Pittsburgh CLO Academy Announces Cast of THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR.

Pittsburgh CLO Academy is proud to announce the cast of The Little Mermaid, Jr. at The CAPA Theater on March 19 at 3:30pm & 6:00pm. This production is just one of the many ways that Pittsburgh CLO Academy provides real-world performance opportunities for its students.

The All-Academy Musical gives students ages 7-18 the opportunity to work with a professional director, music director and choreographer. Every Saturday for nine weeks, students learn the aspects of putting together a fully-staged performance from auditions through performance. The class culminates in a live public performance at a professional theater venue.

The Cast (in alphabetical order):

Heidi Abel VandenBosche (Ensemble) is an eighth grader at Moon Area Middle School. Previous roles include: Pittsburgh CLO Academy's Seussical the Musical, Jr. (ensemble), You're a Good Man Charlie Brown(Stage Crew Member) Joseph . . . (ensemble dancer), Seussical, School House Rock and Willy Wonka, Jr.Heidi is a member of the Moon Area Middle School Girls Chamber Choir has been playing the trumpet and has been an artist since she was little. Heidi wishes to thank her music teachers and her family for all of their support and encouragement.

Skyler Agostoni (Ensemble) is a nine year old and a fourth grader at McKnight Elementary in the North Allegheny School District, where she is in the Gifted Program. Besides Pittsburgh CLO Academy, Skyler attends classes at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, and was recently a toy soldier in their production of The Nutcracker. Skyler enjoys playing the piano, singing in McKnight's Small Ensemble, and playing violin in orchestra. She is excited to be performing in Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr.

Antonia Beckman (Ensemble) is an eight year old third grader at Community Day School, where she excels in school studies. After school Antonia enjoys gymnastics, cheerleading, playing violin and swimming and she loves acting, dancing and singing. She has been taking classes at Gemini Children's Theater and Pittsburgh CLO Academy from the age of 5 and she takes all opportunities to perform at her school. Antonia is very excited to be performing in her second CLO Academy musical. Past performances include CLO Academy'sAladdin Kids and Honk! Jr.

Justin Bell (Ensemble) is a seventh grader at St. Sebastian's School in the North Hills in his second year of studies at Pittsburgh CLO Academy. Past performances with CLO Academy include High School Musical(Troy), Honk! Jr. (Drake), Mary Poppins (Michael Banks). In December Justin enjoyed his first main stage performance in A Musical Christmas Carol (Turkey Boy & Wyatt Cratchit).

Hank Cherrix (Ensemble) truly loves musical theater. He finds his classes at Pittsburgh CLO Academy to be really rewarding and fun. Hank has been in many productions at CLO Academy and was fortunate to be a part of the cast of Mary Poppins last summer. Hank continues classes at CLO Academy and Chatham University. His star shines bright when he is on the stage!

Clare Chiusano (Flotsom) of Cranberry Township is 12 years old and started at Pittsburgh CLO Academy in the summer of 2012. Shows include: Singin' in the Rain, Seussical (JoJo), Hairspray, and Peter Pan Jr.(Tinkerbell). She was a CLO Mini Star for the 2014-2015 season. Clare was last seen in Mary Poppins (Jane Banks) during the 2015 Pittsburgh CLO Summer Season at the Benedum Center.

Natalie Conwell (Ensemble) is an eight year old third grader at Falk Laboratory School. She has been in three Shakespeare productions at her school: Macbeth, The Tempest and As You Like It. She has also performed inHonk! Jr. and Aladdin Kids in 2015. When she is not singing, dancing and acting, she swims competitively, does kung fu, and plays piano. She thanks everyone for all the fun during this production of The Little Mermaid, Jr.!

Amanda Conwell (Mersister) is a senior at The Ellis School. She has participated in productions of The Lion King, Once on this Island, Peter Pan, Parallel Lives, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Honk! Jr., and Urinetown. When not acting, Amanda can be found near a pool, with a book, or in a corner doing homework. She would like to thank her Pittsburgh CLO Academy teachers for all of their help.

Fiona Curran (Ensemble) is entering her fifth year as a Pittsburgh CLO Academy student and is enjoying her first theater experience in The Little Mermaid, Jr. Fiona is a third grader at Dormont Elementary and her favorite class is math. She enjoys play dates with her friends, reading books and spending time with her precious cat.

Natalie Daninhirsch (Ursula), a ninth grader at North Allegheny, is excited to be part of her first Pittsburgh CLO Academy musical! She previously studied with Act One Theatre School. Previous roles include Alice in Wonderland (Alice), Annie (Annie), Seussical (Mayzie LaBird), Willy Wonka (Mrs. Bucket), Best of Both Worlds(Magdalena), and Murder Can Be Habit Forming (Mary Bishop).

Gianni DelMastro (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing on stage again with Pittsburgh CLO Academy! His recent credits include Mary Poppins and Gypsy at the Benedum Center. Gianni loves every opportunity to perform and would like to thank his family for their support and his fabulous teachers at the CLO Academy for their time and dedication in helping him to become the performer he aspires to be! "I will not stop until I'm a star on Broadway!"

Sofia-Teresa Di Bacco (Ensemble) is 11 years old and has been performing since the age of 2 in many musical productions in the tri-state area. She has also performed as an Italian soloist and dancer in both the U.S. and Italy. She was featured in a UPMC Children's Hospital commercial, as well as the documentary "La Danza - Bridging Time through Dance". Sofia-Teresa has been a student of Pittsburgh CLO Academy for four years and can't wait to return to the stage for The Little Mermaid, Jr.!

Madeline Dick (Flounder) is in her sixth year attending Pittsburgh CLO Academy. She has been a part of many other CLO Academy productions such as Alice in Wonderland (Small Alice), Peter Pan (Fox), and Honk! Jr. (Bullfrog). She had the privilege of performing on the Benedum Center stage this past summer in Gypsy(Children Ensemble). She enjoys piano, dance, acting, and singing. Madeline is very excited to be performing inThe Little Mermaid, Jr.

Heather Dressel (Ensemble), a seventh grader at Canonsburg Middle School, is thrilled to be a part of her first Pittsburgh CLO Academy production. Her past musical credits include: The Sound of Music (Gretl) andSeussical (Who Cadet) at CMHS; Annie (Tessie) at Old Schoolhouse Players; Pinkalicious (Cupcake) at Little Lake Theater; and Fiddler on the Roof (ensemble) at Washington Community Theater. She is grateful for this wonderful opportunity to go "Under the Sea!"

Kendall Driscoll (Ensemble) is in the sixth grade at Indian Creek Middle School and has been a Pittsburgh CLO Academy student since February 2014. Kendall has been dancing since she was two. She enjoys singing and playing softball, trumpet, and French horn. Recently, she was seen in Pittsburgh CLO's Mary Poppins(children's ensemble) and last year's CLO Academy spring production, Honk! Jr. Kendall would like to thank her family and friends for all their love in support while she follows her dreams.

Zoe Dunay (Mersister) is thrilled to be in The Little Mermaid, Jr.! She is a CLO Mini Star and a vocal major at Pittsburgh CAPA. Her Pittsburgh CLO Academy credits include: Catch Me if you Can, and Into the Woods. She has performed in CAPA's Annie, Footloose, Beauty & the Beast and Seussical. Additionally, she has been in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker for four years. Zoe wants to thank her family, friends and instructors for their constant love and support.

Rachel Erich (Ensemble) is in fifth grade at Providence Heights Alpha School. She is in her second year at Pittsburgh CLO Academy and has been part of the CLO summer productions of Footloose, Annie, and Mary Poppins. Rachel has performed in the PHAS musicals Seussical, Jr., Godspell, and Peter Pan. She participates in forensics, cross country, volleyball, a variety of art classes, and she loves to read. Rachel has been an avid and passionate gymnast for over eight years!

Giulia Fenner (Ensemble) is 11 years old. She has been in the casts of Seussical Jr., Peter Pan Jr., andHonk! Jr. while taking classes at Pittsburgh CLO Academy. Giulia is half Italian and loves to dance, act, sing, play fast-pitch softball and swim.

Alaina Floro (Mersister) attends Quaker Valley Middle School where she is a seventh grader and is active with drama club, volleyball, softball and honors band. Alaina enjoys spending time with her family and friends in her spare time. She has been active with Pittsburgh CLO Academy for the past two years and is grateful for her close friends and teachers.

Jenna Gentert-Corso (Ensemble) attends Pittsburgh Brookline where she is in the 7th grade. She has been a student at Pittsburgh CLO Academy for two years and this is her second performance. She has been playing the flute for three years and has been a member of the Pittsburgh Brookline chorus for six years. She is a part of STEM Stars and has received her green belt in karate. Even though she is involved in several activities, musical theater has always been her favorite.

Julia Gorske (Ensemble) is a seventh grader at St. Bede School and she is thrilled to be in another Pittsburgh CLO Academy production. She has appeared in several CLO Academy productions including You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Footloose, Honk! Jr., and Mary Poppins. She would like to thank everyone who made The Little Mermaid, Jr. experience possible.

Emma Hackworth (Ariel) is thrilled to be making her appearance as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Jr. She is a third year Pittsburgh CLO Mini Star and is currently working on Cinderella for her first high school musical with North Allegheny. Past credits include Peter Pan (Wendy), Footloose (Rusty), and most recently Catch Me If You Can (Jane). She sends many thanks and much love to her friends, family, and this amazing cast and crew!

Jennifer Hanz (Ensemble) , age nine, hails from a large farm in Leechburg, PA where she has goats, chickens and even a talking parrot. This is her second musical with Pittsburgh CLO Academy and "loves every second" of the musical process. Jennifer savors art, acting, dancing, travel, camping in her family RV, and swimming all summer with her bff's. Jennifer's credits include a King's commercial (lead), "The Fault In Our Stars" (featured extra) and "Fathers and Daughters." Jennifer's future goal is to be selected as a CLO Mini Star.

Madison Hertweck (Ensemble), a second grader at College Square Elementary School, is very excited to be part of the ensemble in this production of the The Little Mermaid, Jr. Her previous theater experiences include the Pittsburgh CLO Academy's Honk! Jr. and Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center's A Lyrical Christmas Carol(Tiny Tim). When she is not singing and dancing she enjoys playing piano, reading, making crafts, and playing with her friends.

Athena Iverson (Ensemble) is a fifth grade honor roll student at Pittsburgh Montessori and was accepted to Pittsburgh CAPA for sixth grade. Athena began dance classes at three years old and has been with Pittsburgh CLO Academy since she was seven. With the CLO Academy she has performed in Seussical the Musical (a Who), Peter Pan, Jr. (fairy); and Honk! Jr. (Bewick).

Cloe Joos (Ensemble) is a sixth grade Production Technology major at Pittsburgh CAPA. Cloe has been seen in the TV show, "Sciencetastic" and a commercial for the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. She has performed in Pittsburgh CLO Academy's Peter Pan, Jr. (Brave Oak), Seussical, Jr. (Who girl), Honk! Jr. (ensemble), and CAPA's Cinderella, Jr. and she has been dancing for nine years. Cloe is very thankful for the wonderful opportunity to do this show.

Elizabeth Kamin (Mersister) is a fifth grader at Shady Side Academy, and is a proud member of Pittsburgh CLO Academy's pre-professional program. She enjoys reading, playing piano and trumpet, coding robots and spending time with her family, friends and dog. Elizabeth is thankful to be a part of this production and looks forward to many more years with the CLO Academy.

Rumi Keller-Finucane (Ensemble) is completing third grade at Winchester Thurston School. He loves performing, especially musical theater. His first stage performance was Honk! Jr. with Pittsburgh CLO Academy in 2015. He has many interests, including Taiko drumming, acting, singing, cooking, soccer, and ice hockey. He would like to give a huge shout-out to his parents and brother for their endless support and excellent humor.

Jade Kennedy (Ensemble) is excited to be in The Little Mermaid, Jr. Jade is in the third grade at The Waldorf School of Pittsburgh were she enjoys her studies, playing with friends and playing the violin. In addition to her love for acting and singing, Jade spends her free time studying piano, doing art projects, reading, and thrift shopping. Jade enjoys learning about different cultures and plans to travel to many counties around the world.

Skye Lanham (Ensemble) is very pleased to be back in another Pittsburgh CLO Academy production. Skye is in the fourth grade at Heritage Elementary in Murrysville, Skye is in the gifted program, the Jazz and 5th Grade Jazz Bands and also plays piano. Skye enjoys playing soccer and also participates in Girls on the Run. Skye loves to sing and perform and is grateful to the CLO Academy for this opportunity, as well as to Amy Stabnau and Karen Lin.

Caroline Lucas (Mersister) is thrilled to be in Pittsburgh CLO Academy's production of The Little Mermaid, Jr. Her previous shows with the CLO Academy include Seussical, Alice in Wonderland, and Catch Me if You Can. She has also performed with Pittsburgh CLO in the productions of Gypsy and Annie. She would like to thank all of her teachers at the CLO Academy and her family for all their love and support.

Mia Lynch (Ensemble) has attended Pittsburgh CLO Academy for the last three years, and has been dancing since she was three years old. Mia appeared in Pittsburgh CLO's production of Gypsy (children's ensemble) last summer. She was also part of a dance trio which performed for Reed Dance Company's "Suite Stevie." Mia would like to thank her family for their support.

Mandy Mahen (Ensemble) has four years of dance and three years of musical theater training. She is a first-year student at Pittsburgh CLO Academy. Mandy danced in her former studio's production of the Nutcracker at ages seven and eight and she also performed in musical montages from Bye, Bye, Birdie, Oklahoma andChicago. Mandy recently sang "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat in her school's annual variety show. She is thrilled to play a part in the The Little Mermaid, Jr. , her first show with the CLO Academy.

Faith McAtee (Ensemble) is very excited to be in her first musical with Pittsburgh CLO Academy! She has trained in musical theater, ballet, tap and jazz at the CLO Academy for two years. When she's not singing and dancing (a rarity!), Faith enjoys reading and math. Faith would like to thank her family and instructors for all their support!

Tate McElhaney (Prince Eric) is a freshman at Greater Latrobe Junior High School and has been with Pittsburgh CLO Academy for one year. He is thrilled to be performing in his first CLO Academy production. Tate will also be playing Prince Eric for his school production of The Little Mermaid. He has been performing since the age of eight and some of his previous credits include: Pirates of Penzance (Sargeant), Godspell, Once Upon a Mattress (Sir Harry) and Children of Eden (Young Abel).

Alexandra Milchovich (Mersister) performed in Pittsburgh CLO's production of Mary Poppins (children's ensemble) last summer. She has been taking acting classes and participating in summer camps at Pittsburgh CLO Academy for the past two years. She's a member of the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus and studies French horn, piano and voice with Melody Sharp. She attends Kickline Dance studio, participates in her school band and gifted program. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and reading.

Chloe Miller (Ensemble) is a third grader at Propel Braddock Hills K-8. This is her first year and first production at Pittsburgh CLO Academy. She is excited to be performing as part of the ensemble and wants to thank her classmates and teachers for this great experience. Thanks also to Mama, Skylar, Mimi, Pap and Miss Amie for all their support.

Jayne Miner (Ensemble) is extremely proud to be making her Pittsburgh CLO Academy debut in The Little Mermaid, Jr. Jayne is in the fifth grade at Sewickley Academy. Her favorite subjects are Robotics and Math. She is best-known for her performance in the 2015 summer season of Performing Arts Camp (PAC)'s Les Miserables (young Cosette) and is excited to be performing the role of Peter Pan in her school's musical this upcoming spring season. Jayne also enjoys playing soccer, trumpet and piano. She would like to thank her mom, dad and sister Sydney for their love and support.

Alexandra Murphy (Ensemble) lives in Dorseyville and attends Hartwood Elementary where she's in the fourth grade. Alexandra started dance at the age of two. Her love for dance, theatre and music continues to grow. She currently plays the clarinet and is in the school chorus. Alexandra most recently performed in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Alexandra would like to thank her family, wonderful instructors, and staff at Pittsburgh CLO Academy for their continued support!

Griffin O'Leary (Triton/Pilot) has been attending Pittsburgh CLO Academy since the summer of 2012. He has since done multiple shows and taken weekly classes. His past roles include Singin' in the Rain (Cosmo),Hairspray (Corny Collins), High School Musical (Jack Scott). Griffin is very excited to work with such a talented cast. He would like to thank his parents and all of his CLO Academy teachers.

Jonathan Parker (Grimsby) is thrilled to be reprising the roll of Grimsby, previously performed at Propel East Charter School in 2013. He has also appeared in High School Musical Jr. (Ryan). He is currently an eighth grader at Propel East. He was Turkey Boy in Pittsburgh CLO's A Musical Christmas Carol, he also appeared in the original cast of The Devil's Arithmetic (Aaron/Reuven/Wolfe). He would like to thank his family, friends, teachers and trainers for all of their continued support.

Evangelina Paul (Ensemble) is 11 years old and attends Pittsburgh Montessori. She has been joyfully studying musical theater at Pittsburgh CLO Academy for the past five years. She most recently played the role of Amaryllis in the Strand Theater's production of The Music Man. Evangelina also enjoys reading, playing with her friends, and spending time with her family and animals. She is very excited to be attending Pittsburgh CAPA next year for sixth grade.

Reed Abigail Perry (Ensemble) is a fourth-grade student at Pittsburgh Minadeo. She loves dancing (especially tap), singing, and gymnastics. Reed also enjoys swimming and running. In her spare time, she is rarely seen without her nose in a book. Reed is a great big sister to her sisters, Dillon and Quinn, and is excited to be in her first Pittsburgh CLO Academy production!

Adam Petrosino (Chef Louis) is 11 years old. He loves acting, singing, and dancing and is excited to be playing the role of Chef Louis. Some of his favorite past roles include A Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim), Willy Wonka Kids (Charlie Bucket), Annie, Jr. (Rooster), Hairspray, Jr. (Mr. Pinky), Charlotte's Web (Avery), andAladdin Kids (Sultan). Adam would like to thank his family and friends for all of their support.

Stephen Petrosino (Ensemble) is nine years old. He loves theater, dancing, and singing and he is excited to be in his first production at Pittsburgh CLO Academy. Some of his favorite roles are A Christmas Carol (Willie Cratchit, Ignorance), Aladdin Kids (Abu), and Annie, Jr. (Mr. Bundles). His previous theater experience also includes Hairspray, Jr., Charlotte's Web, and Sleeping Beauty. Stephen would like to thank his family and friends for all of their support.

Aiyana Pierce (Ensemble) is excited to be in her third All-Academy musical, and sixth production at Pittsburgh CLO Academy! Some of her favorite past roles include Mary Poppins (Bird Woman), Cinderella, Kids (The Fairy Godmother), and Comtra Theater's Cats (a kitten). When she is not at the CLO Academy, she enjoys being in her school choir and learning the piano and percussion! Aiyana would like to thank the cast, Ms. Kristiann, Ms. Catie, and the rest of the CLO Acadmey staff and teachers for helping her grow and learn to be "Part of their world!"

Madeline Sclichter (Mersister) was recently seen in Pittsburgh's CLO production of Mary Poppins (ensemble). She has appeared in numerous Pittsburgh CLO Academy productions and is in her fifth year studying at the CLO Academy. She also competes locally in figure skating. She is very excited to take the stage in The Little Mermaid, Jr. and is thankful for her amazing teachers at the CLO Academy. She would also like to thank her mom, dad and Mollie for their support.

Pietro Scuoteguazza (Ensemble) is a fifth grade honor roll student at Propel Braddock Hills. In addition to participating in his first year at Pittsburgh CLO Academy, Pietro also studies the ukulele, guitar, and kung fu. He is an active member of the Mount Ararat Youth Choir where he has been a soloist. Pietro loves being on stage and making people happy and he is thrilled to be a part of this performance.

Ashliana Simmons (Ensemble) has been performing since she was two years of age. She has been part of several dance & acrobatic studios including; Mary Ellen Shade Dance, PK's School of Dance, Karen Tobias Dance Studio & Gemini Gymnastics, Premier Gym & Cheer, Borelli's Dance Gallery, & Fire & Ice All-Stars. She has also taken private music and singing lessons at South Hills Music and performed with the traveling group Light of the City. She has experience in multiple dance genres, singing, and several instruments including the flute, violin, and guitar.

Julia Slagle (Mersister) is a 10-year-old with a passion for all things musical. She is in her fifth year at Pittsburgh CLO Academy and has appeared in numerous productions. A member of her school chorus, she also enjoys playing piano, cello, and percussion. Her hobbies include computer coding and horseback riding. Special thanks to her family at the CLO Academy and on 13th Street for teaching her that luck is just hard work in disguise.

Julianne Stein (Mersister) has performed on stage in Annie (Lt. Ward), Mary Poppins (Miss Andrew), High School Musical, Wizard of Oz, and two other productions of The Little Mermaid, Jr. She has also performed in the Drama Club Holiday Show and been an assistant director for the production of Robin Hood at Bethel Park High School. She is ecstatic to share her love for musical theater.

Halle Surgil (Scuttle) is thrilled to perform in Pittsburgh CLO Academy's production of The Little Mermaid, Jr. She is currently a CLO Mini Star and has performed at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh CLO productions ofAnnie, Gypsy, and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. Halle has also appeared at the CLO Academy in numerous shows including Catch Me If You Can and Anything Goes. She would like to thank her family, friends and teachers for their endless support.

Presley Vennum (Ensemble) is in third grade at South Fayette Intermediate School where her favorite subjects are art, gym and science. Presley loves spending time with her pet cat, hamster and fish. Presley enjoys reading, writing, making movies on her iPad and playing tennis and softball. Presley loves attending Pittsbugh CLO Academy where her favorite classes are acting and voice. This is Presley's second CLO Academy performance and she is excited to be a part of the show.

Lucia Williams (Sebastian) is so excited to be on stage with Pittsburgh CLO Academy again. She is a CLO Academy student and a CLO Mini Star. She has performed in many Pittsburgh CLO main stage shows as well, most recently in Gypsy (Baby June). She wishes to thank her parents and her "half dozen" for all of their support!

Mario Williams (Jetsam) is in his fourth year at Pittsburgh CLO Academy. He is thrilled to be a part of this fun show. Last summer season, he was seen in Pittsburgh CLO's Mary Poppins (Michael Banks). He has also performed in A Musical Christmas Carol, as well as many CLO Academy shows and summer camps. He would like to thank Amy, his CLO Academy teachers, and his big family for helping him so much.

Kayla Zhu (Ensemble) is a fourth grader at Franklin Elementary School, and is very excited to be part of The Little Mermaid, Jr. ! This is her second year of study at Pittsburgh CLO Academy. She loves her teachers, instructors and staff at CLO Academy and has made many friends in her classes. Singing, dancing, and learning at the CLO Academy every week brightens her up and makes her happy! Kayla would like to thank her family, friends, teachers and Ms. Patty for their love and support.

Zoe Zimick (Ensemble) has sought out opportunities to be on stage from a young age. Zoe performed in her first dance recital at age 2 and dancing remains her passion. She has pursued training and experience in a variety of dance genres. Though her obsession is dancing, she embraces and seeks to perfect every aspect of musical theater, including singing and acting.

Matei Zivanov (Ensemble) is in his second year of studies at Pittsburgh CLO Academy. He appeared in A Musical Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim) with the Pittsburgh CLO, and in Aladdin Kids (Aladdin) at the CLO Academy. Matei is a 2nd grade student at Pittsburgh Colfax, and in his spare time he enjoys playing piano, singing, dancing, and practicing martial arts.

The Little Mermaid, Jr. will be presented at The CAPA Theater (9th & Ft. Duquesne Boulevard) March 19 at 3:30 and 6:00pm. Tickets are $25 for adults; $15 for children under 12. Tickets are available and can be purchased online or by calling 412-281-2234 or visiting pittsburghCLO.org/education.

Photo Credit: Pittsburg CLO website

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