Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR Meriden Youth Theatre - JUNIOR company

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Meet the cast!

Atticus Scott

Boss Elf / King Moonracer - Sat 7

Atticus is thrilled to be performing with MYT for the 8th time! His favorite MYT roles so far have been The King of Hearts in ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR and Scott in DEAR EDWINA. He also loved playing Olaf in FROZEN JR (Dodd Middle School). Atticus is an honor student in the 8th grade. Outside of the theater, he enjoys sailing, snowboarding, playing the viola, and video games. Atticus thinks the MYT staff is the best, and thanks them for everything they do to make performing in their shows so fun!

Atticus, your Christmas spirit is 100% elf level, which is why you as Boss Elf is perfect! We can’t wait to see you in this role. We love you and your holiday cheer! MPAAA 

Gulia Doroghazi

Cowboy /News Reporter - Sat 7

This will be Giulia's third production at MYT (Belling in CURTAINS and the Cat in the Hat in SEUSSICAL). Giulia also enjoyed being Frog in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (Norton Elementary School) and Winifred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Norton Elementary School). Outside of MYT, Giulia enjoys singing with Cheshire Voice and hanging out with friends. Giulia has loved 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!

Giulia you make us proud in everything that you do - both on and off the stage! Keep shining...you will always be our sunshine!! We love you, Mommy, Daddy, Joseph, and Angelina

Annabelle Scott

Rudolph - Sat 7

This is Annabelle's 11th MYT production, and she looks forward to that number growing. Favorite roles she's played with MYT and elsewhere include Nemo in FINDING NEMO, JR (MYT), Cheshire Cat in ALICE IN WONDERLAND, JR (MYT) and Anna in FROZEN, JR (Dodd Middle School). Offstage, Annabelle is an honors student in the 8th grade, a black belt in Tang Soo Do, loves snowboarding, chickens, and seriously loves chocolate. As always, Annabelle is so thankful for the amazing MYT staff and fellow cast members.

We can't wait to see you shine, like a lightbulb, this weekend. We're so proud of you and the devotion you put into each and every one of your roles. Love, love, love, MPAAA

Caiyln Sobkowiak

Dolly / Chronicle Reporter - Sun 2

Cailyn Sobkowiak is a dance, theater, and acro loving girl. She has been dancing since she was two and has performed in eight shows, this is her ninth. She is a fun, outgoing(once you get to know her), and crazy person. Cailyn loves to listen to music and do her hair in her free time. Cailyn would like to thank her parents and her amazing directors for making her the best she can be.

Congratulations on taking another step forward in your theater career! We know you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to! Love, Your Whole Family!

Maya Noam

Clarice - Sat 2

This is Maya's first production at MYT and her third musical! Her favorite role that she has played would have to be Annie in ANNIE JR at Cheshire Youth Theater over the summer. Maya loves to read, write, and spend time with her friends and family. In the wintertime, she also carols with Cheshire Voice. She is so glad to be a part of RUDOLPH and cannot wait to perform as Clarice! She would also like to thank everyone at MYT for making another amazing production!

Go Maya! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see you shine on stage again! Break a leg! -Your favorite family

Lily dela Chevrotiere

Yukon - Sat 7

Lily is thrilled to return to the stage with MYT. This past summer, she completed a musical theatre intensive at the Institute for American Musical Theatre (IAMT) in NYC, where she trained in vocals, acting, and dance. Her experience led to the exciting opportunity of being signed with a talent agency in NYC. Lily has appeared in over 20 productions, with favorites including Elsa (FROZEN), Sara (GUYS & DOLLS), Sour Kangaroo (SEUSSICAL), Evie (DESCENDANTS), and White Rabbit (ALICE IN WONDERLAND). Outside of theatre, Lily plays ice hockey as a goalie, takes dance, and enjoys creating short films. She sends a special thank-you to her vocal teacher, Robin, and to her family and friends for their unwavering support.

Have fun up there, Lily! Channel your inner Yukon Cornelius — brave, bold, and full of heart — and enjoy being part of an amazing cast. We love you and are so proud of you!

Sofia DiFronzo

Dolly / Chronicler Reporter - Fri 7

Sofia is excited for her role as Dolly in this production. Her past roles include Mary Monica in SISTER ACT, Birdwomen's Daughter in MARY POPPINS, Nikki in CURTAINS, Gertrude in SEUSSICAL, and Annie in DEAR EDWINA. She loves her MYT family and being a part of this amazing experience. She is thankful for the guidance from the talented MYT staff. 

Sofia w are so proud of you and can't wait to see you shine bright! Love, Mom, Dad, Bella, Adriana, Misty, Nesquik, and Rocky.

Adriana DiFronzo

Clarice - Fri 7

Adriana is so excited for her first feature role of Clarice. She has found confidence and joy in being on stage. She has been in ensemble for MARY POPPPINS, CURTAINS, SEUSSICAL, Aphrodite in DEAR EDWINA and now this production. She has made lifelong friends and thanks the staff for all of their guidance and support. There is no place like MYT!

Adriana, we are SO proud of you and can't wait to see you shine! Love, Mom, Dad, Bella, Sofia, Misty, and NesQuik (and Rocky).

Lily Sanders

Boss Elf / King Moonracer - Fri 7

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 Oscar (CURTAINS JR), Miss Corry (MARY POPPINS JR), Benny (GUYS AND DOLLS JR), Jack Frost (NORTH POLE’S GOT TALENT), and Christopher Robin (WINNE THE POOH). Outside MYT she has played Matilda (MATILDA JR), Ursula (THE LITTLE MERMAID JR), King Julien (MADIGASCAR JR) and Miss Hannigan (ANNIE KIDS).

Seeing you on stage makes us so happy. You are strong, you are smart, you are kind. You can do anything! We love you. Mom and Dad

Maddie Beebe

Mrs. Claus - Sat 7

This is Maddie’s 6th show at MYT. Her favorite roles with MYT include Bambi in CURTAINS and Mary Roberts in SISTER ACT JR. Other favorite roles include June in CHICAGO (The Square Foot Theatre) and Clarice in THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Newington Children’s Theatre Company). Maddie is an 8th grader at DePaolo Middle School. She has danced for 10 years, she currently attends Dance City and the Arts. She thanks the cast, crew and staff for putting together another great show! 

"In a World of Reindeer. Be a Rudolph!" We are so proud of your dedication to this magical show. Can't wait to see you nag Santa to eat! Love always, Mom, Dad and Kate

Abrahm Scott

Fireball - Fri 7

This is Abram's debut performance! He's had so much fun being a part of RUDOLPH THE RED NOSE REINDEER JR and is very grateful to the directors and cast for making his first theater experience so amazing. 

Hooray, Abe! We're so excited you made the jump from MYT audience to MYT stage! We know you've got this, and can't wait to see you glow! Love, MPAAA

Owen Acevedo-Scola

Santa Claus - Sun 2

Owen is excited to be part of his 11th performance with MYT. Some of his favorite past roles include Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland), Roquefort (Aristocats), Grandpa Joe (Willy Wonka) and Coal (North Pole’s Got Talent). While not at MYT, Owen is a sixth grader at Waterbury Arts Magnet School.  His other favorite activities are rollerblading, video games and hanging out with his friends. A special shout-out to my gf, Katie Jones! Thank you to my family for your love and support.

Cara Phelan

Charlie-in-the-Box - Sat 7

RUDOLPH IS Cara's 7th MYT production (SISTER ACT, MARY POPPINS, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, CURTAINS, SUESSICAL, and DEAR EDWINA)! Her favorite roll was Cat in the Hat. Cara is in 8th grade at JFK in Southington where she plays piano and sings in the jazz band. She also sings in multiple choral groups. Cara would like thank her family and friends for their support. She would like to thank the MYT directors and wishes her fellow castmates a great show. Cara would like to thank Uncle Bob for helping her Dad build the Bumble character! 

Cara - We love to watch you on stage! You shine! We love you. Mom & Dad & Sissy

Blakely Nyce

Elf 1 - Sat 2

Blakely is thrilled to be in her third production with MYT. Prior roles include Young Kangaroo in SUESSICAL JR. and Becky in DEAR EDWINA JR. Blakely is grateful to MYT for fostering her love of theater and performing. Blakely is in the 6th Grade, and also enjoys playing piano and soccer. Good luck to the Rudolph cast!

Blakely, We are so proud of everything you do. Keep smiling, singing, and dancing! We love you so much.

Aven Mullins

Donner - Sat 7

Aven Mullins is thrilled to be in RUDOLPH, her seventh musical theatre production! She recently appeared in MADAGASCAR JR and will take the stage as Maui in the upcoming spring performance of MOANA JR at Edison Middle School. She loves performing and is happiest sharing the stage with her best friend, Cali. Aven loves musical theatre and is grateful to her family and the MYT staff for encouraging her passion. 

Aven, we are so proud of the heart and humor you bring to every performance. Watching you grow onstage and off is a gift. You work hard, shine brightly, and inspire everyone around you. We love you.

Amelie Haddad

Mrs. Claus - Sun 2

Amelie is a 6th grader at Slate School in North Haven. She has performed in 9 Meriden Youth Theatre productions. Some of her favorite roles were Willy Wonka in WONKA JR, Dory is FINDING NEMO JR, and Mary Sue Betty Bob in DEAR EDWINA JR. When she’s not performing, Amelie enjoys fostering dogs, skiing, and playing basketball. Amelie thanks the directors for another amazing show!

Your joy lights up the stage! We love you so much! ~Mom, Dad, Sam, Ryan

Declan Noonan

Hermey - Sun 2

Declan is thrilled for his 8th MYT production. Favorite roles include Mr. Mayor in Seussical (MYT), Harv in CURTAINS (MYT), and LaFou in BEATUY AND THE BEAST (Lincoln Drama). He’s excited to be working on this show with such a great cast and crew! 

Raelynn Ferguson

Sam - Sun 2

Raelynn is a 7th grade student at Moran Middle School in Wallingford. This is Raelynn’s 15th production (12 with MYT!). Raelynn also has done her school show and the Shubert Theater camp. Some of her favorite roles have been Pooh in WINNIE THE POOH KIDS, Mary Poppins in MARY POPPINS JR., and Mayzie in SEUSSICAL JR. Raelynn loves singing and dancing. She hopes to be a Marine Biologist one day. Raelynn would like to thank the amazing, tireless staff at MYT for all of their knowledge and encouragement. She would also like to thank her dance teachers at SDA and her vocal teacher Robin for helping her grow as an artist. She congratulates the entire cast on a great show. Lastly, big hugs to her family and friends for always showing up in a Holly Jolly way to cheer her on. ♥️

We’re so proud of our shining snowman! You melted our hearts with your silver and gold sparkle and joy—you shined brighter than Rudolph’s nose. We love you!

Layla Cadrain

Clarice's Mother - Sun 2

Sam Abbott

Rudolph - Sun 2

Sam is thrilled to play Rudolph in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! This is his 12th show with Meriden Youth Theater and his favorite roles include Lt. Cioffi in CURTAINS YOUNG@PART and Wickersham 1 in SEUSSICAL JR. He loves performing alongside his friends and is grateful for the chance to bring this classic Christmas story to life. Outside of theater, Sam plays the violin, sings in his school choir, and takes dance lessons. Two of his favorite things are going to Broadway shows and being part of the MYT family! He thanks all of the talented directors and everyone who makes MYT such a special place. 

We are all so proud of your hand work and talent! We love watching you do what you love!! Enjoy every moment on stage!

Jade Ward

Elf 3 - Fri 7

Jade Ward is a sixth grade student at Edison Middle School and has a passion for musical theater. Whether playing Annie (ANNIE KIDS) or Tweedle Dumb (ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR), BERLIOZ (ARISTOCRATS KIDS), Mrs. Wonka (WILLY WONKA JR), or ensemble she loves playing all roles. Some of Jade's favorite things are gymnastics, NYC, visiting family and friends in Wisconsin, and playing outside with her friends. Jade thanks the cast, crew, volunteers, and other staff for putting together another great production at MYT!

I am very proud of you Jade! Love Mom 

Zarella Ali

Clarice - Sat 7

Zarella is a 13-year-old performer passionate about music, theater, and athletics. She has studied voice at Cheshire Voice since age 10 and starred as Annie in ANNIE and Elsa in FROZEN. She’s performed the National Anthem and other Patriotic songs at Veteran ceremonies, school events, and even a Hartford Yard Goats game! A two-time finalist in Berlin’s Got Talent, she’s now composing her own music. With training in gymnastics, hip hop, and contemporary dance, Zarella shines as a talented and versatile young artist.

Zarella, you pour your heart and soul into everything you do, so we know you’ll be great! We are so proud of you, every single day! We can’t wait to see you make Clarice shine! Love you, Mom and Dad.

Owen Ouellette

Donner - Sat 2

Owen Ouellette is out-of-his-skin excited to perform in this production of RUDOLPH, JR. Owen’s first MYT performance was with SEUSSICAL JR as a Wickersham, and he has since enjoyed his role as Harry in the the summer production of DEAR EDWINA, JR and his recent role as Marcellus in MUSIC MAN JR. Before discovering MYT, he played Prince Eric in THE LITTLE MERMAID and Ron Wilson in SKY HIGH, both at YMCA Camp Sloper. Additionally, he dances at Higher Movement Dance Studio in Meriden. He would like to thank the directors, and all of his cast members, especially the Reindeer crew, for making this show so much fun. He hopes you enjoy the show and wishes you the happiest of holiday seasons! Shout out to his Roger Sherman teachers in the audience!! 

We couldn’t be prouder of you, Owen!! Keep smiling! Love, All of your Family & Friends XOXO

Evelyn Lindberg

Fireball - Sat 2

This is Evie's 16th production at MYT (Small Alice in Alice in Wonderland Jr. and Cat in the Hat in Seussical Jr.) She is actively involved in her school's LMS News, drama club, and peer buddies and she did cross country this past fall. In her free time, she loves swimming with the Meriden Seals swim team, competing in triathlons, and spending time with friends. Evie would like to thank the cast and crew for another fun production. Enjoy the show! 

Evie we are so proud of you! It is such a joy to watch you share your energy, talent and heart with MYT. We Love You! xoxo Mom, Dad and Sissy

Charlotte Backus

Bird Fish - Sat 2

Charlotte performed in MYT with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in second grade, SEUSSICAL in fifth, and now RUDOLPH in sixth. She enjoys singing, dancing, and having fun with the cast and crew in each production. 

We love seeing you perform onstage and making wonderful memories with your cast mates!!! 

Catherine Jones

Yukon - Fri 7

Evie Jones

Elf 1 - Fri 7

Quinn Carson

Sam - Sat 7

Quinn is so excited to play Sam in RUDOLPH! At school, Quinn previously played Jack Kelly in NEWSIES JR., and most recently with MYT was Edwina in DEAR EDWINA JR. This summer, Quinn trained at BAA (Broadway Artists Alliance). Upcoming projects include Ms. Trunchbull in the Inaugural Bushnell Performing Arts Scholars production of MATILDA JR., recording original songs written for an upcoming book series as the singing voice of a main character, and a short film, MIGHTYCLAW, filmed in July 2024 and premiering in January 2026. Quinn thanks our wonderful cast and crew; break legs!

Quinn! We are so proud of you and hope that you enjoy every minute! Many thanks to the MYT directors and entire cast for creating such a supportive environment and spectacular shows. - Mom and Dad

Austin Ruhe

Hermey - Fri 7

Austin is excited to be playing Hermey in his 6th production with MYT! Previous roles include Lars in DEAR EDWINA, Wickersham 1 in SEUSSICAL, Marlin in FINDING NEMO KIDS, Cheshire Cat in ALICE IN WONDERLAND and Michael Banks in MARY POPPINS. Austin also appeared as Lord Farquhaad in SHREK, Horton in SEUSSICAL and George in ANNIE at Camp Thundermoon. He is currently playing Marlin in FINDING NEMO JR at Holy Trinity School. When not on stage Austin plays Baseball, Basketball and runs Cross Country. He would like his family for being his biggest fans, and the staff for helping him bring one of his favorite Christmas Specials to life! 

Austin, we are so proud of you! On the field or on the stage you truly shine! We love you to infinity and beyond- even if you are a Dentist! Be the best Misfit! Love, Mom, Dad, Cali, and RyRy

Robert Schulenburg

Santa Claus - Sat 7

This is Robert's fifth year at MYT. Some favorite roles with MYT include Lt. Frank Cioffi in CURTAINS, Cowardly Lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ, and Uncle Vladamir in DEAR EDWINA. Robert also performs with Beman Drama Club in Middletown, where he previously played Lord Farquaad in SHREK and Jafar in ALADDIN, and where he is currently playing The Man in the Chair in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Robert dances with Star Dance Academy. He is excited to be in both the Junior Company and Teen Shows this winter. Thank you to everyone at MYT for being awesome! 

Robert - we are so excited to see you as the head elf in charge and as the clumsiest dwarf with your two MYT companies this winter. We love the joy you bring to every performance! Love, Mom and Dad

Randy Aresco

Rudolph - Fri 7

Randy has been performing with MYT for the past 8 years. Besides staring as Rudolph in this production, Randy has also had favorite roles in Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, and Finding Nemo (with Edison Middle School). He is excited to welcome his niece, Charlotte, to her first theater performance!

Randy- we are so proud of you and all of the hard work you put into this role! Love Mon and Dad!

MYT Junior Company

  • 2025: Dear Edwina JR and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR
  • 2024: Alice in Wonderland JR and Curtains y@p
  • 2023: Finding Nemo JR and Sister Act JR
  • 2022: Junie B Jones JR and Wizard of Oz: Youth Ed.
  • 2021: James and the Giant Peach JR & Frozen JR
  • 2020: School House Rock JR
  • 2019: Mulan JR & Madagascar JR
  • 2018: Dear Edwina JR
  • 2017: Bugsy Malone JR
  • 2016: High School Musical JR
  • 2015: Peter Pan JR

MYT Staff

  • Director - Nich Palumbo
  • Assistant Director - Priscilla Baldwin
  • Music Director - Maureen Ruhe
  • Choreographer - Louis Apuzzo
  • Stage Manager - Riley Masterson
  • Technical Director - Joe Oblon
  • Costumes - Roni Buhler
  • Deck Manager - Carolyn Daniels
  • Rehearsal Assistants - Kathy Summa and Sam Hughes

Production Acknowledgments

  • Kirby Backus and Anna Terry for building and painting our Candy Cane arch and Santa's Sleigh
  • Kris Noam and Julie Ali for building and painting our Christmas Trees
  • Cherylann Jones and the Phelan Family for designing and decorating the Bumble.
  • Light Design: Rowan O'Hara
  • Deck Crew: Jalina Secchiaroli and Lilly Baiznet
  • Tech Crew: Cali Ruhe, Katherine Sanders, Mariah Parker, Hope Henderson, and Bella Panico
  • Projections by: Joe Oblon and Nich Palumbo
  • Parent volunteers for helping to run the lobby.
  • Star Gram Chairperson: Sandy Phelan and Cathy DiFronzo
  • Freddie and the custodial staff at Edison Middle School
  • Paper House Productions for the Kitchen Set
  • Ethan Pipicelli and Kellie Comer for the shutters
  • Kendra Henderson, Luke Henderson, Erin Lyons-Barton, Marisol Manacchio and the Edison Music and Theater Department
  • The Meriden YMCA
  • Brian Cyr & Meriden Public Schools

Director's Note

The 1964 stop-motion classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was one of my favorite holiday movies growing up (honestly, one of my favorite movies in general). In fact, in almost every home video of me, no matter the season, Rudolph was playing in the background. So when Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. became available for licensing, the MYT staff jumped at the opportunity. That said, it took three/four years of applying before we were finally able to secure the rights, as the show was frequently out on tour. When we did get them this year, though, it truly felt meant to be. The timing was perfect: the Junior Company was ready for a holiday production after the Teen Company performed A Christmas Carol last year, and the Rising/Shining Stars had already presented holiday shows in 2022 and 2023. The cast we assembled was the ideal group to bring this story to life. We had an incredible time working together, recreating beloved characters and having a holly jolly time at every rehearsal. I am so impressed by the dedication and heart these students put into this production, and just like the movie, this show has become one of my favorites.

Registration now open for our Spring 2025 Production: The Sound of Music Youth Edition

Learn more and register online: www.MeridenYouthTheater.com

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Credits:

Created with an image by magdal3na - "winter space of snow"