South Pacific Cast & Crew Bios

Joanna Dabenigno (Monique) is a seven-year-old performer with a passion for singing, music, and the stage. She recently appeared as Flounder in an end-of-class performance of The Little Mermaid Jr. at CM Performing Arts Center, an experience that further fueled her love of performing. Joanna is an active member of the Children’s Choir at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, where she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for music with her community. She has also recently begun piano lessons at The Piano Studio, expanding her musical skills and knowledge. Joanna looks forward to continuing her growth as a young musician and performer while pursuing the activities she enjoys most.

Christina Russo (Nellie Forbush) Christina is making her LRTC debut and is a Long Island-based mezzo-soprano with a love for the operatic traditions of bel canto singing and the textual immediacy of American musical theater. Role highlights include Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods and the title role in Bizet’s Carmen. Christina runs a thriving voice studio on Long Island, teaching various genres to clients of all ages. She holds performance degrees from Hofstra University and Binghamton University, and a certificate in vocology from Lamar University. She has received awards from NATS and the Metropolitan Opera National Council, and she is currently on voice faculty at Five Towns College.

 Solomon Buchman (Emile de Becque) :  Lighthouse Repertory mainstage debut, Soloman was last seen in LRTC's original cabaret Winter Wishes. Previous roles include Colonel Nathan Jessup (A Few Good Men), Captain Georg von Trapp (The Sound of Music), Edward Rutledge (1776), Chief Bromden (One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest), Otto Frank (The Diary of Anne Frank), Inspector Javert (Les Misérables), The King (The King and I), Harold Hill (The Music Man), Abraham Lincoln (Different-The Lincoln Musical), and many others. I’m honored to perform the role of Emile de Becque whom I’ve wanted to portray for a long time. My gratitude to Tony and to my castmates and friends in this wonderful production! All my love to Susan.

Jonathan Hordos (Emile de Becque) is making his Lighthouse debut and is very excited to be a part of his 1st Lighthouse show! Some recent favorite roles include Tevye in Fiddler in the Roof and Sky Masterson both at Sid Jacobsen JCC, and Dan in Next to Normal and King Charles in Pippin both at CAP Merrick. By far his most favorite role is definitely being Dad to Idina and Tatum - NDI. 

Michael Sherwood (Captain Brackett) Michael is thrilled to be a part of this production. He is a veteran Long Island character actor, and this is his third time playing Captain Brackett. He would like to thank Tony, Jen, Tyler, Joe, and Kami for all of their hard work and commitment. His performance is dedicated to the memory of five special World War II era veterans, his dad and his uncles. 

Steve Horowitz– (Commander Harbison) Steve is excited to be playing Commander Harbison, in his second appearance with the Lighthouse Theater company.  He recently played, The Park Keeper in Mary Poopins, at the Sid Jacobson JCC and Avram, The Bookseller, in the Herricks Community Theater production of A Fiddler on the Roof.   Steve has also played Eddie Mush in Lighthouse Theater’s production of A Bronx Tale. Recently he played four different and critical characters (Reb Todrus. Fulcha, Reb Alter, Zlateh) in the EastLine Theater production of Yentl: The Yeshiva Boy and was a member of the ensemble in Guys and Dolls at the Sid Jacobson JCC Guys and Dolls. In college and high school, he enjoyed playing Big Julie in Guys and Dolls, Prez in The Pajama Game, Motel Kamzoil in Fiddler on the Roof, Crook-Finger Jake in The Three Penny Opera, Smee in Peter Pan and as a leader of the ensemble in To Live Another Summer. He wants to thank Phyllis and Jake for their continuing enthusiastic support!

 Francine Gangone (Ensign Janet MacGregor) is excited to be making her Lighthouse Repertory Theatre debut in South Pacific! Graduating from AMDA in 2017, Francine’s professional credits include Disney Cruise Line, the Gaylord Texan Hotel & Resort and the long running NYC cabaret series, Let’s Broadway, as a permanent cast member. When not performing, Francine is a high school teaching assistant in Special Education.

Jess Abbotts (Ensign Dinah Murphy) Making her Lighthouse Repertory debut, is a 26-year-old actor and improviser originally from East Hampton, CT. Since moving to NY, Jess has starred in Straphanger Theater Ensemble’s Suddenly Last Summer (Catherine Holly), EastLine Theatre’s Harvey (Myrtle Mae Simmons), and several other productions. Jess would like to thank the Lighthouse community for welcoming her in for her first production with them, her friends, family, and boyfriend Silvio!

 Anna Burnett (Ensign Pam Whitmore) Anna is grateful to return to Lighthouse Theatre for her third production with the team. Previous Lighthouse credits include Dunya in Anastasia and Fruma-Sarah, Russian Soldier, and Bottle Dancer in Fiddler on the Roof. She is now ecstatic to take the stage as Pam Whitmore in South Pacific, and thinks it is especially funny to be playing a nurse while having an interest in attending mortuary science school in the fall. After receiving her MBA and participating in Model UN, Anna believes music and the arts are some of the most powerful forces for healing and connection. Outside of theatre, Anna enjoys using creative outlets as a way to problem solve, connect, and heal. She is also the creator of “Slay Spray,” a mace alternative inspired by her experiences as a survivor. Through her work, she hopes to create a butterfly effect of awareness, empowerment, and healing. You can follow the journey at @slaysprayrepeat on Instagram. Navigating different seasons of life can be challenging, and Lighthouse has truly been a beacon of community, creativity, and excellence. It is an honor to be part of this production. Please continue to support Lighthouse Theatre, and break legs to the entire cast and crew!

 Kami Crary (Executive Producer/Genevieve Marshall Lead Nurse) appears as the  Lead Nurse in South Pacific, having last been seen as the Golde in Fiddler on The Roof and is a seasoned performer on stages from Boston to Baltimore. When not performing she is a professional event planner and fundraiser but behind the scenes she wears many hats from set construction, props, social media to name a few. She is honored to be part of this production, and extends heartfelt thanks to CSJ, as well as the dedicated cast and crew, for coming together to create theater that helps beyond the stage lights. Love to Tony, pup StanLee, and to you—our audience—for supporting art with a purpose. 

 Joe Mankowski (Music Director) is honored to serve both on the board of Lighthouse Rep., as well as Music Director for this production. He has served locally and regionally as musical director for such shows as Man Of La Mancha, 1776, South Pacific, Little Shop Of Horrors, Shrek, and Lucky Stiff, and has directed I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!, A Grand Night For Singing, and Camelot. He will be music directing Lighthouse's next show: Guys and Dolls. As an actor, he has appeared in two independent films - Send No Flowers, starring Sean Young (currently streaming on Amazon Prime), and The Long Island Serial Killer - as well as dozens of musicals and plays on Long Island. He can currently be seen all over Long Island as the lead singer of the rock cover band, Rock Island Sound. In 2013, he lent his vocals to the award winning children's album, Happy As Clams. When not performing, Joe serves as the Director of Music for St. Lawrence the Martyr RC Church in Sayville. 

Tyler Patrick Matos (Choreographer) Tyler is very excited to return to Lighthouse, after previously choreographing Anastasia and Fiddler on the Roof. Currently, Tyler is the director and choreographer for the Harborfields High School Theatre Company and the senior theatre program at Stage 74 at SYJCC. He has worked with directors and mentors Zi Alikahn (Hamilton), Scott Ebersold (The View UpStairs) and Dan Domenech (Heathers).

Some favorite directing/choreography credits include Next to Normal, Spring Awakening, Rent, Cabaret, Dogfight, Bare: A Pop Opera, Twelfth Night, Hair, Carrie, Pippin, The Prom, A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer, Heathers and Footloose. Tyler would like to thank Tony, Joe, and Kayla for their hard work and passion for this production and program. So much love to my family, friends, and Dandy. “As always, this one is for you, Mom & Em.”

Jacklyn Lisi (Nellie) is overjoyed to return to the Lighthouse stage after most recently appearing as Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof this past March. A familiar face at Lighthouse, her previous credits here include Molly Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher, the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Anya in Anastasia. She is also proud to be part of Lighthouse’s creative team, having made her directorial debut with Blithe Spirit this past fall, as well as directing Annie Jr. and Shrek Jr. with the youth program, and is excited to direct The Little Mermaid Jr. this summer. Favorite performance credits include Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Louise (Gypsy), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Susy Hendrix (Wait Until Dark), Abigail Williams (The Crucible), and Catherine (Pippin). Jacklyn is deeply grateful to Tony, Kami, Joe, Tyler, Jen, and this incredibly talented cast and creative team for making this such a joyful experience. Endless love and thanks to her family - and to her forever co-star, the love of her life, and the best person on the face of the earth, Stephen.

Sawyer Goldfeder (Professor/Seabee/Pilot 3) is super excited and honored to be in his third show with Lighthouse. His previous Lighthouse credits include as MOTEL/RUSSIAN in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and ENSEMBLE in ANASTASIA. Some of Sawyer’s other credits include EVERYBODY/STUFF/COUSIN in EVERYBODY, JOE ZUTTY/EDDIE JAFFE in WORKING and OLIVER RIVERS in PUFFS. He would like to thank the cast and crew for making this show possible. You can follow Sawyer on Instagram @sawyer.goldfeder.

 Corinne Murphy (Genevieve Marshall /Lead Nurse) Corinne Murphy is pleased to be appearing in another Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company performance.  She just appeared as Grandma Tzeitel in a recent production of Fiddler on the Roof. Some of her favorite past roles include Nancy in Oliver and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. When she’s not on stage she’s busy directing her school play where she is also the school nurse. So there was a bit of type casting in this show!

Liam Tuohy (Seaman Tom O'Brien/Shore Patrolman) is a 29 year old actor from Long Island, New York and he is excited and grateful to be returning to Lighthouse Theater Company in South Pacific. Liam has previously appeared in Lobby Hero at Mane’s Studio Theater to great acclaim and most recently Lighthouse’s production of Fiddler On The Roof. Liam has also appeared in the irreverent comedy ‘Til Death Do Us Party in the New York Theater festival in the summer of 2024 and Lighthouse’s A Bronx Tale: The Musical in the summer of 2025. 

Liam Marsigliano (Yeoman Herbert Quale / Bob McCafferty) is thrilled to be returning to Lighthouse Repertory Theater. He is a musical theater performance major graduate from The Catholic University of America with a BM in music and is currently obtaining his masters in Educational Theater at CUNY. Past Long Island performances include Cinderellas’s Prince (INTO THE WOODS) at Lighthouse Repertory Theater, Miss Trunchbull (MATILDA), Lead Tenor (THE PRODUCERS), Ensemble (THE PROM), Lord Clapham (SOMETHING ROTTEN) and Scranton Slim (GUYS AND DOLLS) at Theater Three, Ensemble (THE WIZARD OF OZ) at CM, Seitz (NEWSIES) at SPAC and King Herod (Jesus Christ Superstar), Rooster (Annie), Mr. Pinky/Fender (Hairspray), Agent Cod/Roger Stone (Catch Me if You Can), The Ghost of Christmas Past (A CHRISTMAS CAROL), Buddy (ELF), Mr. Brunner (THE LIGHTNING THIEF), Henry Ford (RAGTIME), Officer Barrel (URINETOWN), Soldier 1 (SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE), etc at CAP. Liam would like to thank his family and friends for their continued love and support.

Michael Goodwin (Luther Billis) is thrilled to be back on stage with the Lighthouse Repertory Theatre crew. Previous roles with Lighthouse include Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls), The Wolf (Into the Woods, and Carmine (A Bronx Tale, the Musical). Enjoy the Show! 

Courtney Keslowitz– Lighthouse debut! Courtney is thrilled to be in the ensemble of her first mainstage show as Ensign Cora Macrae in South Pacific at the Lighthouse Repertory Theater. Favorite youth theatre credits include; Edna (Hairspray), Skye (Beetlejuice), Oaken (Frozen), Grace Farrell (Annie), and Little Red (Ink to Impact). Thank you to Tony, Kami, Joe and so many more for including her on the fun. Love to the cast. Huge thank you to my family and friends, it isn't possible without you!

Kelly Gallagher (Ensign Sue Yaeger) is stoked to be making her Lighthouse Repertory Theatre debut. Favorite past roles include Lucy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast. By day, Kelly is a biomedical engineer focused on the development of medical devices. She is so excited to return to the theatrical stage after several years away!

Ray Gobes Jr. (Luther Billis) is thrilled to return to LRTC stage to share the stage with this wonderful cast, after having played Smee in their production of Peter & the Starcatcher and having helped out with the direction of LRCT’s Guys & Dolls and Blithe Spirit. Ray has worked at many theatres across Long Island including Theatre Three, Engeman Theatre, Plaza Theatrical, John Drew Theatre, Montauk Theatre Prod, Airport Playhouse, MCT, all of the Broadhollow theatres, South Shore Theatre Experience, CAP, TTG & Playcrafters. Thank you, Tony, Joe, Dan, Jen, Carmela, Kami and everyone who helped to make this show a success. Special thanks to Lauren, Raymond and Christina for their constant love and support! 

Stephen Anastasia (Lt. Joseph Cable) is honored to be back on the stage, performing with Lighthouse. Previous roles include Dmitry (Anastasia), Baker (Into The Woods),  Billy (Birthday Candles), Reverend Hale (The Crucible), Cliff (Cabaret), Adam (The Mad Ones), and Tony (West Side Story). Offstage, Stephen is a technology & data privacy attorney at a technology company based in NYC.  Stephen earned his J.D. at Fordham Law and his B.S. in Engineering at the United States Military Academy- West Point. Stephen also served as a Captain in the Army, where he  was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Stephen would like to thank Tony, Kami, Joe, Jen, Tyler, Carmela, and the absolutely wonderful cast and crew.  Most important of all, Stephen would like to thank Jacklyn for always making him feel “younger than springtime”- and his family and friends for being genuine superheroes. 

Jesse Pimpinella (Lt. Joseph Cable) 

This is Jesse's first production with The Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company. Some Long Island credits include George (Sunday in the Park With George), Gerry Goffin (Beautiful), and Phoebus (Hunchback of Notredame). Jesse wants to thank the cast and crew for welcoming him with open arms. He's delighted to be working with this up and coming company which leads with openness and integrity. It will no doubt become a staple of Long Island theatre in no time.

Pina Than (Liat/ Bloody Mary's Assistant) is thrilled to make her debut at Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company. Her passion for theater began at Theatre Three's Musical Theater Factory with her most cherished role being Albert Peterson (Bye Bye Birdie). As a member of Stony Brook University's Pocket Theatre, her credits include Lulu Warnicker (Footloose), Hades/Ensemble and Set Designer (The Lightning Thief), Props Master (Big Fish), Assistant Stage Manager (The Addams Family), and Ensemble (Annie Get Your Gun). The highlight of her senior year was directing Clue: On Stage. When she's not on stage, she works as an engineer and shows her photography at Celebrate St. James.

Ellen Dumlao (Bloody Mary)  is an honors Voice and Vocal Performance graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston. Some of her most treasured previous roles include Mary Magdelene in Jesus Christ Superstar, Dorothy in The Wiz, Eve/Mama Noah in Children of Eden, Kim in Miss Saigon, Christmas Eve in Avenue Q and her portrayal of Tina Turner in Beehive. Her most recent professional engagement was the role of Bloody Mary in South Pacific at the Surflight Theater LBI, New Jersey. Ellen has been the lead singer of Rhapsody, recognized several times (including 2026) as Long Island's best wedding band. She is thrilled and grateful to be a part of this production with such a talented cast. She is making her Lighthouse Rep debut.

Gerald Quigley (Lt. Buzz Addams/ Henry) is extremely excited to be returning to the Lighthouse Theater Company. He was last seen playing Fighting Prawn in Peter and the Starcatcher. Some of his favorite roles have included The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Uncle Fester in Addams Family, Motel the Tailor in Fiddler on the Roof, Marcellus Washburn in Music Man, Greg in It Shoulda Been You and Teddy in Arsenic and Old Lace. Gerald would like to dedicate this show to all his friends and family who  have supported him over the years.

 Scott Brady (Stewpot)

Scott is thrilled to be returning to Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company with this production of South Pacific! Scott had recently been in the ensemble of Lighthouse's production of Anastasia, and prior to that he was in the Parkside Player's production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. You'll be able to see him again soon as Officer Lockstock in South Shore Theatre Experience's production of Urinetown.

Emma Chen (Ngana) is exhilarated to be performing as Ngana in South Pacific in her Lighthouse debut! In past high school musical productions, she was Paulina in Anastasia, Sheldon in The Prom last year, and ensemble in Tuck Everlasting. Additionally, Emma has also performed in several productions outside of school with her theater group, including The Audition and MAD: Mutually Assured Destruction, and more. She is the vice president of her school's chapter of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society, interim alto section leader in the high school chorus, and was also the choir director within her church. Emma enjoys volunteering, and has accumulated over 200 hours over the past two years in numerous ways, from taking care of children at her summer camp to managing sports games at school, babysitting, and volunteering at church. In her spare time, Emma also enjoys spending time with friends, reading, journaling, and photography. She would like to thank her family for their support, driving her to and from rehearsals, and making this whole experience possible for her. Additionally, Emma would especially like to thank her wonderful director, Tony, who is incredibly patient, flexible, encouraging, and simply the best; she could not have done this without him.

Tony Izzo earned a BFA in theatre from Adelphi university. His background includes regional theatre, community theatre, children's theatre and the circus.  Early years included juggling, stiltwalking, acrobatics and some mime. Tony is number 5 of ten musically inclined siblings and while growing up there was rarely a dull moment. Married for forty three years to his lovely and supportive wife Rose, they have three wonderful children and one incredible grandson. Tony and Rose are proud members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America and Rose is the current president of the Smithtown Dr Vincenzo Sellaro lodge.  Happily retired, Tony thought it was a good time to enjoy some community theatre again.

Kirby Mason (Bloody Mary) Kirby is thrilled to be returning to the stage with LRTC. Her favorite roles include Sister Hubert in Nunsense, Matilda “Tillie” Banks in You Can’t Take it With You and Minnie in Parade.  Thank you to friends and family for always supporting her creative spirit. CL, Old Man and Ro I love you all to the moon and beyond. 

 Serena Scaccia (Monique) Serena is delighted to return to the Main Stage at Lighthouse as a member of the South Pacific cast. Some favorite recent credits include Bielke (Fiddler on the Roof), Mrs. Meyers (Freaky Friday), and Tiger Lily (Peter Pan). Serena sends a big thank you hug to her family and the amazing SP production team- especially Tony and Kami, Joe, Jen and Tyler- for all of their encouragement and support!

 Mackenzie Rosado (Monique)  is a 7th grader who is thrilled to be playing Monique in The Lighthouse Repertory Theatre's South Pacific. She previously appeared in Lighthouse's production of Anastasia as Young Anya and Lighthouse's Youth Program as Elsa in Frozen Jr. and Annie in Annie Jr. Mackenzie also performs with community and school theater productions. She would like to thank her family, her directors, and the cast and crew of South Pacific for their continued support and guidance!  She has also been helpful at rehearsals as the Assistant Stage Manager!

 Ava Day Lugo (Ngana) is delighted to return to Lighthouse Main Stage after recently appearing as Shprintze in Fiddler on the Roof and Young Anastasia / Alexei in Anastasia. Favorite other Main Stage credits include Kate in Annie, C.G. Patterson in Annie Warbucks and Charlie Bates in Oliver. Many thanks to Tony, Kami, Joe, Jen and Tyler for this incredible opportunity and experience - as well as the rest of this phenomenally talented cast and crew. Thanks also to Mom and Dad for your love and support.

 Brenda Soto (Liat/Bloody Mary's Assistant) is making her LRTC debut and is thrilled to return to the stage. She is a graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC. She is honored to be a part of Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company’s production of South Pacific. When not on stage she likes to upload on her YouTube channel and learn choreography.

Jen LoPresti (she/her) (Stage Manager) Jen is a graduate of the SUNY Oneonta Theatre and Music Industry programs. Some of her recent technical experience includes: Stage Manager for A Bronx Tale and Birthday Candles with Lighthouse Reparatory Theatre and for Macbeth at Five Towns College. She is a frequent Sound Designer across Long Island, and winner of Broadway World Long Island’s Best Sound Design 2022 for her work on Matilda at The Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts. Currently, she works as a Teacher Assistant for the North Merrick School District and has a Master’s Degree in Childhood Special Education from SUNY Old Westbury.

 Glenn McKay (Stewpot) Glenn was honored to be asked back to Lighthouse Repertory Theatre to take on the role of Stewpot in South Pacific! The last time Glenn was part of the Lighthouse team he was the suave and charismatic Fyedka in Fiddler On The Roof. In the last couple of years he has played a myriad of roles, including Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls, Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, Chip Tolentino in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. He thanks the cast and creative team of South Pacific for an incredible experience and his family and friends for their endless support.

Andrew J. Koehler (Swing) Andrew is thrilled to be back on stage at Lighthouse in this celebrated classic. LRTC: Into The Woods (Baker), Anastasia (Leopold/Ipolitov). CAP: Jesus Christ Superstar (Caiaphas), Parade (Craig/Slaton), Beautiful (Bill Medley/Nick), Evil Dead (Ed/Moose), Fiddler On The Roof (Perchik), Sister Act (Joey). Off-Broadway: Socky Tells All (Socky v/o), The Big Dream (Bob/Classical Actor). Sending love to my family/friends, my CAP family, and my Lighthouse Family. Big shouts to Jackie, Stephen, Liz, Megan, Steph, Tony and Kami. Love to my fish, Lucy and Ricky, thank you for tolerating me being gone all hours of the day and night! Thank you for supporting the arts! @a.j.koehler 

Ed has over 50 years of experience designing and running sound and lighting at various theatre venues throught Long Island. He works at Disney and Universal studios in Florida.