Meet the Guys and Dolls of ECT!
(Cast List, Order of Appearance)

John Cheman (Nicely Nicely Johnson)

John is excited to be performing with ECT this summer. This is his second production with ECT. He previously performed in Newsies. He is also part of the company of "Hot Music: A Broadway Experience". Some of John's past roles include: Tevye in Fiddler On the Roof and Harold Hill in The Music Man. He has just finished his 31st year of teaching music for the Ellington Public Schools. He also is on the worship team at Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester, CT. When he is not teaching or performing he can be found reading, taking walks or enjoying time with family. He thanks his wife Kim and his kids, Evan, Timothy and Hannah for all their love and support!

Jacob Kindall (Benny Southwest)

Jake is so happy to be back with ECT. This is his 4th show here with ECT, and he couldn’t have asked for more. He performed in Beauty and the Beast last year as Cogsworth here at ECT. He has performed in many shows throughout high school, his favorite being The Flurry, written by Rylan Fischer. Jake is pursuing a career in commercial music at Utah Valley University. He wants to thank everyone who has supported him in his acting and music career up until now. He wants to give all the glory to God and the love and peace he feels through Him on stage. Jesus is King. Thank you, ECT, for everything you’ve done for the actors!

Scott McNeil (Rusty Charlie, Big Jule)

Scott (Scotty) is thrilled to be making his ECT debut as Rusty/Big Jule/Gambler in Guys and Dolls. Favorite past performances include Curley in Oklahoma!, Danny Zuko in Grease, Enjolras in Les Miserables, Benny in RENT, Singing in the Rain, Newsies, Man of La Mancha, and Wicked.  He could not be more proud to join his daughter Maddie in her first ever musical! When not on the stage, he enjoys travel, cooking, amusement parks, and anything related to aviation. “Sending thanks to my new ECT family, my wife Jaime, and twin daughters Maddie and Sadie for their support in returning to the boards."

Dakotah Gagnon (Sarah Brown)

Dakotah is so excited for her second year with ECT! Last year she debuted with ECT as Belle in Beauty and The Beast. This year she has participated in 3 other musicals including her performance as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, ensemble in Legally Blonde at LTM, and performing a cabaret style musical at The Bushnell as part of the prestigious Ensign Darling Vocal Fellowship. Dakotah is pursuing Musical Theatre at the American Musical Dramatic Academy in New York City this fall. “Thank you so much to my friends and family for supporting me! Thanks mom, dad, grandma, and bumpa for being my biggest fans. Thank you Billy for encouraging me to push through my difficult moments and be the best version of myself. Thank you to my directors and mentors Rachel, Susan, and Dana for making me feel like I can do what ever I set my mind to and pushing me out of my comfort zone. Love you all at ECT!”

Liz Cole (Arvide Abernathy)

Coaxed by the production team, and her daughter Liliana, this is Liz’s first performance “above the stage” ever! Her previous musical involvement has always been playing “below the stage” as a member of the pit orchestra. She is a mom of four and an educator. “I would like to thank my daughter, Liliana, for pulling me into this experience (and far out of my comfort zone!). Spending time with you in an activity that brings you joy has been a great way to spend many of our summer nights. A special thanks to my husband for making this experience possible for us all!"

Anne Morrisette (Agatha)

Board member and community theater enthusiast, Anne is so glad to be back doing her third show with the ECT family. Her very first role was Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach. Other past roles include Aunt Em and Ozian in the Muny version of The Wizard of Oz. Other shows include Shrek the Musical, Dr. Dolittle, A Christmas Carol, Matilda, ECT’s Newsies and Beauty and the Beast! In addition to performing, she enjoys working behind the scenes with lighting and being a part the stage crew. She enjoys traveling, food festivals, being at the ocean and spending time with her friends and family. “I would like to thank everyone involved with this production, especially Rachel for her amazing direction and choreography, and our music director Susan Carroll for her help with the alto parts!  I would also like to thank my family and friends for their continued support!”

Christine Montanari (Martha)

Christine is excited to be performing in her very first play ever.  She was inspired by watching her kids perform in Beauty and the Beast with ECT last year and decided it would be fun to give it a try this year. When she is not on stage, Christine is an early childhood educator who enjoys doing puzzles, reading, and swimming in her free time.   She is thankful for the support of her husband and kids, and especially thrilled to share the stage with her daughter Allison this year.

David Bellman (Mission Band)

11-year-old David Bellman is happy to be back with Ellington Community Theatre for Guys and Dolls. David recently played the role of Deputy & Nick Cricker in the captivating production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood with Wilbraham United Players. David's theatrical journey has already seen him shine as Flick in A Christmas Story at the Bradley Playhouse and as a valued ensemble member in Bluefire Stage Company’s Shrek, Jr., and Ellington Community Theatre's Beauty and the Beast. Offstage, David's passions include dancing, playing the trumpet, and hitting the baseball field. He extends his heartfelt gratitude to his supportive family and friends for their encouragement, with a special shoutout to his friends at Fox Hill Music for their unwavering support.

Emma Cantin​ (Mission Band)

Emma Cantin is thrilled to be in her second ECT production this summer. Emma is a rising 6th grader at St. James School.  Past shows include Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Peter Pan Jr. (Nana), The Grunch (Rachel), and she is also currently in rehearsals for The SpongeBob Musical (Sardine & Dance/Tap team member).  Emma has trained & performed with the Toriography Dance Company for 6 years. 
Emma thanks her family & friends for always supporting her and coming to watch her perform.

Liliana Cole (Mission Band)

Liliana is thrilled to be back with her third show with ECT having previously worked on Newsies and Beauty and the Beast. She enjoys playing lacrosse, Irish Dance, reading and hanging out with her friends and family. She would like to thank her mom and dad, Rachel and Sue and the ECT Board for their support through the last productions. “I really enjoy Community theater, singing and dancing. Telling stories through dance and song and spending time with the cast and crew are some of my favorite summer memories."

Veronica Donaldson (Mission Band)

Veronica is glad to be back for her second show with ECT. She loved getting to be a Wolf, an Enchanted Object and Townsperson in last summer's production of Beauty and the Beast. When not at rehearsals Veronica can be found farming, camping, crafting and reading, as well as hanging out with family and friends. She’d like to thank everyone who helped her get into theater and gave her the support she needed. “I look forward to the summer production all year, and can't wait to see what comes up next!”

Logan Firetto (Mission Band)

Logan Firetto is excited to return to the stage this summer for his first production since his stage debut, when he played a munchkin and a monkey in the 2019 ECT production of The Wizard of Oz at the age of 6. You can also see him in the EMS Drama Troupe’s Summer production of High School Musical Jr., which will be presented on August 2nd and 3rd. When Logan is not acting he is kept busy with Karate classes, playing with his dogs, and gaming with friends. He also sings in the school chorus and plays percussion in the band.  He would like to thank everyone who works so hard to make the production a success.

James Giacchi (Mission Band)

James is thrilled to be part of his first musical with ECT. Previous roles include Zach in School of Rock, Pugsley in The Addams Family and The Ugly Duckling in Shrek, Jr. James loves spending time with his friends and his dog Romeo, playing flute, guitar, bass and drums and rocking out with his Dad.  Thank you to his family for their encouragement and support.

Allie Jackopsic (Mission Band)

Allie is so happy to be a part of Guys and Dolls in her very first musical EVER! She has been dancing with Aprille’s Danceprints in jazz, hip hop, acrobatics, ballet and tap so she is no stranger to the stage. She’d like to thank her mom, dad and loving family for always supporting her dreams; her sister for helping out in all of her dance classes and inspiring her to be the dancer and acrobat that she is, and her dog (Duncan) for being the best! Her favorite part about ECT has been meeting new people and learning how to sing, her life goal is to be a singer! “Thank you to my dance teachers and ECT members for all of your hard work!"

Connor Longo (Mission Band)

Connor will be a 7 th grader in Ellington this fall. He is excited to be performing in this year’s musical as part of the ensemble. Connor was eager to return to ECT after performing in the ECT
summer production for the past two years. When he is not on stage, Connor loves playing ice hockey and baseball, and hanging out with friends. He would like to give a big thanks to his family for their support and rides to rehearsals, and to his fellow cast members for their support and making long rehearsals fun.

Lucas Longo (Mission Band)

​Lucas will be a 7 th grader in Ellington this fall. He is excited to take the stage again with ECT as part of the ensemble. Lucas also loves playing baseball, and hanging out with friends. He would like to give a big thanks to his family for their support and rides to rehearsals, and to his fellow cast members for their support and making long rehearsals fun.

Amelia Marut (Mission Band)

Amelia has the theatre bug after last summer’s production of Beauty and the Beast (Wolf, Townsperson and Enchanted Food) and is so glad to be back for another summer with ECT. She plays lacrosse and basketball and enjoys swimming and hanging out when her friends when not doing shows. She’d like to thank the directors for making this the best summer. She’d also like to thank her mom for taking her to rehearsals and getting her involved in the first place. “Go UConn!"

Maddie McNeil (Mission Band)

Maddie is so glad to be in her very first show ever! When not singing and dancing with us Maddie enjoys art, swimming, running, gaming, reading and collecting bones. She’s obsessed with Crystal Castle and all things cats. She’d like to thank her mom and dad for encouraging and supporting me through any hard times she’s faced. “I’M A SILLY GOOBER WHO IS INSANE!”

Allison Montanari (Mission Band)

Allison is thrilled to be performing with ECT for the second time.  She loved performing in Beauty and the Beast and is excited to be on the stage again.  Allison is a rising 7th grade student at Ellington Middle School who enjoys drawing, swimming, and riding roller coasters.  She is happy to share the stage with her mom Christine this year. ​

Riley Stevens (Mission Band)

Riley is happy to be back for her second show with ECT. She had so much fun last summer in Beauty and the Beast as a Wolf, Enchanted Object and Townsperson! When not doing shows she enjoys riding her bike and going swimming. She would like to thank her parents, sister, friends and the directors!

Jackson Stearns (Drunk, Gambler)

Jackson is excited to be joining in his first ECT production, although he is no stranger to the local stage. His early exposure to theater was at the Enfield Montessori School when the Children's Stage Adventures came to town and as a fifth grader, he was cast as a magical talking fish in their adaptation of Grimm's The Fisherman and his Wife. At Ellington Middle School, Jackson performed as Grandpa Joe in the EMS production of Willy Wonka Jr. At Ellington High School, Jackson joined the Opening Knight Players in his freshman year and was cast as Linus van Pelt in the holiday production Christmas in Pinetree Corners. He has since performed numerous supporting roles with OKP, both onstage and behind the curtain, and is currently the Lighting Co-Chair and is studying Theater Technology. Jackson was recently inducted into the International Thespian Troup #5226. In addition to his theater interests, Jackson plays in the percussion section of the EHS Marching band and is a Scout in Ellington BSA Troop 96. He would like to thank his family for their support and chauffeuring efforts.

Sawyer Brown (Harry the Horse)

Sawyer is thrilled to play the role of Harry the Horse! Guys and Dolls marks his third show with Ellington Community Theatre, previously acting as an ensemble member and lead scenic painter for Beauty & The Beast, as well as playing numerous roles in Newsies. He is also an active member of the Opening Knight Players, most recently acting in 30x60, Christmas Lights, and Caught in Black Ink. However, he is most known for his involvement in scenic painting, leading the crew for over 2 years. When he isn't performing onstage or working behind the scenes, he loves to sing, compose/arrange music, and draw. Sawyer would like to thank his parents for their unwavering support, his friends and castmates for all of the laughs and fond memories, and everyone involved in ECT for all of their passion and hard work to make the show incredible.

Ovie Kayoma (Lieutenant Brannigan)

Ovie is returning for a second summer with ECT after last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Other past shows include Eyes of Evil, Caught in Black Ink and Christmas Lights with OKP, and Finding Nemo with the EMS Drama Troupe. When not on stage Ovie can be found playing soccer, throwing for track, singing with the EHS Chorale and playing video games. He’d like to thank his mom for driving him to rehearsals and his brother for helping him relax when he gets home from practice.

J. Blaise DiModungo (Nathan Detroit)

J. Blaise DiModugno is excited to be performing with ECT for the first time, playing Nathan Detroit.  Some of his recent acting credits include Brad in Rocky Horror at Landmark Community Theatre, and Bob in White Christmas, also at LCT.  He’d like to thank the cast and crew of Guys and Dolls for being excellent people to perform with, and his friends and family for supporting his acting exploits.  He hopes you enjoy the show, and if you don’t, ‘sue me.’ 

Forrest Williams (Angie the Ox, Joey Biltmore)

Forrest is happy to be back with their third show with ECT. Last year they serenaded us as Madame de la Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast and broke all our hearts as Crutchie in Newsies the summer before. Their other favorite past role was Prince Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress. Forrest is an animal lover and enjoys video games in their spare time. They’d like to thank their parents for their support and their voice coach Michael Lamb for his direction.

Finn Histen (Liver Lips Louie)

Finn is thrilled to be back with his second summer with ECT. You might recognize him from last summer’s production of Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble) or when he played Pinnocchio with Blue Fire Stage’s production of Shrek Jr. earlier this year. Finn would like to thank his family for always being there to support him.

CJ Firetto (Society Max)

CJ has been with Ellington Community Theatre 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, Romeo in Disney’s Newsies! in 2022 and ensemble in the 2023 production of Beauty and the Beast. He is active in the EMS Drama Troupe, having played Jack in How Jack Got a Job last fall, and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Jr. this spring. You can also see him in the EMS Drama Troupe’s Summer production of High School Musical Jr., which will be presented on August 2nd and 3rd. He is excited this year to be in the Guys & Dolls ensemble with a great group of actors and friends. He would like to thank everyone who works hard to make the production a success!

Paul Ballasy (Gambler)

Paul makes his return to ECT after a few years hiatus. He first was in the barbershop quartet when ECT did The Music Man in 2016, then returned as a cabinet member in Annie the following summer. He reprised his part in the quartet for The Covid Cabaret and is glad to be back on stage as one of the Gamblers. Paul enjoys gardening, historical books, and naps on his porch. He’d like to thank his wife and eldest daughter for helping him stay organized throughout this rehearsal process, and his other daughter (and director) for teaching ‘George’ all he needs to know as well as write his bio for him. Enjoy the show!!

Nora Borst (Gambler, Charlie the Manager)

After her incredible performance as a Plate and Townsperson in last summer’s production of Beauty and the Beast, Nora is thrilled to be back for another summer of fun. She’s been in many productions with the Opening Knight Players at the high school. When not on stage Nora can be found playing sudoku, knitting or playing Stardew Valley. Enjoy the show!

Paige Ellis (Gambler)

Paige is so excited to be a part of her second show with ECT! She previously has done A Christmas Carol with EMS, Finding Nemo Jr. The Musical with EMS, Beauty and the Beast with ECT, Scene Showcase with EMS, and The Little Mermaid Jr with EMS. Paige is also currently a part of EMS’s first ever summer camp where she is going to be in High School Musical Jr! When not on stage Paige loves getting to hang out with her friends, playing volleyball, going to the beach, and swimming. She wants to specifically thank her mom for always driving her to and from rehearsals, Rachel for FINALLY playing the music full speed, and her friends in ECT for making this a fun experience for her. “Join ECT! It’s so much fun!”

Virgil Mead (Gambler)

After assistant stage managing Newsies for ECT two summers ago, Virgil is making his debut on stage with ECT as one of the fine gamblers in NYC. Other shows that he acted in include Bluebird, 30x60 and Caught in Black Ink. They still enjoy working behind the scenes as ASM for Wonka Jr, costume crew chair for Eyes of Evil and helping out wherever he can. Besides theater Virgil enjoys participating in color guard, biking, and hanging out with friends. He’d like to thank his mom for encouraging him in all he does, as well as mom and stepdad for various rides. “Thanks also to grandma and grandpa to coming to every show I’m involved in. And thanks to my cats Mia and Sage who always there for cuddles when I need it.” Virgil also wants everyone to know that he loves dried cranberries. 

Halona Pon Mohan Kumar (Gambler)

Halona is very excited to be in the ensemble of her first show with ECT! She has previously acted in Finding Nemo Jr. and The Little Mermaid Jr. with the EMS drama troupe. When she’s not at rehearsal, Halona loves hanging out with her friends, going to the beach, and rewatching her favorite movies. She would like to thank her family for being so supportive and her friends for making rehearsals so fun! She has loved being in Guys and Dolls and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Perseah Smalley (Gambler)

No stranger to the stage, Guys and Dolls will make Perseah’s seventh production with ECT with past shows including The Music Man, Annie, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Newsies, and Beauty and the Beast. They have also been in productions with the EMS Drama Troupe; A Christmas Carol, Finding Nemo, EMS 2024 Showcase, The Little Mermaid. When not performing they love drawing and writing. Perseah wants to thank CJ and the rest of their castmates for being hilarious company. They’d also like to thank “dad for being a taxi, mom for keeping my head on my shoulders, my little siblings for laughing as I practice, and my brother Jedi, for keeping me sane.”

Rosalie Stevens (Gambler)

Rosalie is back for another show with ECT after her time in the ensemble for Beauty and the Beast last summer. She also does shows with the EMS Drama Troupe, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid. She enjoys playing the clarinet, spinning flags for color guard and going on walks with friends. She’d like to thank her sister Riley, her parents and all of her friends; those in the grade below and friends who couldn’t make it to the show. “Special thanks to her friends Percy, Mason, and Michael for being the amazing friends they are. And a huge thanks to the directors for putting this show together!!!” 

Julie Borsotti (Miss Adelaide)

Julie is thrilled to be making her ECT debut as Adelaide! She is a recent UConn graduate with a BA in Theatre Studies and Communication. Not only does she love performing but also works as a Teaching Artist & Choreographer to young artists at Playhouse on Park and at various programs through Glastonbury Parks & Rec. Some favorite past roles include Brooke Whyndam in Legally Blonde, Sandy in Grease, #7 in The Wolves, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, Little Red in Into the Woods and Diana in Lend Me a Tenor. Offstage, Julie enjoys playing ukulele and basketball. She would like to shout out her family, friends and puppy Max for all of their continuous love and support in everything she does. Finally, she would like to thank this amazing cast and crew for all of their hard work and for making this production such a fun experience to be a part of, especially her lovely director/choreographer Rachel for being so inspiring and helping her grow as a performer- I love you all a bushel and a peck! Enjoy the show!! @julie.borsotti

Steven Villanova (Sky Masterson)

Steven is a recent graduate of Saint Anselm College with a bachelor's degree in Studio Art. Other than spending a large portion of his time drawing stuff no one will buy, he also enjoys singing, playing piano, and performing. Some of his highlight roles have been Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, and the voice of Audrey II in The Little Shop of Horrors. Now he's back onstage as the human Sky Masterson, where he hopes to show everyone there's more to life than gambling. "I'd like to thank Rachel Ballasy for agreeing to put up with me for another summer, my previous director Jesse Saywell for helping me pick out an audition song, my friend Casey Roberge for helping me with my audition tapes, and my parents for being okay with all the songs from the show getting stuck in their heads AGAIN."

Sophia Cantin (Dance Captain, Mimi, Hot Box Dancer)

Sophia is thrilled to be back at ECT this summer in the role of Mimi & Dance Captain for the show. Sophia is a rising Senior at both Ellington High School & Greater Hartford Academy of the  Arts half day program.  With 15 years of dance training she is a member of the Toriography Dance Company.  Dance credits include Artistic Dance Exchange Prodigy All Star , Miss Teen  Elite (Regional & National), Disney’s Boo to You Parade & The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Past shows include Newsies, Legally Blonde & her favorite role to date, Babette in ECT’s Beauty and The Beast. Sophia thanks her friends & family for always supporting her. 

Amelia Crocker (Hot Box Dancer)

In this production Amelia is playing a Hot Box Dancer and a general ensemble member. You may have seen her in past shows with Ellington Community Theatre such as, Covid Cabaret, Newsies as Mike, and Beauty and the Beast as a plate and towns person. You will also see her on stage with the Ellington High Schools’ Opening Knight Players. She goes into her senior year of high school as the Vice President for Thespian Troupe 5226. She has played characters such as Amelia in Radium Girls, Blackbeard and a Storyteller in Swashbuckling Sisters and the Story of the Seven Seas, and many smaller roles in One Acts and 30x60. Amelia is passionate about stage makeup and making actors look their best. She is excited for this production as this role is something new for her and she is so grateful to the creative team for giving her this opportunity!

Alisa Dwyer (Hot Box Dancer)

No stranger to the stage, Alisa has been doing theater for the last 11 years. Guys and Dolls is her third show with ECT after doing Beauty and the Beast last summer and Peter Pan a few years back. She is an active member with the Opening Knight Players participating in tech crews as well as acting. When not doing theater Alisa enjoys color guard, making jewelry, playing video games, long walks and drawing. She’d like to thank her parents, sisters and dog for their love and support.

Talyah Green (Hot Box Dancer)

 This is Talyah’s first show with Ellington Community Theatre! She participates in choirs and theater productions at school, volunteers at JFS, and works as a TA at her temple. She would like to thank Dakotah Gagnon for encouraging her to audition for this show, her family and friends for helping me on my journey in theater, and the entire cast and crew for making this show the best it can be.

Paige Syphers (Hot Box Dancer)

Paige just graduated from Tolland High School and is excited to take part in her second production at ECT. She spent her time throughout high school performing in many musicals and singing in Chamber Choir. Outside of rehearsal, she works as a summer camp counselor in Tolland, spending hours making friendship bracelets. She also loves making art, hanging out with friends, roller skating, spending time outside, and playing softball. She would like to say “thank you” to her friends and family for their support. ​

Emma Van Tasel (Hot Box Dancer)

Emma is thrilled to be a Hot Box Dancer in ECT's production of Guys and Dolls. This will be her fifth production with ECT, her first being Peter Pan when she was in middle school. She went on to become very involved with theater at her high school, and has just finished her freshman year at UConn, where she majors in elementary education. Offstage, Emma works as a summer camp counselor. She enjoys bike rides and hikes, reading, and playing tennis. Emma would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and to the cast and crew for their dedication toward this production. 

Alison Bennet (General Matilda B. Cartwright)

This is Alison's first time acting with ECT and she couldn't be more excited! She's delighted to be taking on the role of The General tonight in Guys and Dolls. She comes from acting with Page to Stage Productions at UConn in many shows such as Mamma Mia, Carrie the Musical, and Radium Girls. She also has experience directing with PTS through the show Summer Share. And she is a proud alumni of the Opening Knight Players. She would like to thank her family (hi dad!) for their love and support and her partner Brandon. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she had fun bringing it to life.