Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker, and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
PRODUCED BY
Director
Lexi Colatorti
Counselors
Producer Deanna Rafidia
Ariela Policastro Vocal Director
Tavian Covington Choreography
Liv Ward Stage Manager
Breanna Dums Production Assistant
Caitlin Armour Production Assistant
Director’s Note
Welcome and thank you for joining us under the sea for our magical production of The Little Mermaid Jr.!
This summer, our campers dove headfirst into a world of music, movement, and mermaids. Over just a few short weeks, they’ve worked incredibly hard to bring this beloved story to life—with colorful characters, catchy songs, and heartfelt moments that remind us all of the power of dreams, courage, and finding your voice.
At camp, we always say that every role is important and this show proves it, each performer has brought their own sparkle and energy to the stage. What’s more, they’ve learned what it means to be part of an ensemble: to collaborate, support one another, and grow not only as performers, but as people.
Whether this was your camper’s first time onstage or they’re a seasoned performer, we are so proud of every single one of them. Their creativity, resilience, and joy have made this summer unforgettable.
A huge thank you to our talented counselors and behind-the-scenes helpers who kept the ship sailing smoothly. And thank you to our families and friends for your cheers, your support, and for believing in the magic of theatre.
Now sit back, relax, and get ready to journey with us into a vibrant underwater kingdom where anything is possible!
With waves of gratitude,
Lexi Colatorti Director, The Little Mermaid Jr. Summer Camp
Maja Baranowski, Olivia Barton, Lilliana Bonomi, Alaina Buchmann, Sadie Chang, Daisy Cho, Katie Cox, Anastasia Dave, Marco Ducat, Chloe Eischen, Giuliana Epstein, Adelyn Erickson, Cristabella Espinal, Margaret Ford, McKiah Greene, Kiley Hackett, Luna Hoffmeister, Nira Judge, Sara Judge, Jack Kessinger, Evelyn Kim, Leyna Kim, Olivia Kubica, Emily Lackey, Ella Larkin, James Larkin, Christopher Macugowski, Gabriella Matwiej, Parker Middleton, Madison Monroe, Karaline Morris, Layla Osharow, Charlotte Preo, Jojo Preo, Alexis Przbyla, Ellie Scarpulla, Olivia Sowa, Chloe Stern, Kaya Tanchev, Tessa Taylor, Evelyn Vasliev, Lara Vasilev, Elena Waeltz and Alexandria West
Cast Bios
Logan Soriano (Ariel) Logan is excited to perform in her fifth musical as a lead for the first time. In her free time, she loves to draw and do gymnastics as well as play basketball. During camp, Logan is most excited to do the show with all of her friends, and her favorite musical is Beauty and the Beast. Logan wants to thank her family for helping her prepare for her role.
Clayton Sward (Prince Eric) In his second musical, Clayton is most excited to sing with his peers and play a lead role for the first time. Outside of theater, Clayton likes to swim and to make art, especially sketching. He loves all of the musical productions he has seen. Clayton wants to thank his mom and dad for supporting him during the show and helping him all along the way.
Riley Mowinski (Ursula) This is Riley’s fourteenth musical, and she is most excited to see the variety of costumes, lighting choices and other effects as the performance comes together. In her free time, Riley plays softball, volleyball and performs lyrical dance. Her favorite musical is Annie, and she wants to thank the show’s directors for all their support.
James Larkin (Flounder) In his seventh show, James is most excited for the cast party after the shows at a waterpark. When he isn’t working on a musical, James watches TV and reads books. His favorite book is The More That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, and his favorite musical is Wicked. James wants to thank his parents for helping him prepare for the show and encouraging him along the way.
Chloe Eischen (Sebastian) This is Chloe’s fifteenth musical, and she is excited to play Sebastian and perform with her friends onstage. In her free time, she likes to play soccer, softball, basketball, and hang out with her dog. Chloe’s favorite musical is Beauty and the Beast, and she wants to thank her parents for supporting her in her role during the production.
Cast Bios Continued
Chloe Stern (Chef Louie) Chloe is excited to perform in her tenth musical. In particular, she is looking forward to wearing her chef’s costume and seeing the other cast members’ costumes during the show. When she isn’t on stage, she likes to sing and draw. Her top two musicals are Ride the Cyclone and Beetlejuice. Chloe wants to thank Lin-Manuel Miranda for his inspirational work as a playwright and actor.
Christopher Macugowski (King Triton) This is Christopher’s sixth show and he is excited to perform the show. Outside of theater, he likes to swim and play piano. Christopher’s favorite musical is Moana Jr., and he wants to thank his family for their support.
Olivia Sowa (Scuttle) This is Olivia’s second ever musical and she is most excited to sing her song “Human Stuff” as Scuttle. In her free time, she loves making bracelets and watching anime like My Hero Academia. Olivia’s favorite musical is Hamilton, and she would like to thank her parents and Breanna for helping her learn and perfect her songs during camp.
Emily Lackey (Flotsam) This is Emily’s fifth musical, and she is most excited to perform on stage with her friends. Outside of theater, Emily loves to do gymnastics and draw. Her favorite musical of all time is Alice in Wonderland. Emily wants to thank her friends for helping her during rehearsals during camp.
Parker Middleton (Jetsam) Parker is excited to act in her fifth musical with her friends. In her spare time, she likes to play Roblox (Grow Garden) and play basketball. She also loves to play softball and dance. Her favorite musical is Elf and she would like to thank her brother Mason. Parker is very preppy and enthusiastic!
Ella Larkin (Grimsby) This is Ella’s ninth show, and she is most excited to sing and dance with her friends during the performances. Off stage, Ella loves to ride her bike and read. Her favorite book is Animal Farm by George Orwell, and her favorite musical is Beauty and the Beast. Ella wants to thank her parents for encouraging her while she worked on the songs and dances during the show.
Cast Bios Continued
Luna Hoffmeister (Pilot) Luna is excited to perform in her fifth show and see all of her fellow cast members’ costumes. In her free time, she likes to play softball, box and draw. Her favorite musical is Epic and she wants to thank her parents and her best friend Charlie.
Maja Baranowski (Carlotta) This is Maja’s very first musical and she is most excited to wear her Carlotta costume. Outside of theater, she likes to read, write and draw. Her favorite book is My Hero Academia, and her favorite musical is Hamilton. Maja wants to thank her parents for supporting her.
Alaina Buchmann (Aquata/Princess 1) Alaina has enjoyed participating in her seventh musical. She is very excited to watch all of the details of the show come together during the show! In her free time, Alaina loves to dance and play softball. She wants to thank her dad for his support.
Katie Cox (Andrina) This is Katie’s sixth musical and she is most excited to perform in dances and songs with her friends during the show. Outside of theater, she loves to dance. For the past ten years, Katie has danced a variety of styles including tap, lyrical, tap and jazz. Her favorite musical is Alice in Wonderland and she wants to thank her family for their support.
Lara Vasilev (Arista) Lara is excited to perform in her third musical with her friends. She especially, she looks forward to singing “She’s in Love” as a mersister. Also, Lara is a black belt and national champion in taekwondo. Her favorite musical is Beauty and the Beast and she wants to thank her parents for their support.
Layla Osharow (Arista) This is Layla’s first musical and she is most excited to hang out with her friends during camp and the show. Outside of theater, she likes to watch TV and play softball. Layla’s favorite musical is Matilda and she would like to thank her mom, dad and her stuffed animals.
Cast Bios Continued
Lexi Przybyla (Atina) This is Lexi’s seventh musical, and she is excited to perform in another show with her friends, particularly in the dances. Offstage, she likes to sing, draw and cheer. Lexi’s top two musicals are Hamilton and Heathers and she wants to thank her friends and family.
Leyna Kim (Adella) Leyna is excited to perform in her sixth show, hang out with her friends during camp and learn new dances. In her free time, she dances and does gymnastics. Leyna also plays the flute. Leyna’s favorite musical is Hamilton, and she wants to thank her family.
Evelyn Kim (Allana) This is Evelyn’s sixth musical, and she is most excited to hang out with her friends and go swimming during camp. Outside of theater, she plays the cello, sings in the choir and enjoys writing. Evelyn’s favorite musical is Hamilton, and she wants to thank her family and friends for their support.
Nira Judge (Seahorse) This is Nira’s second musical, and she is most excited to be part of a great show with all of her castmates. Outside of theater, Nira plays travel soccer and is part of a competitive taekwondo team. Her favorite musical is Wicked, and she wants to thank her theater cast and directors for all their hard work in creating such an amazing production.
Addie Erickson (Harp) This is Addie’s very first musical and she is most excited to perform on stage for the first time. In her free time, she loves to dance, and her favorite musical is Hamilton. Addie wants to thank her mom for her support.
Jack Kessinger (Bass) Jack is excited to perform in his fourth musical, have fun in the show with friends and learn new dances with the cast. Offstage, he likes playing football with his friends and acting. Jack’s favorite musical is Peter Pan, and he wants to thank his parents for supporting him.
Cast Bios Continued
Lilly Bonomi (Sax) This is Lilly’s first musical, and she is most excited about learning new dances for the show. Outside of theater, she loves to build Legos and make loom bracelets. Lilly’s favorite musical is The Nutcracker, and she wants to thank her parents.
Tessa Taylor (Jellyfish 1/Chef 8) This is Tessa’s third musical, and she is excited to perform with her friends as the Jellyfish. In her free time, she likes climbing trees and singing. Tessa’s favorite musical is Descendants, and she wants to thank her mom and sister.
Sara Judge (Jellyfish 2) Sara is excited to participate in her second musical, hang out with her friends during camp and perform on stage with everyone. Offstage, she is in travel soccer and taekwondo and watches Stranger Things. Sara wants to thank her old and new friends from camp.
Daisy Cho (Newt) This is Daisy’s first musical, and she is most excited to dance in “Under the Sea” with all of her friends. Outside of theater, Daisy enjoys drawing and playing sports. Her favorite musical is The Little Mermaid, and she wants to thank her dad for all of his love and support during camp.
Anya Dave (Carp) In her second musical, Anya is excited to sing in “Fathoms Below” and “Under the Sea.” She loves doing arts and crafts and building Legos in her free time. Anya’s favorite musical is The Little Mermaid, and she wants to thank her mom, dad and all the counselors for their encouragement.
Margaret Ford (Plaice) This is Margaret’s fourth musical, and she is most excited to perform her solo in “Under the Sea.” She enjoys reading, playing with dolls, softball and fishing with her brother. Her favorite musical is The Little Mermaid, and she wants to thank her whole family, especially her mom and dad for their support.
Cast Bios Continued
Ellie Scarpulla (Chub) In her first musical, Ellie is excited to sing “Under the Sea” and perform with her friends. She loves spending time with her grandma and playing with friends after camp. Ellie wants to thank her grandma for always supporting her.
Marco Ducat (Fluke) This is Marco’s first musical, and he is most excited to sing his solo and dance on stage. When he’s not performing, he loves spending time with his siblings and cousins. Marco wants to thank his mom for all her help preparing for the show.
Giuliana Epstein (Princess 2) In her ninth musical, Giuliana is most excited to be back onstage with her friends. She is a competitive dancer who loves all dance styles, and she also enjoys spending time with friends. Her favorite musical is Annie, and she wants to thank her family for all their support.
Olivia Barton (Princess 3) This is Olivia’s first musical, and she is most excited to hang out with friends and perform on stage. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer and basketball and painting. Her favorite musical is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and she wants to thank her cats for being her biggest fans.
Gabriella Matwiej (Princess 4) Gabriella is performing in her fourth musical and is most excited to learn all the songs. She loves singing, doing crafts and swimming—she’s been swimming for eight years! Her favorite musical is Alice in Wonderland, and she wants to thank her mom and family for their support.
Olivia Kubica (Princess 5) Olivia is in her third musical and is most excited to hang out with her friends during camp and the show. Outside of theater, she enjoys relaxing and watching TV. Her favorite musical is Mean Girls, and she would like to thank her mom and dad for their encouragement.
Cast Bios Continued
Kaya Tanchev (Princess 6) This is Kaya’s second musical, and she has also performed in many other school shows. She loves doing the arts and spending time with her family. She is most excited about the dancing in this production. Her favorite musical is Frozen, and she wants to thank her mom and dad for everything.
Ellie Waeltz (Gull 1) Ellie is back for her fourth musical and is most excited for tech week as the show comes together. She loves dancing with her friends and performing onstage. Her favorite musical is Hamilton, and she wants to thank her brother and her dog for their love and support.
Lexy West (Gull 2) In her eighth musical, Lexy is most excited to dance and sing in this year’s show. Outside of rehearsal, she loves to cook and make art. Her favorite musical is Hamilton, and she wants to thank her parents for all their encouragement and support.
Sadie Chang (Gull 3) This is Sadie’s third musical, and she is most excited to go to the pool with her friends during camp. She enjoys reading graphic novels and playing the violin. Her favorite musical is Annie, and she wants to thank her mom for always being there for her.
Evelyn Vasilev (Chef 1) Evelyn is in her third musical and is excited to learn all the dances for the show. In her free time, she loves playing with her dog, Teddy. Her favorite musical is Beauty and the Beast, and she wants to thank her mom and dad for being so supportive.
Jojo Preo (Chef 2) This is Jojo’s first musical, and she is most excited to sing “Under the Sea.” She enjoys playing with dolls and making art in her free time. Her favorite musical is Hamilton, and she wants to thank her sister for all her support during rehearsals.
Cast Bios Continued
Charlotte Preo (Chef 3) Charlotte is performing in her second musical and is most excited for the cast party after the shows. She enjoys playing the flute and watching baking shows. Her favorite musical is Wicked, and she wants to thank her mom and sister.
Karaline Morris (Chef 4) Karaline is excited to be in her very first musical! She is most excited to perform her lines and the song “Les Poissons.” She has a lot of energy and loves lyrical dance. Her favorite musical is The Little Mermaid, and she wants to thank her mom and dad for everything.
Maddie Monroe (Chef 5) This is Maddie’s first musical, and she’s most excited to sing her solo in “Les Poissons.” Outside of theater, she enjoys painting and drawing. Her favorite musical is Beauty and the Beast, and she wants to thank her mom for always supporting her.
Kiley Hackett (Chef 6) In her second musical, Kiley is excited to meet new people and perform in the show. She enjoys art and taking walks with her puppy, Champ, who is 14 weeks old. Her favorite musical is Matilda, and she wants to thank her mom.
Christabella Espinal (Chef 7) Christabella is in her second musical and is most excited to sing and dance with her castmates. She loves reading and practicing gymnastics. Her favorite musical is Matilda, and she wants to thank her mom and dad for supporting her throughout camp.
Production Staff
Biographies
Lexi Colatorti (Director) This is Miss Lexi’s 8th show here at Elk Grove Spotlight Theatre! Lexi graduated from Harper College before getting her bachelors degree in Theatre Education from Elmhurst University so she could continue spreading her love of teaching young artist the magic of theatre. When she is not directing she can be seen on stage as she has previously been seen performing as Grace in Annie and Sandra in Big Fish. She is so thrilled to show everyone this amazing show that everyone has spent so much time and effort putting into! She wants to thank everyone who has helped bring this show to life. She hopes you all enjoy the show!
Deanna Rafidia (Producer) Deanna started dancing and performing at the age of two. She continued her formal dance training and became an instructor at Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts in Chicago where she then expanded her experience to Theatre Production. Deanna was the stage manager and choreographer for six productions with the Youth Theatre at Forevermore. During her time in Chicago, Deanna danced in numerous recitals, competitions, community events and professional shows including Joffrey’s Nutcracker Ballet, Showboat and Aida at the Civic Opera House. Deanna is a member of the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), International Dance Council (CID) UNESCO and has taught/ Choreographed dance for 18 years. Deanna’s choreography has been showcased in Dance Chicago, Inaside’s Youth Dance Summit, Six Flags Great America, Brookfield Zoo, Navy Pier and Walt Disney World. Further credits include working with Miss Illinois contestants, judging dance competitions and choreographing for Chicagoland events and music videos. She has now produced 12 shows with Elk Grove Park District.
Caitlin Armour (Counselor) Going into her junior year of high school, Caitlin is thrilled to be a theater camp counselor this summer! This is Caitlin’s first year helping lead a musical production, and it’s been an incredible experience from start to finish. She is so proud of the hard work, energy, and creativity each camper brought to rehearsals every single day. Watching the show come together has been both exciting and rewarding, and she feels lucky to have spent the summer having so much fun with such a talented and enthusiastic group!
ProductionStaff Biographies
Tavian Covington (Counselor)
Tavian’s previous roles include Mysterious Man in Into the Woods, Grover in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief and Willard Hewitt in Footloose. Tavian’s other hobbies include baking, directing and hanging out with his friends. Tavian would like to thank his friends and family for always supporting him.
Breanna Dums (Counselor) Breanna Dums is a senior at Lake Park High School and is thrilled to be helping lead her first musical at theatre camp. She has been involved in the arts from a young age, with experience in acting, singing, and dancing, and is currently playing a Fate in a production of Hadestown. Breanna has absolutely loved getting to know all the amazing kids in The Little Mermaid Jr. cast, their energy, creativity, and kindness have made this experience unforgettable. Outside of theatre, she also enjoys playing volleyball, but her favorite part of this summer has been watching each camper grow in confidence and shine on stage.
Ariela Policastro (Counselor) Ariela is a 2022 Augustana College graduate, with her bachelor’s in Vocal Music Education where she dedicated much of her time to the Augustana Choir and the theatre program. Since then, Ariela has been a general music instructor at Waterbury Elementary School (Go, wildcats!), and has enjoyed music directing shows such as Mean Girls, Into the Woods Jr., and Frozen Jr. at the Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles. Ariela has thoroughly enjoyed her first time working with Elk Grove Park District, and she’d like to thank her wonderful team of people, Deanna, Lexi, Tavian, Liv, Caitlin and Breanna, for making her summer! Break a leg to the cast, and enjoy the show!
Liv Ward (Counselor) Liv Ward is a current student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is joining us for her second summer at theater camp! Getting to know the kids, watching them grow, and exploring who they are as actors are some of her favorite parts of working with theater camp. Besides from working summer camp Liv has also stage managed Spotlight Productions production of Big Fish and has also been on stage with her favorite role being Mrs. Peacock in clue. With many returning faces and many new ones Liv has loved working with each child and is so excited for everyone to get to see the show.
Participants must register to audition. Please register online or at the Customer Service Counter for an audition time slot by August 20. Auditions are held at Rainbow Falls Community Center, 200 Reverend Morrison Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Participants must prepare a 30 second monologue and 32 measures of a song from the show that showcases their range.
Callbacks Rainbow Falls Community Center
Wed, Aug 27 ● 5 - 8pm
Participants will be notified if they will be needed for this callback along with the schedule.
