Welcome to the Meriden Youth Theatre at the YMCA’s 18th Main Stage Spring Production! Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of this classic production. Please note that video and audio recording, photography, and cell phone use is prohibited.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC: YOUTH EDITION
Music by RICHARD RODGERS Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE Suggested by "The Trapp Family Singers" by Maria Augusta Trapp Adaptation by TOM BRIGGS and TIMOTHY ALLEN McDONALD
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Meet the cast!
Ari Alon
GOATherd Ensemble - Opening Casts
Ari Ron Alon is a lively and imaginative 7-year-old who brings energy and laughter wherever he goes. Known for his great sense of humor, he keeps everyone around him smiling with his quick wit and playful personality. Always on the move, his boundless energy makes him fun to be around. He loves Hot Wheel cars and Mario Karts and is always eager to play. Whether he’s making friends, dreaming up new worlds, or simply enjoying the moment, he brings joy, laughter, and a spark of imagination to everything he does.
Ellah Alon
Louisa - Sat 3 PM
Ellah Alon joined MYT in 2023 after moving to Connecticut from the greater Boston area. She is passionate about musical theatre, loving to sing, dance, and bring stories to life with energy and heart. Whether she’s performing or just having fun with friends, her enthusiasm is contagious. She knows many musicals by heart and is always excited to discover new ones. Ellah is a 7th-grade student who loves to learn. She is smart, funny, and incredibly dedicated to both her schoolwork and her friendships. A loyal and supportive friend, she is someone others can always rely on for encouragement and kindness. Her motto for relieving stress is: "I always end up having fun, so why not have fun from the start? "
Molly Brugger
Gretl - Fri 7
Molly is so excited to be playing Gretl in THE SOUND OF MUSIC! This is her third production with MYT (Mole #4 in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD KIDS and Amarylis in THE MUSIC MAN KIDS). Molly does Hip Hop and Broadway Boot Camp classes at Company N Tempo in Cromwell and has done two shows with St. John Paul II School in Middletown. She wants to thank the staff and directors at MYT, her dance teachers, and her friends and family for their love and support. Molly dedicates this performance to her cat, Pepper.
Katie Beebe
Sister Margaretta - Sun 5
This will be Kate’s seventh production at MYT! Some favorite roles include Rapunzel in ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME (MYT), Sherrie in ROCK OF AGES (MYT), and Annabeth in THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Newington Childrens Theatre Company) Kate is sophomore at Southington High School and currently dances at Dance City and the Arts. She has been dancing for over 10 years. She thanks the cast, crew, and staff for another great MYT experience!
Maddie Beebe
Louisa - Sun 5
This will be Maddie’s 7th show at MYT. Some of her favorite roles include Bambi in CURTAINS and Mary Roberts in SISTER ACT JR. Other favorite roles include Clarice in THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Newington Childrens Theatre Company) and June in CHICAGO (Square Foot Theatre Company). Maddie Is in 8th grade at DePaolo Middle School. She has danced for 10 years and is currently with Dance City and The Arts in Southington. She thanks the cast, crew, and staff for making this show happen!
Scarlett Bernard
Marta - Fri 7
This will be Scarlett’s 7th production at MYT (Mrs.Paroo in MUSIC MAN KIDS, Toad in FROG & TOAD KIDS and Dory in FINDING NEMO KIDS). Other shows include MARY POPPINS, WILLY WONKA JR., and SEUSSICAL JR. Scarlett is in 3rd grade at Highland Elementary School in Cheshire. She loves being a part of MYT!
Scarlett, We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, & shining spirit on stage! We love you and can’t wait to see you as Marta! “Forever cheering you on—your number one fan club."
Gabby Cooper
Mother Abbess - Sat 11 & Sun 5
Gabby is very excited to be in her very first production at MYT. Some other roles that she has performed and is proud of include Hermia in MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (New Britain Youth Theatre, Anastasia/Anya in ANASTASIA (New Britain Youth Theatre), and currently Pugsley in THE ADDAMS FAMILY (The Ethel Walker School). Gabby is a freshman at The Ethel Walker School and participates in the theatre program there. Gabby wants to thank every single person involved in this production for such a great first MYT experience, and can't wait to perform with all of her amazing castmates!
Lily dela Chevrotiere
Louisa - Fri 7
Lily is thrilled to be performing as Louisa in THE SOUND OF MUSIC with MYT! She has appeared in over 20 productions, including Evie in DESCENDANTS, Mrs. Potts in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Sour Kangaroo in SEUSSICAL JR., and Sara in GUYS AND DOLLS. She recently earned 2nd Overall in Acting, 3rd Overall in Vocals, a Special Judges Award, and the Triple Threat Award at the TIA Tour. Lily thanks her voice teacher, Robin, and her family and friends for their endless support. Offstage, she plays ice hockey, creates short films, and enjoys time with friends.
Maggie Carifa
Liesl - Fri 7
This is Maggie's six production with MYT (ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR, CURTIANS JR, SEUSSICAL JR, ROCK OF AGES, and ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME). Some other shows she has been in are Alice in THE ADDAMS FAMILY JR, Gloria in MADAGASCAR JR, and she has been in five other productions. She also was a CIT in MYT's A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD KIDS. Maggie used to do ballet and tap dance for 7 years at Patricia's School of Dance. She is so proud of everyone that has help out with SOUND OF MUSIC and she can't wait to do more shows with MYT.
Congratulations Maggie & the Sound of Music cast! Your hard work, dedication, and passion brought this story to life beautifully.
Brady Doweyko
Frau Schmidt - Sat 11
Brady has thoroughly enjoyed her career at MYT. Having been part of the program for the past 4 years, she has had roles in Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Sister Act, Guys & Dolls, Seussical, and Once Upon A One More Time. Brady also just performed in her high school musical (Coginchaug Regional High School's production of My Little Mermaid). Brady is also taking advantage of opportunities elsewhere, having just completed her first YouTube performance. Brady has a passion for the theater. Her love of singing, acting and performing is clear in everything she does, and she is looking forward to seeing what her high school years have in store for her.
Brady, it is so clear how much you absolutely love doing what you do! We cannot be any prouder of seeing you on stage, enjoying every single second. Keep being you and live it up! Love, Mom & Dad
Gulia Doroghazi
Franz - Sat 11
This is Giulia's fourth production at MYT (Belling in CURTAINS, Cat in the Hat in SEUSSICAL, The Cowboy Riding the Ostrich in RUDOLPH). Giulia has also enjoyed being Gertrude in SEUSSICAL (Dodd Middle School). Outside of MYT, Giulia enjoys singing with Cheshire Voice and dancing at United Rhythms. Giulia always loves her time with MYT and would like to thank all the staff and her cast mates for an overall amazing experience. Giulia would also like to thank her family -- especially her Nana, Nonno, and Grandma!
Raelynn Ferguson
Sister Margaretta - Sat 3
Raelynn is a 7th grade student in Wallingford and is thrilled to be performing in her 18th show! She has appeared on stage at MYT, The Shubert, and school productions. Favorite roles include Pooh (WINNIE THE POOH KIDS), Mary Poppins (MARY POPPINS JR), Caterpillar (ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR), Marie (ARISTOCATS KIDS), Mayzie La Bird (SEUSSICAL), and Belle (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR). Raelynn thanks her family, friends, voice teacher Robin Sellati, SDA, and the cast and crew of MYT for their support. She is excited for another amazing MYT summer!
Sadie Fisher
GOATherd Ensemble - Opening Casts
This is Sadie’s fourth production with MYT! Sadie is in 2nd grade in the Cheshire Public Schools. She loves to perform and is so excited to be in the GoatHerd! Sadie thanks her fellow cast mates, the crew, and staff (shout out to Miss Lindsay!) for this incredible experience. Thanks to her Mom, Dad, Emma, Nana, Grampa, and the rest of the family for their love and support. Let’s go!
Sarah Gandia
Gretl - Sat 11
Sarah is thrilled to be in her 6th MYT production playing Gretl von Trapp in the THE SOUND OF MUSIC - YOUTH EDITION. You may remember her from her prior MYT credits including Girl (ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME - Teen Company), Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn (MUSIC MAN KIDS), Oompa Loompa (WILLY WONKA JR), Cindy Lou Who/Elephant Bird (SEUSSICAL JR) and the Wind (AESOP’S BOPS). Sarah is actively involved in her school’s student council and loves swimming, dancing and writing. It is truly a dream come true to be in this show. Her family watches the Sound of Music every year and she has practiced the songs with her brother, Jacob for as long as she can remember. Special thanks to everyone at MYT, her family and friends for all their support. MYT is truly one of her “favorite things!”
Evie Jones
Children's Ensemble - Closing Casts
Evie is in fifth grade at Pond Hill Elementary School. She is so happy to be a part of SOUND OF MUSIC this spring. Evie loves preforming with Meriden Youth Theater. A few of her past roles have been Zaneeta in MUSIC MAN KIDS, Gertrude McFuzz in SEUSSICAL JR. and Elf One in RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER. Eveline love singing and dancing, drawing and fashion, as well as her nine guinea pigs. Evie would like to thank all of her friends and the MYT staff for making this such a wonderful show. She would also like to thank her family for believing in her and bringing her back and forth to rehearsals.
Katie Jones
New Postulant - Sat 7
SOUND OF MUSIC will be Katie's 9th production with MYT! Katie loves doing theater! A few of Katie's previous roles consist of Yukon Cornelius in RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER JR,Charlie Bucket in WILLY WONKA JR,and Miss Honey in MATILDA JR. When Katie is not doing theater she enjoys running for her schools track and field and cross country teams. She also loves gymnastics and dancing. Katie is thrilled to be a part of SOUND OF MUSIC with MYT and would like to wish good luck to everyone in this wonderful cast! Katie would also like to thank the staff at MYT for creating a positive environment and also teaching and inspiring her to reach for the stars!
Peighton O'Hara
Sister Sophia - Sat 7
Peighton O’Hara is grateful to perform in The Sound of Music for her senior spring show. For over a decade she has had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of musicals and fill a broad range of roles. Whether it’s on stage, backstage, or in the tech booth, Peighton has had countless wonderful experiences working with many amazing groups of cast mates and staff. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Rowan O'Hara
Liesl - Sat 7
Rowan O’Hara has been a part of the Meriden Youth Theater since 2016, and this year will mark a decade she has spent with this company. Rowan has done countless shows with this program, some of her favorite roles being Franz in ROCK OF AGES, Cat in the Hat in SEUSSICAL JR., Cioffi in CURTAINS YOUNG@PART, and Junie B. Jones in JUNIE B. JONES JR. Rowan has had an amazing time working on this show with the staff and her fellow cast members, and she hopes you enjoy!
Cara Phelan
Louisa - Sat 7
Playing Louisa in THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be Cara's eighth production at MYT: SISTER ACT-Sister Mary Steven, MARY POPPINS-Bird Woman's Daughter, ALICE IN WONDERLAND-Cheshire Cat, CURTAINS-Bambi, SEUSSICAL-Cat in the Hat, DEAR EDWINA-Harry, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER-Charlie in the Box. Cara is in eighth grade at JFK in Plantsville where she plays piano and sings in the jazz band and is a member of the color guard. Cara thanks the directors, cast and crew for another great production!
Cara - Every time you step on stage and sing, you shine so bright! Keep singing, keep smiling, and keep being exactly who you are. We love you, Piez! Love, Mom, Dad & Sissy
Hannah Pinkus
Brigitta - Sat 11
Hannah is thrilled to be back on stage for her third MYT production! This marks her fifth theater production overall, and she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside such a talented cast. Hannah would like to thank her directors, family, and friends for their endless support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!
Cali Ruhe
Maria - Fri 7 & Sat 3
Cali is so excited to play her second Julie Andrews nanny and a nun (again) in her 22nd production with MYT! Some other favorite roles include Snow White in ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME, Mary Poppins in MARY POPPINS, Queen of Hearts in ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Sister Mary Laz in SISTER ACT, and Anna in FROZEN. She also had an absolute BLAST in ROCK OF AGES and GREASE. Cali played Ophelia in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, and an Urchin Girl in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS with the Mercy/Xavier Drama Company. She recently performed in both the Southern Regional Festival, and the Connecticut All State Festival as a Soprano in both the mixed and Treble Choirs. Cali thanks the staff for entrusting her to tell this story with this beautiful role, and letting her share it with her brother Austin.
Austin Ruhe
Friedrich - Fri 7
Austin is excited to be playing Friedrich in his 11th role with MYT. Other favorite roles include Hermey in RUDOLPH, Lars in DEAR EDWINA, Wickersham 1 in SEUSSICAL, Marilin in FINDING NEMO KIDS, The Cheshire Cat in ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Michael Banks in MARY POPPINS, at MYT and Horton in SEUSSICAL, Lord Farquaad in SHREK and a Narrator in ANNIE at Camp Thundermoon. Austin also reprised his role as Marlin in Holy Trinity School's production of FINDING NEMO JR. When not on stage, Austin loves joining Joe in the tech booth, most recently running mics and Q Lab for 101 DALMATIONS. Austin runs cross country, plays basketball, and baseball and is going to the State Mock Trial Competition as a defense attorney with his school. Austin is excited to share the stage again with his sister Cali.
Kylie Rybak
Maria - Sat 11 & Sun 5
Kylie is so proud to be a member of MYT. Her other roles at MYT have included the Evil Stepmother in ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME, Ensemble in ROCK OF AGES, Mayzie in SUESSICAL, Ghost of Christmas Past in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Miss Andrews in MARY POPPINS, Sarah in GUYS AND DOLLS, Auntie Em in WIZARD OF OZ, Tzeitel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and - the role that started her amazing MYT journey - Elsa in FROZEN. As a sophomore, she will be performing as an Ugly Stepsister in Cinderella at the Greater Hartford Academy of Arts in May of 2026.
Emily Stackpole
Gretl - Sun 1
This will be Emily's first theater production. She has previously performed in three dance productions on-stage - twice with United Rhythms, and once with Cheshire Dance Centre. She is an avid singer, dancer, and athlete, and loves learning new skills. No matter the time of day, space, or occasion, Emily always has a song in her heart. She thanks everyone with MYT for their time and dedication bringing this fantastic production together!
Congratulations on your first theatre performance, Emily! We have enjoyed watching you prepare for this special day and we are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, & Avery
Kara Starkey
Maria - Sat 7 & Sun 1
Kara is a Junior at North Haven High School and The Education Center for the Arts in New Haven studying Theater. This is her 16th show with MYT! She is so excited to bring the character of Maria to life on stage with this wonderful cast. Recent favorite roles include Gertrude in SEUSSICAL, Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID (NHHS Drama) and Roxie in CHICAGO (Wallingford, CT). Kara Dances with En L'air Studio of Dance and has danced for 13 years. She also enjoys mentoring her younger peers in all aspects of performance. She thanks all the cast, crew and staff for all of their hard work and for another amazing show!
Katherine Sanders
Frau Schmidt - Sat 3
At MYT Katherine found her best friends. Performing, stage crew, being a CIT – every aspect of MYT is part of her heart. Her favorite MYT roles so far are The Little Mermaid in ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME, Marlin in FINDING NEMO JR, Storyteller in SUESCIAL JR, and Lavender in MATILDA, but she also had a great time as Ensemble (ROCK OF AGES), Tall Alice (ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR), Mary Stephen (SISTER ACT JR), Herbert (JUNIE B JONES JR), and Sponge (JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR). Meriden Schools: Patty Simcox (Grease), Mary Sunshine (Chicago), Melman (MADIGASCAR JR), Dory (FINDING NEMO JR).
Lily Sanders
Franz - Sat 3
Lily has theatre running through her veins! While she loves playing crazy characters like Chef Ludmilla (DEAR EDWINA JR), Tweedle Dee (ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR), Mary Lazarus (SISTER ACT JR) or Edgar (ARISTOCATS KIDS). Gertrude (SUESICAL JR) has been her favorite so far. She also loved being Boss Elf (RUDOLPH THE RED NOSE REINDEER), Miss Corry (MARY POPPINS JR), Benny (GUYS AND DOLLS JR), and Christopher Robin (WINNE THE POOH). Outside MYT she has played Matilda (MATILDA JR), Ursula (THE LITTLE MERMAID JR), Grandma Tala (MOANA JR), King Julien (MADIGASCAR JR) and Miss Hannigan (ANNIE KIDS).
Robert Schulenburg
Max Detweiler - Sat 11 & Sun 5
Baron Elberfeld - Fri 7 & Sat 3
Robert has been performing with MYT since 2021. He is very excited for the spring production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC! Some of his favorite roles he has played at MYT have been Lt. Frank Cioffi in CURTAINS, Clumsy in ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME, and Eddie Souther in SISTER ACT. He recently played The Man in the Chair in his school's production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Robert was also the student director of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Outside of MYT, Robert dances at Star Dance Academy and is a member of the leadership team of the Beman Middle School Drama Club. He hopes that the audience enjoys the production and thanks the staff and cast for another great show!
Erin Terry
Children's Ensemble - Sun 1
Erin Terry, age 10, is thrilled to be part of this production of The Sound of Music. This marks her third time performing on stage, and she loves acting for the creativity and self-expression it brings. Outside of theater, Erin enjoys playing soccer, drawing, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the MYT staff for their continued support.
Erin we are so proud of your hardwork and dedication. We love you!
Reagan Terry
Marta - Sat 7
Reagan Terry, age 8, is excited to be part of this production of *THE SOUND OF MUSIC*, where she plays Marta! This is her fourth time on stage at MYT. (Mr.Mayor in SUESSICAL). Reagan loves acting because it lets her use her imagination. When she’s not rehearsing, Reagan enjoys gymnastics, playing soccer, and spending time with family and friends. She would like to thank her family and the MYT staff for their support.
Jade Ward
Who Ensemble - Team Clover
Jade Ward is a sixth grade student at Edison Middle School and has a passion for musical theater. Jade recently played Ancestor #3 in MOANA JR (Edison Middle School). Jade also played Annie in ANNIE KIDS (Israel Putnam) and Tweedle Dumb in ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR (MYT). Other favorite roles include BERLIOZ in ARISTOCRATS KIDS (MYT) and Mrs. Wonka in WILLY WONKA JR (MYT). Some of Jade's other favorite things are track, NYC, visiting family and friends in Wisconsin, and hanging out with friends. Jade thanks the cast, crew, volunteers, and other staff for putting together another great production at MYT!
Spring Show History
- 2026: Sound of Music: Youth Edition
- 2025: Seussical JR
- 2024: Mary Poppins JR
- 2023: Guys and Dolls JR
- 2022: Fiddler on the Roof JR
- 2020: The Music Man JR
- 2019: Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
- 2018: The Lion King JR
- 2017: Annie JR
- 2016: The King & I
- 2015: Godspell JR
- 2014: Guys and Dolls JR
- 2013: G2K Oklahoma!
- 2012: Beauty and the Beast JR
- 2011: Willy Wonka JR
- 2010: The Music Man JR
- 2009: Fiddler on the Roof JR
- 2008: Annie JR
MYT Staff
- Carolyn Daniels (director)
- Nich Palumbo (stage manager)
- Priscilla Baldwin (direction and choreography)
- Joe Oblon (technical and music direction)
- Maureen Ruhe (music direction)
- Lindsay Porter (GOATheard director)
- Jalina Secchiaroli (direction)
- Kiera Flynn (choreography)
- Roni Buhler (costumes)
Additional Credits
- Set built by Troy Starkey
- Technical run crew: Angelina Blair, Austin Ruhe Maureen Ruhe
- Backstage run crew: Nich Palumbo, Jalina Secchiaroli, Carolyn Daniels, Roni Buhler, Priscilla Baldwin, Kiera Flynn, Lindsay Porter, Robyn Demarco, and Shepard Fisher
- Light, projection, and sound design by Joe Oblon
Special Thanks To
- Parents for volunteering to run the lobby
- The DiFronzo and Phelan families for our Star Gram Boards!
- Troy Starkey for building our Abbey wall and stone arches!
- Tyler and Marek of Creative Audio Solutions LLC for their support on our new audio equipment
- Kendra Henderson, Luke Henderson, Brian Cyr, Mike Groves, Erin Lyons-Barton, Freddie Santiago, and Meriden Public Schools for welcoming us to Edison Middle School and supporting the Arts in Meriden
- The entire custodial staff at Edison Middle School
- The Meriden YMCA
Director's Note
Sixty years after its release, The Sound of Music continues to resonate far beyond the origins stage and screen performance. It has taught us that music always has a unique ability to bring people together, especially in moments of struggle. Music gives voice to what we cannot always say, and offers hope when it’s hardest to find. The Sound of Music embodies that spirit—the story showing us how love, family, and song can endure even in the face of fear and division. The Sound of Music gives us the power of joy in uncertain times. And today, as MYT and its performers present our story, we celebrate not just a beloved musical and film, but the timeless truth at its heart: that music can connect us, lift us, and remind us of who we are—MYTogether. -Carolyn Daniels, director
Technical Spotlight
Almost 200 people worked together to stage this beautiful story. Everything about this production felt big: the number of set peices, the rows of costume racks, the size of the cast list, the score, and most importantly, the authentic weight behind this true story. The concept for the set centers around walls, windows, and doors. The various scenes in the play represent, walls and doors for each character. Walls are rules, control, shelter, protection, and confinement. Doors represent opportunity, freedom, and a threshold to cross lines. The Abbey wall shelters the nuns, and Maria seeks it as her refuge on three separate times in the story. Yet it is a holy place without boundaries. The Von Trapp house is a fortress at the start. The physical walls are imposing and the children are walled off (whistles and marching). Music has been withdrawn. Over the course of the story, Maria breaks these walls. The very steps the children sing "So Long, Farewell," we find in the same doorway Maria first enters and moments later will flee. The play also uses wide opens spaces such as the outdoor terrace to wrestle with freedoms and confinements, such as transitioning from childhood to adulthood (16 going on 17), or the captain weighing his desicion to accept his post in the military. As you enjoy the production, notice how the use of walls, windows, and doors help tell the story. To quote Maria in the film, "when the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window." -Joe Oblon, technical director