Cast, Musicians, and Crew for Emelin Theater Shows, November 2023
John Krupa (Writer/Director/Executive Producer/ "Manager") - John began his life in music at around age 4 when his mother enrolled him in piano and music theory lessons (yes, it’s true). At Age 9 John landed his first starring role as the Captain in H.M.S. Pinafore. Fast forward through dozens of shows and several local acting awards… At age 19, John achieved national acclaim and several awards for his portrayal of Alan Strang in Equus. Just over a year later, John wrote and performed his first rock opera, Maybe, someday… to great reviews in eastern Pennsylvania. Following that, and with a degree in Music Composition and Theory (and a double major in bio-medical engineering) in hand, John left the theater for rock and roll, touring with several notable acts and performing as a session musician, all while writing and performing his own material. At age 24, John gave it all up to pursue a life of domestic bliss, his children being his greatest accomplishment in life. Today, John owns his own company in the music industry and performs with several great local cover bands. Choices is John’s long overdue return to music composition and the theater.
Mike Rosenman (Musical Director/Keyboards/Associate Producer) - Mike was born and raised in Southern Connecticut and was pounding on his grandma's piano by age 3. He wowed his kindergarten talent show by playing "My Country Tis Of Thee" with one finger. At age 7, his parents inflicted piano lessons on him and he learned how to use the other nine fingers (and a couple of feet as well). Mike's early musical influences include The Beatles (duh), Chicago, Keith Emerson and Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea and Billy Joel, Gershwin and Mussorgsky, Mantle and Maris. After swearing that he would never become a professional musician, he nonetheless lapsed into the world of bar bands, weddings and Atlantic City lounge acts. After 25 years of that, he left music for a while and began building a financial planning practice just as 9/11 happened. He's playing classic rock again with local band Group Therapy (featuring John Krupa), and is proud to be helping to create Choices with a band of super-talented musicians.
MiG Ayesa ("Singer") - MiG is a world-renowned singer, having performed in countless Broadway and West End productions including Burn the Floor, Rock of Ages, Buddy, We Will Rock You, Rent, Thriller Live, and Seasons of Larson — to name just a few. In addition to appearances in a variety of TV shows, MiG has appeared in the feature films Queen of the Damned and Subterano. He was also a finalist in the global hit TV show "Rockstar:INXS". Highly experienced in what it takes to put on amazing shows, MiG’s creativity and professionalism is exactly what makes him the perfect lead in Choices.
Ronnie DiMaria ("Roadie"/ Assistant Stage Manager) - Ronnie is a bass player and vocalist who has played with numerous bands within the Tri-state area for the past twenty years. He continues to play locally with cover band THE LUCKY BASTARDS (featuring both John Krupa and Tommy Vinton). Aside from his music background, Ronnie is also retired from the NYPD, where he worked at various assignments within the city, including the 44th Precinct, Bronx Task Force and Manhattan Gang Squad.
Kaitlyn O’Shea (She/Her) (Stage Manager) - Kaitlyn is so excited to be joining the team of Choices: A Rock Opera as the Stage Manager. When she’s not stage managing she is an actor and singer for Film/TV and theatre! She would love to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work during this whole process. Break all the legs! To keep up to date on all the things in her life you can follow her on Instagram @kaitlynoshea and on Tik Tok @heyitskaitlynhere!
Tommy Vinton (Drums/Producer) - Tommy is an accomplished drummer who has been playing for over 40 years. His first taste of musicals was when he played drums/percussion for Guys and Dolls and South Pacific when he attended Stepinac High School in White Plains. He continued his musical career at Iona College in New Rochelle playing and recording with many successful local original bands. He then had his big break as the drummer for the legendary indie alternative iconic pop band TOO MUCH JOY. While juggling his day job, the band toured and found success with sold out shows at iconic venues and and heavy rotations on the radio and MTV. The band in later years also brought on Tony and Grammy winner, bass player William Wittman, who is also part of the Choices project. Over the last two years TOO MUCH JOY recently recorded new songs which will be released in 2022. Tommy has also recorded and played live with many legendary artists, including singer Cyndi Lauper and he continues to play with the cover band THE LUCKY BASTARDS (featuring both John Krupa & Ronnie DiMaria), and THE CROSSBONES BAND (featuring Joe “LJ” Leo). In addition to his musical career, Tommy is retired from the NYPD, having worked at various precincts in the Bronx including the 44th Precinct, the 50th Precinct, the Bronx Task Force and the Bronx Gang Squad. Tommy also has two grown children and resides in Scarsdale with his wife and their dog Moonie.
Nick Celio ("Bandmember 1") - Nick is making his onstage debut with axe in hand. A late bloomer in the music world, he began playing guitar at 18 and starting writing original music along with it. He recently started playing the piano and sings and writes in two original projects “Hindrense” and “Hindsight.” As co-owner of Westchester based music rehearsal space “Outraged Studios” he makes sure to stay close to and in touch with the local music scene. He’s excited to be part of such an awesome production and is grateful to be working beside such a talented group of individuals.
William "Bill" Wittman (Bass Guitar) - Bill is a Grammy winning, multi-platinum Producer/Engineer, Songwriter and Musician. William serves as the musical director and bass guitarist in the Cyndi Lauper band, and is a member of seminal alternative rock band Too Much Joy.
Joe Leo ("Bandmember 2") - Joe Leo is working musician performing as a lead singer and guitarist in westchester based cover bands such as The Crossbones Band, Jacknife Lori, and Mad Handsome. He is also the band leader, lead vocalist, and guitarist for The Side Cars Band “A Tribute to The Cars” and DOG: The Legacy of Chris Cornell. He is imbedded in the Westchester County Live Music Scene as an owner and operator of Outraged Studios, a local rehearsal, recording studio, and provider of professional live audio engineering services. Joe Leo is also an entertainment agent for Providence Music Group, a National tribute artist agency that offers premier entertainment to live music venues, festivals, corporate and private events, and municipal concerts throughout the United States. He is an original cast member of Choices A Rock Opera, and he has been with the show since its very first performance.
Hailie Lucille Hagedorn(Girlfriend) - Hailie most recently performed with Norwegian Cruise Line singing classic rock across the seven seas. She is a member of The Satin Dollz, a jazz trio group based in NYC. Some of her favorite shows performed are Mamma Mia! (PCLO), Kiss Me Kate (Lois Lane/Bianca), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney), and Les Miserables (Fantine). BFA: Point Park University. Love and gratitude to God, this creative team, cast, her family, and her incredible partner Chance.
Alexandra Love Strouse (featured dancer) - Alexandra is a New York City-based dance performer and choreographer. Alexandra is currently an Apprentice with Ballaro Dance, a Company Member with JKing Dance Company, and an Administrator with Ailey Extension. Alexandra was previously an Apprentice with JoyeMovement Dance Company. Her choreography has been selected for performances at the Ailey Citigroup Theater, Queens Dance Festival, Student World Impact Film Festival, and ESTIA Festival. Alexandra graduated Magna Cum Laude from Elon University, earning her B.F.A. in Dance Performance & Choreography and B.A. in Strategic Communications. Her training also includes The Ailey School, The Moving Company, and the GW Carver Center for Arts & Technology.
Karen Catalano (Hair, Make-up, Costumes, Stylist) - Karen has beena. professional hair dresser for 40 years and owner for 30 years of Locks That Rock Hair Design in Wappingers Falls, NY. Karen is honored to be working on this show. Rock and Roll!
Gabbie Sansone ("Bestfriend") - Gabbie is an actor-singer-dancer based out of Brooklyn, NY. She is a 2020 graduate from Circle in the Square, and has just returned from her second contract with Norwegian Cruise Line as a principal singer in Syd Norman’s PourHouse. Many thanks to Holly, John, Mike, Melinda and the cast and crew of Choices for an amazing first experience with this show. Social media includes: Facebook(Gabbie Sansone) and Instagram(gabbiesansoneofficial)
Zachary Dulny (Lighting Designer/ Stage Manager) - Zachary loved working on this production. He hopes you enjoy the show, and he’s glad he gets to tell a story with the rest of the artists involved. He is maybe young, but he has won multiple awards for his lighting design, and he hopes to keep doing as much as he can whenever he gets the chance. He thanks his family, friends, professors, and past teachers for helping him get here. To view his portfolio please visit https://bit.ly/DulnyDesigns.
Hank DeCora (Guitar) - Hank has over 4 decades of live performances as a guitarist under his belt, including : Rock of Ages, School of Rock, Beauty and The Beast, Mary Poppins, Pippin, and many other productions. Hank lives in Ossining, NY and is currently teaching and performing in the Tri-State area.
Annemarie Josephson ("Reporter"/ "Nurse"/ "Audience member") - Annemarie has always had a strong passion for the stage. Even at an early age she showed her aspirations and creative desires by starring in lead roles such as “Annie" and “Peter Pan.” She put all of that on pause temporarily in order to pursue another passion of hers…teaching. Recently, she has combined the two while acting as a Broadway Junior musical producer for her school’s play “School House Rock.” She is proud to be taking the stage once again and to be part of such an awesome and inspiring production.
Dave O'Briskie ("Doctor"/ "Crew"/ Assistant Stage Manager) - Dave is proud to make his theater debut in Choices. He is so happy to work with such a talented group of people. Dave is a singer/ guitarist/ bassist and has played in original and cover bands over the last 30 years. He can nowadays be found performing around Westchester in the cover bands HIGH FIVE and STONE SOUP.
Amy Herzberg (Choreographer/ featured dancer) - Amy is a musical theater performer, who took part in many productions, including: Off Broadway: The Magical Journey of Arlekina (Sean the kid), Other productions: The Noteworthy life of Howard Barnes (dream ballet Maggie, experimental), The Wild Party (co-choreographer, Nadine), When You Dance (co-creator, choreographer, Del) Stephen Schwartz Tribute Concert (Glinda), Carrie (ensemble) and many more. When she is not performing she can be found re-watching game of thrones and Grey’s anatomy.
Felix J Guiffra III (Percussion) - Felix was happy to accept the invitation from his brother-in-law, Tommy Vinton (Drums/producer), to join the Choices band as the show’s percussionist four days before the “Choices” debut at the Whippoorwill Hall Theater in Armonk, NY. Felix started playing drums at a young age under the instruction of his father. He continued to develop his skills during his education in the Greenwich Public School’s music programs. He then went on to pursue a minor in music at the University of Rhode Island. Felix has performed a wide variety of music throughout his musical journey with many talented musicians. He also spent a few years pursuing a career as a Soldier/Musician in the US Army Music program. Felix is still a full time active duty Soldier in the CT Army National Guard and continues to play drums/percussion as often as can.
Lielle Burk (Daughter) - Lielle is thrilled to join the impressive cast of Choices. Born in NYC, she instantly becasme no stranger to the stage since age 4. Lielle has performed in several regional productions such as "Cinderella" at the 92ND St Y Theater, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves", and "Moana" and the Sandbox Theater Company. You can find her on the screen portraying the young girl in the independent film "Monkey Bars" and can be seen in "Goodbye Petrushka" currently streaming on Amazon.
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