Rinor Selimaj (Ensemble- Narrator, Villager [soloist], Beast Understudy, Gaston Understudy, Silverware. Actor Deputy)

Rinor is a performer and vocalist lending his voice to the role of the Narrator, as well as performing in the ensemble. Rinor has graced the stage with his bright presence for past productions of ECT’s starting as General Genghis Kahn Schmitz in Seussical the Musical and as Drake in Annie! Rinor is also the reigning arm wrestling champion of ECT. He’d like to thank the cast and crew for helping put together such an amazing show and for reminding him just how much fun putting together a show can be! Special shoutouts to The Parking lot crew, the sets and painting crew, and to the ECT Board! “Thank you for a fun-filled summer!”

Emma Montanari (Ensemble- Enchantress, Villager, Pepper Shaker. Dance Captain)

Emma is playing the role of the Enchantress, Pepper shaker and involved in 2 ensemble groups as well. She has been in Ellington High Schools 2021 and 2022 Christmas In Pine Tree Corners productions. She also really enjoyed helping out with the tech of Ellington High School’s production of Radium Girls. She is very thankful for her family and the wonderful cast/team for giving her so much support and love.

Steven Villanova (Beast)

Steven is a fine arts student studying at Saint Anselm College, where he works on different projects ranging from traditional drawings and digital renderings to a wide array of performance art whether it be through music, video production, or voice acting. After a nine year hiatus from a proper stage with his portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Steven played Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid in the spring semester. Now, only three months later, he is proud to be able to portray the Beast. "I thank my family, especially my parents for never giving up on me, no matter how loud and obnoxious I got. I also want to thank my best friend Hunter for sending me as much support as she can from across the country, my other friends from school who loved me in the spring musical, and the participants of the late summer night parking lot discussions that have kept me somewhat sane.”

Chelsea Macedo (Mrs. Potts)

Having not been in a show since she was in high school, Chelsea is heralding her return to the stage by playing the kind and wonderful Mrs. Potts. Chelsea is a middle school teacher and runs the drama club at her school. Her past favorite shows include West Side Story and Cinderella. She wants to thank her parents for reminding her, “it’s never too late to get back into something you love!"

Kayleigh Droney (Mrs. Potts Understudy)

Kayleigh is excited to be understudying the role of Mrs. Potts. This is her first show with ECT and she is amazed by all the talent she has seen in this cast! Some of her favorite credits include: Yvette - Clue, Ronette - Little Shop of Horrors, Wicked Witch - The Wizard of Oz, Spider - James and the Giant Peach, Mayzie La Bird - Seussical the Musical, and Madame de la Grande Bouche - Beauty and the Beast. She would like to thank her coworkers for putting up with her singing all day around the office and her friends and family for continuing to support her passion!

Emma Cantin (Chip)

Emma is thrilled to be in her first Ellington Community Theater production as Chip! She is a rising 5th grader who loves theater & dance. Emma has been dancing for 7 years and a member of the Toriography Dance Company since 2019. Former shows include The Grunch (Rachel) & Peter Pan Jr. (Nana). Emma would like to thank her brothers & sisters, parents & grandparents for always coming to watch her perform and Miss Tori for teaching her to dance.

Will Naraghi (Lumiere)

Meet Will, a passionate storyteller whose love for acting began in childhood. Will cherishes diverse roles such as Arthur Roeder in Radium Girls and the mischievous Toby Belch in Twelfth Night. Beyond performing, he's enjoyed various technical aspects of theater, from designing costumes and makeup to handling sound and lights. Perhaps most proudly, he is the former president of Ellington High School's Opening Knight Players, where he worked to foster a thriving creative community. Embracing a lifelong pursuit of learning, Will finds inspiration in people's unique experiences, fueling his captivating performances. His dedication to storytelling and its power to foster empathy continue to shape his remarkable artistic journey. Will wants to thank everyone in his life who believed in him and supported him getting to where he is. He is proud to be attending UCONN's BFA acting program in the fall. @its_naraghi

Jake Kindall (Cogsworth)

Jake is so excited to be a part of his first show with ECT but he’s no stranger to this stage, you may have seen him performing with OKP over the last few years. His favorite past shows include High School Musical, Peter Pan, Once Upon a Mattress and The Wizard of Oz. Jake is a musical genius, having mastered four instruments. He enjoys hanging out with his friends and bowling. He would love to thank his “wonderful director Rachel” for keeping him sane through the process of this show. “I’d love to thank Will Niraghi and Dakotah Gagnon for encouraging me throughout this whole show and getting me my role as Cogsworth.”

Sophia Cantin (Babette)

Sophia is very excited to be part of her first Ellington Community Theater performance as Babette! She is a rising junior at Ellington High School and The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts with a focus in musical theater. In the past she was cast as Jane in Mary Poppins but was unable to perform due to Covid, Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods and an ensemble member in Legally Blonde and Newsies. She has been a part of the Toriography Dance Company for 13 years and was apart of the “Nice List” dance group in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2019. She’d like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support and coming to see the show!

Forrest Williams (Madame de la Grande Bouche, Villager [soloist])

Forrest is back with ECT after playing Crutchie in last summer’s production of Newsies. Other favorite roles include Prince Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress. In their spare time they enjoy watching Youtube videos. They would like to thank their voice teacher, Michael Lamb, and their parents for their love and support.

Dakotah Gagnon (Belle)

Dakotah is thrilled to be performing as Belle in her first musical with ECT. She is no stranger to the stage though; her favorite roles include Young Nala in The Lion King Jr, ensemble in Mamma Mia, Madam Giry in Phantom of the Opera, and now Belle in Beauty and The Beast. When not wowing audiences with her talent she runs a small business selling handmade jewelry, candles, and bath salts! She also loves playing with her dog, hanging out with her family and friends, and taking naps. “I want to thank my parents for being so supportive of me and encouraging me to work hard, and for believing in me! Thank you to my grandparents for always driving me to rehearsals and coming to every show. It means so much! I know you will never leave me stranded. I also want to thank my voice teacher and mentor, Dana, for believing in me and helping me grow not only as a singer and performer, but as a person. I will forever look up to you. Finally I want to thank my director Rachel, for pushing me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible, and helping me grow as an actress. I truly admire you!! I also want to thank the ECT community for welcoming me with open arms. You all really made me feel like I belong. I am so grateful to be involved in such an amazing community!"

Brian Deptula (Ensemble- Villager [soloist])

Brian is over the moon to return to the place he feels most at home, the stage. You might have seen his big debut last summer in ECT’s production of Newsies as the Mayor. When not dazzling audiences with his radiance, Brian enjoys eating Big Y Sushi, long walks (but only in the rain), and bubblegum ice cream. He personally doesn’t believe in umbrellas and wanted it to be made known. “I'd like to thank my best buddy Jason for being the best co-barkeep in the world. It's such a great time getting to do a show together.” He’d probably like to thank his children and wife as well, but we’re just guessing since he didn’t turn in his bio on time.

David Desrocher (Monsieur D'Arque, Villager) 

David is an actor, writer, and student at Quinnipiac University. He studies Theater and English and is pursuing a career in Voice Over. As an Ellington High School alumni he has co-written AotWHWSL which premiered during OKP’s New Play Festival in 2019, as well as played notable roles such as Sonny Malone in Xanadu or Shermy in Charlie Brown Christmas. He has also played Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd at Cirillo Summer Theater in 2016. He would like to thank ECT and all the people who help continue to bring theater to Ellington.

Sawyer Brown (Ensemble-Villager [soloist], Silverware)

Sawyer is ecstatic to be a cast and crew member of Beauty and the Beast! He is an actor and scenic painter in the show, and was previously involved in ECT's 2022 production of Newsies, playing the roles of Henry and Buttons. Most recent roles include The Doomed in The Flurry and Kingston in One Acts 2022 for The Opening Knight Players. Sawyer has additionally served as OKP’s scenic painting chair for the entirety of the 2022-2023 season, as well being part of a variety of different crews. Outside of theatre, they enjoy singing and drawing. Sawyer would like to thank his fellow cast members for their support, kindness, and all the laughs along the way.

Amelia Crocker (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Plate)

Amelia is a big fan of all the small corners of theatre. Not only has she been one of the people in charge of the painting of the set for this show, but many before. Her credibility lies in makeup, painting, sculpting, and once in a while acting. She has done makeup for every show she has ever been in and has the privilege of leading the high school makeup crew. She appeared in the high school’s productions of Radium Girls as Amelia, One Acts as Penny and 30x60. You may have also seen her in ECT shows such as the COVID Cabaret and Newsies.

Jason Lipman (Ensemble- Villager [soloist]

Jason is happy to be back for his second show with Ellington Community Theatre. Last summer he wow-ed the crowds as Governor Roosevelt in Newsies. He loves camping, throwing the ball for the family dog, Lily, and anything Disney! He’d like to thank his wife, his son Ben, daughter Emma and, of course, Lily.

Mylie Gagne (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Silverware)

Mylie is very excited to be performing in Ellington Community Theatre's Beauty And The Beast. She has been in multiple shows before, most recently as Gill in Finding Nemo Jr., Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Oscar Delancy in ECT’s production of Newsies. She has also participated in technical theater in Willy Wonka Jr. She has loved working with such a talented cast and crew this summer, and hopes you enjoy the show!!

May Cavanaugh (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Silverware

May is a 14 year old former performer and excited to be a part of Beauty and the Beast. No stranger to the stage, May’s past roles include Charlie in Willy Wonka Jr. and Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr., Munchkin Mayor in ECT’s production of Wizard of Oz and she played Les in last summer’s production of Newsies. She is very excited to go into her freshman year of high school next year and plans to join OKP. When she’s not on the stage you will see her in band, Wind Ensemble, and chorale next year at EHS. May wants to thank her family, who she lives with plus Gram, for always getting her to rehearsals on time and her whole family and friends for supporting her. She also wants to thank her pets Finch, Gouda, Daisy, Loki, Sage, Basil, and Budsy for always being there for after practice cuddles. She hopes everybody enjoys the show!

Paige Ellis (Ensemble- Villager, Silverware)

Paige is so excited to be a part of her first show with ECT! She previously has done A Christmas Carol and Finding Nemo Jr. The Musical  with the Ellington Middle School Drama Troupe. When not on stage Paige loves getting to hang out with her friends. She wants to specifically thank Mylie Gagne and May Cavanaugh for convincing her to audition and making her feel welcome, and her mom for always driving her to and from rehearsals. “Join ECT! It’s so much fun!”

Grace Pack (Ensemble- Villager, Silverware)

Grace is thrilled to perform with ECT for Beauty and the Beast!​Grace really enjoys being silverware. She would like to thank her cast and her family for always supporting her.

Layla Proulx (Ensemble- Villager, Plate)

Layla is very excited to be in this production of Beauty and the Beast as a villager and a plate. She has been in Ellington Middle School’s production of Willy Wonka Jr. as an Oompa Loompa, A Christmas Carol as Orphan Emma and Mrs Fezziwig, and Finding Nemo Jr. as Tad’s parent, Seagull #1, and Squirt. In her spare time, she likes to draw, read, and hang out with friends. She’d like to thank her mom for dropping her off and picking her up on time and Talia and Aaron for being there and for the really fun sleepovers!

Nikshita Sree Ganesh Kumar (Ensemble- Villager, Plate)

Nikshita is excited to be on stage this summer with ECT having helped with stage crew during Newsies last summer. She also was in the EMS Drama Troupe’s production of A Christmas Carol. Nikshita volunteers at the library in her free time and enjoys making art across all mediums; sculpting, painting and digital art as well. She’d like to thank her mom for letting me do stuff like this, and her dad and sister for driving her!

Perseah Smalley (Ensemble- Villager, Silverware)

Perseah is no stranger to Ellington Community Theatre, having performed in The Music Man, Annie, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz and Newsies, making this her sixth show with ECT!  This past year she performed in A Christmas Carol and Finding Nemo Jr. with the EMS Drama Troupe. In her free time, Perseah loves to write and draw! “Thank you to my dad for driving me, my mom for being supportive, Jedi for being Jedi, my cast mates for making rehearsals fun and funny, and finally Rosalie. Thank you all.”

Rosalie Stevens (Ensemble- Villager, Plate

Rosalie is excited to be in her first show with ECT. She’s enjoyed performing with the EMS Drama Troupe’s production of Finding Nemo Jr. Outside of theatre she likes to read, go on walks, play the clarinet and hangout with her friends and family. She would like to thanks her parents and her sister Riley. She would also like to thank all her friends for making rehearsal more fun than it already was, especially her friend Perseah for getting her into theater. And a special thanks to Rachel and Susan for making this happen!

Paige Syphers (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Napkin)

Paige has had so much fun in the ensemble of her first show with ECT! Recently, she has performed in Little Shop of Horrors, Annie, Shrek the Musical, and Mary Poppins. She will be entering her senior year of high school in Tolland in the fall, where she sings in the Chamber Choir. Outside of theatre, Paige can be found painting, sewing, playing softball, working as a lifeguard, hanging out with friends, or re-watching Legally Blonde. She’d like to thank her family for their support and her castmates for being welcoming and lots of fun.

Molly Deptula (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Napkin. Dance Captain)

Molly is excited to join the ensemble for ECT’s Beauty and the Beast!  An ECT Member since she was nine years old, her ECT credits include ensemble in Seussical the Musical and Music Man, Pepper in Annie, Slightly in Peter Pan, an Enchanted Tree in Wizard of Oz, an ensemble member of COVID Cabaret, and Race in Newsies. She spent her high school career performing for Ellington High School’s Opening Knight Players. Notable credits include Cindy Lou Who in Christmas in Pinetree Corners, Ms. Darbus in High School Musical, and Grace Fryer in Radium Girls, for which she won Outstanding Actor from the Connecticut Drama Association. She also dabbled in playwriting and directing this fall, a screwball comedy entitled Off the Rails. A lover of all things musicals since she was four, when she’s not singing along she’s tapping or twirling through a dance break, and when she’s not onstage, she’s usually crocheting! Molly would like to thank her wonderful teachers who've run drama programs in her schools through the years including Sharon Bigge, Mary Walsh, and Bill Prenetta. She'd also like to thank her amazing family: Mom, Dad, Izzie, Abby, and Tyrell, especially her parents for helping her learn every line and staying up late through every tech week frenzy. And last but certainly not least, she'd like to thank all of her wonderful crew mates who helped build this beautiful set. After set strike, Molly will be moving into UConn to study mechanical and entertainment engineering to blend her passions for science and theatre, and she can’t wait to bring her love of theatre into her professional life.

Anne Morrissette (Ensemble- Villager, Plate)

Board member and community theatre enthusiast, Anne is so glad to be back together with the ECT family. Her very first role was Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach. Other past shows include Aunt Em and Ozian in the Muny version of The Wizard of Oz, Shrek the Musical, Dr. Dolittle, A Christmas Carol, Matilda, and ECT’s Newsies! She enjoys traveling, food festivals, being at the ocean and spending time with her friends and family. “I would like to thank our music director Susan Carroll for helping me with my vocals by supplying me with the alto vocal parts! Our director Rachel for her amazing direction and choreography! I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting me in my love for theater!"

Nora Borst (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Plate) 

Nora is thrilled to be an ensemble member in ECT’s Beauty and the Beast. Though this is her first show with ECT, she has also been involved in EMS Drama Troupe and the Opening Knight Players. Favorite roles include Angela in fellow cast member Molly Deptula’s Off the Rails and Lucy in Christmas in Pinetree Corners ‘22. She would like to thank her hamster, Bagel.

Anna Gerow (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Napkin)

Anna Gerow is a senior and is super excited to be in the ensemble of Beauty and the Beast this summer! Anna has been in the drama program at Tolland High School since her freshman year and has been in numerous musicals, including Annie in Tolland High School’s production of Annie, and Jane in their production of Mary Poppins this year. She was also Gingy in Tolland Youth Services Community Theatre’s production of Shrek last summer. She is so grateful to be part of this musical and for her cast members, friends, and directors for all of their help.

CJ Firetto (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Silverware)

CJ has been with ECT since he was 6, playing the roles of "Wacky" and an orphan boy in Annie in 2017, a lost boy in "Peter Pan" in 2018, a monkey and a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz in 2019 and Romeo in Disney’s Newsies! in 2022. He is excited this year to be in the ensemble with a great group of actors and friends. CJ enjoys swimming & doing backflips off the diving board (or on a trampoline), playing with dogs/puppies, playing baseball and soccer, playing the saxophone and singing in the chorus, and climbing anything (really, ANYTHING...). “Thank you to my cast friends, especially Oliver, Finn and Sawyer. You make it fun to be an inanimate object! My dogs have been very supportive when I am exhausted from all the rehearsals. Thank you to Susan for helping me navigate vocal changes, and to Rachel for helping me with the dance moves. I am definitely a dancer now **wink**. Thank you to my amazing mother for all of her hard work with the Board **wink**.

Ben Montanari (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Gargoyle, Silverware)

Ben is having so much fun participating in his first musical with ECT. Since then he performed as Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka Jr. with the EMS Drama Troupe, and One Acts, Santa Claus in Christmas in Pinetree Corners, and Daniel Lehman / Venison Salesman in Radium Girls with OKP. When not at rehearsal he enjoys playing baseball, playing the saxophone, hanging out with friends, creating content, and developing roblox games! He’d like to thank his directors and his family, friends, and grandparents for helping to support him through all his theater shows. “I loved being a part of this show and It was a great experience!"

Oliver Bellman (Lefou, Silverware)

Bellman is back for his third show with ECT and is going in style as Lefou. You might recall him as Davey from last summer’s production of  Newsies. Oliver’s theatre experience is far and wide, most recently in The Hunchback of Notre Dame with the Opera House Players and Dear Edwina Jr. with Blue Fire Stage.  Other favorite past shows include Willy Wonka Jr, and The Music Man. Oliver has spent many hours creating the set, props and Beast costume pieces. He’s a skilled puppet maker and enjoys rocking out on drums while his dad plays guitar. He would like to thank his Mom for helping him through my theater journey, his grandma for helping me through all my various projects he can’t do by himself, and the Deptula family for being a close friend to him through this journey! “I love this amazing story and can’t wait to do more with ECT in the future!"

Ryder Bidwell (Gaston)

Ryder is so excited to make his ECT debut as Gaston! However, this is not the first time he’s had to get his head in the game. Ryder has an extensive performance resume, including roles in Arsenic and Old Lace, Twelfth Night, Christmas in Pinetree Corners, The Audience Member, and, you guessed it, performing as Troy Bolton in High School Musical. When not onstage, Ryder is a champion fencer and enjoyer of blueberry bagels. Ryder would like to thank his friends and family for their undying support, and his teachers for encouraging him to pursue theatre. He would probably also like to thank the Silly Girls for boosting his ego, and the set designers for making him one awesome escape slide, but he didn’t turn in his bio on time, so we can never know for sure... 

Isabel Deptula (Les Filles de la Ville, Salt Shaker. Dance Captain)

Isabel has been an actress since the age of seven, joining ECT’s production of Seussical. After that, she’s acted consistently with ECT for the past eight years, and has taken lessons with A Class Act NY to hone her skills. She has also acted in her high school’s production of Christmas in Pinetree Corners two years in a row, as well as 30x60 and High School Musical, in which she popped, locked, broke, and jammed through the role of Martha. Her most recent role in ECT was Elmer in Newsies, as well as Race’s vocal parts. This year, Isabel is very excited to be a Silly Girl and Salt shaker in Beauty and the Beast. She has also worked almost every day in the high school to help build the set. She worked with Amelia Crocker to build a fountain, Gaston chandelier, and ballroom chandelier. She has taken on the role of co-vice president of ECT’s Youth Committee and planned a tea party promotional with Ella Crocker. Isabel is extremely grateful for all the people she’s built things with and acted alongside of this year. She’s thankful to her family for going along with the crazy with her.

Emma Lipman (Les Filles de la Ville, Belle Understudy, Silverware. Actor Deputy)

Emma is so happy to be back with her ECT family, her favorite past musicals include Annie, Peter Pan, and Newsies. When not rehearsing you can find Emma crocheting, drawing or playing with her dog Lily. She’d like to thank her mom and brother for their support, her dad for joining her on stage, and her sweet dog for always making her smile.

Emma Van Tasel (Les Filles de la Ville, Mme. GB Understudy, Napkin)

Emma is very excited to play the roles of Silly Girl and Napkin in ECT’s production of Beauty and the Beast, as well as understudy for Madame de la Grande Bouche. She recently graduated from Ellington High School, where she performed with the Opening Knight Players, taking on roles including Lady Olivia in Twelfth Night, Kelsi in High School Musical, Karen in Christmas in Pinetree Corners, and most recently, Crenshaw in the student-penned The Flurry. In addition, she participated in ECT’s productions of Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and Newsies. In the fall, she is looking forward to learning more about the theater world while attending UConn. Emma greatly appreciates the entire cast and crew for the incredible show they have put together, and would like to thank them for making the experience unforgettable. 

Katherine Wearne (La Filles de la Ville, Babette Understudy, Napkin)

Katherine is a rising senior at East Catholic. She is a Silly Girl and is in the ensemble. She is also understudying Babette. Katherine started performing at the age of 7, singing the national anthem for numerous sports games. She has continued to sing at sports games, while also being the lead singer of a classic rock band. Katherine played the role of Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins Jr., and Katherine Plumber in Newsies. Her freshman year, she participated in Stage East’s A Night on Broadway, as Glinda from Wicked. Her junior year, she played Ursula and understudied Rose in Bye, Bye, Birdie. She wants to thank her friends and family for being so supportive, and would also like to thank everyone who put in so much work to create this show. Break a leg everyone!

Victoria Kessel (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Napkin)

Tori is happy to be back with her second show with ECT since last summer’s production of Newsies. Other favorite past shows include  The Story to The Song, Shrek the Musical Jr., Channel Surfing, and  High School Musical. She practices karate and is an instructor as well. She enjoys creating art, going on long car rides and trying new things! She’d like to thank her family and friends for supporting her through the process, whether by giving rides or being a listening ear.

Finn Histen (Ensemble- Villager [soloist], Silverware)

Finn is so excited to be embarking on his first musical adventure EVER with this production of Beauty and the Beast. When not rehearsing he loves to work on his art and prepare for vocal lessons. He wants to thank the many hands that got him to where he is now and is so excited to experience every aspect of a musical production!

Alisa Dwyer (Ensemble- Villager, Napkin)

No stranger to the stage, Alisa has been performing in shows for 10 years! She last performed with ECT in their production of Peter Pan. She’s also an active member of OKP utilizing her talents on stage, Frosty Kid in Christmas in Pinetree Corners, and off assisting with crews. She is also an active member of the color guard team at EHS and loves creating art and playing video games. She’d like to thank her family and friends for always being here for her, “Especially my parents, sisters and my dog who are my biggest supporters!”

Ovie Kayoma (Ensemble- Villager, Gargoyle, Silverware)

Ovie is having so much fun in the Ensemble for his first show with Ellington Community Theatre. Most recently he played Bruce in the EMS Drama Troupe’s performance of Finding Nemo Jr. Always on the go Ovie likes to swim, play football and soccer, participate in track and field and read in his spare time. He wants to thank his mom for always picking him up on time and supporting him in his varied interests! He would also like to thank all of his friends for encouraging him to step out of his comfort zone and help make him more confident on stage.

David Bellman (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

This is 10-year-old David Bellman’s first experience with Ellington Community Theatre and he is excited to be part of the ensemble.  David has performed as young Ebeneezer Scrooge in Opera House Player’s virtual production of A Christmas Carol (Enfield, CT) and the role of William and ensemble in The Bradley Playhouse’s production of A Christmas Carol. When David isn’t on stage, he is either dancing at Lisa Bonacker’s Studio of Dance, playing his trumpet, or playing baseball.  David thanks his family and friends for supporting all of his interests.

Liliana Cole (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

Liliana is back for her second show with Ellington Community Theatre having belted out with ‘Brooklyn’ in Newsies last summer. She loves to sing, run, make arts & crafts and read books, as well as play outside with friends, Irish step-dance and lacrosse. “I would like to thank my Mom and Dad, Ms. Rachel, Ms. Sue, The Deptula family and everyone who makes summer theater possible.”

Abigail Deptula (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

Abigail is thrilled to be returning as a member of the Choux Ensemble for her fifth ECT production! In the past Abigail has been an Orphan in Annie, a Lost Boy in Peter Pan, a Munchkin and Head Jitterbug in The Wizard of Oz, and a member of the Brooklyn Ensemble in Disney’s Newsies. You may see her on stage during this show as a wolf, a plate of food, or (her favorite) a young villager. She loves to act and is always looking for new projects to take on. She also enjoyed getting to work behind the scenes this year to help move and paint our “beast” of a set! While she is not acting on stage or building our set, she enjoys reading, having fun with her pets and friends. Abigail would like to thank her family for making this show as fun as possible for her. She’d like to thank her ECT theater friends for all the fun times during rehearsal. Finally, she would also like to thank Mandy Bellman for all the pinky balls, time to go to Wahlburgers- I made it! 

Tyrell Deptula (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

Tyrell has been a lifetime fan of ECT and is so excited to perform in his second ECT production as a member of the Choux Ensemble! Last year, Tyrell made his theatrical debut as the littlest Brooklyn Ensemble member in Disney’s Newsies. This year you’ll find him singing and dancing as a plate of food, a villager, and (his favorite) a wolf! In his free time, Tyrell enjoys reading (especially the Berenstain Bears), tricking at Trick Dynamix, and playing lacrosse and soccer. He also likes to collect Pokemon and Bakugan toys. He would like to thank all of his theatre friends, especially David, Lucas, Connor, CJ and James, for making rehearsal so much fun. He also thanks his family for all their love and support. “A special shout out to Rinor and Tori for always giving me some gum, thank you!”

Veronica Donaldson (Ensemble-Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

This is Veronica’s first show with Ellington Community Theatre and first stage musical she’s been a part of! While not singing and dancing at rehearsal Veronica loves spending time with the animals on her family’s farm. She also loves crafting, camping, playing games and watching movies. Veronica would like to thank all her friends and family for their love and support.

Annabelle Hale (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, Dishes)

Annabelle is having so much fun in her very first musical! Besides singing and dancing Annabelle loves soccer, ice skating, dance, art, science experiments and animals! “Thank you to Ms. Rachel for being my first theatre friend. Thank you mama for allowing me to try new things. Thanks, Grammy, for always taking care of me when Mama and Dad can't.”

Connor Longo (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

Connor is so excited to be back for his second performance with ECT! He debuted his career with ECT's production of Newsies, and is so excited to be back, showing off his snazzy dance moves. When not onstage, you can find Connor in dance lessons, baseball, jamming with his saxophone, or zipping around a hockey rink. Connor wants to thank his mom, his grandparents, his brother, and of course, his dog Theo.

Lucas Longo (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

Lucas is thrilled to join ECT for his very first musical! He's so excited to take the stage with his twin brother and all of his friends. When Lucas isn't in rehearsal, he's usually at dance class, baseball, horseback riding, or flute rehearsals. Lucas wants to thank his mom, his grandparents, his brother, and of course, his dog Theo.

Amelia Marut (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes

Amelia is so excited to be a part of her very first musical! When not rehearsing for the show you can find her spending time with her family and friends or playing lacrosse. She would like to thank her parents for supporting her in everything she does. “This has been a great experience! I love the cast, directors, teachers and helpers. This has been the best summer!”

Allison Montanari (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

Allison is so excited to be a part of her very first musical, which she believes will be the best one she’ll ever do. She loves to draw, swim and play games as well as dance! She wants to thank her parents for encouraging her to participate and her siblings, Emma and Ben, making this show even more special!

Aadhya Prem Sagar (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

Aadhya is happy to be back for her second show with Ellington Community Theatre,  having not been on stage since Wizard of Oz back in (year). When not at rehearsal Aadhya enjoys reading, drawing and talking to birds! She would like to give special thanks to her mom, dad, and brother and thank the whole cast and crew for a great summer!

Riley Stevens (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, Dish)

Riley is thrilled to be working on Beauty and the Beast, her first musical EVER! When not at rehearsal she loves to go swimming, ride her bike, and play outside. She loves that she gets to be in her first show with her older sister Rosalie (Ensemble) and is so thankful for her, her parents, the directors and all her new friends she’s made this summer.

Eleanor Stocker (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, Dish)

Eleanor is not a stranger to the stage, having performed in dance recitals and a short musical show, but she is so excited to be a part of her first full stage production and her first show with ECT. She loves dance, of course, as well as gymnastics and chilling with her friends and family. She’d like to thank her parents, her brother Will, Miss Rachel and all the Beauty and the Beast staff members. She’s so happy to be a part of this show!

Isabella Urrutia (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes, Chip Understudy)

Isabella is so excited to be a part of her very first musical, which is extra special because she gets to share the stage with her sister as her mom plays in the pit. In her free time she  likes to do gymnastics, play the violin, basketball and softball. “I'd like to thank my parents for supporting me. I also want to thank my directors for helping me grow! This show has been so much fun!”

Lillian Urrutia (Ensemble- Villager, Wolf, The Dishes)

Lillian is happy to be a part of her first musical with ECT. Previously she’s performed in Shrek the Musical. When not rehearsing for the show she loves to play the piano, sing, make jewelry and play softball and basketball. I'd like to thank my family for their support, and my best friend for being in the show with me. “I've loved making new friends in this cast!”

Ryan Michaud (Maurice)

Ryan plays the role of Maurice in his first principal role on stage. He is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in Vocal Performance. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continuous love and support, and his wife Victoria for believing in him, and encouraging him to perform again. He would also like to thank Rachel, Susan, as well as the cast for making him feel welcome.