Into The Woods - Cast Bios

Andrew J. Koehler (the Baker) Andrew is beyond honored to be making his LRTC Debut in a dream role. Favorite credits include; Andrew (AMERICAN IDIOT), Ed/Moose (EVIL DEAD), Britt Craig/Gov. Slaton (PARADE), Young Ebenezer/Mr. Smythe (A CHRISTMAS CAROL), George (CARRIE), Joey (SISTER ACT). Endless gratitude to the creative team for this opportunity. Big love always to my family, my castmates (especially Stephen, Jacklyn & Jackie!), my students, and to CA, GG, TW, SV, AT, SE, DN, CB/BB/JB, RB, LS, EA, AC, LC, AB, DJ, SL, JG, JL, KS and PS, who keep me together every single day, thank you for being reminders that no one is alone. Love always to my CAP family. AndrewJKoehler.com | a.j.koehler | Stream My Golden Age: Songs From An Old Soul wherever you get your music. 

Jackie Bakewell (Baker’s Wife) is overjoyed to be performing in her first production with Lighthouse Repertory and to be back on stage after dedicating her recent time to theatre education and directing. Favorite performing credits include: Jekyll & Hyde Off-Broadway at The Player’s Theatre (Emma U/S), Songs For A New World (Woman 2), and Pippin (Leading Player). Recent directing credits include: Into The Woods Jr., Seussical TYA, Songs For A New World, and several Eve Ensler productions. Jackie holds a B.S. in Vocal Performance/Musical Theater and M.M.E. both from Hofstra University, leading her to teach elementary music and middle school drama at Bethpage UFSD. When she is not working, Jackie is either singing across Long Island with her cover band The New Normal or home working on her next random creative project. Jackie would like to thank Tony and Joe for this opportunity, the Lighthouse Bakery Staff for their genuine friendship and collaboration, and her incredible husband Brendan for his encouragement and support. Social Media: @cookgood

Kate Russo is thrilled to be on stage with Lighthouse playing The Witch in this incredible show! Favorite roles include Lotty in Enchanted April, Rose in Dogfight, and the Jan in I'll Be Back Before Midnight.

Much love to her amazing husband Kevin and their three pups Dobby, Winky and Bella for being the best to run lines with! For more info on upcoming roles follow her on Instagram at @itskaterusso.

ISABEL KRUSE is a proud member of the international artist community.  Since representing Australia in the 2012 World Championships of Performing Arts (awarded opera division title/global acting WC), some of their most cherished roles include Diana Goodman (Next to Normal), Doralee (Dolly Parton's 9 to 5), Rosalind (As You Like It), producing/starring as Dianne in the award-winning world premiere of Justy Kosek’s Against the Wall, and performing as a high seas guest entertainer with multiple production shows and her solo headliner My Favourite Sings: A Celebration of All Things Broadway.  Isabel is thrilled to join Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company for a special first as a Sondheim principal role, and to support the extraordinary work of the Long Island Coalition for the Homelessness.  "Hard to see the light now - just don't let it go, things will be all right now.  We can make it so.  Someone is on your side."  Follow for performance and political content @iksings1.

Morgan Faye Neuhedel has performed and choreographed all over the island and is excited to make her debut with Lighthouse as both choreographer and performer! Some favorite roles she has played include Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd”, Little Red in “Into the Woods”, Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls” and Lucy in “Charlie Brown Christmas”. Love to her family, friends & furbabies! 

Ashley Domenech (Cinderella’s Mother) is thrilled to be a part of Into the Woods with Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company! Some favorite past credits include Gretchen in Boeing Boeing, Magenta in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Vibrata in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forum, Sheila Birling in An Inspector Calls, Mrs. Santiago in Ghost the Musical, Florence in Bright Star, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Elizabeth Benning in Young Frankenstein and others. When not on stage, she enjoys cooking, dancing and traveling. Ashley is incredibly grateful for the endless love and support she receives daily from her family and friends.

Mark Greenberg (Cinderella's Father) is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Into the Woods with the Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company!  His all-time favorite past role was in Oklahoma! as Farmer Joe. When he isn't preforming, Mark enjoys creating small business websites for OceansideLocal.com.

He sends tons of love and gratitude to his amazing wife, Rebecca, and his children, Gracie and Maxwell. Mark is so humbled and proud to share the stage with the incredibly talented team and cast of the Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company. Well, the carriage is waiting...break a leg! 

Joseph Bebry is excited to be in his second show at Lighthouse!  The last time he was seen in a Lighthouse production was as Sky Master in Guys & Dolls.  Most recently, he appeared as Thomas Jefferson in a LukeFest production of 1776.  Some favorite roles that he's played include Finch (How to Succeed), Bobby Strong (Urinetown), Robbie Hart (The Wedding Singer), Pippin (Pippin), Georg Nowack (She Loves Me), Laurie (Little Women), George (1884) (Sunday in the Park with George), and Anthony Hope (Sweeney Todd). He thanks the whole production team for this opportunity and all of his friends/family for their support.

Aaron Mor is thrilled to be a part of this production of Into The Woods as Cinderella's Prince in his Lighthouse Repertory Theater Company debut! Aaron is a classically trained singer who enjoys performing in a variety of styles and genres, but has a particular passion for musical theater. As an experienced veteran of the Long Island theater circuit, you may have seen him in some of his favorite past credits, including Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Leo Bloom in The Producers, and King Arthur in Camelot. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Hannah Mariani (Sleeping Beauty/Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company’s production of “Into the Woods!” Hannah’s past collaborations with Lighthouse include “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Guys and Dolls.” Most recently, Hannah played Sorel Bliss in Parkside Players’s production of “Hay Fever.” Previous roles include Allison in “The Breakfast Club” and Marvalyn in “Almost, Maine.” Hannah has had the great fortune of working alongside two-time Tony Award winning actor Christian Borle in the Something Rotten! “Hard to be the Bard” music video. A versatile artist, Hannah is also an illustrator, photographer, filmmaker, and writer. Hannah would like to thank everyone at Lighthouse for their continued generosity and welcoming spirit. Hannah is grateful to be able to perform “Into the Woods” in support of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless and Celebrate St. James. Hannah sends enormous gratitude to her family, friends, and mentors for their support. Hannah’s performance is dedicated to Gavin Creel, the most wonderful giant in the sky.

AJ Martinez (Wolf) - AJ is happy to perform as the Wolf,  AJ has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and at the 50th Anniversary of the Montreux Jazz Festival. His previous roles include “Beast” in Beauty and the Beast, ”Sipos” in SHE LOVES ME “Nathan Detroit” in GUYS AND DOLLS. . AJ would like to thank the production team or working so hard.

 Michael is thrilled to be making his Lighthouse debut with this extremely talented cast. He is a veteran character actor and has appeared in many shows across Long Island. Some favorite roles: Guys and Dolls (Arvide), The Sound of Music (Max), South Pacific (Captain Brackett), Annie (FDR), White Christmas (General Waverly), Sister Act (Monsignor O’Hara), and Something Rotten (Shylock). He would like to thank Tony and the rest of the production team for their hard work and dedication.

 STEPHANIE SCHRADER (Witch) is delighted to back at Lighthouse Rep, after appearing as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls last summer!  She’s especially happy to be back in the Woods, having played Cinderella many chapters ago.  She holds a BA in Music from Hartwick College and has performed all over the northeast.  Favorite past credits include Diana in Next to Normal, Peggy in 42nd Street, Audrey in Little Shop, Donna/Oolie in City of Angels, Woman 2 in Songs for a New World, Tanya in Mamma Mia! and Carrie in Carousel.  Much love to the fam for their constant support!

Liz is beyond excited to be a part of this talented cast of Into The Woods! Her recent shows include Music Man (LBTG) Somethng Rotten(Herricks ), Elf (Studio Theatre), and Oliver!(CAP)(. She has also been a part of the LBTG productions of Sound of Music (2008) as Sr. Margaretta, LBTG Radio Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof as Grandma Tzeitel, and Annie in the ensemble. She would like to thank Tony, Joe M, Denise, Kami, Kate, Kayla, Rian, Joe K, and Morgan  for their hard work in bringing this great production to life. Liz would also like to thank all her family and friends for their constant love and support 

Jason Eccles is excited to make is Lighthouse Repertory Theatre debut as Jack in Into the Woods! Jason has a bachelor’s degree from Five Towns College in Music Composition and Performance. Jason has taught Vocal Instruction to numerous children across Long Island and is the Head Music Director of Second Stage Studios. Some of Jason’s recent theatre credits include Georg (Spring Awakening), Princeton (Avenue Q), and Marius (Les Miserable). Jason would like to thank Tony, Joe M, Denise, Kami, Kate and the rest of the Lighthouse staff for providing him this opportunity and the Cast for being so welcoming and a blast to work with!

Kara Vertucci is a Long Island based soprano and music educator, who’s equally comfortable performing on both operatic and musical theater stages. She’s delighted to debut with Lighthouse Theater, in a favorite show. Classically trained at the University of North Texas, she was last seen performing the role of Phyllis in Iolanthe and the titular role in Princess Ida. Favorite roles include Sharon Graham in Master Class, Tuptim in The King and I, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, Maria Rainer in The Sound of Music, Antonia in Man of La Mancha, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Gianetta in The Gondoliers, Patience in Patience, Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, Dorabella in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Erste Knabe in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Prima Cercatrice in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. An avid singer of oratorio, she’s been featured as the soprano soloist in Mozart’s Requiem in D Major, Haydn’s The Creation, Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and Faure’s Requiem. Upcoming performances include the role of Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore and as soprano soloist in Orff’s Carmina Burana.

Heidi is excited to be making her Lighthouse Theater company debut! She has a Bachelor in Music Education and Masters in Elementary Education. She is currently teaching chorus and general music at a public elementary school in Westchester. Favorite roles include: Kate Monster (Avenue Q), Logainne (Spelling Bee), and Penny (Hairspray). Thank you to everyone at Lighthouse Theater company for making this such a wonderful experience!

Shea James (Rapunzel/Snow White) is overjoyed to be making her Lighthouse debut alongside such an incredible cast and crew! She has previously performed as Cosette in Les Misérables, Jasmine in Aladdin, Bet in Oliver!, and Lydia in Beetlejuice Jr.. Each role has been a thrilling experience, and she is grateful for the opportunity to bring this timeless show to life on stage.

Shea would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to Tony, Joe M., Denise, Kayla, Morgan, Joe K., Kami, Kate, and the entire cast and crew for their support, dedication, and hard work in making this production truly special.

Stacey Weinberger (Cinderella’s Stepmother): Stacey is excited to make her debut with

Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company in this production. A performer for most of her life,

Stacey has had the pleasure of playing a wide range of memorable roles. Some of her favorites

include Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Morticia in The Addams Family, Inga in Young

Frankenstein, Morales in A Chorus Line, and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof. When she’s not on

stage, Stacey works as a preschool teacher and directs children’s shows, combining her

passion for education and the arts. Stacey is incredibly grateful to the entire cast and production

team for their warm welcome and dedication making this experience truly special. She would

also like to thank her family and friends especially her husband Todd and children Alexa, Zach

and Benji for their love and support always. Stacey looks forward to many more memories and

magical moments on stage!

Sydney Matuszak (Florinda) is so happy to take the stage with Lighthouse Rep Theater Company in her first full length Sondheim musical! She is a LI based actress/singer and a graduate of Hofstra University with two Bachelor degrees in Drama and Psychology. Her past stage credits include: The Diary of Anne Frank (Anne Frank), As You Like It (Pheobe), Magic Flute (Spirit), A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol (Christmas Present), and many immersive theater productions with DreadNight Team in Sandspoint and original works by local playwrights. When she is not onstage, she is traveling to Italy, shooting a film or doing yoga. She is dedicating this performance run to her grandmother, Marilyn Levitan, family, and friends. @sydneymatuszak

Susie is a recent graduate of LIU Post’s BFA Musical Theater program making her Lighthouse Repertory Theater debut in Into the Woods! You may have seen her as Lilith in She Kills Monsters at the Minstrel Players of Northport or at LIU Post in Loves Labour’s Lost as Sir Nathaniel. Along with singing, acting, and dancing: she is a musician with 5 instruments under her belt, as well as certified in unarmed and short sword combat and working towards the title of Actor Combatant. She’d like to thank her Long Island family, the Bavaro’s, for always saving her a spot at Sunday dinner.

IG: @susiegreeno

Website: www.susiegreeno.com

Glenn is ecstatic to be portraying The Steward in Lighthouse Repertory Theatre's production of Into The Woods! He was most recently seen as Richard Henry Lee in 1776 with the Lukefest Players. Over the last year he's played a myriad of roles with Lighthouse, including Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls and Captain Scott in Peter and the Starcatcher. In his off time, Glenn enjoys working out and hitting up local karaoke bars. He is grateful for the cast and creative team for making Into The Woods such a wonderful experience.  

(Wolf) Michael is happy to be returning to the Lighthouse stage after playing Nathan Detroit this past summer in Guys and Dolls. Enjoy the show 

Joseph Mankowski (Music Director) holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from The Catholic University of America, and has spent the majority of his 50+ years performing and directing. As an actor, he has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and on stages up and down the East Coast, mainly on Long Island and in Washington, DC. He is proficient in jazz, rock, sacred music, and show tunes, and brings a wide range of experience as a music director and conductor. He has performed in such venues as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Kennedy Center. He currently serves as the Director of Music at St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Sayville, NY, and lends his voice to various musical groups, including the classic rock band Rock Island Sound, and the vocal quartet Social Dissonance. Joseph is committed to applying his performing, directing, and musical experience to Lighthouse for many seasons to come.

Tony is an award-winning director and seasoned theatre professional with experience spanning Off-Broadway, Regional, and LI theaters. He serves as the President and Executive Artistic Director of Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company. A U.S. Army Veteran and passionate nonprofit volunteer, some favorite credits include: NY Theatre For the New City - "Pandemonium" (Director), Swing 46 Jazz & Supper Club - "Truffles-Jazz Murder Mystery" (Dante),  Regional: John W. Engeman Theatre - "Memphis" (Collins), Gateway Playhouse - "West Side Story" (Lt. Schrank); Long Island: "The Crucible" (Director) - Best Director of a Play - BroadwayWorld, "The Music Man" (Hill), "Funny Girl" (Nicky), "My Fair Lady" (Doolittle), "Guys and Dolls" (Nathan). Tony thanks his cast, creative, and technical team for their dedication and talents. Special thanks to his loving wife, and dedicated Lighthouse co-founder, Kami.

Denise Hagen (Stage Manager)-Is thrilled to be working with Lighthouse Theater Company and this wonderful cast- She has worked on 100+ shows across Long Island, Some of her favorite  include Matilda, Elephant Man, A Doll’s House – Part 2, Pippin, Adams Family ,Deathtrap, Oliver!, Annie, On Golden Pond, The Music Man and A Christmas Carol. Denise has had the pleasure of working wardrobe for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Big thanks to her son, Alex, for getting her back involved. Sit back and enjoy the show!!!