her shows and helping her through them, her dad for helping with lights, and her grandma for coming to the show. Enjoy Patrick being Patrick with SpongeBob!
Aidan Sheehy
Patrick Star
Aidan Sheehy (Patrick) is extremely excited to be playing Patrick in “Spongebob, Youth Ed.” and he is currently in a production of Beetlejuice, Jr (Beetlejuice). He has previously appeared in local and school productions such as Seussical, Jr. (Cat in the Hat,) Cats, YAE (Gus,) Shrek, Jr. (Gingy,) Big Fish (Will’s Son,) Wizard of Oz (ensemble,) Matilda, Jr. (Bruce,) and Peter Pan, Jr. (Smee.) He would like to thank his mother, his friends, Molly, and Glen for all their support. Now, if you love the show too much just close your eyes and maybe it won’t end.
Alban McGehee
Plankton
Alban McGehee (Plankton) is so excited and thrilled to be in his 11th show! He would like to thank Blake and Riley for all of their hard work!
Carys Fuller
Pearl/Sardine
Carys Fuller (Pearl/Sardine) is in her 13th show. Her favorite roles include Mayzie in Seussical, Jr., Charlie in Willy Wonka, Jr, and Carrie in Dear Edwina. She is so excited to be in SpongeBob, Youth Ed., because she loves playing Pearl. She also does cheer, garden club, and drama club. Carys would like to thank her mom, and her directors, Blake and Riley. “Hey guys, this is totally coral!”
Emma Montross
Production Assistant
Emma Montross (Production Assistant) is a senior and is just here helping out backstage (costumes, props, hair and makeup).She is very happy to be a part of this production of SpongeBob The Musical, Youth Ed. She had done many shows in the past but her favorite was Puffs where she played professor McG. She’d like to thank the cast, Blake and Riley for the opportunity to get to do this show. Enjoy SpongeBob, the Musical! (Youth Ed)
Gianna Iorio
SpongeBob SquarePants, Jr., Production Assistant
Gianna Iorio (SpongeBob SquarePants, Jr. Production Assistant) is 15 years old and is excited to be in her 27th show! Some of her previous roles were Fiona in Shrek, Jr at Haviland Middle school, Peter Pan in Peter Pan, Jr directed by Tommy Iorio! and when she was in 5th grade she played Charlie Winslow at FDR high school in their production of Holiday Inn. Aside from theater, Gianna LOVES writing, art and reading. She would like to give a special thanks to her mom, dad, brothers, friends, and everyone who made this show happen! She would like to give an extra special thanks to Riley and Blake for being two of the best directors ever. She appreciates all their hard work, love, care and encouragement in this production! Enjoy the show, and let the sunshine down on this beautiful Bikini Bottom day!
Haley Staples
Squidward Q. Tentacles
Haley Staples (Squidward) is 14, and is delighted to be appearing in her 20th production and is especially excited to be playing the part of Squidward. Her favorite past roles include Grizabella in Cats, Young Actors Ed, Ursula in The Little Mermaid Jr., Friedrich in sound of music, Tiger Lily in Peter Pan Jr., Pinocchio in Shrek Jr., and Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda Jr. Haley is grateful for every opportunity to learn and grow on stage and would like to thank her director, Blake and Riley, for their kindness, patience, and creativity throughout this production. She looks forward to many more theatrical adventures in the future.
Jessica Post
Sandy, Jr., Production Assistant
Jessica Post (Sandy, Jr. Production Assistant) is so thrilled to be playing Sandy Cheeks in this summer play. She has done 12 shows in total, making this her 12th show, but still counting! In those 12 shows, her favorite roles were Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr, as well as Lucinda in Into The Woods! She has been doing theater since 6th grade and wants to continue it as a hobby for as long as she can. She would like to thank her parents and brother for the support, as well as the cast and Blake and Riley for putting on this fantastic show. Enjoy the show!
Julian Rodriguez
Mr. Krabs, Jr. Production Assistant
Julian Rodriguez (Mr. Krabs, Jr. Production Assistant) is pretty stoked to be playing Mr. Krabs in this production of SpongeBob, Youth Ed! He has also performed in Frozen, Jr. (Kristoff,) Peter Pan Jr. (Mr. Darling/Captain Hook,) and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Bram Bones.) He has also performed in the pit orchestra for Into the Woods. He loves working on music in his free time. He would like to thank GG, Blake, Riley and his parents. “Can I hold $20 ‘til tomorrow?”
Lillian Staples
Karen Plankton
Lillian Staples (Karen) is excited to be playing Karen in this production of SpongeBob, Youth Ed. Previously, she has performed in Willy Wonka, Jr (Mike Teevee,) Peter Pan, Jr. (Lost Boy,) The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Flotsam) and Joy! She will also be performing in Beetlejuice, Jr. as Sky this fall. She also plays baseball, soccer and loves fishing. She would like to thank Blake, Riley, Julian, Jay, Krista, Mrs. Iorio and Ms. Lopez (her mom!)
Max Sanderson
Electric Skate
Max Sanderson (Electric Skate) is excited to be in New Deal’s production of SpongeBob, Youth Ed. He will enter fourth grade at North Park Elementary School this fall. He enjoys gaming, writing books, math, and science. He thanks his parents for all their love and support
Molly Sheehy
Production Assistant, French Narrator
Molly Sheehy (Production Assistant, French Narrator) is happy to be in this production of SpongeBob, Youth Ed! She recently appeared in Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Mom,) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Dame Van Winkle,) and Peter Pan, Jr. (Mrs. Darling, Pirate.) She is also very excited to be in New Deal’s upcoming production for Beetlejuice, Jr. as Juno/Ensemble. In her free time, she is either writing her own musical compositions or is playing piano and guitar. She would like to thank Mom, Glen, and her family and friends for their support. Also, thanks to the directors for giving her a chance to perform again! Profitez du spectacle! (Enjoy the show!)
Otto Felix Leopold Brandow
Old Man Jenkins, Electric Skate
Otto Felix Leopold Brandow (Old Man Jenkins, Electric Skate) made his stage debut last spring in the Star2Be production of Cinderella, and has been hooked since. He was recently seen as Kurt in New Deal’s production of The Sound of Music. Otto, a rising 5th grader at St. Martin’s, loves art, history, and architecture and loves playing chess, tennis and Roblox.
Penny Staples
Mrs. Puff, Electric Skate
Penny Staples (Mrs. Puff/Electric Skate) has also performed in Peter Pan, Jr. (Pirate,) Seussical, Jr. (Young Kangaroo,) Willy Wonka, Jr. (Matilda) and Joy! She is very excited to be in SpongeBob, Youth Ed.! She enjoys dance and reading when she isn’t acting. She would like to thank her mom and directors. Enjoy the show!
Reagan Pemberton
Production Assistant, Townfish, Sardines, Angry Mob, Citizen, Jellyfish
Reagan Pemberton (Production Assistant, Townfish, Sardines, Angry Mob, Citizen, Jellyfish) is thrilled to be working on SpongeBob, Youth Ed! She has previously performed in Peter Pan, Jr. (Nibs,) Into the Woods (Snow White,) Big Fish (Ensemble,) and many more. Outside of theatre, Reagan likes to dance and sing. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support. She hopes you enjoy the Bikini Bottom world!
Riley McGuire
Mrs. Mayor
Riley McGuire (Mrs. Mayor) is so excited (and nervous) to be in her 12th show! In her free time when not on stage, Riley plays the cello. Welcome to Bikini Bottom!
Wesley McGehee
Gary, Larry the Lobster
Wesley McGehee (Gary, Larry the Lobster) is so happy to be in SpongeBob, Youth Ed.! He has been in Willy Wonka Kids (James/Oompa Loompa) and Alice in Wonderland. In his free time, Wesley enjoys playing soccer and going to the pool and swimming. He would like to thank Riley and Blake!
The Sound of Music
Tiffany McGehee
Director
Tiffany Lynn McGehee has spent nearly two decades using theatre as a tool to teach and examine. She is a proud AmeriCorps alum, has served as a teaching artist for the Tony Award-Winning Regional Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, and most recently served as the Artistic Director of Meridian Little Theatre (MLT) in Meridian, MS. Under her direction, MLT experienced impressive revitalization, major capital improvements, and became a regional resource for theatre artists and educators. She received her MFA in Theatre Education from Mississippi University for Women and her Bachelor’s in Theatre from the City College of New York. In the past, she has planned and coordinated outreach and arts education efforts, most notably the Any Given Child Initiative, a Kennedy Center program, that received the Mississippi Governor’s Award of Distinction in 2020, and the MSU Scholarship of Engagement award in 2021. The Mississippi Theatre Association honored McGehee with the 2025 Outstanding Contributions to Community Theatre Award. McGehee and her family moved to Rhinebeck in August of 2025 when her spouse accepted the call to be Rector of The Episcopal Church of Messiah. Their two children attend Chancellor Livingston Elementary School. They are thrilled to be members of the Rhinebeck Community. Tiffany is excited to make her New Deal Directorial Debut!
Krista Libertino
Maria
Krista Libertino is thrilled to be sharing this important story while playing one of musical theater’s most beloved roles. A lifelong lover of the arts, Krista serves as Co-Executive Director of New Deal Creative Arts Center. She also performs, teaches voice, and directs music and theater throughout the Hudson Valley. Recent favorites include performing with KD Music, directing for the HV Theater Festival, and vocal directing Alice by Heart at Our Lady of Lourdes this past spring. Heartfelt thanks to every single person who made this production possible. Enjoy the Show!
Robert Trama Jr.
Captain Von Trapp
O’ Captain, my captain; I can’t believe it’s happen’in. I don’t care for these new Nazis, and you can quote me on that. I want to thank New Deal Arts for all the opportunities; I also want to thank all my cast mates for all their hard work and their love. And, most of all, I want to thank my amazing wife for all her support and encouragement.
Ron Lane
Barron Elberfeld
Ron Lane makes his New Deal stage debut as Baron Elberfeld in The Sound of Music, bringing with him a lifetime of leadership, community service, and a true love of the arts. Ron is the President of The New Deal Creative Arts Center, following a 40-year career in medical sales and distribution, where he served as a territory manager, medical sales professional, and business consultant with McKesson Corporation. A dedicated civic leader, Ron currently serves on the boards of the Town of Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, the Hyde Park Visual Environment Committee, and St. James Vestry. His past board service includes leadership roles with the Dutchess County SPCA, Grace Smith House, Walkway Over the Hudson, and the Hyde Park Rotary Foundation. Offstage, Ron is also a teaching tennis professional and previously taught at the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club. He spent 12 years as assistant coach for Marist Men’s Tennis, helping the team capture five MAAC Championships and compete in the NCAA Division I Championship. Ron lives in Hyde Park with his wife, Cathy—also a New Deal board member—and their dog, Maxwell Albert.
Angela Crisci
Nun
Angela Crisci is thrilled to join New Deal Performing Arts Center’s production of The Sound of Music. Angela is a lifelong performer who began singing at age 5. She appeared in several local musicals as a child and is delighted to return to the stage after a few years away. Performance highlights include singing on 92.1 Lite FM, at the Hudson Valley Renegades stadium, at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and having her original music played on K104. She currently teaches elementary general music and chorus, sharing her passion for music with the next generation. The Sound of Music has always been one of Angela’s favorite musicals, and she is grateful to be part of this beloved classic.
Meredith Kadet Sanderson
Sister Sophia
Meredith is delighted to trade her clergy collar for a habit in New Deal’s production of The Sound of Music. In real life, she serves as rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Hyde Park, whose congregation is thrilled to share its spiritual home for this production.
Max Sanderson
Kurt Von Trapp
Max is excited to make his stage debut in New Deal’s production of The Sound of Music. He will enter fourth grade at North Park Elementary School this fall. He enjoys gaming, writing books, and science. He thanks his parents for all their love and support!
Misty Decker
Mother Abbess
After 24 years, Misty is thrilled to be returning to the stage. She started in the theater quite young with both community and school productions, Governor’s School for the Arts in Virginia and a theater arts minor at Virginia Tech. She continued in community theater after moving to New York, performing with Rhinebeck Theater Society and Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Once her children Marian and Mason came along, she no longer had time for stage productions but continued to sing in Cappella Festival Chamber Choir – giving her life a very important artistic outlet. She wants to thank her son Mason for pushing her into auditioning and her friend Tiffany for giving her the confidence to do well. The biggest thanks goes to the entire cast, especially Jess, for their patience and support as this old dog re-learns old tricks.
Anna Downey
Elsa Schrader
Anna Downey is excited to join the cast of The Sound of Music as Frau Schrader. This is her first theatrical production, and she has loved being part of such a talented cast. Outside of theater, Anna works in the medical field and enjoys spending time with her family and making memories with her children Aryana and Greyson. She hopes you enjoy the show!
River Enschede
Liesl Von Trapp
River is very excited for her first show with New Deal! She has performed in many shows at Rhinebeck High School such as, Freaky Friday, James and the Giant Peach, and Bakers Wife in Into The Woods. River is a senior at RHS and is going to Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam in the fall. She’d like to thank everyone who helped the show come together. Enjoy the show! xoxo
Martina Enschede
Nun
Martina is so excited to be in The Sound of Music with this fantastic cast. She is especially happy to be on stage with her daughter River (Lisl) . Martina toured through Europe with musicals and several bands. After moving to NYC she sang in choirs and performed regularly as a duo and in bands . Upstate she is part of Mr Kick and duo Martina and Andrew. Many thanks to Tif and to all the crew and cast, and my fellow nuns!
Howard “Howie” Riggs
Herr Zeller
I may no longer be as swift as I once was, but I know far better the intricacies of the path we travel
Olivia Gorrez
Brigitta Von Trapp
Olivia is very excited to make her acting debut in New Deal Creative Arts’ The Sound of Music. Her recent musical credits include the All County Chorus (5th and 6th Grade), NYSSMA Violin, and Stringendo Violin. A proud rising 7th grader at HMS, Olivia loves playing both the violin and piano whenever she isn’t in school. She wants to thank her mom and dad for their constant support throughout rehearsals, as well as her chorus teachers for all their help with her singing.
Gretchen Nau
Sister Berthe
This is Gretchen’s second appearance at New Deal and she is thrilled to be working with these 2 talented casts! Previous performances include My Fair Lady, Phyche, The Wedding Singer (Linda), Oklahoma!, Mamma Mia!, Something Rotten!, and Jekyll & Hyde. She thanks her family for all of their support.
Melissa Coggeshall
Postulant and Baroness Eberfeld
After the past few years being behind the curtain, Melissa’s ‘almost’ ready to steal the spotlight! Time to bring out the sprinkles of stage magic to let her relive the thrill! For years, her family would sit together to watch the Julie Andrews version of the movie. LOVE! In high school, Melissa was cast as, Brigitta, in a production of Sound of Music. She loved playing that part and Melissa begged Tiff to let her do it again!! Alas, there were better auditions for that character! Melissa has had the honor of being the Costume Advisor at the Rhinebeck High School for the past five years, and the Bulkeley Middle School for one production this past spring. She loves spending time with family, playing games, gardening, weight lifting and sewing!! Thank you all for coming to the show. Tiff, thanks for giving me a chance! Thank you to the cast and crew for all that you do to make this show complete! A big thank you to all the Nuns! (Don’t forget Tes!!) A huge thank you to my three amazing kids for their love and support, and to my husband for the encouragement and reassurance to try this as an adult! Here’s to the magic of the arts!!
Jessica Boyd
Mother Abbess
Jessica is thrilled to be part of this production. She most recently appeared in The Merry Wives of Windsor (Mistress Quickly) at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, New Deal’s 10X10 One-Act Festival, and A Christmas Story (Miss Shields) at the Rhinebeck Center. Favorite past roles include Bat Boy (Mrs. Taylor), A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit), Murder on the Orient Express (Greta Ohlsson), Fiddler on the Roof (Grandma Tzeitel), and Arsenic and Old Lace (Aunt Abby). She’d like to thank Tiff for this incredible role opportunity. Love and special thanks to her amazing fiance, Joe.
Lia-Marie Henry
Sister Margaretta, Costume Designer
Lia-Marie is a proud member of the New Deal community, where she has been fortunate to wear many hats, including actress, singer, costume designer, assistant director, and playwright. However, this is the first time that hat has been a habit! Costuming this show has truly been a team effort, made possible not only by the tireless efforts of the costuming team, but also by the support of the entire cast and their families. Lia-Marie is incredibly proud and grateful to have worked with each and every one of them. Finally, she would like to send love and gratitude to her family and her boyfriend, Andrew, for their constant support and encouragement.
Sarah Coggeshall
Rolf
Sarah is thrilled to be a part of The Sound of Music at The New Deal Creative Arts Center. He has played roles such as Colonel Mustard (Clue), Earthworm (James and the Giant Peach) at Rhinebeck Highschool, and Rapunzel’s Prince/Wolf (Into the Woods) at the Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts. He is currently a sophomore at Western Washington University studying Marine and Coastal Science. He would like to sincerely thank the director and his castmates for the opportunity to participate in one of his favorite shows.
Mackenzie Saclolo
Gretl Von Trapp
Mackenzie is excited to make her theatrical debut in The Sound of Music! She absolutely loves performing and is thrilled to experience this entire theater journey with her sister, Khloe. Outside of theater, Mackenzie spends her time singing and drawing. She sends a huge thank you to her family for always cheering her on.
Khloe Saclolo
Marta Von Trapp
Khloe is thrilled to be part of The Sound of Music! Previous credits include Cindy Lou Who on the Broadway National Tour of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. When she isn’t performing, Khloe loves getting lost in a good book. She is especially excited to share the stage with her sister, Mackenzie. Thank you to her family for their endless love and support.
Kimberly Michelle Doherty
Sister Margaretta
Kimberly is an active musical theater performer in the Hudson Valley. She has most recently performed in Joy!: The New Deal Creative Arts Christmas Spectacular. Her favorite roles include Kate Monster from Avenue Q and Maria from The Sound of Music. In her free time, she has written a picture book entitled, Ballet Shoesthat will soon go on submission. This is her first musical production with The New Deal Creative Arts Center. She wishes best of luck to the hard working cast and crew of The Sound of Music! Have a great show, everyone!
Lily Wheatley
Ursula, Nuns Chorus
Lily is very excited to be making her New Deal debut! You may have recently seen her at the Rhinebeck CENTER as Lulu Warnicker in Footloose, and also the nurse/ensemble in the regional premiere of Water For Elephants: High School Edition. She is a senior in high school, and will be attending Sarah Lawrence College in the fall, where she plans to study theater. In her spare time, Lily enjoys writing, crafting, and music-ing. She is an amateur songwriter and poet. She would like to thank her family and friends for encouraging her throughout this endeavor, and she hopes you enjoy the show! Pastries, anyone?
Robin Wheatley
Frau Schmidt, Nun
Robin is excited to return to the stage in The Sound of Music! Her last role was Aunt Eller in Seneca High School’s production of Oklahoma, 40 years ago. Robin has recently been the leader of the Putnam County 4-H Puppeteer Players, and assistant and pianist for the Agape Music and Art middle school and high school choirs. She has degrees in Music Therapy and Music Education. In her “spare time,” she homeschools, and works as a legal assistant. Robin would like to thank her family for putting up with this return to her youth, and New Deal for giving her the opportunity to work on this wonderful show!
Mackenzie Rae Dolan
Marta Von Trapp
Mackenzie is thrilled to make her debut with The New Deal Creative Arts Center as Marta von Trapp in The Sound of Music! A passionate young performer from the Hudson Valley, Mackenzie began her acting journey early and has quickly built an impressive resume. Recent credits include lead/support roles in the Stony Brook Graduate Film The Watch (dir. BriAnna Olson) and the short film We Move In (Cutting Edge Productions). On stage, she has appeared as Portia in Star2B’s Cinderella Youth Edition (2026) and as Sour Kangaroo in Seussical Kids (2025). Mackenzie trains in acting with Liz Tracredi, voice with Hannah Corneau, guitar and voice with Ben Senterft and continues her studies in piano with Silvia Haines, ballet, jazz, and tap. She loves country music (especially Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson), Disney’s Descendants, and dreams of one day performing at the Grand Ole Opry. Huge thanks to the entire New Deal cast and crew for the warm welcome, and to Mom, Brian, family, and friends for endless support and encouragement! This performance is dedicated to making beautiful music together.
Lennon Winters
Liesl Von Trapp
Lennon (she/her) is thrilled to make her New Deal debut as Liesl! Lennon will be continuing her theatre journey as she will be attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) this fall and pursuing her B.F.A. in musical theatre. She was most recently seen as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! this past spring. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support. Lennon would also like to thank all the incredible people who made this show possible. “Enjoy the show, xoxo”
Addison Hicks
Louisa Von Trapp
Addison Hicks, age 11, is excited to be performing as (Louisa von Trapp) in New Deal Creative Arts’s production of The Sound of Music. She previously appeared as Veruca Salt in New Deal’s production of Wonka Kids and is excited to return to the stage in this beloved musical. A passionate performer, Addison loves singing, dancing and performing on stage. Addison participates in chorus and orchestra, where she plays the violin, and was honored to be selected for All-County Chorus this past year. She looks forward to continuing her musical journey in middle school and hopes to join the Haviland Middle school Drama Club this fall. Addison hopes you enjoy the show and thanks everyone who helped make this experience so special.
Haley Staples
Friedrich Von Trapp
Haley, 14, is delighted to be appearing in her 18th production and is especially excited to be part of The Sound of Music. Her favorite past roles include Grizabella in Cats Kids, Ursula in The Little Mermaid Jr., Horton in Seussical Kids, Tiger Lily in Peter Pan Jr., Pinocchio in Shrek Jr., and Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda Jr. Haley is grateful for every opportunity to learn and grow on stage and would like to thank her director, Tiffany, for her kindness, patience, and creativity throughout this production. She looks forward to many more theatrical adventures in the future.
Kenzleigh VanWagner
Louissa Von Trapp
Kenzleigh was over the moon when she heard she got the part as Louisa in the Sound of Music! She’s loved the movie ever since she was a little girl and couldn’t wait to perfect the role of Louisa. She’s recently preformed in Willy Wonka as Mrs Gloop, The little mermaid as Chef Louis, and Mrs Mair in suesical. And many other The New Deal Productions . She’s been doing theater for the last two-three years. And hopes you enjoy The New Deal Production of The Sound Of Music
Eric Miller
Franz
Actor and photographer Eric Miller (Franz) is the co-owner of the Journey Inn Bed & Breakfast in Hyde Park. In prep school he played Vladimir (Didi) in Waiting for Godot, the Prosecuting Attorney in The Investigation by Peter Weiss, and David Bliss in Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. With New Deal, he has portrayed the psychiatrist Dr. Spivey in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (2021) and Robert Shallow in Merry Wives (2022). His one-man show of landscape photography, In Love With Light, ran for 6 weeks in 2022 at the Montgomery Row Art Space in Rhinebeck. A Brooklyn native, Miller lived in New England and Northern California for 7 years before returning to Brooklyn. He moved to the Hudson Valley in 2013.
Jonah Woodcock
Max Detweiller
Jonah [he/him/his] is tickled pink to be performing this show! His previous credits include Batboy (REVEREND BILLY HIGHTOWER) Godspell (JESUS), most recently, Annie (ROOSTER). Jonah works as a music teacher in the area. He also performs with Acme Theatre Company Hudson Valley in many of their interactive murder mysteries. Jonah would like to thank his family, friends, and coworkers for all of their endless support! He would also like to thank the entire cast and crew for their incredible work on this show. He hopes you enjoy the show as much as we did preparing it!
Maximilian (MAXI) Charles Augutus Brandow
Gustav Von Trapp
MAXIMILIAN (MAXI) CHARLES AUGUSTUS BRANDOW is thrilled to play the part of “Gustav” in the SOM and relates well to the part given that his large family speaks German. Recent credits include Marshall in Seussical; Mouse in Cinderella; and as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka, when he made his theater debut at age 4. Maxi, a rising first grader at St Martin’s, also loves drawing, swimming and tennis and quality time with his family.
Otto Felix Leopold Brandow
Kurt Von Trapp
OTTO FELIX LEOPOLD BRANDOW is excited to play “Kurt” in the SOM, very close to his actual age! Otto made his theater debut last spring in the Star2B production of “Cinderella” and has been hooked since. Otto, a rising 5th grade at St Martin’s, loves history, art, and architecture and loves playing chess, tennis and Roblox. Special thanks to my brother Maxi for introducing me to the theater.
James Iorio III
Admiral Von Schreiber
James Iorio III is very excited to be jumping into the role of Admiral von Schreiber. He has previously played Angus Tuck (Tuck Everlasting), Grandpa Joe (Willy Wonka Jr.), Squidward Q. Tentacles (The SpongeBob Musical), The Evil Astronaut Pickle (Blort!), an Announcer (A WW2 Radio Christmas), and more! He wants to thank everybody for supporting him to this point. Enjoy the show!
Mason Decker
Stage Manager
Mason Decker is eager to be joining New Deal as a stage manager for this production. His previous credits include being crew for Freaky Friday and Our Town in addition to stage managing Into the Woods. However, this is his first time doing community theatre, and he has loved every minute of it. From spending way too much time in this building to meeting so many amazing new people, he is definitely glad to have had the opportunity to participate in the show. He would like to thank everyone who made his theatre journey possible including his parents, his sister, and all of his friends that he roped into being a part of the crew.
Abigail Klein
Brigitta Von Trapp
Abby Klein (Brigitta) is thrilled to take part in her first New Deal production. She has previously been seen at the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck in Macbeth (Malcolm), A Christmas Story (Esther Jane), Gypsy (Newsboy), The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Flounder), Elf, Jr. (Michael), Wonka, Jr. (Willy Wonka), The Hobbit (Bilbo Baggins), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Present and Young Scrooge) and at Kingston Catholic School in Dare to Dream, Jr. (Player 11), and Finding Nemo, Jr. (Bloat), and more. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Russell McCook, Nicole Tarcza, Cheyenne See and Vera Perry.
Amaia Hayes
Friederich
Amaia Hayes (Friedrich in the River Cast) is so excited to be a part of this New Deal production of Sound of Music! Previous favorite roles include Tilly in “She Kills Monsters” and the Witch in “Into the Woods”. Amaia is so grateful to all her castmates, crew and production team (especially her stage manager Mason) She hopes the message of the show resonates with you, enjoy!