DirectedbyGeorginaBates♫MusicDirector,MilesMessier♫ProducedbyRichardMazda
TheSecretTheatre
ShowDates:May2,3,4,9and10,2025
Wewouldliketoextendourdeepestgratitudetothosewhosesupportanddedicationmadethisproductionpossible:
TasnimShobnom–ForholdingtogethertheheartofSecretTheater’sadministrationwithtirelesscommitmentandcare. Youreffortsensureeverythingrunssmoothly,andwecouldn’tdoitwithoutyou!
AlexisAchilles–Foryourinvaluableworkinmaintainingandenhancingourspace.Yourdedicationtocreatinga welcoming andfunctionalenvironmentforourproductionstrulyshinesthrough. Cindy&JimofProjectforLivingArtists–Weareprofoundlygratefulforyourpartnershipandunwaveringsupport.Your collaborationhasbeenvitaltooursuccess,andwelookforwardtomanymoreyearsandproductionstogetherinour wonderfulSecretTheatrespace!
SpecialThanks
ToourParents,Friends,andSupporters–Yourconstantencouragement,love,andbeliefinusmakeeverythingpossible. Thankyouforbeingthefoundationuponwhichwebuildeveryproduction!
Annie..……….……………………………………………………………….…......................Icy Rakhimova
Mr. Warbucks……………………………………………….…………………..………………....William Cho
Duffy/Tessie Understudy……………………………………………..……………..……Ada Pasick
Boy Orphan/Officer Ward…………………………………………..……………….…Alex Janger
Tessie………………………………………………………………………………….……………..…….Alya David
Sandy……..…………………………………………………………………………………………Clare Reynolds
Boy orphan/Apple seller/Drake Understudy………………...................Damon Hudes
Pepper/Annie Understudy…………………………………….………………..Julianna Goldman
Mrs. Greer/ Miss Hannigan Understudy…………………………………Leon Lisowski
Dog catcher/Roosevelt…….…………………………………………………….Logan Molly/NYC.………………………….…………………………………………………………………NinaHernandez Herard
Grace……..………………………………………………………………………………………...Valentina Pepe
Boy orphan/Police Officer/Rooster Understudy……………….Nathaniel Tenf
Rooster/NYC……………………………………………………………………………….Nicholas Neufeld
Ensemble/Molly Understudy/Mrs. Pough/NYC/Orphan……………..Norah Russo
Lily/NYC…………..…………………………………………………………………………………Raia Humblet
Drake…………………………………………………………………………………………………..Sarah Diaquoi
Ensemble/Usherette/July Understudy…………………………………..Sasha Cisneros
Orphan/Bundles/Chauffeur/Warbucks Understudy/NYC……….Alex Neufeld
July/Lily Understudy……………………………………………………………………Saya McGowan
Miss Hannigan………………………………………………………………………..Scarlet Campeanu
Kate/Pepper Understudy……………………………………………………..Sol Baigorri Wight
Annette/Star to be/Sandy Understudy…………………….………..Victoria Munoz
Boy orphan/Bert Healy/Passerby in Park/NYC…………………….Walter Kaplan
Producer/Set/Lighting……….…………………….Richard Mazda Director/Choreographer………………………….Georgina Bates
Music Director…….…………………………………………Miles Messier
Administrative Management……………Tasnim Shobnom
Costumes/Props………………………………….……….Sarah Hudkins
Production Stage Manager............................Sarah Clarke
Set Carpenter/Painter………………………….Marcelo Fabian
CREW
WHO’SWHOINTHECAST
Aisulu (Icy) Rakhimova (Annie), Age 10 – A
rising star! Born in Kazakhstan and now living in New York, Icy is a student at NEST+M, a school for gifted young mathematicians—but her heart belongs to the stage. Her love for theater began at Secret Theatre’s summer camp and has only grown since. In two years, she’s played Ida in Honk!and the Cat in the Hat in Seussical Jr. Now, she’s thrilled to take on her biggest role yet: Annie ! Icy is excited to share this magical journey with you—enjoy the show!
William Cho (Mr. Warbucks) is a 6th grader at PS122. Previous credits include A Christmas Carol (Boy Scrooge & Peter Cratchit) at Secret Theatre, Time Door (Einstein), and Witch of the Blue Bell Woods (Mayor) at Secret Academy. He enjoys speaking in various accents, playing piano, skiing, and learning Korean. He thanks Secret Academy for fostering his creativity.
Leon Lisowski (Mrs. Greer / Miss Hannigan Understudy) is a 13 year old 8th grader at The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria. Previous credits include The Music Man Jr. (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn) at Manhattan School of Music, Mean Girls Jr. (Kevin G) at The Young Women's leadership school, and Heathers (ensemble) at The Secret Theatre.
Leon would like to thank The Phantom of the Opera for teaching her to sing!
Scarlet Campeanu (Miss Hannigan) is a 12 year old 7th grader at Albert Shanker Middle School, and is so excited to be part of another show at the Secret Theatre Her previous roles include Suessical Jr. (Sour Kangaroo), and Honk Jr. (Maureen).
Scarlet would also like to thank her parents for always supporting her, and for helping make her dreams come true.
Nicholas Neufeld (Rooster / NYC) is thrilled to return to the stage in another exciting Secret Theatre production, after starring as Jojo in SeussicalJr. He also loved playing Albert Peterson in his school’s production of ByeBye Birdie. An 11-year-old sixth grader at PS 122, Nicholas is a proud member of the CYO St. Sebastian’s swim team—recent Queens/Brooklyn champs! This year, he’s also taking on NYSSMA Level IV Piano. When not performing, Nicholas enjoys flag football, tennis, chess, horseback riding, drawing tank cartoons, making stop-motion videos, and doing it all with his favorite sidekick—his younger brother, Sasha.
Norah Russo (Mrs. Pugh / Ensemble / Molly Understudy) is a 4th grader at PS 11Q. She has been taking classes with Secret Theatre since she was six. Previous credits include Hero Academy (Nory) and Lost Girls (Tinkerbell). When she's not acting, she loves crafting.
Walter Kaplan (Bert Healy / Orphan) loves performing with Secret Theatre! Past productions include Seussical Jr. (Mr. Mayor) and Secret Theatre Summer Camp productions of Space Cowboy and Katz n Dogz.
Walter loves to create new characters, and attends 4th grade at Growing Up Green. .
Clare Reynolds (Sandy) is wagging her tail with excitement as she makes her theatrical debut in AnnieJr. ! Clare brings a unique blend of talents to the stage with training in choir, gymnastics, tae kwon do, and jiu-jitsu—so while Sandy might be lost, Clare is always ready to land on her feet and burst into song. Her voice has been described by critics as “delightful,” and, on occasion, “a bit too loud for bedtime.”
Her biggest fans remain hopeful that she’ll now clean her room “’til it shines like the top of the Chrysler Building.” Clare sends heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, cast, and crew for this paws-itivelyunforgettable adventure!
Damon Hudes (Boy Orphan / Apple Seller
/ Howe) is an 11-year-old fifth grader at PS 384 in Hunters Point. He has performed in Secret Academy after-school and summer programs including in Seussical (Mayor) and Revolting Children (Peter Pan). Annie Jr. is Damon’s first main-stage production at Secret Theater. He would like to thank his moms for always encouraging him to pursue his dreams.
Nina Herard (Molly) is excited to participate in her third major production at Secret Theatre! Outside of acting, Nina enjoys making videos with her friends and discovering new roles. She wishes to express her gratitude to her family and friends for consistently supporting her dreams. Enjoy the show!
Raia Humblet (Lily) is a 12-year-old 7th grader at The Baccalaureate School for Global Education. Previous credits include Seussical Jr (Mayzie LaBird) at the Secret Theater.
Saya McGowan (July) is an 11-year-old performer who is thrilled to return to the stage with STA. Previous credits include Honk Jr. (Cat) and voicing the character of Young Ochiba in the Hulu TV series Shōgun. Saya is passionate about singing, drawing, and musicals like Six and Wicked. She would like to thank her family for their endless love and support, and her voice teacher, Ms. Hayley, for helping her grow with every note.
Julianna Goldman (Pepper / Annie Understudy / NYC)
Julianna May Goldman is a 9-year-old actress from Woodside, Queens. With a deep passion for singing, acting, dancing, and performing, Julianna has delighted Secret Theater audiences through her five semesters of Junior Musical Theater and participation in the Theater's feature Fall '24 production. Notable productions include Josie's Dream (William Shakespeare), The Lost Girls (Wendy), and Seussical Jr. (Mrs. Mayor).
Beyond the stage, Julianna has demonstrated her versatility though video and photo modeling projects, including features on Amazon. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for the arts promise a bright future ahead. Julianna is immensely grateful for the support of her family and friends in her artistic journey.
Ayla David (Tessie) is very excited to be a part of the production of Annie Jr. Her latest performance was in Frozen (young Anna). In her spare time, she sings in a choir, dances hiphop, does gymnastics, and loves to read books. Ayla would like to thank her drama club teachers who has sparked her love for musicals.
Valentina Pepe (Cecille / Grace) is a 15 year old art enthusiast. She is overjoyed to be a part of this talented cast and to have the opportunity to experience Annie Jr on the stage. Valentina would like to thank her parents for being there for her and encouraging her to pursue her passions and everyone who made the show possible.
Victoria Munoz (Annette / Star-to-be / Sandy Understudy) is a 7th grader at Hunters Point Community Middle School. Previous credits include Into the Woods (Florinda), Seussical (Bird Girl), and Shrek (Mama Bear/Mama Ogre). She enjoys taking voice and piano lessons with Carla from the Secret Theatre Academy. She hopes you enjoy this production of Annie, Jr!
Nathanael Gallegos (Ensemble) made his first Secret Theatre debut starring as Disgust in the Junior Musical Theater class performance of June 2023. He followed that with a riveting performance as one of the ducklings and Froglet in the Honk Jr. production. His role in Seussical tested his range by having him play a couple of roles.
Nathanael is a very well rounded young man who loves to spend time playing with his cousins and friends, in addition to playing chess. When he isn't acting he is playing for his local AAU basketball team.
Sasha Cisneros (Orphan Ensemble / Usherette
/ A Star to Be / Pepper Understudy) is thrilled to return to the Secret Theatre stage after making her debut as a Bird Girl in SeussicalJr. in Fall 2024. She currently takes theater classes at The Secret Theatre and, when not singing or acting up a storm, she’s swimming, reading, rocking out on Roblox, or playing with her Frenchie Pua and cats Sweetie and Pumpkin. Sasha loves volunteering at animal rescues with her parents and sends big thanks to her family, friends, teachers, director Georgina, the AnnieJr.team, and Richard Mazda!
Logan Hernandez (Dog Catcher / President Roosevelt) At just 11 years old, Logan has already dazzled audiences with his performances in roles like the Grinch in *Seussical* and as part of the cast of *Kinky Boots*. With a passion for storytelling and a talent that shines on stage, he brings energy and heart to every production he’s part of. Logan currently attends The Child School and is in the 6th grade. He is thrilled to continue his journey in theater and share his love for performing.
Sol Baigorri Wight (Kate) is a 10 year old at PS IS 217. Previous credits include Seussical (Who) and A Christmas Carol (Sally). When she isn't acting she likes to read, play softball, and dance. Enjoy the show!
Sarah Diaquoi (Drake) is thrilled to be performing as Drake in Annie. This is her first production at the Secret Theatre. Sarah would like to thank her family, friends, and the entire cast and crew for their support.
Ada Pasick (Duffy) is an 11-year-old 5th grader at PS-IS 217 on Roosevelt Island. Her previous productions include “Oliver,” “Shrek” and “Annie.” She would like to thank her dog Bernie for his support.
Alex (Sasha) Neufeld (Orphan / Bundles / Chauffeur/Warbucks Understudy / NYC) is is excited to be back on stage after having a blast as one of the Wickershams in Seussical Jr.
Following in his big brother Nicholas’s footsteps, Sasha is also a proud member of the championship-winning St. Sebastian’s swim team and will be participating in the NYSSMA Level II Piano Festival this year. He plays on a local baseball team and studies both Russian language and Russian Math. In his free time, Sasha enjoys playing chess and football, horseback riding, drawing tank cartoons, and creating stop-motion animations—especially when collaborating with Nicholas.
Alex Janger (Boy Orphan / Officer Ward / NYC)
ALEX JANGER is playing as Officer Ward and Ensemble orphan in the Annie Jr. production. He played Tiny Tim in the Secret Theatre's A ChristmasCarolfor three years. He has been taking classes at the Secret Theatre since kindergarten. In addition, Alex is a voracious reader, cat lover, and Pokemon fanatic.
ABOUTOURDIRECTOR,MUSIC DIRECTORPRODUCER&CREW
Georgina Bates (Director / Choreographer) is a NY and CT based choreographer, director, actor, dancer, and educator. Recently: Trasharella (Theater 86), Mary Poppins Jr. (FineLine Theatre Arts), Collaboration with J.C.A -Waterworks Emerging Artist Series (Harlem Stage). Ms. Bates’ dance film UNSTOPPABLE was selected from the #mydancefilm campaign and screened at the Film Society of Lincoln Center for the Dance Films Association’s Dance on Camera festival 2018. Other festivals: Stay Home Film Festival, Greensboro Dance Film Festival, DANCE SHORTS by The Physical Plant, and Directed by Women - Shorts of All Sorts. Film: Cloud Kumo (Student Academy Award – 2016 among other awards). Georgina holds an M.F.A in Dance from NYU - Tisch School of the Arts , and a B.A. in Theatre
Performance from Marymount Manhattan College. Member of SDCF Observership Class 2016 -2017, and The League of Professional Theatre Women. TONS of love to her family –Mario, Nico, Ollie, Mom & Dad!
Miles Messier (Music Director) Miles is an actor/musician. He has written music and lyrics for many original musicals, including “To the Fairest” and “Shudder” (Best Score nomination at NYTF). Music
Direction credits include Royal Caribbean’s Starwater, Heathers, Cabaret, Mamma Mia, and The Little Mermaid. He has performed Off-Broadway, on tour, and regionally at theatres such as The Emerson Colonial Theatre, Playhouse on Park, and the North Country Center for the Arts.
Favorite roles include Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer, and Harry Potter in A Very Potter Project. Miles holds a BFA in music theatre and a minor in composition from The Hartt School. You can listen to his original compositions at his website, milesmessier.com!
Richard Mazda (Producer) is an actor, director, and producer. Recent roles include Scrooge in AChristmasCarol, Fagin in Oliver! (for which he also designed the set and lighting), and Justice Wargrave in AndThen ThereWereNone. His favorite role was Richard III. Mazda is an A.S.C.A.P. award winner for writing the Billboard R&B number one hit "HowLong."He is also the owner and artistic director of The Secret Theatre, The Secret Theatre Academy, and Vital Art Studios. Mazda adapted the script and designed the set for this production.
Sarah Hudkins (Costume Assistant) designed her first costume for a 9th grade book report on The Tempest. She has been cosplaying for almost 20 years and in 2011 got her BFA in illustration. She is thrilled to have helped with this production! Break a leg! Much love and thanks to her spouse Jon and the Huddle.
Sarah Clarke (Production Stage Manager) is so excited to be a part of Annie Jr! A current sophomore pursuing a BFA in Acting at NYU Tisch, they have recently found a love and passion for technical theatre and working with younger students, so Annie Jr has been a blast and a wonderful learning experience. She can’t wait for what’s to come!
Tasnim Shobnom (Administrative Manager)
has been faithfully working alongside Richard Mazda initially as an intern while she was studying at La Guardia to her current position as Operations Manager for the Academy. From those early days pre pandemic Tasnim has been a constant as the Academy evolves and grows and came to the current location as a seasoned theatre administrator.
